Vol. 761 No. 3
11 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance when the ESM Bill will be published and the reason he agreed to last minute amendments to the Treaty establishing the ESM linking ratification of the Treaty on Stability Coordination and Governance to ESM funds. [19312/12]
In relation to publication, the Taoiseach has given a commitment that legislative measures associated with the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union (Stability Treaty) will be made publicly available in advance of the referendum. While a decision has yet to be taken on the publication date for the ESM Treaty ratification Bill it will be consistent with this commitment.
The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Treaty was signed by all Euro Area Member States on 2 February, subject to ratification. It provides "that the granting of financial assistance in the framework of new programmes under the ESM will be conditional, as of 1 March 2013, on the ratification of the Stability Treaty by the ESM Member concerned" and on implementation of the balanced budget rule as specified in the Stability Treaty within the agreed timeline (one year after entry into force of the latter).
This reflects the outcome of discussions in which Ireland participated actively and constructively. The linkage between the ESM and Stability Treaty ratification was accepted in the interests of securing agreement on the ESM and its acceleration into force by July 2012. In the negotiations, the Government sought to ensure that it was made clear that the link between ratification of the Stability Treaty and the ESM Treaty applied only to new applications for assistance under the ESM, and that it will not affect the transfer to the ESM of undisbursed amounts under the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) for Ireland and other programme countries. The Government also sought to ensure that sufficient time was provided for ratification of the Stability Treaty before the link enters into effect.
While the Government did not actively seek to include the link between the two Treaties, it did suggest that before creating any such link that careful consideration be given to any possible market implications. However, it is entirely logical and reasonable that a country receiving the support of its partners under the ESM should be prepared to run sensible budgetary policies as required under the new Treaty.
12 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown in tabular form of the number of persons who pay income tax on the following incomes: €30,000 —€49,999; €50,000 —€70,000; €70,001 —€100,000; €100,001 —€150,000; €150,001 —€200,000; and all at €200,001 and above. [17603/12]
I should point out that the Deputy has already received a reply to this question which was previously submitted for answer on 28 February 2012, Question Number 156 (PQ Reference 10896/12). On that basis, the reply which was provided on the 28 February 2012 is set out below: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested, estimated by reference to the income tax year 2011, is set out in the following table:
|
Range of Gross Income |
Numbers |
|
€30,001 —€49,999 |
498,261 |
|
€50,000 —€70,000 |
231,794 |
|
€70,001 —€100,000 |
148,428 |
|
€100,001 —€150,000 |
70,892 |
|
€150,001 —€200,000 |
18,656 |
|
Over €200,000 |
21,506 |
It should be noted that the income ranges shown in the above table relate to Gross Income as defined in Revenue Statistical Report 2009.
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends in the interim. These are, therefore, provisional and likely to be revised.
It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
13 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Finance if the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation remains eligible to enter short-term funding arrangements with the ECB and the reason an external financial institution, Bank of Ireland, was brought into the arrangement in respect of the 31 March promissory note payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19265/12]
The Central Bank indicated in October 2011 that IBRC should not increase its usage of financing arrangements provided under open market operations with the ECB. At the end of 2011, IBRC had €2.1 billion borrowed under open market operations from the ECB. Furthermore the bank had €40.1 bn of Emergency Liquidity Assistance from the Irish Central Bank. The provision of this ELA by the Central Bank of Ireland to IBRC is subject to the on-going non-objection of a majority of the ECB's governing council. It is therefore clear that IBRC remains eligible to enter into financing arrangements with the Central Bank and Eurosystem.
The ECB expressed a preference that IBRC would finance the bond in the market with a bank that was not in majority State ownership. Accordingly, IBRC and the State approached Bank of Ireland and proposed that Bank of Ireland enter into a repurchase agreement in respect of the Government bonds issued as settlement for the 2012 promissory note instalment. After negotiations and having carefully considered the commercial benefits and risks associated with the transaction, Bank of Ireland agreed, subject to stockholder approval, the key terms of the transaction.
The transaction can be financed by Bank of Ireland, through standard ECB money market operations using the Government bonds issued which are Eurosystem eligible.
14 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 28 February 2012, if he has received the final report of the Commission on Credit Unions; if he has considered this report; the action he intends to take as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19256/12]
The Commission on Credit Unions submitted its Report to me on schedule on the 31 March 2012. The Report was presented to Government yesterday and it was published this morning.
I welcome the Report and commend the Commission for its professional approach to the review of the sector. The agreement of all Commission participants to recommendations on issues such as restructuring and a strengthened regulatory framework for credit unions is a very positive outcome.
The Report of the Commission is a substantial document with recommendations on a broad range of issues. It begins by setting out the key features of credit unions in Ireland, their history and development. It then examines the financial position of the sector and considers findings from a survey of credit unions, a public consultation and a separate efficiency study of the sector. It provides an overview of alternative financial co-operative models in various countries across Europe and North America and it considers future models for credit unions in Ireland. The Report incorporates the recommendations of the Commission's Interim Report, published in October 2011, with regard to deposit protection, resolution, stabilisation, restructuring and liquidity and initial recommendations on legislation, regulation and governance.
The key additional recommendations in the Report are in relation to sector restructuring, the details of the proposed new legislative and regulatory framework, and new governance requirements for credit unions.
I will now examine the Report in detail and will be informed by its recommendations in the preparation of reformed credit union legislation for publication by the end of June.
The Deputy refers to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 28 February 2012 where he asked if I might consider introducing a legal framework whereby credit unions, who are unhappy with lending restrictions imposed on them by the Registrar of Credit Unions, have access to an appeals mechanism. I indicated in my response at that time that I had asked the Commission on Credit Unions to consider if there is a need for an appropriate appeals mechanism for regulatory directions under the Credit Union Act 1997.
The Commission has recommended that regulatory directions issued by the Central Bank under Section 87 of the Credit Union Act 1997 should be appealable to the Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal. I will consider this recommendation in the context of the forthcoming credit union legislation.
15 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance when he intends to provide Dáil Éireann with an update on the review, which commenced in April 2011, of the severance and remuneration package arrangements at the covered institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19293/12]
As recently as last month — 29 March 2012 — I indicated to the Deputy, in response to his question on the matter, that I am not in a position to specify when the review will be completed. In the light of recent developments on redundancies issues I am presently considering how best to progress the review. I also indicated that I would not consider it appropriate to publish incomplete interim data at this stage.
As I have stated previously, I fully recognise that there is a real public interest in the levels of remuneration at the covered institutions and have committed to placing the details underpinning the review into the public domain.
16 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if, as at the end of March Exchequer figures show income taxes running approximately 3.5% ahead of profile, the Revenue Commissioners or his Department can analyse these figures to determine if the increased yield is from greater numbers of people working, or increases in salaries for those currently employed; his interpretation of the reason for this increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19224/12]
Tax revenue returned to growth in 2011 for the first time since 2007 and excluding some technical adjustments that have positively impacted on tax revenues, taxes are up an estimated €758 million (10.1%) year-on-year and are €351 million (4.4%) ahead of profile in the first quarter of 2012. It is encouraging to see that income tax is running marginally ahead of profile. The tax figures for Quarter 1 2012 show a good start to the year and highlight the robust nature of the Budget 2012 tax forecasts. A number of new measures were introduced in Budget 2012 including the VAT measures and the removal of over 330,000 from the charge to the USC. Given these policy changes and the continued economic uncertainty, the solid performance of VAT and Income Tax is welcome, particularly when no income tax increases were introduced in Budget 2012.
As regards possible explanations for income tax running ahead of profile, the latest available employment data from the Quarterly National Household Survey relating to Q4 2011 showed that employment increased marginally between Q3 2011 and Q4 2011 — the first time a quarterly increase in employment was observed since 2007. While this is encouraging, it is too early to draw conclusions and I will wait on further data to inform my views regarding developments in the labour market. Furthermore, the latest earnings data, also relating to Q4 2011, showed that weekly earnings fell by 1½% year-on-year.
While there are signs of improvement in the labour market, we are all too aware that there is a long way to go to reduce our unacceptably high unemployment rate and provide jobs for our people. The Jobs Initiative and subsequent Action Plan for Jobs demonstrate this Government's commitment to our goal of delivering sustainable employment growth.
17 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Finance his views on the impact of the issuing of an Irish Government bond of €3.46 billion in lieu of the 31 March promissory note payment on the ability of Ireland to return to the debt markets in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19279/12]
There are significant advantages to the settlement of the March 2012 promissory note installment with the new Government bond including:
This payment was included in our debt repayment schedule for 2012 and this proposal removes the requirement for the exchequer to settle in cash, the €3.06 billion promissory note installment.
There is a significant cash flow benefit to the Exchequer in 2012 and our long term debt sustainability is enhanced.
This will have an approximate €90m impact on the general government deficit in 2012 which is small relative to the overall benefit of the removal of the requirement for the Exchequer to settle €3.06 billion in cash.
The €3.06 billion of Programme funding that would otherwise have been used to make the promissory note payment should potentially allow greater flexibility around when and at what level Ireland returns to the capital markets. However, our thinking on the timing of that return to the markets remains unchanged as a result of this transaction.
As noted by the Governor of the Central Bank in his appearance before the Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform Committee: "There is a very definitive gain in debt sustainability. The net effect of this transaction is to reduce the economic cost for the State as a whole of refinancing this payment."
While this development in relation to the end March payment is a positive development we must keep our eye on the greater benefits which would derive from the re-engineering of the promissory note and also the potential improvements for the continuing banking sector which could also stem from the ongoing technical discussions.
It is for these reasons that we must look at the recent developments as what would be an initial step to facilitate a project where, if we are successful, it will be in the medium term rather than immediately. These discussions will continue and the Government is focused on developing an alternative solution to the promissory note arrangement in IBRC. The ongoing discussions may also explore options to refinance the long term Government bond issued in settlement of the March 31 payment. We all want to arrive at a successful conclusion that is in the interests of Ireland and the EU.
18 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of any proposals he may have to assist struggling mortgage owners; if such proposals will incorporate any significant targeted debt restructuring plans specifically to reduce the numbers of persons in arrears on mortgage payments, approximately 9% of all mortgage owners; his views on whether Ireland satisfies the domestic economic conditions appropriate for targeted household debt restructuring as laid out in the most recent IMF World Economic Outlook Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19258/12]
21 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance in view of the World Economic Outlook report entitled dealing with household debt, and the Icelandic model cited in this report, the measures he will put in place to deal with the mortgage crisis in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19316/12]
28 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to the arguments made by the IMF in their World Report published last week on the issue of the positive impact of programmes of debt restructuring and relief. [19305/12]
35 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance his views on the relevance to Ireland of comments by the IMF that household debt restructuring programmes can help prevent recessions becoming deeper and more protracted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19273/12]
92 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance following the publication of the International Monetary Fund world economic outlook report on dealing with household debt, if he agrees that debt-restructuring programmes can help prevent recessions becoming deeper and more protracted; his views on whether large-scale household debt restructuring is necessary here; and for his plans in this regard. [19453/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 21, 28, 35 and 92 together.
The Government is conscious of the significant difficulty some home owners are experiencing in meeting their mortgage obligations. This is an issue of the utmost concern and the Government is taking a number of significant measures to address the problem.
However, the vast majority of homeowners wish and continue to meet their mortgage obligations and it is important to maintain, as far as possible, that situation. The approach of Government to the mortgage arrears problem has been clear and it is that those mortgage holders who can meet their obligations should do so and that appropriate assistance should be afforded only to those mortgage holders, or other borrowers, who are experiencing real and genuine difficulty in meeting their commitments. The measures being implemented to assist mortgage holders in difficulty include personal insolvency reform, the implementation of the "mortgage to rent" initiative, direct engagement with individual mortgage lenders on their mortgage arrears resolution strategies and the development by lenders of realistic options for their customers that are experiencing mortgage difficulty and the provision of a mortgage advisory function.
The recent IMF World Economic Outlook report, and its chapter on household debt, is a very useful contribution to the range of measures being considered to address the global economic situation. However, it should be noted that the examples examined in the report in the chapter dealing with household debt related to particular countries and times, and that some of the debt restructuring examples investigated were more successful than others. The particular circumstances of each individual case, therefore, was a relevant factor in the outcome of the action. Therefore, while one should seek to learn from previous examples, it is also important to exercise caution in drawing general conclusions from the report and applying them to the current Irish economic position. Indeed, in their public comments on the report, the IMF staff indicated that they were not stating that such a blanket approach should be taken in the case of Ireland and indeed indicated that, in cases of constrained fiscal space, which unfortunately is the position Ireland currently faces, that a targeted case by case debt restructuring approach may be the most appropriate approach. This case by case approach is consistent with the recommendations of the "Keane Report" on which the Government approach to address this problem is broadly based. The current funding situation of the Irish fiscal and banking sectors are also relevant factors to be borne in mind. Ireland is maintaining close contact with the IMF, and the other Troika authorities, in the development of its personal insolvency reform proposals and also on the wider approach to tackle mortgage arrears problem, and will take full account of their views in the further development and implementation of these proposals.
19 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the impact on this year’s Exchequer returns of the arrangement entered into in respect of the 31 March promissory note payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19262/12]
Settlement of the 2012 Promissory Note instalment to IBRC with a Government bond was not completed by end-March for the purposes of the Exchequer Statement. The end-March Exchequer Statement recorded activity up to and including the last working day of the month which was Friday 30th March.
Under the terms of the Promissory Notes, as the due date for payment of 31st March fell on a Saturday, the settlement date fell into April. This improved significantly the Exchequer position at end-March relative to the same period in 2011.
The Government bond that was issued to settle the 2012 Promissory Note payment to IBRC will be reflected in the end-April 2012 Exchequer Statement which must align with what will be recorded in the statutory Finance Accounts for 2012. While the precise details of how to reflect the transaction are presently being examined, the important point is that settlement of the payment with a Government bond means that the State did not have to make a cash payment in respect of the 2012 Promissory Note payment to IBRC.
20 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance if he will explain the rationale for the purchase of Irish Life and Permanent last month and the reason the decision to spend €1.3 billion of taxpayer’s money on this company was not brought before Dáil Éireann for approval in advance of the purchase. [19310/12]
As a result of the March 2011 PCAR Irish Life and Permanent plc. t/a Permanent TSB ("PTSB") was required to raise total additional capital of €4 billion. In July 2011 €2.3 billion of this requirement was injected by way of a placing of shares to the Minister for Finance, leaving the Minister with his current holding of 99.24%. At this time a further €400 million was also injected into the company in return for a Contingent Capital note bringing the total State contribution to €2.7 billion. In addition the company also raised €0.2bn from internal capital raising measures. While the company also completed a liability management exercise which generated additional core tier 1 capital this did not improve the bank's overall capital position due to the existing capital treatment of its investment in the subsidiary Life Company. After all of these actions the remaining capital requirement for the company is €1.3bn. It was intended that the remaining capital requirement would be satisfied on completion of a successful disposal of Irish Life, with any shortfall provided by the State if that arose. The sale of Irish Life was suspended on 25th November 2011 due to the extreme levels of volatility being experienced in the eurozone at that time.
Following the suspension of this sale process, we have decided that a government purchase of Irish Life is the most effective mechanism to finalise the recapitalisation of the company by 30 June 2012 in line with the commitment in the Memorandum of Understanding with the Troika. The High Court issued a Direction Order on 28th March 2012 allowing me to purchase Irish Life from Irish Life and Permanent Group for a total consideration of €1.3 billion. The Direction Order is not yet effective due to the receipt of a number of applications to have the Order set aside but I will be strongly defending these challenges and am hopeful that the acquisition will be completed before 30 June 2012.
The company is a valuable asset for the State and will continue to be managed on an independent commercial basis to ensure that value, and we will continue to work to dispose of it as soon as market conditions permit.
It is my intention to use the powers available to me under the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008 to acquire Irish Life and complete the recapitalisation of PTSB. The 2008 Act is an act to ‘provide for' financial support by the Minister in respect of certain credit institutions of which Irish Life and Permanent Group Holdings is one. Section 6 of the 2008 Act permits me to provide financial support (whether directly or indirectly) to those credit institutions up to June 2017.
22 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Finance if he will undertake to conduct a review of the pension fund levy to measure its effectiveness following the first year of its operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19294/12]
The pension fund levy was introduced for a temporary 4 year period in order to fund the measures introduced as part of the Jobs Initiative in May 2011. These measures include the new temporary reduced rate of VAT of 9%, aimed primarily at the tourism sector, the halving of the lower rate of employers PRSI and small additional amounts of current and capital expenditure. The levy raised €463 million of its targeted €470 million in 2011 for the purposes outlined and has, therefore, very largely achieved its funding purpose for that year. I believe the pension fund levy is operating effectively. However, in common with other tax measures, its operation will be reviewed by me in the context of next year’s Budget and Finance Bill.
23 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the impact on his budgetary plans for 2012 of the €90 million cost of the promissory note deal announced last month; and if it will require additional cuts or tax increases above what have already been announced for 2012 or 2013. [19304/12]
My Department is currently updating its macroeconomic and fiscal assessment for the forthcoming Stability Programme Update (SPU). The SPU will give an update of, amongst other things, the General Government deficit estimate for 2012, taking account of all of the latest available economic and fiscal data, both positive and negative. The SPU will be published at the end of the month. On foot of the Exchequer Returns for the first quarter of the year, I am confident that we will meet our budgetary targets for the year.
The end-March Returns show that taxes have made a good start to the year, performing better than expected in the first quarter and close to 4½ per cent ahead of profile on an underlying basis. While voted expenditure showed some pressures, I am confident that it will be actively managed within agreed limits and I know that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will be stressing upon colleagues the importance of adhering to the 2012 spending targets, as was done in 2011. It is worth noting also that the end-March Returns show that Exchequer debt servicing expenditure in the first quarter of the year was €70 million less than profiled.
The Government has repeatedly stated its absolute commitment to adhering to the 8.6 per cent of GDP General Government deficit target for 2012.
24 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the action he has taken to ensure that the lending restrictions placed on credit unions by the Registrar of Credit Unions have been lifted. [19301/12]
The imposition of lending restrictions is the responsibility of the Registrar of Credit Unions, who is the independent regulator for credit unions. Within his independent regulatory discretion, the Registrar acts to support the prudential soundness of individual credit unions, to maintain sector stability and to protect the savings of credit union members.
As Minister for Finance, my role is to ensure that the legal framework for credit unions is appropriate for the effective operation and supervision of credit unions. It would not be appropriate for me, as Minister for Finance, to comment on the placing or removing of lending restrictions. I believe that such action would represent interference in the work of the independent regulator.
The Registrar of Credit Unions advises me that in order to protect the savings of members in credit unions and ensure that credit unions focus on such risks when making lending decisions, lending restrictions have been placed on a number of credit unions as their financial position has deteriorated. The individual credit union lending restrictions currently in place are reviewed on a regular basis and if a credit union can demonstrate an improved financial position then such restrictions can be eased. The number of restrictions eased following such review is small which reflects the significant challenges in the sector.
25 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance if he expects any further recapitalisation requirements by the pillar banks in 2012; and if moneys from the NPRF discretionary fund are being ring-fenced for this purpose. [19311/12]
The Irish banks have been recapitalised to meet the requirements of the Central Bank of Ireland's 2011 Financial Measures Programme, which incorporated a 3 year stress test to 2013, and was among the most thorough and demanding such tests ever performed in Ireland or indeed anywhere. The Central Bank's 2011 stress test was fully endorsed by our external partners that the loan loss assumptions made reflected a high degree of conservatism and underpinned the robustness and credibility of the exercise overall. Any investment by the NPRF in Irish banks is made on foot of a Ministerial direction. No such directions have been provided to the NPRF since the recapitalisations of AIB and Bank of Ireland that were completed in July 2011.
27 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the potential benefits to the State arising from the agreement signed between the National Treasury Management Agency and the China Investment Corporation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19285/12]
I am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) and CIC International, a subsidiary of China Investment Corporation, China's sovereign wealth fund, provides that the parties will seek to work together in exploring investment opportunities in Ireland. The MOU builds on the existing dialogue between the NTMA and CIC International, and provides a framework for future co-operation in terms of exchanging information and identifying suitable investment or co-investment opportunities for CIC in Ireland.
The NTMA believes the MOU represents a major initiative for enhanced co-operation and engagement in areas of common interest. CIC International is a financial investor and seeks stable and sound financial returns over the long run. It believes the MOU will be of valuable assistance to it in identifying and assessing potential opportunities in Ireland.
30 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance when the European Commission will conclude a timetable for the implementation of the provisions of the Fiscal Compact Treaty should Ireland and the other signatories of the treaty successfully ratify it. [19292/12]
No definitive timetable has been published by the European Commission as to when the European Commission shall bring forward their proposals. However, the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union will come into force on 1 January 2013, provided that twelve Contracting Parties whose currency is the Euro have deposited their instrument of ratification, or on the first day of the month following the deposit of the twelfth instrument of ratification by a Contracting Party whose currency is the Euro, whichever is the earlier.
31 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recent report from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, in particular, on the outlook for the public finances in 2012; his views on the work of the council in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19276/12]
Last year, the Government established a Fiscal Advisory Council which is to report periodically on the fiscal position. In that context, I welcome the recent publication of the Council's second Fiscal Assessment Report. I note the Council's warning that a further €400 million in consolidation measures may be necessary to meet the 8.6 per cent of GDP General Government deficit target this year.
It is of course extremely important that we adhere to the deficit targets which have been set and that we restore sustainability to the public finances as soon as possible. In this context, Government will take the views of the Council into consideration.
On the other hand, I am very conscious of the impact that a larger adjustment could have on economic activity. In striving to restore sustainability to the public finances, we must also be mindful of protecting the emerging economic recovery and seek to strike the right balance between the two. This balancing act is difficult.
In relation to the need for more consolidation this year to meet our Budget targets, I don't believe that this will be necessary based on the first quarter Exchequer Returns.
The Returns show that taxes have made a good start to the year, performing better than expected in the first quarter. While voted expenditure showed some pressures, I am confident that it will be actively managed within agreed limits and I know that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will be stressing upon colleagues the importance of adhering to the 2012 spending targets, as was done in 2011.
We will of course continue to closely monitor all economic and fiscal developments and will take the measures necessary to meet our targets.
32 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will detail all actions taken by him following the publication of the Keane Report last October and the measures he intends to bring forward in the coming months to alleviate mortgage distress. [19302/12]
229 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he has advanced plans to introduce measures to bring real relief to distressed mortgage holders; what those measures are; when he intends putting them into action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19215/12]
230 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the latest figures for distressed mortgage holders in County Cavan and in County Monaghan; the total number across the 26 counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19216/12]
258 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the levels of mortgage or other household debt has been identified with particular reference to the levels of arrears; if a particular strategy is being prepared with the objective of safeguarding the family homes so affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19543/12]
259 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which it has been possible to engage with the lending agencies with a view to dealing with the high levels of mortgage arrears; if any particular efforts have been made to isolate arrears containing penalties for late payments or compound interest; if such matters can be addressed in every date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19544/12]
260 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which mortgage arrears, credit card or other forms of household debt has been identified; if it has been accepted that the application of compound interest and or penalties creates an impossible situation which requires every attention and resolution as identified by the IMF; if specific strategies are being pursued in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19545/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 229, 230 and 258 to 260, inclusive, together.
The latest data from the Central Bank indicates that at the end of December 2011 there were around 769,000 residential mortgage loan accounts in the State and that, of these, around 70,900 were at least 91 days in arrears. I am informed by the Central Bank that it does not provide a county breakdown of those accounts in arrears
While the vast majority of homeowners continue to meet their mortgage commitments, the Government is fully aware of the increasing stress that some homeowners are facing arising from difficulties in meeting their mortgage commitments. This is an issue of the utmost importance for the Government. A Government subcommittee, chaired by An Taoiseach and including all relevant Ministers, has been established to ensure that a high priority is assigned to this important issue. At official level, this work is being progressed by a high level Steering Group. The key task of this group, which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and which also includes senior officials from the other relevant Government Departments and the Central Bank, is to coordinate the implementation of the various recommendations of the "Keane Report" as approved by Government. Significant progress has been made on this. The Department of Justice and Equality has published a general scheme of a Personal Insolvency Bill. A significant number of contributions have been received on the general scheme, including recommendations and a detailed report from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality arising from its hearings on the Scheme, and these will be considered by Government as it finalises the Bill. On the "mortgage to rent" initiative, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has been working on the development and implementation of a pilot scheme with AIB and Cluid and a number of cases are now being processed. There has also been significant Central Bank engagement with individual mortgage lenders on their mortgage arrears resolution strategies. These initial plans were received towards the end of 2011 and since then they have been the subject of detailed contact between the Central Bank and banks. The Central Bank has now set out some key deliverables and dates for specific actions it wishes banks to undertake, including a requirement for banks to approve the resolution options they will make available and the provision of greater information on the level of their unsustainable mortgages. On the provision of a mortgage advisory function, the Department of Social Protection is working with the relevant agencies within its remit and detailed consideration is now underway on the most appropriate and efficient mechanism for the delivery of this service having regard to the other financial, budgeting and public service information and advice mechanisms already in place and proposed
In addition to the above, the Central Bank's revised Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears remains a key framework to govern the relationship between lenders and borrowers who are in arrears, or facing arrears, on their mortgage and this continues to provide very important and much needed protections. These include a restriction on the imposition of charges and/or surcharge interest by lenders on a mortgage account in arrears to which the Code applies and in respect of which the borrower is co-operating reasonably and honestly with the lender. In this regard the Central Bank has published a useful guide for consumers on mortgage arrears "Mortgage Arrears — A Consumer Guide to Dealing with your Lender" and this is available on the Central Bank website.
33 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Finance his views on the growing fiscal and funding crisis in the Greek, Portuguese and Spanish economies; the impact these crises will have on the eurozone as a whole and the economy here in particular and the contingency plans he has in place in the event that any of these events trigger an increase in Irish Government bond interest rates. [19308/12]
Regarding the situation in Greece and Portugal, their public funding needs are being met through loans from their EU partners and the IMF. As part of this external funding, both countries have agreed to a consolidation strategy to correct their excessive deficits within a pre-determined timeframe. I am conscious of the decline in market sentiment towards Spain in recent weeks. However, I am encouraged by the fact that the new Spanish government is committed to correcting its excessive deficit by next year, and my Eurogroup colleagues and I have noted the recent fiscal consolidation measures that are being implemented in order to achieve this. In addition, it is worth pointing out the reforms — notably in the labour market — that are being introduced; so the authorities are being pro-active in addressing the situation.
In terms of the euro area as a whole, my view is that all Member States must stay on the agreed path. We must continue to implement the ‘five-point' strategy agreed last year — involving inter alia addressing difficulties in the European banking system and enhancing governance — so that we continue to build on the momentum that has become evident in the first quarter of this year.
Finally, in relation to Irish Government bonds, longer term yields remain (as per mid-April) at just under 7 per cent, which is a substantial decline from the peak of around 14 per cent in July last year. The improvement in market sentiment towards Ireland reflects the substantial progress that is being made. Specifically in terms of our Programme, we have met all our targets and we have also seen the economy returning to growth and an increase in tax revenues. Importantly, yields have not varied significantly in recent weeks, so while it is important not to be complacent, it is fair to say that confidence in Ireland is being maintained.
34 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance if Eurostat has indicated that bonds issued by the National Asset Management Agency should be included in the calculation of the general Government debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19266/12]
The NAMA SPV, National Asset Management Agency Investment Limited (NAMAIL) was established to facilitate the participation of private investors in NAMA. 51 per cent of the shares of NAMAIL are held by three private investors, and as a consequence NAMAIL is classified as outside of government for the calculation of general government debt.
As one of the private investors is Irish Life and as Irish Life is now in public ownership, Eurostat has made enquiries as to the ownership status of NAMAIL. My Department has been working closely with NAMA to find a solution which ensures that NAMAIL remains in private ownership and that NAMA is not included in the calculation of government debt. I cannot comment further at this stage as the details of this process are commercially sensitive.
36 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance when the report of the Commission on Credit Unions will be published; and if he will provide an update on the work of the commission. [19300/12]
The Commission on Credit Unions submitted its Report to me on schedule on the 31 March 2012. The Report was presented to Government yesterday and it was published this morning.
I welcome the Report and commend the Commission for its professional approach to the review of the sector. The agreement of all Commission participants to recommendations on issues such as restructuring and a strengthened regulatory framework for credit unions is a very positive outcome.
The Report of the Commission is a substantial document with recommendations on a broad range of issues. It begins by setting out the key features of credit unions in Ireland, their history and development. It then examines the financial position of the sector and considers findings from a survey of credit unions, a public consultation and a separate efficiency study of the sector. It provides an overview of alternative financial co-operative models in various countries across Europe and North America and it considers future models for credit unions in Ireland. The Report incorporates the recommendations of the Commission's Interim Report, published in October 2011, with regard to deposit protection, resolution, stabilisation, restructuring and liquidity and initial recommendations on legislation, regulation and governance. The key additional recommendations in the Report are in relation to sector restructuring, the details of the proposed new legislative and regulatory framework, and new governance requirements for credit unions.
I will now examine the Report in detail and will be informed by its recommendations in the preparation of reformed credit union legislation for publication by the end of June.
37 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider introducing a fuel rebate for registered haulage companies; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17161/12]
The Deputy may be aware that a working group was set up between officials of my Department, the IRHA and some members of the Oireachtas. This working group is discussing a number of issues of concern to the haulage industry. I am sure the Deputy will understand that I cannot pre-empt the outcome of those discussions which are ongoing. I should point out that a fuel rebate system, as sought by the IRHA, could not under EU law be restricted to Irish licenced hauliers but would have to be extended to all vehicles intended exclusively for the carriage of goods by road with a maximum permissible gross laden weight of not less than 7.5 tonnes. In addition, the rebate would have to include the carriage of passengers by a motor vehicle of category M2 or category M3 as defined in Council Directive 70/156/EEC.
38 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Finance when the forthcoming legislation on the regulation of credit unions will be published; and if he will detail in general terms the contents of the Bill at this stage. [19314/12]
The Credit Union Bill is due to be published by the end of June 2012. The Commission on Credit Unions submitted its Final Report to me on 31 March 2012. The Report, which was published this morning, includes recommendations in relation to prudential requirements, governance, stabilisation, restructuring and amendments to the Credit Union Act 1997. I will now examine the Report in detail and will be informed by its recommendations in the preparation of the credit union legislation.
Among other things, the Commission has recommended that the new credit union legislative framework should provide the Central Bank with the power to make regulations that set prudential controls, limits, standards and requirements. The Commission has further recommended that, when making these regulations, the Central Bank should undertake a regulatory impact analysis which should involve full and meaningful consultation with credit union representative bodies as well as individual credit unions.
39 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance if he will encourage lenders to allow borrowers who are moving home to keep their tracker mortgage rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19286/12]
The lending institutions in Ireland, including those in which the State has a significant shareholding, are independent commercial entities. It is not appropriate for me, as Minister for Finance, to comment on or become involved in the detailed mortgage position of mortgage holders.
The Central Bank has advised me that they have no role in interest rate setting; neither does the Central Bank regulate 'financial products'. However, given the high profile nature of the mortgage market in the current environment, all mortgage lenders have been requested to submit to the Central Bank all changes to their mortgage products in advance of offering such products to their customers.
I welcome the positive move by one of the mortgage lenders to allow customers to transfer a tracker rate mortgage to another mortgage so as to facilitate moving home.
In an examination of tracker mortgage switching practices, the Central Bank identified a number of concerns in relation to the level of disclosure and transparency when customers moved from tracker rate mortgages to other forms of mortgages. The Central Bank subsequently included specific provisions in the revised Consumer Protection Code, which came into effect on 1 January 2012.
Further details of the review and a press release on the examination of tracker mortgages is available on the Central Bank's website www.centralbank.ie.
40 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he has raised the possibility of imposing losses on the unsecured unguaranteed Irish Nationwide Building Society Bonds of €631 million due on 26 June 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19269/12]
As the Deputy is aware the Government is committed to delivering a return to a successful vibrant economy. In this context I have indicated on a number of occasions that there is no private sector involvement for senior bank paper or Irish Sovereign debt without the agreement of our external partners. This commitment has been agreed with out external partners and is now the basis on which Ireland's future financing strategy is built. This strategy is working well as evidenced by the reduction in pricing of Irish Sovereign debt in the secondary markets and the successful bond exchange offer by the NTMA.
As indicated the Government is committed to reviewing the approach to the Promissory notes with a view to reducing the overall cost to the State. The Troika have agreed to engage in a process with Irish Officials to produce a common paper which will consider all options for restructuring the notes in terms of the source of funding, the duration of the notes, the interest rate etc.
While the development in relation to the end March Promissory Note payment is positive, we must continue to work towards the greater benefits which would derive from the re-engineering of the promissory note. There are potential improvements for the banking sector which could also stem from the ongoing technical discussions.
It is for these reasons that we must look at the recent developments as an initial step in a process. This is a medium term project. The Government is focused on developing an alternative solution to the promissory note arrangement in IBRC. We want to arrive at a successful conclusion that is in the interests of Ireland and the EU.
41 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the degree to which the full extent of arrears of mortgage or other personal debt has been determined by reference to the various lending agencies or institutions; the existence of compound interest or late payment penalties that form part of such debt; if he will use his good offices with such bodies with a view to restructuring of such loans with possible elimination of punitive charges penalties or compound interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19298/12]
Firstly, I wish to inform the Deputy that the lending institutions in Ireland, including those in which the State has a significant shareholding, are independent commercial entities. In addition, the Central Bank is independent in the carrying out of its supervisory functions of regulated financial institutions. The Central Bank of Ireland issues mortgage arrears statistics every quarter which set out the mortgages arrears for the industry by number of accounts and balance in arrears. The balance includes the value of the outstanding mortgages including arrears, accrued interest, and any unpaid customer fees and charges including legal costs, where such are added to the balance outstanding. I have been informed by the Central Bank that they do not have details of the figure in the arrears amount that is made up of compound interest and late payment penalties. Published statistics areavailable on the Central Bank website: http://www.centralbank.ie/press-area/press-releases/ Pages/ResidentialMortgageArrearsandRepossessionStatisticstoDecember2011.aspx
In July 2011, the Central Bank published the findings of a themed inspection of mortgage lenders which examined compliance with the requirement of the revised Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) specifically relating to charges on mortgage accounts in arrears, and the related "Letters of Direction" issued by the Central Bank. These Letters of Direction instructed mortgage lenders to refrain from imposing interest surcharge on arrears and other specific charges arising on a mortgage account in arrears to which the revised CCMA applies, and in respect of which, a borrower is co-operating reasonably and honestly with the lender in the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process from 1 January 2011. Provision 9 of the CCMA refers to the restriction from imposing such charges. Lenders have been notified individually of the charges to which this provision applies.
Further details may be found at the following link: http://www.centralbank.ie/press-area/press-releases/Pages/CentralBankMonitorsLendersCompliancewiththeRevisedCode.aspx
42 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the working group established within his Department on the problem of fuel smuggling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19282/12]
As the Deputy is aware, a working group was set up between officials of my Department, the IRHA and some members of the Oireachtas to discuss a number of issues of concern to the haulage industry including the matter of fuel smuggling. As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, I cannot pre-empt the outcome of the working group discussions which are still ongoing. However, I am well aware that illegal activity in the form of diesel fuel laundering does pose a serious threat to the Exchequer. Fuel laundering involves large-scale removal of markers from rebated mineral oil, which is subject to a reduced rate of mineral oil tax on condition that it is not used in road vehicles. This form of tax evasion is a matter the Revenue Commissioners and the Government take very seriously, particularly given the current economic climate.
Revenue employs a broad range of compliance and enforcement strategies to detect and counteract illegal practices involving mineral oils. These include ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem; development and sharing of intelligence with agencies on both sides of the border; the conduct of intelligence driven operations using covert surveillance to identify oil laundry locations; seizure of illicit product, laundering equipment and vehicles; physical sampling at road checkpoints; closure of unlicensed or improperly licensed outlets and seizure of stock, and prosecution of those involved in illegal activities in relation to mineral oils.
In 2010, Revenue enforcement staff detected four oil-laundering plants in this jurisdiction and seized 228,000 litres of laundered oil. In addition, nine retailers were found dealing in laundered oil and eight haulage companies were detected using it in their vehicles. There were four court convictions in 2010 for laundered oil offences.
In 2011 nine oil laundries and 327,000 litres of laundered fuel were seized, together with nine oil tankers and twenty-nine other vehicles. Sixteen persons were arrested in the course of these operations and files have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who has to date issued directions to prosecute on indictment in respect of two of the cases. In addition, a further 718,181 litres of illicit mineral oil has been seized, the large majority from retail outlets or in the course of delivery to such outlets
Revenue is currently engaged in a vigorous campaign targeting specific locations nationwide, with the intention of immediate closure of unlicensed outlets and the challenging of other instances of non-compliance. As part of this drive, warning letters have been issued to unlicensed retail outlets and a number of these have been effectively closed down by the actions of Revenue enforcement teams. This campaign is ongoing and Revenue is in the process of seizing illicit product and closing down a further number of unlicensed or otherwise illegal retail outlets.
Revenue is currently reviewing its enforcement options to ensure that its action against this illegal activity continues to be as effective as possible. The matters being addressed include the potential development of an enhanced fuel marker. In this regard, close liaison has been established with HM Revenue and Customs. Consideration is being given also, in the context of the forthcoming Finance Act, to possible changes in the law, particularly from the point of view of the control of the supply of oil, which would enhance the capacity to combat this illegality.
43 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance when he expects sovereign annuity bonds to be available to the pension industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19271/12]
The legislation necessary to facilitate the introduction of sovereign bonds/annuities was enacted in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010. Sovereign annuities can only be purchased by the trustees of occupational pension schemes (both defined benefit and defined contribution schemes) and such products must be certified by the Pensions Board as being suitable. Detailed guidelines setting out the certification conditions required for these products have been prepared and published by the Pensions Board.
The introduction of sovereign bonds will broaden the range of options available to pension scheme trustees to ensure the future solvency of pension schemes for all scheme members by providing scheme trustees with a choice to match their scheme liabilities against any certified European annuity and put pension schemes on a more secure footing. It is expected that this will relieve some of the current funding difficulties of defined benefit schemes and may also encourage pension trustees to move some of their assets from equities to bonds which would be welcome as part of a prudent and de-risking investment policy direction.
The NTMA informs me that it has reached agreement with the pensions industry — the pension funds and the insurance companies who sell annuities to them — on the structure of a new type of bond which will facilitate the creation of long term annuities based on the Irish Government bond yield curve. The new structure is for amortising bonds with maturities potentially ranging from 15 to 40 years which pay the investor an equal amount each year over the life of the bond rather than the usual annual interest (or coupon) payment followed by the repayment of principal at maturity. The NTMA stands ready to provide these bonds to the pensions industry as soon as the industry is in a position to invest in them and the products that the industry proposes to offer are certified by the Pensions Board.
On 5 April 2012 the Minister for Social Protection published new draft legislation, the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012, which provides for the introduction of a risk reserve into the funding standard for pension funds. The Minister for Social Protection stated: “The Funding Standard, which has been in abeyance for some time will be restored initially and will provide an allowance for the purchase of sovereign annuities and bonds. The requirement to provide for a risk reserve will take effect from 1 January 2016.” The NTMA expects that the restoration of the funding standard following the enactment of the legislation will create the conditions in which the trustees of pension schemes will actively consider the option of investing a certain amount of their funds in Irish Government bonds, including the new amortising bonds, and in sovereign annuities based on those bonds.
44 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Finance if he conducted a cost-benefit analysis on the VAT rate change from 21% to 23% for the first quarter of 2012 and the way it compares with the first quarter of 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19317/12]
At Budget time, the Government carefully considered the various options open to it in terms of taxation. One of the key objectives of the Government is to get people back to work. The VAT rate change was implemented in order to deliver additional revenues for the Exchequer, as must be done if we are to continue to reduce the deficit in our public finances. Government also recognised however that indirect taxes have a less adverse impact on economic activity and employment, which is why Budget 2012 focused on indirect taxes, such as VAT, rather than on income tax.
Notwithstanding that the VAT rate change implemented in the Budget was estimated to deliver an additional €560 million in revenues in 2012 in static terms, the Budget 2012 forecast for VAT receipts, at €9,995 million, represented just a €254 million or 2.6 per cent increase on the 2011 outturn. This is because the imposition of a budgetary adjustment package, of which the VAT rate change is one element, has negative economic implications in the short-run. It takes money out of the economy.
The VAT rate change and indeed other factors such as uncertainty and balance sheet rebuilding are expected to impact on household spending with consequential negative implications for tax receipts. This is the negative economic buoyancy from the imposition of consolidation.
At the end of March €3,291 million in Exchequer VAT receipts had been collected, a €182 million or 5.8 per cent increase on the same period last year. This is a solid start to the year in terms of VAT collection but we must acknowledge that March is the first month to reflect the direct impact of the VAT rate increase. This is because receipts paid to the Exchequer in January and February related primarily to activity in the November/December 2011 trading period, when the rate increase was not in place. That said, it is the case that VAT receipts in the month of March alone were €152 million higher than in March 2011.
45 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Finance the methodology used by him in calculating the structural deficit; and whether that methodology is the same as that currently used by the European Commission. [19309/12]
As part of the ongoing surveillance of fiscal policies within the EU, a harmonised approach to determining the structural balance has been developed between the Member States and the EU Commission. Using this harmonised methodology Member States are required to present point estimates of the structural balance for the forecast period in their Stability Programme Updates. It is on that basis that my Department has in the past published these technical figures, based on its assessment of the headline deficit and the macro-economic situation. The methodology is somewhat complicated, but in general terms involves decomposing the government balance into its cyclical and structural components. Under this approach, the cyclical component of the headline balance is generated from estimates of the economy's position in the cycle — the so-called output gap — together with estimates of the sensitivity of the public finances to the economic cycle. This cyclical component is then netted from the headline balance in order to arrive at the structural balance.
More details, including the econometric equations used to calculate the output gap, are available on the website of the European Commission's Directorate General for Economic and Financial Affairs.
Finally, it is worth stressing that there are health warnings to all estimates of the structural balance, especially for a small, open economy such as Ireland where large structural changes have occurred in recent years. It is also the case that under the harmonised approach, not sufficient recognition is given to the particular unique features of our economy. Some of the problems associated with the harmonised approach have been outlined by my Department in the various Stability Programme Updates that have been published in recent years.
46 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the actions he has taken to secure a reduction in the variable rate interest rates on Permanent TSB mortgages; and his views on whether a significant problem is being caused by the very high variable interest rates being charged by banks such as PTSB and KBC. [19303/12]
48 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance his plans to discuss with Permanent TSB the standard variable interest of 5.19% it charges on residential mortgages in view of the fact that it is out of line with the rate charged by other State owned banks. [19290/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 48 together.
Notwithstanding the State's significant shareholding in the bank, Permanent TSB ("PTSB") operates at arm's length from the State in relation to commercial issues. Ultimately the pricing of financial products, including standard variable mortgage interest rates, is a commercial decision for the management team and board of each bank, having due regard to their customers and the impact on profitability, particularly where the cost of funding to each bank, including deposit pricing, is under pressure.
Neither the Central Bank nor the Department of Finance has a statutory function in relation to interest rate decisions made by individual lending institutions at any particular time. However, I can confirm to that PTSB did pass on, in full, the ECB rate reductions announced in late 2011 to customers holding standard variable rate (SVR) mortgages and also reduced further their LTV standard variable rates to align them with the SVR.
As part of the recent Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") dated 10 February 2012 with our External Partners, it was agreed that the authorities will make a decision on the proposed way ahead for the company by the end of April 2012. Much work has been completed by the new management in PTSB and officials in my Department to develop this strategy for discussion with the Troika over the course of the on-going April review mission. As you would expect the strategy will consider all aspects of PTSB's current and future approach to its business. It would be premature for me to discuss possible outcomes of those discussions at the present time.
47 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance when the Fiscal Responsibility Bill will be published; and if he will detail in general terms the contents of the Bill at this stage. [19313/12]
In relation to publication of the Fiscal Responsibility Bill, the Taoiseach has given a commitment that legislative measures associated with the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union will be made publicly available in advance of the referendum. While a decision has yet to be taken on the publication date in relation to fiscal responsibility legislation, it will be consistent with this commitment.
49 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the total raised so far in bank guarantee fees; if he will provide a breakdown of this sum on an annual basis from 2008 to 2011 under the various schemes CIFS, CIELG and so on; if he will provide an annual breakdown of these sums by covered financial institution; of the €283 million raised in the first three months of 2012, if he will provide a breakdown by financial institution and a projection of the amount expected to be raised in the rest of this year; his views on whether he has received sufficient recompense for providing this guarantee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19225/12]
The bank guarantee schemes to which the Deputy refers are the Credit Institutions Financial Support Scheme 2008 (CIFS Scheme) which was in operation between 30 September, 2008 and 29 September, 2010, and the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee Scheme (ELG Scheme) which came into operation on 9 December, 2009 and has a current issuance end-date of 30 June, 2012, subject to review by the EU Commission. The total fees received from the covered banks in respect of both the CIFS and ELG Schemes amount in total to €3.107bn which does not include interest accrued. This amount comprises €758.4m in respect of CIFS and €2,348.5m in respect of the ELG Scheme.
A further breakdown of fees paid by year for each of the covered banks can be seen in the tables below:
|
€millions |
IL&P |
BoI |
AIB |
IBRC |
EBS |
Total |
|
2010 |
95.9 |
275.5 |
299.3 |
149.9 |
34.2 |
854.8 |
|
2011 |
172.9 |
448.7 |
464.8 |
81.4 |
62.6 |
1230.4 |
|
2012 |
37.9 |
107.9 |
95.8 |
9.9 |
11.8 |
263.3 |
|
Total |
306.7 |
832.1 |
859.9 |
241.2 |
108.6 |
2,348.5 |
|
€millions |
IL&P |
BoI |
AIB |
Anglo |
EBS |
INBS |
Postbank |
Total |
|
2008 |
— |
32.3 |
— |
37.9 |
— |
— |
0.004 |
70.20 |
|
2009 |
35.4 |
138.1 |
174.7 |
94.8 |
9.7 |
23.8 |
0.020 |
476.52 |
|
2010 |
14.8 |
68.3 |
58.3 |
54.9 |
5.9 |
8.8 |
0.015 |
211.01 |
|
2011 |
— |
— |
— |
0.7 |
— |
— |
— |
.70 |
|
Total |
50.2 |
238.7 |
233.0 |
188.3 |
15.6 |
32.6 |
0.039 |
758.43 |
ELG fees are paid into the Central Bank on a quarterly basis, in accordance with the Scheme's rules. Accordingly, the fee amount of €283m (including adjustments for previous periods) to which the Deputy refers is in respect of fees due for the last three months of 2011 rather than the first three months of 2012. The €283m is broken down by bank as follows:
|
Table |
|
|
AIB |
€111.7m |
|
BOI |
€108.0m |
|
IL&P |
€38.3m |
|
EBS |
€10.8m |
|
Anglo |
€14.2m |
|
Total |
€283m |
Fee Forecast 2012
The Deputy will be aware of this year's Budget forecast for income from fees under the ELG Scheme which was estimated at €800mn. This estimate is currently being reviewed.
As regards the fee income received for the provision of the Guarantee, the fee structure applicable to the provision of the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee is set by the EU Commission according to State aid rules. To date, as is evident from the fee income figures provided, the monies paid to the Exchequer show that the banks are making a significant contribution in return for the benefit of the Guarantee.
50 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance his views on the current operation of the insurance compensation fund; his views on whether it is adequately capitalised to meet its needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19291/12]
The Insurance Compensation Fund (ICF) operates under the Insurance Act 1964. Its purpose is to protect policy holders in the event of their insurer becoming insolvent. It is an industry financed fund. However because the scheme is not pre-funded, the Act provides for the Exchequer to advance monies on the recommendation of the Central Bank in circumstances where insufficient funds have been generated by an industry levy to cover a large demand.
Under the Insurance Act 1964 the responsibility for deciding whether the ICF has sufficient funds available to it to at any particular time is a matter for the Central Bank. Where in the Bank's opinion the state of the Fund is such that financial support should be provided for it, it determines an appropriate contribution to be paid to it by each insurer calculated as a percentage, not exceeding 2% of the aggregate of the gross premiums paid to that insurer in respect of policies issued in respect of risks in the State. On the basis of its assessment of the Fund late last year the Central Bank concluded that a levy should be applied to industry with effect from 1 January 2012 under section 6 of the Insurance Act 1964. It is expected that this levy will raise in the region of 65m euro a year.
Where there is likely to be a shortfall in the ICF, the Bank has the power to recommend to me that I advance monies to the Fund to enable payments out of it to be made expeditiously. Any advance made by me will be recouped over time from the Fund.
In the case of Quinn Insurance Ltd the Central Bank made such a recommendation, and as a consequence 696m euro has been advanced by me to the Fund. A further 33m euro will be advanced at the beginning of June.
It is expected that the ICF will start repaying the Exchequer in 2014 when the levy begins to accumulate. This will continue until the Exchequer advance has been repaid. It should be noted that a commercial rate of interest applies to the Exchequer advances.
51 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the impact of reduced growth figures for the last two quarters on the budget deficit, on employment and on his fiscal targets for 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19297/12]
The Budget Day forecasts had anticipated reduced year-on-year growth rates in the second half of 2011 relative to the first half of the year. These forecasts turned out to be broadly in line with the preliminary figures for 2011 provided in the latest Quarterly National Accounts published last month. The recent Q1 Exchequer Returns illustrate that tax receipts are in line with expectations. This demonstrates the robustness of the Budget day forecasts and provides assurance that we are on course to meet 2012 and 2013 targets.
The latest available employment data is from the Quarterly National Household Survey relating to Q4 2011. This showed that employment increased marginally between Q3 2011 and Q4 2011 — the first time a quarterly increase in employment was observed since 2007. While this is encouraging, it is too early to draw conclusions and I will wait on further data to inform my views regarding developments in the labour market.
As is required by all Member States, Ireland will be providing a Stability Programme Update (SPU) to the European Commission by the end of April. As part of this process, my Department is reassessing the macroeconomic and fiscal outlook which takes into account all the latest available information. This re-evaluation will be contained in the SPU.
52 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the amount of aid given by Ireland to Malawi in 2010 and 2011; what the money was spent on; the way it was spent; if it was audited and the results that were obtained. [17655/12]
53 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the amount of aid given to Uganda in 2010 and 2011; what the money was spent on; the way it was spent; if it was audited and the results that were obtained. [17657/12]
54 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are any concerns regarding the use of Irish aid in Malawi or Uganda. [17656/12]
55 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is considering any changes in Irish aid policy towards Malawi or Uganda in view of the concerns regarding the use and destination of that aid and in view of changes by other countries in similar payments to Malawi and Uganda. [17658/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 to 55, inclusive, together.
Uganda and Malawi are two of the nine priority countries for the Government's aid programme, where we have a commitment to long term strategic assistance. They are among the poorest countries in the world, both ranked in the bottom 10% in the 2011 United Nations Human Development Index.
Irish Aid has been working in Uganda since 1994 and has made a significant contribution to the development and the fight against poverty and hunger. Despite economic progress in recent years, Uganda remains an extremely poor country struggling with chronic poverty. In 2010 and 2011, the budget for Ireland's bilateral aid programme to Uganda was €33.25 million annually. The programme targets priority areas such as the provision of health services for people living with HIV and AIDS, measures to improve access to education, and a programme that is helping to strengthen Governance and Justice Systems for the citizens of Uganda. The strategy also addresses hunger and vulnerability in Karamoja, the most disadvantaged region of Uganda and a priority area for our bilateral support.
Ireland's programme in Uganda has achieved important results across a range of sectors. Irish Aid has, for example, strongly supported the national education programme which now has 8.3 million pupils in primary schools compared to 2.5 million in 1997. Irish Aid has also helped to rehabilitate and build eleven primary schools and two teacher training colleges in Karamoja. With Ireland's support, the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Uganda has been cut to 6.4% compared to 18% in the 1990s and 150,000 people with HIV and AIDS in Uganda are now accessing life saving anti-retroviral drugs.
In addition to funds provided through our bilateral programme in Uganda, Irish Aid support is also channelled through Irish NGOs and missionaries. In 2011, NGOs received over €6.2 million for long-term development work in Uganda, and almost €1 million was provided to missionaries for their work.
Malawi was officially designated the ninth Programme Country for Ireland's aid programme in 2007. The country suffered two major famines in the last decade and over half of the population live below the national poverty line.
The focus of our programme in Malawi is on hunger and nutrition, and food security. It concentrates on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable communities. Support is provided for the improvement of crop productivity and sustainable farming practices, and to improve nutrition especially among women and children, enhance household resilience to the impacts of climate change and strengthen democratic accountability.
Funding for the programme in Malawi amounted to €10.4 million in 2010 and €11.5 million in 2011. In addition to this bilateral programme, Irish Aid provided €4.7 million in 2010 and €3.7 million in 2011 to NGOs and missionary groups for their development work in Malawi.
I visited Malawi in February and saw at first hand the contribution Ireland is making in improving the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable communities. For instance, I saw that our support of the Malawi Farm Input Subsidy Programme has provided subsidised seeds and fertiliser to 1.4 million poor farmers. This has resulted in the production of a significant national maize surplus in 2010 and 2011 and a dramatic reduction in the number of families who do not have enough food. I also saw how Irish Aid's partnership with the NGO, Concern Universal, has helped 135,000 people in two districts to access nutritious food, reduce malaria and improve access to anti-retroviral treatment for HIV infection. I was pleased to see that this effective programme is now being successfully rolled out across other districts.
It is important to note that in both Uganda and Malawi, Ireland uses defined instruments of support earmarked for specific development initiatives. The aid programmes are implemented in cooperation with a range of different partners including international and local NGOs, research institutions and Government bodies. Irish Aid has rigorous planning, monitoring, evaluation and audit mechanisms in place. This ensures that all funds are spent effectively and are used for the purposes intended. Regular and robust audits are carried out by independent audit firms as well as by Irish Aid's Evaluation and Audit Unit, including internal auditors based in Uganda and Malawi.
Improving governance, supporting human rights, reducing corruption and building democracy and accountability are integral to Ireland's development aid programme and to our engagement with Government and local authorities. At every appropriate opportunity, at political level and through our Embassies on the ground, we raise our concerns with the authorities. Most recently, while in Malawi, I raised our concerns about the treatment of civil society and opposition party leaders and I underlined to the Government of Malawi the importance of adhering to international principles. Since then, the Government has expressed our condolences on the death of President Mutharika, and welcomed the peaceful, constitutional transition of power, with the appointment of President Joyce Banda. The approach of the new President, in the early days of her new administration, gives grounds for hope that issues we, other aid donors and civil society organisations have been raising will be addressed in a positive manner in the period ahead.
In Uganda, our Embassy has also consistently raised at the highest level our concerns in relation to a number of issues, including the proposed anti-homosexuality Bill currently pending in the Ugandan Parliament. We have emphasised that this issue has the potential to undermine Uganda's human rights reputation both domestically and internationally.
Ireland's development aid programmes operate in some of the most difficult environments in the world, but I am satisfied that the planning, monitoring, evaluating and audit systems which we have in place provide the best assurance that our aid is being used effectively and efficiently and is making a real difference for the peoples of Uganda and Malawi.
56 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the failure of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, for the first time in its history, to adopt agreed conclusions during its March 2012 meeting, the reason such agreement could not be reached and the role that he took in the negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17753/12]
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global policy-making body on gender equality and advancement of women. The theme of the 56th session of the Commission was "the empowerment of rural women and their role in poverty and hunger eradication, development and current challenges". Despite extending the negotiations beyond the scheduled session the Commission failed to adopt agreed conclusions on the theme.
The failure to reach agreement cannot be narrowed to any one topic or attributed to any one delegation. There were difficulties throughout the negotiations in reaching consensus on language in relation to a number of terms and concepts, such as harmful traditional practices including early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation/cutting, the provision of comprehensive sexuality education, and the importance of attaining the highest attainable standard of health including sexual and reproductive health for women and girls. Previously agreed language and key concepts from international agreements on gender equality and women's rights were questioned by some states and references to broadly ratified treaties were opposed by some delegations; these concepts and positions were strongly defended by other delegations including the EU.
Ireland participated in the negotiations through the EU group, represented by the EU Delegation. Prior to CSW, Ireland contributed to the EU strategy paper for CSW which set out the EU's objective of preserving and strengthening the international agreements and commitments on gender equality and the empowerment of women by pursuing a rights based approach to gender equality and the empowerment of women and by countering attempts to undermine international human rights obligations. Ireland made substantive comments on the draft agreed conclusions which were integrated into the EU's position before and during the negotiations. During the negotiations, Ireland supported the EU negotiator by proposing compromise language and providing references to previously agreed language. Ireland also negotiated the resolution on Women, the Girl Child and HIV and AIDS on behalf of the EU group and worked closely with the EU Delegation in striving for coherence between this resolution, the agreed conclusions and other resolutions.
Ireland co-hosted a very successful side event with Malawi on "Gender and Nutrition: supporting rural women to improve nutrition". The panellists included: Ms Kathleen Lynch, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Equality, Disability, Mental Health and Older People, H.E. Mr Brian Bowler, Malawian Ambassador to the United nations, Dr Grace Malindi, Adviser to the National Association of Smallholder Farmers in Malawi, Mr Anthony Lake, Executive Director of UNICEF and Chair of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Lead Group, and H.E. Ms Anne Anderson, Irish Ambassador to the United Nations. The outcome document can be found at: http://www.dfa.ie/uploads/documents/New%20York%20PM/report%20of%20csw%20side%20event%20on%20gender%20&%20nutrition.pdf.
The side-event contributed to the increased attention to nutrition in the resolutions, in particular the resolution on Maternal Mortality which contained the first reference to the global Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement in a negotiated United Nations document. This language was proposed by Ireland through the EU Delegation. Ireland has been a key player in SUN, which aims bring together governments, development partners, international organisation, civil society, business and academia in support of countries' own efforts to tackle hunger and under nutrition, in particular in children during the crucial "1,000 Day Window" between pregnancy to age two.
It is very disappointing that the CSW did not reach agreement on a text which could have set out strong commitments to empowering rural women and to ensuring their rights. Rural women throughout the world deserve better than this. For our own part, Ireland engaged constructively with EU partners throughout the negotiations in efforts to find compromises while continuing to defend internationally agreed commitments on gender equality and the empowerment of women.
57 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the concerns expressed by Irish non-governmental organisations including Christian Aid in relation to the revisions to the accounting and transparency directives currently underway in Brussels; if he will clarify the position of Irish Aid on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18048/12]
In November 2011 the European Commission published proposals for a revision of the EU Transparency and Accounting Directives. One of the aims of the new proposals is to improve transparency among EU multinational companies involved in extractive and logging industries in developing countries. The proposals are also aimed at reducing the administrative burden on small and medium-sized companies. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is leading the Government's engagement on these proposals, but they are also of relevance for our overall development cooperation programme and international development policies. I am aware of the comments on the proposals by Irish development Non-Governmental Organisations, and their desire to ensure that the proposals will be effective in increasing transparency and accountability in the extractive industry sector.
Among the proposals being discussed is the introduction of a system of reporting by multinational companies of payments to governments, including the reporting of taxes, royalties and bonuses, which would show a company's financial impact in each country. This would provide a better insight into payments to governments by EU multinationals in connection with their work in local oil and gas fields, mineral deposits and forests, leading to increased transparency and accountability.
The EU Competitiveness Council met on 20 February 2012 to discuss the proposals.Discussions are continuing at working group level, and a number of options are being considered. At a recent meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives in the European Union, Ireland supported the more ambitious of two suggested transparency reporting options. This would provide for project-by-project reporting by multinational companies. I expect that these proposals will be considered further by the Competitiveness Council and the European Parliament in the coming months.
58 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the passport service is currently examining proposals to develop an on-line system for the renewal of passport applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18094/12]
The Passport Service is considering the feasibility of developing an online system for the renewal of passport applications. However, on the basis of the preliminary examination to date, I understand that any comprehensive solution proposed would require a major overhaul of the existing technology system and would involve significant capital expenditure. Given the pressures on the public finances, I believe there may be challenges in taking on a project of this size in the immediate future. I should also point out that the development of a fully online passport application system does not come without risk. The changes required would be radical, complex and, ground breaking internationally. No leading Passport Agency worldwide has developed a comprehensive online application system. Some passport agencies have provided a system that allows applicants print down a form and return to the relevant agency. However, it is interesting to note that the leading passport agencies internationally have not progressed significantly beyond this stage.
It is in this context that I have also asked the Passport Service to consider whether some short-term improvements can be made in this area. The existing passport system was built ten years ago using the best technologies at the time. The complex format of the passport application form, which includes a unique barcode and drop-out colours, was designed to maximise application scanning accuracy. There have been technology advances over this period, which, if adopted, may provide options to simplify the process for adults to renew their applications. The Passport Service is currently examining the feasibility of introducing a new scanning solution, within existing resources. This may open up the possibility of providing a downloadable form to applicants. However, given that over 600,000 passport applications are submitted annually, it is essential that any new approach is considered with care.
59 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will review the last Government’s decentralisation policy as it affects the offices of his Department, with a view to relocating back to the capital those sections of the office that have been transferred, for example, the Limerick office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18333/12]
The Headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is currently divided between Dublin and Limerick. The majority of the officers assigned to the Development Cooperation Division which manages the aid programme, Irish Aid, are based in Limerick. As a result of an overall restructuring and rationalisation within my Department, the Development Cooperation Division has now assumed major new responsibilities for our overall political and trade promotion relations with sub-Saharan Africa and a number of countries in Asia where we have an aid programme. The Division will now be balanced between Limerick and Dublin and it is not proposed to relocate the Limerick office back to Dublin.
60 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 117 of 27 March 2012, when the person (details supplied) may make an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18432/12]
In my reply to Question 117 on 27 March, 2012, I stated that applications, made on behalf of the person in question, were refused under the Passports Act 2008 on the grounds that he is not an Irish citizen. This remains the position. I also stated that the Passports Act 2008 requires, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before the Minister for Foreign Affairs can issue a passport to that person. It is, therefore, incumbent on each applicant to demonstrate, through the submission of documentary evidence, his/her entitlement to Irish citizenship.
In this particular case, no such entitlement has been demonstrated in respect of section 6A of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended. I would, therefore, suggest at this stage that the parents of this child should pursue the question of their child's entitlement to Irish citizenship with the Department of Justice and Equality, which is responsible for such matters. In the event that such an entitlement can be established and thereby demonstrated, the parents should then apply for a passport submitting the relevant and new evidence of the child's Irish citizenship.
61 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of written parliamentary questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicted that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18597/12]
I have answered a total of 355 Parliamentary Questions during the period in question. A large majority of questions are of a non-personal nature and relate to the main policy areas that my Department deals with as well as administrative and budgetary matters.
It is my policy to answer questions in full. In a small number of cases, additional information that could not be compiled in the short timeframe provided by the parliamentary questions process has been supplied subsequently to Deputies.
62 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide, in tabular form, the names and salaries of all his special advisors including special advisors of Ministers of State and any salary increases they have received since they took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18639/12]
63 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide, in tabular form, details of all salary increases for special advisors requested by him or any Ministers of State in his Department; the names of the advisors and the amount requested and a list of salary increases granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18656/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 63 together.
The names and salaries of the Special Advisers appointed to my Department are set out in the table below. The figure for Ms Jean O'Mahony includes a scale increment awarded on 10 March 2012 in line with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines relating to Special Advisers. No salary increase has been sought in respect of or awarded to any of the Special Advisers since they were appointed.
|
Name |
Position held |
Annual Salary |
|
Mark Garrett |
Chief Adviser — Office of the Tánaiste |
€168,000 |
|
Colm O’Reardon |
Economic Adviser — Office of the Tánaiste |
€155,000 |
|
Jean O’Mahony |
Special Adviser — Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade |
€83,337 |
|
Stephen O’Shea |
Special Adviser — Minister of State for EU Affairs |
€61,966 |
64 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by his Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18889/12]
My Department avails of the Mobile Telephony Services Framework operated by the Department ofFinance. Under this Framework, as the most economically advantageous response received, O2 was awarded the contract from May 2010 and previously from October 2008. However, for contingency purposes, my Department also draws down a limited range of services from Vodafone. The contract was previously held by Vodafone under the Department of Finance contract. The table below sets out details of expenditure on mobile telephony under these contracts for the period from 2007 to date:
|
Year |
Cost of Mobile Telephony Services |
|
2007 |
€161,862 |
|
2008 |
€155,547 |
|
2009 |
€89,681 |
|
2010 |
€117,128 |
|
2011 |
€109,402 |
|
2012 to date |
€28,608 |
65 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the murders of Manuel Ruiz and his son in Colombia, if he will call on the Colombian Government to take immediate and effective measures against attacks on persons defending land restitution in the Curvarado and Jiguamiando region; if he will call on the Colombian Government to immediately initiate an investigation into the murders of Manuel Ruiz and Samir de Jesus Ruiz; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19058/12]
66 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will call on the Colombian Government to immediately instate measures to guarantee protection of Manuel Ruiz’s family currently displaced from their land; if he will call on the Colombian Government to put in place measures to avoid future forced displacements in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19059/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
I would expect the Colombian government, no less than any responsible government, to fully investigate the abduction and apparent murder two of its citizens, in this case Manuel Ruiz and his 15 year old son, Samir de Jesus Ruiz. I would also expect the Colombian authorities to seek to protect the remaining members of Mr. Ruiz's family and, indeed, any citizen who may be vulnerable to attack in relation to the issue of land restitution.
On a wider level, I continue to believe that dialogue with the government of Colombia, bilaterally and with our EU partners, offers the best way to further the objectives of supporting democracy and improving the human rights situation there.
I am aware of and share the concerns which have been expressed over human rights in Colombia, in particular the vulnerable position of trade unionists and human rights activists, as well as the very large number of Colombian people who were displaced over the course of decades of conflict and terrorism. I underlined these concerns when I met the vice-president of Colombia when he visited Ireland on 24 January.
The Victims' Rights and Land Restitution legislation (2011), which builds on the Justice and Peace Laws (2005) constitutes a crucial step in the efforts to push forward the peace process, and will, if fully implemented, provide reparation for more than four million victims of the long-standing armed conflict in the country.
Together with our partners in the European Union, Ireland will continue to support the efforts of the Colombian government. The Government will continue to liaise with the Colombian authorities through our embassy, based in Mexico City.
67 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason Ireland is not a signatory to the new multilateral initiative, the open government partnership scheme of which 54 countries have become partners including the latest member Trinidad and Tobago; if he plans to send a delegate to the first Open Government Partnership Conference in Brazil later this month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19093/12]
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is an ad hoc international initiative which was launched in 2011 and which is overseen by a multi-stakeholder International Steering Committee involving Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, Philippines, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Committee also includes civil society representatives: the Africa Center for Open Governance (Kenya), the Instituto de Estudos Socioeconômicos (Brazil), the Instituto Mexicano para la Competitividad (Mexico), the International Budget Project, MKSS (India), the National Security Archive (US), the Revenue Watch Institute and the Transparency and Accountability Initiative, Twaweza (Tanzania). I understand that Brazil will host a meeting of the OGP this year. The aim of the organization is to promote progress by participating states in relation to enhanced transparency and anti-corruption measures.
To my knowledge, the Government has not been in receipt of any approach by the OGP to join the organisation and the question of possible participation by Ireland has not yet been examined.
Ireland participates at EU level, and within the OSCE, OECD, Council of Europe, and the United Nations frameworks, in efforts to promote cooperation on, and improvement in, transparency and anti-corruption measures. We ratified the UN Convention Against Corruption in 2011 and are also a party to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. During the Nineteenth Session of the UN Human Rights Council in March 2012, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on "The role of good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights", which was adopted by the Council. This encouraged States to ratify the UN Convention Against Corruption and emphasised the role of good governance in the full realisation of human rights, sustained economic growth, sustainable development and the eradication of poverty and hunger.
In advance of any decision relating to membership of OGP and a possible commitment of resources, it would be necessary to examine the potential added value of membership, in consultation with the other relevant Government Departments.
68 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current state of preparations for the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in January 2013; the priorities that have been identified to date; the engagement that has taken place with our presidency trio partners in Lithuania and Greece; the total number of presidency events and meetings that will be hosted in Ireland; the number of Council meetings that Ireland intends to host; if themes have been identified for possible conferences to be held here as the centrepiece of the Presidency in particular policy areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19134/12]
76 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in the planning of Ireland’s holding of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2013, consideration is being given to holding events outside Dublin, in regions such as Galway and the west, in view of the effect this move would have on both promoting the regions and in bringing the EU decision making process closer to its citizens. [19333/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 76 together.
Preparations for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2013 are continuing and are on track.
Ireland's Presidency programme will be published in December 2012, and work on identifying key issues and priorities will continue until then to ensure that the programme reflects current developments and challenges. As with all Presidencies, Ireland's programme will be framed within the context of the overall EU agenda and will, to a considerable extent, be determined by the progress made by the preceding Danish and Cypriot Presidencies. However, there are a number of clear overarching priorities that will form the backdrop to our Presidency programme. The principal focus across a very wide range of policy areas and Council formations will be on stimulating sustainable economic growth and job creation across Europe. The Irish Presidency will also work to finalise agreement on those aspects of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) process that remain outstanding at the start of 2013. The MFF will set out the EU budget for the period 2014-2020 and has linkages to many policy issues of direct national importance to Ireland including the Common Agricultural Policy, the Common Fisheries Policy and Horizon 2020 (the EU's future framework programme for research and innovation). The Presidency will make every effort to contribute to the restoration of macroeconomic stability across the EU through the implementation of the Union's new economic governance rules and procedures. In this context, Ireland will have the responsibility for managing in Council the European Semester, the process through which Member States coordinate their economic and budgetary policies. Work will continue at all levels of Government over the coming months to refine and develop the programme, in close cooperation with partner states, the European institutions and civil society.
There has been substantial engagement at both official and political level with Lithuania and Greece, Ireland's Trio partners, over the past year. This coordination will intensify throughout the remainder of 2012. I have met with my Lithuanian colleague on two occasions over the past six months, and the Minister of State for European Affairs has also met with her counterpart a number of times. We look forward to further meetings with our Greek partners after the general election in Greece in May. Irish, Lithuanian and Greek officials in Brussels and in capitals are also working closely with the Council Secretariat to develop the Trio Presidency programme which will be published in late 2012.
At this stage of planning approximately 170 meetings will be held in Ireland during the Presidency. This figure includes up to 11 informal Ministerial meetings that will take place across a range of policy areas. Work is ongoing to identify and plan related events and initiatives and a clearer picture on the numbers and types of events being planned will emerge shortly. Several large conferences are being planned in Ireland during the Presidency to reflect the main jobs and growth agenda of the Presidency including in areas such as the use of information technology in areas such as health, research and innovation, and telecoms.
The Government is aiming to run a cost-effective Presidency and every effort is being made to control costs. During the last Irish EU Presidency in 2004 the expenditure involved in setting up multiple venues for Presidency events was considerable. As a cost-reducing measure and reflecting the approach now adopted by other Member States, the Government has decided to limit the number of meetings held in Ireland, including at Ministerial level, and to concentrate meetings, to the extent possible, in a small number of State-owned venues.
The programme for Government makes a clear commitment to restoring Ireland's standing as a respected an influential member of the EU and the wider international community. Ireland's Council of the Presidency of the EU during the first six months in 2013 will be a critical element of this process. The Government looks forward to using the Presidency to define and promote policy and legislation that can benefit the lives of millions of citizens in Ireland and across the EU.
69 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will send election observers for the elections due shortly to be held in Serbia and Armenia; if so, the number of observers for each election; the selection criteria being used to select observers for each of these elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19159/12]
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of observers for election monitoring missions. We aim to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level in international observation missions for elections and constitutional referendums. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), but have also been involved in missions organised by the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Carter Centre. When a request for electoral observation is received, the Department seeks expressions of interest from all observers on the election roster. A list of suitably qualified observers is then drawn up, taking into account the length of time since their last mission as well as any specific criteria for the mission, including country and regional experience and relevant language proficiency, if applicable. Attention is also given to contributing to the OSCE's commitment to achieving a better gender balance on missions, as well as the need for Ireland to increase the number of experienced observers on our roster.
The OSCE has decided to send a limited election observation mission, comprising 10 long-term observers, for the parliamentary elections in Serbia on 6 May. Ireland is providing one member of this observation team. A full OSCE election observation mission will observe the parliamentary elections in Armenia on 6 May. Ireland was asked to nominate long-term and short-term observers to participate on the mission. One Irish long-term observer is currently in Armenia, and it is planned to provide a further eight Irish short-term observers.
70 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of members that have joined or left the Irish overseas election observation panel for each of the past four years; if there is an upper age limit to be a member of the roster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19160/12]
71 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of the 22 March 2012, the progress he has made on reviewing the working of the election roster and in preparing proposals on the future membership; if the existing members will be informed and consulted on possible changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19164/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 71 together.
The Government believes that international election monitoring missions have an important role to play in the promotion of human rights and democracy, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of observers for election monitoring missions. We aim to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level in international observation missions for elections and constitutional referendums. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), but have also been involved in missions organised by the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Carter Centre.
There are currently 300 people on the Department's Election Observation Roster. The roster is not open for new members at present, but, given the interest in participation and the need to identify new members with specific skills, especially language skills, I have asked officials to review the working of the roster and to prepare proposals on future membership. This review is nearing conclusion and I will decide on proposals for future membership of the roster in the near future.
There is at present no formal process for leaving the election observation roster, but members can ask to have their membership deactivated. In order to address a shortage of observers with strong language skills, a recruitment drive for French and Spanish speakers was held between 2008 and 2010. Since 2008 there have also been some new members who qualify for inclusion based on their status as public representatives. There is no upper age limit for membership of the roster and observers of all ages participate on missions once they have been certified as fit by their doctor. A full list of the numbers of people who have joined or left the roster between 2008 and 2011 is provided in tabular form below:
|
Year |
Number of new observers joining the roster |
Number of memberships deactivated |
|
2008 |
3 |
1 |
|
2009 |
9 |
|
|
2010 |
5 |
|
|
2011 |
5 |
1 |
72 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will request the release of an Irish citizen (details supplied) in Sri Lanka. [19181/12]
As I confirmed to the Deputy on previous occasions, my officials remain in close and direct contact with the wife and family of the person mentioned by him and they liaise directly with her on any request for assistance or on any development on his case. The Ambassador and officers in the Embassy in New Delhi, which is accredited to Sri Lanka, have also been very active in pursuit of progress in this difficult case. I met with his wife and daughter on 29th of February last. At that meeting I agreed to write once again to my counterpart in Sri Lanka and to urge, on behalf of the Irish Government, that the person named by the Deputy, either be released or charged as soon as possible. I also undertook to raise this personally with my Sri Lankan counterpart should I meet him at any international meetings where we may both be in attendance.
73 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by his Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19173/12]
My Department is responsible for two Votes: Vote 27, International Cooperation and Vote 28, Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Department is very conscious of the need the achieve value for money and is in full compliance with national and EU procurement regulations. A table outlining the contracts to consultancy firms for 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 is provided below. The vast majority of the contracts are consultancy services for Irish Aid. Given the overall scale, range and diversity of the Irish Aid programme, as well as the firm commitment to the highest quality, accountability and evaluation, it is necessary to complement the in-house capacity with specialised skills and advice. External consultants are engaged only where specialised knowledge and skills are not available within the Department and where independent appraisal, audit, monitoring and evaluation of programmes and projects is required. A key criterion in the selection of professional service providers is the extent to which they can provide value for money for the taxpayer. The level of expenditure on consultancy services is constantly monitored to ensure that it does not exceed the level required for the proper management, oversight, monitoring, evaluation and audit of the aid programme.
|
Consultant |
Consultancy Title |
Contract Value |
|
Delap and Waller |
Professional services rendered regarding installation of passport machines in the Passport Office, Molesworth Street, Dublin. |
€5,651 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
Development of a DFAT Evaluation Plan |
€21,275 |
|
Cathy Gaynor |
Provision of Technical Assistance in the Development of new Evaluation Guidelines for the Evaluation Section in DFAT |
€15,700 |
|
Bernie Crawford |
External Consultant for Fellowship Selection Committee Meetings |
€3,500 |
|
Deirdre Farrell |
External Consultant for the Development Education Grants Committee Meetings |
€4,600 |
|
Ruth O Doherty |
External Consultant for the Development Education Grants Committee Meetings |
€6,210 |
|
MB Consulting |
Assessment of Public Expenditure Frameworks — Mozambique |
€11,000 |
|
Prof James Phelan |
Consultancy to Lead Implementation of an Independent Evaluation of the Agricultural Sector Development Programme Tanzania |
€18,000 |
|
Mary Corbett |
Technical Support for Food Security and Nutrition |
€45,000 |
|
Marcel Grogan |
Audit NGO Partners in MAPS 2009 |
€22,500 |
|
Ivan Crowley |
Short Term Support for Country Strategy Paper Development Process in Tanzania |
€7,875 |
|
Kevin Moore |
Special Economic Zones Consultancy |
€8,500 |
|
Paul Sheane |
Special Economic Zones Consultancy |
€4,000 |
|
Stefanie Meredith |
Review of IA Support for Product Development Partnerships |
€7,125 |
|
Samia Saad |
Review of IA Support for Product Development Partnerships |
€7,125 |
|
Paud Murphy |
Development Education Reviews |
€7,800 |
|
80:20:00 |
Development Education Reviews |
€8,450 |
|
Eilis Murray |
Development Education Reviews |
€5,850 |
|
ISOS |
Development Education Reviews |
€31,010 |
|
Mores Stephens |
Review Ministry of Education National Implementation Framework III 2011-15 |
€15,000 |
|
Pat McMullin |
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) |
€33,250 |
|
John Geraghty |
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) |
€7,500 |
|
Marie-Katherine Waller |
Mainstreaming, Negotiation and Advocacy: Capacity Building within Irish Aid |
€4,200 |
|
MB Consulting |
Revise and Consolidate the PFM Action Plan — Mozambique |
€5,000 |
|
Bernard McLoughlin |
Review of the Irish Aid Centre |
€6,000 |
|
Cathal Higgins |
Preparation of draft document that will govern the programme of the education sector budget support towards school infrastructural development — Karamoja. Uganda |
€5,000 |
|
Peter Michael Oumo |
Assessing Additionality of Central Government Transfers to PRPD Districts — Uganda |
€8,000 |
|
Una Murray |
Consultancy to Prepare an Operational Research Manual — Ethiopia |
€14,850 |
|
Mike Williams |
Evaluation of Joint Consortium on Gender Based Violence |
€16,800 |
|
CPW Consulting |
Consultancy to Develop a Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy |
€16,250 |
|
SM Cathan Property Consultants |
Needs Assessment Study for Improvement in Education Provision in Karamoja Region Uganda |
€24,810 |
|
Mike Williams |
Review of Humanitarian Programme Plan for Irish Aid |
€15,000 |
|
Marie Therese Fanning |
Provision of specialist input into the recruitment of a panel of Irish Aid funded UNV interns for the 2012 programme |
€19,400 |
|
Humanitarian Policy Ltd |
Review of Security Policy and Practice among Irish Aid Humanitarian Partners |
€19,250 |
|
Marcel Grogan |
Audit of the Award of Grants to NGO Partners in 2009 (MAPS II and Emergency Recovery Funding Schemes)-Christian Aid |
€22,500 |
|
Safe World |
Strengthen Irish Aids Approach to conflict Sensitivity in Karamoja Program — Uganda |
€20,000 |
|
Fred Tottingham |
UNV Internship Interview Board — Technical Input |
€3,000 |
|
Milton Ayoka |
Study Documenting Uganda Emerging Middle Class and Potential Economic Opportunities |
€13,000 |
|
Ms Miniva Chibuye |
Poverty Analysis in Districts of Northern Province, Zambia |
€46,000 |
|
Rodney Rice |
Media Scoping Follow Up |
€2,700 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
Provision of Technical management Support to the Irish Development Experience Sharing (IDEAS) Programme Vietnam |
€60,000 |
|
Francesca Stuerand Dr Erssido Lendebo |
Midterm Review of Partnership between Irish Aid and the SNNPR, 2009-2012 — Ethiopia |
€20,000 |
|
TraceSoft Uganda Limited |
Interim Quality Assurance Agent (IQAA) — Uganda |
€24,400 |
|
Ato Nuri Kedir/Ato Assen Ahmed |
Impact assessment of scaling up and consolidating the development of Community based tourism as a mechanism for developing sustainable livelihoods and conserving threatened environments — Ethiopia. |
€6,041 |
|
SM Cathan |
Determination of infrastructural requirement for 21 Primary Schools in Karamoja Region Uganda |
€24,000 |
|
Consultant |
Consultancy Title |
Contract Fee |
|
Mary Brady |
Study on Environmental Elements of Aid Programme and Examining Capabilities in the Sector |
€16,000 |
|
Sherry McLean |
Irish Aid CSP Evaluation Planning Support, Irish Aid — South Africa |
€4,000 |
|
IOD PARC |
South Africa Country Programme Evaluation |
€51,860 |
|
Mr. Rueben Lifuka |
Final review of the Parliamentary Reform Programme III (Capacity Building Component) — Zambia |
€14,000 |
|
Bernie Crawford |
Professional Services for the Irish Aid Fellowship programme |
€9,660 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
Scoping Exercise to inform Irish Aid Support in South Africa |
€23,450 |
|
Shannon International Development |
Provision of Technical Expertise to theGovernment of South Africa -Special Economic Zones Strategy |
€203,000 |
|
ITAD |
Evaluation of the Ethiopia Country strategy 2008-2011 |
€82,285 |
|
Montrose International |
Design a new joint funding arrangement that responds to the need for vocational training in the oil sector — Uganda |
€68,293 |
|
Humphrey Elekani |
Assessment of Northern Province Programme, Zambia. |
€10,000 |
|
Cathy Roche |
Review of the Our World Awards |
€6,300 |
|
Sherry McLean |
Country Strategy Development: Irish Aid Ethiopia |
€24,675 |
|
Deirdre Farrell |
Technical Consultant to the Development Education Unit |
€17,480 |
|
Mr.Johnson Wenzi Kimuyu |
Organisational Assessments — Mozambique |
€4.700 |
|
Mike Mispelaar |
Programme Management Reorganisation- Mozambique |
€3.000 |
|
Ruth O Doherty |
Technical Consultant to the Development Education Unit |
€15,200 |
|
Mella Cusack |
Technical Consultant to the Development Education Unit |
€14,250 |
|
Mary Corbett |
Emergency Nutrition and Public Health Consultant to Support Monitoring of Medecin sans Frontiers in South Sudan |
€4,750 |
|
Cathy Gaynor |
Technical Expertise-support the assessment and the approval of results frameworks as part of the CSF programme round |
€2,355 |
|
DHR |
Consultancy Support for the Simon Cumbers media Challenge 2012-2014 |
€79,500 |
74 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on steps he is taking to support the people of occupied Western Sahara; in particular if he will take steps to raise the on-going human rights abuses in the territory, in particular the unresolved issues of mass displacement and expulsion of citizens by occupying forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19194/12]
Ireland continues to support the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, and the continuing engagement of the United Nations in the search for a political solution in the territory based on the principle of self-determination. UN Secretary General Ban's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Christopher Ross, has convened several rounds of informal talks, most recently last month in the US. Personal Envoy Ross is also due to visit Western Sahara and the wider region in May for talks, a development which I very warmly welcome as it will represent the first such visit by the SG's Personal Envoy to the territory.
In his latest report to the Security Council issued just last week, SG Ban reported that the parties remained committed to the negotiating process and agreed to continue discussing specific subjects of mutual interest such as natural resources, demining and confidence building measures. The parties held a meeting on natural resources in Geneva last November and a meeting on confidence building measures in January this year. They have agreed to meet again in June and July this year for informal negotiations. I regard both sides' commitment to dialogue as constructive and positive, and hope that this process can engender a degree of trust between the two sides that will enable progress on the political questions where there has been no progress to date.
The major obstacle remains Morocco's refusal to allow a referendum in the territory which would include an option of independence for the people of the Western Sahara. This has been provided for in a number of UN peace plans, and it is difficult to see that there can be any genuine self-determination without such a referendum. I would also encourage the two parties to engage in the initiative, suggested by the UN Secretary General, of convening a group reflecting a wide cross-section of the population of Western Sahara inside and outside the territory for consultations and dialogue as a way of generating new ideas to present to negotiators, as all efforts to break the political stalemate must be fully explored.
Addressing human rights issues is also a key ingredient to the successful resolution of the conflict. Morocco has committed itself to providing unqualified and unimpeded access to all special procedures of the Human Rights Council but has not yet formally extended a standing invitation to all special procedures mandate holders. While I welcome Morocco's engagement with three special procedure mandate holders, I call on the Moroccan authorities to give full and immediate effect to its commitment to engage with the HRC Special Procedures. More regular and ongoing monitoring of the human rights situation in the territory than can be provided for through the HRC special procedures is also desirable. I would therefore welcome the inclusion of a broader human rights monitoring mechanism in the mandate of MINURSO, the UN peace-keeping mission in Western Sahara. This has been discussed at the Security Council but agreement has not, to date, been reached.
Ireland will continue its dialogue with both Morocco and the Polisario, through the Moroccan Ambassador and the local Polisario representative, to encourage support for the UN Secretary General's good offices mission and the efforts of Personal Envoy Ross to achieve some measure of political progress and increased confidence between both sides.
75 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a mechanism exists to notify passport holders that their passport expiry date is approaching; and, if not, if consideration will be given to implementing such a procedure should the technology or information required allow. [19260/12]
A passport reminder service is available on the Passport Service website www.passport.ie. The reminder service sends an e-mail, to those who have registered, three months before a passport is due to expire. Registration is simple and merely requires those interested to record their name, e-mail address and the expiry date of the passport. It is possible to register a number of different passports (e.g. all members of a family) using the one e-mail address with the reminder e-mail detailing which passport registered is about to expire. The reminder e-mail also provides details of how to renew the passport, where to obtain passport application forms, etc.
77 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will actively support the peace process initiated by the United Nations Arab League Envoy, Kofi Annan in Syria. [19359/12]
I wholeheartedly welcome and support the UN-Arab League Special Envoy Kofi Annan's peace plan. It offers the only realistic basis for resolving the current crisis in Syria and bringing the unacceptable violence to an end. Ireland's strong support for the Annan peace plan was clearly articulated at the meeting of the Friends of the Syrian People which took place in Istanbul on 1 April. I urge full implementation of the plan by all sides in Syria and a complete cessation of violence as mandated by the six point plan.
As called for by Special Envoy Annan, a ceasefire came into effect on 12 April. Regrettably, not all violence has ended and, in particular, there continue to be disturbing reports of the Syrian regime continuing offensive operations in the cities of Homs and Hama. I urge an immediate halt to offensive operations by the Syrian armed forces, a withdrawal of these forces to barracks and a complete halt to any use of heavy weaponry against urban population centres.
The Annan Plan needs to be implemented in all its aspects, if Syria is to emerge from this crisis and enter on a process of meaningful political reform and transition. I urge the Syrian authorities not only to halt the violence and withdraw troops to barracks but also to fulfil their other commitments under the plan, in allowing full humanitarian access, releasing all political detainees and allowing media operate freely throughout the country. The Syrian opposition, both within and outside of Syria, also has its responsibilities to end the violence and help facilitating a political process get underway. Once a complete and sustained ceasefire is in place, I hope all factions in Syria will be prepared and will be facilitated in engaging in serious and meaningful dialogue aimed at bringing about a political transition which addresses the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
78 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on Ireland’s relationship with the Philippines. [19360/12]
The key distinguishing feature of Ireland's bilateral relationship with the Philippines is the extent and contribution of the Filipino Diaspora in Ireland, many of whom are employed in health care roles in HSE hospitals and nursing homes.
For many decades Irish Catholic missionary orders, in particular the Columban Fathers, have worked in educational development and social justice in the Philippines and although the number of Catholic priests and sisters is now in decline and ageing, their contribution to the Philippines has been very significant.
Ireland does not have a resident Embassy in Manila. Our ambassador in Singapore is currently accredited to the Philippines. Ireland does however have a long established honorary consulate in Manila which looks after the consular needs of Irish citizens who are resident or travelling in the Philippines. The embassy of the Philippines in Dublin, established in 2009, will close shortly as part of a global cost cutting campaign being carried out by the Philippines government.
Total merchandise trade with the Philippines in 2011 was valued at €208.8 million (exports were worth €177.7 million and imports were worth €31.1 million). Total trade in services with the Philippines in 2010 was worth €105 million (exports were worth €89 million and imports were worth €16 million). Our embassy in Singapore is currently working with the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines to resolve some outstanding issues arising from a welcome decision in 2011 to remove the prohibition on the importation of Irish beef.
In the context of the meeting of EU and ASEAN foreign ministers in Brunei on 26-28 April, my colleague the Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton, hopes to meet with the Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Albert del Rosario. This will provide a useful and timely opportunity to exchange ideas on a range of issues of mutual interest.
79 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on Ireland’s 0.7% in overseas aid and its current position. [19361/12]
80 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the Ipsos-MRBI poll showing that notwithstanding our economic difficulties 80 percent of people here still want Ireland to deliver on this promise to spend 0.7% of national income on overseas aid by 2015; and if he will confirm that this commitment still stands and will be delivered on schedule. [19460/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 80 together.
Ireland's aid programme prioritises the fight against global poverty and hunger, with a particular focus on the world poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The programme is central to our foreign policy, enjoys strong cross-party and public support and reflects the values of the Irish people, and our long term interests globally. Ireland's aid programme is internationally recognised as being one of the best in the world — the OECD Development Assistance Committee describes our programme as "cutting edge" and a champion in making aid more effective.
I am aware of the results of the Dochas/Ipsos MRBI opinion poll published in late 2011. The survey, which was commissioned by Dochas — the umbrella group of Irish development NGOs — found that despite the economic downturn, almost 80% of respondents expressed strong support for overseas aid. I welcome such support which is a public validation of the quality and direction of our aid programme.
Our Programme for Government contains a clear commitment to supporting the aid programme, and to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) for Official Development Assistance (ODA).
In the current year, the Government has provided a total of €639 million to ODA, which is expected to represent over 0.5% of GNP. Given the unprecedented difficult economic conditions and fiscal constraints currently facing the country this allocation represents a real commitment by the Government, and the people of Ireland, to the aid programme and, more importantly, to assisting the world's poorest people. We can be enormously proud of this achievement at this time.
The Government is ambitious for and committed to the aid programme. We are determined it will maintain and build on its high international reputation, and that it continues to build the foundation of real change, future prosperity and well being in the lives of many of the world's poorest people.
81 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position on the closure of the embassy in the Vatican and its impact [19478/12]
In November 2011, the Government announced its decision to close Ireland's resident Embassy to the Holy See, along with our Embassy in Tehran and our Mission in Timor Lester. This decision, taken with the greatest regret and reluctance, was driven by economic factors deriving from our need to cut public expenditure and focus the modest resources of our diplomatic service on economic recovery. The choice of Missions for closure followed a comprehensive review of the diplomatic network, in which particular weight was given to the economic return from Missions, and their role in rebuilding Ireland's reputation abroad.
As regards the Holy See, the logic for closure was based on the fact that the Embassy is not involved in consular services or trade promotion and that essential issues of Church-State relations could be handled relatively well by a non-resident Ambassador.
This decision will not be reversed in the immediate term. The unavoidable budget cuts and reduction in staff numbers which necessitated the closure are still in effect and my Department has neither the staff nor the financial resources to reverse the mission closures decided upon by the Government last November.
However, as the economic situation improves and in the context of the regular review of our diplomatic network, it may be possible to revisit the matter at some time in the future.
82 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of National Assets Management Agency properties in County Meath that are available for social housing. [18129/12]
I am informed that in December 2011, NAMA identified over 2,000 properties under the control of its debtors or receivers as being potentially suitable for social housing, including 99 housing units in County Meath.
I am advised by NAMA that interested housing authorities should contact the Housing Agency about potential social housing units in their area. In cases where suitability is established, NAMA will facilitate contact and negotiations between its debtor/receiver and the housing authority.
83 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to review the current VAT margin scheme which was introduced on all travel agents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18435/12]
The Travel Agents Margin Scheme, which is provided for in Articles 306 to 310 of the EU VAT Directive, was introduced with effect from 1 January 2010. Detailed discussions with the travel industry were carried out prior to the introduction of the scheme which is a standard EU-wide Scheme in operation in most Member States of the EU. The scheme deals with the activities carried on by travel agents who act in the capacity of a principal when supplying certain travel services such as transport, accommodation, etc, which they have bought in from third parties for onward supply to travellers. Travel agents covered by the scheme are liable to VAT on their profit margin on the services provided rather than the full consideration they receive in respect of the supply of these services.
The nature of the scheme means that the travel agent only has an obligation to account for VAT on the profit margin in the country where he/she is established. The travel agent has no further VAT obligations in places where the travel services are supplied. The travel agent cannot recover any VAT charged when he/she purchases the travel services but this is because VAT is only accounted for on the profit margin when the services are supplied on to the traveller. The VAT treatment applied under the margin scheme has the same effect as for ordinary traders who account for VAT on the full consideration charged for a supply of goods or services and recover VAT on the purchase of those goods or services. There is no double taxation. Similarly travel agents like other traders can recover VAT on deductible overheads incurred by them in connection with their taxable supplies.
The scheme has benefits for a travel agent in terms of complying with his/her VAT obligations. In the absence of the scheme a travel agent could have compliance obligations across many Member States of the EU with a resultant increased administrative burden.
84 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend the lowered VAT reduction from 13.5% to 9% for the tourism and hospitality sectors until September 2013. [18437/12]
122 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend the nine per cent tourism VAT rate to the end of 2013 in order that international tour operators can plan their trips to Ireland with greater certainty on pricing. [16558/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 122 together.
The Finance (No. 2) Act 2011 provided for a second reduced VAT rate, of 9%, on a temporary basis in respect of certain tourism-related services and goods for the period 1 July 2011 to 31 December 2013.
85 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that carbon tax added to gas bills are included in the bill total which makes up the VAT charged on each bill which means customers pay tax on a tax. [18861/12]
The amount on which VAT is chargeable, in accordance with section 37(1) of the Value-Added Tax Consolidation Act 2010, is the total consideration receivable by the supplier, "including all taxes, commissions, costs and charges whatsoever" but not including the VAT itself. VAT is governed by the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. Article 78 of the VAT Directive provides that the taxable amount shall include "taxes, duties, levies and charges, excluding the VAT itself".
In this respect, where a supply of service, such as a gas bill, includes carbon tax, VAT law dictates that VAT should be calculated on the carbon tax element of the charge as well as the charge for the service. The same situation applies in the case of other excises, including for example excises on petrol, auto-diesel, tobacco and alcohol products.
Guidance in relation to the VAT treatment of the total consideration receivable by a supplier is set out in the VAT Guide. This publication is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
86 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the approximate loss to Revenue from fuel laundering; the expenditure on policing and prosecuting fuel launderers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18918/12]
The Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible to estimate accurately the loss to the Exchequer from particular activities in the shadow economy such as fuel laundering. It is clear, however, that the scope for loss of tax revenue from illegal activity in the fuel market is significant, and that this criminality also threatens legitimate businesses and the environment. Combating it is, therefore, a key priority for the Revenue Commissioners, who have undertaken extensive enforcement action against both fuel launderers and those selling laundered fuel. This action will continue, and Revenue will be assisted in this important work by the legislative action which I took in the recent Finance Act to enhance the control and supervision of the supply chain for fuels. Revenue is an integrated tax and customs administration and it is not possible to disaggregate resources deployed exclusively on policing fuel laundries.
The Revenue Commissioners have around 2,000 staff engaged on activities that are dedicated to target and confront non-compliance. These activities include audit, assurance checks, anti-smuggling, debt management, investigations, prosecutions and anti-avoidance. The Revenue Commissioners have assured me that, notwithstanding the reduction in overall staff levels in accordance with Government policy on public service numbers, tackling non-compliance such as fuel laundering, the on-going sale of laundered fuel and use of laundered fuel remains a key priority.
The prosecution of tax-related criminal offences involves a number of public bodies including Revenue, State Solicitors and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. It would not be possible, therefore, to provide information on the overall expenditure on prosecuting offences.
87 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide in tabular form, details of the appointments made by the Revenue Commissioners in the period 1 January 2010 to April 2012 at assistant principal and principal officer grades and in each instance, if the candidates were internal appointees or external appointees; if he will indicate, in each instance, the sections or divisions to which the appointments were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19094/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in the period 1 January 2010 to 13 April 2012, 26 Principal Officers and 61 Assistant Principal Officers were appointed by the Revenue Commissioners. The following Tables 1 and 2 give an indication of the Divisions to which the initial appointments were made and the number of internal or external appointees:
|
Division |
Total |
Internal |
External |
|
Border Midlands and West |
4 |
4 |
— |
|
Corporate Affairs and Customs |
1 |
1 |
— |
|
Corporate Services |
2 |
1 |
1* |
|
Dublin Region |
3 |
3 |
— |
|
East and South East Region |
2 |
2 |
— |
|
Information and Communications Technology |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
Investigations and Prosecutions |
1 |
1 |
— |
|
Large Cases |
5 |
1 |
4 |
|
Planning |
1 |
1 |
— |
|
Revenue Legislation Services |
2 |
2 |
— |
|
South West Region |
3 |
3 |
— |
|
27 |
21 |
6 |
|
Division |
Total |
Internal |
External |
|
Border Midlands and West |
9 |
4 |
5 |
|
Corporate Affairs and Customs |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Collector General’s |
5 |
3 |
2* |
|
Corporate Services |
1 |
1 |
— |
|
Dublin Region |
8 |
5 |
3 |
|
East and South East Region |
3 |
1 |
2 |
|
Information and Communications Technology |
3 |
3 |
— |
|
Investigations and Prosecutions |
4 |
1 |
3 |
|
Large Cases |
10 |
4 |
6 |
|
Planning |
4 |
4 |
— |
|
Revenue Legislation Services |
6 |
5 |
1 |
|
South West Region |
6 |
5 |
1 |
|
61 |
37 |
24 |
*Two external appointments were by redeployment from elsewhere in the public sector. The balance were by way of open recruitment competitions.
These appointments were made to replace the loss of key skills and experience in Revenue at a time of significant staffing reductions. Since January 2009, Revenue staffing numbers have reduced by 850 staff (-13%). Despite the appointments set out in Tables 1 and 2, since January 2009 the numbers serving have reduced at Principal level by 38 (26%) and at Assistant Principal level by 120 (2%).
External open recruitment has been an important source for the replacement of critical skills and experience in Revenue and I know that the Commissioners are keen to carry out further open recruitment at these levels. However, the Employment Control Framework process to which Revenue is subject in line with Government policy to reduce public service numbers severely restricts the extent to which Revenue can add additional headcount by way of open recruitment.
However, I recognise the need to replace the loss of key skills and experience in Revenue while meeting the existing Employment Control Framework allocations. I have asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to consider reducing Revenue's target staff numbers over a longer period of time, whilst at the same time allowing Revenue some scope to replace critical skills and experience. This request is under consideration and, in the meantime, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has sanctioned the replacement of some critical posts in Revenue, including at Principal and Assistant Principal Officer level included in the above tables.
88 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider removing VAT from eBooks in the interest of making education more affordable for parents who are struggling at present trying to balance their household budgets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19104/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. In Ireland the zero rate applies to printed books, including atlases, children's picture, drawing and colouring books and books of music. Under the EU VAT Directive, all digitised publications, regardless of their rate when printed (for example, a book liable at zero rate), are treated as the supply of a service liable at the standard rate of VAT. E-books, online newspaper subscriptions and online information services purchased via download over the Internet are also considered the supply of services liable for VAT at the standard rate. There is no option under EU VAT law to apply the zero rate to e-books.
89 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the basis for having three differing rates of VAT on the internment of ashes 23%, cremation plots 13.5% and burial plots 0%; if he will consider revising the rates charged on the internment of ashes and cremation plots and bring them in line with the zero rate of burial plots. [19196/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. The VAT rate depends on the nature of the good or service supplied and must accord with the EU VAT law. Irish VAT law provides that the following are exempt from VAT:
the provision of services by a funeral undertaking;
grave digging services; and
the sale of cremation plots and burial plots from a cemetery that was opened more than 5 years prior to the date of sale.
Some fees charged by cemeteries are liable to VAT. These include:
Opening and Reopening fees: These fees are in the nature of permission granted by a cemetery for a specified grave in the cemetery to be dug to receive an interment of ashes or a coffin. Such fees are liable at the standard rate of 23%.
Permit fees: These fees are in the nature of a permission to erect a memorial (typically a headstone and surround) on a grave. Such fees are liable at the standard rate of 23%.
Plot sales: The sale of cremation plots and burial plots from a cemetery that was opened within 5 years prior to the date of sale. Such fees are liable at the reduced rate of 13.5%.
The VAT issues raised by the Deputy are explained further in the Revenue publication VAT Guidance Note for Public Bodies (eBrief 56/2010) available on the Revenue website www.revenue.ie.
90 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he is considering any changes to the budget process, either in terms of announcing all major budgetary changes for the following year well in advance of December, or in rescheduling the budget itself to February, or later, as is the practice in the United Kingdom. [19583/12]
167 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he has reviewed the submission from the National Retail Industry Alliance in relation to the rescheduling of the Budget in view of what the retailers argue is the severely negative impact of the current budget timetable on consumer sentiment and Christmas trading volumes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18569/12]
191 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered reviewing the budget schedule in response to representations on behalf of the retail sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18932/12]
238 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence regarding the retail sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19425/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 167, 191 and 238 together.
I have reviewed a submission from the National Retail Industry Alliance in relation to the rescheduling of the Budget that raise concerns about the impact of the current Budget timetable on consumer sentiment and Christmas trading volumes.
While I have sympathy for their views, there are a couple of contributing factors which act as a deterrent from attempting to alter the current Budget timetable.
Firstly, a draft EU regulation, which is part of the so-called "Two-Pack", envisages that all Member States will adopt their respective budgets by 31 December each year. This process would also require Member States to submit draft Budget Plans to the European Commission by 15 October each year to aid the consultation process. The current timetable fits with this draft requirement.
Secondly, in order to construct budgets that are underpinned by the best available data, it is necessary to wait until late in the year to finalise economic and fiscal forecasts. For example, most of our Corporation Tax receipts are received into the exchequer each year in November. Each month of extra macroeconomic data also helps to improve the accuracy of forecast that underpins the annual budget.
In relation to the Retail Industry, the Programme for Government states that the standard rate of VAT will not exceed 23%. This commitment should ensure greater certainty surrounding consumption decisions and limit sentiment affects relating to Christmas trading volumes.
91 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when he expects to have an overall deal concluded on the renegotiation of the IBRC promissory notes; and if he will update Dáil Éireann on this matter. [19415/12]
As the Deputy is aware the Government has been committed to reviewing the arrangements that were put in place to capitalise IBRC — formerly Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide. The purpose of this review is to determine if there was a way to reduce the overall cost to the State. Part of the capitalisation of IBRC was provided using promissory notes as consideration.
While the development in relation to the end March Promissory Note payment is positive, we must continue to work towards the greater benefits which would derive from the re-engineering of the promissory note. There are potential improvements for the banking sector which could also stem from the ongoing technical discussions.
It is for these reasons that we must look at the recent developments as an initial step in a process. This is a medium term project. The Government is focused on developing an alternative solution to the promissory note arrangement in IBRC. It is too early at this stage of the process and indeed it would be inappropriate to predetermine what a successful outcome will look like or to indicate how the various stakeholders have or may react to various proposals We want to arrive at a successful conclusion that is in the interests of Ireland and the EU.
93 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Finance his views on the Permanent TSB mortgage interest rate; if he is satisfied with the Permanent TSB interest rate; his plans to address the fact that TSB interest rates remain higher than those of other banks; if he will report on his dealings with the TSB to date on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17680/12]
183 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the steps being taken to address the situation regarding a financial institution (details supplied) and its approach to standard variable interest rates; if he will consider that other institutions have made significant reductions to this effect and that stronger action may be needed to oblige the bank into passing on a similar level of adjustment [18795/12]
185 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to ensure that Permanent TSB reduce their rates on mortgages in line with the rates set by the European Central Bank; the control his Department has over the day to day running of Permanent TSB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18859/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93, 183 and 185 together.
Notwithstanding the State's significant shareholding in the bank, Permanent TSB ("PTSB") operates at arm's length from the State in relation to commercial issues. Ultimately the pricing of financial products, including standard variable mortgage interest rates, is a commercial decision for the management team and board of each bank, having due regard to their customers and the impact on profitability, particularly where the cost of funding to each bank, including deposit pricing, is under pressure.
Neither the Central Bank nor the Department of Finance has a statutory function in relation to interest rate decisions made by individual lending institutions at any particular time. However, I can confirm to that PTSB did pass on, in full, the ECB rate reductions announced in late 2011 to customers holding standard variable rate (SVR) mortgages and also reduced further their LTV standard variable rates to align them with the SVR.
As part of the recent Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") dated 10 February 2012 with our External Partners, it was agreed that the authorities will make a decision on the proposed way ahead for the company by the end of April 2012. Much work has been completed by the new management in PTSB and officials in my Department to develop this strategy for discussion with the Troika over the course of the on-going April review mission. As you would expect the strategy will consider all aspects of PTSB's current and future approach to its business. It would be premature for me to discuss possible outcomes of those discussions at the present time.
94 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the reason State owned IBRC agreed to write down the value of its loans to a company (details supplied) by more than €100m whilst at the same time ordinary shareholders were paid €4.96m as part of the deal to sell the company. [17684/12]
Notwithstanding the State's ownership of the bank, IBRC operates at an arm's length capacity from the State in relation to commercial issues. It is a matter for the board and management to determine and implement such policy in their organisation. Therefore, commercial decisions in relation to IBRC are solely a decision for the bank. IBRC have informed me that KPMG Corporate Finance and Davy Corporate Finance ran a joint sales process to sell Siteserv which was in severe financial difficulties and was unable to service or pay back its loans to IBRC. The sale process was initiated by Siteserv and overseen by a subcommittee of the Siteserv Board. The sale process involved two stages and IBRC was briefed after each stage. The Board of Siteserv, as advised by KPMG Corporate Finance and Davy Corporate Finance, recommended the successful bid as representing the best return for IBRC. The Board of the bank are satisfied that this is the case.
95 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the National Assets Management Agency’s professional fees incurred since 2010. [17685/12]
I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question 8013/12 regarding NAMA contracts, which my Department forwarded by letter to the Deputy on 20 March 2012. That response provides a very detailed account of all contracts and fees paid by NAMA since its inception to end January 2012.
I am advised by NAMA that in the short timeframe available for this question they were not able to collate relevant data for the intervening period since January 2012. However, I have requested that NAMA furnish that information to me as soon as practicable at which point I will forward that to the Deputy within a week.
96 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of fees paid by, or on behalf of the National Assets Management Agency in respect of public relations, media relations and associated activities. [17686/12]
I am advised by NAMA that it, operating under the aegis of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), draws on the NTMA's shared services in a number of areas including its outsourced press office facility. NAMA further advises that it reimburses the NTMA in respect of the costs of these services attributable to NAMA. The NTMA does not maintain an internal press office. Instead, it has appointed an external service provider (following a public procurement process) to provide a full press office service (including out-of-hours service) for national and international media across all the NTMA's business areas: funding and debt management, the National Pensions Reserve Fund, the National Development Finance Agency, the State Claims Agency, NewERA and NAMA.
The NTMA put these arrangements in place during 2010 in light of a very significant increase in the volume of media queries. The costs of the service are primarily a factor of the volume of media activity. The costs attributable to NAMA (including VAT) were €63,032 in 2010 and €135,948 in 2011.
97 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if Dáil Éireann will receive all available information in relation to the debt brake concept in order to assist constituents and the whole community in relation to the forthcoming fiscal compact treaty referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17705/12]
98 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if Dáil Éireann will receive all available information in relation to 0.5% structural deficit concept in order to assist constituents and the whole community in relation to the forthcoming fiscal compact treaty referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17706/12]
184 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that a shared definition of structural deficit exists across the Eurozone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18807/12]
232 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the implications for the Irish economy of the 0.5% structural deficit limit under the fiscal compact treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19242/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 98, 184 and 232 together.
The Fiscal Compact is a key part of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union agreed at the end of January.
The Fiscal Compact requires inter alia that the structural deficit of each Member State be at its country-specific medium term objective (MTO), and that Member States ensure rapid convergence towards their MTOs. The limit for the MTO is set at a deficit of no more than 0.5% of GDP, although in the case of countries with a very low ratio of public debt the limit for the MTO can be a deficit of up to 1% of GDP.
The structural deficit is that part of a country's government deficit which will not be eliminated by economic recovery. However, a difficulty arises in measuring this structural deficit — it cannot be measured directly and, instead, must be estimated. While there are a variety of ways to do this, a harmonised approach has been developed within the EU and this is used in assessing compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact. It is important to stress that all estimates of the structural balance are subject to uncertainty, especially for a small and very open economy like Ireland's. In line with the Stability Treaty, the Commission will provide clarity on the time-frame for convergence, taking into consideration country-specific sustainability risks, that participating Member States will be required to respect. Progress towards and respect of the MTO is to be evaluated on the basis of an overall assessment, with the structural balance as a reference. In that context, we will work to ensure a practical approach is pursued.
In practical terms, running a broadly balanced structural budget means that, over the full economic cycle, the public finances are balanced. The headline fiscal balance can, of course, fluctuate on a year-to-year basis in line with the economic cycle.
Focusing on the structural budget position can help prevent the boom-bust approach to budgetary policy that, unfortunately, has characterised our situation over the past decade or so. As such, this is to be welcomed.
From a wider perspective, the fiscal compact will help ensure sustainable public finances in all participating Member States, helping to safeguard the stability of the euro area and the EU as a whole, which is in all of our interests.
Finally, in relation to the so-called "debt-brake", I'm assuming that this is a reference to the automatic correction mechanism that contracting parties to the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union are required to put into national legislation.
This automatic correction mechanism is to be based on a common set of principles to be proposed by the European Commission, concerning in particular the nature, size and time-frame of the corrective action to be undertaken. The automatic correction is to be triggered in the event of a significant observed deviation from the country-specific medium-term budgetary objective (MTBO) or the adjustment path towards this MTBO.
Finally, I would point out the Taoiseach has given a commitment that legislative measures associated with the Treaty will be made publically available in advance of the referendum.
99 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the action he will take to address soaring fuel prices in view of the fact that the high price levels are now affecting Irish growth; his views that there must be an examination of the petrol or diesel market to make it more competitive; if he is considering any changes to oil tax rates in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17709/12]
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.
100 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 166 of 13 March 2012, on the issue of Ireland’s participation in the discussions regarding access to the European Stability Mechanism, funds being contingent on the ratification of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union, in which he stated that he did not actively seek to include the link between the two treaties, if he at any point argued against the inclusion of the link between the two treaties. [17738/12]
As I have stated before, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Treaty, was signed by Euro Area Member States on 2 February 2012. The original version of the Treaty was signed on 11 July 2011, but it has been modified to incorporate decisions taken by the Heads of State and Government (HoSG) of the Euro Area on 21 July, 9 December 2011 and 2 March aimed at improving the effectiveness of the mechanism. These decisions included the agreement on the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance (Stability Treaty) in the Economic and Monetary Union.
In my previous replies to the Deputy on this issue, I outlined that the original ESM treaty, signed in July 2011, needed to be updated to take account of the additional flexibilities agreed by the HoSG for the EFSF in late July 2011. As I also outlined there were further developments in Europe, particularly in relation to the Stability Treaty, by the time discussion on the revised ESM Treaty had resumed.
Our approach to these negotiations was informed by the need to secure agreement on the revised ESM Treaty, including the additional flexibilities and the commitment to a review of its capacity. We viewed these as positive developments which are in Europe's interest and in Ireland's interest. In this context, it is worth noting the review of the ESM capacity, recently conducted by Eurogroup Finance Ministers, has resulted in the agreement to expand the level of support funding to €700 billion.
While the Government did not actively seek to include the link between the two Treaties, it did suggest that before creating any such link that careful consideration be given to any possible market implications. The linkage between the ESM and Stability Treaty ratification was accepted in the interests of securing agreement on the ESM and its accelerated entry into force by July 2012. In the negotiations, the Government sought to ensure that it was made clear that the link between ratification of the Stability Treaty and the ESM Treaty applied only to new applications for assistance under the ESM, and that it will not affect the transfer to the ESM of undisbursed amounts under the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) for Ireland and other programme countries. The Government also sought to ensure that sufficient time was provided for ratification of the Stability Treaty before the link enters into effect.
The Stability Treaty is part of a broader package of measures aimed at improving confidence in the Euro Area, which include the ESM. As I have said in previous replies, it is entirely logical and reasonable that a country receiving the support of its partners under the ESM should be prepared to run sensible budgetary policies as required under the new Treaty. That is the basis of the linkage. We believe the linkage between the Treaties will further contribute to confidence, solidarity and financial stability in the euro area.
101 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance when the next round of PCAR stress tests are due to take place; if they have been delayed, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17798/12]
It has been agreed with the External Partners that, as part of the Financial Measures Programme (FMP), PCAR 2012 results will ideally be published in coordination with EBA and in any event no later than end-November 2012. In preparation for PCAR 2012 the Central Bank has also agreed to conduct detailed preparatory work including: an asset quality review of Irish banks' portfolios using an independent advisor; bank data verification to ensure consistency; a review of income and loan impairment recognition practices; and, an engagement with the banks on their loan portfolio resolution strategies and systems.
This timeline allows for the completion of this detailed preparatory work, whilst seeking to maintain the distinctive rigor and standards of PCAR 2011.
102 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Finance if mortgage interest relief is paid to first time buyers who purchased in December 2003; if they are entitled to any further reliefs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17830/12]
As the Deputy is aware, the Government has now fulfilled its commitment contained in the Programme for Government to increase the rate of mortgage interest relief to 30 per cent for first-time buyers who took out their first mortgage in the period 2004 to 2008.
I have sought to be as flexible as possible within the constraints pertaining. Generally, individuals who have paid mortgage interest on loans taken out on or before 31 December 2003 have not qualified for mortgage interest relief since the tax year 2009. However, some claimants, who took out loans in late 2003 but did not make their first payment of home loan interest until 2004 have been granted mortgage interest relief through the Tax Relief at Source system (TRS). Such individuals will continue to be granted relief through the TRS system.
103 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Finance when a tax exemption certificate will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17848/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a tax credit exemption certificate issued to the person in question on 29th March 2012. The Pension provider has also been notified to this effect and this will enable them to refund to the taxpayer any tax that has been deducted from the pension since the start of the year. The person in question should submit a copy of their P60 for 2011 to The Revenue Commissioners, East and South East Region, P.O. Box 1, Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford so that any tax overpaid in 2011 may be refunded.
104 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider exempting from VAT the personal domestic home paging system for the deaf (details supplied) to make it affordable for those who do not qualify for the seniors alert scheme under which the qualifying elderly receive it completely free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17861/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the supply of a personal home paging system for the deaf is a supply of goods that is subject to the standard rate of VAT, currently 23%. However, the Value-Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No. 15) Order 1981 enables VAT paid on qualifying goods to be refunded where the goods are purchased for the exclusive use of disabled persons suffering a specified degree of disablement. The Order applies to goods which are aids or appliances, including parts and accessories, which might reasonably be treated as constructed or adapted having regard to the particular disablement of the person. A Claim Form VAT 61A is available on the Revenue website (www.revenue.ie).
105 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who have received redundancy payments from one State owned bank and who then immediately took up positions of employment in another State employed bank; if he will provide details including the cost of these redundancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17865/12]
128 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff taken on by Allied Irish Bank and Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, or the former Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide who had previously taken redundancy packages from another State owned bank; if he has considered the scope to directly transfer staff between State owned banks in order that staff are not paid a redundancy package by one State owned bank and then rehired by another State owned bank. [18008/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 128 together.
I am advised that the information requested by the Deputy is not routinely collected and indeed raises legal issues, from an individual's perspective, as to whether this information could be sought in the first instance. Accordingly, I am not in a position to supply the information that the Deputy seeks in this instance.
I have taken note of the Deputy's suggestion of the possibility of transferring staff between State supported institutions. I would note, however, that the present voluntary redundancy scheme on offer at IBRC — which is the only such scheme on offer presently — precludes certain areas which are pivotal to that bank's operation and which are more likely to have staff with the skills sought at the other covered institutions.
106 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that AIB does not go ahead with the proposition of charging persons who do not have €2,500 of a credit on their account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17914/12]
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, I must ensure that the bank is 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.
107 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Finance if there are any rebates of taxes in place for outlets of sale of alcoholic drinks at supermarkets, off-licences and so on; the amount of such rebates in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17928/12]
There are no specific rebates of taxes in place in respect of outlets which sell alcohol such as supermarkets and off-licences. However, the VAT system, as governed by the EU VAT Directive, operates a system of rebates of VAT paid for persons registered for VAT and it is possible that a retailer of alcohol can be in a situation of net VAT gain as a result of below cost selling, this is not a loss to the Exchequer or an additional benefit to the retailer, it is merely how VAT is charged.
VAT is a tax on the value added to a supply and the collection and recovery of VAT takes place at each stage of the chain of supply from manufacturing to retailer. Under EU and domestic VAT rules traders who are registered for VAT collect VAT on the goods and services that they sell. In turn such traders are entitled to recover the VAT they incur on their business inputs used in the purchase or production of goods or delivery of services. Consequently, if there is a decrease in value at any stage in the process the trader is entitled to a refund of the excess of VAT incurred over that collected.
108 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with the pillar banks to promote small and medium enterprises lending. [11324/12]
As the Deputy is aware, the Government has imposed lending targets on the two domestic pillar banks for the three calendar years, 2011 to 2013. Both banks were required to sanction lending of at least €3 billion in 2011, €3.5 billion this year and €4 billion in 2013 for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs. I can confirm to the Deputy that both banks have achieved their 2011 targets. In addition to the lending targets imposed on the banks,the pillar banks are required to submit their lending plans to the Department and the Credit Review Office (CRO) at the beginning of each year, outlining how they intend to achieve their lending targets. My Department, in conjunction with the CRO, subsequently analyses the plan and meets the banks to discuss any issues of note. The banks also meet with my Department and the CRO on a quarterly basis to discuss progress. The monthly management meetings with the pillar banks also provide a forum for the issue of SME lending to be raised by my Department.
I should stress however that the Relationship Frameworks with the banks provide that the State will not intervene in the day-to-day operations of the banks or their management decisions including with respect to pricing and lending decisions. These frameworks are published on my Department's website at http://banking.finance.gov.ie/presentations-and-latest-documents/.
109 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with the pillar banks to pass on EU interest rate reductions to small and medium enterprises borrowers. [11325/12]
As I said in a reply to the Deputy on 22 November last, the decisions financial institutions operating in Ireland make on the interest rates they charge to customers are commercial decisions for the institutions concerned. Interest rates are determined by a broad range of factors including ECB base rates, deposit rates, market funding costs, the competitive environment, and an institution's overall funding. I have no statutory function in relation to business interest rate decisions made by individual lending institutions at any particular time.
The Financial Regulator and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank stated in his response of 11 November 2011 to the Taoiseach on the issue of passing on mortgage interest rate adjustments following ECB actions, that the power to exercise close regulatory control over retail interest rates is not sought by the Central Bank. Similar principles apply in relation to business interest rates. The Deputy Governor has indicated that the Central Bank will, within its existing powers and through suasion, engage with specific lenders which appear to have standard mortgage variable rates set disproportionate to their cost of funds.
He has indicated that experience of such controls in the past and in other countries does not encourage the Central Bank to believe that such a regime would be advantageous in net terms as the banking system recovers its normal functioning. Binding controls tend to reduce availability of credit and channel it to the most creditworthy customers, starving smaller and less secure customers from credit. The Regulator indicates that this could have a chilling effect on the entry of sound competitors into the market. By absolving banks from their responsibility to price risk accurately, binding interest rate controls would, especially during this recovery phase, impede progress towards the re-establishment of bank management practices that can ensure a healthy and free-standing banking system no longer dependent on the Government for bail-outs.
In conclusion, it is vital that the banks continue to make credit available to support economic recovery. However, it is not in the interest of the banks, businesses or the economy for finance to be provided unless the business is viable and has the capacity to meet the interest payments and repay the sum borrowed.
110 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the arrangements that have been created between him and the private pension industry to facilitate their investment of €750 million into the new strategic investment fund; the time scale of this investment; and the infrastructure projects that will receive the funding. [11315/12]
The establishment of the Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) was announced by the Government in September 2011. The SIF will channel commercial investment from the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) towards productive investment in the Irish economy. As well as money from the NPRF, the SIF will seek matching commercial investment from private investors and target investment in areas of strategic significance to the future of the Irish economy.
I am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency, as Manager of the National Pensions Reserve Fund, that the NPRF announced in November 2011 a commitment of €250 million to a new Irish infrastructure investment fund which is seeking up to €1 billion from institutional investors in Ireland and overseas and which will invest in infrastructure assets in Ireland, including assets designated for disposal by the Government and commercial State enterprises and also new infrastructure projects. Marketing of this fund in Ireland by Irish Life Investment Managers and abroad by AMP Capital commenced in the first quarter of 2012. Normally the period from commencement of marketing of an investment fund targeting illiquid assets to closure of financial commitments by investors in such a fund can extend up to one year. In parallel, AMP Capital, the infrastructure manager of the fund, has commenced a process of building a pipeline of appropriate investment opportunities.
The NPRF has also committed €450 million to finance the national roll out of domestic water meters.
In addition, the NPRF is actively supporting the development of the market for venture capital in Ireland through its continued participation in Innovation Fund Ireland in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland. On 15 March 2012, the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation announced the commencement of the second call for expressions of interest from appropriately qualified international venture capital managers.
Further involvement of the NPRF in the SIF is expected to require the amendment of the investment policy of the NPRF, which is set out in the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000. Officials of my Department are liaising with the National Treasury Management Agency, which is the Manager of the NPRF, in identifying and drafting the necessary amendments to the legislation and I expect to bring forward proposals for amending legislation as soon as possible once that work is completed.
111 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the anticipated unemployment rates per year until 2016. [11311/12]
My Department's projected unemployment rates covering the period 2012-2015 are set out in the table below. These were published at Budget time, and as is the norm, will be revised in the Stability Programme Update which will be published at the end of this month. Projections beyond 2015 are not available. It is important to note that these are forecasts by the Department of Finance based on an assessment at a point in time and should not be seen as Government targets. As we have said repeatedly, Government will continue to put the jobs agenda at the core of policy and seek to improve the environment for sustainable job creation.
|
Year |
Unemployment rate (per cent) |
|
2012 |
14.1 |
|
2013 |
13.5 |
|
2014 |
12.9 |
|
2015 |
11.6 |
112 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if the impact of the fiscal compact treaty on trade across the EU has been accessed or discussed at EU level; if there is a fear that trade activity will decrease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16222/12]
The overall objective of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union is to support economic growth by ensuring the sustainable evolution of public finances in Member States over time. Article 1 of the Treaty, for instance, states that a key objective of the fiscal compact is to support the achievement of the EU’s objectives for sustainable growth, employment, competitiveness and social cohesion. So in this sense I see no reason why the level of trade would decrease — if anything, the Treaty could boost trade between Member States over time.
113 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he agrees with Moodys agency that say the personal insolvency Bill as proposed will lead to further downgrades if it leads to a write down on mortgage debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16223/12]
The proposed personal insolvency reforms are one of the key measures to address the mortgage arrears problem. However, the approach of the Government on this issue has been clear and it is that mortgage holders who can meet their loan obligations should continue do so and that appropriate assistance should only be afforded those mortgage holders, or other borrowers, who are experiencing real and genuine difficulty in meeting their commitments. Accordingly, the general scheme, in the form of draft heads, of a Personal Insolvency Bill, as published by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, contains strict eligibility criteria to avail of the measures proposed and also provides that the non judicial Personal Insolvency Arrangement option, which is proposed to address unsustainable secured debt, will only be available if other less intrusive options, such as the proposed Debt Relief Certificate or the Debt Settlement Arrangement — both of which exclude secured debt from their remit — are not viable alternatives to make a borrower solvent.
In particular, the personal insolvency proposals are not intended to provide for any blanket write down of debt either to address the issue of negative equity or otherwise. Therefore, it is very premature at this stage to attribute significant and general write downs in Irish mortgage portfolios to this proposed legislation, not least when the Bill remains to be finalised and approved by Government.
114 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if there has been progress made at EU level in relation to extending the size of the European Stability Mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16215/12]
The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Treaty, was signed by Euro Area Member States on 2 February 2012. The original version of the treaty was signed on 11 July 2011, but it has been modified to incorporate decisions taken by the Heads of State and Government (HoSG) of the Euro Area on 21 July, 9 December 2011 and 2 March aimed at improving the effectiveness of the mechanism. In order to further improve market confidence and in accordance with the agreement reached at the Euro Summit on 9 December 2011 and reiterated on 2 March 2012, the HoSG have reassessed the adequacy of the overall EFSF/ESM lending ceiling of €500 billion. The Eurogroup concluded its review of the ESM capacity on 30 March and agreed in principle the following:
That the ESM will be the main instrument to finance new programmes as from July 2012. The EFSF will, as a rule, only remain active in financing programmes that have started before that date. For a transitional period until mid-2013, it may engage in new programmes in order to ensure a full fresh lending capacity of €500 billion.
The current overall ceiling for ESM/EFSF lending, as defined in the ESM Treaty, will be raised to €700 billion such that the ESM and the EFSF will be able to operate, if needed, as described above. As of mid-2013, the maximum lending volume of ESM will be €500 billion. The combined lending ceiling of the ESM and the EFSF will continue to be set at €700 billion.
In addition €49 billion out of the EFSM and €53 billion out of the bilateral Greek loan facility have already been paid out to support current programme countries. All together the euro area is mobilising an overall firewall of approximately €800 billion, equivalent to over $1 trillion.
115 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to publish the joint troika paper on the way to deal with bank recapitalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16238/12]
As the Deputy is aware the Troika paper is still being worked on. When I receive the paper I will be in a position to assess the appropriateness or otherwise of publishing the paper. While I am generally well disposed to an openness of approach it may be that the contents, because of commercial sensitivity or otherwise may not be appropriately published. However, as indicated, once I have had the opportunity to review and assess the paper I will be in a position decide on publication.
116 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if approval from the EU heads of Government is necessary in the event of there being restructuring of the bank recapitalisation inclusive of the promissory note; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16214/12]
As the Deputy will be aware the Promissory Note arrangement is essentially an arrangement between the Government and IBRC. The Government has provided Promissory Notes to IBRC and undertaken to repay the principal and interest payments in accordance with a repayment schedule. However, the Promissory Note is accepted as collateral for the Exceptional Liquidity Assistance (ELA) by the Central Bank of Ireland and as such there is an implicit link between the current repayment schedule on the Promissory Note and ELA provided by the Central Bank. Any discussions in relation to ELA would of necessity have to include the ECB. The EU Commission and the EU heads of Government are one step further removed from the initial arrangement between the Government and IBRC. However given our approach to addressing the heavy debt burden, involving the Troika in developing a technical solution or range of solutions and given that possible alternative sources of long-term funding may involve a number of parties, it is not unreasonable to assume that a solution may require the approval or acquiescence of Member States. However, it is important to await the outcome of the technical review to properly assess what is required to get an appropriate solution in place. In the meantime the Government will avail of every opportunity to garner support for the work in hand and for a positive outcome for the country.
117 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he agrees with Governor Honohan who has recently said that credit conditions for Irish small and medium enterprises are worse than any other place in Europe and that it is causing a drag on the country’s recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13650/12]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the opening address by Governor Honohan to the Central Bank Conference on the SME Lending Market on 2 March 2012. Although the Governor makes the point that "credit conditions for SMEs are tougher in Ireland than anywhere elsewhere in the euro area both in terms of cost and availability", he goes on to state that the "Government has arranged to recapitalise the main banks with fiscal injections almost unmatched — as a percentage of national GDP — in world history. The Central Bank, supported by the Eurosystem, has provided open-ended liquidity to ensure that shortage of liquid assets cannot have been a constraint on lending. True, the EU-IMF agreement requires deleveraging by the banks, but the authorities are closely monitoring this deleveraging to try to ensure that, as intended and agreed with the Troika, it falls mainly on non-core business (mostly abroad) and run-offs. The intention is the deleveraging would not affect credit availability for the recovery at home."
As the Deputy is aware, one of the key priorities of the Programme for Government is to ensure that an adequate pool of credit is available to fund SMEs in the real economy during the restructuring and downsizing programme. The Government has introduced a number of policy tools to assist in this objective:
The banking system restructuring plan creates capacity for the two Pillar Banks, Bank of Ireland and AIB, to provide lending in excess of €30 billion in the next three years. SME and new mortgage lending for these banks is expected to be in the range of €16-20bn over this period. This lending capacity is incorporated into the banks' deleveraging plans which allow for repayment of Central Bank funding through asset run-off and disposals over the period to 2013.
The Government has imposed lending targets on the two domestic pillar banks for the three calendar years, 2011 to 2013. Both banks were required to sanction lending of at least €3 billion in 2011, €3.5 billion this year and €4 billion in 2013 for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs. Both banks achieved their lending targets for 2011.
In addition to the lending targets imposed on the banks, the pillar banks are required to submit their lending plans to the Department and the Credit Review Office (CRO) at the beginning of each year, outlining how they intend to achieve their lending targets. The banks also meet with the Department and the CRO on a quarterly basis to discuss progress. The CRO is also available to review cases where credit facilities up to €500,000 are refused, withdrawn, or offered on unreasonable conditions.
The Central Bank published a revised statutory Code of Conduct for Business Lending to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME Code) setting out new requirements for lenders when dealing with SMEs in, or facing, financial difficulties which came into effect from 1 January 2012. A full review of the SME Code will be undertaken in 2012.
The Temporary Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme aims to provide much-needed credit to job-creating SMEs who currently struggle to get finance from the banks. It is intended to address market failure affecting commercially viable businesses in two specific situations — namely, where businesses have insufficient collateral, and where businesses operate in sectors with which the banks are not familiar — and provide a 75% State guarantee to banks against losses on qualifying loans to firms with growth and job creation potential. Initially, the scheme will facilitate up to €150m of additional lending per annum to SMEs, in addition to the lending targets set for the pillar banks. The Scheme will be demand-led, and take-up and performance will be closely monitored. For every €150million of additional lending, the Scheme is expected to benefit over 1800 businesses. The cost of the Scheme per €150million of lending is €6.38million. However this does not take into account benefits to the exchequer this lending will bring in terms of increased tax receipts and decreased social welfare payments. When these benefits are taken into account, the net gain to the Exchequer is over €25million per €150million of lending.
A Microfinance Fund to provide loans to small businesses is also being developed within the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation for establishment shortly. It is anticipated the Micro Finance Loan Fund will generate up to €100million in additional micro-enterprise lending which will benefit more than 5,000 businesses over a ten year period.
In summary, as the Governor noted in his speech in answering the question "what are the authorities doing about access to credit?", he acknowledged that the response is "a whole lot".
It is vital that the banks continue to make credit available to support economic recovery. However, it is not in the interest of the banks, businesses or the economy for finance to be provided unless the business is viable and has the capacity to meet the interest payments and repay the sum borrowed.
118 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance his views regarding another report of the EU Commission being leaked in the Bundestag; his views that this is damaging to persons’ confidence in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13486/12]
I wish to make clear that I and my colleagues in Government are deeply concerned that draft confidential information on the Irish economy became public for a second time earlier this year and at the manner in which this information was put into the public domain. As the Deputy will be aware, this information was contained in a European Commission document. However, it is still disappointing. We are in a Programme of financial support with the EU and the IMF. As part of this Programme, reports are prepared on Ireland by the Commission. As the European Commission's Dublin representative said "Commission staff strive to ensure that reports are prepared with the utmost accuracy and that confidentiality is preserved in advance of publication".
Following each review mission by the external partners, the Irish authorities agree updated Programme documents, specifically the Letters of Intent, the Memorandum of Understanding on Specific Economic Policy Conditionality, the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies and the Technical Memorandum of Understanding. These are discussed between the partners and authorities in draft format before being signed and published.
On becoming aware of the recent leak, and the internal Commission process that they have in place my officials have again raised our serious concerns with the Commission.
I also again contacted Commissioner Olli Rehn to express my disappointment regarding the leak and to enquire about steps taken to ensure confidentiality of documents in the future. The issue has also been raised at senior official level with the German authorities. We must nevertheless recognise that we remain in a Programme, and continue to rely on the support of the External Partners. In expressing our concern, we need also to continue working with our partners.
119 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recent European Commission report that shows that each country is showing a contraction of their economies; the way this will impact on job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11051/12]
This Government considers that the labour market represents its biggest challenge and accordingly is giving top priority to job protection, job creation and supporting the unemployed. In this regard, my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation recently published an Action Plan on Jobs. The European Commission released its Interim Economic Forecast for the EU on 23 February 2012. While some economies are forecast to grow, the Commission believes that GDP will remain unchanged in 2012 in the EU as a whole while the euro area will undergo a mild recession with GDP falling by 0.3%.
Obviously, as a small open economy whose recovery is being driven by exports, Ireland will be affected by the weak growth outlook for Europe, though competitiveness improvements evidenced in recent years will provide some support. I would also point out that, as some of our exports are by their nature quite capital-intensive, the impact on employment levels of a slowdown in export growth will be more muted than would otherwise be the case.
Ireland's Stability Programme Update, which will contain updated economic and budgetary forecasts for the period 2012-15, will be published at the end of April. The aforementioned developments in our main trading partners, along with other information that has become available since Budget time, will inform these forecasts.
120 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance his views on the developments in Greece and its restructuring; his views that the delays in resolving the situation are preventing European leaders from concentrating on growth and job creation; his views on the action needed to resolve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10584/12]
Considerable progress has been made in respect of Greece over the last number of weeks. For instance, its public debt has been restructured and a new programme of external financial assistance has been agreed. Putting Greece on a sustainable path is a key part of addressing the euro area crisis, and I do not agree that focusing on Greece has prevented European leaders from concentrating on growth and employment. This is evidence from the fact that an agenda for growth was agreed at the same time as the Stability Treaty — this is no accident and Ireland was among those seeking to ensure that the growth agenda moved in parallel.
Last year, a five-point strategy was agreed at European level in order to help resolve the euro area crisis, involving inter alia addressing the problems in the European banking system and tackling difficulties in individual Member States. It is my view that we need to vigorously implement this agreed approach to ensure that we continue to build on the progress made at European level over recent months.
121 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he will publish the instructions received from the troika in which the sale of €5 billion in State assets was expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12921/12]
As the Deputy is aware, following a series of discussions with the EU Commission/ECB/IMF (The Troika) on the matter, the Government achieved a significant breakthrough on how the proceeds of asset disposals are to be used. In return for committing to an asset disposal programme of up to €3bn, which is a more ambitious target than we had originally provided for in the Programme for Government, the Troika has agreed to the retention of one-third of the proceeds for reinvestment in the economy. My colleague the Minister for Public, Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin T.D., announced details of the disposal programme in February and work is now progressing on its implementation. The programme documents which were laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 14th February set out the commitments in this regard.
123 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if he discussed the growing credit crunch across the EU and the phenomenon of European banks depositing funds with the ECB rather than lending into the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13953/12]
The question of whether there is a credit crunch underway across Europe has been a subject of discussion in recent months, both at a European level and in wider public forums. This was largely the result of the sharp contraction in lending in the Eurozone during December. During this period of heightened stress, many financial institutions experienced great difficulty in raising funds in the inter-bank market, and subsequently there was a significant tightening of the credit supply to both companies and households. Following this contraction in December, the flow of credit in both January and February has markedly improved, due in large part to the European Central Bank's (ECB) Long Term Refinancing Operation (LTRO). Recently released figures by the ECB indicate that loans to households and companies increased significantly in January, while only falling slightly in February; the February figures failing to account for the second round of LTRO which was only released on the 29th of that month. These are signs of an improvement in lending across the Eurozone, and continuing attention will be focused on the situation in an effort to further improve lending conditions while banks continue to raise capital, deleverage assets and also to roll funding commitments.
As stated recently by Mario Draghi, President of the ECB, it is inaccurate to say that the liquidity is simply being deposited back in with ECB. The rise in the deposit facility is an accounting identity — as the ECB lends out more money which raise its assets, its liabilities must also increase by an equal amount. Additionally, the banks which have placed deposits with the ECB are not identical to the banks that drew down the funding, indicating that the liquidity provided is circulating throughout the system as intended. It is also important to note that the purpose of the LTRO was to maintain price stability across the Eurozone and to prevent the onset of a credit crunch. These efforts were taken to return confidence to the financial environment across Europe, and as stated by the ECB, it may take several months before the full impact of this additional liquidity becomes available to businesses and households.
124 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the recent signing of the European fiscal compact treaty; the links he believes there are between the signing of the treaty and a deal to restructure the Anglo promissory notes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13494/12]
The Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union was signed in Brussels on 1 March 2012 by the 25 Contracting Parties. As the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have consistently made clear, there is no link between the new Treaty and current consideration of the IBRC promissory notes. The two issues are entirely separate, and each must be advanced on its own merits.
125 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if the issue of the sale of distressed loans by the Irish banks or by the National Asset Management Agency was discussed with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping during his recent visit. [10760/12]
As the Deputy is aware the visit by the Chinese Vice President XI Jinping in February was a major opportunity to develop and expand relations with China. Discussions, which were generally at a high level, covered a wide range of proposals from the further development of a strategic partnership which would encourage greater levels of exchanges between Parliaments, Government Departments etc., to the extension of practical cooperation to the development of the role of the Joint Economic Commission etc. While the discussions did cover, in general terms, the development of investment and trade opportunities between the respective countries the sale of distressed loans by Irish banks or the National Asset Management Agency was not specifically discussed.
126 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of the memorandum of understanding signed in China on the recent trade mission; if he will not provide a copy of the memorandum of understanding, if he will explain the reason details of an international agreement being signed on behalf of the Irish people is not being made a available to representatives of the Irish people. [17995/12]
I am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) and CIC International, a subsidiary of China Investment Corporation, China's sovereign wealth fund, provides that the parties will seek to work together in exploring investment opportunities in Ireland. The MOU builds on the existing dialogue between the NTMA and CIC International, and provides a framework for future co-operation in terms of exchanging information and identifying suitable investment or co-investment opportunities for CIC in Ireland. The NTMA believes the MOU represents a major initiative for enhanced co-operation and engagement in areas of common interest. CIC International is a financial investor and seeks stable and sound financial returns over the long run. It believes the MOU will be of valuable assistance to it in identifying and assessing potential opportunities in Ireland.
As the MOU is a commercial agreement between the NTMA and CIC, the Deputy will appreciate that the details are confidential and commercially sensitive. Accordingly, having being advised by the NTMA, it is not proposed to make it publicly available.
127 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding twelve month returns from excise duties, month by month, on petroleum oil and diesel products; if he will advise the relationship in percentage and actual terms by litre of product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17997/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the excise receipts for the year 2011, month by month in respect of Petrol and Auto Diesel are as follows:
|
2011 |
Petrol |
Auto Diesel |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
Jan |
113.2 |
114.2 |
|
Feb |
79.6 |
87.5 |
|
Mar |
87.5 |
91.3 |
|
Apr |
86.0 |
89.4 |
|
May |
82.9 |
90.9 |
|
Jun |
83.0 |
90.2 |
|
Jul |
82.8 |
88.6 |
|
Aug |
85.2 |
95.1 |
|
Sep |
81.2 |
88.7 |
|
Oct |
79.5 |
90.2 |
|
Nov |
81.2 |
95.1 |
|
Dec |
49.7 |
57.2 |
|
Total |
992.0 |
1,078.3 |
Please note these receipts are provisional and may be subject to revision.
The relationship in percentage and actual terms by litre of product in respect of Petrol and Auto Diesel is shown in the following table:
|
Petrol |
Diesel |
|
|
Cent |
Cent |
|
|
Average Price per litre |
167.90 |
160.90 |
|
Excise per litre |
54.184 |
42.572 |
|
Excise as % of Average Price |
32.3% |
26.5% |
129 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Finance when a person (details supplied) in County Limerick may expect to receive information requested from the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18040/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a letter containing the information requested by the person was sent to him by Limerick Revenue District on 26 March 2012. An unavoidable delay arose in this case as, due to the age of the records requested, the information was not held locally and it was necessary to retrieve much of the detail from central archives.
130 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the tax credits available to those living or carrying out business in Gaeltacht areas; if income tax is payable on the income received by households for hosting students for Gaeltacht summer schools and camps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18041/12]
The position is that under section 216B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, income received by a qualified applicant under Sceim na bhFoghlaimeoiri Gaeilge is disregarded, i.e. exempt, for the purposes of the Income Tax Acts. That scheme is administered by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. There are no special tax credits that apply specifically to someone living in or carrying on a business in a Gaeltacht area.
131 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No 81 of 22 March 2012, when the meeting referred to in the question took place; where it took place; if any Government or Department of Finance representative was present at this meeting; if his Department was notified about the meeting; and if so the date of notification. [18046/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, notwithstanding State ownership of the institute in question, and as detailed in the Relationship Framework between the Department of Finance and IBRC published on 30 March 2012 on the Department's website, the Bank remains a separate economic unit with independent powers of decision and its Board and management team retain responsibility and authority for determining the Bank's strategy and commercial policies and conducting its day-to-day operations. However, IBRC has informed me that the meeting referred to in Parliamentary Question No81 of 22 March 2012, took place on 28 July 2011 at the offices of the Company referred to in the original question in London. No Government or Department of Finance representative was present and the Department of Finance would not have been advised of the meeting.
132 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the total cost so far to the Exchequer and to Irish persons of the bank bailout. [18087/12]
The bank recapitalisation commitments made by the State to date are set out in the following table:
|
AIB/EBS |
BoI |
IL&P |
IBRC (Anglo/INBS) |
Total |
|
|
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
|
|
Government preference Shares (2009) — NPRF |
3.5 |
3.5* |
— |
— |
7.0 |
|
Capital contributions (with Promissory Notes as consideration) / Special Investment Shares (2010) — Exchequer ** |
0.9 |
— |
— |
30.7 |
31.6 |
|
Ordinary Share Capital (2009) — Exchequer |
— |
— |
— |
4.0 |
4.0 |
|
Ordinary Share Capital (2010) — NPRF |
3.7 |
— |
— |
— |
3.7 |
|
Total pre-PCAR 2011 (A) |
8.1 |
3.5 |
0 |
34.7 |
46.3 |
|
PCAR 2011: |
|||||
|
Capital from Exchequer*** |
3.9 |
— |
2.7 |
— |
6.5 |
|
NPRF Capital |
8.8 |
1.2 |
— |
— |
10.0 |
|
Total PCAR (B) |
12.7 |
1.2 |
2.7 |
— |
16.5 |
|
Total Cost of Recap for State (A) and (B) |
20.7 |
4.7 |
2.7 |
34.7 |
62.8 |
*€1.7bn of BoI's government preference shares were converted to equity in May/June 2010 (€1.8bn still left in existence). The government also received €0.5bn from the warrants relating to BoI's preference shares (excluded from table above).
**The IBRC amount is made up of a total capital contribution for Anglo/INBS of €30.6bn and a special investment share of €0.1bn (INBS). The Anglo/INBS capital contribution impacted in full on the GGB in 2010. The consideration for the Anglo/INBS capital contribution was €30.6bn of promissory notes. These Promissory Notes are an amount due from the State to IBRC. Each year, on 31 March, €3.06bn is paid by the Exchequer to Anglo/INBS as part of the scheduled repayments of the promissory notes. The first such repayment was made on 31 March 2010.
***The Exchequer cost of the 2011 BoI recap is shown net of share sale to private investors (Completed in October, 2011)
Please note that these figures only represent the capital committed to recapitalising these institutions and they do not take account of revenues received directly or indirectly from the banks. It should also be noted that the total cost of the recapitalisations would have been significantly higher were it not for the burden sharing achieved with holders of subordinated debt in each of the institutions.
A total of €2,855.9 million has been received into the Exchequer to date in fees and interest accrued from the covered banks. This is made up of €763.7 million in respect of the Credit Institutions Financial Support Scheme (CIFS) which operated from 30 September 2008 to 29 September 2010, and €2,092.2 million in respect of the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee Scheme (ELG) which covers the period the participating institutions signed up to the scheme typically since February 2010 to end December 2011.
In addition, the State is committed to acquiring Irish Life for €1.3bn to complete the recapitalisation of Irish Life & Permanent. It is expected that the proceeds of an onward sale of Irish Life in due course will reduce the amount the State has committed to the bank recapitalisation.
133 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his plans to bring forward legislation to amend section 836 of the Tax Consolidation Act 1997 which provides for a tax deduction under section 114 of the Tax Consolidation Act 1997 in respect of the costs to Ministers of maintaining a second residence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18100/12]
The position is that neither the household charge of €100 per annum nor the non-principal private residence charge of €200 per annum are deductible expenses for the purposes of the dual abode tax deduction as provided for in section 836 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Therefore, as such charges are not tax deductible, there is no requirement to bring forward legislation to amend section 836 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
134 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if any senior bankers are in receipt of a total remuneration including salaries, pension contributions and other allowances which are in excess of €500,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18114/12]
I am informed by the respective covered institutions that the details that the Deputy seeks are set out in the recently published annual accounts for 2011 of the respective institutions. For ease of reference the relevant pages are:
|
Institution |
Pages |
|
Allied Irish Banks |
380 thru 384 |
|
Bank of Ireland |
157 thru 168 |
|
IBRC |
148 thru 153 |
|
IL&P |
60 thru 65 |
In addition to the information contained in the 2011 Annual Report, I am informed by Allied Irish Banks that there are three (3) other individuals who are in receipt of total remuneration including pension contribution of over €500,000 on the basis of pre-existing contracts. None of these individuals are in receipt of a base salary of over €500,000.
Previous Government policy on remuneration at the covered institutions was dictated initially by the recommendations of Covered Institutions Remuneration Oversight Committee. On foot of these recommendations the then Government decided to implement a base salary cap of €500,000 on senior executives. Consequent on the State's investment in AIB in December 2010 this policy was extended so that no employee may earn aggregate remuneration (excluding pension contributions) but including without limitation annual base salary, bonuses and variable pay components in excess of €500,000.
Following on the State's further investment in AIB, BoI and IL&P of Summer 2011, this policy — which is present Government policy — was amended further to state that no employee may receive total aggregate remuneration (excluding pension contributions) but including without limitation annual base salary, employment bonuses, commission payments and fringe benefits in excess of €500,000.
The Government's bona fides in this area have been honoured by the remuneration packages agreed recently for the respective Chief Executive Officer positions at AIB and Permanent Trustee Savings Bank being contained within these parameters.
When setting such thresholds, the Deputy will appreciate that cognisance has to be taken of the contractual situation of those employees already in situ. Accordingly, some individuals at the covered institutions are still in receipt of remuneration packages exceeding these limits on the basis of pre-existing contractual rights or having taken some reductions but still above the threshold. In instances such as these, there are provisions in the agreements underpinning the State's investment in the institutions that for a period of at least two years the remuneration of those individuals may not increase, unless otherwise required by law and any proposal to increase such persons remuneration after that time will be subject to agreement.
135 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who availed of the first time buyers’ exemption from stamp duty this past year on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18120/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of persons who availed of the Stamp Duty exemption for first time buyers was 2,220 in 2011. The necessary detailed data is not currently available in such a manner as to provide a basis for compiling a breakdown of the figures by county as requested by the Deputy. The Stamp Duty exemption for first time buyers was abolished in respect of instruments executed on or after 8 December 2010 subject to certain transitional arrangements applying up to 1 July 2011 in relation to binding contracts entered into prior to 8 December 2010.
136 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the level of State ownership or involvement in each of the Irish banks. [18122/12]
The current State investments in each of the Irish banks are set out in the following table:
|
Current State Ownership |
AIB/EBS |
BoI |
IL&P |
Anglo/INBS |
Total |
|
State Ownership of Ordinary Shares |
99.8% |
15.1% |
99.2% |
100% |
n/a |
|
Contingent Capital Notes (at cost) |
€1.6bn |
€1.0bn |
€0.4bn |
n/a |
3.0 |
|
Preference Shareholdings (at cost) |
€3.5bn |
€1.8bn |
n/a |
n/a |
5.3 |
These holdings have been raised as a result of the bank recapitalisation commitments made by the State to date, these are set out in the following table:
|
AIB/EBS |
BoI |
IL&P |
IBRC (Anglo/INBS) |
Total |
|
|
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
|
|
Government preference Shares (2009) — NPRF |
3.5 |
3.5* |
— |
— |
7.0 |
|
Capital contributions (with Promissory Notes as consideration) / Special Investment Shares (2010) — Exchequer ** |
0.9 |
— |
— |
30.7 |
31.6 |
|
Ordinary Share Capital (2009) — Exchequer |
— |
— |
— |
4.0 |
4.0 |
|
Ordinary Share Capital (2010) — NPRF |
3.7 |
— |
— |
— |
3.7 |
|
Total pre-PCAR 2011 (A) |
8.1 |
3.5 |
0 |
34.7 |
46.3 |
|
PCAR 2011: |
|||||
|
Capital from Exchequer*** |
3.9 |
— |
2.7 |
— |
6.5 |
|
NPRF Capital |
8.8 |
1.2 |
— |
— |
10.0 |
|
Total PCAR (B) |
12.7 |
1.2 |
2.7 |
— |
16.5 |
|
Total Cost of Recap for State (A) and (B) |
20.7 |
4.7 |
2.7 |
34.7 |
62.8 |
*€1.7bn of BoI's government preference shares were converted to equity in May/June 2010 (€1.8bn still left in existence). The government also received €0.5bn from the warrants relating to BoI's preference shares (excluded from table above).
**The IBRC amount is made up of a total capital contribution for Anglo/INBS of €30.6bn and a special investment share of €0.1bn (INBS). The Anglo/INBS capital contribution impacted in full on the GGB in 2010. The consideration for the Anglo/INBS capital contribution was €30.6bn of promissory notes. These Promissory Notes are an amount due from the State to IBRC. Each year, on 31 March, €3.06bn is paid by the Exchequer to Anglo/INBS as part of the scheduled repayments of the promissory notes. The first such repayment was made on 31 March 2010.
***The Exchequer cost of the 2011 BoI recap is shown net of share sale to private investors (Completed in October, 2011)
Please note that these figures only represent the capital committed to recapitalising these institutions and they do not take account of revenues received directly or indirectly from the banks. It should also be noted that the total cost of the recapitalisations would have been significantly higher were it not for the burden sharing achieved with holders of subordinated debt in each of the institutions.
137 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the public interest directors on the boards of the each of the Irish banks; and if he will provide a breakdown of the fees, salaries and expenses they receive for their position on the boards of these banks. [18123/12]
Information regarding the remuneration of directors, including public interest directors, can be found in the published annual reports of each of the covered institutions, as follows:
|
Bank |
Directors’ Remuneration Report |
Public Interest Directors |
Fees 2011 € |
|
AIB |
From p380 of Annual Report 2011 |
Mr Dick Spring |
59,000 |
|
Mr Declan Collier |
71,000 |
||
|
Dr Michael Somers* |
150,000 |
||
|
BOI |
From p160 of Annual Report 2011 |
Mr Tom Considine |
90,000 |
|
From p60 of Annual Report 2011 |
Mr Joe Walsh |
79,000 |
|
|
ILP |
Ms Margaret Hayes |
64,000 |
|
|
Mr Ray MacSharry |
56,000 |
*Dr Somers is a Government Nominee (not a public interest director) appointed on 14 January 2010 under the terms of NPRFC's investment of €3.5bn in AIB of May 2009. Dr. Somers is Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Board Risk Committee and is paid a non-pensionable flat fee of € 150,000 per annum which includes remuneration for other services as a director of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
138 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether there has been a reduction in the value of the National Assets Management Agency or its debtors’ assets that can be prescribed to NAMA approving rent abatements. [18124/12]
I am advised by NAMA that rent abatements have typically been agreed for an initial fixed period of no more than twelve months and that thereafter they are subject to ongoing assessment by reference to factors such as turnover and business profitability. The objective of agreeing rent abatement in the first instance is to support the short-term viability of a business which is intrinsically viable but experiencing difficulties arising from current economic conditions. In cases where there is genuine hardship which can be ameliorated by rent abatement, NAMA achieves two significant benefits. Firstly, it helps preserve the value of the collateral supporting its loans by ensuring that tenants remain in business and continue thereby to generate rental income. Secondly, it safeguards jobs and economic activity in general.
Any short-term loss of rental income arising from rent abatement and any short term decrease in the value of the asset where there is rent abatement, therefore, is likely to be more than offset by these long-term benefits.
139 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost to the Exchequer if a National Asset Management Agency type scheme were to be brought in for mortgage holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18126/12]
The Government is fully aware of significant difficulties some homeowners are facing in meeting their mortgage obligations and it is committed to advancing appropriate measures to assist those mortgage holders who are experiencing real and genuine difficulty. These include measures recommended in the "Keane Report" such as significant personal insolvency reform, the implementation of "mortgage to rent" as a social housing response, Central Bank engagement with individual mortgage lenders on their mortgage arrears resolution strategies and the development and provision by lenders of specific solutions to assist their customers experiencing mortgage difficulty and the provision of a mortgage advisory function. While the Government and the Troika are in ongoing contact on the further measures the Irish banking system and the State could deploy to further enhance the stability of the banking sector, there are currently no specific proposals under active consideration for a measure, along the lines adopted in respect of the National Asset Management Agency, to specifically provide direct assistance to mortgage holders experiencing difficulty meeting their mortgage obligations. Accordingly, given the significant number of variables that would have to be considered and decided if such a proposal was envisaged, it is not possible to provide an estimate of the potential cost to the Exchequer of such a proposal at this time.
140 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance with regard to an announcement by AIB in April 2011 regarding future job losses and to subsequent discussions with AIB regarding a redundancy package for AIB employees, when he expects these discussion to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18137/12]
199 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who are to be made redundant from AIB; if these redundancies will be voluntary or compulsory; the terms of redundancy on offer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19032/12]
202 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the level of contact he has had with AIB in relation to future redundancies at the bank; the number of such redundancies and the redundancy package being made available to staff; his views on whether ordinary bank officials would be the ones to pay for the reckless behaviour of senior executives many of whom have already left the bank with generous golden handshakes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19083/12]
204 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if early retirement schemes will form part of the redundancy packages at AIB as was the case recently with the Health Service Executive; if the AIB pension scheme is in a fit state to cover early retirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19085/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140, 199, 202 and 204 together.
The Deputies will be aware that AIB, as part of its announcement of 8th March 2012 of a voluntary severance programme, stated "as required under the bank's partnership principles with IBOA, a consultation process will begin immediately with trade union representatives." It went on to state that "AIB will not be making any further public comment until the consultation process with staff representatives is concluded." As these discussions are continuing, with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commissions, the Deputies will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment directly on some of the issues raised in these questions which form part of these negotiations.
In any of my public pronouncements on the issue, I have been at pains to point out that all parties involved in this most sensitive of issues for individuals need to be treated with utmost consideration and respect and this most certainly includes the State which have contributed in excess of €20bn to the bank.
It is deeply regrettable, for all concerned, that the proposed action of shedding some 2,500 jobs has had to be taken but it is an inevitable consequence of the necessary restructuring of the banking system to render it fit to better serve personal and business customers throughout the economy.
141 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the fees paid to professional advisors by the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation in each of the years since the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank up to the present day; and the total amount paid to each advisor each year. [18161/12]
The IBRC have informed me that all details relating to engagements between IBRC and individual third party advisors are confidential and subject to non-disclosure agreements. As a result, the Bank cannot disclose any information in this regard.
142 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if any of the legal firms advising the National Asset Management Agency is also advising any individuals or companies which are engaging in litigation against NAMA. [18202/12]
I am advised by NAMA that it has established three panels of legal firms to advise it on various aspects its business, including legal due diligence associated with the loan acquisition process, enforcement and corporate legal services. In view of the relatively small size of the Irish legal sector, it is possible that some of these firms also provide services to individuals or companies whose interests could include litigation against NAMA. I am advised that large professional firms typically work for a variety of clients and operate procedures to ensure that potential or actual conflicts of interest are identified and managed. Measures taken by firms include the creation of ethical barriers, more commonly referred to as Chinese Walls, between different divisions of a firm to avoid conflicts of interest. Any professional services firm which supplies services to NAMA is under a continuing obligation to notify NAMA of any potential or actual conflict of interest that may arise.
Section 45 of the NAMA Act 2009 deals with professional standards in the provision of services to NAMA by expert advisers and service providers and I am assured by NAMA that this is being complied with. NAMA have also advised me that it is satisfied that in all cases involving the provision of such services potential conflicts of interest have been avoided or have been appropriately managed.
143 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he believes a conflict of interest arises in view of the fact that a legal firm is representing persons (details supplied) in relation to matters currently before the courts in England. [18203/12]
I am advised by the bank that the company referred to in the question did not act for two of the parties to the proceedings in the High Court in London at all. In relation to the remaining party, the company did advise on certain aspects only. The company in question is not acting for the State (or State owned entity) in relation to this matter and therefore no conflict of interest can arise.
144 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if all contracts for professional services entered into by the National Assets Management Agency and IBRC are open to public tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18204/12]
NAMA as a contracting authority is subject to the European Communities (Award of Public Authorities' Contracts) Regulations 2006 and therefore applies these rules when seeking to enter public contracts. I am advised by NAMA that for any contracts that fall outside the scope of the Regulations, the Agency adopts a competitive process designed to achieve value for money. I am advised by IBRC that it has an established, Board approved, Group Procurement Policy in accordance with best practice, which observes certain procurement requirements insofar as is practicable given the commercial realities of a bank. This Group Procurement Policy necessitates that once a requirement to award a contract for a good or service has been identified, and once an approved budgetary provision has been established, the requirement should go through a formal procurement process. IBRC is not subject to legal obligations in respect of public procurement. I am advised by IBRC that it has taken legal advice on this matter.
145 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the number of the top 50 executives in Anglo Irish Bank at the time of the bank guarantee in 2008 that remain in situ today. [18205/12]
Since nationalisation there has been an extensive re-structuring of the governance and management of IBRC. As of today, none of the current executive or non-executive directors of the Bank were involved with the Bank prior to nationalisation. None of the direct reports into the Group Chief Executive, Mike Aynsley, were direct reports to the previous Chief Executive at the end of 2008. In addition, of the 50 most senior people employed pre-nationalisation, 34 have since left the Bank.
146 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance given the news that our banking debt has risen to €63.7 billion, his views on whether the total debt will continue to grow month upon month to an impossible high that generations will not be able to pay and whether the debt may become completely unsustainable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18225/12]
It is the case that our General Government debt to GDP ratio has increased significantly in recent years. This is due to a combination of the sharp downturn in economic activity since 2007, four years of large budget deficits and the significant level of State support that it has been necessary to provide to the banking sector. Budget 2012 estimated the end-2011 General Government debt to GDP ratio at 107 per cent. By contrast, at end-2007, the ratio was just 25 per cent. Since 2009, the State has injected a gross sum of approximately €64 billion into the banking sector, equivalent to just over 40 per cent of 2011 GDP.
It must be borne in mind however that close to €21 billion of this was provided from the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) and so had no direct effect on General Government debt.
In addition, receipts from the fees for the Bank Guarantee, which amount to just under €2.9 billion so far, as well as a further €1 billion in Exchequer receipts from the sale of the part of the NPRF shareholding in Bank of Ireland have helped to mitigate this gross cost somewhat.
While acknowledging that the State's debt level is currently very high and has increased significantly over the last four years, in part due to the requirement to support the banking sector, the Government is implementing policies which both consolidate the budgetary position and foster economic growth. Stabilising the debt is one of Government's key policy objectives. It is my view that our debt is sustainable provided the correct policies are followed and implemented.
The Deputy will also be aware that in terms of banking related debt, the Government is keen to examine what can be done to lessen the impact on the sovereign of debt resulting from the banking crisis. A key part of this is to find the most cost effective way of resolving IBRC over the medium term. In this regard, technical discussions between officials are ongoing at present in relation to the IBRC Promissory Notes.
Budget 2012 estimated that the General Government debt to GDP ratio would increase further this year and next, peaking at just under 120 per cent in 2013, before declining to around 115 per cent by 2015. A revised estimated 2011 General Government debt outturn as well as updated forecasts for the period 2012-2015 will be contained in the forthcoming Stability Programme Update which will be published before the end of April.
147 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners will accept an instalment offer of arrears of tax from a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [18231/12]
This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. The Deputy will be aware from previous representations in this matter that the tax debt in question arose from invalid repayment claims submitted by the person concerned. Revenue views this very seriously and given the circumstances giving rise to the debt and notwithstanding the personal circumstances of the person concerned, there will have to be a significant payment towards the debt and Revenue will have to be assured that any balance, with interest, will be paid in full over a reasonable timescale. I am advised by Revenue that in that context therefore, the offer recently made to them is entirely unacceptable.
148 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of total VAT revenue derived from the sale of livestock to which the livestock rate applied since 2007 and for each year individually since 2007. [18248/12]
150 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of total VAT revenue derived from the sale of goods to which the standard VAT rate applied since 2007 and for each year individually since 2007. [18250/12]
151 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of total VAT revenue derived from the sale of goods to which the reduced VAT rate applied since 2007 and for each year individually since 2007. [18251/12]
152 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of total VAT revenue derived from the sale of goods to which the second reduced VAT rate applied since 2007 and for each year individually since 2007. [18254/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148, 150, 151 and 152 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the data captured from VAT returns is not maintained in such a way as to provide a basis for compiling the detailed information sought by the Deputy. It is, therefore, not possible to separately identify the details relating to the percentage of VAT yield contributed by the categories specified in the questions.
149 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of total VAT revenue derived from the sale of goods to which the farmers’ flat rate addition applied since 2007 and for each year individually since 2007. [18249/12]
The farmers' flat rate addition is an administrative simplification scheme provided for under the EU VAT Directive that allows farmers to collect an addition of 5.2% on their sales, through the VAT system, as an alternative to having to register for VAT. The addition percentage is calculated annually by the CSO and the Revenue Commissioners in accordance with EU guidelines, to reflect the amount due tofarmers had they been registered for VAT. In this respect, as the farmers' flat rate scheme is administrative only, VAT revenue does not accrue to the State from the scheme.
153 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on consultations which the National Treasury Management Agency is having with staff on salaries in excess of €200,000 to reduce their pay. [18260/12]
I have been informed by the National TreasuryManagement Agency (NTMA) that all fifteen NTMA employees whose salaries exceed €200,000 have agreed to my request that they waive 15% of salary or such amount of salary as exceeds €200,000 if application of the full 15% reduction would bring their salary to below €200,000. I would like to acknowledge the positive response to my request of the NTMA employees concerned.
154 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance under what section of the National Assets Management Agency Act is NAMA undertaking to re-finance the €3.06 billion sovereign bond issued to IBRC. [18268/12]
On 29 March 2012 a direction was issued by me under section 14 of the NAMA Act 2009. It directed that NAMA adopt all reasonable measures to facilitate the short-term financing, in the amount of circa €3.060 billion, of Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Limited. This was to be achieved by entering a transaction on appropriate commercial terms, collateralised by an appropriate Irish Government bond with a maximum duration of 90 days. The power of NAMA to engage in this transaction is provided for in section 12(2)(R) of the NAMA Act 2009. A copy of this direction was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on the same day. I am satisfied that this transaction is necessary for the achievement of the purposes of the Act and that it is within the existing powers and functions of NAMA. The relevant purposes are those set out Section 2(B) of the NAMA Act 2009 and in particular subparagraphs (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (vii).
155 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter regarding tax relief (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18275/12]
The position is as I stated in my Budget day speech, that the new measure fulfils the Government's commitment contained in its Programme for Government to increase the rate of Mortgage Interest Relief to 30 per cent for first-time buyers who took out their first mortgage in the period 2004 to 2008. This was the period during which house prices peaked. I have sought to be as flexible as possible within the constraints pertaining. Under the current tax legislation Mortgage Interest Relief is granted from the date the first mortgage interest payment is made. The legislation has been amended for this particular measure to also include mortgage draw-down as a qualifying event for the rate increase. This means that a mortgage holder will qualify for the increased rate if they made their first mortgage interest payment in the period 2004 to 2008 or if they drew down their mortgage in that period.
Unfortunately, based on the information provided, the person in question does not qualify for the increased rate of relief. However, he should still continue to qualify for the current rates of relief for first-time buyers. It should be noted that Mortgage Interest Relief is set to be abolished at the end of 2017.
As with all time limited reliefs, there will always be people who just miss out, and that is why I have been as flexible as possible with the legislation. However, I do not intend to extend the parameters of the measure any further as it would become less targeted and more costly.
156 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding taxation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [18277/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, following clarification, the course concerned, a Higher Diploma in Science and Computing, is a post graduate course and qualifies for relief under section 473A Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that relief for the fees paid has now been granted to the person concerned.
157 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance the regulations in place by the banking sector in the use of private firms to carry out the repossessions of machinery and vehicles; and if strict regulations and vetting are applied to the staff of these companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18282/12]
The Central Bank has informed me that it does not regulate the outsourcing by regulated financial service providers of any functions in relation to the repossession of machinery and vehicles. In terms of any type of agreement between the banking sector and outsourcing firms I wish to advise the deputy that the Relationship Frameworks with the banks provide that the State will not intervene in the day-to-day operations of the banks or their management decisions and it is a matter for the respective individual boards and management to determine and implement operational policy in their organisations.
158 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance since 2008,if there have been any pay cuts implemented for staff at IBRC formerly Anglo Irish Bank, the extent of any such cuts; if there have not been any reductions, his views on whether adjustments should be considered by management at the bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18323/12]
I am advised by the institution that a 20% reduction was applied to the salaries of senior management in the former Anglo Irish Bank immediately post nationalisation. These adjusted lower salaries have remained in place in the organisation for subsequent replacements to those roles. I am further advised that the total remuneration paid to the top 50 individuals in the organisation in 2009 has reduced by 15% as at March 2012. In addition, total staff costs in the organisation have reduced by 48% from end 2008 to end 2011; this includes 6 months of additional cost resulting from the merger with INBS in 2011.
I understand that further reductions in pay levels for individual staff in IBRC (the entity tasked with winding down the former Anglo Irish Bank and INBS) have been considered by the Directors of the Bank and a decision has been reached not to implement cuts at this time. The Bank informs me that this decision not to pursue further pay cuts was based on the reality that staff retention is a critical issue for IBRC and is subject to review in the light of changing circumstances. I understand from the Bank that since nationalisation there has been a 60% reduction in total headcount in the combined Anglo Irish Bank and INBS organisations from close to 2,250 in January 2009 to 919 today.
It should also be noted that IBRC does not operate a performance based incentive plan to retain individuals throughout the remaining wind down period of the entity.
I am informed by the Bank that staff members are being regularly headhunted by banks and other organisations because of their particular and often unique skills in asset recovery. The skills of those individuals who stay with IBRC during its remaining life are integral to the successful delivery of the Bank's asset recovery programme on behalf of the State and, by extension, the taxpayer.
159 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance if he will direct Permanent TSB to come to a resolution with a person (details supplied) to allow them to continue to operate on a site until a new site can be found. [18329/12]
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. It is a matter for the individual board and management to determine and implement operational policy in their organisation. Therefore, such matters are solely a decision for the bank. I have no role in the day-to-day commercial and operational decisions of the banks, which include these matters.
160 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance in view of the fact that he is aware of the numbers of companies that are going into liquidation which are otherwise unregulated in the bill payment or debt management services, his plans or proposals to bring in the necessary legislation to prevent very often vulnerable elderly persons (details supplied) and persons of meagre incomes being victims of these companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18332/12]
The Government is committed to having in place an effective regulatory/supervisory system for those firms which provide a household budgeting, a debt management and/or a debt advice service. I have asked my officials to bring forward proposals for an appropriate amendment at the Committee Stage of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill 2011 to provide for this regime.
In relation to the details supplied in the Deputy's question, I have been informed by the Central Bank that a provisional liquidator has been appointed to the company concerned. It will be a matter for the liquidator to establish the amounts owed to customers and to distribute any available monies accordingly.
161 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has received all of their entitlements in regard to the mortgage payment on his home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18359/12]
As I have stated previously, all matters in relation to the administration of mortgage interest relief through the tax relief at source (TRS) system are matters for the Revenue Commissioners. On that basis I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, based on the information available to them, the person concerned has received the full relief to which he is entitled.
162 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) with a small farm, needs to keep accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18367/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a person carrying on a business is required, under section 886 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, to keep all records that are required to ensure that a full and detailed tax return can be made. The section also requires that the records be kept on a continuous and consistent basis so that they are not written-up from memory retrospectively or selectively. I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that on making an annual tax return a person is required to provide extracts from the business accounts for the accounting period which forms the basis year to which the tax return relates.
In the absence of such accounts a person would not be in a position to complete the return form in the required manner. In general, business accounts include a trading and capital account together with a balance sheet. However, in the case of a small trader, as for example in the circumstances outlined, an income and expenditure account would suffice, providing it contains the information required to be included on the tax return.
Although the accounts need not be submitted with the return, they must be retained (together with supporting documentation) for six years as they may be requested by Revenue for the purpose of an assurance check or an audit.
163 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the disabled drivers and passengers tax relief scheme (details supplied). [18390/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that as the limits prescribed under Section 9 (€9,525), Section 11 (€15,875) and Section 13 (€15,875) of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations (S.I. 353 of 1994) relate to the VRT and VAT paid on a vehicle, there are no provisions whereby additional VRT or VAT may be repaid in excess of these limits. However, if the prescribed limits have not been reached in full on the vehicle and the vehicle is subsequently purchased by another "qualifying person", any VAT paid on the transaction will be refunded to the "qualifying person" subject to the limits outlined above. Where a vehicle has obtained full relief or the prescribed limits have been reached under the relevant provisions and the vehicle is subsequently purchased by another "qualifying person" for their use the vehicle still qualifies for relief from motor tax and the fuel rebate.
164 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance the amount he estimates is lost in revenue to the Irish Exchequer through the illegal tobacco trade here; the estimated loss in each of the years from 2005 to 2011; the most recent studies or data available to him on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18489/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax, and for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco, that there is no internationally recognised method for precisely determining the amount of tax lost as a result of the illicit trade in cigarettes. However, a survey commissioned by Revenue and the Office of Tobacco Control in 2009 estimated that 20% of cigarettes consumed in the State had not been taxed in this jurisdiction. This figure was further broken down as 14% illicit product and 6% legally imported by passengers arriving into the State from other jurisdictions. A similar survey in the last quarter of 2010 confirmed these estimates. A further survey has now been completed and the results will be published shortly. Based on the estimate of 14%, the loss to the exchequer from illicit cigarette consumption during 2009 and 2010 would be in the region of €250m (excise duty + VAT), per year. The Revenue Commissioners inform me that Revenue loss estimates are not available for the period 2005 to 2008 as there were no such surveys commissioned in respect of those years.
I am aware of a number of other studies on the extent of the consumption of illicit cigarettes in Ireland, including those conducted by or on behalf of KPMG, the Irish Tobacco Manufacturers Advisory Committee (ITMAC) and the Irish Heart Foundation. Revenue has assured me that they are confident that the findings of the annual surveys, which are conducted independently by a third party market research company on behalf of both Revenue and the Office of Tobacco Control (now the National Tobacco Control Office) are robust. These surveys specifically differentiate between illicit cigarettes and legal non — Irish tax paid cigarettes.
165 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance if he will establish an inter-departmental committee to develop a national strategy to tackle the illicit tobacco trade and monitor its implementation; if such an inter-departmental committee has ever been established on this issue before through his Department; if so, if he will provide an update on its work programme and outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18490/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the Revenue Commissioners are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax, and for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco. The Commissioners inform me that they regard the tackling of the illicit tobacco trade as a high priority area. The strategy employed by Revenue to tackle this illicit trade is multi-faceted. It includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, ongoing review of operational policies, development of analytics and detection technologies, optimum deployment of resources at point of importation and inland, in order to intercept the contraband product and to prosecute those involved. Interception at the point of importation is achieved through a combination of risk analysis, profiling, intelligence, and the screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and postal packages. Revenue enforcement officers also target this illicit trade at the post-importation level by carrying out intelligence-based operations and random checks at retail outlets, markets and private and commercial premises. In July 2010, Revenue launched a series of nationwide tobacco ‘blitz'-type operations, which concentrated additional Revenue resources at ports, airports and at various inland retail points, including markets for the purpose of identifying illicit tobacco products. To date, Revenue has conducted nine such national tobacco blitz operations resulting in the seizure of 34.6m cigarettes and 1,715 kgs of tobacco.
Revenue carries out regular multi-agency operations, particularly in relation to large maritime importations and in checks at inland markets and also works closely with the European Anti-Fraud Office, OLAF, in their efforts at tackling the illicit sale of tobacco at an international level. Revenue also provides, and receives, intelligence from other Customs Administrations. This international cooperation, and sharing of intelligence and expertise plays an important role in combating illegal tobacco smuggling on the global level.
In 2011, a total of 109.1m cigarettes with a retail value of €45.95m and 11,159 kgs of tobacco with a retail value of €4m were seized by Revenue. In addition to this Revenue obtained one hundred and three convictions relating to cigarette smuggling, with fines of €136,300 imposed and thirty-one custodial sentences, of which twenty-one were suspended. There were a further fifty-seven convictions relating to the sale of unstamped tobacco products with fines of €115,850 imposed and fourteen custodial sentences, of which seven were suspended. The Revenue Commissioners have established a high level internal group, chaired at Commissioner level, to examine the risks related to tobacco products tax evasion and to oversee and optimise the detection of contraband and counterfeit tobacco products. This group has promoted a number of initiatives aimed at counteracting the illicit trade in tobacco. These include the adoption of a comprehensive tobacco strategy, which is underpinned by annual action plans. This 3-year (2011-2013) strategy, which is published on Revenue's website www.revenue.ie, includes a number of programmes, which are designed to complement each other in targeting the supply and demand sides of the market for contraband tobacco in Ireland.
Revenue's strategic level plans include the taking of steps to ensure that the legitimate trade remains compliant, delivering more effective and visible interventions through enhanced capability and better deployment of its resources, further development of cooperation and intelligence sharing at organisational, national and international level, a commitment to prosecute all serious cases of tobacco tax evasion and a focus, in partnership with other Government agencies, on reducing the demand for contraband tobacco.
Revenue works closely with the legitimate tobacco industry, including individual manufacturers and ITMAC, to identify current trends and trading patterns with a view to identifying illicit cigarettes on sale in the State. Periodic meetings are held between ITMAC and representatives from the three Revenue Divisions involved in policy, collection and enforcement of tobacco taxes. There is also close co-operation and sharing of information between Revenue and the Office of Tobacco Control, which is an office of the Department of Health. Revenue also works closely with An Garda Síochana through established and effective channels of communication and joins forces with them in multi-agency operations, where appropriate.
Legally binding agreements have been signed between the European Commission and member states (including Ireland) on the one hand and the four major global tobacco manufacturers on the other, with the objective of instituting formal cooperation arrangements to combat cigarette and tobacco smuggling. The manufacturers include Philip Morris International (PMI), Japan Tobacco International (JTI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and Imperial Tobacco Ltd. (ITL). The agreements include the provision of enhanced support to European law enforcement bodies in the battle against the illegal trade in tobacco products. This support also includes the testing on request of selected seized tobacco products to establish whether they are genuine or counterfeit. Under these agreements, the four tobacco manufacturers appear before representatives of the European Commission and the member states on an annual basis to report on the progress of the agreed cooperation commitments.
I am satisfied with the extensive interaction, communication and co-operation already undertaken by Revenue in relation to tobacco smuggling and I am also satisfied that Revenue is willing to pursue additional worthwhile measures to tackle the illicit tobacco trade. Nevertheless, I will ask my officials to consider whether the proposed committee would add in practice to the fight against tobacco smuggling.
166 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to claim for health expenses in respect of 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18516/12]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that as the individual concerned did not pay income tax for 2010 or 2011 he is not entitled to claim for health expenses for those years. The Inspector advised the person concerned of the position by letter on 22 November 2011.
168 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance the number of written Parliamentary Questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicted that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18596/12]
In response to the Deputy's question some 1,102 written Parliamentary Questions were replied to in the period 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012. In the vast majority of cases the answers were provided in full. However, in a small number of cases the information requested by the Deputy was not available in the time allowed for a response to be given and the information was subsequently forwarded directly to the Deputy. Details of the responses given to the written PQ's answered by my Department can be found using the following link: http://debates.oireachtas.ie/dail/2012/
169 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance if Ireland is paying any levy to the European Commission as a result of the State charging VRT on imported vehicles. [18626/12]
Ireland is not paying any levy to the European Commission as a result of the State charging VRT on imported goods.
170 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide, in tabular form, the names and salaries of all his special advisors including special advisors of Ministers of State and any salary increases they have received since they took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18638/12]
171 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide, in tabular form, details of all salary increases for special advisors requested by him or any Ministers of State in his Department; the names of the advisors and the amount requested and a list of salary increases granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18655/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 171 together.
I have appointed Mary Kenny and Eoin Dorgan as special advisors. The salary for both special advisors has been €83,337 per annum since their appointment. No salary increases have been requested in respect of either appointment.
172 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance when his attention was drawn to the decision of IBRC to write off €100 million owed to it by a company (details supplied); if he sought an explanation from IBRC in relation to this move; if he supports this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18679/12]
IBRC have informed me that KPMG Corporate Finance and Davy Corporate Finance ran a joint sales process to sell the company referred to in the question which was in severe financial difficulties and was unable to service or pay back its loans to IBRC. The sale process was initiated by the company referred to in the question and overseen by a subcommittee of the Board of that company. The sale process involved two stages and IBRC was briefed after each stage. The Board of the company referred to in the question, as advised by KPMG Corporate Finance and Davy Corporate Finance, recommended the successful bid as representing the best return for IBRC. The Board of the Bank are satisfied that this is the case.
173 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of VAT receipts collected in each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 in respect of the sale of petrol and diesel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18686/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated VAT receipts for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and the first three months of 2012 in respect of the sale of petrol and diesel is as follows:
|
Year |
VAT (Estimated) |
|
€m |
|
|
2007 |
465.2 |
|
2008 |
485.9 |
|
2009 |
419.0 |
|
2010 |
438.8 |
|
2011 |
459.0 |
|
2012 |
120.0 |
|
Year |
VAT (Estimated) |
|
€m |
|
|
2007 |
57.0 |
|
2008 |
64.6 |
|
2009 |
49.4 |
|
2010 |
55.5 |
|
2011 |
62.0 |
|
2012 |
17.0 |
Please note that the VAT receipts are estimated, as the VAT returns do not require the yield from a particular sector or sub-sector of trade to be identified and the actual VAT yield for each year on petroleum and auto diesel products cannot therefore be provided.
174 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance the rationale for the lone parent tax credit; the reason this credit is no longer paid when the parents enter into a cohabiting relationship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18687/12]
The one-parent family allowance was introduced in the late 1970's and replaced the housekeeper allowance which was available to certain one-parent families. The original underlying objective of the relief was to support labour market participation of single and widowed parents and to provide a means of support to those families. The one-parent family allowance was converted into a tax credit in 2001. A single person, whether widowed, a surviving civil partner, single, separated or divorced or formerly in a civil partnership which has been dissolved and with a dependent child or children may, subject to compliance with the conditions governing the credit, be entitled to claim the One-Parent Family Tax Credit and an extended standard rate tax band that is €4,000 per annum greater than the single standard rate tax band of €32,800. The value of the credit is €1,650 per annum. The One-Parent Family Tax Credit, where due, is given in addition to the basic personal tax credits. The One-Parent Family Tax Credit, therefore, provides individuals who are in one-parent family situation with the same basic personal tax credits as both a married couple, or a couple in a civil partnership, who are living together.
To qualify for the tax credit and the extended standard rate tax band, a qualifying child must be resident with the individual claiming the credit and that individual must not be living with his or her spouse or civil partner or cohabiting with another person.
The tax credit is not available to cohabiting persons. The reason the credit is withdrawn where parents enter into a cohabiting relationship is because they do not meet the policy objective of the measure, namely, to provide additional support for single parent families in order to promote labour market participation.
175 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance the range of tax credits available for married couples with children; if these tax credits differ from those available to cohabiting couples with children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18688/12]
The tax credits and allowances available to married couples with children (including civil partners with children) are as follows (it is to be noted that these credits and allowances, apart from the home carer's credit, are available regardless of whether or not the person is married, if the person meets the qualifying criteria):—
Incapacitated child tax credit— This is available in respect of a child who is permanently incapacitated by reason of physical or mental infirmity, or if over 18 was so incapacitated before reaching age 21 or was in full-time education at the time of the incapacity.
Home carer’s tax credit— This is available to married persons and civil partners who are jointly assessed and where one spouse or civil partner works at home to care for children, the aged or incapacitated persons.
Employed person taking care of incapacitated individual— This is available where a person is employed to take care of a family member who is totally incapacitated by physical or mental infirmity.
Medical expenses relief— Qualifying health expenses incurred by an individual in respect of a child qualify for tax relief.
Medical insurance relief— Relief is allowed in respect of qualifying premiums for health insurance paid in respect of a dependant child.
Relief for the long-term unemployed (known as “Revenue job assist”)— Additional relief is allowed on a tapering basis in respect of each qualifying child over a 3-year period of claim.
The tax credits and reliefs available to married persons with children, as set out above (with the exception of home carer's tax credit), do not differ to those available to cohabitating couples with children.
176 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Finance his views on the latest figures released by the Central Bank which show that lending to both householders and businesses has continued to decline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18691/12]
As the Deputy is aware, the banking system restructuring plan creates capacity for the two Pillar Banks, Bank of Ireland and AIB, to provide lending in excess of €30 billion in the next three years. SME and new mortgage lending for these banks is expected to be in the range of €16-20 billion over this period. This lending capacity is incorporated into the banks' deleveraging plans which allow for repayment of Central Bank funding through asset run-off and disposals over the period to 2013. The Government has imposed lending targets on the two domestic pillar banks for the three calendar years, 2011 to 2013. Both banks were required to sanction lending of at least €3 billion in 2011, €3.5 billion this year and €4 billion in 2013 for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs. Both have indicated that they have achieved their 2011 targets. The pillar banks are required to submit their lending plans to the Department and the Credit Review Office (CRO) at the beginning of each year, outlining how they intend to achieve their lending targets. The banks also meet with the Department and the CRO on a quarterly basis to discuss progress.
I would accept that the amounts sanctioned by the banks are but one measure of the provision of credit. However these amounts are within the control of the banks themselves and are therefore an appropriate target for the banks. The targets are kept under constant review in the context of levels of economic activity.
Data provided by the Central Bank indicates that the drawdown of new lending by non-financial SMEs from credit institutions in Ireland was €3.1 billion in 2011. Figures for the equivalent period in 2010 show drawdowns of €3 billion. Excluding SMEs in the property related sectors these figures show drawdowns of new lending of €2.2 billion in 2011, roughly equal to amounts drawn down in 2010.
I would point out that the drawdown of funding is at the discretion of the borrower. There are many factors affecting whether or not funding is drawn down, such as changes in market conditions or company restructuring. The recent Mazars Survey of SME Lending, conducted on behalf of my Department, found that the most frequently cited reason for not availing of approved credit was ‘not needed at present time'.
With regard to the decline in lending to households, Irish households have been reducing their levels of debt since early 2009. In the years preceding the financial crisis, Irish household debt as a percentage of disposable income increased to become one of the highest levels in Europe. As some commentators have noted, including the IMF in their most recent World Economic Outlook, high levels of debt can impede economic recovery. Households can be more susceptible to distress from increasing interest rates and declining incomes. In more recent years Irish households have recorded a greater percentage decrease in debt than any other European country. This is as a result of increased repayment of loans and more consumer reliance on current income rather than credit to fund purchases. This is normal behaviour by households in declining economic circumstances and the expectation is that Irish households will continue to reduce their debt levels over the next number of years.
I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the latest quarterly mortgage lending data, published by the IBF, which shows the number of new mortgages increased for three consecutive quarters in 2011. Whilst the number of new mortgages is significantly below peak levels, this is the first time since Q4 2005 that the number of new mortgages has increased in three consecutive quarters and suggests some tentative signs of stabilisation in the mortgage market.
177 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the status of the additional €24 billion needed for Irish banks as a result of the stress tests in early 2011; if the funding has been paid to any Irish bank and if so, the percentage that is being used to provide write-downs for personal and commercial debt and the percentage for boosting reserves at the banks; if he intends to formulate an adequate credit policy which will give a clear direction to the banks on personal and commercial debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18719/12]
The bank recapitalisation commitments made by the State to date are set out in the following table:
|
€bn |
AIB/EBS |
BoI |
IL&P |
IBRC (Anglo/INBS) |
Total |
|
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
|
|
Government preference Shares (2009) — NPRF |
3.5 |
3.5* |
— |
— |
7.0 |
|
Capital contributions (with Promissory Notes as consideration) /Special Investment Shares (2010) — Exchequer ** |
0.9 |
— |
— |
30.7 |
31.6 |
|
Ordinary Share Capital (2009) — Exchequer |
— |
— |
— |
4.0 |
4.0 |
|
Ordinary Share Capital (2010) — NPRF |
3.7 |
— |
— |
— |
3.7 |
|
Total pre-PCAR 2011 (A) |
8.1 |
3.5 |
0 |
34.7 |
46.3 |
|
PCAR 2011: |
|||||
|
Capital from Exchequer*** |
3.9 |
— |
2.7 |
— |
6.5 |
|
NPRF Capital |
8.8 |
1.2 |
— |
— |
10.0 |
|
Total PCAR (B) |
12.7 |
1.2 |
2.7 |
— |
16.5 |
|
Total Cost of Recap for State (A) + (B) |
20.7 |
4.7 |
2.7 |
34.7 |
62.8 |
*€1.7bn of BoI's government preference shares were converted to equity in May/June 2010 (€1.8bn still left in existence). The government also received €0.5bn from the warrants relating to BoI's preference shares (excluded from table above).
**The IBRC amount is made up of a total capital contribution for Anglo/INBS of €30.6bn and a special investment share of €0.1bn (INBS). The Anglo/INBS capital contribution impacted in full on the GGB in 2010. The consideration for the Anglo/INBS capital contribution was €30.6bn of promissory notes. These Promissory Notes are an amount due from the State to IBRC. Each year, on 31 March, €3.06bn is paid by the Exchequer to Anglo/INBS as part of the scheduled repayments of the promissory notes. The first such repayment was made on 31 March 2010.
***The Exchequer cost of the 2011 BoI recap is shown net of share sale to private investors (Completed in October, 2011)
As the Deputy will be aware, the banks were required to raise a total of €24 billion as a result of the Central Bank's 2011 Prudential Capital Assessment Review (PCAR). However, primarily as a result of successful private equity contributions, asset sales and burden sharing with bondholders the Government only had to inject €16.5 billion into the relevant institutions.
In addition, the State is committed to acquiring Irish Life for €1.3 billion to complete the recapitalisation of Irish Life and Permanent. It is expected that the proceeds of an onward sale of Irish Life in due course will reduce the amount the State has committed to the bank recapitalisation.
In relation to personnel and commercial debt, there is on-going and detailed engagement between my Department and the covered institutions. The current and projected capital requirements of the institutions form part of this engagement and these are monitored and assessed on an on-going basis. The PCAR carried out in 2011 by the Central Bank independently assessed the capital requirements having regard, among other things, to the asset quality and the potential impact of such asset value/quality in base and stressed case scenarios.
However, the Banks' policy in relation to credit decisions 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 institutions. Notwithstanding the fact that the State is a significant shareholder in the institutions, the banks are run on a commercial arm's length basis as per the Memorandum on Economic and Financial Policies agreed with the EU Commission, the ECB and the IMF.
178 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance the reason mortgage holders who purchased their homes between 2004 and 2008 but subsequently moved their mortgage to a different bank have been excluded from the 30% mortgage interest relief rate; if he intends to address this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18753/12]
The position is that moving a mortgage from one lender to another does not exclude an individual from availing of the 30 per cent rate of mortgage interest relief in so far as the individual was a first-time buyer and who took out their first mortgage in the period 2004 to 2008 and the home, purchased between 2004 and 2008, continues to be the person's sole or main residence.
179 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if he will issue an update on a financial institution’s (details supplied) recent commitment to review its long-term strategy as per an agreement in the latest Memorandum of Understanding, specifically in relation to its standard variable interest rates and the difficulties they currently pose for the banks’ customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18754/12]
As part of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (‘MOU') dated 10 February 2012, with our External Partners it was agreed that the authorities will make a decision on the proposed way ahead for the company by the end of April 2012. Much work has been completed by the new management in PTSB and officials in my Department to develop this strategy for discussion with the Troika over the course of the on-going April review mission. As one would expect the strategy considers all aspects of PTSB's current and future approach to its business. It would be premature for me to discuss possible outcomes of those discussions at the present time.
180 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if the National Asset Management Agency can operate in circumstances in which it is balance-sheet insolvent, that is, if the booked value of assets in the agency’s balance sheet is less than the booked value of its liabilities. [18757/12]
NAMA is not a corporate body established under the Companies Acts. It is a statutory body established under the NAMA Act, 2009 and has no minimal capital requirements. I should clarify that I am advised by NAMA that it is not balance sheet insolvent. As with any business, the key obligation for the Agency in terms of solvency, is to ensure it continues to have sufficient cash to meet its short term funding obligations. At 31 March 2012, the Agency had liquid resources of €4.6 billion, comprising cash of €3.6 billion and short-term Irish Government bonds (maturity of less than one year) of €1.0 billion. This was after the repayment of Senior Bonds of €1.25 billion during 2011 and the full repayment of the €299 million loan provided by the Central Fund to NAMA on its inception.
The main charge in the 2010 financial statements was a €1.49bn loan impairment loss. This is an unrealised loss with no short term cash impact on the Agency. However, this loss did reduce the amounts of capital and reserves of the Agency. NAMA is expected to still continue to have positive reserves at end 2011.
181 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance his plans regarding home owners (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18766/12]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the increase in the rate of mortgage interest relief to 30 per cent which I announced in Budget 2012. The position is that the new measure fulfils the Government's commitment contained in its Programme for Government to increase the rate of Mortgage Interest Relief to 30 per cent for first-time buyers who took out their first mortgage in the period 2004 to 2008. This was the period during which house prices peaked.
I have sought to be as flexible as possible within the constraints pertaining. Under the current tax legislation Mortgage Interest Relief is granted from the date the first mortgage interest payment is made. The legislation has been amended for this particular measure to also include mortgage draw-down as a qualifying event for the rate increase. This means that a mortgage holder will qualify for the increased rate if they made their first mortgage interest payment in the period 2004 to 2008 or if they drew down their mortgage in that period.
As with all time limited reliefs, there will always be people who just miss out, and that is why I have been as flexible as possible with the legislation. However, I do not intend to extend the parameters of the measure any further as it would become less targeted and more costly.
It should be noted that individuals who took out qualifying loans in 2009 as first-time buyers are currently receiving mortgage interest relief and will continue to qualify for relief up until end 2017.
182 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money currently left in the National Pensions Reserve Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18787/12]
I am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency, as Manager of the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF), that the provisional total value of the Fund was €14.5 billion at 31 December 2011, comprising the Discretionary Portfolio, valued at €5.4 billion, and the Directed Portfolio, currently held at €9.1 billion pending completion of an independent valuation review of the Fund's investments in ordinary shares in Allied Irish Banks (provisionally valued at €0.01 per share) and in preference shares in Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland.
Quoted investments in the Discretionary Portfolio were valued at close of business on 31 December 2011 and investments in indirect investment vehicles were based on the most recently available valuations as at that date. Final year-end valuations in respect of the Discretionary Portfolio and the Directed Portfolio will be provided in the NPRF Commission's Annual Report for 2011 which is expected to be published in the middle of 2012.
The NTMA expects that the next NPRF quarterly report, for the quarter to 31 March 2012, will be published on the NPRF website before the end of April 2012.
186 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the amount of Government borrowing for the years 2002 to 2008 inclusive; from which institutions this borrowing came; and the cost of paying back that borrowing and the timeline for doing same. [18871/12]
The National Treasury Management Agency issues Irish Government Bonds sold on the international capital markets to fund the Exchequer Borrowing requirement and to refinance maturing debt. Because of the mechanisms by which Government bonds are issued and traded, it is not possible to identify the holders of the debt issued. The table below shows the nominal amounts of Irish Government Bonds issued in the period 2002 to 2008 along with the interest rate which is payable each year on the coupon date to the maturity date on which the nominal amount borrowed is repaid.
|
Year |
Borrowed Nominal € million |
Coupon Rate |
Maturity Date |
|
2002 |
751 |
4.60% |
18/04/2016 |
|
2002 |
6,400 |
4.25% |
18/10/2007 |
|
2002 |
7,570 |
5.00% |
18/04/2013 |
|
2003 |
5,126 |
3.25% |
18/04/2009 |
|
2003 |
1,398 |
4.60% |
18/04/2016 |
|
2003 |
1,380 |
5.00% |
18/04/2013 |
|
2004 |
20 |
3.25% |
18/04/2009 |
|
2004 |
5,630 |
4.50% |
18/04/2020 |
|
2005 |
29 |
3.25% |
18/04/2009 |
|
2005 |
1,440 |
4.50% |
18/04/2020 |
|
2005 |
60 |
4.60% |
18/04/2016 |
|
2007 |
6,000 |
4.50% |
18/10/2018 |
|
2008 |
7,000 |
4.40% |
18/06/2019 |
|
2008 |
4,000 |
4.00% |
11/11/2011 |
*Data supplied by NTMA
187 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance if an adult dependant who is living with his or her parents and getting money from them, and not from the State may transfer their tax free allowance to their parents tax free allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18877/12]
The position is that there is no provision for an adult dependant to transfer their personal tax credit entitlements to a parent or parents.
188 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by his Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18888/12]
Since the establishment of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in July 2011, both my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform operate a shared service for the provision of mobile telephony service. The reply to the Deputy's question therefore also covers the answer as required by the Deputy in PQ reference number 18893/12. The amount spent on mobile phone bills in the last five years is set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Amount paid on mobile phone bills |
|
2007 |
€93,634 |
|
2008 |
€84,954 |
|
2009 |
€90,791 |
|
2010 |
€81,134 |
|
2011 |
€96,594 |
Following an EU procurement exercise conducted by my Department, a mobile phone framework agreement was established to provide non-commercial public sector bodies with a simple way to procure mobile voice and data services at competitive rates from a list of qualified vendors. This framework commenced in February 2008. My Department ran a competition under the framework for its own mobile voice and data services in May 2008 and re-tendered the service again in March 2010. O2 was selected as the most economically advantageous response on both occasions.
189 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Finance his plans to change the vehicle registration tax system in any way; if he will be introducing any changes to regulations or law that will impact on VRT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18911/12]
As the Deputy will be aware Budget 2012 announced a public consultation on the system of VRT and Motor Tax to adjust CO2 bands and rates in line with technological advances in motor vehicles while maintaining a positive environmental incentive to reduce transport emissions. The closing date for receipt of submissions under the public consultation process was 1 March 2012 and 34 submissions were received.
Representatives of my Department, the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government are now reviewing the submissions received and will arrange for early meetings with SIMI and, where it is considered appropriate, other organisations and individuals to discuss their submissions.
Following the completion of this process my Department will bring froward recommendations for consideration.
190 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the tax take on fuel both as an overall percentage of total State revenues and in actual monetary terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18919/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the breakdown of taxes of fuels for 2011 was approximately €3178.2 million, which equates to 9.3% of the overall exchequer return receipts at the end of 2011.
|
2011 |
Excise |
Carbon |
Est VAT |
Total |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Auto diesel |
1078.3 |
97.5 |
62.0 |
1237.8 |
|
Petrol |
992.6 |
60.1 |
459.0 |
1511.7 |
|
Kerosene |
0 |
40.5 |
64.7 |
105.3 |
|
MGO |
50.6 |
48.9 |
97.7 |
197.2 |
|
Fuel Oil |
1.26 |
2.3 |
0.0 |
3.6 |
|
LPG (other) |
0 |
5.4 |
11.8 |
17.3 |
|
Auto LPG |
0.03 |
0.2 |
0.6 |
0.8 |
|
Natural Gas |
0 |
43.1 |
61.3 |
104.5 |
|
Total |
2122.8 |
298.2 |
757.2 |
3178.2 |
Please note that the VAT receipts are estimated, as the VAT returns do not require the yield from a particular sector or sub-sector of trade to be identified and the actual VAT yield for each year on petroleum and auto diesel products cannot therefore be provided.
192 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the payment that is available in respect of a person (details supplied) who is experiencing severe mortgage difficulties and would like him to adopt the New Beginnings initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18982/12]
The Government is fully aware of significant difficulties some homeowners are facing in meeting their mortgage obligations and it is committed to advancing appropriate measures to assist those mortgage holders who are experiencing real and genuine difficulty. One of these measures is the "mortgage to rent" initiative. This is a social housing response for people in the most distressed situation with their mortgage and whose home and household circumstances would be appropriate for social housing support. Significant progress has been made on this initiative by my colleague Ms Jan O'Sullivan, TD, Minister for Housing and Planning. A pilot scheme, utilising AIB and the Cluid housing association, has been developed by her Department and a number of cases are now being processed. In addition, some other "mortgage to rent" cases have been advanced in respect of mortgages provided by other lenders. It is the intention of Government to further advance this initiative in the coming months as part of the overall package of measures which are being put in place to address the mortgage arrears problem. These include the measures that are being overseen by the Central Bank as part of the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Strategies which the Bank has required all mortgage lenders to prepare, including the specification of a timeline for the implementation of specific initiatives such as mortgage to rent by banks as a means of assisting their customers in mortgage difficulty.
193 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18984/12]
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, I must ensure that the bank is 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.
194 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue collected in all taxes on petrol and diesel in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and in the first quarter of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18991/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated Excise,Carbon and VAT receipts for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and the first three months of 2012 in respect of petrol and diesel is as follows:
|
Year |
Excise |
Carbon Tax |
VAT (Estimated) |
Total |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
2009 |
1074.5 |
0 |
419.0 |
1,493.5 |
|
2010 |
981.2 |
65.1 |
438.8 |
1,485.1 |
|
2011 |
992.6 |
60.1 |
459.0 |
1,511.7 |
|
2012 (3 Mths) Prov |
258.7 |
18.3 |
120.0 |
397.0 |
|
Year |
Excise |
Carbon Tax |
VAT (Estimated) |
Total |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
2009 |
1060.3 |
0 |
49.4 |
1,109.7 |
|
2010 |
1040.0 |
98.4 |
55.5 |
1,193.9 |
|
2011 |
1078.3 |
97.5 |
62.0 |
1,237.8 |
|
2012 (3 Mths) Prov |
285.0 |
30.2 |
17.0 |
332.2 |
Please note that the VAT receipts are estimated, as the VAT returns do not require the yield from a particular sector or sub-sector of trade to be identified and the actual VAT yield for each year on petroleum and auto diesel products cannot therefore be provided.
195 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the percentage State ownership of AIB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19028/12]
The State, through the National Pension Reserve Fund Commission (NPRFC), now owns 99.8% of the ordinary shares of Allied Irish Banks. As the Deputy will be aware, Relationship Frameworks were published for each of the covered banks at the end of March, 2012. These frameworks ensure that their core businesses will be run on a commercial, cost effective and independent basis designed to ensure the value of the banks as an asset to the State, as per the per the Memorandum on Economic and Financial Policies agreed with the EU Commission, the ECB and the IMF.
AIB, following its combination with EBS, is considered to be one of two universal pillar banks in the Irish financial system. It is envisaged that the State's interest in the Bank will be divested as market conditions permit in a manner which protects and enhances value for the Exchequer, in so far as possible, in relation to the investment made by the State.
196 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the total investment to date by the State in Bank of Ireland; the number, type and the cost of the shares bought in Bank of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19029/12]
The total investments by the State in Bank of Ireland (the "Bank") on my direction, taking into account (i) the partial conversion of preference shares to ordinary shares in April 2010 and (ii) the sale of ordinary stock to a group of private investors in 2011, are set out in the table below:
|
Instrument |
Units (million) |
Total Consideration (EUR million) |
|
Ordinary Shares |
4.328 |
1.924 |
|
Preference Shares |
1.837 |
1,837 |
|
Contingent Capital Notes |
1,000 |
|
|
Sub Total |
4.761 |
|
|
Fee Income |
0.608 |
|
|
Net Amount |
4,153 |
The preference shares carry an annual contractual coupon of 10.25% and the Contingent Capital Notes carry and annual contractual coupon of 10%. This is higher than the current cost of new borrowing for the State and secondary market yields on Irish sovereign debt.
197 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the sale of State shares in the Bank of Ireland including the number, type and sale price of these shares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19030/12]
As a result of the 2011 Prudential Capital Assessment Review ("PCAR 2011"), Bank of Ireland (the "Bank") was required to raise €4.2 billion regulatory core tier 1 capital. The Bank took various steps to raise this required capital including a rights issue.
I directed the National Pension Reserve Fund (the "NPRF") Commission to participate in the Bank's rights issue. A group of third party investors committed to purchase a significant portion of the State's participation in the Bank's rights issue. A breakdown of the purchase and sale of ordinary stock arising from the PCAR 2011 rights issue is provided below:
|
Purchase / Sale |
Number of Units(million) |
Unit Price(EUR) |
Consideration(EUR million) |
|
Purchase |
13.12 |
0.10 |
1.312 |
|
Sale |
10.51 |
0.10 |
1.051 |
|
Net Amount |
6.61 |
0.10 |
0.261 |
Net of fees the total consideration paid by the State for ordinary shock as a result of the PCAR 2011 rights issue was €211 million. The purchase and sale of the Bank's ordinary stock occurred at the same unit price of 10 cents, resulting in no gain or loss for the State as a result of the transaction.
198 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons employed in Allied Irish Banks in receipt of salaries of over €250,000; the reason that this is acceptable in a bank that is controlled by the State; the reason that the ceiling on remuneration in the public service does not apply to this institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19031/12]
I am advised by the institution that there are currently twenty four (24) employees earning a base salary greater than €250,000 (this includes EBS Ltd.). I am further advised that the comparable figure at end 2008 was thirty three (33). Previous Government policy on remuneration at the covered institutions was dictated initially by the recommendations of Covered Institutions Remuneration Oversight Committee. On foot of these recommendations the then Government decided to implement a base salary cap of €500,000 on senior executives. Consequent on the State's investment in the bank in December 2010 this policy was extended so that no employee may earn aggregate remuneration (excluding pension contributions) but including without limitation annual base salary, bonuses and variable pay components in excess of €500,000.
Following on the State's further investment in July 2011, this policy — which is present Government policy — was amended further to state that no employee may receive total aggregate remuneration (excluding pension contributions) but including without limitation annual base salary, employment bonuses, commission payments and fringe benefits in excess of €500,000.
The Government's bona fides in this area have been honoured by the remuneration packages agreed recently for the respective Chief Executive Officer positions at AIB and Permanent Trustee Savings Bank being contained within these parameters.
While I accept the Deputy's premise that a salary of €250,000 is a considerable amount of money to pay an individual I do not accept, for a variety of reasons, that the pay ceilings introduced for CEOs of Semi States and Senior Public Sector posts should apply at the bank at this time. The bank, which is one of the two universal pillar banks in the Irish financial system, continues to operate as a separate economic unit with independent powers of decision and functions independently from me as Minister in relation to its day-to-day operations. My objective is to support remuneration levels which, having regard to the capital and financial position of the bank, are balanced and sufficient at all levels across the organisation in the current market to attract, motivate and retain the type of experience and talent which is required to achieve its objectives — the primary one being to protect and enhance the value for the Exchequer in relation to the substantial investment made by the State.
200 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether legislation should be introduced to permit a spouse’s guaranteed pension income to be used in calculating one’s guaranteed income for qualification for the ARF cut off limit considering that contributions to an AVC are optional; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19042/12]
Under the regime of flexible options on retirement first introduced in 1999, the options to invest in an ARF or to receive the balance of a pension fund in cash (after payment of the "tax-free" lump sum and subject to tax, as appropriate) are subject to conditions. The conditions include the requirements that the individual be over 75 years of age or, if younger, that the individual has either a guaranteed level of pension income ("specified income") actually in payment for life at the time the option is exercised or, alternatively, (if the individual does not wish to purchase an annuity) that he or she place a maximum set-aside amount or the remainder of the pension fund, after taking the "tax-free" lump sum, if less, into an Approved Minimum Retirement Fund (AMRF).
Finance Act 2011 increased the guaranteed level of pension income required from the previous fixed amount of €12,700 introduced in 1999, to a variable amount equal to 1.5 times the maximum annual rate of the State Pension (Contributory) at the time the option is exercised, bringing the "specified income" limit to €18,000 per annum at present. Equally, the maximum set aside amount for investment into an AMRF was changed from a fixed level of €63,500 to a variable amount equal to 10 times the maximum annual rate of State Pension (Contributory) —€119,800 at present. These changes were made in the context of the extension of the flexible (ARF) options on retirement to all main scheme benefits from Defined Contribution pension arrangements. These and related changes were signalled in the National Pensions Framework document published in March 2010.
The purpose of the "specified income" limit is to ensure, before an individual has unfettered access to their remaining retirement funds via an ARF, or the cash option mentioned above, that they have the security of an adequate guaranteed income in their own right throughout their retirement. A further change introduced in Budget and Finance Act 2011 is that the specified income test can be met at any time after retirement and before age 75 and not just at the point of retirement as was the case previously.
To qualify as "specified income", the pension or pensions' income must actually be in payment — pensions anticipated at some time in the future cannot be brought into the reckoning until they commence to be paid. As the specified income requirement is essentially a personalised test, only guaranteed pensions income paid to the individual in his or her own right can be taken into account. Pensions paid directly to the spouse of an individual or pensions/allowances received on behalf of a spouse or dependant may not be included. I have no plans to change these requirements in the manner suggested in the question. However, I have received a number of representations about the scale and timing of the increase in the specified income limit and I will examine these matters again without prejudice in the context of next year's Finance Bill.
201 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the measures he plans to introduce, if any, to assist the licensed Irish road hauliers who are struggling as a result of the price increases in fuel; if he will consider introducing a fuel rebate for registered haulage companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19043/12]
The Deputy may be aware that a working group was set up between officials of my Department, the IRHA and some members of the Oireachtas. This working group is discussing a number of issues of concern to the haulage industry. I am sure the Deputy will understand that I cannot pre-empt the outcome of those discussions which are ongoing.
I should point out that a fuel rebate system, as sought by the IRHA, could not under EU law be restricted to Irish licensed hauliers but would have to be extended to all vehicles intended exclusively for the carriage of goods by road with a maximum permissible gross laden weight of not less than 7.5 tonnes. In addition, the rebate would have to include the carriage of passengers by a motor vehicle of category M2 or category M3 as defined in Council Directive 70/156/EEC.
203 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if it is the case that in the region of 2,500 staff will leave AIB; if it is the case that in recent months a number of temporary staff have been employed and that a number of recently retired senior managers have been re-employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19084/12]
AIB employed approximately 14,500 people (full-time equivalents) at the end of 2011, and is currently seeking to implement a voluntary redundancy scheme to reduce the number of employees by approximately 2,500. Talks have been taking place between Allied Irish Banks and the Department of Finance in relation to the severance programme.
The Bank's policy in relation to recruitment, be it temporary or full-time positions, 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 is run on a commercial arm's length basis as per the Memorandum on Economic and Financial Policies agreed with the EU Commission, the ECB and the IMF.
However, the Bank has informed me that it continues to hire staff where it has gaps in its skills and expertise, or where the Bank needs to provide additional resources in high demand customer facing areas. Many of the resources will be on a temporary basis to support the stabilisation of the Bank as AIB implements its change programme. A small number of retired senior managers (less than 20) have been re-employed on temporary contracts to cover gaps in the Bank's skills and expertise where this has not been readily available from the market.
205 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the reasons for the reclassification of approximately €207 million from PRSI to income tax in the end of March Exchequer returns; if this was an issue in last year’s Exchequer figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19088/12]
Based on information my Department has received from the Revenue Commissioners, some €207 million of receipts previously returned as PRSI income have been reclassified as income tax in the first quarter of the year. The basis of the income tax/USC/PRSI collection system is that employers make a payment on account, usually every month, to the Revenue Commissioners. A full reconciliation of the split between income tax/USC/PRSI is made when the statutory P35 return is made by employers the following year (return due in February).
The reclassification was carried out by Revenue on the basis of the 2011 P35 returns from employers. Such adjustments are a normal feature of Revenue's reconciliation process following the end of the year. The scale of the adjustments for 2011 was greater than for previous years however because of the impact of the USC on the overall split between income tax and PRSI.
This reclassification is largely responsible for the surplus in Exchequer income tax receipts compared to profile in the first quarter of the year. However the subsidy which the Exchequer makes to the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) is also higher than expected, because PRSI income is behind target, largely as a result of the reclassification. As a consequence, the net voted current expenditure of the Department of Social Protection (D/SP), which includes the subsidy to the SIF, is also ahead of profile.
It is important to note that the overall Exchequer impact of the reclassification is neutral — what is gained in income tax is counterbalanced through higher net voted current spending.
206 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 22 March 2012, if he will clarify the situation regarding VAT relief for second hand cars under the Revenue people with disabilities scheme, if entry to the scheme is being denied if VRT and VAT are not refunded; his views on a case (details supplied) in which VAT was paid on a second hand specialised disabled vehicle but entry to the scheme has been refused. [19089/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an application for relief under the Disabled Drivers/Passengers scheme was received from the person (details supplied) on 2nd February 2012 in respect of VAT on the purchase of a second-hand adapted vehicle. The applicant was advised on 2nd March 2012 that, as the maximum allowable amount of €15,875 had been refunded on this vehicle already, no additional refund of VAT could be made. Furthermore, where the VRT on a vehicle has already been fully refunded/remitted at an earlier date under the scheme, there is no residual VRT available to be refunded on a subsequent sale of that vehicle to a second qualifying person. The upper limit of €15,875 is prescribed under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations (S.I. No. 353 of 1994).
In cases where a vehicle has obtained full relief or the prescribed limits have been reached under the relevant provisions and the vehicle is subsequently purchased by another "qualifying person" for their use, the vehicle still qualifies for relief from Motor Tax and the claimant is also entitled to repayment of Excise Duty on fuel. The person (details supplied) is entitled to these concessions and will be informed accordingly.
207 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance if it is correct to state that the some or all of the Irish banks were deemed insolvent at or prior to the recapitalisation of those banks; and if so, is it the case that some or all of the recapitalised banks were trading while insolvent. [19111/12]
208 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance the actions that are being or have been taken with respect to the recapitalised banks and the personnel involved that were trading while insolvent and were in breach of the statutory obligations under company law. [19112/12]
209 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance as some or all of the recapitalised banks were clearly trading and in the process of advancing loans and mortgages while in fact insolvent, the way such advances and loans can be legal, lawful and binding on those to whom such moneys were given by financial institutions that were at the time acting in breach of the licence conditions governing them, thus rendering their trading unlawful. [19113/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 to 209, inclusive, together.
I am advised by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) that they require all credit institutions authorised and operating in Ireland to maintain a minimum level of solvency on an on-going basis. The prevailing EU standard is the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD) which has been transposed into Irish law by Statutory Instruments 660 and 661 of 2006. In simple terms, the CRD requires banks to hold capital equivalent to 8% Total Capital as a percentage of risk weighted assets. In broad terms, this is a "higher" level of solvency than that which is provided for under the Companies Acts.
In the case of the Irish banks subject to the Central Bank's Prudential Capital Assessment Review (PCAR), additional capital above the minimum solvency requirement has been required to be raised and held. The quantum of additional capital required has been calculated with reference to higher on-going capital standards (e.g. 10.5% Core Tier 1) and to the PCAR stress test, which included items such as the capital impact of planned deleveraging, future funding and liquidity needs, future loan impairment provisions, operating income projections and other additional stresses.
The CBI was of the opinion that Irish banks needed to be capitalised well in excess of minimum internationally agreed regulatory levels to protect against any future shocks to the financial system and to restore confidence in Irish banks. The PCAR 2011 announced on 31 March 2011, required the Irish banks to raise €24 billion of additional capital, which for conservatism included equity and contingent capital buffers totalling €5.3 billion.
Following the publication of PCAR 2011, the Government committed to meeting the recapitalisation requirements of the Irish banks to ensure that the Irish banking system is returned to health. We agreed with the CBI and the External Partners that a period of time would be allowed to meet this requirement, to ensure appropriate private sector involvement and thereby reducing the cost of the recapitalisation to the taxpayer. These actions included seeking further significant contributions from subordinated debt holders, by the sale of assets to generate capital and by seeking private sector investors. This reduced the recapitalisation cost in 2011 to €16.5 billion.
It was previously intended that the outstanding €1.3 billion capital requirement for Irish Life and Permanent plc. would be partially satisfied on completion of a sale of Irish Life. Following the suspension of the sale process in November 2011 it has now been agreed with our External Partners that the recapitalisation will be completed by end-June 2012 and it has also been decided that a State acquisition of the company would be the most effective mechanism to complete the recapitalisation.
210 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance who owns the Central Bank of Ireland; if it is State owned, privately owned or a combination of both; the names and details of the directors and principal shareholders of the Central Bank of Ireland, whether privately owned or otherwise; the person who appoints the shareholders and directors; if owned and operated on behalf of the State, the person who actually carries out this remit; and the way such directors and shareholders are appointed, and to whom and in what manner are they accountable. [19115/12]
The Central Bank of Ireland is a statutory body; it was established in 1942 in accordance with the Central Bank Act 1942 and is now a constituent part of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) established by European treaty. It is managed and controlled by the Central Bank Commission. The Minister for Finance is the sole subscriber to and holder of the Central Bank's capital. The Central Bank's surplus income is payable to the Exchequer in accordance with regulations made in accordance with section 32H of the Central Bank Act 1942.
The members of the Central Bank Commission are the Governor and the Secretary General of the Department of Finance, appointed by the Government, the Deputy Governors, appointed by the Central Bank Commission and between 6 and 8 ordinary members appointed by the Minister for Finance. The current members of the Commission are: Prof. Patrick Honohan, Mr. John Moran, Mr. Matthew Elderfield, Mr. Stefan Gerlach, Mr. Michael Soden, Mr. Alan Ahearne, Ms Blanaid Clarke, Prof. John Fitzgerald and Mr. Des Geraghty.
In accordance with section 32L of the Central Bank Act 1942 (as amended by the Central Bank Reform Act 2010), the Central Bank submits a performance statement annually to the Minister for Finance which is then laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Central Bank is independent in the exercise of its functions but the Governor and the Deputy Governors may be required to appear before committees of the Houses of the Oireachtas to address certain matters, including the Bank's annual regulatory performance statement.
211 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the private commercial banks operating in Ireland which have benefitted from a subvention from the Government, the names and details of the directors of each; if he will name the public interest directors on the bank boards in Ireland; the way in which their remit is different to that of other directors of those banks; if he will confirm whether they issue publicly available reports on their performance or general stewardship; and if a copy of the written conditions of employment and contractual obligations applicable to public interest directors is publicly available. [19116/12]
The information the Deputy seeks — names and details of Directors (including public interest directors) at the covered institutions, remit, performance and terms and conditions — is available in the recently published Annual Accounts for 2011 of the 3 respective covered institutions — namely Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland and Irish Life and Permanent.
The legislative power to appoint such directors arises from the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) [CIFS] Scheme 2008. Originally there were twelve (12) such appointments — two (2) at each of the then six (6) institutions. While the individuals were nominated by the then Minister for Finance the appointments are made and remunerated by the respective boards of the institutions. With the changed status of some of the institutions over time six directors, at the institutions cited above, remain in situ.
As regards the responsibilities of directors, I am advised that the legal position is that any director appointed to the board of the covered institutions, whether under the CIFS Scheme or otherwise, is subject to the requirements of company law in relation to the discharge of their responsibilities as a company director. As such, the director is legally bound to act in what he or she believes are the interests of the separate legal entity that is the institution itself. These are the director's so called fiduciary responsibilities.
In light of the foregoing and the scope for actual and perceived conflicts between the fiduciary duties of the directors of financial institutions under company law and the wider public interest in circumstances that those institutions have received huge financial support from the State, legal clarity, not just to the role of the public interest director but to that of the entire boards of those institutions, was brought under the provisions of Section 48 of the Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Act 2010. It provides that the overriding duty of all directors, at the covered institutions, relates to the public interest as set out in the Act.
The recently agreed and published Relationship Frameworks between the Minister for Finance and the covered institutions specify that the board of the institution must ensure strict compliance with its regulatory and legal obligations arising under the Act.
212 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the general question of bank regulation, the person responsible for ensuring compliance with statutory and code-of-practice regulation of banks and other financial institutions generally in the State; if the Governor of the Central Bank and Financial Regulator have written contracts of employment with clear performance related conditions; in the context of the performance of the duties of the Governor of the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator, is a code of practice, or code of conduct, an integral element of their employment contracts and conditions; if the immediately-preceding Financial Regulators and Governors of the Central Bank of Ireland had written contracts of employment; in view of the collapse of the banking system and the consequent bailout, and the prior assurances given by the then Financial Regulator and Central Bank Governor to the contrary, if the performance of these two most recent holders of the offices of Governor of the Central Bank and Financial Regulator raised the question that the persons involved failed to honour those contracts; if directors of financial institutions, including banks, subject to compliance with the same legal obligations as directors of non-banking companies, including the legal strictures relating to reckless trading and personal liability; and the significance, if any, of the recent amendment to advertising code practice that states that regulation is now implemented by the Central Bank of Ireland as opposed to the Financial Regulator, which assertion was in place until recently. [19117/12]
The Central Bank of Ireland is responsible for financial regulation in Ireland. The Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (the Financial Regulator) ceased to exist on 1 October 2010 with the commencement the relevant provisions of the Central Bank Reform Act 2010, which created a single structure within the Central Bank controlled and managed by the Central Bank Commission. The powers and functions of the Financial Regulator were subsumed into the Central Bank of Ireland. Under sections 19 and 23 of the Central Bank Act 1942, as amended in 2010, the terms and conditions of employment of the Central Bank Governor and the Deputy Governor (fulfilling the role largely filled by the former office of Financial Regulator) are matters for the Central Bank Commission. Therefore, I am not privy to the contractual arrangements that apply. However, I am informed by the Central Bank that both positions are subject to the Ethics in Public Office Act and the Central Bank's Code of Ethics and Behaviour. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the contractual position of individuals who have held these posts previously.
Finally, regarding reckless trading and personal liability, the obligations of managers of regulated financial service providers imposed by Irish financial service legislation are in addition to any obligations imposed on them by other law. As regards the Companies Acts, financial institutions are in the same position as all other companies.
The Central Bank has referred a number of issues to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement concerning appropriate standards of behaviour on the part of a number of institutions. These issues are currently the subject of investigations by the Director of Corporate Enforcement and the Garda Síochána.
213 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the Irish euro, if this money is created electronically, without relationship to underlying assets; if not, the assets that underpin the creation of Irish bank notes; if there is any legal or other requirement that loans advanced by the banks should be underpinned by assets or deposits of any kind held by those banks; the person who decides the quantities of the Irish euro that are printed; how often is the printing of such notes undertaken, in what quantities and at whose instruction; is the Irish euro note printed in Ireland; if not, where is it printed; the way that printing process is monitored and by whom; and such money generation is generally carried out as a short or long-term liquidity measure as if, say, an asset purchase facility fund, or for the purposes of so-called quantitative easing to facilitate banks within the State, or in response to some other requirement or stated criteria, or under what other conditions. [19118/12]
I should point out to the Deputy that there is no "Irish euro"; the euro is the common currency of the Member States in the eurozone. The amount of euro banknotes on the balance sheet of the Central Bank of Ireland represents Ireland's share of total euro banknotes in circulation. Ireland is currently allocated 1.46 per cent of the total euro banknotes in circulation based on its fully paid up share of the capital of the European Central Bank (ECB). Euro banknotes are backed by assets which relate to Eurosystem monetary policy operations, and primarily comprise loans provided to credit institutions and securities (Government bonds) purchased in connection with monetary policy operations. The income earned on assets backing the euro banknotes in circulation is pooled by all Eurosystem National Central Banks and distributed back to these national Central Banks in accordance with their respective share of the ECB's capital.
The issue of euro banknotes is not subject to quantitative or other limits. Banknotes are printed in accordance with a pooled production system within the European System of Central Banks. Under this system, the ECB coordinates the annual banknote requirements of the eurosystem with the National Central Banks and allocates banknote production.
The Central Bank of Ireland is typically allocated one denomination per year. Under this pooled production arrangement, the Central Bank of Ireland printed 114.37 million €5 banknotes in 2011. The balance of Ireland's euro banknote requirements are drawn from the pooled production system within the European System of Central Banks.
There are currently 16 printing works fully accredited by the ECB to print euro banknotes. In Ireland our production allocation of euro banknotes is printed by the Central Bank of Ireland. All accredited printing works must report progress on the production of banknotes to the ECB on a regular basis.
The Deputy also asked whether there is any legal or other requirement that loans advanced by banks should be underpinned by assets or deposits of any kind held by those banks. I am advised by the Central Bank that, as part of its approach to monetary policy implementation, the ECB requires credit institutions in the euro area to hold compulsory deposits on account with national Central Banks. The amount of required reserves to be held by each institution is determined by its reserve base. The reserve base of an institution is defined in relation to prescribed elements of its balance sheet.
Banks are also required to meet the solvency requirements of the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD) which implements the Basel II capital framework in the European Union. By requiring banks to hold minimum levels of capital to absorb unexpected losses that a bank may face, capital requirements provide for continuing bank solvency so that they can continue to provide credit and other functions into the economy.
The Central Bank of Ireland is responsible, in accordance with the legislation transposing the CRD into Irish law, for the regulation and supervision of the capital, or solvency, requirements of banks in Ireland. Irish banks are required to calculate capital requirements and maintain a minimum level of own funds in accordance with the CRD as a cushion against credit and other risks and to absorb unexpected losses that a bank may face.
In addition to capital requirements imposed under the CRD, I am advised that the Central Bank, as part of its prudential oversight of banks in Ireland, imposes qualitative and quantitative requirements on banks in relation to the management of liquidity risk.
Arising from the recent financial crisis, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision adopted amendments to the Basel capital framework in December 2010 to significantly increase the quality and quantity of capital held within the banking system relative to banks' risk-weighted assets and to impose standard liquidity requirements. These changes, known as Basel III, will require amendments to the Capital Requirements Directive which will be implemented in due course in the EU.
The Deputy also asks whether money generation is carried out as a short or long-term liquidity measure or for the purposes of quantitative easing to facilitate banks within the State. The Central Bank has advised me that the majority of Eurosystem liquidity provision takes the form of collateralised loans to eligible counterparties, which include Irish banks. In addition to collateralised loans, the Eurosystem has provided liquidity through the direct purchase of financial assets via the Securities Markets Programme and the Covered Bond Purchase Programmes.
214 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the general question of bank licences necessary to operate in Ireland, the location at which copies of the licences and licence conditions under which each of our banks function are readily available; are the licence conditions governing foreign banks operating in Ireland different in any way to those of the so-called Irish banks; if it is possible in any circumstances to trade as a bank in Ireland without a licence; the person responsible for monitoring banks’ compliance with the conditions of their banking licences; if compliance by the banks with their licence conditions is transparent, and if so, the way this is demonstrated; the legal consequences for the banks and their customers if banks have breached one or more of the conditions of their banking licences; if a bank has been operating in breach of one or more of conditions of their licence, if the agreements they have entered into while so doing are legally binding; if a bank is offering and selling loans and mortgages while insolvent, if it is in breach of the conditions of its licence to operate; and the date of the last Governmental review of licence conditions governing financial institutions. [19119/12]
The Central Bank is responsible for imposing and subsequently regulating the compliance of credit institutions with conditions imposed on their respective licences. As such it is not the role of Government to review licence conditions imposed by the Central Bank in its regulatory capacity. I have been informed by the Central Bank that it does not comment on the individual licence conditions imposed on specific credit institutions and that once a licence is issued it becomes the property of the relevant credit institution and thus the Central Bank retains no right to publish copies. However, pursuant to Section 12(1) of the Central Bank Act 1971, the Central Bank publishes a register of licensed institutions on its website.
The Central Bank does not impose any general restrictions on foreign credit institutions operating in Ireland, however, the Central Bank has the power to impose specific licence conditions on any domestic or foreign credit institution licensed to operate in Ireland.
Section 7 of the Central Bank Act 1971 (as amended) provides that ‘Subject to the provisions of this Act, a person, other than a Bank, shall not, in or outside the State, carry on banking business or hold himself out or represent himself as a banker or as carrying on banking business or on behalf of any other person accept deposits or other repayable funds from the public, unless he is the holder of a licence'. Under section 58 of the Central Bank Act 1971, contravention of section 7 is an offence.
In the event of a customer being affected by a credit institution operating in breach of regulatory requirements, that customer has in the first instance the option of seeking redress from the institution in question. Failing that or if the customer is not satisfied with the outcome, there is the option of bringing the dispute to the Financial Services Ombudsman or the Courts. Whether or not the customer is successful in securing redress for any loss suffered would depend on the circumstances of the case.
I would like to inform the Deputy that I propose to shortly bring forward amendments at Committee Stage of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill which will introduce greater clarity for customers seeking compensation for losses arising from the failure of a credit institution to comply with its obligations.
Failure to comply with the conditions of a banking licence could result in administrative sanction by the Central Bank. The Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill 2011 provides that such a sanction may include suspension or revocation of a banking licence.
Section 11 of the Central Bank Act 1971 sets out the grounds for revocation of a bank licence including if the holder becomes unable to meet his obligations to his creditors or suspends payments lawfully due.
215 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the concept of fractional reserve banking, or fractional reserve lending, the criteria in relation to fractional reserve banking, if any, that apply to the banks in the context of their lending policies; if banks are obliged to retain at least certain minima of retained deposits relative to their lending volumes, and if so, the ratios; the minima of liquid cash reserves, or liquidity ratios that financial institutions are obliged to retain in their reserves at all times; the person who decides what the ratios relating to solvency and liquidity should be; the person who monitors compliance with any such strictures, and how; if such ratios are arbitrary or are they governed by statute or otherwise; if there have been changes in these regulations over the years; and by what mechanism an insolvent bank can give out loans or offer mortgages if it is broke and has no money. [19120/12]
The requirements for standards of deposits and lending are set out and supervised by the Central Bank of Ireland, under the appropriate EU, International, and Irish legislative requirements. There are a number of liquidity ratios in place affecting banks that have to be complied with and reported to the Central Bank of Ireland. They would include Loan to Deposit Ratios (under PCAR, they are targeted to be 122.5% at the end of 2013) and Liquidity Coverage Ratios. A new regulatory regime, under Basle III, will also seek to ensure that there is a Net Stable Funding Ratio that is satisfied. Irish banks will continue to have to satisfy these international standards for liquidity on their balance sheets.
216 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance with regard to mortgages and other loans advanced by banks, the mechanism by which banks extend loans and facilities to clients; the process by which banks raise the moneys they loan out and where that money comes from; if it is true to say that, typically, a bank seeks firstly to secure the written undertaking of a would-be borrower to repay a loan over a number of years and then uses that pledge or promissory note to raise the necessary loan from other institutions or individuals by pledging or selling-on the document that the would-be borrower has signed; if it is standard or common practice for banks to sell or trade onwards the agreements they have put in place with their borrowers; and if it is the case that the signature of the proposed borrower is most often in effect sold on by the institution in order to raise a line of credit that will in part benefit the borrower. [19121/12]
This is a very wide ranging question. Banks would typically have raised unsecured and secured funding. Deposits would be an example of the former and securitisation or covered bonds an example of the latter. If there was to be secured transactions, there would have been full due diligence from a legal and accounting perspective including any issues relating to compliance with loan agreements and any required notice to or consent from borrowers.
217 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance in the context of disagreements between a borrower and a lending bank, and with regard to reasonable requests by borrowers to see the original documentation governing the alleged agreement between the borrower and the bank in such circumstances, if it is reasonable that a borrower should be entitled as of right to see the original signed contract that allegedly exists between their financial institution and themselves; if there is a requirement in law or financial regulation in Ireland that original documentation be retained by lenders, or if it is more typical that a bank retains electronic files only, while offsetting or getting rid of the original documents; in the event that a bank is asked to validate a debt that it asserts that it is owed, the documents it is obliged to produce in order to prove that debt; in the event that the original documentation is not available to the borrower, is if that borrower is entitled to an invoice detailing the precise services allegedly rendered to them in respect of which the institution is charging; and if reasonable and appropriate for a borrower to insist that the bank validates or substantiates its assertion that money is owed by the borrower, and to that end that the bank produces the necessary original documents of agreement to confirm that the alleged loan has been made and the relevant specific conditions attaching thereto. [19122/12]
Typically, a regulated financial entity would have two records of loan agreements — one for their own records and one for the borrower. I have been advised by the Central Bank that Chapter 11 of the Consumer Protection Code sets out in detail what records (and compliance with same) a regulated financial entity must keep on behalf of a borrower.
Under section 11.6 of that Chapter, a regulated entity must retain details of individual transactions for six years after the date on which the particular transaction is discontinued or completed. A regulated entity must retain all other records for six years from the date on which the regulated entity ceased to provide any product or service to the borrower.
If a borrower is in dispute with regard to the paying off of a loan and the lack of records to verify this, that matter should be referred to senior management in the regulated entity for examination and resolution. If satisfaction is not received, then the matter should be referred on to the Financial Services Ombudsman, who can investigate in an impartial and independent manner the complaint from the borrower.
218 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance in relation to the taking out of default insurance by banks, if it is normal practice for a bank to take out default insurance on loans; if there is a legal regulation or any other rule of enforcement stating that a bank must insure its loans against default; if so, with whom this insurance is policy placed; if there is any legal regulation for financial institutions and banks obliging them to retain a provision fund or deposit account to clear defaulted loans; if so, it is the specific regulation; if not, if it is none-the-less common practice for banks to set up such accounts in order to offset defaulted loans; and the time limit within which a bank must clear defaulted loan accounts. [19123/12]
Some banks would seek to minimise risk by ‘buying' credit insurance on some assets such as mortgages or bonds. There are no requirements on the banks in relation to ‘default insurance' and it is left to each bank management to determine their own, appropriate strategy. The Central Bank of Ireland sets reserving requirements for financial institutions and have issued guidelines in relation to provisioning.
219 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance in the context of borrower bank transactions, his view in relation to assertions by the borrower that, they should be entitled to a percentage of any profits arising from the bank making profitable dealings on the back of the sale of agreements to which they are a party; as taxpayers now own large percentages of various banks by virtue of very large publicly subscribed recapitalisation, if some element of the individual taxpayer’s contribution to the bail-out of a bank should be offset against any moneys allegedly owed by that individual to such a bank; and if there is clear absence of advance full disclosure by banks because of the manner in which banks do business in using borrowers’ pledges to repay for the purposes of raising finance internationally. [19124/12]
On 30 March 2012, the Department of Finance published the Relationship Frameworks for each of the banks in which the State acquired an interest in the context of the financial crisis. The Frameworks were prepared in the context of EU and Irish competition law considerations and commitments made in connection with the EU/IMF Programme for Financial Support for Ireland.
The Frameworks provide, inter alia, that each bank will continue to operate at arm's length from the State; each bank will remain a separate economic unit with independent powers of decision; the board of each bank will determine the bank's strategy and commercial policy, including the adoption of its business plan and budget; and the State will not intervene in the day-to-day operations of the banks or their management decisions including with respect to pricing and lending decisions.
I expect the Board and management team of each of the banks to conduct their commercial operations in a prudent and sustainable manner which seeks to create commercially oriented credit institutions. This will ensure the maximisation of value of the banks as an asset to the State and the taxpayer.
220 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance the safeguards in place to prevent a possible conflict of interest in relation to the European Central Bank’s insistence that the State pays off the Anglo Irish Bank bondholders, in the context in which the names of the benefitting bond-holders are being denied to him and he cannot therefore guarantee that there is no relationship between the members of the Board of the ECB who are enforcing this insistence on bondholder payouts and the actual benefitting bondholders. [19125/12]
I am advised that the process of issuing new bonds is normally through underwriting, where one or more securities firms or banks form a syndicate buying the entire bond issue from the issuer and then re-selling to investors. Primary issuance is arranged by these syndicates who contact potential investors and advise the bond issuer in terms of timing, tenor and pricing of the bond issue. The bond issuer will likely have little knowledge of the original owners of the bonds; also these initial investors may over time sell the bonds to other investors.
Bonds are usually issued in bearer form which means that the purchasers of the bonds are unknown, with the bonds usually held by a securities depository company (e.g. Euroclear and Clearstream). When paying interest and principal the bond issuer will transfer the required funds to the securities depository company who in turn will pay the funds through to the bondholders.
The function of the securities depository company is to receive the appropriate interest or principal payment for the entire bond issue from the issuer and to distribute the required amounts to the individual bondholders. This is a standard process for all such issuances. Therefore throughout this entire process the bond issuer is unaware of the individual bondholders' details.
I am satisfied that advice provided by the ECB is based purely on its merits having regard to the role and function of the ECB. Further, I understand that the Members of the ECB Executive Board are, as one would expect, subject to stringent conflict-of-interest protocols.
221 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if it is a requirement of the relationship framework of Anglo Irish Bank, now IBRC that the appointment of advisors (details supplied) requires ministerial consent or at least his view on whether or not the appointment is material to the relationship framework, the achievement of the banks objectives or its business plan; if his consent or view was sought by the board of the bank in relation to the appointment of the company as advisors; the view he gave on this matter; if his view was not sought on the appointment of the company as advisors if he has enquired the reason his view was not sought on the matter and the steps he has taken in relation to this issue. [19132/12]
The 2009 Relationship Framework recognises the separation of Anglo Irish Bank from the Minister and limits intervention by the Minister in the conduct of Anglo Irish Bank's business to that necessary to protect the public interest. The Board is responsible for achieving the Business Plan and the Minister will play no role in day-to-day operational and commercial matters relating to its achievement, except to the extent he believes it is necessary to do so in order to realise the Objectives, in which case the Board shall comply with such instructions or policies as the Minister may issue.
The relationship Framework further provides that the bank shall obtain the prior consent of the Minister before appointing auditors or any third party financial or legal advisers where their appointment or work is, in the view of the Minister, material to this Relationship Framework, the realisation of the Objectives or the achievement of the Business Plan or the Legacy Plan (the "Advisers"). All work undertaken by such Advisers shall be consistent with the Objectives. The Board shall comply with any instructions given by the Minister in relation to the use by Anglo Irish Bank of Advisers.
In the case of the appointment of the Company referred to in the question the Minister's prior approval was not sought nor were his views on whether the appointment was material to the Relationship Framework sought. It was considered at the time by the bank that the appointment of the Company was "normal course business", of limited duration, the engagement did not constitute the appointment of financial or legal advisors and that the scope of the engagement was consistent with the Objectives and the requirements of the Restructuring plan. As indicated in the response to a previous Parliamentary Question my Department was aware of proposals to engage the Company from late October 2010.
As the Deputy will be aware the Relationship Framework has been revised in recent weeks to reflect the evolving role and relationship with IBRC having regard to the Restructuring Plan approved by the EU Commission. A copy of the revised Relationship is published on the Department's website http://banking.finance.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Irish-Bank-Resolution-Corporation1.pdf. Section 27 of the revised Relationship Framework addresses the issue of the appointment of advisors.
222 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown by number, company and salaries, of persons employed by companies which have loans from IBRC, whose salary and benefits exceed €200,000 per annum. [19140/12]
The Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day operation of the bank including the management of the loan book of the bank and related commercial matters. As Minister for Finance I have no function in the matters referred to in the question.
223 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) who purchased a house in 2008 does not qualify for increased tax relief at source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19150/12]
The position is as I stated in my Budget day speech, that the new measure fulfils the Government's commitment contained in its Programme for Government to increase the rate of Mortgage Interest Relief to 30 per cent for first-time buyers who took out their first mortgage in the period 2004 to 2008. I have sought to be as flexible as possible within the constraints pertaining. Under the current tax legislation Mortgage Interest Relief is granted from the date the first mortgage interest payment is made. The legislation has been amended for this particular measure to also include mortgage draw-down as a qualifying event for the rate increase. This means that a mortgage holder will qualify for the increased rate if they made their first mortgage interest payment in the period 2004 to 2008 or if they drew down their mortgage in that period.
Unfortunately, based on the information provided, the person in question does not qualify for the increased rate of relief. However, he/she should still continue to qualify for the current rates of relief for first-time buyers. It should be noted that Mortgage Interest Relief is set to be abolished at the end of 2017.
As with all time limited reliefs, there will always be people who just miss out, and that is why I have been as flexible as possible with the legislation. However, I do not intend to extend the parameters of the measure any further as it would become less targeted and more costly.
224 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if a company (details supplied) has advised his Department and or IBRC in relation to the promissory note; if this advice was used by him in his interactions with the ECB or other European partners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19155/12]
The Company referred to in the Question did not advise my Department. As was previously advised, the company was retained by IBRC in December 2011 to advise on a range of strategic matters including, but not limited to, the structure of the bank's balance sheet, including the Promissory Note.
225 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if IBRC’s group procurement policy was followed in relation to decision to retain the services of a company (details supplied); and if the requirement for this service went through a formal procurement process or if the CEO waived the requirement for the following of a formal procurement process in this regard. [19161/12]
As the Deputy is aware the Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day operation of the bank, including as a general rule matters related to procurement. I have been informed by IBRC that the bank operates a procurement policy which has been set by the Board. There have been and will continue to be specific instances in which IBRC will not be able to tender publicly for a particular good or service e.g. urgency, sensitivity of a particular matter, etc. In such instances, the procurement policy of the Bank allows the CEO to give an advance waiver of this policy. A waiver is only granted by the CEO where a genuine need exists and can be justified. Procurement by IBRC, whether by public tender or exception, at all times seeks to best give effect to the core principles of accountability, value for money, non-discrimination, fairness, transparency and integrity in the procurement of any good or service for the Bank.
226 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the number of occasions on which the CEO of IBRC waived the requirement for a formal procurement process in the award of contracts for a goods or services since the bank was nationalised; the date on which these contracts were agreed; with whom and for what goods or services; the reasons for such exceptions being made in each case; if he was consulted in relation to the making of these exceptions in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19162/12]
As the Deputy is aware the Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day operation of the bank including, as a general rule, issues relation to procurement. I have been informed by IBRC that the bank operates a procurement policy which has been set by the Board. An integral aspect of procurement is a governance process to monitor adherence to policy. The Bank's procurement policy is designed to ensure that goods and services are procured in the most cost-effective manner, while ensuring that the process is completed in an open, objective and transparent way. There have been and will continue to be specific instances in which the Bank will not be able to tender publicly for a particular good or service, e.g. urgency, sensitivity of a particular matter, etc.. In such instances, the procurement policy allows for the CEO to give an advance waiver of this policy. A waiver is only granted by the CEO where a genuine need exists and can be justified.
Procurement by IBRC, whether by public tender or exception, at all times seeks to best give effect to the core principles of accountability, value for money, non-discrimination, fairness, transparency and integrity in the procurement of any good or service for the Bank.
Further details of any exception to the bank's procurement policy are by their nature therefore commercially sensitive to the organisation.
227 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Finance the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by his Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19172/12]
The table details the information requested by the Deputy in relation to my Department:
|
Date |
Value |
Service provider |
|
June 2011 |
€24,657 |
Niamh Hyland |
|
June 2011 |
€36,402 |
David Barniville |
|
Sept 2011 |
€50,000 |
Charles River Associates |
|
Oct 2011 |
€100,000 |
ARAM International Partners |
|
Oct-Nov 2011 |
€52,454 |
Mazars |
My Department also has an ongoing contract with Arthur Cox for the provision of banking related consultancy services.
For the sake of completeness, I might add that my Department engaged the services of PricewaterhouseCoopers to assist in analysing data from the covered institutions in relation to redundancy matters. The engagement, which commenced late 2011, is on-going and is provided pro bono.
228 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of expressions of interest that were received for the March 2012 National Assets Management Agency board appointment; the closing date for expressions of interest; and the day on which John Mulcahy was appointed. [19202/12]
My Department received 6 applications by post and 18 applications via e-mail. The closing date for expressions of interest was 6 March 2012. John Mulcahy was appointed to the NAMA Board on 7 March 2012.
231 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details attached) in Dublin 15 is eligible for the increase in mortgage interest in Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19222/12]
This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners who are responsible for the administration of mortgage interest relief through the tax relief at source (TRS) system. I am informed by Revenue that they have established that the loan in question was drawn down within the qualifying period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008 and that the individual is entitled to the increased 30% rate.
Revenue is currently working with lenders to give effect to mortgage interest relief at source measures encompassed in the 2012 Finance Act. The increased rate will be applied to the person's loan shortly and the arrears from 1 January will be credited to the mortgage funding account without the necessity for any further action on the part of the person concerned.
233 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the number of jobs that have been created over the past 12 months as a result of pension levy deductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19243/12]
Employment data are presented in net terms and information on gross flows into and out of employment is not available, making it difficult to assess the number of jobs created by any policy initiative. Having said that, I think it's fair to say that there are tentative signs of an improvement in labour market conditions. For instance, the latest data show that employment increased by 0.6 per cent (the equivalent of 10,000 jobs) in the final quarter of last year, the first increase in four years, and I am encouraged by this. In addition, there has been a modest fall in the Live Register in the opening months of this year.
So leaving aside the fact that quantifying the impact is difficult, I am confident that the measures introduced by the Government in May, such as reducing the rate of VAT in the high value added tourism sector, are playing an important role in both creating and sustaining employment.
Finally, I want to reiterate that addressing the difficulties in the labour market remains the Government's biggest challenge and, accordingly, Government is giving its highest priority to job protection and job creation.
234 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance when he expects progress will be made on restructuring the Anglo Irish Bank promissory notes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17602/12]
As the Deputy is aware the Government has been committed to reviewing the arrangements that were put in place to capitalise IBRC — formerly Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide. The purpose of this review is to determine if there was a way to reduce the overall cost to the State. Part of the capitalisation of IBRC was provided using promissory notes as consideration. While the development in relation to the end March Promissory Note payment is positive, we must continue to work towards the greater benefits which would derive from the re-engineering of the promissory note. There are potential improvements for the banking sector which could also stem from the ongoing technical discussions.
It is for these reasons that we must look at the recent developments as an initial step in a process. This is a the medium term project. The Government is focused on developing an alternative solution to the promissory note arrangement in IBRC. We want to arrive at a successful conclusion that is in the interests of Ireland and the EU.
235 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the recent ECB meeting of central bank governors; if the restructuring of the Anglo promissory notes was on the agenda of the meeting and the outcome of any such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17601/12]
As Minister for Finance, I do not attend these meetings. The Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, Mr Patrick Honohan attended the recent ECB meeting of Central Bank Governors. The Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland has since appeared before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform on Tuesday 27 March 2012. Pursuant to Section 19A (2) of the Central Bank Act 1942, as amended (the "1942 Act"), the Governor has sole responsibility for the performance of the functions imposed, and the exercise of powers conferred, on the Bank by or under the Rome Treaty or the statute of the European System of Central Banks (the "ESCB") and of the ECB (the "ESCB Statute").
Article 10 of the ESCB Statute outlines the operation of the Governing Council. Key provisions to note are, (a) Article 10.1 of the ESCB Statute which states that the Governing Council shall comprise the members of the Executive Board of the ECB and the governors of the national central banks of the Member States whose currency is the euro, (b) Article 10.2 which outlines the voting mechanisms of the Governing Council and (c) Article 10.4 which provides that the proceedings of Governing Council meetings shall be confidential, however the Governing Council may decide to make the outcome of its deliberations public.
It should be noted that in carrying out the functions of the Bank imposed by the ESCB Statute, the Governor is subject to Article 7 of the ESCB Statute which provides that "neither the ECB, nor a national central bank, nor any member of their decision-making bodies shall seek or take instructions from Union institutions, bodies, offices or agencies, from any government of a Member State or from any other body".
236 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 32 to 35, 38, 41 and 42 of 14 March 2012, when he expects the further survey from the Revenue regarding the illicit cigarette trade to be published; if he will detail the role, if any, the Revenue has taken in working with the tobacco policy review group in the Department of Health; the role, if any, the Revenue plays in working with the Department of Health or the Health Service Executive regarding the illicit cigarette trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19339/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax, and for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products, that the further survey referred to by the Deputy has now been completed and the results will be published shortly. This survey is the latest of three surveys jointly commissioned by Revenue and the Office of Tobacco Control in the Department of Health in order to estimate the proportion of cigarettes consumed in the State that had not been taxed in this jurisdiction. The earlier surveys were in respect of the years 2009 and 2010 and these estimated that 20% of cigarettes consumed in the State had not been taxed in this jurisdiction. This figure was further broken down as 14% illicit product and 6% legally imported by passengers arriving into the State from other jurisdictions. Based on the estimate of 14%, the loss to the exchequer from illicit cigarette consumption during 2009 and 2010 would be in the region of €250m (excise duty + VAT), per year. There is on-going close co-operation and sharing of information between Revenue and the Office of Tobacco Control in relation to their respective areas of responsibility in relation to all aspects of the tobacco market.
I am advised that a group composed of representatives of the Department of Health and the Health Services Executive is undertaking a review of tobacco policy and that it will consult with other relevant public bodies, including the Revenue Commissioners, in the course of its work.
237 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on any discussions he has had with a representative group (details supplied) in relation to a possible fuel rebate for their members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19340/12]
The Deputy may be aware that a working group was set up between officials of my Department, the IRHA and some members of the Oireachtas. This working group is discussing a number of issues of concern to the haulage industry. I am sure the Deputy will understand that I cannot pre-empt the outcome of those discussions which are ongoing. I should point out that a fuel rebate system, as sought by the IRHA, could not under EU law be restricted to Irish licensed hauliers but would have to be extended to all vehicles intended exclusively for the carriage of goods by road with a maximum permissible gross laden weight of not less than 7.5 tonnes. In addition, the rebate would have to include the carriage of passengers by a motor vehicle of category M2 or category M3 as defined in Council Directive 70/156/EEC.
239 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his view on a matter (details supplied) regarding betting tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19426/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that profits from the selective laying of bets on betting exchanges by persons other than licensed bookmakers would not be subject to income tax, nor would stamp duties, VAT or capital gains tax apply. In the case of a betting exchange established in the State, the commission charged to customers is chargeable to VAT at the standard rate of 23 per cent. An exemption from VAT will apply, however, in the case of a remote betting intermediary, within the meaning of section 64 of the Finance Act 2002, in respect of the supply of services the consideration for which consists of commission charges that are subject to betting intermediary duty imposed by section 67B of that Act. The coming into operation of betting intermediary duty, and the exemption from VAT for the supply of services to which that duty applies, are subject to Ministerial commencement orders. The making of those orders would follow the enactment of the proposed Betting (Amendment) Bill that is being drafted at present and which will provide the regulatory framework for the licensing of remote betting intermediaries and bookmakers.
240 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he is considering in the context for Budget 2013, any changes to the tax bands or tax rates on income earned. [19428/12]
As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government states that as part of the Government's fiscal strategy we will maintain the current rates of income tax together with bands and credits. This commitment was delivered in Budget 2012. As I have stated many times before in the House, the Programme for Government sets out our strategy in this matter and, subject to agreement with the Troika, we intend to continue to deliver on these commitments.
241 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide estimates of the expected decrease in direct revenue to the State from a 1 percentage point reduction in the lower and higher rates of income taxation respectively; and if he will provide same for a 10% increase in the respective tax bands. [19429/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year costs to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2012 incomes, of reducing the standard and higher rates of income tax by 1 percentage point would be approximately €470 million and €205 million respectively. The estimated cost of increasing the standard rate tax bands by 10% would be approximately €540 million in a full year.
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2012. They are, therefore, provisional and likely to be revised.
242 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons paying tax at each of the tax rates. [19430/12]
246 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons earning income but not paying income tax. [19434/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 246 together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested by the Deputy is as follows, in respect of the income tax year 2012.
|
Projected Distribution of Income Earners for 2012 |
||||
|
Tax year |
Exempt(Standard rate liability fully covered by credits or age exemption limits) |
Standard rate (including those whose liability at the higher rate is fully offset by credits) |
Higher rate (liability not fully off set by credits) |
All cases |
|
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
||
|
Post Budget 2012 |
817,100 |
37.7 |
946,200 |
43.7 |
401,800 |
18.6 |
2,165,100 |
Numbers are rounded to nearest hundred.
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2012.
They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
243 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue collected from those paying tax at the lower rate and those paying tax at the higher rate. [19431/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that on the basis of income tax returns for the income tax year 2009, the latest year for which the necessary detailed historical information is available, the breakdown of the total income tax liability between taxpayers at the lower and higher rates of tax for that year is 29% and 71% respectively. Further details are provided in Table IDS 17 of the Income Distribution chapter of the Revenue Statistical Report for 2010, which is available on the Revenue website.
244 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of revenue raised from income tax on those earning €100,000 or greater; the amount this is as a percentage of the total tax take for the State; and if he will provide same from those earning €80,000 and €60,000 respectively. [19432/12]
245 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of revenue raised from income tax on those earning €40,000 or less in income tax and the amount this is as a percentage of the total tax take for the State. [19433/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested, estimated by reference to the income tax year 2012, is set out in the following table:
|
Range of Gross Income |
Income Tax |
% of Total Income Tax Yield |
|
€40,000 or less |
€1,207,918,600 |
10% |
|
€60,000 or greater |
€8,716,082,300 |
72% |
|
€80,000 or greater |
€6,777,535,500 |
56% |
|
€100,000 or greater |
€5,328,329,800 |
44% |
Tax figures are rounded to the nearest hundred and percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
It should be noted that the income ranges shown in the above table relate to Gross Income as defined in Revenue Statistical Report 2010.
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2012. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
247 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of all tax breaks provided, by area, value and what these tax breaks are estimated to be worth to the Exchequer in terms of revenue forgone. [19435/12]
248 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of all tax exemptions provided by area, value and what these tax exemptions are estimated to be worth to the Exchequer in terms of revenue foregone. [19436/12]
249 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of all tax allowances provided by area, value and what these tax allowances are estimated to be worth to the Exchequer in terms of revenue foregone. [19437/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 247, to 249, inclusive, together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the total identifiable costs to the Exchequer which are currently available relate to income tax and corporation tax allowances, reliefs, exemptions and tax credits available as set out in the following tables for 2008 and 2009, the most recent year for which the necessary detailed historical information is available. It should be noted that there have been changes since this period, i.e. some schemes have been abolished or modified and others have been introduced. Relevant notes relating to items in the tables are also included.
Index of Tables and Notes
a) Note on the Cost of Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs 2008 and 2009
b) Table IT 6 showing Cost of Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs 2008 and 2009
c) Notes on Table IT 6
d) Note on Green Paper on Pensions
e) Estimate of cost of certain property-based tax incentives and incomes exempt from tax for 2008 and 2009
f) Note on reliefs in respect of which costs are not currently quantifiable or are negligible or are not identifiable within total aggregates.
These estimates of cost are not compiled by reference to areas.
a) Cost of Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs 2008 and 2009
The following table IT 6 shows the estimated cost in terms of revenue forgone of the personal tax credits and the main reliefs and deductions allowable under the income tax system. A number of reliefs which apply both to individuals and companies is also included and the cost shown in relation to these reliefs covers income tax and corporation tax.
An adjustment is included in the cost figures applying to income tax to compensate for incomplete numbers of tax returns on record at the time of compiling the estimates.
The tax credits and reliefs listed in the table serve varying purposes. Many are essentially structural reliefs through which individual tax liabilities are adjusted to reflect relative taxable capacity. The main personal tax credits are a good example of this since they may be regarded as part of the progressive income tax structure representing a band of income chargeable at a zero rate. Others, such as relief for interest paid in full or investment in corporate trades, are tax-based incentives in favour of specific groups or activities which are designed to promote certain aspects of public policy.
In computing taxable profits, account needs to be taken in some way of the depreciation of capital assets incurred in earning those profits. To this extent, the figures in the table of the "costs" of capital allowances should not be regarded as measuring a "loss of tax revenue" on profits. To compute such "loss", regard would have to be had to the excess of the amount of the capital allowances at current rates over the amount of the normal allowances.
The figures shown for the basic personal tax credits (married, single and widowed) are the costs of these tax credits as if all other tax credits and the exemption limits did not apply. They do not include individuals who are not on Revenue records because their incomes are below the income tax thresholds. The cost figures for the exemption limits are based on the excess of the exemption limits over the basic personal tax credits.
The figures of cost are for 2008 and 2009 and all figures are based on tax due in respect of assessments for each year and not on tax receipts within that year.
The figure against each credit or allowance represents the additional tax which would become payable if the tax credit or allowance were withdrawn assuming no consequent change in the behaviour of taxpayers (for example, in relation to the reliefs for savings), or the amounts of payments (for example, interest payable on certain savings schemes might need adjustment to take account of the new tax liability).
The numbers of claimants of each credit or relief are shown for both years to the extent that they are available. The numbers included are the taxpayers who would be adversely affected by the withdrawal of the respective credit or relief.
In the calculations, each tax credit or allowance has been dealt with separately and on the assumption that the rest of the tax system remained unchanged. It would be therefore inaccurate to calculate the effect of withdrawing all the credits, reliefs and allowances by simply totalling the figures. For example, the costs shown for capital allowances and stock relief are also calculated on the basis of separate withdrawal of these reliefs. Their combined cost would be greater than the sum of the separate costs because allowances are not always fully set off against available profits. For instance, a person with €1,000 gross trading profits, €1,000 capital allowances and €1,000 stock relief would pay no tax if either of the reliefs were withdrawn but would pay tax on €1,000 profits if both reliefs were withdrawn. In this case, the cost of each relief separately is nil but the combined cost is tax on €1,000. Basic data is not available to enable an estimate of the combined cost of these reliefs to be made.
The figures for estimates based on tax returns have been grossed up to an overall expected level to adjust for incompleteness in the numbers of returns on record at the time the data was extracted for analytical purposes.
Apart from the artists exemption, these figures do not take account of the application of the restriction of reliefs originally provided for in section 17 of Finance Act 2006, which took effect from 1 January 2007. The restriction was extended by Section 23 Finance Act 2010.
Finally, the estimates shown in many cases are tentative and are subject to revision in the light of later information.
b) Table IT 6 showing Cost of Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs 2008 and 2009
|
Table IT6 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cost of Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs 2008 and 2009 |
||||
|
(1) Estimated cost for |
||||
|
Tax Relief Provision |
2008 |
2009 |
||
|
Income Tax |
€m |
Numbers |
€m |
Numbers |
|
Exemption limits: |
||||
|
General Exemption (2) |
0.0 |
0 |
0.0 |
0 |
|
Child Addition (2) |
0.3 |
900 |
0.2 |
800 |
|
Age Exemption (2) |
90.8 |
57,700 |
82.4 |
54,900 |
|
Married Person’s Credit (3) |
2,944.9 |
853,100 |
2,853.2 |
835,000 |
|
Single Person’s Credit (3) |
2,406.8 |
1,503,300 |
2,088.2 |
1,316,900 |
|
Widowed Person’s Credit (3) |
184.3 |
81,100 |
184.8 |
81,100 |
|
Additional Credit to Widowed Person in Year of Bereavement |
4.9 |
4,000 |
4.9 |
4,000 |
|
Additional Bereavement Credit to Widowed Parent |
6.9 |
2,300 |
6.2 |
2,400 |
|
Additional Personal Credit for Lone Parent |
197.4 |
116,700 |
174.1 |
103,600 |
|
Homecarer Credit |
79.5 |
93,100 |
63.9 |
77,500 |
|
Additional Credit for Incapacitated Child |
39.0 |
12,300 |
38.0 |
12,200 |
|
Employee (PAYE) Credit |
3,253.8 |
1,710,200 |
2,995.2 |
1,560,600 |
|
Dependent Relative Credit |
2.0 |
18,700 |
2.1 |
18,200 |
|
Person Taking Care of Incapacitated Taxpayer |
5.8 |
1,260 |
5.9 |
1470 |
|
Age Credit |
42.3 |
88,100 |
43.7 |
90,700 |
|
Blind Person’s Credit (incl.Guide Dog Allowance) |
2.1 |
1,320 |
1.9 |
1190 |
|
Medical Insurance Premiums (4) |
321 |
1,322,400 |
589.6 |
1,233,900 |
|
Health Expenses |
266.8 |
542,600 |
145.5 |
492,800 |
|
Contributions Under Permanent Health Benefit Schemes, after Deduction of Tax on Benefits Received (5) |
4.0 |
29,200 |
3.9 |
27,300 |
|
Employees’ Contributions To Approved Superannuation Schemes (6) |
655.0 |
792,600 |
729.0 |
713,600 |
|
Employers’ Contributions To Approved Superannuation Schemes (6) |
165.0 |
362,700 |
153.0 |
342,200 |
|
Exemption of Investment Income and Gains of Approved Superannuation Funds (6) * |
685.0 |
N/A |
780.0 |
N/A |
|
Exemption of employers’ contributions from employee BIK (6) |
595.0 |
362,700 |
558.0 |
342,200 |
|
Tax Relief on “tax free” lump sums (6) |
140.0 |
N/A |
140.0 |
N/A |
|
Retirement Annuity Premiums |
352.8 |
116,000 |
237.2 |
101,300 |
|
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts |
73.8 |
53,900 |
77.0 |
56,200 |
|
Interest paid: |
||||
|
Loans relating to Principal Private Residence |
704.6 |
778,100 |
486.3 |
782,700 |
|
Other (7) |
48.5 |
5,400 |
26.5 |
5,000 |
|
Rent Paid in Private Tenancies |
96.5 |
222,100 |
85.9 |
196,900 |
|
Expenses Allowable to Employees under Schedule E |
75.2 |
835,900 |
73.7 |
744,300 |
|
Third Level Education Fees |
19.9 |
36,000 |
20.6 |
34,700 |
|
Exemption of Certain Earnings of Writers, Composers and Artists |
21.8 |
2,630 |
22.1 |
2,590 |
|
Dispositions (Including Maintenance Payments made to Separated Spouses) |
22.33 |
7,820 |
19.5 |
6,840 |
|
Exemption of Interest on Savings Certificates, National Installment Savings and Index Linked Savings Bonds |
88.1 |
N/A |
138.2 |
N/A |
|
Rent a Room |
5.6 |
3,600 |
5.6 |
3,770 |
|
Exemption of Income of Charities, Colleges, Hospitals, Schools, Friendly Societies, etc. (8) (10) |
35.8 |
N/A |
40.7 |
N/A |
|
Retirement Relief for certain Sports Persons (9) |
0.2 |
17 |
0.2 |
15 |
|
Exemption of Irish Government Securities where owner not ordinarily resident in Ireland (10) * |
320.8 |
N/A |
486.7 |
N/A |
|
Exemption of Statutory Redundancy Payments (11)* |
85.4 |
29,800 |
147.8 |
77,000 |
|
Service Charges |
27.1 |
455,200 |
26.8 |
452,600 |
|
Top Slicing Relief — Reduced Tax Rate for Payments in Excess of Exemption Amounts Made as Compensation for Loss of Office |
44.7 |
3,790 |
47.8 |
6,110 |
|
Revenue Job Assist allowance |
0.2 |
330 |
0.3 |
390 |
|
Allowance for seafarers |
0.3 |
160 |
0.2 |
150 |
|
Trade Union Subscriptions |
26.4 |
341,900 |
26.7 |
345,800 |
|
Exemption From Tax of Certain Social Welfare Payments: |
||||
|
Child benefit * |
435.3 |
401,200 |
390.7 |
372,900 |
|
Early childcare Supplement* |
98.3 |
195,200 |
47.5 |
154,300 |
|
Maternity allowance * |
18.2 |
23,420 |
19 |
23,300 |
|
Foster Care Payments |
28.09 |
3,470 |
28.4 |
3,360 |
|
Exemption of Income arising from the Provision of Childcare Services |
0.8 |
440 |
0.8 |
470 |
|
Approved Profit Sharing Schemes * |
99 |
111,190 |
37.6 |
62,900 |
|
Savings-Related Share Option Schemes* |
1.3 |
2,800 |
0.8 |
1,800 |
|
Approved Share Option Schemes* |
0.1 |
280 |
0.5 |
370 |
|
Relief for New Shares Purchased by Employees |
0.3 |
280 |
0.3 |
250 |
|
Investment in Corporate Trades (BES) |
55.7 |
3,200 |
25.6 |
1,640 |
|
Investment in Seed Capital |
1.7 |
56 |
2.9 |
77 |
|
Stock Relief * |
2.0 |
N/A |
2.0 |
N/A |
|
Exempt Rental Income from Leasing of Farm Land |
N/A |
N/A |
4.4 |
2,960 |
|
Relief for expenditure on significant buildings and gardens |
5.9 |
290 |
4.6 |
150 |
|
Donation of Heritage items |
4.7 |
5 |
0.7 |
2 |
|
Donation of Heritage property to the Irish Heritage Trust |
3.6 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
Income Tax and/or Corporation Tax (12) |
||||
|
Donations to Approved Bodies |
52.4 |
131,100 |
54.1 |
155,100 |
|
Donations to Sports Bodies (9) |
0.3 |
850 |
0.7 |
2100 |
|
Employee Share Ownership Trusts* |
8.4 |
29,200 |
1.3 |
16,400 |
|
Total Capital Allowances: (13) |
2,176.6 |
270,200 |
2,281.60 |
298,800 |
|
of which Energy Efficient Capital Allowances |
N/A |
N/A |
1.60 |
93 |
|
Rented Residential Relief — Section 23 (13) * |
74.7 |
2,429 |
46.9 |
1,620 |
|
Effective Rate of 10% for Manufacturing and Certain Other Activities (15) |
160.9 |
1,046 |
340.6 |
1,370 |
|
Double Taxation Relief |
596.5 |
18,000 |
589.1 |
18,900 |
|
Investment in Films* |
32.8 |
3200 |
42 |
2,553 |
|
Group Relief |
450.3 |
2430 |
390.5 |
2,507 |
|
Research and Development Tax Credit (16) |
146 |
582 |
216.1 |
900 |
c) Notes on Table IT 6
(1) Figures accompanied by an asterisk * are particularly tentative and subject to a considerable margin of error.
(2) The cost figures for the exemption limits are based on the excess of the exemption limits over the basic personal tax credits. They include the cost of marginal relief for taxpayers whose incomes are not greatly in excess of the exemption limits.
(3) The figures shown for the basic personal tax credits (married, single and widowed) are the costs of these tax credits as if all other tax credits and the exemption limits did not apply. They do not include individuals who are not on Revenue records because their incomes are below the income tax thresholds.
(4) Arising from the change over to Tax Relief at Source the figures relate to the number of policies issued. These include policies where subscriptions were paid by businesses on behalf of their employees.
(5) Part of the cost of contributions to Permanent Health Benefit Schemes is not identifiable as a result of the move to a "net pay" basis for contributions by PAYE taxpayers from 6 April 2001.
(6) See the following note on "Green Paper on Pensions" for background commentary on the basis of the cost figures.
(7) "Other" relates to borrowings for purposes such as acquiring an interest in a company or partnership.
(8) The income on which the cost of exemption from income tax for charities, colleges, hospitals, schools, friendly societies, etc. is based includes dividend income on which income tax deducted at source has been repaid, other investment income, payments received under covenant, donations by the PAYE sector to approved bodies together with the associated tax relief and donations by the self-employed and corporate sectors to approved bodies and approved sports bodies. Information is not available about other income received gross.
(9) The cost figures for relief for certain Sports Persons are based on income tax self assessment returns and for donations to Approved Sports Bodies are based on income tax and corporation tax self assessment returns.
(10) In the absence of other information, tax has been assumed at the standard rate of income tax even though a different rate might be more appropriate.
(11) The costs and numbers for the Exemption of Statutory Redundancy Payments are based on external data. From 2009 the "numbers" indicate the numbers of claims received in the year and not the numbers of claims approved.
(12) The costs included for corporation tax are by reference to accounting periods which ended in the years 2008 and 2009.
(13) The cost shown for capital allowances does not include any cost associated with "unused capital allowances", that is, capital allowances which are not absorbed by a company in the accounting period in which they arise because they exceed the amount of the company's profits of that accounting period which are available for offset. Unused capital allowances can be offset as losses against taxable profits arising in the previous accounting period and against certain profits arising in future accounting periods and can be offset against the profits of another company in the same group of companies. It is estimated that €3587 million and €5373 million of unused capital allowances were claimed in respect of 2008 and 2009 accounting periods respectively but as the proportion of this item which is included in previous years losses and in group relief is not separately identifiable a reliable estimate of the cost of the capital allowance element cannot be provided.
(14) The tax cost shown for section 23 type relief is the estimated ultimate tax cost relating to the total allowable expenditure in respect of claims made in 2008 and 2009 tax returns for the first time. The cost shown is for income tax cases only.
(15) the cost shown for manufacturing relief for 2008 is compiled using the basic data available but for technical reasons associated with a system redesign it is understood to be understated by at least €100m.
(16) The costs shown for R&D is for claims for R&D on corporation tax returns for accounting periods ending in 2008 and 2009. However, the cost for 2009 includes the amount of credit allowed against 2009 tax together with the amount offset against tax of previous accounting periods and as payable credits.
d) Note on Green Paper on Pensions — Review of estimates of cost
As part of the work on the Green Paper on Pensions, a review was carried out of the current regime of incentives for supplementary pension provision with a view to developing more comprehensive and reliable estimates of the cost of reliefs in this area. The review examined, among other things, the current reliefs and incentives for investment in supplementary pensions and the data available on which to base reliable estimates of the costs in revenue foregone to the Exchequer.
The review drew on newly available 2006 aggregate data on contributions to pension schemes by employers and employees arising from a P35 initiative introduced on foot of provisions that were included in Finance Act 2004 with a view to improving data quality. Estimates of the cost of tax for private pension provision updated for 2008 and 2009 are included in table IT6.
The breakdown and make-up of these estimated costs of reliefs differ from presentations of costs in this area for years prior to 2005 in a number of respects and are not directly comparable. further details on the cost of tax and other reliefs and the changes in the methodology are contained in pages 106 and 107 of the Green Paper on Pensions which is available at www.pensionsgreenpaper.ie.
e) Estimate of cost of certain property-based tax incentives and incomes exempt from tax for 2008 and 2009
Certain property-based tax incentives and incomes exempt from tax — uptake and estimated potential cost to the Exchequer in terms of income tax and corporation tax forgone based on 2008 and 2009 tax returns
Provisions were included in the Finance Acts of 2003 and 2004 to enable new statistical data on the uptake of tax relief for certain property-based tax incentives and incomes exempt from tax to be obtained from tax returns. This information, derived from changes introduced by the Revenue Commissioners to income tax returns and corporation tax returns for 2008 and 2009, is set out in the following tables.
The figures shown include the amounts claimed in the year but exclude amounts carried forward into the year either as losses or capital allowances, and include any amounts of unused losses and/or capital allowances which will be carried forward to subsequent years.
|
Tax Incentive/Income Exemption 2008 |
Amount Claimed |
Assumed maximum tax cost €m |
Number of claimants |
|
€m |
€m |
||
|
Urban renewal |
230.8 |
87.0 |
3,367 |
|
Town Renewal |
61.6 |
24.2 |
998 |
|
Seaside Resorts |
16.1 |
6.4 |
1,091 |
|
Rural Renewal |
88.4 |
35.7 |
2,803 |
|
Multi-storey car parks |
16.8 |
6.6 |
134 |
|
Living Over the shop |
6.4 |
2.6 |
81 |
|
Enterprise Areas |
6.3 |
2.5 |
138 |
|
Park and Ride |
1.8 |
0.7 |
21 |
|
Holiday Cottages |
36.9 |
14.8 |
844 |
|
Hotels |
305.5 |
116.4 |
1,996 |
|
Nursing Homes |
48.4 |
19.8 |
734 |
|
Housing for the Elderly/infirm |
7.4 |
3.0 |
179 |
|
Hostels |
1.68 |
0.69 |
22 |
|
Guest Houses |
0.29 |
0.12 |
10 |
|
Convalescent Homes |
1.4 |
0.5 |
32 |
|
Qualifying Private Hospitals |
30.2 |
12.3 |
342 |
|
Qualifying sports injury clinics |
4.1 |
1.7 |
60 |
|
Buildings Used for certain child care purposes |
30.3 |
12.2 |
519 |
|
Qualifying Mental Health Centres |
0.1 |
0.0 |
3 |
|
Student Accommodation |
60.0 |
23.5 |
814 |
|
Caravan Camps |
1.5 |
0.6 |
10 |
|
Mid-Shannon Corridor Tourism Infrastructure |
1.8 |
0.7 |
12 |
|
Exemption of profits or gains from Greyhounds |
0.0 |
0.0 |
10 |
|
Exemption of profits or gains from Stallions |
92.3 |
15.1 |
192 |
|
Exemption of profits or gains from Woodlands |
51.0 |
13.6 |
2,492 |
|
Exempt Patents (Section 234, TCA 1997) |
198.3 |
51.7 |
1,209 |
|
Totals |
1,299.2 |
452.6 |
18,111 |
|
Tax Incentive/Income Exemption 2009 |
Amount Claimed |
Assumed maximum tax cost €m |
Number of claimants |
|
€m |
€m |
||
|
Urban renewal |
233.8 |
93.1 |
3410 |
|
Town Renewal |
45.4 |
18.3 |
1,001 |
|
Seaside Resorts |
13.3 |
5.3 |
875 |
|
Rural Renewal |
70.0 |
28.0 |
2,653 |
|
Multi-storey car parks |
13.2 |
5.2 |
130 |
|
Living Over the shop |
4.1 |
1.7 |
66 |
|
Enterprise Areas |
5.4 |
2.1 |
118 |
|
Park and Ride |
2.0 |
0.8 |
20 |
|
Holiday Cottages |
34.7 |
13.9 |
786 |
|
Hotels |
263.2 |
102.1 |
1,906 |
|
Nursing Homes |
54.4 |
21.6 |
750 |
|
Housing for the Elderly/infirm |
6.8 |
2.8 |
145 |
|
Hostels |
0.73 |
0.3 |
14 |
|
Guest Houses |
0.24 |
0.1 |
8 |
|
Convalescent Homes |
1.3 |
0.5 |
28 |
|
Qualifying Private Hospitals |
30.5 |
12.5 |
346 |
|
Qualifying sports injury clinics |
3.6 |
1.5 |
67 |
|
Buildings Used for certain child care purposes |
30.8 |
12.5 |
527 |
|
Qualifying Mental Health Centres |
0.1 |
0.0 |
1 |
|
Student Accommodation |
48.3 |
19.1 |
751 |
|
Caravan Camps |
0.6 |
0.2 |
2 |
|
Mid Shannon Corridor Tourism Infrastructure |
0.6 |
0.2 |
2 |
|
Exemption of profits or gains from Greyhounds |
0.0 |
0.0 |
5 |
|
Exemption of profits or gains from Stallions |
2.0 |
0.4 |
32 |
|
Exemption of profits or gains from Woodlands |
48.2 |
14.4 |
3,570 |
|
Exempt Patents (section 234, TCA 1997) |
260.7 |
71.7 |
1,268 |
|
Other Totals |
52.61,226.6 |
19.5447.8 |
63519,116 |
These figures do not take account of the application of the restriction of reliefs originally provided for in section 17 of Finance Act 2006 and which took effect from 1 January 2007. The restriction was extended by Section 23 Finance Act 2010.
Notes:
The figures shown relate to the various reliefs/incentives and exemptions as specified in the 2008 and 2009 form 11 and CT1.
There were concerns that in some instances the new, separately categorised data on property incentives may not have been correctly entered on the Tax returns. Revenue drew the attention of the relevant tax practitioner bodies to these deficiencies to rectify them in future returns and also increased awareness among its own staff involved in processing tax returns of the need to ensure, through closer examination of the returns, that they are correctly completed.
The estimated costs have assumed tax foregone at the 41% rate in the case of income tax and 12.5% in the case of corporation tax. This means the figures shown correspond to the maximum Exchequer cost in terms of income tax and corporation tax. However, the actual Exchequer cost could be lower, particularly in relation to the exempt income items, as the income could be subject to deductions for allowable expenses and other costs thereby reducing the level of income that would be actually subject to tax.
Some of the costs shown above are included in the costs shown for capital allowances and section 23 relief in Table IT6. However, exempt income included above is not part of capital allowances.
f) Note on reliefs in respect of which costs are not currently quantifiable or are negligible or are not identifiable within total aggregates.
Examples of this type of relief would include:
Relief from averaging of farm profits;
Exemption for income arising from payments in respect of personal injuries;
Exemption of certain payments made by Haemophilia HIV Trust;
Exemption of lump sum retirement payments;
Relief for allowable motor expenses;
Tapering relief allowable for taxation of car benefits in kind;
Reduced tax rate for authorised unit trust schemes;
Reduced tax rate for special investment schemes;
Exemption of certain grants made by Údarás na Gaeltachta;
Relief for investment income reserved for policy holders in life assurance companies;
Relief for various business related expenses such as staff recruitment, rent, legal fees, and other general expenses;
Exemption in certain circumstances on the interest on quoted bearer Eurobonds;
Exemption of payments made as compensation for loss of office;
Exemption of scholarship income;
Exemption for income received under Sceim na bhFoghlaimeoiri Gaeilge.
250 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a response to a haulage issue (details supplied). [19485/12]
The Deputy may be aware that a working group was set up between officials of my Department, the IRHA and some members of the Oireachtas. This working group is discussing a number of issues of concern to the haulage industry. I am sure the Deputy will understand that I cannot pre-empt the outcome of those discussions which are ongoing. I should point out that a fuel rebate system, as sought by the IRHA, could not under EU law be restricted to Irish licensed hauliers but would have to be extended to all vehicles intended exclusively for the carriage of goods by road with a maximum permissible gross laden weight of not less than 7.5 tonnes. In addition, the rebate would have to include the carriage of passengers by a motor vehicle of category M2 or category M3 as defined in Council Directive 70/156/EEC.
251 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which ongoing discussions continue to take place at EU, ECB and IMF level to improve the arrangements previously entered into in the context of the memorandum of understanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19536/12]
Review missions to Ireland by the three external partners, the EU, the ECB and the IMF (the Troika) take place on a quarterly basis. As the Deputy may be aware, a mission is currently in progress which began yesterday, Tuesday April 17th and will continue until Thursday April 26th. Verification of the relevant quarterly targets forms a key part of the mission. The Government has repeatedly stated its commitment to the Programme targets. Meeting these conditions on time and on target, is the best way to ensure that we emerge successfully from this programme, which is our primary focus. That will mean that we can return safely to the financial markets for funding in as timely a manner as possible. This is one of the principal objectives of the programme. The Government's commitment to the Programme does not stop us from seeking and agreeing changes to aspects of the programme. We have already done this successfully. The Government will continue to do so at the appropriate time.
Following each review mission, and arising from detailed and lengthy discussions with the Troika team during it, revised versions of the programme documents, including the Memorandum of Understanding on Specific Economic Policy Conditionality, are prepared by my officials before being submitted to the External Partners. It would be premature at this stage to comment on the possible outcome of these discussions.
However, it is also important to note that the relevant programme documents are made publically available at the end of the process.
252 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the degree to which sustainable borrowing and lending here and throughout the EU within the Eurozone and without was monitored by the various central banks throughout the EU; if any particular action was warranted or recommended by the relevant bodies in EU member states in the period 2002 to 2008; the sanctions if any applicable in the absence any corrective action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19537/12]
The debate around the adequacy of monitoring of private borrowing and lending during the years 2002 and 2008 has been addressed in various reports and studies into the Irish banking crisis. These reports from Professor Patrick Honohan, Messrs Regling and Watson and the Nyberg Commission identified that poor supervision, an overly-deferential attitude by regulators, poor assessment of risks and a lack of follow-through on enforcement, all played a part in the financial crisis and set out the problems that needed to be addressed in the banking regulation area.
While these reports disclosed the shortfalls in both Regulatory and Financial Stability policy, the Central Bank, in its Financial Stability role, did assess the level of borrowing and lending in the system and highlighted its concerns in its regular publications.
I am not in a position to comment on the monitoring role of the Central Banks of other EU countries.
253 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he continues to exhort his EU colleagues to maintain a unified and supportive approach to fiscal and economic issues in the future thereby preventing any recurrences of the past number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19538/12]
My Eurogroup colleagues and I are acutely aware of the need for Member Sates to remain on the agreed fiscal path. We are also conscious of the institutional deficiencies that played a significant part in creating the crisis, and I think its fair to say that substantial progress has been made in terms of retro-fitting the necessary tools and mechanisms to make the monetary union function better. We also have a shared understanding regarding the need to vigorously implement the 'five-point' strategy agreed at European level last year, so that we continue to build on the positive momentum that became evident in the first quarter of this year.
254 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which this country’s response to liabilities arising from the EU-IMF bailout is recognised throughout the EU and beyond; whether as a programme country we in this jurisdiction are keeping pace with expectations and if these countries contribute to stability here and throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19539/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland's progress in implementing its programme targets is assessed through a quarterly review process. The mission element of the sixth review started this week. Our record of programme implementation has been second to none, a fact repeatedly acknowledged by the EU and IMF authorities. It is also recognised more widely. Each review is subject to approval by euro area/EU Finance Ministers and this has been provided without difficulty on each occasion.
The success of our programme implementation has also been recognised by the financial markets. Our 10 year bond yields have remained below 7% for a number of weeks now. In addition, the NTMA has successfully re-engaged with the markets through the recent bond swap. These are all positive indications. They reflect our resolve successfully emerging from our programme at the end of 2013, and to resume financing ourselves in the financial markets.
In this context it is important to recognise that our progress is made possible by the solidarity of our fellow EU Member States.
255 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the cause or causes of any recent inflationary tendencies have been identified; the corrective action required or taken if any by way of response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19540/12]
The annual rate of CPI inflation was 2.2 per cent in March. One of the key factors underlying this figure was higher fuel prices, partly reflecting external developments over which we have no control. On an EU harmonised basis, prices in Ireland also rose at an annual rate of 2.2 per cent in March, compared with 2.7 per cent in the euro area as a whole. In terms of the year as a whole, my Department expects HICP inflation to average 1.9 per cent this year, which is lower than current projections for the euro area as a whole.
So our relative price competitiveness continues to improve, and this will enhance our growth prospects.
256 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which this country remains competitive in the context of the EU and globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19541/12]
Substantial progress has been made in terms of improving our competitiveness. Relatively lower price inflation over the last number of years means that Irish price levels have fallen relative to our major trading partners. At the same time there has been a significant improvement in our cost competitiveness. On foot of these positive developments, we have seen a recovery in our exports as well as an improvement in inward foreign direct investment, and I am encouraged by this. Having said that, further improvements in competitiveness are clearly needed in order to make significant inroads into the unacceptably high rate of unemployment that we are currently faced with.
257 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which this country remains on course in respect of fiscal and economic targets identified over the past year; the way this compares with other EU member states, eurozone or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19542/12]
The first quarter Exchequer figures show that we are on course to reach the 8.6 per cent of GDP deficit target — in general government terms — for this year. While there are no economic targets per se the Government is pursuing an agenda to facilitate the return of sustainable economic growth, and in this context the resumption of economic growth last year is encouraging. Furthermore as the Deputy will be aware the Government does publish a set of economic forecasts, covering a wide range of macro-economic variables. For instance, the current forecasts are for real GDP and GNP growth of 1.3 per cent and 0.7 per cent this year respectively. These forecasts are currently being re-assessed and updated forecasts will be published in the Stability Programme Update at the end of this month.
In terms of comparison with other EU Member States, there is considerable diversity with regard to economic forecasts for this year. However, for the EU as a whole, GDP is projected to be flat for this year.
In relation to whether other Member States are on course to meet their fiscal targets, clearly it is too early to be definitive at this stage. However, what I can say is that all Member States remain committed to correcting their excessive deficits within their country-specific timeframes, and to pursue policies that will underpin future economic growth.
261 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Finance the number of State companies that have used overseas companies for printing work in the following years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he is satisfied that this is an appropriate use of State resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19745/12]
In the period in question no State companies under the aegis of my Department have used overseas printing companies.
262 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications that sought funding from the European globalisation fund; the amount of funding available to the scheme; the amount drawn down to date; and if he will make available to training companies the data base of the applicants to help with their case. [18230/12]
The Irish authorities haves made a total of seven applications to date for the co-financed assistance of approved guidance, training, education and enterprise programmes in support of redundant workers under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). The EU currently provides up to 50% (65% for approved applications submitted between 1 May 2009 and 31 December 2011) of approved programme funding, with the remainder being met from national funding sources.
Since 2009 six applications have been approved by the European Commission, three of them in respect of eligible redundancies at the Dell, Waterford Crystal and SR Technics companies and various ancillary enterprises and a further three applications in relation to redundancies occurring within specific subsectors of the construction industry.
A decision is awaited from the European Commission in relation to the seventh and most recent application submitted by my Department on 29th February 2012 in support of 592 workers made redundant at the TalkTalk call centre facility in Waterford and at a number of ancillary enterprises. The programme of measures contained in the application has been estimated at €5.39m in total.
While the eligibility periods for the delivery of EGF co-financed supports under the Dell, Waterford Crystal and SR Technics programmes have closed, the certified final expenditure figures which are required to be submitted with the Final Reports on these programmes remain subject to final approval and official programme closure by the European Commission.
In this context, information regarding final approved draw down of expenditure by the EU is available in respect of one EGF programme to date, the Waterford Crystal programme, arising from the response of the European Commission to the Department's submission of the relevant Final Report and statement of certified expenditure. The relevant expenditure figure is an initial calculation received by way of debit note from the Commission and is subject to confirmation upon official closure of the programme by the EU.
Final Reports for the Dell and S R Technics programmes have also been submitted by the Department and the Commission's responses with regard to the approval of certified expenditure figures submitted therein are currently awaited.
The three construction programmes are still in operation and final reports are due for submission to the European Commission not later than 9 December 2012. The table under details the current position:—
|
EGF Programme |
Total Funding (national and EU) |
Funding drawn down from EU |
Approved EU expenditure |
|
Dell |
€22.82m |
€14.83 |
n/a |
|
Waterford Crystal |
€3.96m |
€2.57 |
€2.01m |
|
S R Technics |
€11.46m |
€7.45 |
n/a |
|
Construction (NACE sub-sector 41) |
€19.52m |
€12.69 |
n/a |
|
Construction (NACE sub-sector 43) |
€33.33m |
€21.66 |
n/a |
|
Construction (NACE sub-sector 71) |
€2.14m |
€1.39 |
n/a |
Regarding the request for the release of data on EGF eligible persons to individual training companies, I am precluded from doing so by the provisions of the Data Protection Acts.
However, a dedicated website www.egf.ie contains information on the three EGF construction programmes and on the TalkTalk application. EGF coordination units are currently in operation on these programmes to ensure that all programme supports are highlighted and that the take up of services is maximised as far as possible.
263 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the discipline procedures available to schools to ensure a satisfactory learning environment for all students; his views on whether teachers currently receive sufficient support in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18853/12]
The Education Welfare Act 2000 requires all schools to have in place a Code of Behaviour. The Act requires that a school Code of Behaviour shall specify: (a) the standards of behaviour that shall be observed by each student attending the school; (b) the measures that may be taken when a student fails or refuses to observe those standards; (c) the procedures to be followed before a student may be suspended or expelled from the school concerned; (d) the grounds for removing a suspension imposed in relation to a student; and (e) the procedures to be followed relating to notification of a child's absence from school.
The Act also requires that the school code of behaviour is prepared in accordance with Guidelines issued by the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB). The Guidelines set out a framework of good practice to assist primary and post-primary schools in developing their code of behaviour or in strengthening an existing code and are available on the website of the NEWB: www.newb.ie.
264 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there has been a reduction in the provision by FÁS of safe pass courses; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19523/12]
I am informed that FÁS Safe Pass training is delivered on demand and FÁS has put in place the capacity to meet the demand at all times.
As a direct result of the reduction of activity within the construction sector the demand for FÁS Safe Pass training has reduced.
The demand for FÁS Safe Pass training over the past number of years has reduced with 207,748 persons trained in 2006 and 71,994 trained in 2011.
265 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the action he will take to ensure that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 17 does not lose one of its legacy posts in the staffing schedule for September 2012 in view of the fact that the school’s enrolment has increased but apparently it may lose this critical legacy post because of the changes to the pupil teacher ratio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17608/12]
287 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason there was no mention of a legacy post being kept in a recent letter from his Department to a school (details supplied) in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17907/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 287 together.
The number of mainstream classroom teachers allocated to primary schools is based on the enrolment of the previous 30th September. The number of such posts allocated from year to year changes due to a number of factors including increasing or decreasing enrolments.
Legacy posts were retained by 140 Band 1 and Band 2 schools over and above their entitlement under DEIS for the 2011/12 school year. The school referred to by the Deputy is a DEIS Band 1 School but was not among the 140 DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 schools included in the recent report on legacy posts. The school was originally allocated a concessionary post under a previous disadvantage scheme but with the introduction of DEIS in 2005, this post became part of the school's teaching allocation to implement the more favourable pupil teacher ratios of 20:1 and therefore it was not retained by the school over and above its entitlements under DEIS. Since this post is part of the schools overall DEIS allocation for the last six years, the school staffing allocation has not been impacted by this particular budget measure.
Applying the new dedicated staffing schedule for Band 1 schools to implement the more favourable pupil teacher ratio of 20:1, this school is due to lose two mainstream classroom teachers due to falling enrolment over its September 2010 enrolment. I wish to clarify that this school would lose these posts regardless of any reforms to the teacher allocation process due to falling enrolments.
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 primary circular 0007/12.
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 in a particularly adverse manner on a school's overall allocation. The closing date for submission of appeal was 23 March, 2012.
The school to which the Deputy refers has submitted an appeal.
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.
266 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the Teaching Council is obliged to publish its accounts annually; if so, the profit or loss it has made since it was created; if he will provide a breakdown of the figures per year. [17627/12]
Under Section 18 of the Teaching Council Act 2001, the Council publishes annual audited accounts which are laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
The annual accounts provide full details of the Council's income and expenditure for each year together with an up to date overview of its financial position including accumulated reserves.
267 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding plans for increased accommodation at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17630/12]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department recently approved grant aid towards the provision of additional accommodation at the school to which he refers. A letter conveying this decision has issued to the school authority.
268 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a timescale for when stage 2(b) of the architectural planning process for a school (details supplied) will be completed, in view of the fact that his Department has confirmed that architectural planning is at an advanced stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17641/12]
275 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a timescale for when Stage 2(b) of the architectural planning process for a school (details supplied) in County Galway will be completed, in view of the fact that his Department has confirmed that architectural planning is at an advanced stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17744/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 275 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 completing Stage 2(b) of Architectural Planning.
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 stage at this time.
269 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the new secondary school (details supplied); if a site has been identified as suitable from the list of sites submitted to his Department in March of 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17642/12]
My Department has sought the assistance of, and is working closely with, the relevant Local Authority in relation to identifying and acquiring a suitable site for the proposed school referred to by the Deputy.
In this regard, a number of site assessments, including assessments of the sites referred to by the Deputy, have been carried out with a view to identifying a site suitable for acquisition and the subsequent development of a school building. Due to commercial sensitivities attaching to site acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time.
The Deputy will be aware that the development of a building for the school in question is included in the recently announced Five Year Plan. Full details relating to this Plan are published on my Department's website, www.education.ie.
270 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a chairperson of a school board of management may refuse to give names of the other board members to a parent. [17643/12]
In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. The Act requires that in carrying out its functions, the Board shall, inter alia, have regard to the public interest in the affairs of the school and accountability to students, their parents, the patron, staff and the community served by the school. Accordingly, the names of the individual members of a Board of Management should be available to parents or any other members of the school community.
271 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills his recommended site size for schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17646/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that Technical Guidance Documents, TGD-025 and TGD-027, which provide guidance on factors, including site size, which should be taken into account in the identification and assessment of site suitability for primary and post primary schools, respectively, are available on my Department's website, www.education.ie.
272 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding State examination fees in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17662/12]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. This includes the charging and collection of fees for examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to him.
273 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school building projects at various stages of planning with his Department and not included in his recent five year building plan announcement; if these schools will be allowed to continue with architectural planning and, if so, the extent to which they may proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17664/12]
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 primarily focused on meeting those demographic needs. However, in that context, it will not be possible to advance all projects currently in architectural planning to construction within the timeframe of the five year programme.
School building projects currently in architectural planning, including those projects not included in the five year programme, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. These projects will, in general, complete the design stages of architectural planning and secure planning permission and other necessary statutory approvals. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to indicate when those projects will be progressed to tender and construction stage.
274 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the many scientific publications which show that learning another language significantly helps improve literacy in one’s own mother tongue; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that one and sometimes even two foreign languages are taught at primary school level in most other countries which performed better than Ireland in recent surveys on literacy proficiencies; and, if so, whether in view of this he will reconsider his decision to abolish the modern languages in primary school initiative and thus avoid making Ireland fall behind all the other EU member states in terms of foreign language competence with all the negative economic implications that this would have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17742/12]
The Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative has been a pilot scheme involving approximately 550 schools that has operated since 1998.
The decision to end the scheme took account of a 2008 Report by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). The report identified serious issues with curricular overload at primary level.
The NCCA's advice recommended for the present modern languages should not be part of the Primary School Curriculum as an additional and separate subject. The advice in relation to curriculum overload predated the wake up call on literacy and numeracy triggered by the PISA results. I am taking that advice on board and with particular regard to the demands on time in school that will result from a heightened focus on literacy and numeracy.
The primary curriculum is currently being reviewed by the NCCA in the context of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. The €2.5 million in savings from this measure will go towards the cost of implementing the new National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. The 17% of primary schools at present in the Initiative, which have had even more time demands than others in a crowded curricular space, should as a result be better placed to deliver under the strategy.
Given the priority of literacy and numeracy I have acted on the 2008 advice about overload and could not justify either the continuation of the initiative in the existing schools or its expansion to all schools even if funding was not an issue.
276 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the criteria used to determine eligibility for applications under reasonable accommodations for the leaving certificate examinations which are severe and restrictive resulting in students who have previously secured waivers to support them in junior certificate examinations not being awarded the same level of support in their leaving certificate examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17756/12]
277 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the criteria used to determine eligibility for applications under reasonable accommodations for the leaving certificate examinations in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork, who was refused a spelling and grammar waiver and whose appeal was refused. [17757/12]
278 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the criteria used to determine eligibility for applications under the reasonable accommodations for the leaving certificate examinations in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who was refused a spelling waiver and appeal was refused. [17758/12]
279 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the criteria used to determine eligibility for applications under reasonable accommodations for the leaving certificate examinations in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork, who was refused access to a reader, refused a spelling waiver and an appeal was refused. [17759/12]
280 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the criteria used to determine eligibility for applications under reasonable accommodations for the leaving certificate examinations in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who was refused access to a scribe and is pending appeal. [17760/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 to 280, inclusive, together.
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted, including the supervision of examinations.
In view of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's queries to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to him.
I wish to inform the Deputy that in all cases where a school/parent or student is dissatisfied with any aspect of the SEC's decision in relation to an application for reasonable accommodations, they have access to an Independent Appeals Committee. All members of the Appeals Committee are drawn from outside the SEC. The remit of the Appeals Committee covers appeals against all elements of a decision taken by the SEC. All appeals are considered in light of the published principles.
281 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 134 of 21 March 2012, if he will make a commitment that he will guarantee that a school (details supplied) receives permanent recognition immediately and prioritises it on the list for a permanent structure. [17818/12]
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of a report from the school inspector following his visit to the school in October 2011.
My Department has considered the report and I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the school has now been granted permanent recognition. A letter conveying this decision has issued to the Patron and to the school authority.
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.
My Department is aware that the school to which the Deputy refers is currently located in rented accommodation and that a new school is required to meet its long term needs. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of a project at this time.
282 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an appeal for postgraduate funding by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17879/12]
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. Officials in my Department have contacted Mayo County Council, which has confirmed that it is currently in ongoing communication with the candidate in relation to the issues raised.
No appeal has been received to date by my Department in relation to the candidate. Any query or complaint the candidate may have in relation to his dealings with the Teaching Council should be addressed directly to that body.
283 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding the Education (Amendment) Bill 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17898/12]
The correspondence referred to by the Deputy relates to three amendments sought to the Education (Amendment) Bill which is currently before this House.
The first seeks to ensure that a person could not be employed in place of a registered teacher without this being governed by Ministerial regulation. In fact, if the Minister does not make regulations specifying the circumstances in which an unregistered person may be employed then such a person cannot be employed. The Oireachtas is only permitting this to be done by regulation and not by any other instrument. Therefore this is not considered necessary.
The second amendment seeks to clarify that an unregistered person is not a teacher. In response to concerns raised by a number of its branches, I indicated at the recent INTO Annual Congress that I intend to change this section in the legislation to make it clear that an unregistered person will not be employed "in a teaching position" but rather that his or her employment will be "in place of a registered teacher".
Finally on the issue of section 8 of the Bill, it is the view of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government that it is legally necessary that the wording of section 30 of the Teaching Council Act 2001 contain a reference to the qualification of that section by the proposed section 24(8) of the Education Act 1998. The inclusion of a cross-reference to the amendments contained within Section 23 and 24 of the Education Act is simply a technical provision to fulfill this.
284 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if all DEIS band 1 schools will retain their legacy posts in September this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17904/12]
285 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is subsuming legacy posts in DEIS band 1 schools into the mainstream teacher allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17905/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together.
The number of mainstream classroom teachers allocated to primary schools is based on the enrolment of the previous 30th September. The number of such posts allocated from year to year changes due to a number of factors including increasing or decreasing enrolments.
Legacy posts were retained by 140 Band 1 and Band 2 schools over and above their entitlement under DEIS. All DEIS Band 1 schools will be allocated mainstream classroom teachers in accordance with the new dedicated staffing schedules for Band 1 schools, in order to implement the more favourable pupil teacher ratios of 20:1 in junior schools, 22:1 in verticial schools and 24:1 in senior schools. In addition, 67 DEIS Band 1 schools will retain, where appropriate, the number of legacy posts required to implement more favourable pupil teacher ratios under previous disadvantage schemes for 2012/13 school year.
286 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1 is continuing to lose three teacher posts in September despite the promise that DEIS band 1 schools would not lose any legacy posts; if he will provide further detail on the posts being lost and if these include legacy posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17906/12]
The position in relation to the school to which the Deputy refers has not changed since I replied to the parliamentary questions on 27 March 2012.
The number of mainstream classroom teachers allocated to primary schools is based on the enrolment of the previous 30th September. The number of such posts allocated from year to year changes due to a number of factors including increasing or decreasing enrolments.
235 legacy posts were retained by 140 Band 1 and Band 2 schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy, over and above their entitlement under DEIS for the 2011/12 school year. These schools will retain, where appropriate, the number of legacy posts required to implement more favourable pupil teacher ratios under previous disadvantage schemes for the 2012/13 school year.
Applying the new dedicated staffing schedule for Junior Band 1 schools and the government's decision of 21st February regarding 'legacy posts', this school is due to lose one mainstream classroom teacher due to falling enrolment and one administrative principal post as the school does not satisfy the criteria to retain an administrative principal under primary circular 0007/12. I wish to clarify that this school would lose these posts regardless of any reforms to the teacher allocation process or budgetary measures. 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 primary circular 0007/12 .
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 in a particularly adverse manner on a school's overall allocation. The closing date for submission of appeal was 23 March, 2012. The school to which the Deputy refers has submitted an appeal.
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.
The Staffing Appeal Board operates independently of my Department.
288 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in Dublin is only going to have one legacy post in September rather than the two they currently have as stated in a recent letter from his Department to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17908/12]
The position in relation to the school to which the Deputy refers has not changed since I replied to the parliamentary questions on 27 March 2012.
The number of mainstream classroom teachers allocated to primary schools is based on the enrolment of the previous 30th September. The number of such posts allocated from year to year changes due to a number of factors including increasing or decreasing enrolments. As this school has had no significant change in its enrolment in September 2011 over September 2010, it will retain the same number of mainstream classroom teachers in 2012/13 school year as it currently has in 2011/12.
235 Legacy posts were retained by 140 Band 1 and Band 2 schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy, over and above their entitlement under DEIS for the 2011/12 school year. They will retain, where appropriate, the number of legacy posts required to implement more favourable pupil teacher ratios under previous disadvantage schemes for the 2012/13 school year.
Applying the new dedicated staffing schedule for senior Band 1 schools of 24:1 and the government's decision of 21st February, this school, having no significant change in its enrolment in September 2011 over September 2010, will retain the same number of mainstream classroom teachers in 2012/13 school year as it currently has in 2011/12.
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 primary circular 0007/12.
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 in a particularly adverse manner on a school's overall allocation. The closing date for submission of appeal was 23 March, 2012. The school to which the Deputy refers has submitted an appeal.
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.
289 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [17917/12]
The person is question applied for a statement of pension benefits. This request was received in the Pension Unit of my Department on 8 March 2012. The information sought was issued to the person in question on 29 March 2012, well within the timeframe outlined in my Department's Business Plan for the provision of such information.
290 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding survivors of industrial schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17925/12]
I am aware of the views expressed in the correspondence supplied.
The cost of the response to residential institutional abuse was estimated to exceed €1.36 billion and it is likely that this estimate will be exceeded as the actual expenditure on the Redress Scheme and associated litigation was almost at the projected final provision of €1.1 billion at end 2011.
The Government believes that this cost should be shared on a 50:50 basis, between the State and the congregations who were responsible for the management of institutions. The contribution of the 18 congregations under the 2002 Indemnity Agreement amounted to €128 million. As the Deputy will be aware the congregations were called upon to make further substantial contributions following the publication of the Ryan Report. In 2009, they offered some €110 million in cash and offered to transfer property, mainly in the health and education sectors, that they valued at €235.5 million, to various State agencies and voluntary organisations. If all of these properties were acceptable to the State and their values confirmed, the congregations' offers would fall short of the €680m contribution required to realise a 50:50 share by at least €200m. Of the properties offered to the State, 12 have been identified as of potential immediate benefit and the transfer of these properties is being pursued. The value of these 12 properties, based on the congregations' own valuations is approximately €60m.
Following consideration of the issues involved by the Government I met with representatives of the 18 congregations who were party to the 2002 Indemnity Agreement either on 22 July 2011 or on dates since then. At those meetings I expressed my disappointment that their offers fell well short of the contribution required. I am continuing to pursue the 50:50 division with the management bodies involved and have proposed the transfer of school infrastructure to the State for the benefit of the taxpayer as one mechanism to allow those involved the opportunity to shoulder their share of the costs.
The Deputy will be aware the Government is proceeding with the legislation to establish a Statutory Fund to support the needs of survivors which will be financed from the cash contributions offered, of up to €110m and I am pleased to note that the Bill was published yesterday.
291 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Education and Skills the proposed location for new school buildings (details supplied); and a timeline for its construction. [17930/12]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. This project will be provided on the existing school site and was included on the 5 year capital investment programme which I announced on 12th March 2012, to proceed to tender and construction in 2014/2015.
292 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills following the announcement that a new post primary school for Claregalway, County Galway, will proceed to construction in 2014, if a site has not been selected for the new post primary school for Claregalway, will the school be opened in temporary accommodation in September 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17938/12]
In June 2011, I announced the establishment of 40 new schools nationally within the next six years, comprising of twenty new primary schools and twenty new post-primary schools including a new post primary school for Claregalway which will be established from September 2013.
My Department will be in communication with all those schools on the programme at the appropriate time in relation to the next steps to be taken in the architectural planning process including the provision of interim accommodation solutions, as appropriate. In relation also to Claregalway, my Department has sought the assistance of, and is working closely with, the relevant Local Authority in relation to identifying and acquiring a suitable site for the proposed post-primary school for Claregalway. This school in Claregalway is earmarked to proceed to construction over the duration of the 5 Year Plan.
293 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the changes he has introduced in removing the ex-quota guidance counselling allocation will mean a loss of guidance counsellors at a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17978/12]
328 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will re-examine the decision to remove guidance counsellors from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 in view of the impact it will have on the school; if he is satisfied that his decision will not impact on the school’s responsibilities under Subsection (c), Section 9 of the Education Act 1998, in view of the special circumstances of this school; if he will review this decision with a view to reinstating the guidance provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18420/12]
332 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding guidance teachers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18457/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 293, 328 and 332 together.
My Department has published Circular 0009/2012 to inform all post primary school management and staff of the staffing arrangements for post-primary schools for the 2012/13 school year, including in particular, the requirements to manage guidance from within the standard allocation. The circular is available on the Department website.
Schools will have autonomy on how best to prioritise available resources to meet requirements in relation to guidance and the provision of an appropriate range of subjects to students. Decisions on how this is done will be taken at school level and I am confident that schools will act in the best interest of students when determining precisely how to use the teaching resources available to them.
294 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a redundancy payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; further to representations on this matter, the reasons for the ongoing delay in processing same; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship being caused in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17994/12]
The redundancy payment for the person referenced by the Deputy was issued on the 12th April 2012.
295 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the time frame regarding the provision of another Gaelscoil in the County Kildare area in view of the recent announcement of the new primary school patronage for Kildare town as Educate Together, and the fact that the Gaelscoil in Newbridge has a very long waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18045/12]
As the Deputy may be aware, in June 2011, I announced the establishment of 20 new primary schools to cater for increased demographics across a number of locations up to 2017, including Kildare Town.
I recently announced that the new primary school to commence operation in Kildare Town in 2012 will be under the patronage of Educate Together. I also announced that subject to confirmation of demand a second school should be opened in Kildare Town in 2014 under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta. My Department will continue to monitor enrolments in the Kildare area to ensure that there is sufficient school accommodation to meet any future projected demands.
296 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the amalgamation of FETAC, HETAC, NQAI and IUQB will be complete; when the legislative functions of the existing four bodies will be transferred to the new agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18056/12]
297 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Education and Skills pending the establishment of the new agency which will assume the legislative functions of FETAC, HETAC, NQAI and IUQB and the development of new quality assurance guidelines and programme validation criteria, when will the processing of current applications for training provider registration be resumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18057/12]
347 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the legislation providing for the amalgamation of FETAC and HETAC is expected to be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18605/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 296, 297 and 347 together.
The Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Bill 2011, which provides for the amalgamation, was introduced in Seanad Éireann. The Bill passed Seanad Committee Stage on 29 March 2012. I intend that the Bill will be enacted in the current term and Qualifications and Quality Assurance Ireland (QQAAI) will be established shortly thereafter. QQAAI will begin processing new applications for provider registration shortly after its establishment.
298 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students likely to be adversely impacted arising from changes to the school transport regime as it relates to closed/central schools from September 2012; if he will outline these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18085/12]
From the commencement of the 2012/13 school year, the Closed School Rule will cease and school transport eligibility will be confined to those children who reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, having regard to ethos and language. Existing eligible children, who are not attending their nearest school, will retain their school transport eligibility for the duration of their primary education cycle provided there is no change to their current circumstances. Sample surveys undertaken by Bus Éireann show that the majority of children are in fact attending their nearest school, so this change will not have any practical impact on the majority of children. This change means that greater consistency will be introduced in relation to planning for school places which is already based on local demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places.
299 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a special needs assistant to be moved from a primary school to a secondary school to assist in a child’s (details supplied) ongoing education in the north Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18097/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support, which now includes a requirement for them to have regard to an overall cap on numbers of posts available. Schools have been advised to make applications to the NCSE for resource teaching and SNA support for the 2012/13 school year by 16th March, 2012. Schools will subsequently be advised by the NCSE of their allocation for the 2012/13 school year, based on the number of valid applications received and in the case of SNA support, the extent of the care needs of qualifying children. It is open to schools to contact their local SENO in this regard, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
300 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a copy of the admissions policy for a primary school (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [18121/12]
The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools. It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act 1998. In this regard a board of management may deem it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular age group or to children living in a particular area or on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an enrolment policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful and applied fairly to all applicants. Section 15 2(d) of the 1998 Education Act requires a Board of Management to publish, in such manner as the Board with the agreement of the Patron considers appropriate, the policy of the school concerning admission to and participation in the school. The Deputy will be aware that 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 28th of October last and my officials are now co-ordinating the submissions received. The feedback from this consultation will help inform the nature and scope of a new regulatory framework for school enrolment.
301 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the changes coming into effect in September 2012 to the post primary school transport scheme; the way this will impact on students currently enjoying concessionary transport and their siblings who propose to attend the same post primary school commencing in September 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18135/12]
From the commencement of the 2012/13 school year, the use of the Catchment Boundary Area (CB) System as a means of determining eligibility for school transport will cease. This means that from the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for pupils will be determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language. Existing catchment boundary pupils who are not attending their nearest post primary centre will retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their post primary education cycle provided there is no change to their current circumstances. Siblings of these pupils may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme. The changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme will be applied equitably on a national basis.
302 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options available for a family whose child is a student (details supplied) and who feels he is being unfairly treated in relation to the module results by a lecturer. [18163/12]
Universities are autonomous institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997 and my Department does not have any function in relation to their academic affairs, including the conduct of examinations and assessments, decisions concerning examination results or the processing of appeals. The university in question has a formal appeals procedure in place under its Examination Regulations which is the appropriate channel through which a student should request a formal review of results by the university's Appeals Board. Full details of the appeals procedures are available on the website of the university. Where a problem arises for a student with the appeals process it is open to a student to seek specific advice and support from the university's student support services, through the student advice centre, regarding the options available in the particular circumstances.
303 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the condition of the roof at a school (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to an application for funding to fix the roof; if a visible inspection of the roof has been undertaken by his Department; when will a decision issue on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18175/12]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department recently approved emergency funding for roof repairs at the school in question.
304 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers entitled to allowances under each of the 11 headings outside of salary and increments. [18212/12]
306 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers that qualify for POR allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18214/12]
307 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers that are signed up to avail of the supervision allowance; the average payment to a teacher for this allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18215/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 304, 306 and 307 together.
The information sought by the Deputy is provided in the tables set out below. Circular 3/2012 which is available on my Department website provides that allowances are not payable to new beneficiaries; i.e. those who become eligible for receipt of the allowance in question on or after 1 February 2012. The only exceptions to this prohibition are principal and deputy principal allowances. A public service-wide review of allowances, announced by the Government as part of Budget 2012, is currently being led by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
|
1. Qualification Allowances |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Type of Allowance |
Grade |
Numbers in Receipt 10/11 |
|
|
Vol. Sec. |
C&C |
||
|
Higher Diploma in Education |
Pass |
5,478 |
1,621 |
|
Higher Diploma in Education |
Honours |
7,990 |
2,505 |
|
Primary Degree |
Pass |
4,478 |
1,306 |
|
Primary Degree |
Honours |
6,928 |
2,260 |
|
Master’s Degree |
Pass |
136 |
47 |
|
Master’s Degree |
Honours |
2,200 |
734 |
|
Doctor’s Degree |
n/a |
115 |
22 |
|
Type of P.O.R. |
Numbers in Receipt 10/11 |
|
|
Vol. Sec. |
C&C |
|
|
Principal |
408* |
102* |
|
Deputy-Principal |
396* |
105* |
|
Assistant-Principal |
1,935* |
648* |
|
Special Duties Teacher |
3,699* |
1178* |
|
Director — Adult Education |
23 |
44 |
|
Principal — Adult Education |
21 |
40 |
|
Programme Co-Ordinator/AP Post |
194 |
58 |
|
Programme Co-Ordinator/Special Duties Post |
124 |
13 |
|
PO Sports Complex Manager |
Nil |
4 |
*Inclusive of posts held on a personal basis
|
Table |
|
|
Number in receipt of allowance in 10/11 |
13,852 |
|
Annual rate of allowance |
€1,769 |
|
Annual rate of allowance for teachers appointed for the first time after 1st January 2011 |
€1,592 |
|
Type of Allowance |
Numbers in Receipt 10/11 |
|
|
Vol. Sec. |
C&C |
|
|
Gaeltacht Grant |
53 |
119 |
|
Teaching through Irish |
209 |
11 |
|
Special Education Allowances |
167 |
108 |
|
Comprehensive Allowance |
Nil |
114 |
|
Children’s Allowance |
426 |
113 |
|
35 Year Allowance |
1,291 |
345 |
|
Secondment Allowance |
41 |
14 |
|
Secretary to Board of Management |
272 |
71 |
|
1. Qualification Allowances |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Type of Allowance |
Grade |
Number in receipt 2010/11 |
|
Higher Diploma in Education |
Pass |
887 |
|
Higher Diploma in Education |
Honours |
726 |
|
NT — PCW Allowance |
n/a |
2,106 |
|
Primary Degree |
Pass |
8,685 |
|
Primary Degree |
Honours |
19,617 |
|
Master’s Degree |
Pass |
70 |
|
Master’s Degree |
Honours |
2,876 |
|
Doctor’s Degree |
n/a |
46 |
|
Type of P.O.R. |
Number in receipt 2010/11 |
|
Principal |
3,295+54* |
|
Deputy-Principal |
2,862 |
|
Vice-Principal |
1 |
|
Assistant-Principal |
1,138 |
|
Grade A Post |
3 |
|
Special Duties Teacher |
7,450 |
|
Grade B Post |
14 |
*Posts held on a personal basis.
|
Table |
|
|
Number in receipt of allowance in 10/11 |
31,396 |
|
Annual rate of allowance |
€1,769 |
|
Annual rate of allowance for teachers appointed for the first time after 1st January 2011 |
€1,592 |
|
Type of allowance |
Number in receipt 10/11 |
|
Gaeltacht Grant |
612 |
|
Teaching through Irish |
1,634 |
|
Island Allowance |
31 |
|
Special Education Allowances |
1,404 |
|
Children’s Allowance |
1,299 |
|
35 Year Allowance |
2,179 |
|
Secondment Allowance |
81 |
|
Agreed Report — Payment to Principals who act as Secretaries to the Board of Management |
2,509 |
305 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the qualification allowance has to be relevant to the classroom duties of that particular teacher. [18213/12]
310 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any other member of a school board of management qualifies for allowances such as the secretary of board of management allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18218/12]
311 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify secondment allowances for teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18219/12]
313 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a maximum number of allowances that any one teacher can be entitled to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18221/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 305, 310, 311 and 313 together.
A teacher can hold a range of allowances. However, only one Degree allowance is payable at any one time, with the rate of the allowance being determined by the level of the Degree achieved. Where a particular allowance is regarded as a post-based allowance then the allowance is conditional on having the qualifications suitable for the post and fullfilling the requirements of the post. The special needs allowance is an example of this. There are other allowances such as Degree allowances which are paid to qualified teachers regardless of the duties being carried out. As there is a wide range of allowances there are also differing criteria agreed for their allocation and their retention. In terms of Board of Management allowances, such allowances are available to school principals who act as secretaries to Boards of Management as provided for under circular 79/2007. Regarding secondment allowances, in accordance with a 2003 arbitration report a standard pay structure for seconded teachers working temporarily out of school on national support service programmes was put in place. This structure provides for four payment categories, as follows:
Category One — Directors of Major National Programmes (or equivalents);
Category Two — Coordinators of National Syllabi and Course Support Services, Regional and Deputy Directors of Major National Programmes, ICT Advisors (or equivalents);
Category Three — Assistant National Coordinators of National Syllabi (or equivalents);
Category Four — Curriculum Trainers/Tutors (or equivalents): A public service-wide review of allowances, announced by the Government as part of Budget 2012, is currently being led by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Pending the outcome of that review, and subject to very limited exceptions, allowances are not payable to new beneficiaries.
308 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the means of qualification for teachers to avail of the 35 year allowance. [18216/12]
309 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills under current rules, if it is possible for one teacher to claim both the teaching in a Gaeltacht area allowance and teaching through Irish allowance and the average payment each would be. [18217/12]
312 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify children’s allowance that is payable to teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18220/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 308, 309 and 312 together.
The 35 year allowance is payable to teachers who have been on the maximum point of the common basic scale for a minimum period of ten years. The Children's Allowance is payable to teachers recruited before the 1st January 1980 who have an eligible child or children. An eligible child is defined as a child, stepchild or legally adopted child of a teacher who is; dependent on the teacher; aged 16 years or under; or aged under 21 years and in receipt of full-time education or is a disabled child. A teacher may only receive either the Gaeltacht allowance or the Teaching Through Irish allowance. Both allowances are never paid simultaneously to any teacher. The annual values of these allowances are €3,063 and €1,583 respectively. For new appointees after 1 January 2011 the values of these allowances are €2,757 and €1,424 respectively. Circular 3/2012 which is available on my Department website provides that allowances are not payable to new beneficiaries; i.e. those who become eligible for receipt of the allowance in question on or after 1 February 2012. The only exceptions to this prohibition are principal and deputy principal allowances. A public service-wide review of allowances, announced by the Government as part of Budget 2012, is currently being led by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
314 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers employed in both primary and post primary positions. [18222/12]
There are 32,030 teaching posts at primary level and 27,870 teaching posts at post primary level.
315 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 23 of 19 January 2012, the position regarding the patronage for new second level schools in Dundalk and Drogheda. [18223/12]
As outlined in the Parliamentary Question referred to above, in June of last year I announced that 20 new second level schools would be established across a number of locations up to 2017 to meet increasing demographics. These included new second level schools in both Dundalk and Drogheda, each to commence operation in 2014. Applications for patronage of the new second level schools to be established in 2013 and 2014 were sought by my Department from prospective patrons and the closing date for receipt of applications was 24th February 2012. Details of the applications received are available on my Department's website. Officials are currently assessing the applications received, in line with the published criteria, and a report will be prepared for consideration by the New Schools Establishment Group, who will in turn submit same to me for consideration and final decision.
316 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason an application for a higher education grant was not approved despite the fact that they met all the criteria in respect of a person (details supplied in County Wexford. [18229/12]
The responsibility for deciding on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority, in this case County Wexford VEC. My Department understands that the student in question was awarded a grant on 3 April last.
317 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills if participation in a postgraduate course run by an organisation (details supplied), which is not recognised by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland as an accredited course, will disqualify a person from eligibility for a third level grant if they were to subsequently participate in an accredited post graduate course from a recognised third level institution. [18265/12]
To satisfy the terms and conditions of the student grant scheme in relation to progression, a student must be moving from year to year within a course having successfully completed the previous year or be transferring from one course to another where the award for the subsequent course is of a higher level than the previous course. Having previously attended, but not completed, any postgraduate course or equivalent, an applicant will be required to complete an equivalent period of study on an approved postgraduate course before being eligible to be considered for a grant. The objective of this policy is to help as many students as possible in obtaining one qualification at each level of study thereby increasing their employment prospects. Details in relation to tax relief in respect of any tuition fees payable are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
318 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding school examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18290/12]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including charging and collecting fees for examinations and applying such monies to the carrying out of its functions. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
319 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cén uair a thosófar an obair thógála ar an síneadh ar Choláiste Iognáid, Bóthar na Mara, Gaillimh, de bharr go bhfuil an comhlacht tógála a bhí ceaptha an obair seo a dhéanamh i lámha glacadóra; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18299/12]
Tá an tionscadal dá dtagraíonn an Teachta ag ardchéim den phróiseas tairisceana chun conraitheoir malartach a cheapadh. Chomh fada is nach dtagann ceist ar bith chun cinn, táthar ag súil go rachaidh an tionscadal ar aghaidh chun tógála i samhradh na bliana seo.
320 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cé mhéid togra tógála scoile a bhfuil tairiscintí faighte acu le haghaidh obair thógála agus nach bhfuil an tógáil orthu tosaithe fós, luach iomlán na dtairiscintí sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18300/12]
Ar 19ú Nollaig 2011, d'fhógair mé 56 tionscadal mór scoile a bhíothas ag súil lena gcur ar aghaidh chun tógála in 2012. Tá tuairiscí tairisceana i gcomhair 17 ceann de na tionscadail seo faoi bhráid mo Roinne faoi láthair. Is é luach iomlán na 17 tionscadal seo le chéile ná tuairim is €75m. Chomh fada is nach dtagann ceist ar bith chun cinn, táthar ag súil go gcuirfear na 17 tionscadal go léir ar aghaidh chun tógála sna míonna amach romhainn.
321 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cé mhéid scoil a bhfuil céim 2(b) (Dearadh Mionsonraithe) faofa ag a Roinn dóibh agus nach bhfuil cead faighte acu dul chun tairisceana, luach iomlán measta na dtograí sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18301/12]
De bharr an riachtanais atá ann lena chinntiú go mbíonn rochtain ag gach aon pháiste ar ionad scoile, beidh sé ina phríomhfhócas ag an infheistíocht chaipitil i scoileanna sna blianta amach romhainn tionscadail mhóra scoile a sheachadadh chun freastal ar na héilimh dhéimeagrafacha ar fud na tíre. Tá an clár chúig bliana a fógraíodh le déanaí dírithe ar na héilimh dhéimeagrafacha sin a shásamh. Sa chomhthéacs sin, áfach, níorbh fhéidir na tionscadail uile, atá i bpleanaíl ailtireachta faoi láthair, a chur ar aghaidh chun tógála laistigh den fhráma ama chúig bliana. Tá 5 thionscadal mór tógála scoile ann dá bhfuil Céim 2(b) faofa ach nach bhfuil fós údaraithe chun dul ar aghaidh chun tairisceana. Tá dhá ceann de na tionscadail seo curtha san áireamh sa chlár chúig bliana. Tá ceann amahain le tosú i 2015/16 agus tá ceann eile le tosú i 2012. Is é luach iomlán réamheasta tairisceana na dtionscadal seo ná beagán de bhreis ar €18m. I bhfianaise nan-éileamh iomaíocha faoi láthair ar bhuiséad caipitil mo Roinne, ní féidir a rá ag an tráth seo cén uair a chuirfear na tionscadail sin ar aghaidh chun céim na tairisceana agus na tógála.
322 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cad é líon measta na ngasúr atá ag freastal ar bhunscoileanna i gcathair na Gaillimhe faoi láthair agus líon measta na ngasúr a bheidh ann i gceann cúig bliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18302/12]
Tá líon na ndaltaí bunscoile de réir chontae curtha ar fáil i nDaonáireamh Bliantúil na Scoileanna Náisiúnta. Táthar ag tabhairt an daonáirimh don bhliain reatha (2011-12) chun críche faoi láthair, agus foilseofar na torthaíar shuíomh gréasáin mo Roinne níos déanaí i mbliana. Sa scoilbhliain 2010-11 bhí 6,868 dalta ag freastal ar bhunscoileanna príomhshrutha agus bhí 177 dalta ag freastal ar scoileanna speisialta. Níl réamh-mheastacháin ar rollú le fáil ach ag an leibhéal násiúnta agus tá fáil orthu ar shuíomh gréasáin mo Roinne ag an nasc seo a leanas, www.education.ie/home/ home.jsp?pcategory=17216&ecategory=52107&language=EN.
323 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an bhfuil iarratas faighte aige bualadh le toscaireacht traspháirtí de bhaill an Oireachtais i nGaillimh Thiar maidir le Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh agus, má tá, cén uair a bheidh an cruinniú ann; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18303/12]
Táim feasach ar na cúraimí atá curtha in iúl ag an bpobal scoile dá dtagraíonn an Teachta agus fuair mé comhfhreagras ón bPríomhoide le linn mo chuairte ar Ghaillimh le déanaí. Bhuail oifigigh as Aonad Pleanála agus Tógála mo Roinne le Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh agus le scoileanna eile na háite le déanaí chomh maith.
324 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18372/12]
I understand that the person referred to by the Deputy is employed by Kerry VEC. As set out in this House last October, each person appointed to a recognised teaching post should be registered with the Teaching Council, and have qualifications appropriate to the sector and suitable to the post for which s/he is to be employed. However, from the information supplied, it appears that the individual referred to by the Deputy may not be employed in such a teaching post. The Teaching Council's regulations are set out on its website and currently require a person who wishes to register as a post primary teacher in the VEC sector to have a minimum standard of a degree or its equivalent. From 1 April 2013, a person applying to be entered on the register as a teacher in a VEC school will also need a qualification in post primary teacher education as set out in Regulation Four. With effect from the same date, a person applying to be entered on the register as a teacher in the further education sector must have attained a Council approved further education teacher education qualification in accordance with Regulation Five. The recognition of teacher qualifications in this State is now a matter for the Teaching Council, the body with statutory responsibility for establishing and maintaining standards in the teaching profession. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in individual cases. The matter should be taken up with the employer, Kerry VEC in this case, who is responsible for the terms and conditions of employment and may also be taken up directly with the Teaching Council.
325 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the meaning of the word ethos within the context it is applied in relation to the post primary education transport rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18374/12]
Under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 km from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by the Department or Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
In relation to school transport provision, ethos relates to religious ethos and is in the context of provision for minority religions.
326 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there will be adequate school spaces at primary level in Celbridge, County Kildare, for 2012 and 2013; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are already waiting lists for 2012 with no obvious new places and children who have availed of the early childhood care and education place are almost certain to have a gap between the ending of that service and an offer of a school space; if he regards this as desirable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18375/12]
My Department is satisfied that between the existing school accommodation and planned extension projects there is sufficient primary school accommodation to cater for demand in the Celbridge area in the medium term. My Department will continue to monitor enrolments in the area to ensure that there is sufficient school accommodation to meet any future projected needs.
327 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a copy of the figures of which the decision was made to omit a school (details supplied) in County Cork from the new school building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18377/12]
366 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the criteria that was used to draw up the list of schools on the school building programme; if the criteria used was made available to all schools; if each individual school was consulted by the Department to ensure information used was 100% accurate in each school; the procedures which were put ion place to correct inaccuracies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18999/12]
367 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is an appeals procedure when a school (details supplied) in County Cork believes it has been removed from the school building programme in error; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19001/12]
368 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the decision to remove a school from the school building programme (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19002/12]
369 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in County Cork that was on the school building programme up to and including 10 March 2012, and was promised a six class room extension in 2007, whose community raised €500,000 to purchase land to facilitate the extension whose project is currently at 2b with planning permission, disability access cert and a fire cert with permission to carry out detailed cost plans having appointed a replacement QS and whose report will be handed over to DES in May, which should be in a position to go to tender in the summer was removed from the list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19008/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 327 and 366 to 369, inclusive, together.
On 12 March last I announced details of 219 new major school building projects which will begin over the next 5 years as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme. These new projects were in addition to 56 major school building projects already announced for 2012. This five year plan details when those major projects will proceed to construction. The projects announced will account for the bulk of the capital funding available in each of those years. Total school enrolments are expected to grow by around 70,000 students between now and 2018 — by over 45,000 at primary level and 25,000 at post primary. Second level enrolment is expected to continue to rise until at least 2024. Recent birth rate data published by the CSO shows there were nearly 20,000 births registered in the first quarter of 2011. This is the highest number of births registered in a quarter since the series began in 1960. It is vital that the schooling system is prepared to cope with these increasing numbers. Therefore, the Government's priority is now to focus on major school projects to meet these demographic demands.
As such enrolment increases are not uniformly distributed nationally, my Department has carried out a study of the country using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social Protection in addition to recent schools' enrolment data to identify areas where it is projected that there will be significant future enrolment increases. The information used is the most accurate and up-to-date information available. 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 over those years. For purposes of the 5 Year Plan, new school building projects as well as major extensions have been identified and prioritised on the basis of meeting demographic needs in areas where such needs have been identified. In that regard, the current status of projects already in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, was also considered.
Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of school accommodation to meet the demographic requirements, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. As outlined above, the information used in drawing up the 5 year plan is the most accurate and up-to-date information available. Therefore, the Department considers that a formal appeals process is not required. The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Planning permission, which is an integral part of stage 2(b), has been obtained and the design team is working on completing the stage 2(b) submission. School building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time in 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 stage at this time.
329 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will list the primary and post primary schools in County Cork that are likely to lose three or more teaching posts from their current rota when the new school year commences in September 2012. [18434/12]
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.
330 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools listed by primary and post-primary that are currently being dealt with by the building unit, the numbers at the various stages of development, and the number of these projects that have been included in the recently announced five year school building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18447/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the number of applications for major school capital works with my Department is in excess of 1,000 at both primary and post primary levels. The current position of such projects may be viewed on my Department's website, www.education.ie, which is updated regularly. Projects are grouped into various categories including projects at application stage, in architectural planning and at tender and construction stage. The Five Year Plan, which may also be accessed on my Department’s website, prioritises new school building projects, as well as major extensions in areas where a demographic need has been established. In view of the funding constraints imposed by the need to prioritise available funding to meet additional demographic requirements, it is not possible to progress all projects within my Department’s building programme concurrently. Accordingly, it was necessary to prioritise school building projects referred to above for purposes of the Plan. As set out in the Plan, 219 major school building projects will proceed to construction over the lifetime of the Plan as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme. These projects are in addition to the 56 major school building projects already announced to proceed to construction during 2012.
331 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the annual cost of the temporary accommodation for a school (details supplied); the amount of additional money required to be spent on maintaining the school in temporary accommodation between now and 2015-16; if he will consider fast-tracking the building of permanent school buildings for the school to save on the money that will otherwise need to be spent maintaining the school in temporary accommodation [18450/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the temporary accommodation in which the school is located is owned by my Department and is located on a site also in my Department's ownership. The question of an annual cost in maintaining the school in this accommodation does not therefore arise. For the same reason, there is no additional cost associated with maintaining the school in this temporary accommodation between now and 2015-16. As the Deputy is aware, last month, I announced details of the new major school building projects where construction is expected to commence over the next five years as part of a €1.5 billion major school project capital investment programme and I am pleased to confirm that the school concerned was included in that announcement to commence construction in 2015-16. My Department will be in communication with the school in relation to the next steps to be taken, at the appropriate time, as the project progresses through the various stages of the architectural planning process.
333 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Question No. 181 of 6 March 2012, if he has received an appeal from a school (details supplied) in County Louth in relation to the impact of the budget cuts for small rural schools which he announced in Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18471/12]
360 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review his decision to cut three teaching posts from a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when a decision will be made on their application to the appeal board for staffing in primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18921/12]
404 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received an appeal from a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; if he will approve the retention of the teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19445/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 333, 360 and 404 together.
The closing date for submission of appeals for the April meeting of the Staffing Appeals Board was 23 March 2012. The first meeting of the Appeals Board takes place this week and the Boards of Management of the applicant schools, including those referred to by Deputies Adams and McGrath, will be notified as soon as possible of the outcome of their appeals. I understand that the school referred to by Deputy Naughten has not yet submitted an appeal. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
334 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will expedite an application for home tuition in respect of a child (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18475/12]
401 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the support available to a family (details supplied) in Dublin 15 [19345/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 334 and 401 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The NCSE also has a role to assist parents in identifying suitable school placements for children with special educational needs and can provide a valuable support in this regard. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. With regard to the home tuition application, the child in question is not eligible for tuition and a letter to this effect issued to his parents at the end of March.
335 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a list of all the national primary schools in the Ardee and Collon area, County Louth; and their current enrolment. [18477/12]
The number of primary school pupils is provided in the National School Annual Census. The census for the current school year (2011-12) is being finalised at present and results will be published on my Department's website later in the year. A full list of schools in county order with their enrolments can be found on my Department's website at www.education.ie/home/home.jsp?pcategory=10917&ecategory=12016&language=EN.
336 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide projected school numbers for each national primary school in the Ardee and Collon area, County Louth, for the next five years. [18478/12]
338 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department figures on school numbers in Ardee and Collon for the next five years were estimated in view of the recent census figures. [18480/12]
339 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide projected school figures for national primary schools in Ardee and Collon, County Louth, for the next five years on the basis of the recent census figures. [18481/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 336, 338 and 339 together.
Projections of enrolment are only available at national level and can be found at www.education.ie/home/home.jsp?pcategory=17216&ecategory=52107&language=EN.
337 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount that he expects to spend on prefabs in each of the national primary schools in Ardee and Collon, County Louth for the next five years. [18479/12]
A review of the continued need for the temporary accommodation at all schools that are renting is conducted every two or three years. The next review for the schools referred to by the Deputy is due from 1 July 2012 and this review will determine the level of expenditure on the accommodation to 2014-15. My Department has sought the assistance of, and is working closely with, the relevant Local Authority to identify and acquire a suitable site for the proposed primary school in Ardee. Due to commercial sensitivities attaching to site acquisitions generally, it is not possible for me to comment further at this time. As outlined in the recently announced Five Year Plan, it is expected that the project for the school in Ardee will progress to the construction stage of the architectural planning process during 2014-15. Details of all projects on the Five Year Plan are published on my Department's website, www.education.ie.
340 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the source used to measure the distance from a home to a third level institution for the purposes of assessing if a student should be in receipt of the adjacent or non-adjacent rates for maintenance grants; if it is a uniform source across all third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18500/12]
The measurement of the distances for student grant purposes is a matter for grant awarding bodies — the relevant local authority or VEC. There has been no change as to how these distances are measured. As in the past for all cases, the shortest most direct route to the institution attended is measured. I understand that a range of mechanisms can be used, for example, online mapping such as AA Route Planner and Google Maps. If the distance is disputed, the matter should be taken up with the grant awarding body concerned.
341 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in County Laois was not included in the school building programme as announced by him on the 12 March 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18514/12]
The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy was included in the five year programme announced recently and is listed to proceed to construction in 2014-15. The project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The Design Team is currently working on completing Stage 2(b) of Architectural Planning.
342 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reverse his decision to cut two temporary and two permanent teaching posts from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18538/12]
352 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 will lose nearly half its teaching staff later this year due to recent changes (details supplied). [18676/12]
357 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reverse his decision to cut eight teachers from a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary which represents a loss of one third of the entire teaching staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18858/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 342, 352 and 357 together.
The staffing arrangements for the 2012-13 school year are set out in Primary Circular 0007/2012 which is available on my Department's website. This includes the detail of the reform of the allocation process which is designed to bring a more equitable distribution of existing posts between schools. The new arrangements incorporate a long overdue updating of the GAM (learning support) allocation for all schools. This inevitably involves changes to existing clustering arrangements whereby a teacher is shared between schools. A further change is that schools in any locality are being empowered to cluster and arrange their GAM resources in a manner that best suits their local needs. There are also new and separate arrangements for how resource hours for individual pupils are converted into teaching posts in schools. The requirement for resource hours in a school varies from year to year depending on the number, if any, of its pupils with autism etc. Small schools generally have a lower requirement for resource hours. The new arrangements take account of the later timescale for the allocation of these hours necessitated by individual assessment by the NCSE. All of the changes are designed to enable a more efficient operation of the teacher allocation and redeployment process in the new climate of a fixed ceiling of teacher numbers.
The Deputies will be aware that Budget 2012 provided for the phased withdrawal of approximately 428 posts allocated to some schools under disadvantage programmes prior to the introduction of the DEIS Initiative in 2005. As already announced, the withdrawal of 192 posts from primary schools outside DEIS Band 1 and 2 and from DEIS second level schools will proceed, including the 38 posts from 15 Non DEIS schools. The staffing circular 0007/2012 also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. The existing staffing appeals criteria have been extended to enable 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. Schools that are due to lose three or more posts as a result of a combination of the budget and reform measures will be able to apply to the Staffing Appeals Board with a view to seeking to have a portion of the loss in posts deferred to the 2013-14 school year. The first meeting of the Appeals Board takes place this week and the Boards of Management of the applicant schools will be notified of the outcome of appeals as soon as possible thereafter. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final. The final staffing position for all schools will ultimately not be known until later in 2012. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed and any appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.
343 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the amount of funding made available to an organisation (details supplied) since its foundation; the up-to-date position with this organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18554/12]
370 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of money he has made payable to an organisation (details supplied) per annum; the reason these moneys were awarded; the reason accounts were not audited; if previous commitments that this group would be investigated were carried out and the findings of same. [19015/12]
378 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of public funds paid to the organisation (details supplied) in each of the past five years; the work in which the organisation engages and the steps taken by the Departments and agencies to monitor this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19038/12]
379 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if audited accounts for each of the past five years have been submitted to his Department from an organisation (details supplied); the details of any qualification if any on the certificates to these accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19040/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 343, 370, 378 and 379 together.
My Department has provided funding to the organisation in question since 2001. Up to the end of 2006, my Department expended a total of €802,802 in relation to this organisation, which expenditure includes the costs of the associated co-ordinator. The annual funding provided over the last five years, from 2007 to 2011, is set out in the attached table. This funding has been provided to the organisation to provide an information and referral service for former residents of Industrial and Reformatory Schools wishing to access the range of services introduced in response to residential institutional abuse, following the then Taoiseach's apology to victims of childhood abuse in 1999. The funding provided by my Department is channelled through the City of Cork VEC and expenditure of these funds is monitored by a co-ordinator engaged by the VEC on behalf of my Department. Expenditure receipts are provided to the co-ordinator along with annual accounts of the organisation. My Department receives details of the receipts and copies of the annual accounts.
As with all survivor groups funded by my Department, this organisation is required to apply to my Department for funding on an annual basis and, in doing so, is required to set out its list of activities in the previous year and the proposed activities for the current year in the context of the provision of an information and referral service to include the numbers of former residents contacting or availing of the service. As Deputies will be aware, this organisation receives the majority of its funding from the Health Service Executive. As advocated by the Comptroller and Auditor General in his Special Report No. 74 of September 2010, my Department liaises with the HSE to ensure a co-ordinated approach to its funding and that no duplication of funding arises.
In the wider context, I previously announced that as responsibility for information for survivors will be taken on by the proposed Statutory Fund, funding of survivor groups by my Department will cease. Accordingly, while my Department is continuing to fund survivor groups pending the establishment of the Fund, Deputies will be aware that the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill, which provides for the establishment of a Statutory Fund to support the needs of survivors of residential institutional child abuse, was published yesterday. The continued funding of groups is being reviewed in this context.
344 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the establishment of the new further education and training facility, SOLAS; if the new body is fully operational yet and, if not, when it will be; the number of staff that will be allocated to SOLAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18567/12]
Following the Government decision to create SOLAS, an Implementation Group was set up to establish SOLAS. I am chairing this Group and its membership includes representatives from the Department of Education and Skills, FÁS, the Irish Vocational Education Association and the Department of Social Protection. The Group has been meeting regularly to drive the process forward. The Heads of a Bill have been approved by Government and will shortly be referred to the Office of the Attorney General for drafting purposes. A public consultation process with key stakeholders has recently been completed. In addition, a number of projects are currently being undertaken to ensure the smooth integration of the further education and training sectors. Following the establishment of SOLAS, FÁS Training Centre staff will be integrated into the appropriate Vocational Education Committees. The staff of SOLAS will initially comprise of remaining FÁS staff not transferring to the VECs, essentially staff currently working in central administration in FÁS head office. The exact number will depend on the timing of the transfer to SOLAS. Given the complex elements involved, including enacting appropriate legislation, it is expected that the process of establishing SOLAS will be completed by the end of 2012.
345 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options open to former construction workers (details supplied) returning to education in terms of assistance with fees, registration fees or living expenses;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18575/12]
I understand that the Technical Employment Support Grant, which is administered by the Department of Social Protection is designed to meet the needs of people who are experiencing a barrier in progressing into employment. The individual concerned should contact their local National Employment and Entitlement Services (NEES) office to discuss the options available to them. The DSP/NEES contact for the Galway area is Mr. Joe McGuinness and he can be contacted at joe.mcguinness@welfare.ie.
346 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of written Parliamentary Questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicted that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18594/12]
I answered 1,133 written Parliamentary Questions in the period January to the end of March 2012. Of this total, there were 35 Parliamentary Questions in respect of which it was not possible to provide a substantive response to the issues raised within the deadlines associated for answering Parliamentary Questions. This can arise for a number of reasons including the need for collation of data that is not immediately available or consultation with bodies under the aegis of my Department. On these occasions, an interim response is provide to the relevant Deputy within the prescribed deadlines and this is followed by a supplementary response, once the relevant information has been collated, that provides a comprehensive response to the issues raised.
Question No. 347 answered with Question No. 296.
348 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in Cork City was omitted from the new school building programme having been deemed unfit for purpose and inadequate by a Department school inspector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18619/12]
349 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will send a Department school inspector to a school (details supplied) in County Cork to document the ill effect using the school building every day has on the children’s health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18620/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 348 and 349 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 early stage of architectural planning. The Design Team are currently working on the Stage 2a Submission (Developed Sketch Design). 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 my Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to progress this project to tender and construction stage. In the meantime, for works that are of a very urgent nature, it is open to the school authorities to consider if the works in question might qualify for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and, in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening. Details of the Scheme, together with an application form for grant assistance, can be accessed on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
353 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will list by name the numbers of one, two, three and four teacher primary schools on a county basis; and the numbers of pupils who are taught in these schools. [18692/12]
The Statistics section of my Department's website contains data at individual primary school level in county order for the 2010/2011 school year. The information includes the number of teachers and pupils in each primary school. See file called Class Size information at individual school level 2010/2011 at link http://www.education.ie/home/home.jsp?pcategory=17216&ecategory=47122&language=EN. Data for the current school year (2011/2012) are being finalised at present and results will be published on the website later in the year.
354 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for an extension and refurbishment works to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18781/12]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently awaiting the commencement of architectural planning. The brief for the project has been approved and the next step will be the tender process for the appointment of a design team to take the project through the stages of architectural planning. School building projects currently in or commencing 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 indicate, at this time, the timeframe for the progression this project to construction stage.
355 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills the nature of the specialist unit which has been constructed as part of a new post primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18782/12]
In excess of 520 m2 of new accommodation and facilities specifically for special needs students have been provided at the school to which the Deputy refers. The accommodation consists of general activities space, classrooms, multi-sensory room, para-educational room, practical activity room, and ancillary facilities.
356 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools currently receiving support from the National Behaviour Support Service; the number of schools that have availed of this service for each of the years since its establishment in 2006 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18852/12]
I would like to inform the Deputy that the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) is currently working with 91 schools. The number of schools who have availed of the NBSS since its establishment is as follows: 2006/2007 — 21; 2007/2008 — 50; 2008/2009 — 64; 2009/2010 — 74; 2010/2011 — 82; 2011/2012 — 91. The NBSS was established in September 2006. National information sessions for schools were held in November and December 2006. Work with the first 21 schools started in February 2007 and 29 more schools were added in September 2007. Since then there has been a steady increase in the number of schools availing of its services.
358 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by his Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18886/12]
I refer the Deputy to the attached table which shows the total expenditure by my Department to mobile telephone companies during the period from 2007 to 2011. Payments were made to two companies, namely O2 and Vodafone, during this period. Both of these companies are eligible to provide mobile phone services to Government Departments under the Government Framework Agreement. The Deputy should note the following in respect of the attached table:
i) My Department has a significant number of staff who provide services to schools around the country and are therefore not office based, such staff include the Inspectorate and Psychologists in the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS);
ii) In addition to mobile phone expenditure relating to staff of my department the figures also cover payments in respect of the Commission to inquire into Child Abuse (CICA), the Residential Institutions Redress Board (RIRB), the Residential Institutions Review Committee (RIRC), the Visiting Teacher Services for Travellers (VTST) and the Visiting Teacher Service for Hearing and Visually Impaired (VTHVI); and
iii) Approximately €58,500 was recouped from departmental staff in respect of personal calls made for the period 2007-2011.
|
Year |
O2 |
Vodafone |
|
2007 |
€10,207.91 |
€377,875.58 |
|
2008 |
€9,301.48 |
€345,155.49 |
|
2009 |
€10,369.40 |
€310,421.35 |
|
2010 |
€6,391.33 |
€280,217.03 |
|
2011 |
€6,622.64 |
€267,880.51 |
359 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the recommendations contained in the report of the advisory group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector which would appear to mean that a Christian school could not display a Christian symbol, for example a crucifix, on its own, on its premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18905/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the recommendations of the Advisory Group Report broadly cover three areas: divesting patronage where there is a stable population and demand for diversity of schools; dealing with Irish-medium primary schools; and promoting more inclusiveness in all schools, including 'Stand Alone' schools where divesting patronage to another body is not an option. For communities served by one 'Stand Alone' school, where transfer of patronage is not an option, the report makes recommendations aimed at ensuring such schools are as inclusive as possible and accommodate pupils of various belief systems. The report suggests the development of a protocol which would facilitate all schools in developing clear policies accessible to parents on how they manage diversity and ensure an inclusive and respectful environment for all their pupils. I have asked that the Education Partners and interested parties examine the report and take time to reflect on and digest the recommendations and to submit their views to me. I am considering the report's findings and recommendations and intend to outline my official response to the report next month.
361 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if retired teachers will be employed this year for the supervision of State exams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18923/12]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations, determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations and making arrangements for the marking of work presented for examination. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
362 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the current situation regarding the proposed building project for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18928/12]
In 2010, the school referred to by the Deputy was allocated devolved funding for the provision of a new 4 classroom school building, including ancillary accommodation, under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme. The school sought additional funding for costs associated with abnormal works. The application is currently being examined by my Department and the school authorities will be notified of the decision as soon as possible.
363 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, with the creation of SOLAS he will consider the funding arrangement for youth reach projects to be channelled through the schools section within his Department in view of the fact that these projects offer courses to junior and leaving certificate level, among others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18938/12]
There are almost 6,000 Youthreach places available nationwide under the Youthreach umbrella funded by my Department. Almost 3,700 of these places are provided by Vocational Education Committees (VECs) in just over 100 Youthreach centres. The majority of the remainder of places are provided by FÁS in Community Training Centres. Learners in Youthreach receive a weekly training allowance and can access childcare supports. Basic skills training, practical work training and general education to enable them to progress to further education and employment are features of the programme. Participants complete tailored programmes, which may include Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate subjects, but are mainly made up of modules at Levels 2 to 4 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
I chair an Implementation Group which is drawing up an Action Plan for the establishment of SOLAS, which, when established, will operate under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills and co-ordinate and fund the wide range of further education and training programmes around the country. The funding of those programmes, including Youthreach, will be a matter for discussion between my Department, SOLAS and VECs, who will ultimately be responsible for the delivery to the public in an integrated way of both further education and training programmes.
364 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Education and Training Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18949/12]
In October 2011 the General Scheme of an Education and Training Boards Bill was referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education. The General Scheme was also published at that time. Following discussions with my Department and relevant stakeholders, the committee prepared a report which I responded to at a meeting of the committee on 25 January 2012. The General Scheme has now been referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government for formal drafting. The General Scheme does not incorporate the provisions of the Youth Work Act 2001 which is a substantive piece of legislation in its own right. Rather, it is likely that amendments will be made to that Act to reflect the establishment of education and training boards and the dissolution of vocational education committees. This is something which my officials will pursue with the Parliamentary Counsel's Office as part of the drafting process.
365 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a FÁS course module (details supplied) in County Kildare had to be covered in 14 days when the same module elsewhere takes 12 weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18976/12]
This is a day-to-day operational matter for FÁS. Based on the information supplied by the Deputy it is not clear which course is in question. I am informed by FÁS that they are working on the basis that the course in question is the FIT — Microsoft Certified Professional (Course Code SE01R) delivered for FÁS by Clane College in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, not Clane Co. Kildare. The course in Dungarvan started on the 24th October 2011 and is due to finish on 4th May 2012. Currently there are 19 trainees on the course and it is the first time Clane College has run this course for FÁS. There are 10 Modules listed on the course specification and all modules are delivered in compliance with the Course Specification. The FIT (FastTrack to Information Technology) Module referred to by the Deputy is the FIT — Computer Operating Systems and Networking module with a duration of two weeks and is approved by FETAC. The FÁS South East Region is not aware of any other similar FÁS-delivered module of 12 weeks full time duration.
371 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will intervene at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin to immediately address serious health and safety concerns and provide permanent classrooms as the only viable solution to the fact that rot degradation of the prefab floor has resulted in rooms being condemned from usage. [19016/12]
I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has an application with the Department for a major school project involving school refurbishment and the replacement of temporary accommodation. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including this project, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie. In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects required to meet demographic demand will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. In the context of the need to prioritise available funding for the provision of additional school accommodation, it is not possible therefore to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this school project at this time. The Department has been advised by the school of issues with the temporary accommodation. A technical assessment will be required so that the matter can be further considered. Department officials will be in contact with the school authorities shortly in this regard.
372 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school placement in respect of a child (details supplied) in Dublin 13 [19022/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment to schools. My Department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools which have enrolled pupils with special educational needs in order to ensure that, wherever a child is enrolled, s/he will have access to an appropriate education. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) can assist parents to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs. Parents may contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs and to seek assistance in identifying placement options, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld, may the Secretary General of my Department direct a school to enrol a pupil.
373 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost to date incurred by him in the planning and design of the replacement school for a community school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19033/12]
374 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will be willing to meet a delegation consisting of representatives of the school authorities, the parents’ council and the elected public representatives for an area (details supplied) to discuss his decision not to proceed with the building of a replacement school at a community school; when such a meeting could take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19034/12]
375 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is willing to make funding available for the immediate temporary repair of a community school (details supplied) and the replacement of the prefabs in the school in view of the fact that the refurbishment grant for the school was significantly withheld for the past two years based on the premise that a new school was being provided for the community, a premise that no longer holds good due to his recent decision in relation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19035/12]
376 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any basic standards laid down for school buildings in relation to health, safety, thermal and general building standards; if he took the standard of existing buildings into account in deciding the schools to be included in the five year building plan he announced recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19036/12]
377 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he considers the accommodation, including the prefabs, available to a community school (details supplied) to be suitable for use for education purposes for the next seven years in view of the current condition of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19037/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 373 to 377, inclusive, together.
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The school's Design Team are currently working on the Stage 2b Submission (Detailed Design) which, on completion, will be forwarded to my Department for review. The cost incurred in the design stages of the building project amounts to €309,000, mainly in design team fees for work to date. On 12th March last I announced details of 219 new major school building projects which will begin over the next 5 years as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme. These new projects were in addition to 56 major school building projects already announced for 2012. This five year plan details when those major projects will proceed to construction. The projects announced will account for the bulk of the capital funding available in each of those years. Total school enrolments are expected to grow by around 70,000 students between now and 2018 — by over 45,000 at primary level and 25,000 at post primary. Second level enrolment is expected to continue to rise until at least 2024.
Recent birth rate data, published by the CSO show there were nearly 20,000 births registered in the first quarter of 2011. This is the highest number of births registered in a quarter since the series began in 1960. It is vital that the schooling system is prepared to cope with these increasing numbers. Therefore, the Government's priority is now to focus on major school projects to meet these demographic demands. As such enrolment increases are not uniformly distributed nationally, my Department has carried out a study of the country using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social Protection in addition to recent schools' enrolment data to identify the areas it is projected that there will be significant future enrolment increases. The information used is the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
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 over those years. For purposes of the 5 Year Plan, new school building projects as well as major extensions have been identified and prioritised on the basis of meeting demographic needs in areas where such needs have been identified. In that regard, the current status of projects already in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, was also considered. Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of school accommodation to meet the demographic requirements, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. 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 stage at this time. Therefore, I do not propose to meet delegations, such as that requested by the Deputy, regarding individual school building projects. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 school authorities are responsible for managing safety, health and welfare in schools and for having a safety statement in place in their schools, to identify possible hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and put appropriate safeguards in place. In practical terms, individual school authorities are best placed to assess the detail of their own health and safety requirements and there are many information sources such as Codes of Practices, guidelines, legislation and standards available to support them in this task. In the meantime, if the condition of the accommodation referred to is of concern to the school authorities and the works are of a very urgent nature, it is open to the school authorities to apply for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme.
An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and, in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening. Details of the Scheme, together with an application form for grant assistance, can be accessed on my Department's website at www.education.ie. I also wish to advise the Deputy that where an immediate enrolment need in an area has been identified, e.g. the appointment of an additional teacher and where school’s existing accommodation cannot provide for this growth, the Department will be prepared to consider applications by schools for capital funding for additional classrooms mainly on a devolved basis.
380 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills due to special circumstances involved if he will consider authorising a public transport bus run for students attending a national school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19051/12]
Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, having regard to ethos and language.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, is required before consideration may be given to the establishment of a school transport service, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits. Families who wish to apply for school transport for the 2012/13 school year should submit completed application forms to their local Bus Éireann office on or before the 27th April. Families of eligible children for whom no service is available may apply for a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements.
381 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of staff employed in the Vocational Education Committee Adult Education Services who retired in late February following the Croke Park early retirement scheme; the number of adult education officers, adult literacy officers, community education facilitators adult guidance counsellors and information officers who retired; if he will provide a breakdown by VEC; if these members of staff will be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19081/12]
The total number of staff in the posts identified who retired in late February was 5 (2 Adult Education Officers (AEO), 2 Adult Literacy Organisers (ALO) and 1 Community Education Facilitator (CEF)). There were no such retirements from the Adult Education Guidance Service. The information is broken down by category of post and VEC in the following table.
|
VEC |
No. Retired late February 2012 |
||||
|
AEO |
ALO |
CEF |
AEGC |
IO |
|
|
Carlow |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork City |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dublin City |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dublin |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway City |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Laois |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick City |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Longford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Meath |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tipp N.R. |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tipp S.R. |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford City |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
382 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of staff employed in the Vocational Education Committee Services, including adult education officers, adult literacy officers, community education facilitators, adult guidance counsellors and information officers who have left the services since the introduction of the public service recruitment embargo in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19082/12]
The total number of staff who have left posts identified by the Deputy since the introduction of the moratorium on public service appointments in March 2009 is 29 (13 Adult Education Officers (AEO), 10 Adult Literacy Organisers (ALO), 2 Community Education Facilitators (CEF), 2 Adult Education Guidance Counsellors/Coordinators and 2 Information Officers). The following table gives a breakdown by category of post and VEC.2 of the AEO vacancies (Westmeath and Kilkenny VECs) arose because the incumbents were appointed to the posts of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in an acting capacity.
|
VEC |
No. Departed Since Introduction of Public Sector Staffing Moratorium in March 2009 |
||||
|
AEO |
ALO |
CEF |
AEGC |
IO |
|
|
Carlow |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork City |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dublin City |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dublin |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway City |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Laois |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick City |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Longford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Meath |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tipp N.R. |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tipp S.R. |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford City |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
13 |
10 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
383 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the current curriculum in schools at primary level and schools at secondary level for the teaching of computer technology and information technology; when this curriculum was drawn up; when it was last revised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19095/12]
384 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of time in a school week that students in primary schools should be taught how to use computers and broader issues regarding information technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19096/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 383 and 384 together.
The curriculum in schools is devised on the basis that ICT is not a subject but rather a tool to be integrated into the teaching and learning of all subjects. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has developed an ICT framework which sets out a structured approach to ICT in curriculum and assessment. This sets out the types of learning appropriate for students during the period of compulsory education, and provides a guide to teachers for embedding ICT across the curriculum. Therefore, it is not time bound. The overall implementation of ICT in schools is supported by the National Centre for Technology in Education which provides for extensive training and guidance for schools on the integration of ICT into teaching and learning. To further support teachers in using ICT in the curriculum, the NCCA developed the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the Primary School Curriculum: Guidelines for Teachers as a supporting document to the Primary School Curriculum 1999. The guidelines were launched by the Department of Education and Science (DES) in 2004. At post-primary level, one of the Statements of Learning in the Framework for Junior Cycle reform is to ensure that all students "use ICT effectively and ethically in learning and in life". The forthcoming Junior Cycle reform will allow for the introduction of optional school developed short courses of 100 hours duration. This will provide opportunities for schools to progress the provision of courses to enhance students' ICT skills which will be embedded in all their learning. There is also a Transition Year option in relation to "Having Fun with Computer Programming and Games" and, under the ICT Action Plan which I launched earlier this year, this is being expanded nationally. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are also significant components in the syllabuses of Technology and Design and Communication Graphics.
385 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the findings of a recent EUROSTAT study which shows that Irish persons between the ages of 16-24 years are less likely than the average European person of that age to have the skills to carry out basic computer functions such as calculating information on spreadsheets; his views on whether this highlights a need to re-examine the reason that students here are taught computer technology in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19097/12]
I am aware of the results of the EUROSTAT study issued at the end of March 2012. I wish to inform the Deputy that the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment advises that ICT is not a stand alone subject but rather a tool to be integrated into the teaching and learning of all subjects. Computer literacy is seen to be a "necessity in a large majority of professions" (EUROSTAT news release, 26 March, 2012). These views are in keeping with international practice. €92m has been provided in infrastructural ICT grants to schools. In fact, all post primary schools will be connected to a 100Mbps broadband service by the end of 2014, providing for improved integration of ICT in learning. In addition, the NCCA has developed an ICT framework for schools setting out the ICT skills which students should acquire at different levels across the curriculum. The focus for schools is on using ICT (a) as a tool in learning and (b) to improve learning across the curriculum.
This NCCA framework is supported by extensive digital resources on the Scoilnet website, an e-learning handbook for teachers, by professional development programmes for teachers as well as by investment in ICT infrastructure. One of the Statements of Learning in the Junior Cycle reform is to ensure that all students "use ICT effectively and ethically in learning and in life". There will also be the opportunity for schools to provide short courses. These reforms will present further opportunities for strengthening ICT across the curriculum. There is also a Transition Year option in relation to "Having Fun with Computer Programming and Games"and, under the ICT Action Plan which I launched jointly with Industry in January 2012, this is being expanded nationally. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are also significant components in the syllabuses of Technology and Design and Communication Graphics.
386 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding he provides for the provision of computers in both primary and secondary schools here; the amount provided for same in 2012 and in each of the years from 2002 to 2011; if he will provide a breakdown of this funding for primary schools and secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19098/12]
387 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the data available to him regarding the number of Irish primary schools and Irish secondary schools that have received funding for computers from his Department; the number of schools here that currently do not have access to computers for their students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19099/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 387 and 386 together.
Under the ICT in Schools Programme funding is made available for the provision of computers and other ICT infrastructure for schools. The provision of funding for ICT equipment is one strand of the ICT in Schools Programme. The Programme addresses four key themes:
internet access for schools (broadband since 2005)
teacher professional development in ICT
ICT infrastructure deployment in schools
deployment of curriculum-relevant digital content and software for use in the classroom.
Since the inception of the ICT in Schools Programme significant investment has been made. Between 2009 and 2011 inclusive, some €126m has been allocated under the programme, including €92m in ICT Infrastructure Grant funding. Schools received a block grant of €1,700 (€2,550 if DEIS), plus a per-capita grant for pupils enrolled at 30th September 2009. Grants averaged about €14,000 per school at primary level and €61,000 per school at post-primary. Grants were issued on a devolved basis, with expenditure to be undertaken by schools themselves (or by each VEC in the case of VEC schools). Schools were asked to prioritise equipping each classroom with a teaching computer and digital projector, after which they can spend any remaining balance on other ICT equipment and software according to local needs. The table below shows the number of schools which benefited under the grant scheme.
|
2009 |
2010 |
|
|
Number of Primary Schools aided |
3,215 |
3,273 |
|
Number of post-primary facilities aided |
N/A |
832 |
|
(including Youthreach Centres, former children’s detention centres and stand alone PLC facilities) |
To help schools make the most of their investment, the Department arranged a number of key supports in tandem over this period, including:
annual delivery of approximately 12,000 ICT CPD places for teachers on Department-funded courses, primarily through the Education Centre network
dissemination of an e-learning handbook, supported by national delivery of e-learning seminars for school leaders [providing schools with a comprehensive approach to multi-annual ICT planning and enhancing local leadership capacity to get the most from ICT]
delivery of the schools broadband service and its helpdesk to more than 96% schools
deployment of central national procurement arrangements accompanied by simplified procedures, giving schools the benefit of centrally negotiated terms and conditions
delivery of a national internet safety programme and its associated website (www.webwise.ie)
collaborative development, procurement and dissemination of curriculum-relevant digital content, delivered mainly through the national portal for ICT in education www.scoilnet.ie.
This investment has delivered significant improvements in the infrastructural base nationally. An ICT in Schools survey will be carried out this year. The results of this survey will assist my Department in the drawing up of a new ICT plan in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. As the Deputy will appreciate, my Department is not currently in a position to commit additional resources to ICT capital investment having regard to other priorities. The capital allocation for this year is focused primarily on meeting essential capital costs under the Schools Broadband Programme. The total allocation to the ICT in Schools Programme for 2012 is €13.8m and this allocation allows the programme to remain focused on maintaining priority services. The Government has approved the roll out of 100mbps broadband to all post primary schools. The national roll-out will be completed over three stages with 200 schools being connected by September 2012, a further 200 being connected next year and the remaining 250 schools being connected in 2014. Integrating ICT into teaching and learning in schools remains a priority for my Department.
388 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will give consideration to having computer technology as a subject for State examinations here; his plans to bring this about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19100/12]
390 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had any discussions with technology, computer or internet companies regarding the teaching of computer science and information technology here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19102/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 388 and 390 together.
The focus in schools is on using ICT (a) as a tool in learning and (b) to improve the quality of teaching and learning across the curriculum, guided by the ICT curriculum framework developed by the NCCA. This framework is supported by extensive digital resources on the Scoilnet website, by professional development programmes for teachers and by investment in ICT infrastructure. All post primary schools will be connected to a 100Mbps broadband service by the end of 2014, providing for improved integration of ICT in learning. One of the Statements of Learning in the Junior Cycle reform is to ensure that all students "use ICT effectively and ethically in learning and in life". The forthcoming Junior Cycle reform will allow for the introduction of optional school developed short courses of 100 hours duration. This will provide opportunities for schools to progress the provision of courses to enhance students' ICT skills which will be embedded in all their learning. There is also a Transition Year option in relation to "Having Fun with Computer Programming and Games" and, under the ICT Action Plan which I launched earlier this year, this is being expanded nationally. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are also significant components in the syllabuses of Technology and Design and Communication Graphics.
Opportunities are being provided for students in our post-primary schools through the provision of places in ICT companies in Ireland so as to promote the ICT sector as a career choice Business and IT interests place a greater emphasis on improved uptake and performance in mathematics and the sciences in general at the post-primary level than on provision of a specialist courses in computer science. In particular, those recruiting for the IT and Innovation industries emphasise that what they are looking for in potential employees is the general skill base of students, their disposition towards problem solving and their capacity to apply existing scientific and mathematical knowledge and processes in new and unforeseen contexts. In general terms, they consider this of greater value than specific knowledge of developments in computer science. There would be some concern that the provision of computer science as a subject could divert attention and effort away from the aim of increased and improving participation in mathematics and science. The ICT Action Plan which I launched in January in collaboration with ICT Ireland, Irish Software Association, American Chamber of Commerce (Ireland) the HEA and Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, while referring to post-primary sector, concentrates on ICT upskilling at further and higher education. The increase of 29% in student acceptances onto computing course is encouraging. The short term aim is to reskill and provide conversion programmes for some 750 graduates with qualifications and skills in other cognate disciplines.
389 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has any discussions at a European level and at the European Council of Education Ministers on the issue of the teaching of computer science and information technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19101/12]
These issues have not arisen in any formal discussions at European level or at the European Council. However the recently published figures by EUROSTAT on university graduates and their computing and computer skills may prompt discussion in the future.
391 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the level of study of computer science and information technology Irish primary school teachers in Irish teacher training colleges receive; and if his Department has a requirement in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19103/12]
The content of the initial teacher education programmes is, currently, a matter for the individual Colleges of Education. The programmes provided by the Colleges of Education include modules and content on Information and Communication Technologies. The nature and depth of the content varies between the different institutions. The Teaching Council, which has statutory responsibility for the review and accreditation of programmes of initial teacher education, has published criteria and guidelines for initial teacher education providers. These form a bridge between the Council's policy and the development and implementation of reconceptualised programmes of initial teacher education in Higher Education Institutions, providing clarity for HEIs to enable them to ensure that their programmes meet the Council's accreditation requirements. In the criteria and guidelines, ICT in Teaching and Learning is set down as one of the mandatory elements to be included in all ITE programmes. The reconceptualised and extended Bachelor of Education programmes which must meet the Teaching Council's criteria and guidelines are scheduled to commence in September 2012.
392 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 21 March 2012, if he will review his decision to refuse to answer on the basis that his Department does not know the salary, allowance and expenses paid to each of the employees of State agencies under the aegis of his Department noting that all other Government Departments have supplied or are in the process of supplying the requested information. [19106/12]
As I previously indicated, the information requested by the Deputy is an administrative matter for each agency. The day to day management of agencies, including the payment of salaries and expenses, in accordance with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines, is a matter for the management of each agency. Accordingly, my Department does not maintain the level of detailed information requested as this information is held within each agency. Set out below for the Deputy's information is an extract of the quarterly returns made by my Department to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform which relates to numbers and salary bands in the agencies mentioned by the Deputy.
|
Data in respect of end Quarter 4 2011 |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Data show number of staff, headcount and Whole Time Equivalent, by salary band. |
|||||||
|
Permanent Headcount |
WTE* |
Temporary Headcount |
WTE |
Seconded Headcount |
WTE |
||
|
Total |
1,954.00 |
1,859.56 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
21.00 |
19.50 |
|
|
Foras Áiseanna Saothair |
0 — 30K |
101.00 |
98.52 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||
|
(includes both DES and DSP staff) |
30,001-70K |
1,708.00 |
1,616.92 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
21.00 |
19.50 |
|
70,001-125K |
140.00 |
139.12 |
|||||
|
Over 125K Unknown |
5.00 |
5.00 |
|||||
|
Total |
34.00 |
34.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
|
Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) |
0-30K |
||||||
|
30,001-70K |
22.00 |
22.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
|||
|
70,001-125K |
12.00 |
12.00 |
|||||
|
Over 125K Unknown |
|||||||
|
Total |
0.00 |
0.00 |
6.00 |
6.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
|
Grangegorman Development Agency |
0-30K |
||||||
|
30,001-70K |
3.00 |
3.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|||
|
70,001-125K |
3.00 |
3.00 |
|||||
|
Over 125K Unknown |
|||||||
|
Total |
27.00 |
25.80 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
|
Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) |
0-30K |
6.00 |
5.60 |
||||
|
30,001-70K |
15.00 |
14.20 |
|||||
|
70,001-125K |
6.00 |
6.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
|||
|
Over 125K Unknown |
|||||||
|
Total |
55.00 |
50.20 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
|
Higher Education Authority |
0-30K |
3.00 |
2.70 |
||||
|
30,001-70K |
30.00 |
28.40 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
|||
|
70,001-125K |
21.00 |
18.10 |
|||||
|
Over 125K Unknown |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|||||
|
Total |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
|
Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology |
0-30K |
||||||
|
30,001-70K |
2.00 |
2.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|||
|
70,001-125K |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|||||
|
Over 125K Unknown |
|||||||
|
Total |
5.00 |
4.60 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
|
Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Science |
0-30K |
||||||
|
30,001-70K |
4.00 |
3.60 |
|||||
|
70,001-125K |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|||||
|
Over 125K Unknown |
|||||||
|
Total |
16.00 |
16.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
|
National Centre for Technology and Education |
0-30K |
||||||
|
30,001-70K |
11.00 |
11.00 |
|||||
|
70,001-125K |
5.00 |
5.00 |
|||||
|
Over 125K Unknown |
|||||||
|
Total |
27.00 |
24.95 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
|
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland |
0-30K |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||
|
30,001-70K |
17.00 |
15.65 |
|||||
|
70,001-125K |
9.00 |
8.30 |
|||||
|
Over 125K Unknown |
|||||||
|
Total |
25.50 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
|
|
The Teaching Council |
0-30K |
3.00 |
|||||
|
30,001-70K |
19.50 |
1.00 |
|||||
|
70,001-125K |
3.00 |
1.00 |
|||||
|
Over 125K Unknown |
* WTE — Whole Time Equivalent
393 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 18 January 2012, the date on which the disused prefabs adjacent to the schools (details supplied) in County Dublin will be removed; if his Department owns the land on which the prefabs have been abandoned; if he will confirm that these prefabs are in an utter state of disrepair and have now become a focal point for anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19107/12]
A nearby school which has been authorised by my Department to transfer the prefabs in question to its own site for continued use is currently completing a tender process for the removal of the prefabs. It is anticipated that a contract will be awarded and that the prefabs will shortly be removed from the current site. The site upon which the prefabs are currently located is not owned by my Department.
394 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a student’s (details supplied) father’s pension is being taken into account for their income when they are applying for a vocational education committee maintenance grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19108/12]
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. Reckonable income for student grants purposes is gross income from all sources whether it arises in the State or not. It includes income from pensions. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form and supporting documentation, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student should qualify for a grant. However, an applicant may appeal the decision of the grant awarding authority to its appeals officer. Where the appeals officer decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department or the independent Student Grants Appeals Board, as appropriate.
395 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider and act upon the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) relating to apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19154/12]
This is a day-to-day operational matter for FÁS. However I am informed by them that the individual in question is undertaking an Apprenticeship as a Cabinet Maker. To qualify as a Cabinet Maker an apprentice is required to meet the following requirements for the award of the FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate — Craft:
Be registered as an apprentice for a period of at least 4 years.
Successfully complete Phase 1 to Phase 7 of his/her apprenticeship.
Complete the statutory period of 4 years (208 weeks) in employment since the date of registration, as an apprentice in their registered trade with a FÁS approved employer.
The individual concerned is still required to complete Phase 5 (minimum 26 weeks) and Phase 7 (minimum 12 weeks) training and assessments with a FÁS approved employer in order to meet the qualifying criteria for the award of the FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate — Craft. To assist redundant apprentices who have to complete Phase 5 and Phase 7 on-the-job training, a Redundant Apprentice Place Scheme is available. The Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme provides a weekly training allowance to the apprentice of €280 per week for Phase 5 and €320 per week for Phase 7 for the duration of each phase, with a placement with a FÁS approved employer who will provide the required training and assessments for the specified trade. The individual concerned must complete the remaining phases of his apprenticeship in this jurisdiction and in that regard he should contact his Senior Training Adviser who will assist him on how to progress his apprenticeship.
396 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by his Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19170/12]
The information requested in relation to contracts awarded in 2011 by my Department to consultancy firms is outlined on the following table. My Department did not award any contracts to consultancy firms in the first quarter in 2012.
|
Consultancy Firm |
Cost of Contract |
|
€ |
|
|
Centre for Cross Border Studies |
€2,420.00 |
|
Gartner |
€35,150.49 |
|
Goodbody Economic Consultants |
€31,280.92 |
|
The PA Consulting Group |
€52,003.38 |
|
Fitzpatrick and Associates |
€61,589.00 |
|
Analysys Mason |
€116,019.62 |
|
€298,463.41 |
397 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to progress a project (details supplied) to planning stage following the site acquisition in 2010, which was acquired subject to planning permission; when he expects his Department to be in a position to submit a planning application to Clonmel Borough Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19231/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my officials have consulted with the planning authority and are currently preparing a planning application for submission to the planning authority, in respect of the school to which he refers.
398 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath who was employed as a special needs assistant for seven years 2005 to 2011 was only offered a redundancy payment for four years. [19237/12]
The redundancy arrangements for Special Needs Assistants were agreed at national level at the Labour Relations Commission. These arrangements are outlined in, and are governed by, my Department's circular 58/2006. The circular is available on my Department's website. The person referred to by the Deputy was employed by two different schools during the period 2005-2011. The person ceased employment with the first school in 2007 by way of resignation. No redundancy situation existed in that school at the time and the vacant post was filled by another SNA. The person referred to by the Deputy was subsequently employed by another school for 4 years (2007-2011). When the post became surplus to the allocation of SNA resources to that school, the post was made redundant. My Department issued a redundancy payment to the person in line with the agreed arrangements as outlined in circular 58/2006, i.e. the period of service reckonable for redundancy payment purposes will only consist of the period of the Special Needs Assistant's continuous service in the school in which she/he was last employed. The redundancy payment was calculated in accordance with the terms outlined in the circular.
399 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of responsibility for the European Globalisation Fund having been transferred to him from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation last year, if the number of redundancies that have to date happened in the banking and financial services sector since 2007 have been of an order that would have justified an application for support from the European Globalisation Fund; if such an application was in fact made; and in view of the scale of such redundancies in prospect in the immediate future, his plans, if any, to ensure that such support is provided for the retaining and vocational reorientation of such workers. [19245/12]
In terms of sectorial applications in support of redundant workers under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), a financial contribution from the EGF may be provided to an EU member state where there have been at least 500 redundancies, over a reference period of 9 months in a given NACE 2 (economic activity) sector and where it can be demonstrated that the redundancies have resulted from, for example:
A substantial increase of imports into the EU for a given sector,
A decline of EU market share in a given sector,
Relocation of an undertaking to a third country,
Global financial and economic crisis (temporary derogation between 1 May 2009 and 31 December 2011).
The Department as the EGF Managing Authority monitors redundancies across all economic sectors including the banking and financial services sectors with a view to making a sustainable EGF application where possible. The first EGF applications in support of redundant workers at Dell, Waterford Crystal and S R Technics were made in 2009, with three more applications in the construction sector being made between June 2010 and February 2011. In assessing the feasibility of making an EGF application in the banking and financial services sectors, it is considered by the Department that the majority of the redundancies have been as a direct result of the global financial and economic crisis. Exploratory work undertaken by the Department, particularly from mid-2010 and continuing into 2011, based on the established collective redundancy monitoring system and following contacts with industry and the Department of Finance, seemed initially to indicate some potential for the making of an application in the banking sector but not in the financial services sector, in line with the required NACE 2 sectoral categorisation required under the EGF.
However, upon subsequent detailed investigations, data available on actual confirmed redundancies in the banking and financial services sectors did not suggest to the Department that there were sufficient redundancies such as to sustain an EGF application at that time. Therefore, no application has been made to date in support of redundant workers in either the banking or financial services sectors. While there may be significant redundancies in these sectors in 2012, the European Council decision of 1 December 2011 to oppose the extension of the temporary derogation which allowed applications to be made on the basis of the rationale of the global economic and financial crisis beyond 31 December 2011, has now effectively ruled out the making of EGF applications in support of redundant workers in these sectors. Ireland and many other Member States had sought to retain the derogation but this was ultimately blocked by a sufficient minority of Member States. Developments in this regard will be kept under review by the Department should any change in the prevailing circumstances emerge over time.The Department continues to monitor collective redundancies across all sectors nationally in order to assess whether sustainable EGF applications can be made in those cases where all relevant EGF regulatory criteria are met.
400 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide information regarding the pension contributions and entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [19329/12]
A pension benefit statement, in respect of the person to whom the Deputy refers, is being addressed by officials in the Pension Unit of my Department and will be sent to the person in question.
402 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills the costs associated with transporting children with special needs from Inishowen to Letterkenny, County Donegal, for school, including the cost of the special needs assistant who travels with the children. [19354/12]
The cost of individual routes or services is regarded as commercially sensitive. However, the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme showed that the school transport unit cost per child with special educational needs including the cost of an escort is in the region of €9,000 per annum.
403 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of disabled children in mainstream primary and secondary schools. [19358/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. The NCSE has published statistics in relation to resource allocations as at August 2010 on its website www.ncse.ie. In respect of resource allocations for pupils with Physical Disabilities enrolled to mainstream schools, 4,151 pupils with physical disabilities were allocated additional teaching support and 2,042 pupils were allocated access to Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support at that time. The NCSE notes that these figures cannot be added as many pupils who receive additional resource teaching support are also in receipt of SNA support. It should also be noted that some children with physical disabilities may also be included under the category of multiple disabilities. There are also categories for children with visual impairments and hearing impairment. In relation to the number of pupils with intellectual disability who are enrolled to mainstream schools, I wish to advise the Deputy that all mainstream primary schools have been allocated additional teaching resources under the General Allocation Model (GAM) to cater for children with high incidence special educational needs, including mild and borderline mild general learning difficulties. It is a matter for school authorities to determine how these hours are utilised to support eligible pupils. My Department therefore does not hold details of the number of pupils being supported through this mechanism. It is therefore not possible to identify the total numbers of pupils enrolled in mainstream schools who have some form of intellectual disability.
I can advise the Deputy that the NCSE developed estimates on the prevalence of special educational needs as part of its process to advise the Minister on the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN), Act 2004. The Council estimated at that time that up to 18% of the school going population may have a special educational need, as defined under the EPSEN Act, while a more recent NCSE Report: A Study of the Prevalence of Special Educational Needs (2011) estimates that this figure may be even higher that 18% of the pupil population.
405 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a list of schools that have been awarded an active school flag; if he will provide a list of schools that have submitted applications for an active school flag; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19467/12]
406 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a list of schools that have been awarded an Active School Flag; if he will provide a list of schools who have submitted applications for an Active School Flag; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19472/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 406 together.
Recognising the contribution of physical activity to the health and well-being of children and to increase the physical activity levels of school children, in 2009 the Department of Education and Skills launched the Active School Flag (ASF) to motivate and reward schools which strive to achieve a physically active and physically educated school community. The ASF aims to complement the existing PE curriculum in schools.Since 2009, 875 primary schools, 125 post-primary schools and 4 Youthreach Centres have registered for participation in the programme. Some 110 schools have been awarded their flags in 2010 and 2011. It is expected that another 200 schools will have been awarded an ASF by the end of this current year. A full list of schools which have been awarded an active flag is available on the active school flag website (www.activeschoolflag.ie and click the ASF locations button). The list of schools which have applied to participate in the programme this year is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy. The high level of participation by schools in the programme is indicative of the desire of teachers and schools to ensure that children are as active as possible. Active, enjoyable engagement in physical activity at a young age plays an important part in the development of habits that will contribute to good health and well-being in the long-term.
407 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the dates of meetings, from the establishment of the task force on Autism in October 2000 up to July 2010, that he, his predecessors, senior officials from his Department and or task forces held with professional bodies in applied behaviour analysis and provide the minutes of those meetings. [19530/12]
I'm assuming that the Deputy is referring to the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) which is a professional body with a division of behaviour analysis. In the time available to respond to the question I can inform the Deputy that there is no record in my Department of a formal meeting during the period in question with the PSI on applied behaviour analysis or indeed of a request from the professional body for such a meeting.
408 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views that, when matters of science impact directly on education policy decisions, professionals not trained in a particular science to international standards should not be relied upon for clarification on issues pertaining to that science. [19531/12]
When policy matters are under review in my Department it is desirable that, where possible, the views of parties with an interest in the specific matter will be solicited. As a general principle it is good practice that where clarification on an issue pertaining to a particular science is required in the context of policy considerations, the views of professionals, qualified in that science to acceptable standards, will be sought. It is not however desirable that views and comment on a particular matter of science will be reserved exclusively to those trained in the science. Such a restriction would have the potential to exclude the views of many stakeholders, interested parties or indeed professionals qualified in related disciplines. Moreover, it is not considered appropriate or indeed possible to limit debate on any matter of public policy to those with either qualifications or interest in the policy matter as to do so would obstruct to legitimate roles of a range of interested parties, including members of the Oireachtas and decision making bodies such as the Courts.
409 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is considering the introduction of road safety education and awareness into the post-primary curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19421/12]
A Road Safety programme for Transition Year, has been developed by the Road Safety Authority in collaboration with my Department, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Professional Development Service for Teachers and has been offered nationally as an option since September 2008, following a successful pilot in 2007/8. The programme is available in twenty hour and forty-five hour units. It features inputs from agencies such as the ambulance service, fire service and An Garda Síochána, as well as providing for visiting speakers, trips out of school, projects and case studies. The programme provides for an introduction to road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists, and covers such issues as seatbelts and airbags, driver fatigue, drink/drug driving, enforcement, basic first aid at road crashes, emergency services and rehabilitation. The programme is also supported by digital resources, including DVD support and access to international websites on road safety issues. Relevant Driver Theory Test learning is included at the end of each module. The programme does not include driving lessons. Under the revised Junior Cycle framework, schools will need to ensure that their students cover 24 Statements of Learning. One of the Statements of Learning is that the student should "take action to safeguard and promote their well-being and that of others". It is a matter for schools to determine how this might be implemented. It is, for example, open to schools to develop short courses at local level addressing this Statement of Learning including, should they so wish, curricular activities in relation to road safety. My Department will continue to work with the Road Safety Authority to strengthen the role of schools in promoting road safety even further
410 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on measures to reform the junior certificate curriculum; if he will also outline the timeframe for the overhaul of the junior certificate system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19420/12]
Implementation of Junior Cycle Reform will begin from 2014 onwards. There are 24 Statements of Learning in the new Junior Cycle Framework. It will be a matter for schools to determine, from the range of subjects and short courses on offer, how these statements of learning will be met. Reform will be introduced on a phased basis. All of the existing subjects are being continued, and Irish (except where there is an exemption), English and Mathematics will remain core full subjects. To start with, a revised syllabus in English will be implemented as a first step in the process, for students beginning junior cycle in 2014, for first examination in 2017. Groups of subjects will be implemented on a phased basis each year after that. Schools will also have the option of providing locally developed short courses of 100 hours, supported by exemplars developed by the NCCA. A cap of 8 is being placed on the number of subjects which can be taken for examination purposes, to apply on a mandatory basis from the 2017 examination. Into the future, students will be able to take 8 subjects or 7 subjects with 2 short courses or 6 subjects and 4 short courses. Subjects will be assessed by means of a written examination set and marked by SEC, and a portfolio marked by the class teacher in the school, moderated by the school and subject to external moderation on a sample basis by SEC. Short course will be assessed in the school.
411 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of State companies who have used overseas companies for printing work in the following years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he is satisfied that this is an appropriate use of State resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19743/12]
The information sought by the Deputy is an administrative matter for each agency and is not managed centrally by my Department. As the Deputy will be aware, the procurement of goods, works and services by bodies under the aegis of my Department is carried out in conformity with the EU Treaty principles of non-discrimination, equal treatment, transparency, mutual recognition, proportionality, freedom to provide service and freedom of establishment. All bodies under the aegis of my Department are aware of the need to achieve value for money while conducting procurement in a fair, open and transparent manner that is fully compliant with the EU Procurement Directives and national procurement policies and guidelines. The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies outlines the responsibilities of state bodies in this regard and my Department regularly updates the aegis bodies on developments in relation to public procurement policy and practices.
412 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if it is his policy or law to award public tenders to companies in receivership; and if he is reviewing procedures for the awarding of printing and other such contracts in view of recent experience. [17912/12]
The assessment of a tenderer's financial and economic standing is a key part of any procurement process. Establishing the appropriate suitability criteria that are relevant and appropriate to a particular contract is, of course, a matter for the contracting authority concerned. This is because the contracting authority is in the best position to gauge the appropriate levels of financial capacity that are appropriate to the needs of that specific contract.
In this regard, tenderers must declare that they have the necessary capacity to carry out a contract and must be in a position to produce the necessary documentation when requested. That documentary evidence (e.g. bank statements, audited accounts, proof of professional indemnity, etc.) need only be produced when a tenderer has been short-listed or is coming under consideration for the award of a contract. Contracting authorities are advised to check these issues throughout a procurement process up to the point of awarding a contract to ensure that such circumstances have not changed. If the financial situation of the tenderer has changed they can be excluded from any further participation in the competition.
Any tenders received from companies in receivership are considered on their own merits, taking account of the circumstances of the case and the provisions of the relevant tender competition.
413 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he intends to hold a constitutional referendum to remove the pensions of former Ministers and TD’s found to have received corrupt or inappropriate payments in the Mahon Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18005/12]
The matter of holding a constitutional referendum does not arise.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government has referred the report to the Garda Commissioner, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Revenue Commissioners and the Standards in Public Office Commission. The Dáil has fully debated the Report and the Government is considering its response to the findings and recommendations.
414 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of public servants, including those in semi-State companies, employed in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18119/12]
As I indicated in my reply to Deputy Fleming on the 21st of February 2012 details of Public Service staff numbers and Non Commercial State Agencies are not held centrally on a county by county basis. The Deputy is advised to contact the relevant Ministers directly for such information. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform does not have any Offices in Co. Kerry.
415 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps taken to ensure that any company in receipt of Government contracts are fully compliant with judgments of Labour Court, Employment Appeals Tribunal, Labour Relations Commission, Equality Tribunal, and National Employment Rights agencies. [19045/12]
416 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of procurement contracts awarded to companies with outstanding judgments from the Labour Court, Employment Appeals Tribunal, Labour Relations Commission, Equality Tribunal, and National Employment Rights agencies. [19046/12]
417 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures within the procurement guidelines that ensure that all companies tendering for Government procurement contracts are fully compliant with judgments of Labour Court, Employment Appeals Tribunal, Labour Relations Commission, Equality Tribunal, and National Employment Rights agencies. [19047/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 415 to 417, inclusive, together.
Compliance with the legislation covering employment and equality issues comes under the aegis of my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Public procurement procedures require applicants to meet certain standards when applying for public contracts. The criteria upon which contracting authorities may exclude applicants from the award procedure of public contracts are set out in Regulation 53 of SI 329 of 2006European Communities (Award of Public Contracts) Regulations 2006 and Article 45 and Recitals (34) and (43) of 2004/18/EC, the EU Directive on the co-ordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts. Before an applicant, in relation to certain breaches is excluded, the applicant may make a case and provide supporting evidence as to why it should not be excluded. The contracting authority must consider this evidence before deciding whether to exclude or include an applicant.
In qualifying for inclusion in tender competitions for public contracts, applicants must submit signed declarations stating that none of the circumstances outlined in Regulation 53 of SI 329 or Article 45 of 2004/18/EC apply.
418 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of State companies who have used overseas companies for printing work in the following years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he is satisfied that this is an appropriate use of State resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17673/12]
An Post National Lottery Company is a commercial State body and day to day operational matters are a matter for the body concerned. There are no other State companies that come under the aegis of my Department.
419 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline the purpose of the restoration at Ennis Friary, Ennis, County Clare; if he will explain the methodology including the need to cover the nave of the medieval church with a modern roof; the way the medieval sculptures will be exhibited and explained in the new environment; the proposed opening times, entry fees, staffing, guiding arrangements; the timeframe for the completion of all works including the date on which the friary will be open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17750/12]
Following completion of a comprehensive Conservation Plan for Ennis Friary, which involved full public consultation, the Office of Public Works has proceeded with implementation of conservation and preservation measures. Central to this is the protection and presentation of the significant collection of medieval carved stone features within the remains of the friary and the desirability of improving visitor access to the site.
The project commenced with an analysis of the damaged and decayed carved stonework by a stone conservation specialist. The stonework was then removed for consolidation and repair and, on completion, it will be mounted on display plinths accompanied by information panels. The site of the 18th century church, which was built within the walls of the medieval nave, is the best location to provide a roofed sheltered environment for the protection and presentation of the medieval sculptures. The design of the modern roof reflects the original profile of the church and its lightweight structure will have a minimal impact on the original walls. The materials used externally match the fabric of the adjoining historic buildings.
It is anticipated that all works will be completed by mid June this year. The site will then be opened to the public and there will be no entrance charge. A guide service will be provided from that date to the end of September.
420 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 223 and 230 of 13 March 2012, when he will provide year on year data of public moneys spent on security measures at private homes and constituency offices of Taoisigh, Ministers and Ministers of State. [18224/12]
The information in respect of expenditure on installation of security at private homes and constituency offices of Taoisigh, Ministers and Ministers of State in respect of the years 2007-2011 is as follows:
|
Year |
Total |
|
€ |
|
|
2007 |
320,167.95 |
|
2008 |
143,542.99 |
|
2009 |
325,833.84 |
|
2010 |
0 |
|
2011 |
0 |
|
Overall total |
789,544.78 |
The information on years 2000-2006 is being collated at present and will issue directly to the Deputy before the end of the April.
421 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in a tabular form, the total public sector pay bill for the months ending November, 2011, December, 2011, January, 2012, February, 2012 and March, 2012. [18582/12]
422 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in a tabular form the total public sector pension bill for the months ending November, 2011, December, 2011, January, 2012, February, 2012 and March, 2012. [18583/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 421 and 422 together.
I refer to my reply to Question No. 12990/12 of 7 March.
The estimated gross monthly pay and pensions to March 2012, as notified by Departments and Offices, in respect of public service workers is set out in the following table. The figures exclude pay and pension expenditure by Local Authorities and do not take account of the pension-related deduction on public service remuneration.
|
January |
February |
March |
|
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Pay |
1,468,482 |
1,165,537 |
1,346,489 |
|
Pension |
283,083 |
280,994 |
444,471 |
|
Total |
1,751,565 |
1,446,530 |
1,790,960 |
423 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of written Parliamentary Questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicted that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18601/12]
In response to the Deputy's question some 435 written Parliamentary Questions were replied to in the period 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012. The Deputy should be aware that included in the 435 written Parliamentary Questions there are a number of oral questions that were put down which were not reached in the Dáil and were therefore treated as written PQs. The 435 replies also include a number of PQs where the response has been supplied by the Office of Public Works.
In the vast majority of cases the answers were provided in full. However, in a small number of cases the information requested by the Deputy was not available in the time allowed for a response to be given and the information was subsequently forwarded directly to the Deputy.
Details of the responses given to the written PQ's answered by my Department can be found using the following link:
http://debates.oireachtas.ie/dail/2012/
426 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ensure that any new national lottery licence is Irish language proofed to ensure that the new provider provides services, communications and branding in Irish. [18846/12]
The National Lottery is currently included in the list of public bodies covered by the Officials Languages Act 2003 which is contained in Schedule 1 to that Act. Section 1(5)(b) of Schedule 1 provides that the Official Languages Act shall apply to a body, organisation or group that at the date of the coming into operation of this Schedule is a public body but subsequently comes under private ownership and control.
Should the holder of the next National Lottery licence be a privately owned firm, under the terms of the Official Languages Act the National Lottery will remain subject to the provisions of that Act.
427 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by his Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18893/12]
Both my Department and the Department of Finance operate a shared service for the provision of mobile telephony service. The reply to the Deputy's question is included under the Department of Finance PQ reference number 18888/12.
428 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will clarify a number of statements (details supplied) made regarding the Clonmel flood alleviation scheme, to a County Tipperary resident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18934/12]
The statements by Office of Public Works officials and their consultants that are quoted by the Deputy, which make no reference to a by-pass channel, are not contradictory. The works in question involve excavating a stretch of channel at the new Dry Bridge structure in order to facilitate the draining of the flood plain upstream of that location into the River Suir when an extreme event occurs in Clonmel. This floodplain, which is dry in normal circumstances, is fed by various natural flowpaths when the Suir is in flood. One of these flowpaths was referred to in the documentation for the flood relief scheme that was put on public display by the technical term a 'spillway'. The works will improve the efficiency of this existing flowpath or spillway.
429 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the implications for existing National Lottery agents on the sale of the National Lottery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18989/12]
I announced on 4 April 2012 that the Government has decided to hold a competition for the next National Lottery licence. The new licence will be for a 20 year period and will involve an upfront payment to the State, with some of the payment being used to help fund the building of the proposed new National Children's Hospital. The ongoing provision of a fixed percentage of annual lottery turnover for good causes will be a condition of the licence; this percentage is to be retained at 30.5% which was the level that applied in 2011.
In relation to existing agents of the Lottery, I am cognisant of the essential role which retailers play in the operation of the National Lottery. I am also aware of the importance to retailers of income from the Lottery, particularly in the present economic climate. I can assure the Deputy that the position of retailers will be taken into consideration in the context of the arrangements for the next Lottery licence and in this regard officials of my Department will meet with the retailers' representative bodies to ascertain their concerns.
430 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by his Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19176/12]
The table sets out the list of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms during the period January 2011 to March 2012:
|
Date |
Supplier Name |
Invoice Amount € |
|
Jun-Nov 2011 |
Deloitte and Touche |
65,914 |
|
Jun-Nov 2011 |
Accenture Consulting |
80,465 |
|
Jun-Dec 2011 |
RedC |
41,043 |
|
July 2011 |
MKO Partners |
35,820 |
|
Sep 2011 |
Mercer (Ireland) Ltd |
1,210 |
|
Feb 2012 |
Davy Corporate Finance |
615 |
|
Feb-Mar 2012 |
Ernst and Young |
No cost |
|
Mar 2012 |
Grant Thornton |
Ongoing — to be invoiced in Q2 2012 |
In addition to the above, following a procurement process in 2011, Accenture was selected as an implementation partner to assist with the establishment of a HR Shared Service Centre for the Civil Service. Phase 1 of the Project is covered by an interim agreement and a payment of €353,960 excluding VAT was made in the first quarter of 2012.
431 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of the €13.1 billion capital expenditure projected to be spent over the next four years that is already committed to projects currently underway; and the proportion that will be spent on new projects. [19166/12]
The Exchequer capital allocation for the next four years amounts to just under €13.9 billion, including an additional €39m recently agreed to build a new children's detention facility at Oberstown. Approximately €4.2 billion of this is required to finish out existing contractual commitments. This figure does not include capital commitments that relate to the Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation and its agencies. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will be able to provide details of commitments in this area as they become available. The balance will be used for new projects. Details of capital expenditure programmes are a matter for the individual Ministers concerned.
432 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Glosha embankment. Cromane, County Kerry is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works; and if so, will funding be made available to the local community to protect their properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19187/12]
433 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be made available to carry out urgent coastal protection works at Rossbeigh beach, Glenbeigh, County Kerry in the vicinity of the public road, playground and tennis court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19191/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 432 and 433 together.
The Office of Public Works has no responsibility for the maintenance of the Glosha embankments at Cromane, which are located at the south — east end of the Cromane spit.
However, it would be open to Kerry County Council to submit a funding application under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for works at this location. Funding of €100,000 was approved by the OPW to the council earlier this year under the scheme to undertake works to the embankments at Cromane Lower (north — end).
With regard to the works at Rossbeigh Beach, Glenbeigh, the council submitted an application under the scheme in 2011 for funding of €350,000 to strengthen and extend rock armour revetment at this location.
This Office has recently finalised its review of the eligibility criteria for coastal protection works, and will be writing to the council to request that a revised application be submitted for the project under the new criteria.
434 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the action he will take on the recent 300 job losses at a company (details supplied) [18384/12]
451 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps that have been taken to persuade a company (details supplied) to reverse a recent decision to move over 300 jobs currently engaged in providing customer care services at Leopardstown, County Dublin, and Dundalk, County Louth, to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18720/12]
452 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has been in touch with a company (details supplied) regarding its plans to move jobs from Dublin and Dundalk, County Louth, to Newry, Northern Ireland; if he has sought assurances that any employees who do not wish to move to Newry will receive their full redundancy entitlements; if he has sought further assurances from the company about its commitment to the jobs remaining in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18721/12]
453 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the contacts he has had with a company (details supplied) regarding their plans for jobs in Dundalk, County Louth, and Leopardstown, Dublin; if he has asked the company to consider job retention in those parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18722/12]
457 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding plans to export jobs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18819/12]
470 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will ensure that every effort is made by his Department and the relevant State agencies to retain jobs in Dublin and Dundalk, County Louth, with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19323/12]
473 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the plans of a company (details supplied) to export more than 300 jobs to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19424/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 434, 451 to 453, inclusive, 457, 470 and 473 together.
Vodafone Ireland announced on 22 March last that it had completed a review of the company's current contracted mobile call centre operations. The company has stated that, following this review, it will be adopting a new model for its mobile customer care, resulting in a move to a new provider, Teleperformance. I have been assured that the transfer of service will observe the Transfer of Undertakings — Protection of Employees (European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003) Regulations.
I met with a delegation from the Communications Workers' Union and Oireachtas members, on 5 April last, and discussed the effects of the proposed transfer on the employees concerned and the possible longer term implications of the move for the sector and for the regions in question.
Vodafone Ireland and Rigney Dolphin, the current provider of the contracted service, have entered a six-week consultation process with employee representatives prior to the new arrangements taking effect. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this point. I should point out, however, that the State's industrial relations machinery, including the Labour Relations Commission, is available to assist in this process, if requested.
While the situation that has arisen on this occasion is regrettable, it is nevertheless reflective of the competitive forces that affect our economy and sector concerned. Notwithstanding this, other positive moves such as the announcement last month by PayPal of the creation of 1,000 jobs in Dundalk, which is being supported by the Government through IDA Ireland, is a very encouraging sign for the Louth region.
The issue of statutory redundancy payments is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.
435 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if it might be possible to offer partial known guarantees to viable pig producers who are faced with restricting existing debt and compliance with animal welfare legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17825/12]
The Temporary Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme is to operate under the De Minimis State Aid rules as agreed by the Government in November. The De Minimis State Aid framework provides a basis for swift implementation of such a Scheme.
Operating within the scope of the De Minimis State Aid regulations places limits on the range of options available in terms of the extent and pricing of the support which can be provided. It also places some limitations on the business sectors and loan purposes which the Scheme can support. Primary production in agriculture, horticulture and fisheries are excluded from the scope of the scheme in the light of particular restrictions under the De Minimis State Aid rules.
The relevant regulations are:
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1998/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to de minimis aid
Commission Notice on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid in the form of guarantees (2008/C 155/02)
Furthermore, the Scheme is a targeted intervention to address specific market failure where a business is unable to secure lending due to a lack of security required for conventional collateral based lending.
The evidence is that currently, the agricultural sector is not experiencing a significant market failure in relation to collateral based lending in comparison to other industry sectors. The Government agreed that the absence of security was less likely to be an issue in agriculture than in many other sectors, as at least for owner farmers there would be the underlying asset of the farmland and buildings, and thus there would be proportionately fewer agriculture borrowing propositions to which the principal underlying rationale for the Scheme would apply.
436 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the serious threat to the employees of a company (details supplied) in Dundalk, County Louth; if he will examine the current position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17857/12]
The position is that Vodafone tendered for its Mobile Customer Service work in 2012. Rigney Dolphin was the incumbent provider with 290 full-time-equivalent positions at Vodafone's offices in Dundalk and Dublin. A French company, Teleperformance (also Vodafone's UK provider) won the new tender. Teleperformance has operations in Newry, Co. Down. I understand that this change has arisen out of Vodafone's on-going review of customer care and the necessity for the company to provide services as cost effectively as possible. As the Deputy can appreciate the market for these types of contract is extremely competitive.
Vodafone Ireland has advised that it envisages that all of Rigney Dolphin staff based in Vodafone will transfer as employees to Teleperformance and that the transfer will observe the Transfer of Undertakings — Protection of Employees (European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003) Regulations.
The Regulations require that in a transfer situation, both the original employer and the new employer inform employee representatives of the reasons for the transfer and the date on which it will take effect. There is also a requirement to advise employees of the legal, economic and social implications for them of the transfer. This information is required to be given no later than 30 days in advance of the intended date of the transfer.
I understand that Vodafone Ireland and Rigney Dolphin are entering a six-week consultation process with employee representatives, prior to the new arrangements taking effect and therefore, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this point.
As always, the State's industrial relations machinery, including the Labour Relations Commission, is available to assist in this process, if requested and it goes without saying that the State enterprise agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, and Louth County Enterprise Board will continue to make every effort that they can to develop new employment opportunities for Dundalk.
Recent developments such as the announcement last month by PayPal to create 1,000 jobs in Dundalk, which is being supported by the Government through IDA Ireland, demonstrates that Dundalk provides the key skills and business infrastructure required by global leaders such as PayPal and is an encouraging sign for the future.
437 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding an application for a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [17991/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that this Work Permit application was refused on the 10 April 2012 on the grounds that it is current Government policy to issue new employment permits only in respect of:
highly skilled, highly paid positions or;
non-EEA nationals who are already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits or;
positions requiring specialist or scarce skills, expertise or qualifications which cannot be filled elsewise.
Furthermore permits are issued in respect of employment where it is established that a minimum salary of €30,000 per annum is on offer, based on a 39 hour week. In this instance the salary advertised for the post was €30,000 but this did not correspond with the salary proposed for this application.
The applicant was notified of this decision in writing and of their right to appeal this decision within 21 days. To date no such appeal has been received in the Employment Permits Section.
438 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to any industrial relations issues at a company (details supplied) in County Louth; if he has been in contact with the employers, the workers or the State’s industrial relations machinery in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18037/12]
455 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the situation at a company (details supplied); if the company has failed to abide by the terms of Labour Court recommendations; if the company has withheld moneys which are owed to their employees; if he will intervene directly in this matter to ensure the workers gain their full rights and entitlements. [18730/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 438 and 455 together.
Industrial action by 110 workers at the Irish Cement production plants at Platin, Co. Meath and Castlemungret, Co. Limerick began on 3rd April last.
I understand that the Labour Court's most recent Recommendation of January 2012 in relation to this dispute was the culmination of a protracted dialogue between the company and the group of unions representing the workers on restructuring issues that had already involved three successive Labour Court Recommendations.
The Labour Court noted in its Recommendation of last January that it was not in a position, on the basis of the information provided through a report of a Financial Assessor undertaken following agreement between the parties, to make a definitive recommendation on an adjustment of pay rates and pay structures for the future. The Labour Court had, accordingly, urged the parties to engage with each other regarding the total cost base of the company.
The Labour Relations Commission was subsequently closely involved in facilitating talks between the company and the group of unions which were aimed at finding an agreed solution to the matters in dispute. That process of dialogue proceeded to the stage at which proposals for a settlement of the dispute were rejected by the trade unions concerned and a work stoppage commenced.
According to the company, pay rates in the company have remained unchanged since 2008 and currently are 60% higher than the average industrial wage for unionised staff, despite the unprecedented deterioration in the Irish construction sector.
According to the Irish cement group of unions, the company has insisted that a pay cut is implemented before outstanding bonuses are paid.
I would urge the parties involved in this dispute to have regard to the continuing availability of the industrial relations dispute resolution bodies to assist them in seeking a settlement and in addressing the underlying challenge of a major restructuring of the company in the face of the dramatic changes in the building industry.
439 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the elements of Chapter 9 of the Accounting and Transparency Directives currently underway in Brussels, that require further discussion and study as previously indicated; if he will outline his hopes on the outcome of this discussion and study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18047/12]
Since the publication of the proposed Directives in November 2011, discussions have been underway at working group level on the full proposal, including Chapter 9 of the proposed Accounting Directive.
The proposals being discussed include the introduction of a system of reporting by multinational companies of payments to governments, including taxes, royalties and bonuses which will show a company's financial impact in each country.
Discussions are continuing at EU level and it is hoped that there will be a positive outcome to this initiative.
440 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he intends to carry out an impact assessment of the consequences of introducing a code of practice for the grocery industry before the code is announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18064/12]
The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to enact legislation to regulate certain practices in the grocery goods sector . I intend to give effect to this commitment by including an enabling provision in the legislation currently being prepared by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to merge the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority, which will allow for the introduction of a statutory Code of Practice in the grocery goods sector.
The principles of better regulation require that proposals for legislative change to the regulatory framework are subject to a Regulatory Impact Analysis. It is intended that a detailed Regulatory Impact Analysis will be carried out prior to the introduction of a statutory Code of Practice in the Grocery Goods Sector. I would point out that a number of the elements of the impact analysis have already been carried out through the various public consultation exercises in 2009 and in 2011.
The Government considers it important that there is balance in the relationship between the various players in the grocery goods sector. The Government intends to introduce a Code of Practice that achieves such a balance and is committed to ensure that the legislative process allowing for the promulgation of a Code fully takes into account the interests of all stakeholders in the grocery goods sector, including the interests of the consumer.
441 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the Agency Workers Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18093/12]
A Bill entitled the "Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill, 2011" designed to give effect to the EU Directive on Temporary Agency Work, completed passage in the Dáil in mid-February, 2012. The Bill is currently under consideration in the Seanad and is scheduled to complete all stages in that House by the end of April 2012. Thereafter, it will be returned to the Dáil for consideration of amendments put down in the Seanad and, assuming passage in both Houses, the Bill will be sent to the President for signature thereafter.
I can assure the Deputy that this is a priority Bill and I expect that it will be enacted in early May, 2012.
442 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is liaising with Irish Aid in relation to the revisions of the accounting and transparency directives; if a common position between the two Departments exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18103/12]
My Department is in ongoing contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, whose remit covers Irish Aid, in relation to the proposed Directives in question.
Discussions are continuing at EU level and it is hoped that there will be a positive outcome to these proposals.
443 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs created by Enterprise Ireland in County Kerry during 2011; the level of funding provided for job creation in County Kerry; the other actions Enterprise Ireland will take to promote jobs in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18125/12]
The achievement of balanced regional growth continues to be a core objective of Government. Promoting entrepreneurship and facilitating the key infrastructural needs of Irish enterprise across all regions is vital to ensuring a vigorous pipeline of new business leaders, new business ideas and entre-preneurial activity.
Enterprise Ireland activity in Co. Kerry is focussed on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs to set up new High Potential Start-Up Companies, on the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies through support of company development plans, and in enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and third level institutions.
In 2011, there were 3,602 people employed in 124 Enterprise Ireland client companies in Co. Kerry, with 117 of these jobs created during that year. The financial support provided by Enterprise Ireland to its client companies in Co. Kerry totalled almost €2.6m in 2011. Additionally, Enterprise Ireland has provided funding of over €2.2m, as well as other supports, for the development of incubation facilities at the Institute of Technology, Tralee.The Tom Crean Business Centrealso provides incubation space for Enterprise Ireland clients in the start-up phase of their business. Enterprise Ireland co-funded the support of a Development Manager for the Centre for two years. The agency is also supporting the Institute of Technology and the Tom Crean Centre in the delivery of the “New Frontiers” Programme which is due to commence in May 2012 in Tralee, with up to 12 High Potential Start Up businesses. This programme will run over a six-month period and provides structured business development modules and mentored guidance to assist the participants to develop their business ideas and business plans which may be eligible for further Enterprise Ireland or other financial/soft supports.
Enterprise Ireland has also approved funding totalling more than €1.7m towards the construction and development of several Community Enterprise Centres in Co. Kerry over the past number of years, including Killarney Technology Innovation Centre, Iveragh Coop Farmers Mart Society Ltd., and Kenmare Mart Enterprise Coop Society Ltd.
I am confident that the initiatives being pursued by Enterprise Ireland will continue to support employment opportunities Co. Kerry.
444 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has received any correspondence from a company (details supplied) regarding the possible location of up to 300 jobs here; if his attention has been drawn to any liaison between the company and Enterprise Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18162/12]
I understand from Enterprise Ireland that the agency received a communication from the promoter concerned on 4 February last. I am informed that an uncharacteristic delay of two weeks occurred in responding to this communication. As soon as this was brought to the attention of the agency, they acted immediately.
The agency has offered to meet with the promoter to discuss his proposals in more detail. However, the promoter has not taken up the agency's offer of a meeting to date. The agency would be happy to engage with the promoter to discuss his proposal if he still wishes to do so.
445 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on a matter regarding redundancy payments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18376/12]
The Deputy's question concerns a dispute between the company and twenty employees in relation to a claim for enhanced redundancy terms in excess of the employees' statutory redundancy entitlement, following the acquisition of the company and the closure of its Dublin offices in 2011.
I understand that the company has complied with its obligations in respect of statutory redundancy payments and that a total of 35 redundancy rebate claims have been made to the Department of Social Protection in respect of the company concerned.
The Labour Court conducts hearings on trade disputes and issues recommendations setting out its opinion on the dispute and the terms on which it should be settled. The Labour Court is a court of last resort in the industrial relations process, and it is expected that the parties come to the process in good faith and consequently are prepared to give serious consideration to the Court's recommendation.
However, the system of industrial relations in Ireland is essentially voluntary in nature and recommendations of the Labour Court are not legally binding. Neither the Labour Court, nor I, can compel a company to comply with such recommendations. Ultimately, responsibility for the settlement of a trade dispute rests with the parties to the dispute.
446 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will act immediately to save the 300 jobs at a company (details supplied) under the job retention schemes. [18386/12]
On the 22 March last, Vodafone Ireland announced that it had completed a review of the company's current contracted mobile call centre operations. The company has stated that it will be adopting a new model for its mobile customer care, resulting in a move to a new provider, Teleperformance. As part of the changes, 27 Vodafone roles and 290 contract roles currently provided by Rigney Dolphin will transfer to Teleperformance.
I have been in contact with Vodafone Ireland and the company has advised that it envisages that all of Rigney Dolphin staff based in Vodafone will transfer as employees to Teleperformance and that the transfer will observe the Transfer of Undertakings — Protection of Employees (European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003) Regulations.
Vodafone Ireland and Rigney Dolphin have now entered a six-week consultation process with employee representatives prior to the new arrangements taking effect. Therefore, it would be inappropriate of me to comment further on the matter at this point. The State's industrial relations machinery, including the Labour Relations Commission, is available to assist in the process, if required.
In relation to job retention schemes, the Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary) was introduced in December 2008, to help employees maintain their jobs while at the same time assisting employers to retain their productive capacity. The European Commission approved the introduction of the scheme under the "Temporary framework for State Aid measures to support access to finance in the current financial and economic crisis". The Framework was brought in on a temporary basis to allow Member States increased flexibility to assist companies in the real economy that were facing difficulties in accessing finance as a result of the economic downturn. This temporary framework was limited to a two-year period and it expired at the end of 2010.
447 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the action he will take to address the current serious difficulties in the retail sector which employs thousands of persons across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18571/12]
The retail sector has been impacted by a shift in consumer spending patterns and an overall reduction in the level of consumer spending as a result of the recession. Statistics published by the Central Statistics Office at the end of March show that the volume of retail sales — including the motor trade — decreased by 1.9% over the period February 2011 to February 2012.
Nonetheless, the retail sector provides employment to 262,000 people in Ireland and is an essential part of our economy, both nationally and at a local level. The Action Plan for Jobs includes a number of measures which will help to support employment the retail sector. These include:
measures to improve access to finance for business;
the promotion of greater use of ICT to enhance productivity and increase on-line trading;
the enactment of legislation to reform the statutory wage setting mechanisms;
provision of funding for the up-skilling of workers in the sector;
supports for management development and mentoring;
the introduction of legislation to allow for the introduction of a Statutory Code of Practice for Grocery Goods undertakings;
acceleration of the programme of revaluation of commercial premises, which will provide a basis for the adjustment in commercial rates.
Local Authorities have also been asked to exercise restraint in the setting of commercial rates for 2012 and I understand from my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan TD, that almost all have responded positively.
Other initiatives which the Government introduced as part of the Jobs Initiative last May will also continue to help support employment in the retail sector. These include the halving of Employer's PRSI on earnings up to €356 per week and the reduction in the 13.5% VAT rate to 9% on certain goods and services.
448 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of written Parliamentary Questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicted that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18599/12]
I provided 328 written answers to 372 Parliamentary Questions in the period 1 January, 2012 to 31 March, 2012 (in cases where similar PQs were asked, they were grouped and answered in a single reply). Concerning the other aspects of the Deputy's question, this information is not readily available and would entail the investment of scarce resources to compile the information requested. A rough estimate would indicate that approximately 10% of written answers involved the subsequent provision of information directly to Deputies. This follow-up information is provided primarily by Agencies of the Department.
454 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the contacts he has had with management at a company (details supplied) in order to ensure a maximum number of jobs there are retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18723/12]
Officials from my Department have contacted representatives of the Administrator of the company on several occasions since the announcement of the closure of the stores. The representatives confirmed that the business and assets of the company were sold on 1 April 2012. Despite this sale, the company remains insolvent. The purchaser has indicated that, for economic reasons, it does not intend to retain any of the Republic of Ireland stores at this time.
I am informed that, prior to their closure, all the Republic of Ireland stores were operating at a loss, as the leases had been negotiated at the height of the market, and it was not viable for these stores to continue trading. Regrettably, there would appear to be no prospect of these stores re-opening.
456 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is concerned that the closure of a company (details supplied) is a further sign that rents are unsustainably high; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18813/12]
Rents are just one element of overhead costs that affect businesses. The National Competitiveness Council reported in its Competitiveness Scorecard 2011 that Ireland experienced a fall of 22% in rental costs for prime industrial sites in 2010, with a decline of 12.3% in prime office space rental costs. These were the largest annual declines experienced across the countries benchmarked, and both marked a continuation of falling prices seen since the peak in 2007. Nonetheless, the existence of upward-only rent reviews in leases has been cited as one of a number of issues that is affecting businesses at present. The impact of the recession and a changing marketplace were also stated to be factors which led to the closure of the company referred to by the Deputy.
The Land Conveyancing and Law Reform Act 2009 abolished upward-only rent reviews for all new leases signed on or after 28 February 2010. However, upward-only rent review clauses continue to apply to leases which were entered into prior to that date. Despite extensive consideration by the Government, it has not proved possible to develop a targeted scheme to tackle upward only rent reviews in existing business leases which would not be vulnerable to a legal challenge or require compensation to be paid to landlords.
However, in Budget 2012, the Minister for Finance, Mr. Michael Noonan TD, gave a commitment that downward pressure will be placed on commercial rents in respect of which NAMA has acquired the loan on the underlying property. NAMA has developed a Guidance Note for dealing with tenants' difficulties arising from upward-only rent reviews in relation to its own portfolio of property. This provides an opportunity for NAMA to approve rent reductions where it can be shown that rents are in excess of current market levels and a tenant's viability is threatened. The policy also provides for the appointment of an independent valuation of market rent where necessary.
Minister Noonan recently informed the House that NAMA had received 114 applications for rent abatements prior to issuing the Guidance Note, of which 113 applications were approved and one was refused. Minister Noonan was also informed by NAMA that, since 6 December 2011, it had received a further 40 applications for rent abatements under the terms of the Guidance Note. By 27 March last, 5 of these applications were approved, another 2 were ineligible as they related to properties which are not held as security by NAMA, with the remaining 33 applications still under review.
Separately, the Department of Justice and Law Reform has continued to progress the recommendations of the Working Group on Transparency in Commercial Rent Reviews since it reported in July 2010. Businesses can make use of the Rent Review Arbitration Code, which was drawn up by the Working Group to help to resolve issues at a lower cost, in considerably less time, and in a less adversarial way for the parties concerned.
458 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to bring forward legislation to reform the law governing collective redundancies, and ensuring the rights of employees to agreed redundancy payments. [18862/12]
I have no plans to bring forward legislation to reform the law relating to collective redundancies. I believe that the existing provisions relating to collective redundancies, as expressed in the Protection of Employment Act 1977, give sufficient protection to employees.
The statutory rights of employees, insofar as they relate to redundancy payments, are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.
459 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when he intends to bring forward legislation to reform the operation of Employment Rights Agencies. [18863/12]
I have recently published a detailed document, Blueprint to Deliver a World-Class Workplace Relations Service, that sets out in detail the structures and processes that I intend to legislate for and establish by the end of this year. Publication of this document provides a further opportunity for consultation. I will shortly seek a Government decision for the priority drafting of the Workplace Relations (Law Reform) Bill 2012 for enactment by autumn 2012. I will also be bringing the heads of the Bill to the joint committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education prior to going to government for approval to draft.
The Bill will provide for the establishment of a statutory Workplace Relations Commission with a full range of functions formerly carried out by NERA, the Equality Tribunal, the LRC and the EAT (first instance functions). It will also provide for the Labour Court to be the appellate body to determine appeals against decisions of Workplace Relations Commission Adjudicators.
460 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of cases currently being processed through the Labour Court, Employment Appeals Tribunal, Labour Relations Commission, Equality Tribunal, and National Employment Rights agencies. [18864/12]
The Equality Tribunal continues for the moment to be within the remit of the Department of Justice. Pending the planned transfer of this body to my Department as part of the Workplace Reform Programme questions concerning the Tribunal should be addressed to my colleague the Minister for Justice.
The Labour Relations Commission is a statutory body that is independent of me in the performance of its functions. Accordingly, I have forwarded your question to the Chief Executive of the LRC and asked that he respond directly to you on the matter insofar as it relates to that body.
In respect of the Labour Court, the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) and the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) the table below shows the number of cases received/opened and finalised for the latest month (March 2012). I have also included comparative figures on the table for March 2011.
|
Body |
Cases received/opened |
Cases closed |
|
NERA March 2012 |
295 |
297 |
|
NERA March 2011 |
230 |
270 |
|
Labour Court March 2012 |
88 |
39 |
|
Labour Court March 2011 |
124 |
68 |
|
EAT March 2012 |
406 |
2181 |
|
EAT March 2011 |
424 |
1536 |
461 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of judgements enacted by employers arising from Labour Court, Employment Appeals Tribunal, Labour Relations Commission, Equality Tribunal, and National Employment Rights judgments over the past 12 months. [18865/12]
The Equality Tribunal continues for the moment to be within the remit of the Department of Justice. Pending the planned transfer of this body to my Department as part of the Workplace Reform Programme questions concerning the Tribunal should be addressed to my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.
The Labour Relations Commission is a statutory body that is independent of me in the performance of its functions. Accordingly, I have forwarded your question to the Chief Executive of the LRC and asked that he respond directly to you on the matter insofar as it relates to that body.
In the 12 months to 31st March 2012 the number of determinations issued by the Employment Appeals Tribunal was 4,043. In the same period the number of Employment Rights Determinations issued by the Labour Court was 246. The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) does not issue judgements or determinations. It does have a role in the enforcement of determinations of the other employment rights bodies.
The mechanism for enforcing determinations of the Employment Appeals Tribunal and Decisions/determinations of the Labour Court/Rights Commissioners is prescribed in the relevant legislation under which the decision/determination is made. Generally, this involves an application to the Circuit Court for an order directing compliance, or instituting proceedings in the District Court as the case may be.
The legislation also prescribes who may apply to the courts to enforce the determinations. In most cases determinations are enforced by or on behalf of the complainant. However, in some instances the Minister may, if he considers it appropriate, apply on behalf of a party when requested to do so. The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), initiate these proceedings on behalf of the Minister.
Unless a request to enforce a determination/order had been made to me as stated I would not be aware of any enforcement proceedings or voluntary compliance in respect of an order/determination. Therefore, I am not in a position to supply figures for the number of employers who complied with the determinations of the bodies concerned. The only detail in this regard that is available to me relates the number of cases in respect of which requests were made to the Minister during the past 12 months. Details of these are summarised in the table.
|
Year 2011 |
1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012 |
|
|
Number of New cases received |
35 |
18 |
|
Number of cases Closed |
76 |
17 |
|
Number of cases on hands |
88 |
90 |
|
Value of awards referred to NERA for Civil enforcement |
€854,462 |
€144,386 |
|
Awards paid to employees as a result of civil Enforcement by NERA |
€88,361 |
€47,370 |
462 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by his Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18891/12]
The total amount paid to mobile telephone companies in my Department in the years 2007 to 2011 inclusive is set out in a tabular statement:
|
Year |
Company |
Amount Paid € |
|
2007 |
Vodafone |
48,689.62 |
|
O2 |
44,046.12 |
|
|
2008 |
Vodafone |
296,361.70 |
|
O2 |
35,872.16 |
|
|
2009 |
Vodafone |
218,595.23 |
|
O2 |
23,231.17 |
|
|
2010 |
Vodafone |
186,301.93 |
|
O2 |
20,883.95 |
|
|
2011 |
Vodafone |
158,413.22 |
|
O2 |
104.07 |
The mobile phone operator who has a contract with my Department is Vodafone. That contract was tendered for under the Mobile Services Framework Agreement for the Civil Service.
463 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the role of the Industrial Development Agency and Enterprise Ireland in bringing employment to the towns of Longford, Mullingar, Granard, Edgeworthstown, Lanesboro and Ballymahon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18969/12]
The Action Plan for Jobs has set a target of supporting the creation of 100,000 net new jobs over the period 2012 to 2016, with the longer term objective of having 2 million people at work by 2020. In order to reach this target it will be necessary to implement radical reform across Government and the economy to make it easier for businesses to establish, thrive and create jobs.
IDA Ireland is the Agency charged with the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland, while Enterprise Ireland is responsible for developing indigenous industry. Client companies of both agencies employ over 6,000 people in permanent employment in Counties Longford and Westmeath.
Enterprise Ireland client companies located in Counties Longford and Westmeath were paid €4.3m in 2011 for job creation and retention and business development purposes. In addition, Innovation Vouchers were awarded to 30 companies based in these counties during 2011. This Enterprise Ireland run scheme awards eligible companies €5,000 worth of research and development with knowledge providers such as the local Athlone Institute of Technology. Shasta Ltd. in Co. Longford and Nopsar Ltd in Co. Westmeath are High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) companies that recently received investment from Enterprise Ireland.
IDA Ireland has strong relationships with its client companies and works closely with them in order to ensure their long term sustainability and encourage their growth, development, broadening of their mandate and continuing re-investment in their sites.
With the improved infrastructure that is now in place, a significant number of people commute within the Midlands Region and a project win in one Midlands town has a positive impact on the other surrounding areas due to the close proximity of all main locations. It must be acknowledged, however, that there is intense international competition to win FDI, which is mainly dominated by Metro City Regions with populations in excess of 1 million. Ireland has one Metro Region, the Greater Dublin area, so in order to achieve balanced regional development IDA Ireland focuses on promoting Gateway locations within each Region as the areas of critical mass and highlights the opportunities provided by Hub locations which are within commuting distances of these Gateways. In that context, the Midlands Gateway of Mullingar, Tullamore and Athlone is a key focus of IDA Ireland and the agency markets the Midlands Gateway for new Greenfield investments through its network of overseas offices. While IDA Ireland seeks to influence the location of investments it must be remembered that, ultimately, it is the investor who decides where to locate.
464 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a breakdown of the allocation of funding to the county enterprise boards, on a county basis; his plans to double the allocation in our efforts to deliver jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18971/12]
An Exchequer allocation is provided each year under the Estimates process for the funding of the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs). Allocation of funding to individual CEBs is conducted each year by the Central Coordination Unit (CCU) within Enterprise Ireland. In determining these allocations, a systematic approach is adopted by the CCU to ensure the maximum degree of objectivity and equity of treatment. This approach involves the provision of funding on the basis of a standard allocation to each CEB, as well as an extra allocation that is determined mainly by population but which also takes account of issues such as local unemployment trends, capacity to spend, existing commitments and regional spread.
The Exchequer allocation is made in the context of the overall public finances and in 2012 amounts to €26.386m, of which €15m is available for direct grants and training, mentoring and advice services to micro-enterprise clients. The balance of €11.386m in Pay and Non-Pay costs is also instrumental to the full delivery of support services to the micro-enterprise sector, as this allocation encompasses staff costs associated with delivery of general business advice and information to clients, the conducting of site visits by staff to ensure that grant conditions are being met, etc. This represents a strong investment in the micro-enterprise sector, notwithstanding the additional level of demand on CEB services generated in the current difficult economic climate.
As part of the CCU's ongoing management of available funding during the year, the Unit will continue to monitor CEB spending. Should any surplus funding become available, this will be reallocated by the CCU to any Boards that are in a position to spend additional funds, subject to thorough assessment of the rationale and the justification for the level of funding being requested.
Information on the Exchequer allocations for the individual CEBs for 2012 is in a table:
|
CEBs and Exchequer Capital Funding Allocations 2012 |
Grants (‘Measure 1’) |
“Soft Supports” (‘Measure 2’— enterprise development) |
Total Exchequer Capital Allocation |
Pay |
Non-Pay |
Total Exchequer Current Allocation |
|
Carlow |
€171,585 |
€175,380 |
€346,965 |
€123,160 |
€105,367 |
€228,527 |
|
Cavan |
€180,328 |
€184,317 |
€364,645 |
€302,898 |
€94,973 |
€397,871 |
|
Clare |
€201,308 |
€205,760 |
€407,068 |
€153,377 |
€89,217 |
€242,594 |
|
Cork City |
€202,274 |
€206,748 |
€409,022 |
€191,498 |
€100,605 |
€292,103 |
|
Cork North |
€188,078 |
€192,238 |
€380,316 |
€88,511 |
€73,346 |
€161,857 |
|
Cork South |
€260,427 |
€266,187 |
€526,614 |
€277,892 |
€144,923 |
€422,815 |
|
Cork West |
€178,567 |
€182,516 |
€361,083 |
€262,605 |
€117,627 |
€380,232 |
|
Donegal |
€222,302 |
€227,219 |
€449,521 |
€302,645 |
€111,844 |
€414,488 |
|
Dublin City |
€409,668 |
€404,794 |
€814,462 |
€305,930 |
€127,965 |
€433,895 |
|
Dublin South |
€271,996 |
€278,012 |
€550,008 |
€239,037 |
€63,565 |
€302,601 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
€244,263 |
€249,665 |
€493,928 |
€304,215 |
€147,448 |
€451,662 |
|
Fingal |
€275,751 |
€281,850 |
€557,601 |
€260,007 |
€107,372 |
€367,379 |
|
Galway |
€265,021 |
€270,882 |
€535,903 |
€175,378 |
€123,142 |
€298,520 |
|
Kerry |
€214,733 |
€219,482 |
€434,215 |
€281,650 |
€72,821 |
€354,471 |
|
Kildare |
€245,674 |
€251,107 |
€496,781 |
€155,388 |
€83,410 |
€238,798 |
|
Kilkenny |
€191,047 |
€195,273 |
€386,320 |
€258,697 |
€79,876 |
€338,573 |
|
Laois |
€183,944 |
€188,012 |
€371,956 |
€197,878 |
€92,551 |
€290,429 |
|
Leitrim |
€147,105 |
€164,293 |
€311,398 |
€272,599 |
€64,467 |
€337,066 |
|
Limerick City |
€172,656 |
€176,475 |
€349,131 |
€266,293 |
€95,475 |
€361,768 |
|
Limerick County |
€209,718 |
€214,356 |
€424,074 |
€253,082 |
€84,028 |
€337,109 |
|
Longford |
€164,167 |
€167,798 |
€331,965 |
€210,710 |
€68,400 |
€279,110 |
|
Mayo |
€207,823 |
€212,419 |
€420,242 |
€59,228 |
€76,325 |
€135,553 |
|
Meath |
€233,317 |
€238,478 |
€471,795 |
€306,156 |
€105,545 |
€411,701 |
|
Monaghan |
€174,427 |
€178,285 |
€352,712 |
€233,817 |
€67,973 |
€301,789 |
|
Offaly |
€182,303 |
€186,233 |
€368,536 |
€274,423 |
€79,420 |
€353,843 |
|
Roscommon |
€176,050 |
€179,943 |
€355,993 |
€120,195 |
€83,695 |
€203,890 |
|
Sligo |
€176,704 |
€180,612 |
€357,316 |
€263,709 |
€78,851 |
€342,560 |
|
Tipperary North |
€179,063 |
€183,023 |
€362,086 |
€267,852 |
€95,000 |
€362,852 |
|
Tipperary South |
€187,745 |
€191,898 |
€379,643 |
€171,427 |
€72,523 |
€243,950 |
|
Waterford City |
€167,874 |
€171,587 |
€339,461 |
€106,467 |
€114,528 |
€220,996 |
|
Waterford County |
€177,509 |
€181,435 |
€358,944 |
€115,803 |
€64,520 |
€180,323 |
|
Westmeath |
€186,567 |
€190,693 |
€377,260 |
€263,348 |
€105,335 |
€368,683 |
|
Wexford |
€214,840 |
€219,592 |
€434,432 |
€217,820 |
€80,206 |
€298,026 |
|
Wicklow |
€210,634 |
€215,292 |
€425,926 |
€300,823 |
€105,013 |
€405,836 |
|
Centralised CEB Network Enterprise Development Activities |
€279,901 |
€202,398 |
||||
|
Total |
€7,279,599 |
€7,440,500 |
€15,000,000 |
€7,864,270 |
€3,319,332 |
€11,386,000 |
Data source: CCU Allocations.
465 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans for job creation in County Kerry in 2012; the action being taken by the Industrial Development Agency regarding job creation in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19128/12]
The Action Plan for Jobs has set a target of supporting the creation of 100,000 net new jobs over the period 2012 to 2016, with the longer term objective of having 2 million people at work by 2020. In order to reach this target it will be necessary to implement radical reform across Government and the economy to make it easier for businesses to establish, thrive and create jobs.
With reference to County Kerry, IDA Ireland markets the linked hub locations of Killarney in South Kerry and Tralee in North Kerry for new foreign direct investment (FDI). In addition, IDA Ireland actively promotes other locations as part of its marketing efforts in response to specific client queries on an opportunistic basis.
At the end of 2011 there were 12 IDA Ireland supported companies in Kerry employing 1,294 permanent staff. Based on the strengths of the region, IDA is particularly targeting the ICT, International Financial Services and Globally Traded Business sectors. In addition, IDA Ireland is working closely with educational institutions and FÁS to develop the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the county.
One of the targets outlined in IDA's Strategy document "Horizon 2020" is that 50% of investments will be located outside of Dublin and Cork. It is acknowledged, however, that there is intense and continual international competition to win this FDI, which is mainly dominated by Metro City Regions with populations in excess of 1 million. Ireland has one Metro Region, the Greater Dublin area, so in order to achieve balanced regional development IDA Ireland focuses on promoting Gateway locations within each Region as the areas of critical mass and highlights the opportunities provided by Hub locations which are within commuting distances of these Gateways. In the final analysis, however, it is the investor who decides where to locate.
466 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by his Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19174/12]
Tables 1 and 2 provide details of the costs associated with the consultancy contracts administered by my Department, and the names of the individuals/firms involved in the period specified by the Deputy.
|
Name of Company |
Amount |
|
Barberry Ltd, trading as Keating and Associates |
€862 |
|
IKEN Software |
€4,532 |
|
Four Point Software Development |
€26,069 |
|
UCD (Dr Frank Walsh) |
€15,000 |
|
Leo Burnett |
€847 |
|
Mason, Hayes and Curran |
€7,000 |
|
Capital for Enterprise Limited |
€72,074 |
|
Capital Assets Services Limited |
€103,763 |
|
Kilroys Solicitors |
€9,231 |
|
Rits (ICT Consultancy) |
€15,452 |
|
IBM (ICT Services) |
€10,239 |
|
Maxima Ireland (ICT Consultancy) |
€8,276 |
|
DNM Technology |
€7,623 |
|
Reidy Brophy Limited |
€3,570 |
|
The Access Expert |
€5,770 |
|
Sia Management Group |
€15,089 |
|
John Travers |
€36,905 |
|
Name of Company |
Amount |
|
Barberry Ltd, trading as Keating and Associates |
€914 |
|
Deloitte and Touche |
€122,884 |
|
Ward Solutions (ICT Consultancy) |
€16,590 |
|
SIRA Consulting BV |
€34,000 |
467 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an update on progress to resolving the dispute with a company (details supplied) and to ensure all former employees receive their rights and entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19223/12]
In the matter referred to, officials from my Department have been in touch with representatives of the Administrator of the company on several occasions since the announcement of the closure of the stores and I have been apprised of developments.
While any dispute of this nature is regrettable, the role of the State in such circumstances is to provide supports that allow the parties to resolve disputes themselves, rather than to seek to impose a solution. The Conciliation Service of the Labour Relations Commission can assist the parties in seeking a resolution, to any issues of dispute, where requested by both parties. I understand that neither party to this dispute has sought the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission to assist them in resolving the issues in dispute.
As the company is insolvent, the Administrator has stated that there are no funds available to pay statutory redundancy, pay in lieu of notice, holiday pay etc. to former employees. Employees have instead been referred to the Department of Social Protection, to which they can make a claim from the Insolvency Fund administered by that Department. I have been informed that the administrators are assisting the workers in this process.
With regard to other rights and entitlements, complaints regarding alleged breaches of employment rights, if any, may be brought to a rights commissioner or the Employment Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
468 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding an appeal for a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19246/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that this Work Permit application was refused on the 23rd February 2012 on the grounds that it is current Government policy to issue new employment permits only in respect of:
highly skilled, highly paid positions or;
non-EEA nationals who are already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits or;
positions requiring specialist or scarce skills, expertise or qualifications which cannot be filled elsewise.
New Work Permit applications can only be considered where it is established that a minimum salary of €30,000 per annum is on offer, based on a 39 hour week.
Furthermore, new Work Permit applications can only be considered where it is established that the position has been advertised with FAS/EURES for a period of 8 weeks and for at least six days in both local and national newspapers.
The applicant was notified of this decision in writing and of his right to appeal within 21 days. An appeal against the Decision to refuse a Permit in this case was received on 8th March 2012. Appeals in respect of refusals of Work permit applications are processed in date of receipt order by permit type and this application will be processed in sequence.
469 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress made to date of the transposition of Directive 2011/7/EU regarding the efforts to combat the problems and challenges relating to the late payment in commercial transactions; if he will report on the expected timeframe for the transposition in view of the protection the directive will provide for small to medium sized enterprises. [19259/12]
Member States are required to transpose Directive 2011/7/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 on combating late payment in commercial transactions (Recast) into national law by 16 March 2013.
My Department is currently drafting a Consultation Paper on transposing the Directive. I expect to start this public consultation process in the coming weeks, with a view to having the necessary legislation in place by the 16 March 2013 deadline.
471 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will report on the progress for establishing new research centres in the area of pharmaceuticals production, medical devices and connected health, as set out in the 2012 Action Plan for Jobs. [19334/12]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish a network of Technology Research Centres designed to accelerate the exploitation of new technologies and bridge the gap between research and technology commercialisation.
Technology centres are public-private research centres of excellence that connect industry to the higher education sector to increase the generation and availability of new, industrially relevant knowledge. The research agenda is driven and led by companies involved in the relevant sectors and leverages the strength of other previous academic research funding provided by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland are undertaking preparatory actions, as set out in the Action Plan for Jobs, through engagement with groups of companies relevant to the three research centres referred to. These company groups are in the process of defining their research needs and are being facilitated in documenting these needs. On the basis of a demonstrated industry requirement and demand the research needs identified will be formally submitted for external assessment by the end of June and, subject to the results of this assessment, will form the basis for a call for research provision later in 2012.
472 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress of an application for a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19356/12]
My Department processes applications in respect of the different types of employment permits and all applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006.
The Employment Permits Section informs me that it has no record of permits being applied for or issued in respect of the named individual.
474 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of State companies who have used overseas companies for printing work in the following years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he is satisfied that this is an appropriate use of State resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19747/12]
In responding to the Deputy, I have taken it that the reference to State companies means the State Agencies under the remit of my Department:
1. Enterprise Ireland
2. IDA Ireland
3. Science Foundation Ireland
4. Shannon Development
5. County and City Enterprise Boards (35)
6. National Standards Authority of Ireland
7. Forfás
8. National Consumer Agency
9. The Competition Authority
10. Irish Auditing and Accounting Standards Authority
11. Personal Injuries Assessment Board, and
12. The Health and Safety Authority
InterTradeIreland, as one of the six North/South Implementation Bodies established under the Belfast Agreement (the 'Good Friday Agreement') in 1998, is jointly funded on a 2:1 ratio, respectively, by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in Dublin and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Investment in Northern Ireland.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the use of overseas printing companies by the Agencies is a day-to-day administrative matter for the Agencies in which I have no function. However, I have referred the Question to the Agencies for direct reply to the Deputy.
In relation to the appropriate use of State resources, it is the case that the State Agencies are subject to the 2009 Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and must therefore comply with all EU and national procurement rules.
475 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is accurate to say that in order to be eligible for a birth certificate, a child must either be born after 24 weeks gestation, be alive at birth, or weigh more than 500 grams and if the policy can be reviewed in view of the trauma it could potentially cause for already deeply upset parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17939/12]
Under the provisions of section 19 of the Civil Registration Act, 2004, all live births fall to be registered.
Where a child is stillborn, and weighs not less than 500 grams, or has a gestational age of not less than 24 weeks and shows no sign of life, the parents may, within 12 months of the stillbirth, arrange to have the required particulars entered in the register of stillbirths.
I understand that the designation of a stillbirth, as outlined above, is the generally accepted medical definition.
476 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the recent statistics that show that up to 100,000 children are vulnerable to hardship, poverty and malnutrition in our country; and her plans to address this new finding. [18226/12]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the results of the CSO's Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) for 2010 for which the full results were recently published and to the fact that the consistent poverty rate for the 0-17 age-group was 8.1 per cent in 2010 (roughly equivalent to 100,000 persons).
The consistent poverty measure includes those households that experience basic deprivation (enforced lack of 2 out of 11 items) and whose income falls below 60% of median equivalised household income. The list of deprivation measure includes two food-related items (eating a meal with meat, chicken, fish (or vegetarian equivalent) every second day; having a roast joint or its equivalent once a week) but it does not directly seek to measure malnutrition in the population.
The Government is acutely aware of the need to address child poverty as a priority. Plans to tackle child poverty are outlined in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 (NAPSincl) and in the Programme for Government. The Government is committed to achieving the targets in the NAPSincl to reduce the number of people experiencing poverty. These targets are currently being reviewed to ensure that they continue to be appropriate and achievable.
A multi-dimensional approach to tackling child poverty is needed to take into account income supports, services and parental access to employment. The overriding objective for the Government is to increase employment, promote activation, skills training and education and thus build real and sustainable economic growth and to protect those who are most vulnerable in our society. The Programme for Government sets out the framework to achieve these aims. New initiatives such as Pathways to Work will help to facilitate those who have been long-term unemployed to re-enter the labour market. The highest rates of poverty are in jobless households and households that have limited engagement with the labour market. These groups include lone parent families, unemployed people with disabilities and unemployed families. Children in jobless households are three times more likely to experience consistent poverty than children generally.
The Government has endeavoured insofar as it could to limit changes in social welfare to avoid any general reduction in primary weekly welfare payments. Additional supports to families on low incomes such as child-related increases to social welfare payments and the family income supplement have remained unchanged, even as other changes, such as the standardisation of Child Benefit, are an important step in introducing a more appropriate system of child income supports.
The poverty reduction effect after social transfers also demonstrates that the social protection system is protecting children at risk. In 2010, social transfers (excluding pensions) reduced the at-risk-of-poverty rate by 60 per cent. From 2004 to 2009 (most recent data for children), the poverty reduction effect of social transfers for children's at-risk-of-poverty rate increased from 43 per cent to 60 per cent. This reflects concerted State intervention and investment in the social protection system during this period.
This Department also works closely with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) in relation to these issues. In this context, it is worth noting that my colleague, Frances Fitzgerald T.D., Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, plans to enhance the role of early intervention and support programmes for the most vulnerable children and their families in the context of the new Child and Family Support Agency.
477 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons with an intellectual disability are being asked inappropriate questions at interviews for carer’s allowance [18313/12]
557 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason staff are asking inappropriate questions to persons with intellectual disabilities at the family interviews on carer’s allowance; and the kind of questions that normally require answering. [18309/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 477 and 557 together.
Carer's Allowance is a means-tested payment for people who provide full-time care and attention to someone who requires it and in the course of processing applications for this scheme, a Social Welfare Inspector usually speaks to the person concerned in order to establish that the various statutory conditions of the scheme are satisfied.
To ensure the best possible standards in dealing with members of the public, the Department operates a code of practice which commits to treating all customers equally, fairly and with respect. When interviewing clients, Social Welfare Inspectors are instructed to take account of any special circumstances and to conduct the interview with tact, sympathy and empathy. The work of an inspector is always conducted on a confidential basis and where necessary another person can be present at the interview to provide support.
A range of training courses are in place specifically designed to equip Social welfare Inspectors with the skills necessary to deal with all customers in a professional manner. These courses include the provision of interviewing and reporting skills as well training on Disability Awareness, Diversity Awareness, and Customer Service. In the event that a person is unhappy with the manner in which an interview was conducted he/she can avail of the Department's Customer Complaints procedures. Details of this procedure are available on the Department's website www.welfare.ie.
479 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures in place for job activation for those with mental health issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18775/12]
Activation programmes for people with disabilities have been consolidated under the new national identity 'Employ Ability Service’. The EmployAbility service offers a range of supports: wage subsidy scheme, employment services including job search activities and on-the-job coaching; employer supports which comprise disability awareness training support, employee retention grants and workplace adaptation grants. The service is key in supporting people with disabilities overcome the challenges not only of adapting to employment and being accepted in the workplace but in demonstrating their productive capability and ability to do the job.
In addition the Department caters for people with disabilities in its community employment programme.
The range of options available to people with disabilities has been augmented further by the introduction of the partial capacity benefit scheme which I launched in February this year. The partial capacity benefit scheme is open to people who are in receipt of invalidity pension or who have been in receipt of illness benefit for a minimum of six months. Participation in the scheme is voluntary and the scheme is designed in particular to respond to the needs of people who currently seek to avail of ‘exemptions' in order to take up employment opportunities.
In addition I recently announced the expansion of the Disability Activation Project. This project is co-funded by the European Union under the European Social Fund and the Irish Government. The strategic aim of the Disability Activation Project is to increase the capacity and potential of people on the Department's disability /illness welfare payments to participate in the labour market, based on a case management approach. The Project is being expanded through the issue of a Call for Proposals which opened in February and invited organisations in the Border, Midlands and Western region that have experience of working with people with disability to submit projects for funding. The closing date for receipt of application was 13 April.
Services available to people with disability are not differentiated on the basis of the nature or type of disability of the client.
480 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a FÁS technical employment support grant was not recognised by FÁS when it was subsequently presented for reimbursement for fees incurred in respect of a healthcare refresher course with nurses on call. [18837/12]
I am advised by my officials that it is not possible to answer this query specifically as there are no identifying details.
In general, the Technical Employment Support Grant (TESG) is paid when a number of criteria are met for example the grant must be approved prior to the training taking place, the training must have approved accreditation etc. In addition the correct supporting documentation must be attached with the invoice and the amount on the invoice must not be higher than the amount approved.
In order to have the matter resolved the applicant should make contact with the local office (where the application was made) as they would be fully familiar with the specifics of the individual application and will be able to resolve any queries regarding same.
481 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person can obtain a copy of a birth certificate without producing any evidence of identity; her plans to insist that evidence be presented before individual birth certificate copies are handed out. [18873/12]
Section 61 of the Civil Registration Act, 2004 governs access to civil registration records, including birth certificates. It provides that following an application in writing by a person and on payment of the prescribed fee a Superintendent Registrar, a registrar, an authorised officer or the Registrar General shall give the person a certified copy of the entry in the register. Certificates may be ordered in person, by post, by fax, or online.
In all cases, the applicant must provide their name and address, as well as the details of the person to whom the record relates. Payment must be by cash, cheque, debit card or credit card. The vast majority of payments are by credit/debit card and credit/debit card payments are only accepted where the name on the credit/debit card and the name of the applicant are the same. In addition, the vast majority of applications are by post, by fax or online, and the applicant in all cases must provide a delivery address.
The computerisation of the registration system has enabled extensive electronic exchange of civil registration data with other public bodies. This has greatly reduced the need for members of the public to obtain physical copies of certificates.
I would also point out that while birth certificates are frequently used for access to public and other services, a birth certificate is not an identity document. If a birth certificate is presented to a public body, it is the responsibility of that body to satisfy itself as to the identity of the person who presents the document. If the body in question has concerns that there is anything untoward, that body should report the matter to an Garda Síochána. To alter a certificate or use an altered certificate is a serious offence.
The paper on which certificates are issued has a significant number of advanced security features, and it is extremely difficult to forge a certificate.
In light of the above, there are no plans to insist that evidence of identity be produced when applying for a birth certificate. As there is no statutory system of identity documentation in the State, the requirement to produce evidence of identity could result in persons who have no identity documents being denied access even to their own certificates.
482 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise on a matter (details supplied) regarding domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19110/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 11th November 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 7th February 2012 advising the person concerned of the decision.
She subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision and supplied additional information on her child's condition. As part of the appeal process her application, along with the extra information she provided, was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor and the child has been deemed to be medically eligible for the allowance. The person concerned was notified of the decision on 26th March 2012.
483 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason there is a delay when it comes to processing carer’s allowance applications; if is there some break down in the system or what exactly is the problem at the moment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18106/12]
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. In the interests of fairness and equity applications are processed, as far as possible, in order of the date on which they were received in the Department.
A major service delivery modernisation project is underway to address the large increase in the claim-load and to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the development of information technology functions and associated business process re-organisation. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customer. Accordingly, the project is being given high priority and involves a significant level of time and commitment from the relevant staff in the Department. This has had a short-term negative impact on claim processing times. This essential focus of certain staff resources will continue until the completion of the modernisation project in June of this year when all existing carer's allowance claims will be transferred onto the new processing system.
Accurate processing time figures are not available at present as applications are still being processed on both the old and the new computer systems. The average time to award an application at present is estimated at around 28 weeks. There are currently approximately 7,800 new applications registered and awaiting a decision and approximately 330 new applications are received each week. I acknowledge that this is unsatisfactory but I am satisfied that the Department is taking all steps available to it to resolve the issue.
In addition to the deployment of new systems which should address service levels in the medium term, the Department is allocating additional resources in the form of overtime working to help reduce backlogs that have built up. In addition, approval has recently been given for the assignment of temporary staff to expedite the reduction of the backlogs. However, it is expected to be a significant number of months before the backlog is reduced to an acceptable level.
In the meantime, if a person's means are insufficient to meet their needs while awaiting a decision on an application, they may apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance payment from their local community welfare officer.
484 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18110/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
486 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal in respect of an application for lone parent’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17619/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that a revised decision favourable to the person concerned has been made by the Social Welfare Services in respect of her one parent family payment claim. She will be contacted, in due course, regarding this decision. An appeal will not now be necessary in her case.
487 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17621/12]
The person concerned has made an application for rent supplement and has been requested to provide further information in order to process his claim. A decision will be made on his application when the information has been provided.
488 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of community employment schemes in the State which receive a sum in excess of €500 per participant in respect of training and materials; the criteria for determining which community employment scheme receives more than €500 per participant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17626/12]
A financial review of Community Employment (CE) Schemes is underway. This review of CE Schemes has proved to be a valuable exercise for both the schemes themselves and for my Department.
Given the volume and breath of the data being returned, the financial review of CE schemes will take longer than originally envisaged to complete. This will allow more time for schemes to engage with local officials in the finalisation of their respective budgets and for my Department to bring forward improvements to the overall operation of Community Employment which will improve the budgetary situation for schemes. No final allocations of materials and training grants have been made pending completion of the review.
The existing commitment in relation to the financial support of schemes will continue to apply.
489 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 29 February 2012, in respect of an appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if she will expedite the appeal in view of the fact that it was registered on 14 October 2011 [17634/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 14th October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 2nd February 2012 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration on 24th 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.
490 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway in receipt of care was deemed to no longer need care after their 16th birthday [17710/12]
The age limit for receipt of domiciliary care allowance (DCA) is 16 years. As the child in question is now over 16 years of age, DCA is no longer payable. Persons over the age of 16 years can apply for disability allowance in their own right.
491 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the application for a carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17712/12]
The person concerned 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 13 April 2012, she was notified of this decision and the reason for it.
492 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans, if any, to maintain personal assistant services for persons with disabilities through community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17732/12]
I acknowledge the valuable contribution made by Community Employment Projects in providing a personal assistant service to both participants and the community. However due to the current economic circumstances, this Department has had to find significant savings in the Budget for 2012. The reduction only applies to the grant for materials and training and represents a reduction of 7.5% of the overall expenditure on Community Employment in 2011. The allowance grants for Supervisors are unchanged, as are the working hours for staff employed under Community Employment. There will be no decrease in the number of Community Employment places allocated to this sector in 2012.
Department officials have met with representatives of these projects on a number of occasions and are very mindful of the challenges facing these centres and are very supportive within the parameters set down for Community Employment.
493 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when payment will issue in respect of a jobseeker’s application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has been both self employed and a PAYE worker over the past number of years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17764/12]
Further documentation has been requested from the person concerned in relation to his application for jobseeker's allowance. His application will be processed as soon as the documentation requested is received.
494 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when payment will issue in respect of an application for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17767/12]
Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
This department received a claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned. The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of her claim was examined by a medical assessor who expressed the opinion that the person concerned was not eligible for invalidity pension as she does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was, accordingly, disallowed by a deciding officer. The person in question was notified of this decision and the reason for it.
Further medical evidence was subsequently submitted by the claimant. This additional evidence, along with the original information, was evaluated by a different medical assessor who expressed the opinion that the person concerned does not satisfy the medical criteria. The deciding officer found that there were no grounds to overturn the original decision to disallow invalidity pension and the person concerned was notified of the outcome of this review on 9 February 2012.
495 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a decision on entitlement to disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford. [17770/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 26th October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 1st March 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
496 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when payment will issue in respect of an application for carer’s allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17788/12]
The person concerned has been awarded carer's allowance with effect from 31 May 2011. The first payment will reach her bank account on 26 April 2012. Arrears due for the intervening period less any other payment made on her behalf for this period, and less any overpayment that may have occurred, if relevant, will issue to her nominated bank account in due course.
497 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress being made by her to introduce a universal scheme of insurance for community employment participants administered by her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17792/12]
As Community Employment (CE) participants are employees of the sponsoring organisation the Department is not in a position to put in place a universal scheme of insurance for such employees. However, I am aware of the variations and high costs associated with obtaining insurance for CE schemes. As a result officials from my Department had commenced a review of insurance and other costs with the objective of achieving value for money and cost reductions.
As a result of this review there are indications from the providers of such insurance that cover can be provided at a rate that reflects the costs at the lower end of the current scale of charges. This will result in a significant cost reduction for the Department in 2012.
498 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when she expects to have completed her review of community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17793/12]
The financial review of Community Employment Schemes has proved to be a valuable exercise for both the schemes themselves and for my Department. The examination that is being carried out has yielded details of expenditure which at this early stage suggest that savings can be made in the administrative costs of schemes.
Given the volume and breath of the data being returned, the financial review of CE schemes will take longer than originally envisaged to complete. This will allow more time for schemes to engage with local officials in the finalisation of their respective budgets and for my Department to bring forward improvements to the overall operation of Community Employment which will improve the budgetary situation for schemes. The existing commitment in relation to the financial support of schemes will continue to apply.
499 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Laois may expect a decision on a review of an appeal for carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17806/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.
Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
500 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17814/12]
I confirm that the person concerned has been awarded Carer's allowance with effect from 2 June 2011 to 7 December 2012. Arrangements are being made to put his payment in place less any other payment made on his behalf for this period, and less any overpayment that may have occurred . Payment will issue to his nominated bank account in due course.
501 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17815/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24 March 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.
502 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17821/12]
I confirm an application was received from the person in question. She has now submitted further medical evidence in support of her claim as her application does not satisfy the medical criteria for receipt of carer's allowance. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
503 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer’s benefit will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17833/12]
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. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer decision on 3rd April 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.
504 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer’s benefit will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17836/12]
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. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer decision on 3rd April 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.
505 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer’s allowance will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17839/12]
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person concerned. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his case a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
506 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer’s allowance will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17843/12]
The person concerned was refused carer's allowance in respect of a second care recipient on the grounds that the Department's Chief Medical Assessor expressed the opinion that the care recipient, is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations.
On 10 May 2011, she was notified of this decision and of her right of review and/or appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days. She subsequently appealed the decision, however the appeal was disallowed. On 23 November 2011, the person in question was notified accordingly.
The appeal's officer decision is final and may only be reviewed in light of new facts or fresh evidence being presented by the appellant to the Social Welfare Appeals Office that was not to hand at the time of appeal.
508 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17868/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 02nd February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
509 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will deal with a matter regarding travel concessions for the elderly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17870/12]
My Department has no plans to abolish free travel for old age pensioners. The current free travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 90 private transport operators. In 2011 there were almost 730,000 people in receipt of free travel at a cost of €76 million.
I appreciate the important role that free travel plays in promoting social inclusion and preventing the isolation of elderly people. However, all of the schemes operated by my Department, including free travel, were examined in the context of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and continue to be kept under review given the on-going need for savings. The Review continues to inform my decisions in relation to future spending.
Funding for the free travel scheme was frozen by the previous Government at 2010 levels of expenditure as outlined in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 and the 2011 Budget. This cap was confirmed in the 2012 Budget.
510 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in order to qualify for a bereavement grant, the deceased party must have made a certain number of contributions in their lifetime; if she will review this policy in view the implications it has for those who spend their life in care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17872/12]
A bereavement grant is a payment designed to assist families in dealing with death and funeral expenses. It is a once-off payment, based on PRSI contributions, made from the Social Insurance Fund.
To qualify for a bereavement grant, the person on whose insurance record the claim is based must have 156 PRSI contributions paid. Alternatively, if an insured person has between 26 and 155 PRSI contributions paid, they must also have 39 PRSI contributions paid or credited in the relevant tax year OR a yearly average of 39 PRSI contributions paid or credited over the 3 or 5 tax years before the relevant tax year. The relevant tax year is the last complete tax year prior to the year in which the bereavement occurs. Full details of the grant and how to qualify are available on the Department's website.
The person on whose insurance record the claim may be based can be the deceased, or their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant.
All adults are treated equally under the bereavement grant scheme and must satisfy the same PRSI conditions.
Likewise, where the deceased was a qualified child, entitlement to a bereavement grant may be decided based on the insurance record of a parent/guardian. A qualified child is where the deceased was under 18 years of age or over 18 and under 22 and in receipt of disability allowance.
Means tested exceptional needs payments may be available under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to those who require financial assistance with funeral expenses. Payment is dependent on individual circumstances and is not based on contributions paid. This scheme is administered by the community welfare service.
511 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for carer’s allowance that are currently being processed and the length of time it will take to process same; the number of cases that are under appeal and the length of time it is taking to process the appeals; if he will provide additional staff to speed up the processing of all applications and address the time delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17883/12]
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. In the interests of fairness applications are processed, as far as possible, in order of the date on which they were received.
There were c 53,000 people in receipt of carer's payments as at the end of February 2012 this represents an increase of c 60% over the past five years. In addition there are, at present, circa 7,800 applications registered and awaiting a decision. I acknowledge that this is unsatisfactory but I am satisfied that the department is taking all steps available to it to resolve the issue.
A major service delivery modernisation project is underway to address the large increase in the claim-load and to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the development of information technology functions and associated business process re-organisation. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customer. Accordingly, the project is being given high priority and involves a significant level of time and commitment from the relevant staff in the Department. This has had a short-term negative impact on claim processing times. This essential focus of certain staff resources will continue until the completion of the modernisation project in June of this year when all existing carer's allowance claims will be transferred onto the new processing system.
Accurate processing time figures are not yet available as applications are still being processed on both the old and the new computer systems. The average time to award an application on both systems at present is estimated at around 28 weeks.
In addition to the deployment of new systems which should address service levels in the medium term the Department allocates additional resources in the form of overtime working to help reduce backlogs that have built up. In addition, approval is being given to the assignment of temporary staff to expedite the reduction of the backlog. However, it is expect to be a significant number of months before the backlog is reduced to an acceptable level.
In the meantime, if a person's means are insufficient to meet their needs while awaiting a decision on an application, they may apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance payment from their local community welfare officer.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there are currently 1,421 carers allowance cases awaiting a decision on appeal.
The current average times taken to process carers allowance appeals decided by summary decision is 31.5 weeks and 42.8 weeks for those requiring an oral hearing.
512 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for jobseeker’s allowance that are currently being processed and the length of time it will take to process same; the number of cases that are under appeal and the length of time it is taking to process appeals; if he will provide additional staff to speed up the processing of all applications and address the time delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17884/12]
522 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for jobseeker’s allowance currently being processed and the length of time it will take to process same; the number of cases that are under appeal and the length of time it is taking to process appeals; if she will provide additional staff to speed up the processing of all applications and address the time delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17988/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 512 and 522 together.
The Department is committed to providing a quality customer service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are issued as quickly as possible having regard to the eligibility conditions which apply. These conditions include, in the case of jobseeker's allowance, establishing the person's identity or their place of habitual residence and assessing means where appropriate. In some cases, delays arise where the person fails to supply all pertinent information in support of their application.
Since May 2008, some 952 staff have been redeployed to the Department to fill critical vacancies in local offices, Central Support Units and the Department's Inspectorate to deal with the increased volume of claims due to the downturn in the economy. Taking into account the number of staff who have left the Department and the vacancies that exist currently, a net total of 486 additional staff have been assigned to the Department. In addition, the Department has recruited new medical assessors and appointed additional staff to the social welfare appeals office. The Department also makes judicious use of overtime and employs temporary staff as appropriate to address particular service issues as they arise.
At the end of March, there were 20,630 jobseekers allowance claims awaiting a decision. It is not possible to give a definite timeline as to how long it will take to process all current pending claims. However, the average processing time for jobseeker's allowance claims decided in March was 5 weeks.
I am advised by the social welfare appeals office that there are currently 2,143 jobseeker's allowance cases relating to means awaiting an appeal decision and a further 1,728 jobseeker's allowance cases awaiting an appeal decision on other issues. This comprises 3,871 cases in total. The current average time taken to process jobseeker's allowance appeals decided by summary decision is 18.8 weeks and 32.2 weeks for those requiring an oral hearing. The current average time taken to process jobseeker's allowance means-related appeals decided by summary decision is 14.5 weeks and 40.5 weeks for those requiring an oral hearing.
513 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for invalidity pension that are currently being processed and the length of time it will take to process same; the number of cases that are under appeal and the length of time it will take to process appeals; if he will provide additional staff to speed up the processing of all applications and address the time delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17885/12]
At the end of March 2012 there were 7,040 Invalidity Pension (IP) claims registered and pending decision. Average time to award is currently 32 weeks, this includes the time taken to decide EU and bilateral cases which have a significantly longer processing time. It is not possible to segregate domestic claim processing times from EU/bi-lateral cases.
In an effort to ensure continuity of payment priority is given to applications received from illness benefit (IB) recipients whose payment is due to expire therefore applicants who are in receipt of a continuous IB payment which will not expire provided they continue to satisfy the medical criteria will take longer to process. Since the introduction of the two year expiration of illness benefit there has been a significant increase in the number of IP claims received in this department. A high percentage of these applicants are not suitable for the invalidity pension scheme as they are not considered to be permanently incapable of work.
The processing time for individual Invalidity pension claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the qualifying criteria. In addition, factors outside the department's control can have an impact, for example, insufficient information received from claimants at time of application and delays in claimants furnishing the information requested.
This Department is continually reviewing its processes in an effort to improve processing times and customer service. Many improvements have already been introduced in IP section. Since June 2011 all IP claims are processed on a new IT platform under the department's service delivery model project. This has led to further efficiencies in processing which resulted in an increase in the number of claims processed. Most claims are now desk assessed by medical assessors to determine medical suitability. Two temporary staff have been assigned to the IP area to help to reduce the backlog and waiting time. Overtime has been made available and is utilised on a judicious basis. Despite these improvements it is expected to be a significant number of months before the backlog is reduced to an acceptable level.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there are currently 2,431 invalidity pension cases awaiting a decision on appeal.
The current average times taken to process IP appeals decided by summary decision is 36.9 weeks and, excluding 4 very protracted cases, 36.5 weeks for those requiring an oral hearing.
Customers waiting on a decision on their IP claim, who have urgent income support needs, can apply for the means tested supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) from their local Community Welfare Officer.
514 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for illness benefit that are currently being processed and the length of time it will take to process same; the number of cases that are under appeal and the length of time it is taking to process appeals; if she will provide additional staff to speed up the processing of all applications and address the time delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17886/12]
In the period from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012 some 78,500 claims for illness benefit were processed. At the end of March 2012 there were 5,282 illness benefit claims awaiting decision. The average time to process a claim for illness benefit is one week.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there are currently 2,277 illness benefit cases awaiting a decision on appeal. The current average time taken to process illness benefit appeals decided by summary decision is 39.8 weeks and it is 51.9 weeks for those requiring an oral hearing.
In relation to additional resources in the Social Welfare Appeals Office, the Department appointed 12 additional Appeals Officers during 2010 and 2011. In addition, a further 10 Appeals Officers, formerly employed by the Community Welfare Services (CWS) of the Health Services Executive joined the Office as part of the integration of the CWS appeals services into the Social Welfare Appeals Office. This brings the total number of Appeals Officers to 39.
I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping the methods of operation by which the Social Welfare Appeals Office conducts its business under constant review, and that the processes are continuously being enhanced to reduce the backlogs in the Office and, overall, to reduce the processing times for dealing with appeals.
515 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17891/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned took place on 23rd March 2012 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
516 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17892/12]
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.
517 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17894/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence allowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer decision on 3rd April 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.
518 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for jobseeker’s benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17895/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned.
The person concerned was afforded an opportunity at oral hearing to submit documentary evidence in support of his contentions made at the hearing. However, he did not avail of the opportunity and the Appeals Officer decided the case on the available evidence.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.
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.
519 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if the number of internships under the jobbridge scheme in the services and hotels and catering categories that have been taken up by interns; the number of services and hotels and catering internships currently on offer; his views on whether this is causing job displacement and loss of employment in these sectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17909/12]
JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme came into operation on the 1st July 2011. Currently over 6,100 internships have commenced to date with 4,391 internships in place as at 5th April and over 1,960 opportunities are currently advertised on www.jobbridge.ie. Of the 6,149 internships which have commenced since the 1 July 2011, 2% of the internships are occupations associated with catering sector and hotels. In addition to catering assistants; accommodation assistants; chefs and event co-ordinators roles; these figures also relate to support and administrative functions within the catering sector and hotel sector, including for example clerical, marketing, quality control and human resource roles.
Our records indicate that a significant proportion of individuals who have participated in JobBridge have progressed into employment on completion of their internship placements. This represents very significant progress in a short period of time. Further information on outcomes will be ascertained as a result of the forthcoming formal evaluation of JobBridge, which is due to commence shortly.
This evaluation will assess the design, delivery and impact of the JobBridge Scheme, It will provide details of the nature of the work experience of the participants; a measurement of the relevance of that experience to the labour market and progression into employment. It will also offer an assessment of the potential displacement effect of the Scheme and the satisfaction of participants and of host organisations with their experience. It will also present recommendations on how the Scheme might be improved.
It should also assist the Department in making further policy decisions on the benefit of work placement programmes in the overall context of the Government's activation policy, which is to engage with every unemployed individual to provide them with a pathway to employment and to prevent and reduce long term unemployment.
An intern may contact the JobBridge Team at any stage of their internship whether for advice or as part of the "whistle blowing" feature. Consequently any individual who suspects that an internship may be in breach of the scheme's criteria, including cases of suspected displacement or poor quality, may contact the JobBridge Team. All such claims are fully investigated.
520 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17924/12]
I understand that the person in question has been in touch with my Department on a number of occasions and that a reply has issued to her on the queries raised by her which are similar to those raised here in this question.
I want to take this opportunity to again re-iterate the reasons for the upcoming changes to rate bands for State pension contributory. A core principle of sustainable social protection systems in advanced economies is that citizens receive benefits in proportion to their contributions.
Recognising that the State pension contributory is a very valuable benefit, it is important to ensure that those qualifying have made a sustained contribution to the Social Insurance Fund over their working lives thereby ensuring equity in the social welfare system. This has always been part of our pensions system and changes to State pension contributory provision which were announced in Budget 2012 put an increased emphasis on this. Recipients of the State pension contributory who have contributed more will receive a more generous pension. For example, currently a person with an average of between 20 and 47 PRSI contributions per year over their working life receives a weekly State pension contributory of only €4.50 less than a person with a yearly average of 48 or more PRSI contributions. This is neither fair nor equitable.
To address this anomaly, a change to the rate bands is essential, which is one of the reform measures announced in Budget 2012. The rate of State pension contributory paid to new applicants will be proportionate to the rate band appropriate to the average number of contributions paid. Those who have fewer contributions will receive a lower rate of pension.
Furthermore, the principle that the amount of pension paid should reflect the PRSI contributions paid over a working life needs to be adhered to if we are to be able to fund pensions into the future. By aligning the rate of pension paid with the number of contributions paid ensures that those who contribute more during a working life benefit more in retirement than those with lesser contributions. This is fair and equitable and puts us on a more financially sustainable track.
With effect from September 2012, the rate band of between 20 and 47 (24 and 47 for State pension transition) yearly average contributions will be replaced with new rate bands of between:—
(i) 40 and 47 yearly average contributions
(ii) 30 and 39 yearly average contribution and
(iii) 20 and 29 yearly average contributions.
Therefore, the rate of State pension transition or State pension contributory paid to new applicants will be appropriate to the average number of contributions paid over a working life. Those who have fewer contributions will receive a lower rate of pension. The maximum rate is unchanged as is the rate for those with yearly average contributions of between 40 and 47. While existing pension recipients are unaffected, the changes proposed will apply to new claimants from September 2012.
The measures outlined support the social contract between the State and the individual whereby those who pay most in a working life benefit most in retirement.
For those who take time out of the workforce for child rearing or caring, the Homemakers Scheme may be available to them. For those who are eligible for the Homemakers Scheme, a higher rate of pension will be payable. Furthermore, the Increase for Qualified Adult (IQA) or the means-tested State pension non-contributory may be available to people who have an income need.
For rate bands changes, see chart.
|
New State pension transition Rates |
|
|---|---|
|
Yearly Average Contributions |
Personal Rate Per Week € |
|
48 or over |
230.30 |
|
40-47 |
225.80 |
|
30-39 |
207.00 |
|
24-29 |
196.00 |
|
Yearly Average Contributions |
Personal Rate Per Week € |
|
48 or over |
230.30 |
|
40-47 |
225.80 |
|
30-39 |
207.00 |
|
20-29 |
196.00 |
|
15-19 |
150.00 |
|
10-14 |
92.00 |
521 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection in respect of community employment schemes, the areas or schemes that will receive additional funding in Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17926/12]
No additional funds have as yet been released to any schemes in Kerry, pending the outcome of the review. Schemes have been advised that where they are unable to continue to operate on current funding levels during the period of the review, they should directly contact the DSP Officer responsible for the scheme to discuss possible solutions.
523 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 293 of 27 March 2012, when a decision will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17993/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 293 of 27 March 2012 inadvertently dealt with an appeal in relation disability allowance which is also registered with the Office for the person concerned. This appeal is still open.
In relation to the appeal in respect of invalidity pension, I am advised that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, allowed the appeal and notification of the decision was issued to the person on 1 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.
524 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider a review of the revised rent limits for rent supplement in County Louth, including the east Meath part of the constituency, as these new ceilings are causing undue pressure on persons in receipt of rent supplement, in many cases the landlords will confirm a reduction in writing, yet in reality the tenant is being forced to pay the shortfall; her views that such circumstances do not adhere with guidelines to ensure the need of the tenant is of paramount importance and that their income stays within certain guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18030/12]
525 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has evidence that the revised rent limits for rent supplement in County Louth, including the east Meath part of the constituency have had the desired effect in effectively bringing rents down; if she has consulted with any landlords while conducting the review as many landlords are coming under pressure from their banks with stressed mortgages and are not in a position to reduce rents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18031/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 524 and 525 together.
The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term income support to eligible tenants living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer.
The current maximum rent limits were set after an analysis of the most up to date market data available but did not include consultation with landlords. The emphasis of the rent limit review was to ensure that maximum value for money for tenants and the taxpayer was achieved whilst at the same time ensuring that people on rent supplement are not priced out of the market for good quality private rented accommodation.
As the Department currently funds approximately 40% of the private rented sector it is essential that State support for rents are kept under review, reflect current market conditions and do not distort the market in way that could increase rent prices for others such as low paid workers and students.
The next national review of maximum rent limits is due to be completed before June 2013. The Department will continue to monitor rent levels throughout the country but at this point I have no plans to revise any of the existing rent limits.
Rent supplement is calculated to ensure that the person, after payment of rent, has an income equal to the basic supplementary welfare allowance rate, less a specified weekly minimum contribution which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. The type of shortfall payments to which the Deputy refers are known as "top up" payments and fall into two specific categories.
Where a person has an additional income above the rate of supplementary welfare allowance they are, in certain circumstances, allowed to top up their rent as they will still have sufficient income to meet their basic needs after paying their rent. The second type of top up payment can occur where the application to the Department declares a rent lower than that actually being charged by the landlord. Any instance of false declarations should be reported to the relevant Departmental representative who has specific legislative powers to deal with such matters.
526 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention had been drawn to constituents being contacted by her Department advising that tenants must leave their homes should negotiations in rent reduction fail; if she will outline the measures that are in place for those with specific housing needs, who have signed a lease prior to revised limits, who cannot negotiate reductions nor find alternative suitable accommodations within the ceiling limit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18033/12]
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are approximately 95,000 rent supplement recipients with a forecast outturn of €437 million provided for 2012. Approximately 54,000 of these are now in receipt of rent supplement for more than eighteen months.
The Department currently funds approximately 40% of the private rented sector so it is essential that State support for rents are kept under review, reflect current market conditions and do not distort the market in a way that could increase rent prices for others, such as low paid workers and students.
The new maximum rent limits came into force on 1 January 2012. These new limits are in line with the most up to date market data available. The emphasis of the rent limit review was to ensure that maximum value for money for tenants and the taxpayer was achieved whilst at the same time ensuring that people on rent supplement are not priced out of the market for private rented accommodation.
All new Rent Supplement applications are subject to these limits. As existing claims come up for review, most claims are reviewed every six months, or when an existing lease expires, individuals will be reassessed using the new limits.
In all cases under review whereby the rent is above the new maximum limit the individual concerned is being asked to contact the landlord to renegotiate the rent. Where a landlord does not agree to reduce the rent to the new rates, Departmental officials will discuss the options open to the tenant up to and including seeking alternative accommodation having regard to any existing lease arrangements. There will be no case of homelessness from this measure and Department officials are dealing with each case based on the individual circumstances of the rent supplement tenancy.
527 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent supplement has been suspended in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18043/12]
The person concerned recommenced employment and failed to notify the Department hence his rent supplement was suspended. Income details were received from his employer on 28th March 2012. His claim will be reassessed this week and he will be advised of his entitlement.
528 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection when a rent allowance claim will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18051/12]
There is no record of an application being received for rent allowance for the person concerned.
529 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an illness benefit claim was suspended in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if the decision will be urgently reviewed and the claim put back into payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18053/12]
Payment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. An appeal was registered on 9 March 2012 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed.
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.
530 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will detail any regulations issued by her office or that of her predecessors arising from Section 99(3) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, specifying the circumstances and conditions under which a person is regarded as providing full-time care and attention to a relevant person. [18054/12]
Section 99(3) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 which relates to carer's benefit states that the Minister may make regulations specifying the circumstances and conditions under which a person is to be regarded as providing full-time care and attention to a relevant person.
The then Minister made Regulations in 2007 — Social Welfare (Consolidated Claims, Payments and Control Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 142 of 2007) that relate to Section 99(3) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005. Article 56 of these Regulations outlines the circumstances and conditions under which a carer is to be regarded as providing full-time care and attention to a relevant person.
Article 56 states: “Circumstances in which carer is to be regarded as providing full-time care and attention. 56. A carer may, for the purposes of Chapter 14 of Part 2, continue to be regarded as providing full-time care and attention to a relevant person where that carer—
(a) would qualify for payment of benefit but for the fact that either the carer or the relevant person is undergoing medical or other treatment of a temporary nature in an institution for a period of not longer than 13 weeks, or
(b) the relevant person is attending—
(i) a non-residential course of rehabilitation training provided by an organisation (being an organisation recognised by the Minister for Health and Children for the purposes of the provision of such training), or
(ii) a non-residential place of day care approved by the Minister for Health and Children."
531 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 29 November 2011, regarding social welfare fraud statistics for 2010: the portion of the €25.9 million cited in her reply that represented suspected fraud and the portion of the €25.9 million saved that represented actual fraud. [18081/12]
Overpayments are generally defined as "money obtained contrary to or in excess of a valid decision". An overpayment is any social welfare assistance or benefit payment which the person who received the amount was not entitled to receive. In accordance with the legislation, where an overpayment has been assessed against a person, that person is:—
informed of the factors which gave rise to the overpayment;
informed of the amount of overpayment;
informed of the proposed method of recovery; and
before any decision is made regarding the recovery of the overpayment, s/he is afforded an opportunity to bring to the notice of the Department any view s/he may wish to offer on the assessment of the overpayment or the proposed method of recovery and any facts or circumstances which s/he may consider relevant to the recovery of the overpayment.
In 2010, total overpayments amounted to €83.4m. Each decision, resulting in an overpayment, is classified as suspected fraud or error. Overpayments arising from activity suspected as fraudulent amounted to €25.9m in 2010. Every claimant is given a period following a decision to lodge an appeal on any aspect of the decision, including the classification of the overpayment as suspected fraudulent.
Customers typically incur suspected fraudulent overpayments in situations such as:
claiming unemployment or disability payments when they are in fact working;
failing to disclose their full means or increases in their means;
failing to disclose the true employment or residential status of their spouse, partner or dependants; and/or
being themselves absent from the State or their dependants being absent.
There is no further breakdown of the €25.9m between fraud and suspected fraud.
532 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18096/12]
The person concerned was refused carer's allowance in respect of a second care recipient on the grounds that, based upon the medical evidence provided, the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. She was notified accordingly and of her right of review/appeal within 21 days. Additional medical evidence was received and forwarded to the Medical Assessor for consideration. This information has not altered his opinion and as a result the decision will remain unchanged. She will be notified directly of the outcome of the review in due course.
533 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending the time limits for employment under the community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18127/12]
The length of time a person can remain on CE is dictated by a number of factors (as governed by the rules of CE):
What age the person is;
What DSP (Social Welfare) payment they are in receipt of;
How long they have been in receipt of the DSFA payment;
Previous participation on CE since April 2000;
Whether they are considered job-ready at the end of each year's CE participation;
Budgetary limitations.
The maximum participation limits for CE are 3 years for those under 55 years of age, and 6 years for those of 55 to 65 years of age.
Persons in receipt of a qualifying disability-related DSP payment are eligible for one additional year on top of these two limits, i.e., 4 years for those under 55 and 7 years for those of 55 to 65.
Persons in receipt of a qualifying DSP payment for 12 months (on entry to CE) may participate on CE for 1 year before having to leave CE and re-qualify, subject to the age-related maximum participation caps above. In exceptional circumstances, a percentage of participants may be retained for an additional subsequent year, subject to budget limits and personal training needs. Persons in receipt of a qualifying payment for 3 years or more (on entry to CE) may be eligible for up to 3 years on CE (en bloc), subject to annual renewal, based on job-readiness assessment and personal training requirements. There is no entitlement to remain for the 3 years if the person is considered job-ready when assessed by the CE Supervisor at the end of each annual contract. At the end of the 3 years (if fully utilized), the person will have to leave CE and re-qualify for CE in the normal way.
I have no plans to extend the existing participation limits.
534 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who availed of the services of the Money Advice and Budgetary Service in each county in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18130/12]
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), under the aegis of the Citizens Information Board, assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems, in particular those on low incomes and people living on social welfare payments. The number of people who have availed of the services of the MABS companies in each county in 2011 is provided in the table. There are 53 independent MABS companies with voluntary boards of management employing some 277 money advice staff, operating nationwide. The MABS National Telephone Helpline is available from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and the MABS website can be accessed 24 hours a day at www.mabs.ie. Funding of some €18 million has been provided to support the MABS in 2012.
In December 2011 sanction was received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for the retention of 12 temporary posts within the MABS network for a further two year period.
I am satisfied that MABS has sufficient resources to continue to provide a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finance.
|
County |
MABS |
|
|
Cavan |
Cavan MABS |
768 |
|
Carlow |
Carlow MABS |
1,063 |
|
Cork |
Cork MABS |
1,152 |
|
Cork North MABS |
823 |
|
|
Cork West MABS |
599 |
|
|
Charleville MABS |
330 |
|
|
Clare |
Clare MABS |
653 |
|
Donegal |
North Donegal |
396 |
|
South Donegal |
147 |
|
|
Iarthar Dún na nGall |
213 |
|
|
Dublin |
Ballymun MABS |
771 |
|
Blanchardstown MABS |
607 |
|
|
Clondalkin MABS |
666 |
|
|
Dublin 10 and 20 MABS (Comac) |
389 |
|
|
Dublin 12 Area MABS |
414 |
|
|
Dublin North City MABS |
360 |
|
|
Dublin North East MABS |
329 |
|
|
Dublin South East MABS |
276 |
|
|
Dun Laoghaire MABS |
332 |
|
|
Dundrum/Rathfarnham MABS |
334 |
|
|
Finglas/Cabra MABS |
333 |
|
|
Liffey South West MABS |
860 |
|
|
Fingal (North County) |
587 |
|
|
Tallaght MABS |
898 |
|
|
Galway |
Galway North MABS |
235 |
|
Galway South MABS |
929 |
|
|
Kerry |
Kerry |
1,316 |
|
Kildare |
Kildare MABS (Newbridge + Kilcock) |
946 |
|
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny MABS |
610 |
|
Leitrim |
Leitrim |
509 |
|
Longford |
Longford |
417 |
|
Laois |
Laois |
864 |
|
Limerick |
Limerick |
547 |
|
Louth |
Dundalk/Oriel |
499 |
|
Drogheda MABS |
502 |
|
|
Mayo |
North Mayo |
305 |
|
South Mayo MABS |
319 |
|
|
Meath |
Meath |
945 |
|
Monaghan |
Monaghan |
676 |
|
Offaly |
Offaly |
778 |
|
Roscommon |
Roscommon |
417 |
|
Sligo |
Sligo |
487 |
|
Tipperary |
Tipperary Nth |
558 |
|
Tipperary Sth |
863 |
|
|
Waterford |
Waterford |
830 |
|
Waterford West |
614 |
|
|
Westmeath |
Athlone MABS |
318 |
|
Mullingar |
370 |
|
|
Wexford |
Wexford |
855 |
|
Wicklow |
Arklow |
326 |
|
Bray |
856 |
|
|
Total: |
30,191 |
535 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection further to an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; when a decision will issue in this case and if same will be expedited. [18131/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 03rd September 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 28 November 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration on 21 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.
536 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a decision on their invalidity pension appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18134/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal was registered in that office on 23rd January 2012 and the person concerned was asked to submit her grounds of appeal. These were received on 7th March 2012 and in accordance with the statutory requirement of the appeals process the Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal were requested. 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.
537 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 has not been awarded payment for an adult dependent in respect of a community employment scheme that this person is currently participating in. [18138/12]
The entitlement of the person concerned is being examined and the Department will update the deputy shortly.
538 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will allocate additional spaces and extend the participation periods for persons participating in a scheme (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18164/12]
Tús, the community work placement initiative introduced during 2011, will provide up to 5,000 short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year when fully operational. This initiative is being delivered through the network of local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta. Of the 5,000 placements initially planned for Tús, Clare Local Development Company Limited was allocated a total of 100 placements and 5 supervisor positions in the initial round of allocations. In early March 2012 the Department reallocated 440 participant placements and 22 supervisory positions to those companies that had reached full implementation and where there was a demand from community and voluntary sector organisations for work to be undertaken. Clare Local Development Company Limited was successful in this round and was allocated an extra 20 participant placements and 1 supervisory position.
The purpose of Tús is the provision of quality work for those who are unemployed in order to break the cycle of unemployment and to improve a person's opportunities in returning to the labour market. I consider the existing 12-month period on Tús to be adequate to meet the objectives of the initiative whilst also ensuring that as many unemployed people as possible are able to benefit.
539 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons availing of the carer’s allowance on a full time care basis and on a shared care basis and the total costs of each of these payments for 2009, 2010 and 2011. [18165/12]
540 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applicants for carer’s allowance under the full time and shared care basis respectively in 2009, 2010 and 2011. [18166/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 539 and 540 together.
The information requested in respect of carer's allowance applications is contained in the table:
|
Year |
€000 |
Numbers in payment |
|
2009 |
502,469 |
48,223 |
|
2010 |
501,789 |
50,577 |
|
2011 |
503,738 (prov outturn) |
51,666 |
In 2011, there were almost 52,000 persons in receipt of carer's allowance from my Department. Approx. 22,000 of these were getting half-rate carers allowance in addition to another social welfare payment. However, all the recipients are providing full-time care as required.
In addition, there are circa 27 carers who provide full time care and attention during holiday periods. This may range from a week or two during Easter or Christmas or periods during the Summer holidays. There are circa 30 recipients who provide shared caring on an on-going basis. Under legislation the carer must provide this care for a complete week, i.e. Monday to Sunday. A carer may share the caring duties with another individual on a week on week off basis or a carer may provide care on alternate weeks with the care recipient attending a residential institution every other week.
Each carer will share the carer's allowance income support payment and the annual respite care grant.
541 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have had the carer’s allowance withdrawn in 2009, 2010 and 2011 as a result of the person they care for going into residential care for four days per week or more. [18167/12]
The above information is not available. Once the carer is no longer providing full-time care the payment is withdrawn. There is no breakdown available in respect of the specific reason(s) for these withdrawn claims.
542 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will list any amendments to Sections 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 and 107 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. [18168/12]
Details of the amendments to sections 99 to 107 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 are set out in the table. The Deputy may wish to note that the Legislation Directory, which is available on the Irish Statute Book website —www.irishstatutebook.ie, highlights all of the amendments that have been made to each Act of the Oireachtas. This Directory is updated on an ongoing basis:
|
Section Number |
Amendment |
|
99(2)(b) |
Amended by section 10(a) of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (No. 22 of 2008) |
|
100(1)(b) |
Amended by section 12 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 (No. 8 of 2007) |
|
100(3) |
Amended by section 12 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 (No. 8 of 2007) |
|
101 |
No amendments |
|
102(2) |
Amended by section 26 and Schedule 3 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2010 (No. 37 of 2010) and substituted by section 4(2)(a) of the Social Welfare Act 2011 (No. 37 of 2011) |
|
102(3) |
Inserted by section 4(2)(a) of the Social Welfare Act 2011 (No. 37 of 2011) |
|
102(4) |
Inserted by section 4(2)(a) of the Social Welfare Act 2011 (No. 37 of 2011) |
|
103 |
Amended by section 7 of the Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Act 2006 (No. 5 of 2006) |
|
104 |
No amendments |
|
105 |
No amendments |
|
106 |
No amendments |
|
107 |
No amendments |
543 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18170/12]
I confirm an application was received from the person concerned. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
544 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their insolvency payment; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18172/12]
A claim under the insolvency payments scheme was submitted manually on behalf of the person concerned on 29 November 2011 in respect of arrears of wages, holiday pay and minimum notice. The Department is currently processing manually submitted claims received in July 2011.
A claim for a redundancy payment was paid to the person concerned on 31 January 2012.
545 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the reduction in contributory pensions for those with incomplete PRSI contributions (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18173/12]
A core principle of sustainable social protection systems in advanced economies is that citizens receive benefits in proportion to their contributions.
Recognising that the State pension contributory is a very valuable benefit, it is important to ensure that those qualifying have made a sustained contribution to the Social Insurance Fund over their working lives thereby ensuring equity in the social welfare system. This has always been part of our pensions system and changes to State pension provision which were announced in Budget 2012 put an increased emphasis on this and protects the future sustainability of our pension system. Recipients of the State pension contributory who have contributed more will receive a more generous pension. For example, currently a person with an average of between 20 and 47 PRSI contributions per year over their working life receives a weekly State pension of only €4.50 less than a person with a yearly average of 48 or more PRSI contributions. This is neither fair nor equitable. To address this, a change to the rate bands is one of the reform measures announced in Budget 2012. The rate of State pension contributory paid to new applicants will be proportionate to the rate band appropriate to the average number of contributions paid. Those who have fewer contributions will receive a lower rate of pension.
With effect from September 2012, the rate band of between 20 and 47 (24 and 47 for State pension transition) yearly average contributions will be replaced with new rate bands of between:—
(i) 40 and 47 yearly average contributions
(ii) 30 and 39 yearly average contribution and
(iii) 20 and 29 yearly average contributions.
Therefore, the rate of State pension transition or State pension contributory paid to new applicants will be appropriate to the average number of contributions paid over a working life. Those who have fewer contributions will receive a lower rate of pension. The maximum rate is unchanged as is the rate for those with yearly average contributions of between 40 and 47. While existing pension recipients are unaffected, the changes proposed will apply to new claimants from September 2012.
The measures outlined support the social contract between the State and the individual whereby those who pay most in a working life benefit most in retirement.
For those who take time out of the workforce for child rearing or caring, the Homemakers Scheme may be available to them. For those who are eligible for the Homemakers Scheme, a higher rate of pension will be payable. Furthermore, the Increase for Qualified Adult or the means-tested State pension non-contributory may be available to people who have an income need. In relation to the person concerned, I understand no communication has been received in my Department in relation to her pension provision. Should the person concerned wish to check her contribution record , a copy of this record can be obtained from the Central Records Section of my Department or a copy can be requested via my Department's website, www.welfare.ie under the topic PRSI.
For rate bands changes, see chart.
|
New State pension transition rates |
|
|---|---|
|
Yearly Average Contributions |
Personal Rate Per Week € |
|
48 or over |
230.30 |
|
40-47 |
225.80 |
|
30-39 |
207.00 |
|
24-29 |
196.00 |
|
Yearly Average Contributions |
Personal Rate Per Week € |
|
48 or over |
230.30 |
|
40-47 |
225.80 |
|
30-39 |
207.00 |
|
20-29 |
196.00 |
|
15-19 |
150.00 |
|
10-14 |
92.00 |
546 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding rent allowance payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18174/12]
The person concerned provided the Department with information on the 21st of March 2012 which indicates that he has returned to full time employment. His employer has also confirmed that he is now normally working 39 hours per week. The rent supplement claim has been suspended until his circumstances change.
547 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue in relation to carer’s benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18179/12]
I confirm an application was received from the person concerned. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
548 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a carer’s allowance application was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14; if the decision will be urgently reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18257/12]
The person concerned was refused carer's allowance on the grounds that the Department's Medical Assessor expressed the opinion that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations.
On 8 February 2012, he was notified of this decision and of his right of review and/or appeal to the Chief Appeal's Officer within 21 days.
Additional medical evidence has been received and forwarded to the Medical Assessor for further consideration. He will be notified directly of the outcome of the review in due course.
550 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of claims awaiting payment of their insolvency payment claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18266/12]
551 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the length of time it is taking to process insolvency payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18267/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 550 and 551 together.
The purpose of the Insolvency Payments Scheme is to protect pay-related entitlements of employees whose employer has become legally insolvent as defined under the Insolvency Payments Acts, 1984 to 2004. Under the scheme, employees may claim, normally through a liquidator or receiver, arrears of pay, holiday pay, pay in lieu of notice and various other entitlements that may be owed to them by their employer. All payments are made from the Social Insurance Fund.
There are two processing streams for insolvency claims. A new online system was introduced in October 2011. The Department is currently processing online claims submitted correctly through this system, received in January 2012. Manual claims, submitted since October 2011, are also processed as part of this stream but take longer to process due to the need to enter the manual claims onto the new system. The Department is currently processing claims in this category which were received in July 2011.
The most common type of claim received under the Insolvency Scheme is for arrears of wages and/or arrears of holiday pay and /or minimum notice. Currently, there are 4,654 claims of this nature on hand.
In addition, there are approximately 11,000 pension related claims awaiting processing. Pension claims for employees that are nearing pension age are processed, so that their entitlements on retirement are fully met. However, in processing terms, priority is given to non-pension claims, as these claims provide an immediate relief for employees.
553 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the matter of persons receiving rent allowance and living in a property owned by their parents and if she has any plans in the future to reform this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18278/12]
The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short term income support to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible people living in private rented accommodation who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from another source. Rent supplement is not payable in respect of the family home.
Under the rules governing entitlement to rent supplement, the Department must establish that the applicant is a bona fide tenant. In determining whether the applicant is a bona fide tenant the Department will generally require documentary evidence including:
details of the lease agreement,
proof of ownership of the property,
documentation that the tenancy has been registered with the PRTB, where necessary.
In addition, there a number of other qualifying conditions for the scheme including at the time of the application, the claimant must:
have been residing in private rented accommodation (where at the commencement of the tenancy the person could have reasonably afforded the rent and has experienced a substantial change in his or her circumstances where they are now unable to pay the rent) or accommodation for homeless persons or in an institution (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for rent supplement,
or
have had an assessment of housing need carried out within the 12 months preceding the date of claim and have been deemed by the relevant local authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support.
Overall, I am satisfied that the conditions of the scheme are sufficient to ensure that only those who are in need of rent supplement can access the scheme.
554 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports available to a family (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [18288/12]
I understand that there is no carers allowance application in this case but that domiciliary care allowance (DCA) has been applied for.
Domiciliary care allowance can be paid in respect of children under 16 years of age who have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, effectively full-time, so that the child can 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.
An application for DCA was received on 18th May 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the payment. A letter issued on 16th July 2011 refusing the allowance. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision and this appeal is currently with the Social Welfare Appeals Office for their consideration.
The provision of the relevant tests and therapies is a matter for the HSE.
555 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18293/12]
In a case where parents have joint custody of a child, the needs of both parents to have adequate accommodation to look after the child are taken into account when an application for a rent supplement is being determined. The father has been granted guardianship by the Court. However, the Court does not indicate that the State must provide additional accommodation when the children are already being housed. The person concerned has no entitlement to a higher limit as his children are already accommodated in the family home with their mother. The client has been informed of his right to appeal this decision.
556 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a carer’s benefit appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18294/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.
Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
558 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the length of time it is currently taking to process claims for carer’s allowance and if she will address these delays by allocating more resources to dealing with claims. [18315/12]
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. In the interests of fairness and equity applications are processed, as far as possible, in order of the date on which they were received in the Department.
A major service delivery modernisation project is underway to address the large increase in the claim-load and to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the development of information technology functions and associated business process re-organisation. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customer. Accordingly, the project is being given high priority and involves a significant level of time and commitment from the relevant staff in the Department. This has had a short-term negative impact on claim processing times. This essential focus of certain staff resources will continue until the completion of the modernisation project in June of this year when all existing carer's allowance claims will be transferred onto the new processing system.
Accurate processing time figures are not available at present as applications are still being processed on both the old and the new computer systems. The average time to award an application at present is estimated at around 28 weeks. There are currently approximately 7,800 new applications registered and awaiting a decision and approximately 330 new applications are received each week. I acknowledge that this is unsatisfactory but I am satisfied that the Department is taking all steps available to it to resolve the issue.
In addition to the deployment of new systems which should address service levels in the medium term, the Department is allocating additional resources in the form of overtime working to help reduce backlogs that have built up. In addition, approval has recently been given for the assignment of temporary staff to expedite the reduction of the backlogs. However, it is expected to be a significant number of months before the backlog is reduced to an acceptable level.
In the meantime, if a person's means are insufficient to meet their needs while awaiting a decision on an application, they may apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance payment from their local community welfare officer.
559 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an extension for three community employment workers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18328/12]
The three people concerned, while eligible for three years on community employment, were employed under the Integration Option and can therefore only complete two continuous years participation.
They have recently completed two years and may be eligible for a third year after they have received a social welfare payment for a further 52 weeks.
560 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding social protection payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18335/12]
The person concerned exhausted his entitlement to jobseeker's benefit on 19 December 2011. A deciding officer has decided that he does not re-qualify for jobseeker's benefit. He has been advised of this decision and of his right to lodge an appeal.
His application for jobseeker's allowance was disallowed as his means were in excess of the statutory limit for payment of the allowance. He has lodged an appeal against this decision and the appeal's office will be in touch with him in due course.
561 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection when the appeal against the refusal of a claim for invalidity benefit will be decided in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [18353/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 03rd October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 16th March 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
562 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a decision has not been completed regarding an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18357/12]
The person concerned was refused carer's allowance on the grounds that the Department's Medical Assessor expressed the opinion that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations.
On 25 February 2012, he was notified of this decision and of his right of review and/or appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.
563 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection if former separated children or aged out minors who are in full time education and have been recognised as refugees or been granted leave to remain should get support from their local community welfare officer considering their unique circumstances as children who are outside their country of origin without the protection of their parents or guardians; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18361/12]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. Apart from the excluded categories, anyone in the State who satisfies a habitual residence condition and a means test, has registered for employment, unless they have a physical or mental disability, and can prove unemployment, or anyone who is awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare or HSE payment, may qualify for SWA. A number of client categories are specifically excluded in legislation from receiving assistance under the SWA scheme. These include people in full-time work and people in full-time education. However, under Section (190), subsection (3) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005, an individual in full-time education may, in exceptional circumstances, receive SWA. Any person enquiring about their entitlement to a payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme should contact the Department in order that their entitlements can be investigated.
564 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will intervene to prevent her Department from discontinuing funding for the community media network project, located in Clonsilla, Dublin 15, which provides community based support and training to other NGOs and community based organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18362/12]
The company operating this service was not successful in securing a contract under the Community Services Programme for the period 2011 to end 2013. During 2010, some 320 not-for-profit service providers submitted updated business plans to enable renewal of contracts for the funding period 2011 to end 2013. A number of factors were considered during the evaluation of business plans, including, continued eligibility of the service, actual service delivery, compliance and governance arrangements, past performance, reliance on programme funding and revenue generating opportunities from other sources.
The company operating this service was not successful in securing a contract under the Community Services Programme for the period 2011 to end 2013. A number of factors were considered during the evaluation of business plans, including, continued eligibility of the service, actual service delivery, compliance and governance arrangements, past performance, degree of reliance on programme funding and revenue generating opportunities from other sources.
The company was informed of the outcome of the assessment and a contract put in place to allow for the matters identified in the evaluation to be addressed. The position of my Department is that the company has been unable to adequately address the matters and a further extension of the contract could not be offered in the circumstances.
565 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an oral hearing on an application for an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18378/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13th April 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. As part of this consideration the Appeals Officer will decide if an oral hearing of the case is warranted.
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.
566 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal will be processed by the appeals officer in relation to a maternity benefit claim in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18387/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence has partially allowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer decision on 12th December 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.
567 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to cut waiting times for the processing of carer’s allowance applications and projected results and a timeline for implementation. [18441/12]
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. In the interests of fairness and equity applications are processed, as far as possible, in order of the date on which they were received in the Department.
A major service delivery modernisation project is underway to address the large increase in the claim-load and to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the development of information technology functions and associated business process re-organisation. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customer. Accordingly, the project is being given high priority and involves a significant level of time and commitment from the relevant staff in the Department. This has had a short-term negative impact on claim processing times. This essential focus of certain staff resources will continue until the completion of the modernisation project in June of this year when all existing carer's allowance claims will be transferred onto the new processing system.
Accurate processing time figures are not available at present as applications are still being processed on both the old and the new computer systems. The average time to award an application at present is estimated at around 28 weeks. There are currently approximately 7,800 new applications registered and awaiting a decision and approximately 330 new applications are received each week. I acknowledge that this is unsatisfactory but I am satisfied that the Department is taking all steps available to it to resolve the issue.
In addition to the deployment of new systems which should address service levels in the medium term, the Department is allocating additional resources in the form of overtime working to help reduce backlogs that have built up. In addition, approval has recently been given for the assignment of temporary staff to expedite the reduction of the backlogs. However, it is expected to be a significant number of months before the backlog is reduced to an acceptable level.
In the meantime, if a person's means are insufficient to meet their needs while awaiting a decision on an application, they may apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance payment from their local community welfare officer.
568 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a decision on an appeal for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and when the person concerned may expect a decision to issue. [18453/12]
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.
569 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection to expedite an appeal against a decision not to award domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if she will grant an early oral hearing; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18456/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence allowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer decision on 5th April 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.
570 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal against a decision not to award disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if she will grant an early oral hearing; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18485/12]
The person concerned was refused disability allowance on 8 December 2011 on the grounds that her weekly means exceeded the statutory limit allowable for disability allowance purposes. The person subsequently appealed this decision and the Social Welfare Appeals Office requested the deciding officer's observations on the grounds of the appeal. The deciding officer has now sent a submission to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for their deliberations. An Appeals Officer will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. The appellant can request an oral hearing in her case by contacting the Social Welfare Appeals Office directly.
571 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will report on the review of financial resources of sponsors of community employment schemes; if she will outline the take up of the increased allocation from €500 per participant to €1,000 per participant to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18486/12]
A financial review of Community Employment (CE) Schemes is underway. This review of CE Schemes has proved to be a valuable exercise for both the schemes themselves and for my Department.
Given the volume and breath of the data being returned, the financial review of CE schemes will take longer than originally envisaged to complete. This will allow more time for schemes to engage with local officials in the finalisation of their respective budgets and for my Department to bring forward improvements to the overall operation of Community Employment which will improve the budgetary situation for schemes. No final allocations of materials and training grants have been made pending completion of the review.
The existing commitment in relation to the financial support of schemes will continue to apply.
572 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a supplementary welfare diet supplement payment will be reinstated to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18488/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 03rd March 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. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 5th April 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
573 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reasons a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has a means payment determined against their rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18491/12]
The person concerned is in receipt of her full rent supplement entitlement. Her disability allowance payment is €188 per week. In assessing means for rent supplement purposes any income above the supplementary welfare allowance rate of €186 per week is taken into account. Hence the €2 differential has been taken into account in this assessment and the person's entitlement has been adjusted accordingly.
574 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Social Protection the criteria used for qualifying for payments in respect of communion and confirmation from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18499/12]
Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. These ENP payments are a vital component of the SWA scheme and link the income support function of the scheme with the wider welfare role of the Department's community welfare service.
There is no automatic entitlement to a payment, ENP's are payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
A review of the guidelines on ENPs has recently been carried out by the Department by a working group made up of former community welfare service staff. One of the recommendations from the Group was to address the different approaches taken, in different areas, in relation to the payment of exceptional needs payments in respect of religious ceremonies and to ensure that the SWA scheme is responding to a specific financial need and not to the occasion.
At present, where the Department is satisfied that an exceptional need exists, it is now recommended that a maximum payment of €110 can be made in respect of the religious ceremony. This will be the first step towards limiting these payments to cases of significant hardship only, in 2013.
575 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [18503/12]
The person concerned was refused carer allowance on the grounds that, based upon the medical evidence provided, the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. He was notified accordingly and of his right of review/appeal within 21 days. He subsequently appealed the decision and submitted additional medical evidence in support of his appeal. This information has been forwarded to the Medical Assessor for further consideration. The outcome of that review is due shortly.
576 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18505/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 25th August 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 2nd March 2012 and the appeal has been assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
577 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the redundancy claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; if the claim can be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18530/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned has been awarded and a cheque payment will issue directly to the person concerned in the coming weeks.
578 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; when payment and arrears will issue; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18531/12]
The person concerned has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 7 March 2012 Payment commenced on 4 April 2012 and arrears due for the period 7 March 2012 to 3 April 2012 issued to the person on 12 April 2012.
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers and works to ensure that claims are processed in the most efficient and expeditious way possible, having regard to the eligibility conditions that apply to each scheme and to ensure, insofar as is possible, that funding is targeted at those most in need.
579 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against a decision not to award carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if an early oral hearing will be granted; the reason for the delay in a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18532/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11th 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. As part of this consideration, the Appeals Officer will decide if an oral hearing of the case is warranted.
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.
580 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection the action she has taken to date to deal with the backlog in the carer’s allowance section; the reason applications received last July are only being processed now; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18535/12]
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. In the interests of fairness and equity applications are processed, as far as possible, in order of the date on which they were received in the Department.
A major service delivery modernisation project is underway to address the large increase in the claim-load and to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the development of information technology functions and associated business process re-organisation. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customer. Accordingly, the project is being given high priority and involves a significant level of time and commitment from the relevant staff in the Department. This has had a short-term negative impact on claim processing times. This essential focus of certain staff resources will continue until the completion of the modernisation project in June of this year when all existing carer's allowance claims will be transferred onto the new processing system.
Accurate processing time figures are not available at present as applications are still being processed on both the old and the new computer systems. The average time to award an application at present is estimated at around 28 weeks. There are currently approximately 7,800 new applications registered and awaiting a decision and approximately 330 new applications are received each week. I acknowledge that this is unsatisfactory but I am satisfied that the Department is taking all steps available to it to resolve the issue.
In addition to the deployment of new systems which should address service levels in the medium term, the Department is allocating additional resources in the form of overtime working to help reduce backlogs that have built up. In addition, approval has recently been given for the assignment of temporary staff to expedite the reduction of the backlogs. However, it is expected to be a significant number of months before the backlog is reduced to an acceptable level.
In the meantime, if a person's means are insufficient to meet their needs while awaiting a decision on an application, they may apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance payment from their local community welfare officer.
581 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for invalidity pension now under appeal will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [18541/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal was registered in that office on 27th February 2012 and the person concerned was asked to submit his grounds of appeal. These were received on 10th March 2012 and in accordance with the statutory requirement of the appeals process the Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal were requested. 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.
582 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of social welfare payments being paid to non residential children in the EU and the amount is this costing the State. [18555/12]
Child Benefit is currently in payment to 4,928 families in respect of a total of 7,741 children who are resident elsewhere in the EU.
The cost of payments to customers in this category was €15.4 million in 2011.
583 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on her statement in Dáil Éireann (details supplied) that she would seek to make graduate architects eligible for the jobbridge scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18560/12]
My Department continues to monitor and review the operation of the JobBridge scheme including its eligibility criteria on an on-going basis.
In relation to possibility of utilising the JobBridge Programme for graduates to secure the experience necessary to secure professional accreditation, this matter is still under review.
584 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will report on the establishment of the new National Employment and Entitlements Service; when the new body will be fully operational; the number of staff that have been allocated to NEES; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18568/12]
The Department is establishing a new National Employment and Entitlements Service, as provided for in the Programme for Government, which will integrate employment and benefit payment services within the Department. While significant progress has been made to date in establishing the new service, because of the scale of transformation required, full implementation will involve a multi-annual programme of change. The development of the new service is being brought about with minimal disruption to the on-going work of the Department. It will not be a stand-alone service but will be an integrated, albeit innovative, element of the Department's service provision for those of working age. The new one-stop shop service will be trialled in four offices; Parnell Street/Kings Inn and Tallaght offices in Dublin and also in offices in Arklow and Sligo from June of this year. The first step in establishing the National Employment and Entitlements Service was the transfer of staff and services from FÁS and the Community Welfare Service to this Department. This was completed on schedule on the 1st of January this year.
Because the new service is an integrated service within the Department, there is no separate staff allocation envisaged for the service. The new service will be provided by the staff currently working within the Department, which is now approximately 6,500 including c1,700 staff who recently transferred. There is however, a need to build capacity in delivering the case manager role and training will be required for staff in developing these competencies. Already about 400 of the staff who transferred are involved in activation/case management, most of whom have received professional training in employment guidance. Many of the 1,000 staff in the Community Welfare Service also have some experience of working as case managers. In addition there are c 300 staff employed by the Local Employment Services Network funded by this Department.
In releasing more staff to work in the new service the Department expects to realise efficiency gains from the continued upgrading and development of IT support systems and the automation of routine resource intensive operations. This will release staff currently involved in manual routine work to populate the case management service. The NEES project plan also allows for the outsourcing of some of the case management and activation services to complement the Department's own resources in referral and job placement.
585 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the status of a community welfare (details supplied) and its future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18572/12]
The staffing needs for all areas within the Department are continuously reviewed, having regard to workloads, management priorities and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources with a view to providing an efficient service to those who rely on the schemes operated by the Department.
A limited community welfare service was provided at the old Community Centre in Bluebell between 2.15 p.m. to 2.45 p.m. each Monday. To ensure the most efficient use of available resources and to provide more options for people to avail of the service, clients in the Bluebell area can now attend the community welfare service office in Kilmainham which is available on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m. to11 a.m. for emergencies.
586 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for domiciliary care will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18573/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received from the person concerned on 19th October 2011. The application was refused as the child was not considered to satisfy the medical criteria for the allowance.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted additional supporting information. The application, together with the new information was reviewed by one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child still did not satisfy the medical criteria. The person concerned was notified of the position on 11th April 2012.
587 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status of the redundancy claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford and when they can expect payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18586/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned has been awarded and a cheque payment will issue directly to the person concerned in the coming weeks.
588 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who applied for invalidity pension in each of the following years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of such applicants that were refused and granted payment in each of these years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18588/12]
|
Claims Received |
Claims Cleared |
Claims Awarded |
Claims Disallowed |
|
|
2009 |
7,475 |
7,513 |
4,580 |
2,933 |
|
2010 |
8,774 |
7,614 |
3,597 |
4,017 |
|
2011 |
14,621 |
10,508 |
*2107 |
*4,697 |
589 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of written Parliamentary Questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicted that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18602/12]
For the period 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012, the Department handled 3538 written parliamentary questions. Replies were provided to 1393 questions. 2145 questions were withdrawn on the basis that the Department provided the information in writing directly to the Deputy concerned. It is not possible to identify which parliamentary questions related to personal matters.
590 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review her decision to refuse an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4. [18606/12]
The person concerned was refused on the grounds that the Department's Medical Assessor expressed the opinion that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations.
On 16 January 2012, she was notified of this decision and of her right of review and/or appeal to the Chief Appeal's Officer within 21 days.
Additional medical evidence has been received and forwarded to the Medical Assessor for consideration.
The person in question will be notified of the outcome of the review in due course.
591 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an invalidity pension appeal will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18610/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 09th 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. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 29th February 2012 and the appeal has been assigned to an Appeal 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.
592 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when payment on a domiciliary allowance review will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18613/12]
The person concerned was granted payment of domiciliary care allowance following a successful appeal. They were notified of this decision on 22nd March 2012. Arrears issued by cheque on that date and the normal monthly payments will commence on 17th April.
593 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide, in tabular form, the names and salaries of all her special advisors including special advisors of Ministers of State; any salary increases they have received since they took office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18644/12]
595 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide, in tabular form, details of all salary increases for special advisors requested by her or any Ministers of State in her Department; the names of the advisors and the amount requested; a list of salary increases granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18661/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 593 and 595 together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the names and salaries of my Special Advisors is set out in the tabular statement below. There is no Minister of State attached to my Department.
|
Title |
Name |
Annual Salary |
|
Press Advisor |
Kathleen Barrington |
€86,806 |
|
Special Advisor |
Edward Brophy |
€127,796 |
Kathleen Barrington commenced duty on 18 July 2011, and was initially on a salary of €80,051 i.e. the first point of the Principal Officer pay scale. However, on the basis of her experience and qualifications, I sought sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 19 October 2011 to place her on a salary on par with her previous remuneration and received sanction to place her on the 3rd point of the scale i.e. €86,604 per annum effective from the 18 July 2011.
The applicable pay scale grade for Special Advisers is the Principal Officer (standard) scale: €80,051 to €92,672. As Edward Brophy was previously employed in the private sector on a salary package that was more than twice the highest point of the Principal Officer (standard) scale, I sought sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for remuneration in excess of the applicable pay scale grade. A single point salary of €127,796 was sanctioned by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform effective from 29 July 2011. This represents a reduction of over one third in my Special Adviser's previous salary in the private sector.
594 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for a farm assist appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18647/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28th February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred, in due course, to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
596 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding community employment schemes. [18696/12]
In relation to the sentiments outlined in the correspondence from Mr. Myles O'Brien I would like to acknowledge that Community Employment (CE) schemes provide a very important and valued contribution to social employment, training and progression for unemployed people. Furthermore, many Community Employment schemes provide vital community services right across the country.
CE schemes play an important role in our communities, in particular by providing services which have an intrinsic social value like helping the disabled to live independently or delivering meals on wheels to our older citizens. This point sometimes gets lost in a purely economic analysis of CE schemes, which views them as not delivering sufficient progression into the labour market.
The Department will ensure that the contribution of such schemes is recognised in any future decisions on the future operation, funding and role of community employment.
A financial review of Community Employment (CE) Schemes is underway. This review of CE Schemes has proved to be a valuable exercise for both the schemes themselves and for my Department.
Given the volume and breath of the data being returned, the financial review of CE schemes will take longer than originally envisaged to complete. This will allow more time for schemes to engage with local officials in the finalisation of their respective budgets and for my Department to bring forward improvements to the overall operation of Community Employment which will improve the budgetary situation for schemes. No final allocations of materials and training grants have been made pending completion of the review.
However due to the current economic circumstances, this Department has had to find significant savings in the Budget for 2012. The reduction only applies to the grant for materials and training and represents a reduction of 7.5% of the overall expenditure on Community Employment in 2011. The allowance grants for Supervisors are unchanged, as are the working hours for staff employed under Community Employment. There will be no decrease in the number of Community Employment places allocated in 2012.
The existing commitment in relation to the financial support of schemes will continue to apply.
The outcome of these reviews will inform the overall approach to be taken by the Department of Social Protection in relation to how to secure the best outcomes for the schemes and for their participants taking account both of the large amount of money we spend on CE schemes and the valuable contribution that many of them make to their communities.
The Government has been clear that in the event that the changes in the training and material grant announced in the Budget create financial difficulties for schemes, the Department of Social Protection will continue to provide funding for those schemes and funding has been made available in this context.
Where a scheme demonstrates a clear need, up to €1,000 may be available to that scheme in respect of the training and materials grant for this year.
There are currently 1,143 CE schemes in operation nationally with 23,300 participants. The overall estimated budget stands at €315,194 million for 2012.
The review will also seek to establish if income is generated by scheme activity and the potential for utilisation of these funds to cover project costs.
Community Employment participants can continue to avail of education and training programmes that are available to them free of charge from existing State funded providers. This facility will also form part of the arrangements that will be developed as part of the establishment of SOLAS.
597 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the reasons she refused a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); if she will explain the way her Department arrived at the opinion that the person, despite having a myriad of diagnosed complex conditions requires no additional care to that of a child without a similar diagnosis; the average time that initial domiciliary care allowance applications take to process; the average time domiciliary care allowance appeal applications take to process; the percentage of applications initially refused that are then awarded on appeal for the years ending 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. [18699/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 11 November 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 7 February 2012 advising the person concerned of the decision. She subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision and supplied additional information on her child's condition. As part of the appeal process her application, along with the extra information she provided, was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor and the child has been deemed to be medically eligible for the allowance. The person concerned was notified of the decision on 26 March 2012.
It can currently take up to 8 weeks to process an application for domiciliary care allowance. The current average times to process domiciliary care allowance appeals decided by summary decision is 27.6 weeks and 38.2 weeks for those requiring an oral appeal hearing. The Department has been accepting new claims for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) since 1 April 2009. Statistics relating to the allowance for the period prior to April 2009 are a matter for the HSE, the previous administrators of the scheme.
The overall number of appeals for DCA that were received, awarded and refused in each year from April 2009 to end 2011 is set out below:
|
Appeals registered |
Appeals withdrawn (allowed on medical review) |
Medical reviews outstanding on appeal |
Appeals allowed |
Appeals disallowed |
Appeals outstanding |
|
|
2009 |
836 |
189 |
0 |
293 (45%) |
353 |
1 |
|
2010 |
1,858 |
543 |
0 |
547 (42%) |
745 |
23 |
|
2011 |
2,285 |
472 |
71 |
280 (37%) |
487 |
975 |
|
Total |
4,979 |
1,190 |
71 |
1,120 (41%) |
1,585 |
999 |
598 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason her Department accept that child or working tax credits paid to cross border workers is a benefit, but the community welfare officers advise that child or working tax credits are seen as an income and must be included in a means test. [18717/12]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. Apart from the excluded categories, anyone in the State who satisfies a habitual residence condition and a means test, has registered for employment, unless they have a physical or mental disability, and can prove unemployment, or anyone who is awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare or HSE payment, may qualify for SWA.
In calculating a person's entitlement for a payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, all income in cash is generally assessable including any income by way of child or working tax credits.
Full details relating to how means are assessed for SWA payments and items that are disregarded are available on the Department's website.
599 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the length of time it is taking for a carer’s allowance appeal to the social welfare appeals office to be adjudicated at present; if there are any exceptional circumstances pertaining to an individual case which can result in the process being accelerated for that particular appeal. [18731/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the current average times taken to process carers allowance appeals decided by summary decision is 31.5 weeks and 42.8 weeks for those requiring an oral hearing.
These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation and include all activities during this period including:
time spent in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant,
any further investigation by the Department's Inspectors,
any further examination or assessment by the Department's Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary. A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process.
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 and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.
I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.
600 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding support in respect of a family (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [18735/12]
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.
601 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the provisions for dealing with anti-social behaviour in rent subsidised units (details supplied); and in this case who is the key worker. [18737/12]
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer.
In the case of private rented accommodation, tenancy arrangements involve a contract between the landlord and tenant and tenant behaviour is a matter for the landlord in the first instance. There are a number of avenues open to landlords in such cases, including: the dispute resolution services for landlords and tenants operated by the Private Residential Tenancies Board; recourse to the Garda Síochána; or the Courts in relation to the enforcement in dealing with anti-social or criminal behaviour. If necessary, the landlord may seek termination of the tenancy which, if effected, would result in the termination of rent supplement.
Social welfare legislation already provides the Department with the authority to refuse, suspend or terminate payment of a rent supplement in the case of a person who has been required to deliver up possession of a dwelling provided by a housing authority or an approved body. This can be due to anti-social behaviour of the tenant or the interests of good estate management.
The Department does not disclose personal information in relation to an individual's entitlement or identity.
602 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [18752/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18 October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 14 December 2011 and the appeal has been assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
603 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to introduce a scheme to facilitate persons (details supplied) on jobseeker’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18767/12]
The National Internship Scheme was launched on 1 July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals on the Live Register, at all skills levels. The aim of JobBridge is to assist individuals in breaking the cycle where they are unable to get a job without experience. It provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills within a working environment. The Scheme is open to organisations in the private, public and community or voluntary sectors.
The Scheme is open to those on the Live Register and in receipt of JobSeeker payments or signing for credits for 78 days in the past 6 months. The current Scheme allocation provides for up to 5,000 internship places at any point in time. There are currently some 4,400 jobseekers undertaking internship placements. This provides a balance of approximately six hundred internship places presently available. This figure continues to change on a weekly basis as JobSeekers commence and complete internship placements.
With respect to Tús — the community work placement initiative, this is designed to provide 5,000 placements at any one time with community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations where quality work placements can be provided. Participation is by random selection by the Department of Social Protection and there is no option for self-selection by way of application. The Deputy will appreciate that Tús is unsuitable in the circumstances outlined.
In relation to the more specific query regarding the participation of Local Voluntary/Sporting Organisations, it is important to note that the GAA have advertised over 150 internship positions to-date across a wide range of geographic areas including a number of coaching and games development roles. The FAI have also advertised a number of internship positions. In addition to this, there has been strong engagement from other local voluntary/sporting organisations with JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme.
604 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has completed a report to advise her on appropriate steps to deal with the general issue of social welfare payments to retained fire fighters; if she will publish the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18780/12]
Taking account of the unusual circumstances of retained fire brigade personnel and general efforts to develop and standardise our jobseeker schemes, a departmental group was established in late 2011 to examine the position of these workers vis-à-vis jobseeker’s benefit and jobseeker’s allowance.
While this examination has been largely completed, a number of issues arising from it are being considered further. My officials will be in touch with relevant Deputies in this regard as soon as possible.
605 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a rent allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [18796/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3 November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by 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.
606 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a decision on their appeal for disability allowance. [18797/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 6 December 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 17 January 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
607 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied). [18798/12]
The above named was refused carer's allowance on grounds that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full- time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. He was notified of this decision, the reason for it.
He subsequently appealed the decision, and submitted additional medical evidence in support of his appeal. However, this information did not alter the opinion of the medical assessor and, consequently, the decision remained unchanged. On 13 April 2012, a submission was prepared and his file and papers forwarded to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for determination.
608 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a scheme to assist persons who were self employed and who now find that they do not qualify for jobseeker’s benefit; what has been put in place to assess these persons to qualify for benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18821/12]
681 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports available to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who has had to close their business of seven years due to the economic downturn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19352/12]
683 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding sickness benefit for those who are self employed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19366/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 608, 681 and 683, inclusive together.
The core issue relating to this question is the position of the self-employed.
Self-employed persons are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 4% which entitles them to access long-term benefits such as State pension (contributory) and widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's pension (contributory). Ordinary employees who have access to the full range of social insurance benefits pay Class A PRSI at the rate of 4%. In addition, their employers make a PRSI contribution of 10.75% in respect of their employees, resulting in the payment of a combined 14.75% rate per employee under full-rate PRSI Class A. (For employees earning less than €356 per week, the rate of employer's PRSI is 4.25%).
Any changes to the PRSI system to extend the full range of social insurance benefits, including jobseeker's benefit or social insurance illness benefits, would have significant financial implications and would have to be considered in the context of a much more significant rise in the rate of contribution payable. I established the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare last year to meet the commitment made in the Programme for Government. The Advisory Group will, inter alia, examine and report on issues involved in providing social insurance cover for self-employed persons in order to establish whether or not such cover is technically feasible and financially sustainable. In addition, the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund, which is due to be completed in mid-2012, will examine this matter.
Self-employed workers may establish eligibility to assistance-based payments such as jobseeker's allowance and disability allowance. In the case of jobseeker's allowance they can apply for the means-tested jobseeker's allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. In general, their means will take account of the level of earnings in the last twelve months in determining their expected income for the following year and, in the current climate, account is taken of the downward trend in the economy. As in the case of a non-self-employed claimant for jobseeker's allowance or disability allowance, the means of husband/wife, civil partner or co-habitant will be taken into account in deciding on entitlement to a payment.
610 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on the review of an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18825/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 17 November 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 29 March 2012 advising of the decision.
The person concerned has requested a review of the decision and the case has been forwarded to another of the Department's Medical Assessors for further consideration. Upon receipt of the Medical Assessor's opinion, the person concerned will be notified of the review decision.
611 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a jobseeker’s allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18827/12]
The person concerned submitted an application for Jobseeker's Allowance on 9 June 2009. The claim was disallowed as the customer failed to disclose means. The decision was appealed to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office in August 2009. The Appeals Officer upheld the decision to disallow the claim in January 2011.
While the person concerned received Supplementary Welfare Allowance from July 2009 to end December 2010, there is no record of any new application or contact from the person concerned in over 12 months.
612 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an appeal for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18829/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28 February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 22 March 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
613 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18830/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the disability allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that she was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 15 March 2012 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Deciding Officer on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
614 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that payment of rent supplement is restored as soon as possible in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [18832/12]
The person concerned was requested to furnish details of her landlord's PPSN. last October further to section 198A of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended. Since then, the landlord's agent has supplied two PPSN. numbers, neither of which refer to the landlord. As soon as the landlord's PPSN. is furnished, Rent Supplement can be restored.
615 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a lone parents allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18835/12]
The person concerned has lodged an appeal against the decision to disallow her application for a one-parent family payment and her file has been referred to an inspector for review as part of the appeal process.
616 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse an application for diet supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18841/12]
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. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer decision on 13 April 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.
617 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on the appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18849/12]
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.
618 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an invalidity pension appeal will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18855/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 23 January 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by 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.
619 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a bereavement grant appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [18860/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 7 February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 1 March 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
620 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18875/12]
The person in question has been awarded carer's allowance with effect from 24 March 2011. His first payment will reach his local post office on 3 May 2012.
Arrears due for the period 24 March 2011 to 2 May 2012, less any other payment made on his behalf for this period, and less any overpayment that may have occurred will issue to him in due course.
621 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by her Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18894/12]
The amount spent by my Department on mobile telephony over the past five years is as follows:
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
|
O2 |
€166,019 |
€158,961 |
€171,611 |
€ 92,047 |
€117,117 |
|
Vodafone |
€329,988 |
€366,677 |
€365,937 |
€292,980 |
€342,403 |
|
Meteor |
€6,634 |
€1,215 |
€1,573 |
€1,210 |
|
|
€496,007 |
€532,272 |
€538,763 |
€386,600 |
€460,730 |
Contracts were awarded under the national framework for the supply of mobile voice and data services established by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
My Department has recently carried out a competition under this framework and new contracts will be announced shortly.
Questions Nos. 622 and 623 withdrawn.
624 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who has made an appeal to the social welfare appeals office and who has been waiting almost six months for an oral hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18925/12]
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 she 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.
625 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive a decision in respect of their carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18935/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 4 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. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 14 March 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
626 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for disability allowance will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18939/12]
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. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer decision.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
627 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for invalidity pension will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18940/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 03rd November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 28th March 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
628 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a review appeal in respect of a decision not to grant an invalidity pension to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18941/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27th 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.
629 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider including amendments into the next Social Welfare Bill to facilitate people who have been self-employed for a number of years and do not qualify for the State Pension (Transition) in view of the fact that she considers all the years in the work force both employed and self-employed as the relevant period but yet at the same time dies not take into account PRSI contributions paid by a self-employed person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18942/12]
The State pension (transition) was introduced in 1970 when it was known as the retirement pension. It was designed to bridge the gap between the standard social welfare pension age, which at that time was 70 years of age, and retirement age of 65. Over time, the social welfare pension age was reduced over a period of years until it reached 66 years of age, which means that State pension (transition) is now only payable for one year. This will change in 2014 when State pension age will be standardised to age 66 for all.
There is currently no entitlement to the transition pension for the self — employed and I have no plans to change the qualifying conditions for State pension (transition) in the forthcoming Bill. Class S contributions which are paid by the self-employed, will continue to provide cover for long-term benefits such as State pension (contributory) and widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's pension (contributory) only.
In terms of value for contributions paid, the 2005 Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund found that the Fund favours the self-employed over the employed when both employer and employee contributions are included in respect of the employed person. The analysis demonstrates that, despite the fact that they are eligible for a narrower range of benefits, self-employed persons can still gain substantially more from the Fund than employees
630 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when carer’s allowance appeal will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18947/12]
The person concerned was refused an increase in her carer's allowance in respect of a second care recipient on the grounds that, based upon the medical evidence provided, the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. On 29 February 2012, she was notified of this decision and the reason for it.
There is no record to date of an appeal having been submitted in this case.
632 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the internship scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18950/12]
The National Internship Scheme provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals on the Live Register, in organisations in the private, public and community voluntary sectors. Its aim is to assist in breaking the cycle where jobseekers are unable to get a job without experience and provide the opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills in a working environment. The Scheme has made significant progress to-date. Currently, over 6,200 internship placements have commenced to-date. In addition, there are 2,000 posts currently advertised on the JobBridge website. Our records indicate that a significant proportion of individuals have progressed into employment on completion of their internship placements. The JobBridge scheme is open to all individuals irrespective of their skill levels. Low skilled individuals have a right to access an activation measure that is specifically designed to improve their skills, enhance their experience and improve their chances of securing employment in the future. There are internship opportunities currently available for individuals who may be low skilled. However, these are only approved if they can show that the intern will receive a broad and practical work experience that will involve significant learning outcomes for the intern.
A variety of measures have been introduced to protect the intern and to ensure the integrity of the JobBridge Scheme. In order for an application from a Host Organisation to be approved the host organisation must meet a number of criteria. These criteria are to ensure that the internship does not displace an existing position; that it provides appropriate training and development experience; and that appropriate mentoring and support is provided to the Intern. Additionally in order for an internship to commence a Standard Agreement must be signed and agreed to by both the Intern and the Host Organisation. This Agreement clearly states the terms of the internship; including the expected working hours, which can range from 30-40 hours (maximum) per week and the specific learning outcomes the intern will gain over the course of their internship.
To ensure that both the host organisation and intern are abiding by the spirit and the rules of the scheme, the Department of Social Protection is involved in the continuous monitoring of internships. This involves the regular review of monthly compliance reports and the conducting of random monitoring site visits to facilitate discussions with both parties to the Internship.
It is worth noting that participation in the Scheme is voluntary and an intern may contact the JobBridge Team at any stage of their Internship for advice and support. Consequently any individual, who suspects that an internship may be in breach of the scheme's criteria, including cases of suspected displacement and quality, may contact the JobBridge team. All such matters are fully investigated.
My Department continues to monitor and review the operation of the JobBridge scheme on an ongoing basis.
633 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a list of public bodies or specified bodies that are entitled to use the PPS number which is part of the public service identity dataset and the way this links in with the new single customer view which is operated on behalf her Department by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18952/12]
A Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is a unique personal identifier for the purposes of a person's transactions in relation to the public functions of the bodies and agencies authorised by law to use the number. The bodies authorised to use the PPS number are listed in Schedule 5 to the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, which is set out below.
The Single Customer View (SCV) is a Department of Public Expenditure and Reform project to create a single view of Public Service Identity (PSI) across the public service. The SCV is a read only, periodically updated, consolidated view of PSI data. The principal aim of the SCV is to produce a ‘golden view' of a public service customer by combining the most up-to-date identity information held by a number of public service providers including the Department.
The applications intended to be provided are:
data quality,
data matching,
control,
data validation, including PPS Number validation,
online authentication.
The ‘PPS Number Checker' is a practical example of the use of the SCV. The individual's PPS Number is input along with their name, address and date of birth, if available. The Checker will confirm if the PPS Number is correct. Another example is the Control Function whereby an authorised public servant can query the database and view the records from each of the contributing Agencies.
SCHEDULE 5
SPECIFIED BODIES
1. Each of the following shall be a specified body for the purposes of this Schedule and sections 262 to 270:
(1) a Minister of the Government,
the Commission for Public Service Appointments,
the Public Appointments Service,
the Revenue Commissioners;
(2) a local authority (for the purposes of the Local Government Act 2001);
(3) the Health Service Executive;
(4) a body established by the Minister for Education and Science under section 54 of the Education Act 1998,
An Foras Áiseanna Saothair,
An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces in respect of their own members,
An tArd-Chláraitheoir,
An tÚdáras um Ard-Oideachas,
Coillte Teoranta,
Enterprise Ireland,
Health and Social Care Professionals Council,
National Educational Welfare Board,
the Central Applications Office,
the Central Statistics Office,
the Commission for Taxi Regulation,
the Companies Registration Office,
the General Medical Services (Payments) Board,
the Legal Aid Board,
the Mental Health Commission,
the National Breast Screening Board,
the National Cancer Registry Board,
the National Council for Special Education,
the Pensions Board,
the Personal Injuries Assessment Board,
the Private Residential Tenancies Board,
the Private Security Authority,
the Probate Office, the Property Services Regulatory Authority,
the Road Safety Authority,
Sustainable Energy Ireland — The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland,
the Teaching Council;
(5) the following Voluntary Hospitals:
Beaumont Hospital, Dublin,
Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dublin,
Coombe Women's Hospital, Dublin,
Dublin Dental Hospital,
Incorporated Orthopaedic Hospital of Ireland, Clontarf, Dublin,
Leopardstown Park Hospital,
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin,
Mercy Hospital, Cork,
National Maternity Hospital, Dublin,
National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire,
Our Lady's Hospice, Dublin,
Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin,
Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway,
Rotunda Hospital, Dublin,
Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin,
South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital, Cork,
St. James's Hospital, Dublin,
St. John's Hospital, Limerick,
St. Luke's Hospital, Dublin,
St. Mary's Hospital and Residential School, Baldoyle, Dublin,
St. Michael's Hospital, Dun Laoghaire,
St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin,
St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, Dublin,
The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin incorporating the National Children's Hospital,
The Children's Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin,
The Royal Hospital, Donnybrook,
University Dental School and Hospital, Cork.
2. Each of the following shall be a specified body for the purposes of this Schedule and section 266:
a person who provides, organises or procures a programme of education or training,
a recognised school or centre for education (within the meaning of section 2 of the Education Act 1998),
a vocational education committee (within the meaning of section 7 of the Vocational Education Act 1930),
a university to which the Universities Acts 1997 and 1999 apply,
an educational institution to which the Regional Technical Colleges Acts 1992 to 2001 apply,
the Dublin Institute of Technology,
the Further Education and Training Awards Council,
the Higher Education and Training Awards Council,
the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland.
3. The Minister may by regulations amend paragraph 1 or 2 by adding a specified body to, deleting a specified body from, or amend-ing a reference to a specified body in, those paragraphs.
634 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will receive payment of their invalidity pension in respect of his child who is a third level student; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18955/12]
Where a student reaches age 22 during an academic year, the increase for a qualified child is continued in payment for the duration of that academic year, provided s/he remains in full-time education. The child concerned reached 22 on 15 September 2011, however the academic year did not start until 19 September 2011. As the child was 22 before the academic year, the person concerned is not entitled to payment of an Increase for the child.
635 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons (details supplied) have been refused domiciliary care allowance in consideration of the extra care and attention required to look after their two young children suffering from Asperger’s syndrome and related problems, as well as the care of a younger child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18956/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 11th November 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 7th February 2012 advising the person concerned of the decision. She subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision and supplied additional information on her child's condition. As part of the appeal process, her application along with the extra information she provided, was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who found the child medically eligible for the allowance. The person concerned was notified of the decision on 26th March 2012.
636 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans, if any, to restructure payment methods within her department to ensure that the 700,000 people currently living below the poverty line are brought above the poverty threshold; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18980/12]
640 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that there is a policy in place for transition from illness benefit to invalidity pension whereby applications for invalidity are being processed and ready to transfer prior to the expiration of illness benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18986/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 636 and 640 together.
The Deputy has clarified that this PQ is regarding two specific issues relating to the timelag between making a claim and receiving a decision. In particular, (1) delays when a person is claiming invalidity pension (IP) having previously been in receipt of illness benefit (IB) and (2) delays in processing family income supplement (FIS) payments where a person or their spouse is awaiting a decision on another social welfare application.
Since January 2009 payment of IB is limited to a maximum of 104 weeks (624 pay days) in most cases. There are a number of possible social welfare payments for which a customer may qualify thereafter, depending on their circumstances. Letters are sent to IB customers 13 weeks before their claim is due to expire. The customer is advised about other possible schemes for which they may qualify, including invalidity pension, disability allowance, jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance and supplementary welfare allowance. Customers are also advised that if they are considering applying for any of the schemes they should do so as soon as possible.
Invalidity Pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the PRSI conditions. In an effort to ensure continuity of payment priority is given to applications received from IB recipients whose payment is due to expire. Since the introduction of the two year expiration of IB there has been a significant increase in the number of IP claims received in this department. A high percentage of these applicants are not suitable for IP as they are not medically assessed as being permanently incapable of work.
The processing time for individual Invalidity pension claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the qualifying criteria.
Payment of FIS is based, inter alia, on a fixed proportion of the gap between the assessable income (net of income taxes, PRSI, Pension contribution and USC) of the household and prescribed FIS income thresholds.
In assessing weekly family income for the purposes of FIS most weekly social welfare payments are also taken into account when means are assessed. Accordingly in order for a FIS means assessment to be completed the value of other assessable social welfare payments being made to a household must be available.
Consequently there can be a delay in completing the FIS means assessment in a small number of cases where a final outcome is awaited on the value of another social welfare payment due to a household.
There are approximately 69 FIS claims currently awaiting finalisation of a means test pending a decision on another social welfare application by a household. These cases are being kept under review to ensure that the final FIS means assessment is completed as quickly as possible.
This Department is continually reviewing its processes in an effort to improve processing times and subsequently customer service. Customers waiting on a decision on a social welfare claim, who have urgent income support needs, can apply for the means tested supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) from their local Community Welfare Officer.
637 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department will consider making the jobsbridge scheme available to persons in receipt of disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18981/12]
The National Internship Scheme is currently 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.
Given the scale of the unemployment crisis, it is important that as employment opportunities become available they are taken up by those on the Live Register. The key objective of labour market policy is 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.
Individuals who are in receipt of a disability allowance however can access the Work Placement Programme, which provides participants with a work experience placement of between two and nine months. During this time participants may be able to retain their social welfare entitlements.
In addition, people in receipt of a disability allowance can access a range of other specific programmes, such as the Supported Employment Programme and the Wage Subsidy Scheme. Both of these programmes aim to assist people with a disability to secure and maintain a job in the labour market.
My Department continues to monitor and review the operation of the JobBridge scheme including its eligibility criteria on an ongoing basis. The extension of JobBridge to those in receipt of Disability Allowances forms part of this broader review process.
638 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of families waiting in excess of one month, three months, six months and twelve months for FIS applications to be processed and paid out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18983/12]
The Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.
The number of families waiting in excess of one month, three months, six months and twelve months for FIS applications to be processed at the end of February is given in the following table:
|
Time pending |
Renewals |
New |
Total |
|
< 1 Month |
2,356 |
1,574 |
3,930 |
|
> 1 Month |
2,447 |
2,130 |
4,577 |
|
> 3 Months |
214 |
2,571 |
2,785 |
|
> 6 Months |
14 |
261 |
275 |
|
> 12 Months |
7 |
80 |
87 |
|
Total |
5,038 |
6,616 |
11,654 |
The volume of FIS claims on hands and the delays in processing are a consequence of continued strong claim intake.
The Department has introduced a number of measures to address the efficiency of claim processing for FIS in light of the current waiting times:
Existing processes and procedures are reviewed on an ongoing basis with the explicit objective of reducing delays in claim processing;
Priority is being given to claims where a claim is being renewed to ensure continuity of payment;
The ongoing staffing requirement is being kept under review in light of the increased volumes of claims;
Additional temporary staff have been recruited to help reduce the backlog;
Overtime working is being judiciously applied;
These measures will, over time, lead to more efficient processing and reduce the number of claims on hand. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by the Department.
639 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of low income families who depend on family income supplement that have had their application put on hold because they are awaiting a decision on an allowance or benefit from their Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18985/12]
641 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason applications for FIS cannot be processed while a family member is awaiting a decision on a benefit or allowance from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18987/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 639 and 641 together.
Family Income Supplement (FIS) is designed to provide support for people with families who are on low earnings. This preserves the incentive for them to remain in employment in circumstances where they might only be marginally better off than if they were claiming other social welfare payments. The payment amount is based on a fixed proportion of the gap between the assessable income (net of income taxes, PRSI, Pension contribution and USC) of the household and prescribed FIS income thresholds. Currently this fixed proportion is 60 per cent of the difference between the weekly income and the income threshold for the family size.
In assessing weekly family income for the purposes of FIS, most weekly social welfare payments are assessable as income. Accordingly, in order for a FIS means assessment to be completed, the value of other assessable weekly social welfare payments being made to a household must be available.
Consequently there can be a delay in completing the FIS means assessment in a small number of cases where a final outcome is awaited on the value of another social welfare payment due to a household.
There are approximately 69 FIS claims currently awaiting a decision which are awaiting finalisation of a decision on another relevant social welfare application. These cases are kept under review to ensure to ensure that the final FIS means assessment is completed as quickly as possible.
642 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a domiciliary care allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19003/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 8th February 2012. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 9th March 2012 advising of the decision.
The person concerned has supplied additional information and an appeal will be registered in this case. As part of the appeal process, the case will be forwarded to another of the Department's Medical Assessors for further consideration, including a review of the new information supplied. Upon receipt of the Medical Assessor's opinion, the case will be further considered and forwarded to the Appeals Office, if necessary.
643 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [19006/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
644 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 94 of 14 March 2012, if he will confirm that an appeal for carers allowance was successful in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; the reason the appeals office is now seeking to review the matter; and will she ensure that the payment is backdated in full to the time when the application was originally received by her Department. [19013/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, partially allowed the appeal of the person concerned. In this case, the appeal of the person concerned in regard to the requirement for, and the provision of, full-time care and attention, for the purpose of entitlement to carer's allowance in respect of her mother, was allowed with effect from the date of the oral appeal hearing in this case, i.e. 27th October 2011. In arriving at this decision, the Appeals Officer has taken regard of all the available medical and other evidence, including that arising from the visit of a Social Welfare Inspector to the home of the care recipient on 9th May 2011. During this visit it was confirmed that the care recipient remained capable of driving her own car at that time.
An Appeals Officers decision may be revised in light of new evidence or new facts in a particular case. Having reviewed all further correspondence and contentions received in this case, the Appeals Officer concludes, however, that a revision of his original decision to allow the appeal with effect from the date of the oral hearing is not warranted.
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.
645 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in the payment of re-location money to persons in County Galway who were affected by the flooding in 2009; if design costs, legal costs, engineering and planning costs, site costs, demolition and restoration of the site of existing dwellings, and other ancillary costs were included in the calculation of the payment as well as construction costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19019/12]
The Government has provided various types of support to people affected by the November 2009 flooding. Humanitarian Aid payments were made, both in the immediate aftermath of the flooding and subsequently to enable eligible households to resume living at their home. Flood relief works were also undertaken in some of the affected areas and other works are at an advanced state of preparation. Discussions also took place with representatives of the insurance industry regarding giving households access to appropriate house insurance at a reasonable cost.
Subject to certain conditions the Government also decided to offer support to a small number of families who are continuing to experience significant housing problems as a result of the November 2009 flooding and are considering relocating rather than permanently returning to their original home. A letter inviting the household to formally apply for assistance toward relocation issued in November 2011.A number of the families, who received these letters, requested a meeting with Departmental officials to discuss their particular case. These meetings took place in March and April this year.
The information necessary to make a decision on the amount payable in all cases is being finalised at present and this amount will be communicated to the affected households in the coming weeks. Additionally, Department officials are currently in consultation with the Chief State Solicitors Office to finalise legal agreements which will need to be signed by all parties to the agreement. Payment will issue to families in accordance with these legal agreements.
The basis of the financial assistance to be provided is as follows:
(a) The gross cost of relocation will not exceed an estimate (provided by the local authority) of the cost of providing a reasonable home in the area in question. This has been estimated by the local authorities at €130,000 in respect of a three bed house and €145,000 in respect of a four bed house.
(b) In addition a maximum amount of €55,000 is to be allowed in situations where affected householders do not have access to a site for the rebuilding of a house.
(c) An additional maximum amount of either €25,000 or €30,000 (depending on whether three or four bed house is involved) is to be allowed for costs associated with the demolition of the unsustainable house and in connection with other costs such as design costs, legal costs, engineering and planning costs and site costs.
646 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will issue an assurance to community employment scheme sponsors and participants that activity levels and employment levels will not be affected by the current review; and when the review report will be made available. [19020/12]
A financial review of Community Employment (CE) Schemes is underway. This review of CE Schemes has proved to be a valuable exercise for both the schemes themselves and for my Department.
Given the volume and breath of the data being returned, the financial review of CE schemes will take longer than originally envisaged to complete. This will allow more time for schemes to engage with local officials in the finalisation of their respective budgets and for my Department to bring forward improvements to the overall operation of Community Employment which will improve the budgetary situation for schemes. No final allocations of materials and training grants have been made pending completion of the review.
However due to the current economic circumstances, this Department has had to find significant savings in the Budget for 2012. The reduction only applies to the grant for materials and training and represents a reduction of 7.5% of the overall expenditure on Community Employment in 2011. The allowance grants for Supervisors are unchanged, as are the working hours for staff employed under Community Employment. There will be no decrease in the number of Community Employment places allocated in 2012.
The existing commitment in relation to the financial support of schemes will continue to apply.
Question No. 647 withdrawn.
648 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the decision to cut funding to a critical addiction prevention service (details supplied) in Dublin 17 in view of the fact that the organisation has already had to cut some of its very successful programmes including its horticulture programme and that it also lost a third of its Department of Education and Skills grant three years ago; if she will indicate the level of funding that will be provided for the organisation as they are currently unable to budget for upcoming programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19025/12]
A financial review has been requested of all Community Employment (CE) Projects. It is anticipated that CE projects will see a reduction in the level of grant aid allocated in respect of materials and training in 2012 as funding will be allocated according to the needs of the participants and the project circumstances. The purpose of the review is to establish the level of need and this review should be completed in the near future.
In addition, the Department of Social Protection is undertaking a separate review of the effectiveness of a range of employment supports including Community Employment Schemes. This review process includes the Community Employment Schemes that support critical addiction prevention. The outcome of these reviews will inform the overall approach to be taken by the Department and ultimately determine future policy.
This review will provide a clear picture of the core funding required for each scheme. This will assist the Department in ensuring a fair distribution of the funding available for these schemes.
Assurances have been given to community and voluntary organisations that no Community Employment Scheme will close pending the completion of this review. The review outcomes are being compiled at present and all projects will be contacted regarding same in the near future.
649 Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify for Dáil Éireann where applications for disability allowance are concerned, if she intends to review the present regulations governing the way means are calculated when a spouse or partner is in receipt of an irregular income such as overtime payments which are not guaranteed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19073/12]
As you are aware disability allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a disability who are aged 16 or over and under age 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical examination, a means test and a habitual residence test.
The weekly rate of disability allowance payment depends on the amount of weekly means assessed. The legislative provisions regarding disability allowance state that means will be assessed from all income which the claimant or claimant's spouse/partner may reasonably expect to receive during the year following the date of their claim with certain exceptions. Income derived from overtime is not included in these exceptions, and is accordingly assessable in full as means for disability allowance.
When assessing weekly means for disability allowance purposes, income derived over a period of time is ‘averaged out' over that period. When making a decision, the deciding officer will average the earnings over the period most appropriate having regard to the circumstances of each case. This could be, for example, the previous tax year or a shorter and most recent period, if more appropriate.
If a person's means are derived from their spouse/ partner's insurable employment the means assessment is based on the gross earnings less PRSI, superannuation and trade union dues and also a disregard of €20.00 a day is applied to the earnings for each day worked subject to a maximum of 3 days a week (maximum €60.00 a week) and the balance is assessed at 60%. Where the circumstances of a disability allowance recipient, including the income or earnings of a spouse/partner, have changed, that person should request a review of their entitlement. In order to carry out a review, the respective person should send in up to date documentary evidence that outlines their financial situation.
650 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection when carer’s allowance will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19077/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
651 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a redundancy lump sum claim submitted to her on 8 August 2011 in respect of a person (details supplied) will be expedited and paid. [19079/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned has been awarded and a cheque payment will issue directly to the person concerned in the coming weeks.
653 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer’s allowance will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [19091/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
654 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their application for carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19129/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
655 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19135/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
656 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will approve an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19137/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
657 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19139/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 23rd August 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 2 December 2011 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
658 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by her Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19177/12]
The Department has a major programme of business, organisational and technological change underway to enable it to modernise the services which it provides to customers.
The Department engages consultants for work which comes within the definition of ‘consultancy' set out in Department of Finance guidelines — where a person or organisation provides intellectual or knowledge based services (e.g. expert analysis and advice) through delivering reports, studies, assessments, recommendations, proposals, etc. that contribute to decision making or policy making.
The procurement of consultancy services is essential to support the Department in providing high quality service to the public in a cost effective and efficient manner and is governed by a comprehensive regulatory, legal and procedural framework.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table:
|
Consultancy Firm Engaged |
Value of Contract (including VAT) |
|
Deloitte and Touche |
€83,025 |
|
Creative Inc |
€23,407 |
|
Consultancy Firm Engaged |
Value of Contract (including VAT) |
|
Naked Object Group |
€392,040 |
|
Naked Object Group |
€266,805 |
|
Deloitte and Touche |
€167,706 |
|
Consult Hyperion Ltd. |
€117,925 |
|
PricewaterhouseCoopers |
€48,600 |
|
ESRI |
€150,000 |
|
RITS Information Security |
€33,000 |
|
Oliver Egan |
€7,000 |
|
John Grenham |
€3,557 |
Note: Indicative contract value stated where services are provided on a drawdown basis.
659 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for invalidity allowance appeal will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19182/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 12th March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by 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.
660 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when the financial review of community employment schemes will be completed and published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19183/12]
A financial review of Community Employment (CE) Schemes is underway. This review of CE Schemes has proved to be a valuable exercise for both the schemes themselves and for my Department.
Given the volume and breath of the data being returned, the financial review of CE schemes will take longer than originally envisaged to complete. This will allow more time for schemes to engage with local officials in the finalisation of their respective budgets and for my Department to bring forward improvements to the overall operation of Community Employment which will improve the budgetary situation for schemes. No final allocations of materials and training grants have been made pending completion of the review.
The existing commitment in relation to the financial support of schemes will continue to apply.
661 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer’s allowance will be assessed in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if she will expedite a decision on same in view of the fact that this application has been outstanding since August 2011. [19185/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
662 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for contributory pension in respect of a person (details supplied) who is now waiting nine months for a decision to be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19188/12]
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.
663 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19189/12]
I confirm that additional medical evidence has been received from the person concerned in support of his application for carer's allowance. This information was forwarded to the medical assessor for further consideration. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his claim a decision will be made and the person in question will be notified directly of the outcome.
664 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare did not receive an offer of a training placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19214/12]
On 3rd January 2012, the person concerned was referred by the Kildare Local Employment Service for a Heavy Goods Vehicle Driving (Rigid Truck) Course scheduled to commence in Carlow on 16th April 2012. He was also referred by Kildare Local Employment Service for a similar course in Dublin on 19th January 2012.
In order to establish why the person concerned was not offered a place on the Carlow course, which commenced on 16th April 2012, the matter will have to be referred to the Department of Education and Skills (FÁS South East).
665 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19230/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
666 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19232/12]
There is no record of a carer's allowance application ever having been received in respect of the above named. On 16 April 2012 a claim form and return envelope issued to the person concerned at the address supplied. On its completion and return to carer's allowance section, her application will be processed in due course.
667 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the decision issued on the application and appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork for invalidity pension, in view of the evidence submitted on their condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19235/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13th April 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.
668 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for carer’s allowance and in respect of an appeal for domiciliary care allowance for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20; the reason for the delay in dealing with the appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19238/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that they do not have an appeal from the person concerned for Carer's Allowance but an appeal for Domiciliary Care Allowance from her was received and has been 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.
669 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is satisfied that the 1980 EU Insolvency Directive has been properly transposed into Irish law sufficient to protect employees who have paid into defined benefit schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19239/12]
670 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to protect employees who have paid into defined benefit pension schemes which are discontinued by employers even though they are solvent. [19240/12]
671 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to request the establishment of a pension protection fund to provide security to employees in the event of the insolvency of an employer. [19241/12]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 669 to 671, inclusive, together.
The pension rights of scheme members are protected through trust law and by provisions in the Pensions Act 1990 as amended. As supplementary pension schemes are usually established under irrevocable trust, the assets of the scheme are legally separate from the assets of the employer and are not available to any other creditors where the employer becomes insolvent. Under trust law, trustees of occupational pension schemes have the principal responsibility for ensuring that the entitlements of the members are adequately protected and that they receive the pensions due.
In addition to the safeguards provided by trust law, the Pensions Act 1990 provides for the regulation of pensions schemes in Ireland. Under the Pensions Act, defined benefit (DB) pension schemes must meet a minimum Funding Standard which requires that schemes maintain sufficient assets to enable them discharge accrued liabilities in the event of the scheme winding up. The Funding Standard is a regulatory mechanism to assist in ensuring that DB schemes can meet the pension promised to scheme members. Responsibility rests with the employer and the trustees for ensuring that a scheme is properly funded and managed.
Where schemes do not satisfy the Funding Standard, the sponsors/trustees must submit a funding proposal to the Pensions Board to restore full funding within three years. The Pensions Board can allow a scheme up to ten years to meet the standard in certain circumstances.
Should a scheme be wound up by its trustees, the Pensions Act 1990 (as amended) specifies how scheme assets are prioritised. In short, schemes first prioritise benefits that have accrued to members by way of additional voluntary contribution or transfer of rights from another scheme. Benefits being paid to retired members come next in the priority list, followed by benefits to current and deferred members of the scheme.
The issue of guarantees and the security of pension funds was raised in the Green Paper on Pensions which was published in October 2007. A public consultation process followed the publication of the Green Paper and was completed in May 2008. In March 2010 the National Pensions Framework was launched. This framework set out plans for the reform of the Irish pensions system.
The issue of a pension protection type mechanism was considered as part of this process to provide protection for DB pension scheme members in the event that their scheme is wound up with a shortfall. While both the UK and the US have such a mechanism, and these were examined, there are a number of reasons why a pension protection fund did not form part of the measures in the National Pensions Framework and why it is not intended to introduce such a measure. The relatively small size of the pensions industry in Ireland means that the risk-sharing and costs involved would be high, particularly at a time when pension schemes are already dealing with significant challenges.
It imposes a retrospective penalty on employers who have set up a pension scheme on a voluntary basis and may confer a competitive advantage on those who have made no provision for their employees.
It can lead to unintended consequences: e.g. under funding of pensions in advance of liquidation; riskier investment strategies; increasing pension benefits rather than wages in companies at risk; early retirement of directors taking substantial benefits.
Stronger companies could end up cross-subsidising the weakest.
It is prone to economic cycles: in a downturn, it is exposed to significant demands which it may not be able to meet.
It imposes a high regulatory burden and is administratively complex and costly.
Article 8 of the Directive 80/98/EEC was implemented by section 7 of the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency Act 1984. The European Commission carried out a review of the implementation of Article 8 in 1995 and again in 2010 and on both occasions expressed general satisfaction with Ireland's implementation of the Directive. This is currently under scrutiny as part of a legal challenge in the Courts: accordingly, I cannot comment further.
The Government already makes a very significant contribution to support the private occupational pension system by forgoing approximately €2.5 billion in taxes each year. This is in addition to the €6 billion expenditure on State pensions. It has also made a number of legislative changes in recent years to assist pension schemes address the funding challenge facing many schemes at present.
672 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for benefit now under appeal will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [19249/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28th February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by 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.
673 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision is likely on an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if she will expedite the matter. [19254/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
674 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection when carer’s allowance will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [19255/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
675 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on the appeal for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19327/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17th October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 21st February 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
677 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a scope appeal that is overdue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19332/12]
Further to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 117 on 16th February 2012, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given previously.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
678 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding mortgage interest supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [19343/12]
The person concerned was refused mortgage interest supplement on 28th February 2012 as her first mortgage was not obtained to purchase, build or repair her main residence and although her second mortgage was obtained for repairs to both her main residence and a commercial property owned at the time, no receipts or evidence of such repairs were ever submitted by her in connection with her application. No notice of appeal has subsequently been received by this office.
679 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider improving the call waiting system for callers to the social welfare appeals office to give an indication to callers the position they are in in the queue and an indication of how long it will take before they get to speak to an operator; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19349/12]
The facility referred to by the Deputy is not currently available on the call centre infrastructure on which the phone bank service of the Social Welfare Appeals Office operates. The feasibility of introducing such a facility is under consideration at present.
680 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to any building societies or retail banks who do not accept mortgage interest supplement cheques from her Department; if her attention has been drawn to any mortgage interest supplement recipients being unable to lodge their cheque with any building society or retail bank; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19350/12]
I am unaware of any difficulties in relation to the issues raised by the Deputy. Any person experiencing difficulty with the acceptance of cheque payments under the mortgage interest supplement scheme with their building society or retail bank should contact the Department.
682 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an invalidity pension claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [19355/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 31st May 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 20th February 2012 and the appeal has now assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
684 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who was previously on jobseeker’s allowance but now on carer’s allowance, may have the difference in the two payments backdated from the date they applied for carer’s allowance to when it was granted, and paid as arrears; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19369/12]
The person in question was in receipt of jobseeker's allowance with effect from September 2007. On that claim, payment was included for himself, his partner and his child as qualified dependants. He submitted a claim for carer's allowance on 29 July 2010. His claim was disallowed on the grounds that the care recipient was not so disabled or invalided as to require full-time care and attention as laid down in legislation. He was notified of this decision and of his right of appeal. Following an oral hearing on 25 October 2011, the appeal was allowed. On 27 October 2011, the person concerned was notified accordingly.
As there is no provision to pay for partners as dependants on carer's allowance, his jobseeker's allowance rate was payable at a higher rate of payment than the current rate payable to him on his carer's allowance entitlement. During a phone call on 27 January 2012, he was advised accordingly.
Consequently, if his carer's allowance claim was backdated, his carer's allowance arrears would not cover the amount paid to him on his Jobseeker's allowance entitlement. As it is more beneficial to him to opt for carer's allowance and his partner to make a claim in her own right, his entitlement was put into payment from 15 December 2011. In addition, he is also entitled to €1,700 in respect of the respite care grant due on 2 June 2011. This amount issued to him on 22 November 2011. Subsequently, his partner submitted an application for disability allowance in her own right. However, her application is currently under appeal and in the meantime she has secured a means tested supplementary welfare payment in her own right. While the household weekly entitlement is reduced by €2 per week at present, the household is financially better off when you take entitlement to the free schemes and entitlement to the annual respite care grant into account.
685 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for carer’s allowance will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [19440/12]
The person concerned was refused an increase in his carer's allowance in respect of a second care recipient on the grounds that, based upon the medical evidence provided, the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. On 24 August 2011, he was notified of this decision and the reason for it.
He appealed the decision, however the appeal was disallowed and the person in question was notified accordingly on 5 January 2012. An appeals officer's decision is final and may only be reviewed in the light of new evidence being made available that was not to hand at the time of the appeal.
686 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the Labour Court recommendation No. LCR19293 in regard to community employment supervisors; the position regarding payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19457/12]
The Labour Court recommended in July 2008 that an agreed pension scheme should be introduced for community employment (CE) scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors, and that such a scheme should be adequately funded by FÁS. Notwithstanding the positions of the Department in rejecting that liability for these costs falls to be met from public funds, this matter has been the subject of discussions between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department, and the unions representing CE supervisors. In the event that funding was required from FÁS, the implementation of the claim is not considered sustainable in light of the current and ongoing fiscal environment and the requirement to contain and reduce public expenditure. The costs of the introduction of any scheme are likely to be of the order of €3m per annum with retrospective costs of the order of at least €30m.
The Deputy should also note that FÁS is not the employer of CE supervisors and such employees are not public servants. Neither was FÁS a party to the Labour Court dispute on this matter. The responsibilities of the sponsoring organisations and the individuals concerned must also be recognised when considering pension provision arrangements.
687 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will re-examine the position regarding a community employment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19466/12]
688 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a community employment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19476/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 687 and 688 together.
The person concerned was eligible for 3 years (156 weeks) as a CE participant. He commenced on Community Employment with Kiltegan Development Association on 17th March 2008. He completed 156 weeks participation on 11th March 2011. Under the eligibility rules for Community Employment he is not eligible for any further participation on the Community Employment programme.
689 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding redundancy payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; if payment will be made as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19477/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned has been awarded and a cheque payment will issue directly to the person concerned in the coming weeks.
690 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for respite care grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [19479/12]
The respite care grant is an annual payment for carers who look after people in need of full-time care and attention. The payment is made regardless of the carer's means to those who are providing full time care and attention. This means that the carer cannot be working outside the home for more than fifteen hours per week.
Based on the circumstances outlined by the Deputy, the respite care grant will not be payable as the person who is seeking the payment is working for more than fifteen hours outside the home every week.
The respite care grant was paid in former years as the previous carer did not work outside the home.
691 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal against a decision not to award mortgage interest supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if an early oral hearing will be granted; the reason for the delay in same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19483/12]
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. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer decision.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
692 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19484/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
693 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide a list of all community employment schemes including their location, the focus of their work and their number of participants. [19488/12]
Community Employment (CE) is an employment programme which helps long-term unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine.
The CE programme is sponsored by groups wishing to benefit the local community, namely voluntary organisations and public bodies involved in not-for-profit activities. These activities range from community services, sport, health, disability, childcare, drug rehabilitation, environmental and tourism.
A list of the current CE projects follows, including their location, the number of approved places and the end date for the current contract:
|
Sponsor |
Address |
Project No. |
Approved for # of Particiapants and Supervisors |
Proj Finish |
|
245 DIY Clubs |
5 Gardiner Row, Dublin 1 |
741129172 |
14 |
17/08/2012 |
|
A.S.E.S.P.-After School Ed. Sup |
1 Crinian Strand, Sheriff Street, Dublin 1 |
741139104 |
38 |
07/12/2012 |
|
All Hallows/Accord Cmac |
All Hallows College, Gracepark Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 |
901106522 |
24 |
07/09/2012 |
|
Alzheimer Society Of Ireland |
Unit 5 Building 125, Omni Park Shopping Centre, Santry, Dublin 9 |
901139074 |
28 |
23/11/2012 |
|
Artane/Beaumont Rec. Centre |
Kilmore Rd, Artane, Dublin 5. |
901239380 |
32 |
08/03/2013 |
|
Aughrim Street Community Emp. |
Holy Family Parish Centre, 13 Prussia Street, Dublin 7 |
741129051 |
21 |
01/06/2012 |
|
Aware |
Addressee Only, 72 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2 |
741239354 |
16 |
22/03/2013 |
|
Balbriggan Area Project Assoc. |
C/O Combined Clubs, Dublin Street, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin |
841105084 |
48 |
02/11/2012 |
|
Ballybough and Inner City C.E. |
1 North Richmond Street, Dublin 1 |
741239098 |
30 |
28/12/2012 |
|
Belvedere Youth Club Ltd |
41 Lower Buckingham St., Dublin 1 |
741129069 |
18 |
04/05/2012 |
|
Bonnybrook Youth Resource Cen |
Glin Road, Dublin 17 |
901106443 |
17 |
25/05/2012 |
|
C.A.R.I. |
110 Lower Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9 |
901106539 |
19 |
07/09/2012 |
|
Cabra West Parish Centre Comm. |
Ms Ann Grogan, Cabra West Parish Centre, Kilkieran Road, Cabra West, Dublin 7 |
741139067 |
21 |
14/12/2012 |
|
Canal Communities Training Pro |
Unit C And C1, Bluebell Business Park, Old Naas Road, Dublin 12 |
741129019 |
56 |
11/05/2012 |
|
Carmichael Centre For Voluntar |
Carmichael House, North Brunswick St., Dublin 7 |
741129039 |
16 |
13/07/2012 |
|
Carmichael Centre For Voluntar |
Carmichael House, North Brunswick St., Dublin 7 |
741129049 |
16 |
13/07/2012 |
|
Central Remedial Clinic |
Penny Ansley Building, Vernon Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin 3 |
901139436 |
26 |
21/12/2012 |
|
Centre For Independent Living |
Macro Resource Centre, 1 Green St., Dublin 7 |
741239087 |
17 |
18/01/2013 |
|
City Centre Voluntary Groups |
Room 16, 29/30 Dame Street, Dublin 2 |
741129156 |
45 |
28/12/2012 |
|
City Of Dublin Y.M.C.A. |
Aungier Street Complex, Aungier Street, Dublin 2 |
741239206 |
30 |
22/03/2013 |
|
Clontarf C.E. Project |
Clasac, Alfie Byrne Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3 |
901239174 |
25 |
11/01/2013 |
|
Community After Schools Project |
1 Portland Square, Dublin 1 |
741239371 |
39 |
15/03/2013 |
|
Coolock Dev. Council Ltd |
C/O Coolock Dev. Centre No. 2, Bunratty Drive, Coolock, Dublin 17 |
901139111 |
53 |
16/11/2012 |
|
S.D.V.G. |
13 South Leinster Street, Dublin 2 |
741128799 |
57 |
11/05/2012 |
|
Darndale Belcamp Initative Ltd |
Darndale Village Centre, Darndale, Dublin 17 |
901139153 |
53 |
23/11/2012 |
|
Darndale/Belcamp Integrated |
Childcare Services, Darndale Village Centre, Darndale, Dublin 17 |
901106548 |
44 |
19/10/2012 |
|
Dolphin House Ce Project |
213 Dolphin House, Rialto, Dublin 8 |
741128946 |
31 |
13/04/2012 |
|
Donabate & Swords District Ce |
Unit 2, Broadmeadow Hall, Applewood Village, Swords, Co. Dublin |
841105115 |
37 |
09/11/2012 |
|
Donabate Portrane Comm. Club |
Portrane Road, Donabate, Co. Dublin |
841139170 |
27 |
30/11/2012 |
|
Donnycarney Youth Project Ltd |
Community Employment Scheme, Donnycarney Youth Centre, Collins Avenue East, Donnycarney, Dublin 5 |
901106462 |
17 |
15/06/2012 |
|
Drumcondra Ce Project |
C/O National Council For The Blind, Pv Doyle House, Whitworth Rd., Dublin 9. |
901006247 |
29 |
22/06/2012 |
|
Dublin Adult Learning Centre |
3 Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1 |
741128912 |
25 |
20/04/2012 |
|
Dublin Aids Alliance |
53 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 |
741239373 |
17 |
22/02/2013 |
|
Dublin N.E. Comm. Co-Op Nearfm |
New Civic Centre, Bunratty Road, Dublin 17 |
901139086 |
20 |
21/12/2012 |
|
Dunboyne Area C.E. Co. Ltd. |
Old School House, Main Street, Dunboyne, Co Meath |
841239127 |
37 |
04/01/2013 |
|
Edenmore Drug Intervention Tea |
205 Edenmore Avenue, Raheny, Dublin 5 |
901139167 |
23 |
16/11/2012 |
|
Fatima Groups United |
The Community Centre, 15 The Portacabin, Rubin Street, Dublin 8 |
741028577 |
57 |
06/04/2012 |
|
Focus Housing |
912 High Street, Christchurch, Dublin 8 |
741129095 |
27 |
16/11/2012 |
|
Georges Hill School and Comm Pro |
Macro Resource Centre, 1 Green Street, Georges Hill, Dublin 7 |
741128989 |
18 |
08/06/2012 |
|
Gheel Autism Services |
Gheel Community Employment Ltd, Milltown Road, Dublin 6 |
741129004 |
25 |
22/06/2012 |
|
Gormanstown Area Ce Group |
Gormanstown College, Gormanstown, Co. Meath |
841105071 |
29 |
28/09/2012 |
|
Grangemount Ce Ltd |
Grange Park View, Raheny, Dublin 5 |
901139109 |
30 |
23/11/2012 |
|
Institute Of European Affairs |
Europe House, 8 North Great Georges St., Dublin 1 |
741139097 |
17 |
21/12/2012 |
|
Irish Nat Org Of The Unemployed |
Araby House, 8 North Richmond Street, Dublin 1 |
741239367 |
17 |
25/01/2013 |
|
Jobcare Ltd |
28a Pearse Street, Dublin 2 |
741239348 |
77 |
22/03/2013 |
|
Kilbarrack Coast Comm. Program |
Kilbarrack Community Hall, Greendale Road, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5 |
901139162 |
32 |
23/11/2012 |
|
Little Sisters Of The Poor D.5 |
Sacred Heart Residence, Sybil Hill Road, Raheny, Dublin 5 |
901239379 |
20 |
22/03/2013 |
|
Mercy Family Centre |
South Brown Street, Weaver Square, Dublin 8. |
741139090 |
25 |
16/11/2012 |
|
Moatview/Fairfield Dev. Assoc. |
35a Moatview Ave, Priorswood, Dublin 17 |
901106459 |
29 |
18/05/2012 |
|
Na Bharra Enterprises Ltd |
Naomh Fionnbarra Clg, Fassaugh Avenue, Cabra West, Dublin 7 |
741128991 |
16 |
15/06/2012 |
|
Ncbi Charity Shops |
C/O 73 Thomas Street, Dublin 8 |
901239126 |
26 |
18/01/2013 |
|
Networking Dublin 15 |
Buzzardstown House, Buzzardstown, Dublin 15 |
841105135 |
38 |
23/11/2012 |
|
North Wall Community Dev Proje |
Lower Sherriff Street, North Wall, Dublin 1 |
741239384 |
21 |
01/03/2013 |
|
North West Inner City Train & Dev |
Macro Community Resource Centre, 1 Green St., Dublin 7 |
741128971 |
16 |
15/06/2012 |
|
Gateway Project (Nwicwn) |
42 Manor Street, Dublin 7. |
741129021 |
30 |
15/06/2012 |
|
Northside Ce Network Supp.Serv |
Northside Partnership, Coolock Dev. Centre, Bunratty Drive, Dublin 17 |
901239095 |
22 |
18/01/2013 |
|
N.C.U. Ltd |
Glin Centre, Glin Road, Coolock, Dublin 17 |
901239156 |
62 |
04/01/2013 |
|
Northside Community Childcare |
Committee, C/O Coolock Development Centre, Bunratty Drive, Coolock, Dublin 17 |
901106489 |
51 |
22/06/2012 |
|
Northside Travellers Support |
Priorswood Resource Centre, Clonshaugh Drive, Priorswood, Dublin 17 |
901239099 |
16 |
04/01/2013 |
|
Oblate |
Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8 |
741128733 |
40 |
11/05/2012 |
|
Rehabilitation and Support Prog. |
Yard 1, Belcamp Business Park, Belcamp Lane, Dublin 17 |
901106435 |
29 |
01/06/2012 |
|
Rialto Development Association |
St Andrew’s Community Centre, 468 South Circular Road, Dublin 8 |
741128755 |
27 |
27/04/2012 |
|
Rivervalley Combined Clubs |
St. Finian’s Community Centre, Rivervalley, Swords, Co. Dublin |
841105145 |
28 |
09/11/2012 |
|
Rush and Loughshinny Comb. Clubs |
Unit 2 Executive House, Whitestown Road, Rush, Co. Dublin |
841105109 |
26 |
02/11/2012 |
|
Saol |
58 Amiens Street, Dublin 1 |
741239382 |
20 |
25/01/2013 |
|
Skerries Training Emplo. Prog. |
Skerries Community Centre, Dublin Road, Skerries, Co. Dublin |
841239402 |
36 |
01/02/2013 |
|
Society Of St. Vincent De Paul |
Shops Comm. Of Dublin Region, Dermot Mc Gilloway, 91/92 Sean Mc Dermott St., Dublin 1 |
901239124 |
64 |
25/01/2013 |
|
Sophia Housing Association Ltd |
Mr Eamon Martin, 25 Cork Street, Dublin 8 |
741239423 |
102 |
15/03/2013 |
|
St Anthonys Parish Dev Committ |
St. Laurences Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3 |
901239073 |
22 |
28/12/2012 |
|
St James Resource Centre |
Community Employment Project, 15 Talbot Street, Dublin 1 |
741139192 |
24 |
26/10/2012 |
|
St. Kevin’s Boys Club |
Larkhill Road, Whitehall, Dublin 9 |
901139112 |
34 |
16/11/2012 |
|
St Marys Community Project |
Mount Carmel Secondary School, Bolton Street, Dublin 7 |
741129136 |
20 |
14/09/2012 |
|
St Monica’s Parish Youth Centr |
Tonlegee Road, Raheny, Dublin 5 |
901139101 |
16 |
23/11/2012 |
|
Swords Recreation Develop.Grp. |
44 St Columbas Heights, Swords, Co. Dublin |
841105058 |
33 |
04/05/2012 |
|
T.A.R.G.E.T. |
C/O St. Kevins School, Newbrook Road, Donaghmede, Dublin 13 |
901239383 |
20 |
08/03/2013 |
|
The Cavan Centre |
Kilnacrott, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan |
741239381 |
18 |
22/02/2013 |
|
The Dean Swift Sports Club |
C/O Ms Deidre Smyth(Secretary), N/Side Centre For Unemployed, Glin Centre, Glin Road, Dublin 17 |
901139100 |
18 |
30/11/2012 |
|
The Sunflower Recycling Proj.L |
Shamrock Terrace, North Strand, Dublin 1 |
741139092 |
47 |
16/11/2012 |
|
The Valley C.E. Committee |
C/O National Learning Network, Balheary Industrial Estate, Swords, Co. Dublin |
841105068 |
33 |
18/05/2012 |
|
Threshold Ltd |
21 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 |
741028644 |
16 |
27/04/2012 |
|
Carmelite Fathers |
C/O Scoil Eanna, Whitefriar Street, Dublin 8. |
741129103 |
44 |
09/11/2012 |
|
City Of Dublin V.E.C. |
Town Hall, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 |
741129165 |
26 |
26/10/2012 |
|
Fountain Resource Group |
The Presbytery, James Street, Dublin 8 |
741128905 |
18 |
18/05/2012 |
|
Fountain Resource Group |
The Presbytery, James Street, Dublin 8 |
741129181 |
28 |
20/07/2012 |
|
Northside Partnership |
Unit 5/7, Clonshaugh Business and Tech Pk, Clonshaugh, Dublin 17 |
901106498 |
36 |
25/05/2012 |
|
Ring Commons Sports Centre |
Ring Commons, Naul, Co. Dublin |
841239079 |
36 |
04/01/2013 |
|
Sandymount Community Services |
Ringsend and Irishtown Community, Centre, Thorncastle Street, Dublin 4 |
741129089 |
28 |
18/05/2012 |
|
Age Action Ireland Ltd |
30-31 Lr Camden Street, Dublin 2 |
741229129 |
42 |
09/11/2012 |
|
Down To Earth Theatre Co |
Ground Floor Block 3, Waverley Office Park, Old Naas Road, Dublin 12 |
741139103 |
16 |
21/12/2012 |
|
Dublin Central Emp.Action Grp. |
57/58 North Strand Road, Dublin 3 |
741129113 |
61 |
12/10/2012 |
|
Dublin Simon Community |
P.O. Box 581, Dublin 1 |
741128938 |
25 |
13/07/2012 |
|
Irish Wheelchair Assoc D.2 |
1-7 Heytesbury Street, Dublin 8 |
741128964 |
16 |
15/06/2012 |
|
K.L.E.A.R. |
St Mary’s National School, Swansnest Road, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5 |
901139084 |
32 |
21/12/2012 |
|
Merchant Quay Project |
4 Merchants Quay, Dublin 8 |
741239158 |
87 |
28/12/2012 |
|
Pavee Point |
46 North Great Charles Street, Dublin 1 |
741139143 |
15 |
07/12/2012 |
|
St. Andrews Resource Centre |
114-116 Pearse St., Dublin 2 |
741239117 |
96 |
22/03/2013 |
|
The Community Links Project |
Oblate - Basketball Arena, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8 |
741239093 |
46 |
28/12/2012 |
|
Irish Wheelchair Assoc D.3 |
Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3 |
901106515 |
16 |
20/07/2012 |
|
Irish Wheelchair Assoc D.3 |
Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3. |
901139155 |
20 |
23/11/2012 |
|
Irish Wheelchair Assoc D.3 |
Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3. |
901239376 |
16 |
15/03/2013 |
|
Tromcheile Ltd |
C/O Coolock Development Centre, Bunratty Drive, Coolock, Dublin 17 |
901239125 |
41 |
11/01/2013 |
|
Exchange House Travellers Serv |
Cathleen Mcdonagh, Exchange Hse Traveller Serv, 61 Great Strand St., Dublin 1 |
741239233 |
25 |
22/03/2013 |
|
Parslickstown House Mgmt Ltd |
Parslickstown House, Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 |
841105126 |
28 |
09/11/2012 |
|
Lourdes Ltd Ce Scheme |
Lycs, Lr Sean Mcdermott Street, Dublin1 |
741129075 |
33 |
28/12/2012 |
|
Baldoyle Ce Services Ltd |
Unit 4 Badminton Centre, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Baldoyle, Dublin 13 |
901139134 |
20 |
23/11/2012 |
|
East Wall C.E Sean O Casey |
St. Marys Road, East Wall, Dublin 3 |
741239377 |
19 |
08/03/2013 |
|
North Dublin Schoolboys/Girls |
Oscar Traynor Road, Coolock, Dublin 17 |
841105095 |
19 |
17/08/2012 |
694 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is not permitted to apply for a community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19527/12]
Since April 2000, there are capped limits on the amount of time that a person aged over 55 can participate on Community Employment (CE) — 6 years in total. The capping was introduced to facilitate the movement of participants though the programme, allowing new participants who may not otherwise have such an opportunity, to avail of the programme.
The person referred to has completed his maximum period of participation of 6 years on the programme and, unfortunately, cannot avail of further participation time on a CE project.
However, he should be advised to contact his local Employment Services Office, Main Street, Newbridge where staff will be pleased to discuss other possible training and employment options available to him.
695 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Laois has not had their application for the carer’s allowance finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19529/12]
The person concerned 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 4 October 2011, he was notified of this decision. He subsequently appealed the decision and submitted further medical evidence in support of his appeal. This information has been forwarded to the medical assessor for further consideration and, upon receipt of the opinion of the medical assessor, a deciding officer will review the original decision to refuse carer's allowance. The outcome of this review is due shortly.
696 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an appeal for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19534/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 15th February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
697 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of State companies who have used overseas companies for printing work in the following years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he is satisfied that this is an appropriate use of State resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19748/12]
All printing contracts placed with companies by my Department are awarded following competitive processes, which are carried out in accordance with Government procurement guidelines and in line with the relevant EU procurement policies. During the period in question, no printing contracts were placed with companies outside the Republic of Ireland.
698 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there is any type of heritage funding or grant aid assistance available for the protection and preservation of buildings such as the listed building on Valentia Island, County Kerry, which is of national importance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17740/12]
As the Deputy may be aware, the scope to provide grants for the protection of our built heritage is constrained by the significant reduction in the public finances. However, my Department will continue to provide funding for the protection, conservation and development of our built heritage, insofar as resources allow.
In 2012, my Department is providing €500,000 through a "Structures at Risk Fund" to assist with works to safeguard structures, both in private and civic ownership, protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011. This funding is focused primarily on those protected structures most at risk. The fund will be administered by local authorities and my Department has recently notified each City and County authority of the details of the scheme for 2012.
The buildings to which the Deputy refers are not yet included on the Record of Protected Structures for County Kerry although I understand that the planning authority intends adding them to the Record. In light of same, these buildings are not currently eligible for consideration under the Fund.
The Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department, also administers a number of conservation grants schemes which provide assistance for conservation of the built heritage. I understand that the buildings in question received some funding from Council in 2007 for works to the roof. However, as I understand matters, the closing dates for applications under these schemes for 2012 have now passed.
699 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that the five year contract of the chief executive of Culture Ireland expires in April 2012, if the position will be re-advertised. [17773/12]
700 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the vital importance of Culture Ireland to the promotion and protection of Irish culture throughout the world, the steps he will take to ensure the continued success of Culture Ireland. [17774/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 699 and 700 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government, as part of its Public Service Reform Plan, recently announced a radical streamlining of State bodies, including in respect of certain bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group. This includes decisions to combine or merge a number of such bodies. In addition, decisions have been taken to critically review, by June 2012, the streamlining and shared services agenda in respect of a number of other bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, including in relation to the merging of the functions of Culture Ireland into my Department. More details in this regard can be accessed on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform website at www.per.gov.ie.
The Deputy will be aware that it is recognised, most recently at the Global Irish Economic Forum last October, that arts and culture are Ireland's global calling card and one of our world-class, distinctive strengths as a nation. The international promotion of Irish arts through Culture Ireland has made a significant impact — especially in the US last year with the Imagine Ireland programme — in restoring our global reputation at a critical time and expanding international markets and audiences for Irish artists. Equally, in the coming years, the promotion of Irish cultural and creative excellence in Europe and in key growth markets, such as China, offers vital opportunities for the country, working in tandem with the promotion of trade, investment, tourism, food and science. In particular, our EU Presidency in 2013 will present a platform to strengthen our cultural links with key European partners, such as Germany and France.
I am committed to ensuring that we will be able to continue to deliver the functions of Culture Ireland effectively in the future. The critical review requested by the Government is already under way in my Department and I expect to be in a position shortly to take definitive decisions on the matter. Decisions in relation to the future management structure will be finalised at that stage. In relation to the position of the Chief Executive of Culture Ireland, this issue is currently being examined by my Department.
701 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that planning permission has been granted for the construction of terminal buildings and associated works at Clifden and Inishbofin airstrips, when he expect work to commence on both these projects and when he anticipates that the airstrips will be open for use to the public. [18284/12]
My Department has retained consultants to undertake the next step in the process of developing terminal buildings at the airstrips on Inishbofin Island and at Cleggan in Co. Galway. This includes the detailed design and costing for the project. It is envisaged that this stage will be completed shortly.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would be premature to address the issue of air services until the processes relating to the terminal buildings have been brought to a conclusion.
702 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the canal system under Waterways Ireland; the plans the agency has for the development of the canals; the number of lock keepers in the system; if there are any vacancies; if so, when same will be filled and the mechanism that will be adopted to do so; if the agency has any plans to refurbish existing systems that are not in use at present; if the agency has any plans to increase the number of berthings on the canals and if so, in which areas; if the traffic on the canals has shown a percentage increase over each year for the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18431/12]
Since its formation in 1999, Waterways Ireland has continued to upgrade the facilities on the canals through the capital allocations under the National Development Plans. The canals system has benefited extremely well during that time, particularly with the number of additional mooring and landing spaces that have been made available. The provision of further mooring space will be dependent on available finance and priorities over the coming years.
My Department's 2012 capital allocation for Waterways Ireland is €4.5m. This will facilitate continued investment in the development and restoration of the inland waterways. The main thrust of the refurbishment of the waterways over the next few years will be focused on the re-opening of the Ulster Canal from Upper Lough Erne to Clones. However, Waterways Ireland is also undertaking feasibility studies on the Kilbeggan Branch of the Grand Canal and on the Longford Branch of the Royal Canal. These are due to be completed by the end of 2013.
I am informed by Waterways Ireland that there are 20 lock keepers employed at present on the Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation. A number of staff have retired recently and decisions on their replacement will be taken having regard to the business needs of the organisation. I understand that Waterways Ireland is not planning to recruit lock keepers at this time. Any posts filled will be either by internal transfer or external recruitment, depending on the particular circumstances.
I am informed that boat traffic numbers on the Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation have remained fairly constant over 2009 and 2010. In 2011 the numbers increased by 30% following the re-opening of the Royal Canal and the fact that access was available to the Tall Ships event in Waterford.
703 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will honour his undertaking under Preservation Order No1 of 2007 to protect and preserve the National Monument at 14-17 Moore Street, Dublin, in its entirety as designated and in compliance with the principles contained in The Venice Charter for conservation and restoration of monuments and sites. [19447/12]
704 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will commission an independent battlefield site assessment of the GPO/Moore Street area of Dublin. [19448/12]
705 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will consider preserving and protecting the Moore Street terrace buildings, streets and laneways, linked to the 1916 Rising; and if he will consider developing a 1916 cultural and historical quarter in that area of Dublin. [19449/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 703 to 705, inclusive, together.
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.
Any wider plans for the development of the Moore Street area would be a matter for the relevant landowners and the development authority, Dublin City Council.
706 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the support he will provide to the Little Museum of Dublin in 2012 in view of its importance to the history, culture and tourism of the city and if he has decided not to provide any support, his reasons for same. [17661/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that a request for support has been received from the Little Museum of Dublin and is currently being examined by officials within my Department. This examination will have to have due regard to the availability of resources and the many competing demands for such resources.
707 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding is available to catalogue the 1926 Census returns on-line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18330/12]
My Department is currently addressing the administrative and legal issues involved in the 1926 Census project. When these matters have been resolved, the question of the potential funding methodologies will be addressed.
708 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding a storage matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18364/12]
I understand that some of the lesser items in the collection referred to by the Deputy were sold at a public auction held in 2000, while the more important heritage items were retained for future display. These valuable items, a catalogue of which is retained by my Department, have been held in secure storage and it is planned that they will be subject to display in due course in the context of the restoration works being carried out at the location referred to by the Deputy.
709 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of written Parliamentary Questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicted that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18590/12]
I am advised that the records from the Parliamentary Question computer interface used in my Department indicate that there were 286 replies, including composite responses, issued between 1 January and 31 March 2012. Of these, 20 replies related to Questions where 'details supplied' were included that appeared to pertain to personal matters. In 18 of those cases, replies were issued in the normal way to the Deputy concerned, while in the remaining 2 cases the relevant information was sent directly to the Deputy.
I understand that in the case of three other Parliamentary Questions put down during this period, replies issued indicating that the relevant information would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned.
710 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide, in tabular form, the names and salaries of all his special advisors including special advisors of Ministers of State; any salary increases they have received since they took office [18632/12]
711 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide, in tabular form, details of all salary increases for special advisors requested by him or any Ministers of State in his Department; the names of the advisors and the amount requested; a list of salary increases granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18649/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 710 and 711 together.
Details in relation to special advisors appointed to my office are set out in the table. No special advisors have been appointed in the case of the Minister of State at my Department.
|
Name |
Employment dates |
Remuneration |
|
Mr. Seán Mac Cárthaigh |
10 March 2011-5 March 2102 |
€83,512* |
|
Mr. James Kenny |
7 June 2011 to date |
€38,215** |
|
Mr. Damien Garvey |
2 April 2012 to date |
€80,051 |
*Arts Council salary while on loan, pending finalisation of contract arrangements
**Salary of €80,051 abated as Mr. Kenny is in receipt of a public service pension.
712 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist aige scéim tithe na Gaeltachta a athoscailt; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18663/12]
Mar is eol don Teachta, cuireadh an Scéim Tithíochta faoi Achtanna na dTithe (Gaeltachta) 1929-2001 ar fionraí ar an 7 Aibreán 2009. Cé go bhfuiltear ag próiseáil nan-iarratas ar fad a bhí ceadaithe nó faighte ag mo Roinn sular cuireadh an scéim ar fionraí, níl i gceist an scéim a athoscailt faoi láthair. Beidh aon chinneadh a thógfar amach anseo i leith na scéime le déanamh i gcomhthéacs na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge agus faoi réir pé acmhainní a bheidh ar fáil.
713 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline in respect of a contract (details supplied) the specific requirements on the owner to provide the service; the location at which the vessel is based; the measurements and dimensions of the vessel; if a stand-by vessel is available and if so, its location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18733/12]
My Department has awarded a contract to provide the service referred to by the Deputy for the three year period from 1 December 2011 to 30 November 2014. The service provides for two scheduled sailings per day, five days per week from 1 April to 31 October and three days per week from 1 November to 31 March.
The vessel nominated for the service has a passenger licence for 12 passengers, its LOA (length overall) is 11.57m and its beam is 3.6m. It is based at Colla Pier in Co. Cork. The service provider has nominated a back-up vessel which is only used in the event that the main boat is unavailable. It is not a requirement for the service provider to moor the back-up vessel in a specific location.
714 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by his Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18882/12]
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 the payments made to the various mobile telephone companies used by my Department from June 2011 to date are shown in the table:
|
Company |
Cost |
|
Vodafone Ireland Ltd |
€92,912.87 |
|
Telecom Ltd |
€726.00 |
|
Telfonica O2 Ireland Ltd |
€412.68 |
|
Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd |
€200.34 |
|
North West Electronics |
€69.00 |
Following a tendering exercise conducted in 2009 under the Mobile Voice and Data Services Framework established by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in conjunction with the Government Networks Programme Board, the former Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport awarded Vodafone Ireland Ltd the contract to supply mobile telephony services. Expenditure relating to other companies listed in the table arose due to legacy contracts in place following the amalgamation of functions from the former Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the former Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.
715 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a person (details supplied) will have engagement from his Department regarding alternatives on foot of the ban on turf cutting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18903/12]
I am advised that an official from my Department was in contact with the individual referred to in the Deputy's Question on 10 April last, by telephone and e-mail, with a suggestion as to how he might proceed in the matter.
716 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will detail the current location of the bell and the wheel of the Asgard II which were recovered from the sunken ship and which are now in the possession of the State; if he will examine the feasibility of locating these objects in Arklow, County Wicklow where they originated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18927/12]
I am advised by the National Museum of Ireland that the wheel, compass and binnacle (the stand for housing navigational instruments) salvaged from the Asgard II are in its possession having been transferred from the Department of Defence to the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks in February 2012. These objects can be made available for display should a suitable location for their exhibition become available, such that fulfils the National Museum of Ireland's standard loan conditions. Full details of these loan conditions are available on the Museum's website www.museum.ie. The Museum also advises that the whereabouts of the bell from the Asgard II are not known.
717 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made, if any, to progress a proposed natural heritage area (details supplied) in County Cork to full heritage status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18996/12]
718 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there are any restrictions to proposed developments in the vicinity of a proposed natural heritage area (details supplied) in County Cork; if so, if he will provide details of any such restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18997/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 717 and 718 together.
I am advised that the area referred to by the Deputy, while not designated formally as a Natural Heritage Area under the Wildlife Acts, is within a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), designated in accordance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. Therefore, the impact of any proposed development on these sites must be considered by the relevant consent authority under the provisions of Part XAB of the Planning and Development Acts, for planning consents, and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, for other consents. There is also a requirement for my consent, as Minister, for the undertaking of certain activities within or affecting such sites within the SPA and SAC. I am arranging for details of these activities to be forwarded for the Deputy's information.
719 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with regard to the EU media programme for the European audio visual industry, the number of projects that are running here; the location of same and their categories; the number employed on these projects; the total amount in funding that has been secured from the EU for same; the projected amount of Euro funding that he hopes to secure during the life of the programme; and the reason there has been no information to community based groups regarding the creative economy programme. [19086/12]
720 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with regard to the EU culture programme support programme for organisations working in the field of culture, the numbers of projects that are running here; the location of same and their categories; the numbers employed on the projects; the total amount in funding that has been secured from the EU for same; the projected amount of Euro funding that he hopes to secure during the life of the programme; and the reason there has been no information to community based groups regarding the creative economy programme. [19087/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 719 and 720 together.
As I have mentioned in a reply to a similar Question from the Deputy on this matter, there are two EU programmes operating in the areas for which I have responsibility:
1. The Media Programme is the EU support programme for the European audiovisual industry and details, including the operation of the programme, are available at www.mediadeskireland.ie; and
2. The Culture Programme is the EU support programme for organisations working in the field of culture and details, including the operation of the programme, are available at www.ccp.ie.
It is not possible to estimate how much any country will receive from the two programmes. Periodically, there are calls for proposals from the European Commission seeking applications for support under the programmes. The applications are then assessed by an independent body, the Executive Agency for Education, Audiovisual and Culture (EACEA). The decisions on what support is provided are based on the merits of the applications: there is no quota for each country or no amount allocated to each country.
Discussions are currently underway between the Member States and the European Commission on a new framework programme for the cultural and creative sectors. This will run from 2014 to 2020 and be called the Creative Europe Programme. It includes a proposal to amalgamate the current Culture and MEDIA programmes under a common framework and create an entirely new facility to improve access to finance. A budget of some €1,800 million is mooted for the new programme but it is not finalised yet. Once the new programme is finalised, details of how to seek funding from the programme will be made available through appropriate information outlets.
721 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by his Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19168/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department, as currently configured, was established on 2 June 2011 and therefore the available information is being provided from that date.
I am advised that no consultancy contracts were entered into in 2011. Relevant details in respect of the first quarter of 2012 are set out in the table below. It may be noted that contracts for the provision of services have not been included:
|
Date of award of consultancy |
Name of consultant |
Contract cost |
|
3 January 2012 |
Bonnar Kennlyside |
€9,000 (plus €900 expenses) |
722 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide details of the groups in County Donegal whose funding was cut by the Arts Council; and if he will outline the amount their funding has been cut over the past five years. [19441/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the Arts Council is a statutory body under the Arts Act 2003 and is funded by my Department via a grant-in-aid. Under that Act, the Council is independent in its funding decisions and I, as Minister, am precluded from any involvement, either in decisions regarding which organisations it funds, or the amount of any such funding.
Details of the Arts Council's funding decisions are, however, available on its website at www.artscouncil.ie, as are the criteria for applications and the names of the decision-making panels. Details of successful applications in respect of the years 2009 and 2010 are available in the Council’s Annual Reports for those years, which are also available online.
While the Council's 2012 allocation of €63.241 million represented some reduction on its 2011 allocation, I am confident that this funding will allow it to maximise its continuing support for the arts.
723 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive their agreed payment for the sale of turbary rights; the reason for the delay in issuing payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19524/12]
The individual referred to in the Deputy's Question has applied to sell his interest in land in a raised bog special area of conservation under the voluntary bog purchase scheme, which is administered by my Department. A letter of offer for the purchase of the land had issued from my Department. The contracts for sale have been received from the solicitor acting for the vendor. However, the contracts require amendment and they have been returned to the Chief State Solicitor's Office who will contact the vendor's solicitor to arrange same. Once the amended contracts have been returned it is expected that the sale can then be finalised.
724 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a voluntary organisation (details supplied) is eligible for any funding or financial grant from his Department or from any funding organisation supported by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19533/12]
My Department does not provide grants to performing arts practitioners. Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the State. As Minister, I cannot intervene in the Council's funding decisions, as it is statutorily independent in the exercise of that function under the Arts Act 2003.
725 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of State companies who have used overseas companies for printing work in the following years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he is satisfied that this is an appropriate use of State resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19740/12]
I assume from the context of the Question that the Deputy is referring to commercial State companies. The position is that there are no such companies under the aegis of my Department.
726 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his target for the number of electric vehicles on Irish roads by 2020 are realistic and should these be reviewed to more realistic and achievable targets. [18149/12]
740 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the current situation in relation to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant scheme for the purchase of electric vehicles; the uptake in 2011; if the scheme will be in place for 2013; if he intends to realise the full amount of the grant before its expiration by way of targeted investment in promoting use of electric vehicles. [18150/12]
741 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will amend the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant scheme to include L7e’s and quadricycles identical to M1 electric cars in view of the high number of electric vehicles of this type and industry plans to introduce more. [18152/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 726, 740 and 741 together.
The EU Renewable Energy Directive places a legal obligation on all Member states that by 2020 10% of energy in the transport sector must come from renewable energy sources. Ireland intends to meet the requirement through a combination of the biofuel obligation scheme and an ambition that 10% of all vehicles will be powered by electricity by 2020. Though very challenging, I believe that this target can be achieved although it will be critically dependent on the success of car manufacturers in bringing to market a range of competitively priced electrical vehicles as well as delivery of the necessary underpinning infrastructure. It is estimated that replacement of 10% of cars, vans and buses in Ireland with currently available models of hybrid and battery electric vehicles could reduce national CO2 emissions by 0.35 million tonnes annually.
The objective of the EV Grant Scheme is to incentivise and support, through grants of up to €5,000, the early deployment of electric and other low emission vehicles in Ireland in order to provide an early critical mass of such vehicles and to encourage the growth of a stable and robust market for these vehicles.
In 2011, 42 grants were paid by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under the scheme. An allocation of 1.5 million euro has been provided for 2012 and SEAI expects that the number of applications will increase as car manufacturers increase the range of electric vehicles available to the market. Any decision in relation to the continuation of the scheme into 2013 will be a matter for consideration in the context of Budget 2013.
Under the scheme, vehicles which meet the following criteria are eligible for support:
Vehicle Type: Passenger vehicle must meet the M1 classification as defined under the European Whole Type Approval Process
Safety: Vehicle must meet European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) rating of at least 3 stars
Speed: Must achieve 100kph on a level surface
Tailpipe CO2 Emissions: < 75g/km
Vehicle Warranty (including battery): 3 years or 100,000km
There are no plans to alter these criteria.
727 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure that an application for the warmer homes scheme will be processed as soon as possible in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19074/12]
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Better Energy Programme. The scheme is delivered through a range of Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage.
My Department is informed by the SEAI that there is no record of the applicant in question on the national database. The application has now been added to the database and will be assessed in turn. Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for the SEAI and a dedicated hot line can be reached at 1800 250 204. In addition, the SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, which can be sent to oireachtas@seai.ie and will be dealt with promptly.
728 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will prioritise a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath for provision of broadband under the schools 100 MBs project. [17614/12]
All post-primary schools will have a 100Mbps broadband connection installed by the end of 2014 in a project jointly funded by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) and the Department of Education and Skills (DES). The selection of schools for connection during 2012 was undertaken by a Steering Committee, established to oversee the implementation of the project and containing members from DCENR, DES, and HEAnet.
I am pleased to inform you that all post-primary schools in County Westmeath, including Castlepollard Community College, are scheduled to have their enhanced broadband connection installed by October 2012.
729 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on reports of a possible ending of the longwave RTE radio service; if he has been briefed by RTE on this matter; his views on whether it will have a negative effect on, for example, some emigrant communities in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17699/12]
RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in Section 114 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.
Section 98 provides that the company shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act, and as such I, as Minister, have no function in the management of RTÉ's day to day affairs, including decisions on how and on which platforms it wishes to transmit its radio service.
730 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Community Media Forum Europe and AMARC Europe the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters have made a submission to European Commissioner for the Digital Agenda Ms Neelie Kroes in terms of the concerns of community radio broadcasters in the context of the adoption of a single standard in digital radio; if the concerns of community radio broadcasters here are being addressed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17700/12]
731 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on the adoption of the DAB digital radio system in terms of the cost of its rollout; the new infrastructure needed and its advantages in comparison with other systems such as DRM; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17701/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 730 and 731 together.
The Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the development of digital radio in Ireland.
This Act provides RTÉ with the role of establishing and operating a multiplex for the purposes of providing a digital sound broadcasting service. It gives the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) responsibility for licensing spectrum in respect of digital sound broadcasting services and the primary responsibility for ensuring the development of commercial and community digital radio services rests with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI).
In relation to RTÉ, I can confirm that the public service broadcaster has already put in place the necessary infrastructure for the provision of digital sound broadcasting services and has been operating a DAB radio multiplex since 2010. RTÉ currently provides a range of digital radio services by means of this network, comprising RTÉ 1, 2fm, Lyric FM, Raidió na Gaeltachta, RTÉ Gold, RTÉ 2XM, RTÉ Choice, RTÉ Junior (which becomes RTÉ Chill at night time), RTÉ Pulse, and RTÉ Radio 1 Extra (which carries the Longwave content).
In terms of the broader development of digital radio in Ireland, the BAI Strategy Statement for 2011-2013 offers an outline of what will be achieved by the BAI, taking into account its specific objectives, together with a range of other duties set out in the Broadcasting Act and in its broader work schedule.
In this regard, I can confirm that the BAI has included an objective to examine the desirability or, and potential for, digital sound broadcasting and it is anticipated that a programme of work in this regard will be considered in 2013.
In regard to the concerns of the community radio sector, the Deputy should be aware that section 26(3) of the Act imposes a direct obligation on the BAI to consider the needs of community broadcasters in respect of digital broadcasting and I am confident that the Authority will meet its obligations in this regard when undertaking the programme of work identified in its Strategy.
732 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will deal with a matter (details supplied) regarding a national postal code system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17827/12]
A procurement process for a national postcode system is currently under way.
The process began on 17 January 2011 with the publication of a pre-qualification questionnaire on the e-tenders website www.etenders.gov.ie for the appointment of a postcode management licence holder. Since then intensive work has taken place on what is an extremely complex national project.
The final decision on whether to proceed with the implementation of a national postcode will be one for Government and will be based on appropriate financial, technical and operational considerations. This decision will be made later this year.
733 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on the availability of biofuels for motorists across the country; if he has any plans to encourage the availability of biofuels in view of the soaring price of fossil fuels: the percentage of fuel consumption here for transport purposes that is comprised of biofuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17832/12]
The Statutory Biofuel Obligation Scheme was introduced in July 2010 to underpin delivery of the mandatory EU target of 10% renewable energy in transport by 2020. The obligation currently requires that the amount of biofuel brought to the market is not less than 4.166% of the relevant disposal of petroleum road transport fuels.
In 2011, the total amount of petroleum motor fuel placed on the market was 4,276 million litres of which 145 million litres or 3.39% were biofuel. Taking into account the double certificates issued for biofuel produced from wastes a total of 194 million biofuel certificates were issued in 2011 which equates to 4.54% of relevant disposals during the year.
My Department will be undertaking consultations shortly on the options for increasing the Biofuels Obligation from 2013 taking into account of all relevant factors, including developments in the Irish market and in the UK and other EU markets as well as sustainability considerations. The Obligation is designed to promote the sustainable growth of the Irish biofuels market thus supporting the growth of sustainable indigenous production of biofuels.
734 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is a provision under the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act of 1960, to enable the compulsory purchase of land to facilitate the onshore extraction of gas; the bodies or persons on which these powers are conferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17873/12]
Section 23 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960, as amended, provides a power for the compulsory acquisition of land and ancillary rights by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Specifically, Section 23 provides that whenever the Minister is of the opinion that it is necessary for the efficient or convenient exploitation of petroleum (which includes gas) to acquire any land, or any ancillary right, the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, may by order compulsorily acquire, either permanently or temporarily, such land or such ancillary right.
Section 24 of the Act sets out the process with which the Minister must comply should he seek to exercise the power conferred on him by Section 23 of the Act and Sections 25 and 28 of the Act address the question of compensation.
735 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will detail the annual and multi-annual objectives which form the basis of An Post’s performance related payment scheme applicable to the chief executive officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17882/12]
The setting of annual and multi-annual objectives applicable to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is an operational matter for the Board of An Post and not one in which I have a function. I am informed by An Post that the CEO has waived his right to 25% of his performance related pay since 2008. A further 10% relating to multi annual objectives has not been paid since the date of the CEO's appointment on 14 August 2006.
736 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will initiate a public inquiry into the licences awarded for offshore oil and gas exploration under the tenure of former Minister Ray Burke; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17999/12]
I do not intend to initiate a public inquiry into licences awarded for offshore oil and gas exploration by the former Minister mentioned. For the information of the House, none of the petroleum exploration authorisations awarded during the period in question led to a discovery of oil or gas and all of these exploration authorisations have long since expired.
737 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the study commissioned by his Department in 2009 which recommended the laying of fibre optic cable between Monaghan, Cavan and Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, to enhance the provision of high speed telecommunications infrastructure in the border region. [18023/12]
A study was carried out in 2009 on behalf of my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) in Northern Ireland to consider a possible cross border telecoms link in the Cavan/Monaghan/Fermanagh area under the North-South Interreg IVA cooperation programme. The study identified that further connectivity between Monaghan, Cavan and Enniskillen would be suitable for Interreg funding, but the match (non-EU) funding required to carry out a further cross border telecoms project has not, however, been available. Both Departments have already funded the Kelvin international connectivity project, which was a major cross border telecoms project under the North-South Interreg IVA cooperation programme. The Kelvin project has brought international connectivity to counties Derry, Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Armagh, Monaghan and Louth.
738 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the process whereby a retail outlet may acquire a franchise to operate a post office; the number of franchises granted in 2011; the number likely to be granted in 2012; the criteria used in selecting the location of a post office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18060/12]
Issues relating to the post office network, including the granting of a franchise to a retail outlet for the operation of a post office, are an operational matter for the management and Board of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function.
739 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of homes in County Kerry that have benefitted under the warmer homes scheme in 2010 and 2011; his plans to extend the scheme into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18117/12]
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Better Energy Programme. The Warmer Homes scheme is delivered through a range of Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage.
The SEAI advises that 762 homes in County Kerry were supported in 2010 and 587 in 2011. The waiting list comprises 10,729 homes nationally as of 31 March 2012.
2012 marks a shift in emphasis on the Better Energy: Warmer Homes scheme to take account of the Government's Affordable Energy Strategy. Heretofore, applicants were considered eligible for retrofit measures if they met defined criteria, such as eligibility for the National Fuel Scheme. All successful applicants were placed on a waiting list and addressed in rotation. The focus in 2012 is shifting to addressing those households identified as being in extreme energy poverty as a priority. Such households typically spend over 20% of their disposable income on energy services. This approach will ensure that those most in need receive the benefit of energy efficiency measures first.
742 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some employers are now requesting access to potential employees’ facebook sites; his views on whether this is a breach of privacy and if so, the measures he will take to prevent abuse of this activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18192/12]
This is not a matter in which I have a function. Matters relating to privacy and data protection are appropriate to the Minister for Justice and Equality.
743 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the guaranteed feed in tariff for renewable electricity production; the guaranteed tariff payable to micro energy producers; the maximum capacity that qualifies as micro production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18263/12]
The Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff scheme known as REFIT offers minimum guaranteed prices for up to 15 years to generators accepted under the terms and conditions into the REFIT schemes that enter a Power Purchase Agreement with licensed suppliers. Below are a list of the current REFIT categories and rates along with the 2012 REFIT reference prices per MWh.
The categories for REFIT 3 (Biomass Technologies) are as follows:
i. Anaerobic Digestion (AD) CHP (Combined heat and power) (units less than or equal to 500 kWe)
ii. AD CHP (units of greater than 500 kWe)
iii. AD (non CHP) (less than or equal to 500 kWe)
iv. AD (non CHP) (units of greater than 500 kWe)
v. Biomass CHP (units less than or equal to 1500kWe)
vi. Biomass CHP (units of greater than 1500kWe)
vii. Biomass Combustion (non-CHP): In the case of category vii, there are two sub-categories, one for using energy crops and one for all other biomass.
The following are the REFIT 3 reference prices for the Biomass Technology categories above:
|
Biomass Combustion |
Biomass Combustion — Energy Crops |
Large Biomass CHP |
Small Biomass CHP |
Large AD Non CHP |
Small AD Non CHP |
Large AD CHP |
Small AD CHP |
|
87.21 |
97.47 |
123.12 |
143.64 |
102.6 |
112.86 |
133.38 |
153.9 |
|
(Onshore wind, small hydro and landfill gas) |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year |
Large Wind (€s MW/h) |
Small Wind = 5MW (€s MW/h) |
Hydro =5MW (€s MW/h) |
Biomass Landfill Gas (€s MW/h) |
Other Biomass (€s MW/h) (REFIT 1 only) |
|
2012 |
68.078 |
70.467 |
85.993 |
83.604 |
85.993 |
There is no minimum size of plant that can qualify for the REFIT scheme. In the REFIT 3 scheme for biomass technologies, higher reference prices are offered for those new renewable electricity generating plants in the Anaerobic Digestion category that are less than half a megawatt and for those new biomass CHP (combined heat and power) units that are less than one and a half megawatts.
The hydro category in REFIT 1 (scheme now closed to new applicants) and REFIT 2 is limited to new renewable generating units of less than 5MW while the small wind category is limited to those new windfarms of less than 5MW and a higher rate is payable than for those in the large wind category. There are several small hydro units of less than 1MW in the REFIT 1 scheme, as well as a number of landfill gas units that are also less than 1MW.
Electric Ireland, on a commercial basis, offers a feed in tariff for domestic micro-generators under certain conditions and it recently extended its micro-generation payment of (9 cent / kWh) by a further year to 31st December 2012. The terms and conditions of the Electric Ireland scheme are available on the Electric Ireland website. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) initiated a pilot micro-generation scheme in 2009 and has been monitoring the 42 installations in that scheme in order to provide information and advice in this area.
The Programme for Government states that a feed-in tariff will be provided for micro-generators wishing to produce electricity for their own homes, farms and businesses and that they will be facilitated to sell surplus electricity to the grid while the tariff should not be significantly above single energy market price for electricity. My Department and the SEAI are finalising analysis on the most cost effective options which could be considered for supporting the micro-generation sector, having regard to the costs and benefits for all energy consumers.
744 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of written Parliamentary Questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicted that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18592/12]
My Department has answered 327 Written Parliamentary Questions from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012. Details of all Parliamentary Questions are available on the website of the Houses of the Oireachtas, and they are therefore already a matter of public record. It is not possible to provide the detailed information requested in the timeframe allowed but my Department will provide it directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
745 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide, in tabular form, the names and salaries of all his special advisors including special advisors of Ministers of State; any salary increases they have received since they took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18634/12]
746 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide, in tabular form, details of all salary increases for special advisors requested by him or any Ministers of State in his Department; the names of the advisors and the amount requested; a list of salary increases granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18651/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 745 and 746 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined as follows:
|
Name |
Post |
Date of Appointment |
Salary on appointment |
Increase |
|
Finbarr O’Malley |
Special Adviser to Minister |
28 March 2011 |
€83,337 (2nd point Principal Officer Standard Scale) |
€86,604 (3rd point Principal Officer Standard Scale) |
|
Simon Nugent |
Special Adviser to Minister |
11 April 2011 |
€97,200 |
None |
Mr O'Malley was awarded an increment on the Principal Officer Standard pay scale with effect from 28 March 2012, following one year's satisfactory performance in the post, in line with the terms of his appointment. As Mr Nugent's salary is not linked to a pay scale the awarding of increments does not apply in his case.
The starting salary for both Advisors was approved by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I have not requested any salary increase for my Special Advisers since their appointment.
The Minister of State at my Department has not appointed a Special Adviser.
747 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of eel dealer licences issued by his Department in 2010 and 2011; and the names of successful and unsuccessful applicants. [18701/12]
748 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide the tonnage of eels imported into the State in 2009, 2010 and 2011. [18702/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 747 and 748 together.
There were no eel dealer licences issued in 2010 and 2011.
I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland that a small number of kilogrammes were purchased from the Lough Neagh Fishery in Northern Ireland in 2011 and imported into the State for processing. Since the commercial eel fishery was closed in 2009 no other imports have occurred.
749 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of trap and truck licences issued by his Department in 2009, 2010 and 2011; and the names of successful and unsuccessful applicants. [18703/12]
750 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of the trap and truck operation in 2009, 2010 and 2011; if his Department provides the funding; the reason eels need to be transported when they can swim themselves for millions of years; if eel fishery remains closed, the reason there is a need for such licences in an age of value for money. [18704/12]
751 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is possible for a person to obtain a trap and truck licence and eel dealers licence under current regulations and is the EU aware of the arrangement; his views on whether this system is unnecessary and possibly open to abuse; and the person who has the supervisory role if any. [18705/12]
752 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the list of available scientific evidence that requires trap and truck approach to the natural migration and movement of eels. [18706/12]
753 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, under section 14 of the 1959 Fisheries Act, a permit was issued by his Department to the ESB in August 2009 to authorise the undertaking of trap and transport operations; whether the constitutional role the ESB exercise regarding conservation in view of the actions relied upon in the Irish eel management plan includes the closure of commercial and recreational fishery ensuring upstream migration of juvenile eel at barriers and the mitigation of the impact of hydropower. [18707/12]
754 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the ESB fisheries or subsidiary division holds a current trap and truck licence. [18708/12]
755 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the protocols and sanctions under the trap and transport operations authorised by the ESB in accordance with the contract conditions, statutory permissions and agreed protocols, if any, and examples of good practice from other European Fisheries. [18709/12]
756 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the ESB fishery division or any employee or agent held an eel dealer’s licence in the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. [18710/12]
757 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures that are in place to distinguish eels from different countries in view of the fact that licences are required to permit dealers to sell imported eels from other member states including Northern Ireland, which comply with the EC regulation including its traceability requirements. [18711/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 749 to 757, inclusive, together.
The 2007 EU Eel Regulation (1100/2007), EC Regulation (Council Regulation 1100/2007) was drafted in response to the endangered status of the European Eel, required European states including Ireland to develop Eel Management Plans for implementation in 2009. The objective of each Eel Management Plan is to reduce anthropogenic mortalities so as to permit with high probability the escapement to the sea of at least 40% of the silver eel biomass relative to the best estimate of escapement that would have existed if no anthropogenic influences had impacted the stock. The Irish Eel Management Plan has four main management actions aimed at reducing eel mortality and increasing silver eel escapement to the sea. They were as follows:
a cessation of the commercial eel fishery and closure of the market,
mitigation of the impact of hydropower, including a comprehensive trap and transport plan to be funded by the ESB,
to ensure upstream migration of juvenile eel at barriers,
to improve water quality.
Recently the status of the European Eel in Ireland was defined as critically endangered in Ireland Amphibians, Reptiles and Freshwater Fish Red Data List, published in 2011. Scientific analysis estimated that 2007 Eel escapement (adults going to sea) was at 23% of pristine stock and declining. Due to the very long cycle and slow growth in Irish waters it is probable that any recovery of the Irish eel stocks will be over a very long time frame.
Hydropower on major catchments causes mortality of eel passing through turbines. Ireland's eel management plan sets out mitigation of hydropower as one of the management actions aimed at reducing eel mortality and increasing silver eel escapement to the sea. The ESB and the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) are currently researching the level of turbine mortality on the Shannon and Erne but it is estimated that turbine mortality is above 20%. A number of studies carried out across Europe suggest an average mortality rate of 28.5% across all length classes per hydropower installation according to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) in 2003.
To reduce this mortality on eels passing down the headrace of the hydropower stations and through turbines, migrating silver eels are captured upstream and transported down below the hydropower stations and released.
A license was issued under Section 14 of the 1959 Fisheries Act to the then ESB for Trap and Transport operations in 2009, 2010 and 2011and there were no other applicants. A similar authorisation has not yet been issued in respect of 2012. Authorisation facilitates the ESB to contract fishermen to catch silver eel for transport and release below the hydropower stations.
While ESB supervises the activity directly, both the catching and release of eels is monitored by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and where appropriate the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Northern Ireland (DCAL).
A similar effort is made by ESB in trapping juvenile eel at the base of the lowermost hydroelectric stations and transporting these juvenile eel upstream where they are released into the existing habitat.
The protocols and sanctions are all listed within the documentation supplied by the Department in a section 14 authorisation. I am organising for the same to be forwarded to the Deputy. They are based on current best practices and are reviewed annually. There is a high level of monitoring by both IFI (and DCAL where appropriate) built in to safeguard the welfare of migrating eels.
The cost of the operation was met each year by the ESB and as such is a matter for that organisation.
There were no eel dealer licences held by the ESB Fisheries during the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
ESB are involved in the trap and transport operation as part a multi-agency co-operative approach in the implementation of Ireland's Eel Management Plan and were not party to decisions to cease the commercial fishery as part of that plan. The European eel is a single, panmictic, stock distributed from Northern Africa and the Mediterranean in the south to Northern Norway and Iceland in the north, including the Baltic Sea. Recent genetic evidence has confirmed the shared nature of the stock, with slight temporal variation between cohorts but no geographical differentiation (Palm et al. 2009). Therefore, it is not possible to genetically distinguish eels from different European countries.
758 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is in talks in relation to the privatisation of the Shannon fishery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18712/12]
759 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the practice of removing large quantities of glass eels from the Shannon Estuary and selling these eels to commercial third parties. [18713/12]
760 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a breakdown of the research and surveys of glass eels carried out on the River Shannon; the cost of same; and any plans to renew the licences . [18714/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 758 to 760, inclusive, together.
There are no talks underway or plans to privatise the River Shannon Fishery. There is a ban on commercial fishing for eels from inland waters in the State including the River Shannon Estuary. I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that there is no evidence of the illegal removal of large quantities of glass eels from the River Shannon Estuary or the sale of these to third parties.
In 1993 and 1994 ESB carried out a glass eel programme, which investigated sampling techniques, biological observations and discussed results in an international context.
This was an intensive survey into glass eels and elvers in the River Shannon estuary. Subsequently between 2002 and 2008 small quantities of glass eels were caught at some rivers near Limerick and transported upstream to Lough Derg.
Glass eel recruitment in the Shannon dropped after 1983 and with the exception of the mid 1990s has remained low since. There was no improvement in the recruitment of glass eels to the River Shannon between 2009 and 2011.
Information derived from glass eel research on the Shannon has been provided in Ireland's Report to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) in 2011 and in the Draft Report of the IFI's Standing Scientific Committee for Eel (2012).
I attach for the Deputy's information a table summarising the glass eel catches in the River Shannon catchment from 1985 to 2011. The research in question has been carried out for almost three decades and has been part of the research spend by IFI and its predecessors for that extended period. The costs of eel research are not disaggregated from overall research costs and are not available.
|
Year |
Shannon Ardnacrusha |
R Feale |
R Maigue |
Inagh R |
Shannon Estuary Glass Eels |
|
1985 |
1,093 |
503 |
|||
|
1986 |
948 |
||||
|
1987 |
1,610 |
||||
|
1988 |
145 |
||||
|
1989 |
27 |
||||
|
1990 |
467 |
||||
|
1991 |
90 |
||||
|
1992 |
32 |
||||
|
1993 |
24 |
||||
|
1994 |
287 |
70 |
14 |
||
|
1995 |
398 |
0 |
194 |
||
|
1996 |
332 |
0 |
34 |
140 |
|
|
1997 |
2,120 |
407 |
467 |
188 |
616 |
|
1998 |
275 |
81 |
8 |
11 |
484 |
|
1999 |
18 |
135 |
0 |
0 |
416 |
|
2000 |
39 |
174 |
0 |
120 |
43 |
|
2001 |
27 |
58 |
2 |
18 |
1 |
|
2002 |
178 |
116 |
5 |
37 |
|
|
2003 |
378 |
36 |
72 |
111 |
147 |
|
2004 |
58 |
0 |
0 |
24 |
1 |
|
2005 |
41 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
41 |
|
2006 |
42 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
|
2007 |
45 |
0 |
0 |
39 |
12 |
|
2008 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
82.5 |
2 |
|
2009 |
8 |
42 |
|||
|
2010 |
50 |
20 |
3 |
1,312 |
3 |
|
2011 |
7 |
5 |
5 |
8 |
761 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of households accessing the better energy homes scheme; and the average grant paid per month over the past two years. [18856/12]
762 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his assessment of the recent changes to the better energy homes scheme grants scheme has in terms of the take up of grants and jobs sustained. [18857/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 761 and 762 together.
The 2012 allocation is €76.146 million for the overall Better Energy Programme, including Better Energy: Homes. The programme continues to underpin significant economic activity, supporting at least 4,500 jobs and realising significant energy savings for households.
To date the scheme has paid over €130m in grants for over 300,000 measures in over 120,000 homes.
The monthly payment levels for the past two years are summarised in the table below:
|
Month |
Number of Applications |
Average Grant Paid Per Month * |
|
Apr-10 |
4,949 |
€773 |
|
May-10 |
5,132 |
€753 |
|
Jun-10 |
4,171 |
€794 |
|
Jul-10 |
4,127 |
€883 |
|
Aug-10 |
4,721 |
€915 |
|
Sep-10 |
5,645 |
€997 |
|
Oct-10 |
6,786 |
€1,001 |
|
Nov-10 |
9,374 |
€1,043 |
|
Dec-10 |
5,317 |
€1,031 |
|
Jan-11 |
5,595 |
€1,038 |
|
Feb-11 |
5,163 |
€996 |
|
Mar-11 |
4,929 |
€1,001 |
|
Apr-11 |
3,729 |
€1,051 |
|
May-11 |
3,924 |
€1,176 |
|
Jun-11 |
4,068 |
€1,212 |
|
Jul-11 |
4,022 |
€1,264 |
|
Aug-11 |
4,987 |
€1,277 |
|
Sep-11 |
5,784 |
€1,331 |
|
Oct-11 |
5,754 |
€1,260 |
|
Nov-11 |
6,492 |
€1,144 |
|
Dec-11 |
3,882 |
€1,170 |
|
Jan-12 |
2,429 |
€1,142 |
|
Feb-12 |
2,453 |
€1,152 |
|
Mar-12 |
2,052 |
€1,096 |
*As Homeowners have six months in which to complete works and submit documentation from the date of grant approval, there is not a direct correlation between the numbers of applications and the average grant drawn down.
Grant levels for half the measures under Better Energy: Homes have been adjusted for 2012 in light of market developments and to ensure a better link between grant support and dwelling type. For instance, the reduction in the external wall insulation grant reflects increased price competitiveness in the market and the relative cost of undertaking this work on the various house types.
Since the start of 2012, there has been a decrease in applications across all measures in Better Energy: Homes. I have requested my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to provide me with analysis on the factors underlying the decrease, which I expect to receive shortly.
763 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by his Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18884/12]
I have detailed the total of payments made by my Department to mobile telephone companies over the last five years in the following table:
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
|
Vodafone |
€112,981.78 |
€43,855.62 |
€62,674.74 |
€66,218.08 |
€50,527.38 |
|
O2 |
€38,489.95 |
€36,475.12 |
— |
— |
€387.55 |
|
Total |
€151,471.73 |
€80,330.74 |
€62,674.74 |
€66,218.08 |
€50,914.93 |
Both Vodafone and O2 have been used during this period. Since 2009, the Department has carried out competitive tendering on two occasions under the framework agreement set out by the Department of Finance. The criteria used in deciding to which company contracts would be awarded, was consistent with public procurement guidelines and considerably enhanced value for money has been achieved under the tendering processes.
764 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the rationale for his policy towards exploration profits in terms of pursuing taxation rather than a royalty system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18899/12]
Ireland's fiscal terms are tax based and do not include royalty payments. In 1987, Ireland followed the lead of other countries such as the UK and Norway in moving away from a royalty based payments system to a tax based system. Under a tax based system the return to the State is linked directly to the profitability of the individual oil or gas field, as compared to a royalty based system where payments are linked to the actual volume of production and do not take account of differences in development cost or actual profitability.
As a tax based system offers greater predictability in terms of the potential return on investment, it is a more appropriate approach for a country such as Ireland that is seeking to attract a higher share of mobile international exploration investment. A comprehensive review of Ireland's licensing terms was carried out in 2007 by independent economic consultants, following which both the fiscal and non-fiscal licensing terms were revised. The revised terms, which were put into effect through the 2008 Finance Act, apply to all exploration licences issued since 1st January 2007 and provide for a new profit resource rent tax of up to 15% in addition to the 25% corporate tax rate previously applying. The revised terms ensure that the return to the State would be up to 40% in the case of very profitable fields.
765 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who was given grant approval under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in 2011 for roof level and cavity wall insulation and received the amount due, but not the €800 for solar water heating, which is now being contested as the SEAI regulations, which both they and the installer understood to apply regardless of the size of the house, have changed in respect of the square meters applicable and their house is slightly over 170 square meters, necessitating a larger system which they cannot afford and they are left owing the €800 they were forced to borrow for the installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18958/12]
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Better Energy Programme. The Better Energy Homes solar grant amounts to €800 for every eligible home where the installation meets the performance requirements set out in the Better Energy Homes Code of Practice and the homeowner's Solar Buyers Guide.
The specification requires that the solar water heating installation must contribute a portion of renewable energy for domestic hot water heating relative to the floor area of the property. All registered solar contractors have been fully apprised of the specific requirements.
The property of the applicant has a floor area of 178 square meters and so the solar installation must provide at least 1,700 kilo Watt hours (kWh) per annum. The information supplied to the SEAI at the time of grant claim and subsequent appeals indicates that the installation only provides 1,196 kWh per year, significantly below the prescribed requirements for this particular property. Payment of this grant was therefore declined for failure to meet the technical requirements of the grant scheme. Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for the SEAI and a dedicated hot line can be reached at 1800 250 204. In addition, the SEAI has recently established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, which can be sent to oireachtas@seai.ie and will be dealt with promptly.
766 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason there is a lack of quality broadband in rural areas, particularly County Longford, despite the promises of the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18970/12]
Ireland's telecommunications market has been liberalised since 1999 and since then has developed into a well-regulated market, supporting a multiplicity of commercial operators, providing services over a diverse range of technology platforms. Details of broadband services available on a county-by-county basis can be found on the Commission for Communications Regulation's (ComReg) website at www.callcosts.ie.
The State is not a provider of services, except in instances of clear market failure such as in the cases of both the National and Rural Broadband Schemes. Such interventions are always subject to EU State Aid clearance to ensure no unacceptable level of market distortion takes place.
In keeping with State aid clearance for the Scheme, the broadband service contracted under the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is an affordable, scaleable product which currently offers minimum speeds of 1.6Mbps download and 1.2Mbps upload subject to a maximum contention ratio. As regards service quality, my Department has well-established monitoring arrangements in place to ensure that the NBS delivers the minimum specified service or better to all users. The NBS contract guarantees service levels and imposes a service credit regime on 3, the NBS service provider, with significant financial consequences in the event that minimum specification service levels are not met.
Should any NBS customer experience problems with the NBS service, they are advised to contact 3's customer care centre, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, by phone at 1913 (free of charge), via email to nbssupport@three.ie or by post to 3 Customer Services, Hutchison 3G Ireland Limited, PO Box 333, Dublin 2. I should add that my Department also has a role where customers have fully utilised the established complaints process and consider that their complaint has not been resolved. My officials operate a dedicated NBS mailbox, which NBS customers can contact by email at nationalbroadbandscheme@dcenr.gov.ie, with any comments or complaints they may have about their NBS service. Where a customer has unresolved problems with their NBS service, they can contact my Department who will then liaise with 3 personnel at its Head Office in Dublin to remedy their service performance issues.
While my Department has previously dealt with a small number of individual complaints from NBS customers in County Longford, there is no evidence to suggest that there is widespread poor quality service delivery in NBS areas. Such a scenario would be of concern to my Department.
The Rural Broadband Scheme (RBS) was launched last year in recognition of the fact that despite the widespread availability of broadband throughout Ireland, there still remained individual premises that were unable to receive affordable broadband provision, due to technical difficulties such as line of sight issues. In total, there were 221 applications from persons living in County Longford.
The response to date by industry suggests that virtually all eligible applicants are capable of obtaining a broadband service from a supplier using one of the available technology platforms, i.e. DSL, fixed or mobile wireless, cable or satellite. Obviously, where a commercial service is shown to be available, the State cannot intervene with a subvention for alternative services as to do so would be a breach of State Aid rules. I expect that over the coming months, those remaining eligible applicants under the RBS, of which there are 81 from County Longford, will be receiving offers from the commercial providers who are participating in the scheme and I am hopeful that all of them will be offered a commercial service.
The combination of private investment and State interventions means that Ireland will meet the EU Commission's "Digital Agenda for Europe" target of having a basic broadband service available to all areas by 2013.
The Government accepts that the widespread availability of high speed broadband is a key requirement in delivering future economic and social development. With basic broadband services now widely available across Ireland, the challenge is to accelerate the roll out of high speed services. The Next Generation Broadband Taskforce (NGBT), which I convened last summer, is currently finalising its deliberations which are expected to identify how best to deliver wider customer access to high speed broadband generally.
The next steps, following completion of the NGBT report, will be to bring the report to Government before consulting with the wider public for their views. Building on the work of the Taskforce, it is my intention to publish a National Broadband Plan for Ireland later this year which will set out a range of policy commitments and actions aimed at accelerating the rollout of high speed broadband across Ireland.
767 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the 20th anniversary of Ireland’s first wind farm at Bellacorick, County Mayo falls later this year; if he will provide the names of those who served on the assessment team set up by his predecessor as well as the names of the independent outside experts in the wind energy area that advised his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19056/12]
I am aware that Ireland's first commercial wind farm has been operating at Bellacorick, County Mayo since 1992. Information on the Bellacorick wind farm is available on the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) website and it indicates that the project was grant-aided by the EU Valoren programme, which assisted the development of indigenous energy potential in less development regions of the community in the 1980s and 1990s.
No records can be located in my Department or in SEAI in relation to the administration of projects under the Valoren Programme as it applied to Ireland.
768 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by his Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19169/12]
In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested.
My Department is in the process of identifying and assembling the information and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.
769 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has been made in the setting up of a work group and the outlining of new criteria with regard to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland warmer homes grants which will allow contractors to carry out works for applicants who applied to the scheme in 2012. [19219/12]
Better Energy: Warmer Homes delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is managed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and delivered through a range of Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage.
The SEAI has recently renewed the contracts with 26 of the network of CBOs and hopes to conclude negotiations with the remainder at the earliest possible opportunity. Energy efficiency upgrades continue to be provided and households on the waiting list on 31 March 2012 are being retrofitted according to their position on the waiting list. All applicants since the end of 2011 have been informed that there will be a change in eligibility criteria.
An Invitation to Tender was recently published by the SEAI to establish a new panel of private contractors to augment this network. The public procurement process through the Official Journal of the European Union will take a number of weeks to conclude and a panel should be in place next month.
2012 will mark a shift in emphasis on the Better Energy: Warmer Homes scheme to take account of the Government's Affordable Energy Strategy, which I launched last November. The Inter-Departmental Group on Affordable Energy met in February 2012 and has established subgroups to work on particular dimensions, including finalisation of revised eligibility criteria for the scheme. Heretofore, applicants were considered eligible for retrofit measures if they met defined criteria, such as eligibility for the National Fuel Scheme. All successful applicants were placed on a waiting list and addressed in rotation.
The focus in 2012 is shifting to addressing those households identified as being in extreme energy poverty as a priority; such households typically spend over 20% of their disposable income on energy services. This will ensure that those most in need receive the benefit of energy efficiency measures first.
770 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date on investing in the better home schemes for the retrofitting of homes as outlined in the 2012 Action Plan for Jobs; his plans to retrofit public buildings across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19336/12]
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Programme. The Better Energy Programme is in line with the key criteria governing the Government's investment priorities and is consistent with the Programme for Government's objectives, and in particular its Action Plan for Jobs. The Government has committed significant Exchequer funding of €76 million to the Better Energy Programme in 2012 and expenditure on the programme to date this year is €17.716 million. The Programme will continue to support the sustainable employment of at least 4,500 jobs in 2012.
Better Energy: Homes encourages homeowners to improve the energy performance of their homes through incentives with over 120,000 homes completed since the scheme launched in May 2009. Better Energy: Warmer Homes aims to address households identified as being in extreme energy poverty as a priority, those households identified as spending over 20% of their disposable income on energy services. To date, energy efficiency improvements in over 80,000 homes have been made under Better Energy: Warmer Homes.
The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) commits to achieving 20% energy savings across the economy by 2020. As part of this energy efficiency drive, the Government has also committed to achieving a 33% energy saving across our public sector institutions by 2020. The Better Energy: Workplaces Programme disbursed €11 million in 2011 to co-finance 85 projects in the public, commercial, industrial and community sectors. This leveraged additional investment of €34 million, securing estimated savings of 270GWh and abatement of 63,000 tonnes of CO2 . Estimated annual monetary savings are €11 million.
A new phase of Better Energy: Workplaces was launched in March 2012, providing a capital fund of €7.5 million to support sustainable energy upgrades to existing buildings, services, facilities and processes, in the public, commercial, industrial and community sectors. The programme is aimed at achieving ongoing and lasting energy savings. Projects entailing upgrades to thermal, electrical or transport energy performance are all considered eligible. Public sector projects are particularly encouraged in order to assist in meeting the public sector energy efficiency improvement target in 2020.
The SEAI's Public Sector Programme was established in 2009 to provide a range of integrated supports to help public sector organisations realise valuable energy savings and work towards the 33% target. The SEAI is continuing to develop best practice guidance materials and has facilitated specialist workshops on matters such as public street lighting, water services, and ICT. To monitor progress to this target SEAI is also developing a database for monitoring and reporting progress across the public sector.
771 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to harness renewable sources of energy, such as wave energy on the west coast; the progress made of any supported or funded by him into maximising the effectiveness of harnessing such sources of energy in view of the potential for employment creation and in making Ireland a net exporter of energy. [19337/12]
The Government is committed to realising the long term economic potential of Ireland's ocean energy resources. The commercial and technical feasibility of ocean energy technology still requires a considerable level of research, development and demonstration. Building on the work to date and subject to budgetary considerations, I am continuing to support the development of the sector through the Ocean Energy Development Unit in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), working with the Marine Institute, IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Marine Energy Research Centre at UCC as well as with the industry itself. The Government's commitment to progressing the development of ocean energy is underpinned by the inclusion of marine renewable energy research as a priority in the National Research Prioritisation Report published last year.
772 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of State companies who have used overseas companies for printing work in the following years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he is satisfied that this is an appropriate use of State resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19741/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the undertaking of any printing work by State companies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the individual companies in the first instance and I have no function in this regard.
773 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is possible to register a small van purchased during the building boom when the owner was working in construction as a domestic vehicle as the vehicle in question is being charged at a commercial rate when its sole use is now as a domestic vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17751/12]
Motor tax is based on the construction and use of a vehicle. To be taxed as a goods vehicle, a vehicle must be constructed or adapted for that purpose and used solely in the course of trade or business. If a vehicle is being used in a private capacity, it must be taxed at the private rate of motor tax. The appropriate form to use in the case of a change of particulars of a vehicle is Form RF111. The applicant should contact his or her local motor tax office to ascertain the accompanying documentation required for the particular vehicle in question.
774 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the situation in relation to a voluntary housing association to assess family income supplement for the purposes of assessable income for rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17998/12]
Approved housing bodies (AHBs) are responsible for the proper management and maintenance of their dwellings which have been financed under my Department's capital funding schemes. AHBs are also responsible for the operation of letting policies, the fixing of rents and compliance with all relevant statutory requirements.
Under the terms of the Capital Assistance Scheme, AHBs are to fix rents at levels which are reasonable having regard to tenants' incomes and the outlay by the approved housing body on the accommodation including the ongoing costs of management and maintenance.
Under the terms of the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme, rents payable are calculated with reference to household and subsidiary income in the previous tax year. Household income is defined to this end as the total income of the tenant and his / her spouse or of joint tenants as the case may be. Where this would result in hardship arising from a fall in income due to loss of employment, disability etc, the rent may be adjusted accordingly.
775 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if forcing local authority employees to participate in the collection of the household charge contravenes the terms of the Croke Park Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18002/12]
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each City and County Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible.
I understand that local authority staff have carried out all functions required in relation to the administration of the Household Charge and no issues have been raised under the mechanisms of the Croke Park Agreement.
776 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has instructed all local authorities to enter into negotiations seeking discounts in rent when engaging in the acquisition of rental accommodation scheme properties; the savings that have been made to date in respect of local authorities within County Louth; the guidelines for circumstances where negotiations in reduction of rents fail with said landlords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18032/12]
One of the main features of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is that local authorities, in sourcing accommodation for households, enter into contractual arrangements with private sector landlords to secure medium to long-term availability of rented accommodation.
The level of rents payable under RAS is determined by negotiations between the landlord and the local authority, taking account of rent supplement levels and local market conditions. In negotiating with landlords to bring properties into RAS, local authorities obtain reductions on existing rents where possible. Guidance which has issued by my Department advises that a discount of at least 8% below market rent is recommended.
As part of their negotiation process, local authorities may agree, at their discretion, periodic rent reviews with landlords in line with the prevailing market conditions at the time. My Department has issued guidance to authorities advising them to ensure that rent reviews are undertaken where provided for and also advising authorities of the need to obtain value for money and have regard to local market conditions when entering into new agreements.
The achievement of value for money is the primary focus of authorities when negotiating costs and other associated terms and conditions provided for in agreements under the Scheme. Information in relation to the value of savings made resulting from negotiated contracts entered into by individual local authorities is not available in my Department.
A Value for Money and Policy Review has been carried out on the RAS which provides general information on discounts achieved based on a sample of local authorities; the sample does not include Louth authorities. This study will be available shortly.
777 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter regarding electromagnetic radiation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18693/12]
The issue of the potential health effects of mobile phone masts was the subject of an Expert Group Report commissioned by the Government and published in March 2007. This Report, entitled Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, is available for download on my Department’s website (www.environ.ie). The Expert Group reported that the majority scientific opinion was that no adverse short or long term effects have been demonstrated from exposure to electromagnetic fields at levels below the limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). However, extensive international research on the issue continues to be coordinated through bodies such as the World Health Organisation. The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the licensing authority for the telecommunications industry, commissions audit reports to verify that its licensed operators are in compliance with their licence conditions relating to emission limits for non-ionising radiation. The detailed measurement results from over 900 transmitter sites surveyed to date have so far shown total compliance. Recorded levels of radiofrequency signals are typically measured as being within the range of 0.002% to 2% of the safe exposure levels set by the ICNIRP guidelines. The location of licensed telecommunications antennae and the results of individual site survey reports can be found on ComReg’s website:http://www.askcomreg.ie/mobile/siteviewer.273.LE.asp.
My Department's current advice to those living in close proximity to mobile masts or base stations, based on the conclusions of the Expert Group, is that there is no scientific basis for, or evidence of, adverse health effects in children or adults as a result of exposure to electromagnetic fields below ICNIRP levels. This applies irrespective of the location of the mobile phone mast.
The Department will continue to monitor this and other scientific evidence as it is made available, and will consider any policy implications in this context.
778 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of a recent communication from the EU DG Competition in relation to rural development funding from LEADER projects in excess of €200,000, if he will confirm if the notification process is proceeding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18779/12]
I can confirm that the notification process to obtain the necessary state aid clearance to provide grant aid in excess of €200,000 under the Basic Services and Village Renewal measures of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is underway and is at an advanced stage. A final response is expected from DG Competition in the coming weeks.
779 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the measures he plans to introduce, if any, to assist the licensed Irish road hauliers who are struggling as a result of the price increases in motor tax; if he will consider eliminating motor tax for registered road hauliers and introduce a pay as you drive system of motor tax as is used in Europe for road hauliers which could also generate revenue from foreign trucks coming here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19043/12]
The Deputy may be aware that a working group was set up between officials of my Department, the IRHA and some members of the Oireachtas. This working group is discussing a number of issues of concern to the haulage industry. I am sure the Deputy will understand that I cannot pre-empt the outcome of those discussions which are ongoing. I should point out that a fuel rebate system, as sought by the IRHA, could not under EU law be restricted to Irish licensed hauliers but would have to be extended to all vehicles intended exclusively for the carriage of goods by road with a maximum permissible gross laden weight of not less than 7.5 tonnes. In addition, the rebate would have to include the carriage of passengers by a motor vehicle of category M2 or category M3 as defined in Council Directive 70/156/EEC.
780 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will advise on an issue regarding a Labour Court recommendation in connection with redundancy (details supplied). [19344/12]
796 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider correspondence (details supplied) regarding redundancy payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17776/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 780 and 796 together.
I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 402, 416, 381 and 382 of 27 March 2012 which set out the position in this matter.
781 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding information in relation to housing programmes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17620/12]
My Department has recently commenced the collation of data from local authorities on the number of loans in arrears broken down by the length of time in arrears. The data to end of September 2011 indicate that 6,202 of all local authority mortgages (i.e. those drawn down for the purposes of purchasing under the various paths to home ownership including affordable housing, shared ownership and tenant purchase) are in arrears of more than 90 days. This represents 27.5% of the total number of loans.
782 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide the timeline for the increase in mortgage interest supplement from last December’s budget for loans between 2004 and 2008, to be passed on to holders of mortgages through Dublin City Council and other councils country wide. [17632/12]
The operation of mortgage interest supplement is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.
783 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the costs that a landlord must pay to the Private Residential Tenancies Board in a given year, per property; his views on whether in view of the state of the rental sector that charges for registering new tenants might be reduced to reflect shorter periods of tenancy. [17659/12]
The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets out the fees to be charged by the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) for the registration of a tenancy and it also provides that the PRTB may adjust the fees charged, having regard to changes in the value of money.
Private rented dwellings must, by law, be registered with the PRTB within one month after the commencement of the tenancy and the tenancy can continue in being for a period of four years from the commencement of the tenancy. The registration fee for a tenancy is currently set at €90 and an additional fee of €90 is payable for tenancies registered more than a month after the creation of the tenancy. There is a combined fee of €375 for the registration of several tenancies within the same property and within one month of the commencement of the tenancies. The maximum duration of a tenancy under the Act is four years after which a new tenancy must be registered with the Board. In the case of a dwelling subject to several different tenancies in a 12 month period no more than two tenancy registration fees are payable.
The Act allows for the PRTB, having regard to changes in the value of money, to vary these fees. I have no function in this matter.
784 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to continue the tenant purchase scheme 1995 which the previous administration announced would be extinguished at the end of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17672/12]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 372 of 13 March 2012, which sets out the position in this matter.
785 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the reports into planning irregularities in six local authorities that he decided would be an internal inquiry in June 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17679/12]
My predecessor as Minister for Housing and Planning decided that, instead of incurring significant costs to the Exchequer by securing outsourced expertise, the Department would carry out an examination of the cases involved in the first instance. This examination would then inform the public statement which I will be making in the coming weeks, setting out the results and the appropriate next steps in each case. While I do not want to prejudge the outcome of the process, if it is warranted I will instigate further investigation of any matters requiring this.
786 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will examine the possibility of re-opening the option for persons to pay the household charge in instalments in view of the fact that some households did not receive any information regarding the charge of the payment options before 1 March deadline had passed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17681/12]
There is a range of options available for persons to pay the household charge. An online system www.householdcharge.ie is in place in the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) to enable homeowners to pay the household charge by credit/debit card. In addition, homeowners can make payment by cheque, postal order, credit/debit card by completing the relevant payment details on the declaration form and posting it to Household Charge, PO Box 12168, Dublin 1. Instalment payments were available by direct debit only and persons opting to pay in this way had to register their details with the LGMA before 1 March, 2012. This deadline was necessary in order to meet banking requirements for direct debit arrangements.
A bureau is in place in the LGMA to administer the charge on a shared service/agency basis for all local authorities. In addition, all county/city councils have arrangements in place for persons to attend their principal offices to pay the household charge.
I am satisfied that there are comprehensive suites of payment options available to persons to pay the household charge and I have no proposals along the lines suggested.
787 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans regarding the establishment of an Irish water company; the options he is considering, be they amalgamation into an existing semi State, formation of a new company or a private operation and which of these is his preferred option. [17687/12]
798 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the establishment of the Irish Water Authority; the timeframe for its schedule of work to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17819/12]
828 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has issued any guidelines or circulars to local authorities offering guidance on the establishment of the new water authorities; the implications for the restructuring and reorganisation of water services departments and staff within local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18201/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 787, 798 and 828 together.
The Government decided in December 2011, based on the recommendations of an independent assessment, to establish a public water utility company, Irish Water, to take over the operational and capital delivery functions of local authorities in the water services area.
Further consideration has been given since then as to whether Irish Water should be established as a new entity or whether existing bodies in the Semi State sector could undertake the functions. The outcome of this analysis is that Irish Water should be established as an independent state owned company within the Bord Gáis Group.
Bord Gáis Éireann (BGE) has key capabilities that can be brought to bear in the establishment of Irish Water, including experience in operating as a utility in a regulated environment and a track record in raising finance, and has specific skills from its own experience of transformation, customer relations, network management, metering and utility operation that can be quickly deployed to assist in the successful establishment and operation of Irish Water.
The skills within the Bord Gáis Group will be paired with the experience and commitment to service in local authorities and the specific water and wastewater capabilities and expertise that exist in local government to build the new organisation. The proposed public utility model represents a major change with significant implications for local government, the water industry in Ireland and its many stakeholders. A high level plan set out in the independent assessment provides for a phased transition of functions from local authorities to Irish Water. From an operational perspective, it is envisaged that local authorities will be engaged as agents of Irish Water for a considerable period of time with the majority of staff remaining in the direct employment of local authorities. This will ensure a smooth transition to the new model and guard against the loss of local expertise. These arrangements would end in 2017 at the earliest based on the independent assessment.
These are a range of key issues to be addressed in developing the implementation plan for the establishment of Irish Water. The development and rollout of the plan will involve co-operation with local authorities and staff to ensure that the change is managed well. The County and City Managers Association is involved in the steering group for the project and the Department has also written to Managers on a number of occasions to update them on aspects of the reform programme.
The Department has had initial engagement with ICTU at the start of the independent assessment and as part of the consultation process undertaken earlier this year. There will be further engagement during the course of the development of the implementation plan and I have written to Congress in this regard.
The implementation plan will be refined and developed over the coming weeks in collaboration with other relevant Government Departments, local authorities, BGE and NewERA.
788 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if an instalment payment option is being considered under plans for the more progressive property tax due to be introduced from 2013. [17695/12]
789 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if consideration is being given under plans for a water tax to those caring for persons with special needs or disabilities who might have greater needs in their usage of water. [17696/12]
The Memorandum of Understanding with the EU/IMF and ECB commits Ireland to introducing water charges for households. The objective of the water metering programme is to install water meters in households connected to the public mains and move to a charging system based on usage above a free allowance. The metering programme will commence prior to the end of 2012.
I expect that the Regulator will address affordability issues, including in respect of persons with medical conditions, in consultation with my Department and the Department of Social Protection in the context of developing a water pricing framework.
790 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans this year to require local authorities to provide householders and ratepayers in their respective administrative areas with detailed information as to the projects and services funded by their respective contributions to local authority finances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17713/12]
Local authorities are multi-purpose bodies responsible for an extensive range of services, which include among other services, public parks; libraries; open spaces and leisure amenities; planning and development; fire and emergency services; roads; maintenance and cleaning of streets and street lighting.
Income from local sources such as commercial rates, housing rents, environmental and other waste charges, and charges for non-domestic water services provide over half of the current funding needs of local authorities. The balance of the funding is provided through specific State grants from a range of Government Departments and agencies.
It is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources. Local authorities are required to prepare their annual budget and annual financial statement in the prescribed format in accordance with the Local Authority Accounting in Ireland Code of Practice and Accounting Regulations, issued by my Department in December 2009 under section 107 of the Local Government Act 2001. This publication is available on my Department’s website www.environ.ie.
The provision of detailed information on projects and services is a matter for each individual local authority. I understand that local authorities do make a number of annual reports and other information regarding the cost of their services available to the public, including on their websites.
791 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the measure being taken to enforce the non-principal private residence charge against owners of property who do not reside in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17754/12]
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of the charge on non-principal private residences (NPPR). The charge is set at €200 and is being levied and collected by local authorities. The Act places the onus on an owner of a residential property which is situated in the State to assess his or her liability for the charge in the first instance.
Under the Act, it is a function of a local authority to collect non-principal private residence charges and late payment fees due to it. In this regard, it is a matter for individual local authorities to take measures in respect of properties that may have a liability to the NPPR charge under the provisions of the 2009 Act.
792 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider examining the possibility of pumping sewerage from Doolin, County Clare, to a treatment facility in Lisdoonvarna thus negating the need for the construction of a treatment plant in Doolin and thereby greatly reducing the overall cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17766/12]
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Clare. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €38 million in the county during the period of the Programme. However, the Doolin Sewerage Scheme was not amongst the priority contracts and schemes selected for inclusion in the current Programme.
The Programme aims to prioritise projects that target environmental compliance issues and support economic and employment growth. A key input to the development of the Programme was the assessment of needs prepared by local authorities, including Clare County Council, in response to my Department's request to the authorities in 2009 to review and prioritise their proposals for new capital works in their areas. These were subsequently appraised in the Department in the context of the funds available and key criteria that complemented those used by the authorities. Inevitably, through this process, certain projects that had been proposed had to give way to others that were more strategically important at that time. Progress under the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 was reviewed in mid 2011 and through this process, consideration was given to any newly emerging priority contracts and schemes submitted by local authorities for addition to the Programme. No proposal for the Doolin Sewerage Scheme was received from Clare County Council in response to the review.
It is a matter for Clare County Council to submit to my Department any proposals relating to the pumping of sewage from Doolin to a treatment plant in Lisdoonvarna for approval.
793 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce local government reforms that will allow for a directly elected Mayor of Dublin; when these reforms will be brought before Dáil Éireann; and when he hopes the election of Mayor for Dublin will take place. [17768/12]
Work is proceeding with a view to bringing policy proposals to Government as soon as possible in relation to the reform and development of local government in accordance with the Programme for Government. Decisions have already been taken to merge the authorities in Limerick and in Tipperary and implementation work is proceeding in both cases. I very recently received the report of the Waterford Local Government Committee which was established to consider whether Waterford City and County Councils should be unified and that report is under examination.
Building on these actions, I will be bringing wider policy proposals to Government for an action programme on local government, with particular focus on strengthening structures generally at regional, county and sub-county levels and expanding the role of local government. The programme will also reflect other work under way in relation to local government efficiency implementation and financing and will broadly map out further aspects of the local government system on which reform proposals will be considered. In that context, I intend to consider further the concept of a directly elected mayor and its relationship with the local government system.
794 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which he contacted city and county managers to discuss with them the possibility of council staff going door to door encouraging households to pay the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17769/12]
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 framed on a self assessment basis and under the legislation an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver.
Section 12 of the Act provides that it is a function of each local authority to collect household charges, late payment fees and late payment interest due to it and to deal with matters associated with such collection.
At a meeting with the Household Charge Project Board on 12 March 2012, communication and a range of other possible arrangements relating to the role of local authorities in collecting the household charge were discussed.
795 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the plans, if any there are to introduce a rent to buy scheme here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17772/12]
The Government is committed to supporting access to home ownership for lower income households and a range of paths to home ownership will remain in place in that regard. These include the incremental purchase scheme, the availability of loan finance from local authorities for house purchase, including open market purchase, and the tenant purchase scheme. I have no immediate plans to introduce a general rent-to-buy scheme across all local authorities.
797 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he intends to review rates on commercial buildings and in particular rates on childcare premises and crèches. [17809/12]
Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. The annual rate on valuation (ARV), which is applied to the valuation of each property, determined by the Valuation Office, to obtain the amount payable in rates, is decided by the elected members of each local authority in the annual budget and its determination is a reserved function.
The Commissioner of Valuation, who has sole responsibility for all valuation matters, is conducting a programme of revaluation of all commercial and industrial properties throughout the State on a county by county basis. The purpose of the revaluation process is to provide for more consistent and up-to-date valuations for rating purposes and to assist in providing a more equitable distribution of valuations across those liable to pay rates.
The Commissioner, in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been reviewing various options for streamlining the valuation process and speeding up the national revaluation programme. In this regard, the Government recently approved the drafting of a Valuation Bill to amend the Valuation Act.
I have requested that local authorities exercise restraint in setting their 2012 ARVs. Across the 88 rating local authorities, the average change of ARV from 2011 to 2012 shows a decrease of 0.31%.
With regard to the application of rates on childcare premises and crèches, local authorities levy rates on commercial establishments. Where childcare provision is within a community facility, operating in a non-profit capacity, commercial rates do not generally apply.
I recognise that these are difficult economic times for many businesses and I will continue to keep all matters relating to rates under regular consideration in my Department.
799 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding changes in recruitment policy; if remaining applicants on the panel for Dublin City Fire Brigade will be kept on record for when the moratorium is eventually lifted. [17824/12]
Under Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible.
I understand that the position in relation to staffing in Dublin Fire Brigade is kept under constant review by Dublin City Council management and that the panel that was in place since 2007 expired in December 2011 and no further appointments will be made from this panel.
800 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17859/12]
The contract to provide the Srowland Water Treatment Plant, currently under construction as part of the River Barrow Abstraction Scheme, is being funded under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013.
From information provided to my Department by Kildare County Council, sampling records of the raw water for the Barrow indicate a range of hardness levels. However, it is expected that the proposed treatment process will deliver a moderately hard water and it is anticipated that this level of hardness would not warrant further intervention. The water treatment plant is to be commissioned later this year and its performance can be assessed by Kildare County Council.
801 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if consideration has been given to requiring owners of public buildings and in particular hotels to provide fire alerting systems for deaf persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17860/12]
Under the Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003, fire safety and fire prevention measures in public buildings, including hotels, are the responsibility of the person having control of the premises. Section 18(2) of the Act places a duty on persons, having control of a building to which the Act applies, to take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire, to provide reasonable fire safety measures for such premises and to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of those using the premises in the event of fire. To assist the person in control in discharging their statutory duty, my Department published Fire Safety in Guest Accommodation (2001) which is available on my Department’s website at www.environ.ie. This guide sets out the fire safety measures and procedures which should be considered, including recommendations for fire alarm systems.
Fire alarm systems in public buildings, including the provision of visual alarm systems, are also dealt with in the recommendations of Irish Standard I.S. 3218: 2009. This standard, published by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), makes detailed recommendations for planning, design, installation, commissioning, and servicing of fire detection and alarm systems in buildings. Paragraph 5.6.7.1 of the Standard states that in areas where a normal type of sounder may be ineffective, e.g. where the occupants are hearing impaired or may be sleeping, visual alarms and tactile alarm devices should be used.
Fire safety in the design and construction of new buildings, including hotels, is governed by Part B of the 1997-2008 Building Regulations, made under the Building Control Act 1990. Primary responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations rests with the builders and owners of buildings. Guidance on how to comply with Part B is set out in Technical Guidance Document B (TGD-B) published by my Department. Paragraph 1.4.14 of TGD-B deals with requirements in relation to fire detection and alarm systems, including reference to the relevant I.S. as mentioned above.
My Department is currently engaged in a review of TGD-B, in which the issue of fire alarm systems will be further considered.
802 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he proposes to publish draft regulations under section 70L of the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17881/12]
As stated in the reply to Questions Nos. 1 and 2 of 8 March 2012, draft performance standards for domestic wastewater treatment systems were published for public consultation on 1 March. The consultation document set out the proposed content of the Regulations to be made under Section 70L of the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012.
The consultation period closed on 30 March and more than 160 submissions were received. The submissions are being reviewed by my Department and when this process is complete, the regulations which will give legal effect to the standards will be finalised. At that stage, the relevant Statutory Instrument will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas, in accordance with Section 18 of the Water Services Act 2007.
803 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it will be possible to have additional funding allocated to the Milltown sewerage scheme to have five extra houses taken in view of the fact that they already have their septic tanks in front of their houses in anticipation of being taken into the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17887/12]
836 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a sewerage scheme for Milltown, Tuam, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18324/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 803 and 836 together.
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Galway. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €130 million in the county during the period of the Programme.
Galway County Council's Contract Documents for the Networks for the Milltown and Claregalway Sewerage Scheme, with an estimated cost of €2.9 million, were approved in May 2011. I understand that Galway County Council is currently assessing the tender recommendations for the contract.
The revised Design Build Operate Contract Documents for the wastewater treatment plant for the Milltown and Claregalway Sewerage Scheme, which were received in my Department in November 2011, are currently being examined. Once approved by my Department, the Council can then proceed to invite tenders for this contract.
In relation to the provision of funding for the connection of additional septic tanks to the scheme, it is a matter for Galway County Council to submit proposals in this regard to my Department.
804 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a decision has been made on the awarding of the recent contract tendered for the printing of register of electors application forms; the company to whom this contract was awarded; the reason the contract was awarded to this company; whether or not this company is in receivership; the reasons for this company being in receivership; whether or not the reasons relate to the fact that the company has liabilities outstanding to the Revenue Commissioners; whether or not the company has a tax clearance certificate. [17912/12]
The assessment of a tenderer's financial and economic standing is a key part of any procurement process. Establishing the appropriate suitability criteria that are relevant and appropriate to a particular contract is, of course, a matter for the contracting authority concerned. This is because the contracting authority is in the best position to gauge the appropriate levels of financial capacity that are appropriate to the needs of that specific contract.
In this regard, tenderers must declare that they have the necessary capacity to carry out a contract and must be in a position to produce the necessary documentation when requested. That documentary evidence (e.g. bank statements, audited accounts, proof of professional indemnity, etc.) need only be produced when a tenderer has been short-listed or is coming under consideration for the award of a contract. Contracting authorities are advised to check these issues throughout a procurement process up to the point of awarding a contract to ensure that such circumstances have not changed. If the financial situation of the tenderer has changed they can be excluded from any further participation in the competition.
Any tenders received from companies in receivership are considered on their own merits, taking account of the circumstances of the case and the provisions of the relevant tender competition.
805 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will put in place a scheme to examine ghost commercial properties and provide funding to local authorities in order that these properties can be made safe and cleaned up (details supplied). [17916/12]
Within the resources that are available to me the focus of my efforts, and the efforts of the National Co-ordination Committee, is on public safety issues within Category 3 and 4, unfinished housing developments. I have no function in respect of commercial property.
806 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a submission (details supplied) by the Priory Hall residents committee, Dublin, regarding fire safety concerns raised by an inspector from his Department during the construction of Priory Hall in 2006. [17918/12]
807 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, in view of the serious defects identified by State inspectors during the construction phase of Priory Hall, Dublin, the complex was re-inspected prior to the first resident moving into the building in order to confirm that the defects had been remedied; if so, the findings of that re-inspection. [17919/12]
808 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of the division of responsibility between his Department, the relevant local authority and the Health and Safety Authority during the period from 2005 to 2010 for ensuring that defects identified during the construction phase of buildings were remedied prior to those buildings being occupied. [17920/12]
809 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the State agency that ultimately had responsibility during the period from 2005 to 2010 for determining that a building had been built in line with building standards and was safe for habitation. [17921/12]
810 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the procedures that were in place in the period from 2005 to 2010 to ensure that fire risks and other serious building defects identified by State inspectors during the construction phase of buildings were remedied before those buildings were occupied. [17922/12]
811 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, during the period from 2005 to 2010, following the identification by a State agency of fire risk or other building control problems at a development during the construction phase, such buildings were all re-inspected by that agency to ensure that the defect was remedied. [17923/12]
839 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his response to a statement (details supplied) by the Priory Hall residents committee regarding fire safety concerns raised by an inspector from his Department during the construction of Priory Hall. Dublin, in 2006. [18341/12]
922 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will come up with new plans to resolve the Priory Hall issue, Dublin, and to make the residents’ concerns a priority. [19365/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 806 to 811, inclusive, 839 and 922 together.
I refer to the reply to question No. 162 of 1 March 2012 which sets out the position in relation to the inspection undertaken by the Housing Inspectorate of my Department following an application by the developer of the Priory Hall complex for Floor Area compliance Certificates (FACCs) as introduced by section 72 of the 2004 Finance Act.
The Building Control Acts 1990 to 2007 set out a clear statutory framework for construction activity 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.
The Health and Safety Authority is the national statutory body with responsibility for enforcing occupational health and safety law in places of work (including construction sites). I have no function in relation to this agency.
Local authorities already have extensive powers under the Building Control Acts which they can use to enforce compliance with the Building Regulations. These include the powers to scrutinise proposals and inspect works in progress; to serve enforcement notices for non-compliance; to institute proceedings for breaches of regulatory requirements; and to seek High Court injunctions if non-compliance poses considerable and serious danger to the public.
While a robust system of building control does exist, there are steps that can and must be taken to strengthen the system. I have very recently released, for public consultation, proposed Building Control (Amendment) Regulations which will provide for
(a) the introduction of mandatory certificates of compliance by builders and designers of buildings confirming that the statutory requirements of the Building Regulations have been met; and
(b) the lodgement of drawings, at both commencement and completion of construction, demonstrating how the building has been designed and built to comply with all parts of the Building Regulations.
Mandatory certification and lodgement of drawings are key reforms which will have the capacity to improve the quality of buildings and will lead to further strengthening of the regulatory regime in 2012.
The legal proceedings in relation to Priory Hall are continuing and it would be inappropriate to anticipate their conclusion. The appeal by Dublin City Council against the court order to pay the costs associated with providing alternative accommodation for the residents is expected to be heard by the Supreme Court on 24 April 2012.
The overriding priority is to ensure the optimum outcome for the households concerned and to facilitate as early as possible a return to their homes. In this respect it will be necessary to ensure that these homes are made fit for purpose and that the costs of so doing fall where they should. I have asked Dublin City Council to do all within its powers to achieve this objective and have asked my Department to continue to liaise closely with Dublin City Council in this regard.
812 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if expenses relating to the non principal private residence charge and household charge will be recognised as expenses for tax calculation purposes in the case of commercial holiday homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17940/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, set out the legislation underpinning the household charge and the charge on non-principal private residences respectively.
The question of whether the charges are allowable against income for tax purposes is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.
813 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a further breakdown of Ballymun Regeneration Limited’s expenditure incurred in 2011 which has been stated to be €28.1 million of which €27.2 million is in respect of construction projects and associated costs, the balance being in respect of administration costs and overheads. [17981/12]
In 2011, my Department provided funding of €27.35 million to support the Ballymun Regeneration Programme. Of this, €6.15 million was used to support the administrative overhead of the regeneration company, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd. €16.75 million was recouped to meet the ongoing costs of the regeneration programme including construction, demolition, site-reinstatements, public infrastructure including parks, and to support a range of social regeneration investments. The remaining €4.45 million related to house purchases to facilitate the urgent relocation of households from those blocks and towers that had not been refurbished. Despite the constraints on capital expenditure across the public sector, my Department continues to prioritise the National Regeneration Programme within the overall housing capital provision for 2012. To that end, I have made €25 million available for the regeneration programme in Ballymun this year.
814 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to exempt persons living on offshore islands not connected to the mainland by bridges from the household charge or from the new property tax, in view of the higher cost of living on islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17982/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.
The Act places the household charge under the care and management of the local authorities, and application in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides for a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge.
The exemptions from payment of the household charge are—
Residential properties that are part of the trading stock of a business and have not been sold or been the source of any income since construction,
Residential property owned by a Minister of the Government, a housing authority or the Health Service Executive,
Voluntary and co-operative housing,
Residential property subject to commercial rates and wholly used as a dwelling,
Residential property owned by certain charities or discretionary trusts, and
Residential property which an owner has vacated due to long-term mental or physical infirmity (e.g. elderly person that has moved into a nursing home).
The waivers which apply concern—
Owners of residential property entitled to mortgage interest supplement, and
Owners of houses in certain unfinished housing estates.
The charge applies to residential property situated in the State. There are no specific exemptions or waivers in the legislation in respect of residential property situated on off-shore islands.
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 shortly. 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 and modalities of the full property tax.
815 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of households that had registered for the household charge by Monday 26 March 2012 and in addition, of those registered, the number of households that have paid the household charge in part and in full. [17989/12]
825 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons who have registered to pay the household charge that have only paid instalments and not the full amount. [18155/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 815 and 825 together.
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.
I understand, from data provided by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils, that as of 26 March 2012, a total of 372,023 properties had been registered for payment of the household charge and 8,545 were registered for a waiver from payment of the household charge. Some 42,000 properties were registered for the instalment payment option.
I understand, from data provided by the LGMA, that as of 16 April, 2012, a total of 660,597 properties had been registered for payment of the household charge. Some 42,000 properties are availing of the instalment payment option.
In addition, 14,655 properties have been registered for a waiver from payment of the household charge. It is also estimated that there are some 228,500 registrations on hand to be processed, bringing the total number of registrations to over 903,000.
816 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review and implement in full the recommendations of the 1977 Kenny report to regulate land valuations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18004/12]
840 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he will take in order to implement the Kenny report. [18355/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 816 and 840 together.
The Government has taken an extensive range of measures to ensure the more sustainable treatment of land and property in Ireland across both the housing and planning areas.
The Government's housing policy statement published in June 2011 marked a radical departure for housing in Ireland. The statement clearly recognises the economic consequences of an over reliance on the property sector. It signalled a shift to a tenure neutral high level objective, and a clear commitment to restoring balance to the housing sector generally through a lesser reliance on home ownership. The statement also announced the standing down of all affordable housing schemes on the basis that these had been symptoms of, rather than solutions to, an overheated property market. I anticipate that a contract for the full review of Part V will be awarded shortly.
In the planning area, the Government will be bringing forward new guidance to planning authorities shortly to update the way in which development contributions schemes are used to capture planning gain. We are also keenly aware of the strong synergy between a balanced, evidence based approach to forward planning and overcoming our economic challenges to prepare for recovery. In this regard, the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act, 2010 has strengthened regional co-ordination and the alignment of planning policies from national to local level, with the integration of core strategies; local authorities are engaging with the legislation and recognise the need for a plan-led approach for all proposed development. The requirement to include evidence-based core strategies in development plans is essential in rationalising the excessive zoning in some parts of the country, and moving to a position where all zoning is based on a quantifiable need that is community based rather than developer-led.
I am committed to a physical planning system that is better supported by:
evidence-based requirements linked to key Government strategic policies, e.g. through the National Spatial Strategy and capital allocations;
a coherent basis to ensure planning and investment in infrastructure and services are focused on the most suitable locations;
tackling the legacy of over-zoning and moving towards a more joined up approach to the delivery of critical services such as schools, public transport, water services and social housing;
refocusing on revitalising city and town centres, and discouraging urban sprawl;
engaging more directly with elected members at a strategic level by requiring them to bring together, in a concise manner, the key priorities of their development plan; and
providing the necessary certainty about where development will take place.
The report of the Mahon Tribunal contains a number of recommendations regarding planning, and these are subject to full consideration by Government, with a view to any further reforms necessary to ensure a fair, open and transparent planning system.
817 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm whether or not Waterford County Council made a submission to the consultation on reform of the water sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18018/12]
A six week public consultation was held from 16 January 2012 to 24 February 2012 on a range of water sector reforms. A paper setting out the proposed reforms and phase 1 of the independent assessment on the establishment of a water utility were published by my Department as part of this process.
A considerable number of organisations, elected representatives and other individuals have made submissions on foot of the consultation process. A submission was not received from Waterford County Council.
818 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of prosecutions that have been initiated by local authorities in respect of non-payment of the non-principal private residence charge; the number of persons liable to pay the charge in 2011; the amount raised from the charge in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18042/12]
904 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an estimate of the level of non-compliance with the non-principal residence charge for each of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 and the likely level of the charge outstanding. [19063/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 818 and 904 together.
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of the charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and is being collected by local authorities. The Act places the onus on an owner of residential property to assess his or her liability to the charge on the liability date and, if liable, to declare that liability and to pay the charge in respect of that property by the due date.
The Act provides for the application of late payment fees of €20 in respect of each month or part of a month for which the charge remains unpaid after the due date. In addition, both the €200 charge and any accumulated late payment fees remain as a charge against the property concerned.
Section 9 of the Act places collection of the charge under the care and management of local authorities. It is therefore a matter for each individual local authority to utilise the provisions of the legislation in the context of any undeclared properties that may be identified. It is understood that local authorities are pursuing those who may have a liability, including those who having paid a charge in a previous year have not done so in subsequent years, and initiating court proceedings, where it is considered appropriate.
From information supplied by the Local Government Management Agency on 16 April, 2012, a total of €67.7m has been raised from the charge on non-principal private residences in respect of 2011.
819 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of written submissions, if any, he received from the County and City Managers Association in the period from 1 of January 2011 to date in 2012; the date on which these submissions were received; the main matters covered in the submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18059/12]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 379 of 13 March 2012 which sets out the position in this matter.
820 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money that it will cost to pay council staff to work overtime on Saturday 31 March to take payment for the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18078/12]
894 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost to the State to ensure that all local authority offices were staffed to collect the household charge on 31 March 2012; the number of local authority offices at which staff had to be redeployed; the cost of the redeployment including travel expenses, overtime and any other allowance; the cost of security provided on that day; the amount of money collected at each of the local authority offices on that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18995/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 820 and 894 together.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each City and County Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. Accordingly, the details sought in the questions are not available in my Department.
821 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the person who is liable to pay the household charge when a residence is jointly owned by a married couple who are now separated, one of whom is willing to pay their half of the household charge but a half-rate payment will not be accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18092/12]
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 framed on a self assessment basis and under the legislation an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver.
Section 3(4) of the Act provides that where a residential property is owned by two or more persons, those persons are jointly and severally liable to pay the household charge in respect of that property. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
822 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the percentage of income that is calculated in each local authority to determine the amount of rent paid by tenants for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18102/12]
Local authority rents are set in accordance with a rent scheme adopted by each housing authority having regard to the broad principles laid down by my Department in Circular letter HRT 3/2002 under Section 58 of Housing Act 1966 (as amended). The percentage of income varies within and between rent schemes depending on the terms of the scheme and the particular circumstances of the household concerned. My Department does not have information on the percentage of income collected on rents across the different housing authorities and household types.
Section 31 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, when commenced, will replace existing enactments in relation to differential rent schemes. Regulations and guidelines for housing authorities to give effect to section 31 are currently in preparation in my Department. When these are made, section 31 will be commenced and authorities will have one year in which to put in place a differential rent scheme under the new provisions. While it is not the intention to introduce a national standardised differential rent scheme, the regulations to be made will more clearly set out the matters that may be included in a local rents scheme, including — the level, type and sources of household income that may be assessed for rent purposes; how dependents will be accounted for in calculating rent; the manner in which the size, standard, etc., of any class or classes of dwellings are to be taken into account in determining rent, having regard to the market rent in respect of dwellings of similar size, standard, etc., in the administrative area concerned; and procedures for rent reviews.
823 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of vacant local authority houses in each local authority area in tabular form on an authority basis and the length of time these houses have been vacant. [18116/12]
Local authorities provide information on the proportion of 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. The Report also contains data on the average time taken to re-let dwellings. Copies of the 2010 report are available from the Local Government Management Services Board and may be downloaded from their website (www.lgmsb.ie).
824 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to reform the current retention planning legislation which frequently allows dwellings to be constructed and activities carried out which negatively impact adjoining landowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18132/12]
Under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 — 2011, all development, unless specifically exempted under the Acts or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Any development that is carried out without planning permission, or that does not comply with the terms of a planning permission, is unauthorised development, and may be subject to enforcement action by a planning authority. Planning authorities have substantial enforcement powers and duties under the Planning Acts. A planning authority must issue a warning letter in relation to written complaints regarding unauthorised development, or other unauthorised development it becomes aware of (except in the case of trivial or minor development). There is also a statutory obligation to carry out an investigation and expeditiously decide whether an enforcement notice should be issued or a court order should be sought, under section 160 of the 2000 Act. Where a planning authority establishes, following an investigation, that unauthorised development (other than development that is of a trivial or minor nature) has been or is being carried out, and the person who has carried out the development has not proceeded to remedy the position, then the planning authority must issue an enforcement notice or seek a court order, unless there are compelling reasons for not doing so.
An application for retention permission is required to be assessed by a planning authority in the same way as any other application, that is, the planning authority is required to consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the development plan, any submissions or observations received, and relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including any guidelines issued by my Department.
The facility to apply for retention permission was curtailed in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 which provided that a planning authority may not accept an application for retention permission in respect of a development which would have required that one or more of the following was carried out: an environmental impact assessment; a determination as to whether an environmental impact assessment was required; or an appropriate assessment.
The above provision was commenced on 23 March 2011. Section 57 of the 2010 Act makes provision to allow developments which would have required an environmental impact assessment or an appropriate assessment to be the subject of applications for substitute consent, but only in very limited circumstances e.g. the development had a permission which was found defective by a court or An Bord Pleanála consider that there are exceptional circumstances which warrant the granting of leave to apply for substitute consent.
826 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reasons an estate (details supplied) in north County Dublin which is still managed by the developer, and a similar estate in north County Dublin seemingly in the same condition and management arrangement, is exempt from the charge; and if he will provide a waiver for the estate in question. [18187/12]
844 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason estates (details supplied) in County Donegal were not exempted from the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18392/12]
846 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the criteria applied in assessing whether an estate qualifies as an unfinished housing estate for the purposes of the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18423/12]
858 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an estate (details supplied) in County Limerick which is served by the same pumping station as its neighbouring estate is not exempted from the household charge while the neighbouring estate is exempted; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the council has refused to take either estate in charge due to the difficulties that this pumping station has caused; if he will consider exempting the residents of the estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18550/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 826, 844, 846 and 858 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, 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. The prescribed list of estates to which the waiver applies is the final and complete list for 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.
In some cases a local authority may have found that conditions in respect of a certain phase of a development were relatively good and that, for example, no serious public safety issues could be identified. This phase of the development may have been categorised under category 1 or 2. Conversely, safety issues may have been identified in another phase of the same overall development, or development in that second phase may have been abandoned altogether, implying a category 3 or 4 identification for that phase.
827 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current funding position in relation to the provision of the post of cycling officer in Dublin City Council. [18196/12]
Under its delegated sanction, as an exception to the recruitment moratorium in the Public Sector, my Department approved a six month extension to the Dublin City Council Cycling Officer's contract in December 2011 in order to provide time for the City Council to consult with the National Transport Authority, review the situation and report to my Department on how the promotion of cycling in Dublin should be addressed in the longer term. I understand that the discussions between the City Council and the NTA are ongoing with a view to the Council reverting to my Department in due course.
829 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding approval, tender and construction of a waste water collection system for a location (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18209/12]
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Kildare. Two contracts for the Kildare Sewerage Scheme are included in the Programme amongst the list of contracts in the county to start in the period 2010-2013.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Design/Build/Operate contract for the Kildare Sewerage Scheme is currently at construction. Additional information is awaited from Kildare County Council to enable my Department to fully examine Contract Documents for the main sewer network contract. However, my Department has approved one small advance works contract for the sewer network and a further such proposal is under consideration in my Department at present. A decision on this proposal will be made as soon as possible.
830 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 122 of 14 March 2012, the percentage of the money approved by him to Kildare County Council for his housing adaptation and other housing grant purposes was drawn down in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18210/12]
Details of the initial Exchequer allocations and the final allocations provided to Kildare County Council under the grant schemes for 2009, 2010 and 2011, together with details of the amounts recouped to the Council, are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Initial Allocation |
Final Allocation |
Amount Recouped |
|
2009 |
€1,470,667 |
€2,018,693 |
€2,018,693 |
|
2010 |
€3,000,000 |
€3,892,484 |
€3,892,484 |
|
2011 |
€2,850,836 |
€2,852,228 |
€2,852,228 |
831 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that landlord owners of residential properties are passing payment of the household charge on to rental tenants and his plans to end this practice. [18252/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.
Application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
Under the legislation, it is the owner of a residential property who is liable for the household charge.
Section 1 of the legislation provides a definition of "owner" which, in relation to a residential property, means—
(a) a person (other than a mortgagee not in possession) who—
(i) in the case of a residential property that is let under a lease or held under a tenancy for a term not exceeding 20 years, is entitled to receive the rent under that lease or tenancy whether in his or her own right or as trustee or agent for another person, or
(ii) in the case of a residential property that is not so let or so held, would, subject to paragraph (b), be so entitled if the residential property were so let or so held, whether in that person’s own right or as trustee or agent for another person, or
(b) where the property is let under a lease or held under a tenancy for a term exceeding 20 years, the person (other than a mortgagee not in possession) who is the lessee under that lease or tenant under that tenancy.
832 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position in relation to the household charge and long term leases of more than 20 years (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18291/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.
Application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
Under the legislation, it is the owner of a residential property who is liable for the household charge.
Section 1 of the legislation provides a definition of "owner" which, in relation to a residential property, means—
(a) a person (other than a mortgagee not in possession) who—
(i) in the case of a residential property that is let under a lease or held under a tenancy for a term not exceeding 20 years, is entitled to receive the rent under that lease or tenancy whether in his or her own right or as trustee or agent for another person, or
(ii) in the case of a residential property that is not so let or so held, would, subject to paragraph (b), be so entitled if the residential property were so let or so held, whether in that person’s own right or as trustee or agent for another person,
or
(b) where the property is let under a lease or held under a tenancy for a term exceeding 20 years, the person (other than a mortgagee not in possession) who is the lessee under that lease or tenant under that tenancy.
833 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the two recently completed PWC Dormant Accounts Inspector’s Reports, the first such to have been undertaken in the ten years since the Dormant Accounts Act was signed into law, will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18295/12]
834 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the fact that the first two of the dozens of financial institutions that contribute to the Dormant Accounts Fund have had Inspector’s Reports completed, if he will outline the programme for the completion and publication of Inspector’s Reports regarding the remaining institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18296/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 833 and 834 together.
I understand that the Dormant Account Inspection Reports, which I have not seen, have been completed recently by the Central Bank of Ireland. I am advised that the Bank does not have plans to publish the reports, as it is not permitted to disclose confidential information concerning the banks that it supervises under Section 33AK of the Central Bank Act, 2003. I am not aware of the Bank's intentions in respect of future inspections of other institutions that contribute to the Dormant Accounts Fund.
835 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will publish a schedule identifying all those financial institutions that have contributed to the Dormant Accounts Fund since the fund’s inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18297/12]
The list below identifies all financial institutions (and Life Assurance Companies) that have contributed to the Dormant Accounts Fund since the Fund's inception in 2003.
Financial Institutions
ABN AMRO; ACC Bank plc; Allied Irish Banks plc; AIB Group; AIB Finance Limited; AIB Financial and Leasing; Irish Bank Resolution Limited (formerly Anglo); IIB; NIB; Anglo Irish Bank Corporation plc; Barclays Bank plc; BNP Paribas; Bank of America; Bank of Ireland/ICS Building Society; Bank of Ireland ICS; Bank of Ireland; Bank of Ireland Treasury and International Banking; Bank of Ireland Treasury International; Bank of Scotland (Ireland); Citibank; EAA Corporate Services plc (formerly West LB Ireland plc); EBS Building Society; First Active; ICS Building Society; Investec Bank (UK)Limited (Irish Branch); Irish Nationwide Building Society; JP Morgan Ireland plc; National Irish Bank Limited; An Post — Post Office Savings Bank (Capitalised Interest); An Post — Instalment Savings; An Post — Instalment Savings (Capitalised interest); Permanent TSB; Permanent TSB (accounts of Irish Nationwide Building Society) Pfizer International Bank; An Post — Post Office Savings Bank; An Post — Savings Bonds (Capitalised interest); An Post — Savings Bonds; An Post — Savings Certs (Capitalised interest); An Post — Savings Certs; RBS NV (formerly ABN AMRO); RBS; Scotiabank (Ireland) Limited; Ulster Bank Ireland Limited; WestLB Ireland plc; The Escheated Estate Fund.
Life Assurance Companies
Specified Term
Acorn Life; Alba Life; Ark Life; Caledonian Life; Canada Life Assurance; Canada Life Ireland; Eagle Star; Equitable Life; Friends First; Aviva Life (formerly Hibernian); Hibernian Life; Irish Life; New Ireland; Phoenix Ireland (formerly Alba Life); Phoenix Ireland (formerly Royal and Sun Alliance); Phoenix Ireland (formerly Scottish Provident Ireland); Royal London (Formerly Royal Liver); Royal Liver; Royal and Sun Alliance; St. James Place; Scottish Legal Life; Scottish Provident Ireland; Standard Life; Sun Life Financial of Canada; Zurich Insurance (formerly Eagle Star).
No Specified Term
Alba Life; Ark Life; Caledonian Life; Canada Life Assurance; Canada Life Ireland; Eagle Star; Friends First; Royal London (Formerly Hibernian); Hibernian; Irish Life; New Ireland; Phoenix Ireland (formerly Alba Life); Phoenix Ireland (formerly Royal and SunAlliance); Phoenix Ireland (formerly Scottish Provident Ireland); Royal and SunAlliance; Royal Liver; Scottish Legal Life; Scottish Provident Ireland; Standard Life; Sun Life Financial of Canada; Zurich Insurance (formerly Eagle Star).
837 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding access at a hotel (details supplied) in Dublin. [18325/12]
The Building Regulations 1997 to 2011 provide for the safety and wellbeing of persons in and around buildings. The legal requirements are set out in twelve parts (classified as A to M) in the Second Schedule to the Regulations. Technical Guidance Documents are published to accompany each part in order to outline how the legal requirements can be achieved in practice.
Part M / TGD M deals with access and use and specifies adequate provision to be made for people to access and use a building, its facilities and environs.
Enforcement of the Regulations is a matter for the building control authority in whose functional area the building concerned is located, in this case Dublin City Council. Any concerns in relation to compliance of a particular building should in the first instance be brought to the attention of the local building control authority.
838 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will publish the findings on the review of general and local election boundaries. [18340/12]
Section 9(1) of the Electoral Act 1997, as amended, requires a Constituency Commission to present its report to the Chairman of the Dáil no later than three months after the publication by the Central Statistics Office of the final results of the Census in respect of the total population of the State. The final results of the 2011 Census were published on 29 March 2012. Therefore the Constituency Commission which I established in July 2011 must present its report on Dáil and European Parliament constituencies to the Chairman of the Dáil no later than 29 June 2012.
Following the publication of that report and having regard to its recommendations on Dáil constituencies and any related subsequent decisions by the Oireachtas I will give consideration to arrangements for the review of local electoral areas. I will also have regard to the final results of Census 2011 and to Government decisions on local government reform including the establishment of unified local authorities in Limerick and Tipperary.
841 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason a person (details supplied) was brought on to the Building Regulation Advisory Board, in view of the problems experienced by residents in their dealings with that person to attend the Joint Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht. [18356/12]
Section 14 of the Building Control Act 1990 provides for the establishment of Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB) to advise me on matters relating to the Building Regulations.
The BRAB provides expert advice on proposed changes to Building Regulations and has no other executive function. Building Regulations are subject to ongoing review by my Department, working in conjunction with the Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB). All proposed changes to the Building Regulations must also be subjected to public consultation and a rigorous Regulatory Impact Analysis before being signed into law.
The membership of BRAB is comprised of nominated representatives of key Construction Industry stakeholders (both private and public sectors).
The current BRAB was appointed in June 2007 for a period of 5 years. However, the member of the BRAB nominated by Homebond resigned from the BRAB following his own professional retirement last year. In line with standard practice, Homebond subsequently nominated the person referred to in the question to serve on the BRAB and I approved the appointment on 16 June 2011.
The current BRAB membership will complete its term of service in June 2012 and I will shortly be making arrangements for the appointment of a reconfigured BRAB.
842 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the legal argument (details supplied) regarding the household charge and maintenance of a registrar. [18385/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.
Application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
Section 6 of the Act relates to the provision of information for the purposes of preparing and maintaining a database of residential properties in the State.
843 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the librarians who retired from the libraries (details supplied) in County Donegal will be replaced; the steps being taken to have the librarians replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18391/12]
Day to day operations, including staffing levels and opening hours, in the public library service are a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority under Section 78 of the Local Government Act 2001.
The moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service was introduced in March 2009 in response to the financial crisis. My Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for implementation of the moratorium in relation to local authorities, and any exceptions to the moratorium in local authorities require sanction from my Department.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each City and County Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. In this regard, it is a matter for City and County Managers, in the first instance, to ensure that the moratorium is implemented while the appropriate service levels are maintained.
In considering sanction requests public safety, maintaining key front line services, and economic issues are given precedence.
The library service provides very valuable social, educational and cultural services to communities around the country and my Department will continue to work with local authorities to ensure that every effort is made to ensure the delivery of appropriate services within budgetary constraints.
845 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the basis of the decision to exclude persons in local authority housing from the liability for the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18421/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislation underpinning the household charge.
Section 2(2) of the Act provides that certain buildings are not residential property for the purposes of the legislation. Section 2(2)(b), in particular, 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.
847 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the fact that the household charge is being forced upon persons by saying that it will go towards paying local authorities, if he will confirm that if next year and the following years this cost is transferred into a full blown property tax the tax will stay in the county in which it is collected; if he will give an absolute assurance of this and that the money will not go to central Government to pay off bankers' debts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18429/12]
The household charge is a local authority charge, the proceeds of which are being used to fund vital local services in our communities, including planning and development, fire and emergency services, public parks, open spaces and leisure amenities, and maintenance and cleaning of streets and street lighting.
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 shortly. 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 and modalities of the full property tax.
848 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding any proposals he has to restructure the waste market here to restrict side by side competition; when he expects to introduce such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18451/12]
875 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that rural communities in receipt of a private refuse collection service will have this service maintained and protected and affordable in any revised arrangements which he introduces to the household waste collection system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18808/12]
876 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will publish the regulatory impact assessment completed by his Department on the various options for the regulation of household waste collection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18809/12]
877 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will publish his proposals for competitive tendering for household waste collection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18810/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 848 and 875 to 877, inclusive, together.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce competitive tendering for household waste collection, under which service providers would bid to provide waste collection services in a given area, for a given period of time and to a guaranteed level of service.
A public consultation designed to inform the policy development process concluded in September 2011. A large number of responses were received from a broad spectrum of interests. A consensus is not apparent and, on almost all of the relevant issues, a considerable breadth of opinion was expressed. All of the responses received, in addition to a summary document, are available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie.
My Department is currently finalising a regulatory impact analysis to examine the costs, benefits and other impacts of options for change, and to inform how best to regulate the household waste collection market. I intend to publish the regulatory impact analysis concerning the regulation of household waste collection subsequent to Government's consideration of the issues.
I expect to be in a position to submit final proposals to Government in relation to household waste collection in the coming weeks. All policy proposals will be carefully considered by Government and will take account of the full range of issues and perspectives, including the impact on rural communities and households.
849 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total amount of money spent on advertising in promoting the household charge; if he will provide a detailed breakdown of same; and for a breakdown of the moneys spent on advertising in relation to the household charge in each month since the charge first came into effect. [18452/12]
856 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the costs of the production, printing and distribution of the leaflet distributed to homes this week to remind persons to pay the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18539/12]
859 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount spent on advertising and on administration of the new household tax. [18557/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 849, 856 and 859 together.
The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is 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 advertising, printing and distribution are a matter for the LGMA and the county and city councils.
850 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will respond to a query raised in correspondence in regard to the operation of the household charge (details supplied). [18466/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.
Section 2 of the Act sets out the meaning of "residential property" for the purposes of the Act. In particular, section 2(2)(d) of the Act provides that a building that is wholly used as a dwelling (other than a dwelling that forms part of a mixed hereditament within the meaning of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1978), and in respect of which local authority rates are payable, is not a residential property for the purposes of the household charge.
While I cannot provide a legal interpretation of the legislation, where there is a commercial premises on the ground floor and a residential property above it, and rates payable on the structure relate to the ground floor with the upper residential section benefitting from a rates allowance, that upper residential section is liable for the household charge under the 2011 Act.
The Act places the household charge under the care and management of the local authorities and application in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. 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.
851 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason a request for a public inquiry was rejected before his Department issues a foreshore licence for a company (details supplied) to commence drilling in Dublin Bay; if he has considered the submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18484/12]
I refer to the topical issue debate on this matter taken on 28 February 2012. Given that the nature of the current application is for site investigation purposes only and the drilling of an exploratory well, the fact that it has already been the subject of a public and prescribed bodies consultation process, and that the submissions received under this process and the responses of the applicant to these have been published on my Department's website, I do not consider that a public inquiry is warranted.
I will consider the recommendation of the Marine Licence Vetting Committee and my Department in due course in making a determination on the licence application. The determination and supporting documentation will also be published on my Department's website.
Without prejudging my eventual determination of the current application, it is important to recognise that should the project progress to commercial exploitation it would be the subject of further formal applications for consents from the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, in the first instance, and then An Bord Pleanála under the Planning Acts, and a full lease or licence under the Foreshore Acts, all of which willrequire an Environmental Impact Assessment, including full public consultation and where appropriate, oral hearing.
852 Deputy Luke ’Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will immediately move to halt the excavation of sand and gravel from the Esker at Raheenmore, Tyrrellspass, County Westmeath (details supplied); if he will explain the reason Westmeath County Council has failed to stop this activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18504/12]
Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011, I am, as Minister, specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case, including an enforcement matter, with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.
It is the responsibility of planning authorities to administer the development management process within their area, to provide for proper enforcement of planning control and to take all appropriate steps to ensure that development takes place in compliance with national and EU law. Enforcement of planning control for unauthorised development is a matter for the planning authority, which can take action where a development requiring planning permission has not obtained this permission, or where permission has not been complied with. The implementation of the law in individual cases is a matter for the planning authority and ultimately for the courts in any case coming before them.
Planning authorities have substantial enforcement powers and obligations under the legislation. A planning authority may issue an enforcement notice, non-compliance with which is an offence, in connection with unauthorised development (which includes failure to comply with planning conditions) requiring such steps as the authority considers necessary to be taken within a specified period. If an enforcement notice is not complied with the planning authority may itself take the specified steps and recover the expense incurred in doing so. A planning authority may seek a court order requiring any particular action to be done or not to be done. A planning authority may also refuse permission to any developer who has substantially failed to comply with a previous planning permission.
The Planning Acts also place clear statutory obligations on planning authorities in relation to unauthorised development. A planning authority must issue a warning letter in relation to written complaints regarding unauthorised development or other unauthorised development it becomes aware of (except in the case of trivial or minor development). The planning authority must then carry out an investigation and where it establishes, following such an investigation, that unauthorised development (other than development that is of a trivial or minor nature) has been or is being carried out, and the person who has carried out or is carrying out the development has not proceeded to remedy the position, the planning authority must issue an enforcement notice or make an application for a court order unless there are compelling reasons for not doing so.
853 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the responsibility of city and county managers including under the public health Acts in relation to having domestic waste collected in the local authority area; the locations in which this service is privatised or contracted out if the responsibility continues to remain with the manager to ensure his functions are carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18521/12]
Under section 33 of the Waste Management Act 1996, local authorities are not required to collect, or arrange for the collection, of household waste within their functional areas, if an adequate waste collection service is available, if the estimated costs of undertaking waste collection by the local authority would be unreasonably high, or if the local authority is satisfied that adequate waste management arrangements can reasonably be made by the holders of waste.
Currently, very few local authorities directly provide household waste collection services. In many areas, a number of private sector waste collectors offer competing services to householders, subject to the applicable environmental and other relevant legislation. Waste collection in Ireland is subject primarily to compliance with the 1996 Act, and the conditions attached to each waste collector's collection permit issued by the relevant local authority under the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007. Waste collection in individual local authority areas may also be subject to local bye-laws. As such, local authorities are responsible for local regulation and oversight, including the inspection and enforcement regimes, notwithstanding that many local authorities no longer collect household waste. Such functions are shared between the elected members and the executive. For example, the making of bye-laws is a reserved function. The Programme for Government commits to the development of a coherent national waste policy, adhering to the waste hierarchy, which will aim to minimise waste disposal in landfill and maximise recovery. I expect to be in a position to submit final proposals in this regard to Government in the coming weeks.
854 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of properties that registered for the household charge; if he will give a breakdown of these on a county basis; the number of these properties that are entitled to an exemption and the steps he now proposes to take to collect the outstanding monies due. [18529/12]
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 16 April, 2012, a total of 675,252 property declarations have been processed by the household charge bureau. 660,597 registered for payment of the charge and 14,655 residential property owners have registered for a waiver from payment of the charge. In addition, 188,500 postal applications have been received in the household charge bureau and a further 40,000 declarations have been received by local authorities which have yet to be processed. This gives a total number of over 903,000 declarations made.
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 of 1 January, 2012 to determine if he/she has a liability and, if so, that person is required to declare that liability and to pay the household charge.
The Act further provides for offences where a person contravenes the statutory requirements. In addition, late payment penalties apply where payment is not made by the due date and household charges and any associated late payment penalties are a charge against the property which will have to be discharged in the event of the sale or transfer of the property concerned.
Section 12 of the Act provides that it is a function of each local authority to collect household charges, late payment fees and late payment interest due to it and to deal with matters associated with such collection. I will be keeping the income being generated from the household charge under constant review and I and local authorities will take any necessary measures, as appropriate, in regard to compliance with the legislation.
The following table sets out the numbers registered for the household charge on a county/city basis. This breakdown shows the number of households that have been registered to date against an estimate of the number of households liable to the household charge. The 228,500 declarations yet to be processed are not included in this table as a county/city breakdown is not as yet available in respect of these. In addition, the number of declarations received where a waiver from payment of the household charge is claimed is not included in these figures:
|
County/City Council |
Registered for Household Charge at 16/4/12 |
|
Carlow |
6,309 |
|
Cavan |
8,379 |
|
Clare |
17,225 |
|
Cork City |
16,401 |
|
Cork County |
54,519 |
|
Donegal |
16,600 |
|
Dublin City |
95,126 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
48,400 |
|
Fingal |
44,060 |
|
Galway City |
12,825 |
|
Galway County |
22,709 |
|
Kerry |
21,587 |
|
Kildare |
29,885 |
|
Kilkenny |
12,105 |
|
Laois |
8,900 |
|
Leitrim |
4,622 |
|
Limerick City |
8,084 |
|
Limerick County |
17,700 |
|
Longford |
4,469 |
|
Louth |
13,709 |
|
Mayo |
19,286 |
|
Meath |
23,519 |
|
Monaghan |
5,329 |
|
North Tipperary |
9,164 |
|
Offaly |
7,883 |
|
Roscommon |
7,965 |
|
Sligo |
9,987 |
|
South Dublin |
36,884 |
|
South Tipperary |
10,800 |
|
Waterford City |
5,986 |
|
Waterford County |
8,932 |
|
Westmeath |
10,067 |
|
Wexford |
20,343 |
|
Wicklow |
20,838 |
|
Totals |
660,597 |
855 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 8 March, 2012; if he will forward a response to same. [18534/12]
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 8 March 2012. The information requested has been forwarded to the Deputy.
857 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce a quality assured fuel scheme to give consumers confidence in the petrol and diesel that they are purchasing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18546/12]
My Department does not have a role in regulating fuel standards from a consumer perspective in terms of quality assurance or the operational performance of the fuel. My Department's responsibility for fuel quality standards arise from the perspective of ensuring that petrol and diesel sold in the State meet prescribed environmental specifications to reduce the polluting effect that certain substances have on the environment, when emitted to air as part of the fuel combustion process.
Directive 98/70/EC relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels is transposed in Ireland through the European Communities Act, 1972 (Environmental Specifications for Petrol, Diesel Fuels and Gas Oils for use by non-road mobile machinery, including inland waterway vessels, agricultural and forestry tractors, and recreational craft) Regulations 2011. As required by the Directive, Ireland reports annually to the European Commission the results of a sampling programme for both petrol and diesel, including any breaches of the environmental specifications of the fuel. Ireland’s latest results, which were submitted to the Commission on 30 June 2011, indicated that fuel sold in the State during 2010 was predominantly compliant with the environmental specifications set out in Irish legislation. The Commission collates the data received from Member States and publishes annual reports, which are available to download from the Commission’s website: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/transport/fuel-quality-monitoring.htm
Sampling of the fuel is carried out by officers of the Revenue Commissioners and the samples are analysed by the State Laboratory. In addition, the Irish Petroleum Industry Association (IPIA) contracts an independent laboratory to sample and analyse fuel and the results of that process are included in Ireland's report to the Commission.
860 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of written Parliamentary Questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicted that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18595/12]
From 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012, 1,191 Parliamentary Questions were answered by me and Ministers of State at my Department. Full replies were provided to 1,188 Questions and in the case of 3 Questions, follow up replies were issued directly to the Deputy concerned.
861 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a person acting as an executor of a will who is charged with selling a house on behalf of a deceased person is exempt from the household charge or the second home charge; if he will consider a change in legislation to exempt such persons or at least a deferral of the imposition of the charge until such time as a sale is completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18629/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, set out the legislation underpinning the household charge and the charge on non-principal private residences respectively.
Application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
Both Acts contain common provisions dealing with the situation where a person who is the sole owner of a residential property dies. The legislation provides that the personal representative of the deceased person is not, in respect of that residential property, liable to pay the household charge or the charge on non-principal private residences relating to a year in which the liability falls after the date of death of the deceased person and before the date of issue of a grant of representation to the estate of the deceased person.
The specific provisions are contained in section 4(3) of the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and, in relation to the charge on non-principal private residences, in section 4(7) of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended.
In addition, both Acts provide that where a person who is the sole owner of a residential property dies and, at the date of his or her death, a household charge or a charge on non-principal private residence (and any related late payment penalties) remains unpaid in relation to that property, no further late payment penalties are payable in relation to that property until a grant of representation to the estate of the deceased person issues to the personal representative of such deceased person.
The personal representative of such deceased person is, as soon as a grant of representation to the estate of the deceased person issues to him or her, liable to pay to the relevant local authority the full amount due and owing by the deceased, at the date of his or her death, in respect of the household charge or the charge on non-principal private residences and any related late payment penalties.
Where the full amount owing is paid by the personal representative within 3 months of the date of issue of the grant of representation to the estate of the deceased, he or she has no further liability.
Where the full amount owing is not paid by the personal representative within 3 months of the date of issue of the grant of representation to the estate of the deceased, he or she is liable to pay late payment penalties, in addition to the full amount, from the date of issue of the grant of representation to the estate of the deceased.
These provisions are contained in section 7(3)-7(6) of the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and section 6(3)-6(6) of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended.
862 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular form, the names and salaries of all his special advisors including special advisors of Ministers of State; any salary increases they have received since they took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18637/12]
863 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular form, details of all salary increases for special advisors requested by him or any Ministers of State in his Department; the names of the advisors and the amount requested; a list of salary increases granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18654/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 862 and 863 together.
The information requested is set out in the following table:
|
Office |
Special Adviser |
Sanctioned Salary on appointment |
Salary increases since appointment |
Salary increases requested by Minister/Minister of State |
|
Minister Hogan |
Claire Langton |
80,051 |
3,286* |
None |
|
Sean McKeown |
92,672 |
None |
None |
|
|
Minister of State O’Sullivan |
Aidan Culhane |
80,051 |
None |
None |
*In line with the Instructions on Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dáil, Ms. Langton was awarded an increment on the 1st anniversary of her appointment.
Under the Public Service Management Act, 1997 and in line with the Instructions on Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dáil, Ministers of State who regularly attend Cabinet may appoint a maximum of two Special Advisers. In this regard Minister of State O'Sullivan, who regularly attends Cabinet, is currently arranging for the appointment of a second Special Adviser.
864 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it has been brought to his attention that Sligo County Council has had the highest overall deficit balance of all county and city councils in recent years (details supplied); if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the members of Sligo County Council were informed at their monthly meeting on the 5 of March 2012 that the council’s overall revenue account debt at the end of 2011 increased to €12.9 million and that the council’s capital debt is now €73 million and that a majority of the members of the council approved an increase in the council’s overdraft facility from €11 million to €14 million for the period April 2012 to September 2012; if he intends to sanction the increased overdraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18667/12]
I refer to the replies to Question numbers 131 and 134 of 29 September 2011, 466 of 24 January 2012, 196 of 22 February 2012, 352 of 6 March 2012, 348 of 21 March 2012 and 186 of 29 March 2012, in which I stated that it is a matter for each local authority, including Sligo County Council, to manage its own day-to-day finances in a prudent and sustainable manner. At the request of Sligo County Council, I met with a delegation from the Council on 31 January 2012 to discuss its financial position, including its adopted 2012 budget. My Department continues to be in on-going consultation with the Council in relation to these matters.
I can confirm that a request for sanction to increase Sligo County Council's current overdraft facility from €11 million to €14 million was received by my Department on 26 March 2012. Following discussions between my Department and the Council, it was agreed that an increase in the current overdraft limit was not required immediately. I have conveyed my sanction for the continuation of the current overdraft limit of €11 million and this is to be kept under regular review.
In addition, I understand that Sligo County Council is to engage an independent financial consultant to prepare a report on the authority's financial position and present options for consideration and decision by the elected members. This report will inform and advise the Council members and management on possible ways forward in dealing with the challenging financial circumstances of the Council.
My Department has been consulted on the terms of reference for the review and I have asked to be provided with a copy of the report when it is complete.
865 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter regarding microwave technology (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18668/12]
The issue of the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields masts was the subject of an Expert Group Report commissioned by the Government and published in March 2007. This Report, entitled Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, which considered issues such as digital signals, microwaves and mobile phone masts, is available for download on my Department’s website (www.environ.ie). The Expert Group reported that the majority scientific opinion was that no adverse short or long term effects have been demonstrated from exposure to electromagnetic fields at levels below the limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). However, extensive international research on the issue continues to be coordinated through bodies such as the World Health Organisation.
The Department will continue to monitor this and other scientific evidence as it is made available, and will consider any policy implications in this context.
866 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the procedure regarding the sale of a former local authority house having to be approved by the relevant local authority; if he views the practice as being outdated considering that no houses are currently being bought by local authorities and that his Department is currently only leasing properties for tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18672/12]
Local authority dwellings sold to tenant purchasers under section 90 of the Housing Act 1966 are subject to a special condition that "the dwelling or any part thereof shall not, without the consent of the housing authority, be mortgaged, charged or alienated otherwise than by devise or operation of law." This condition applies for a period after sale prescribed by the Minister, which, in the case of the 1995 tenant purchase scheme, is 20 years. Under section 90(12) of the 1966 Act, a housing authority may refuse to consent to the resale of a tenant purchase dwelling during this period where, in the authority's opinion — (i) the intended purchaser is not a person in need of housing, or (ii) the intended purchaser is or has been engaged in antisocial behaviour or that the intended sale of the dwelling would not be in the interest of good estate management, or (iii) the intended sale would, if completed, leave the seller or any person who might reasonably be expected to reside with him or her without adequate housing.
These measures are necessary to ensure that the interests of the local community and the housing authority are taken into account in the resale of a local authority dwelling within a reasonable period after tenant purchase and I have no proposals to change the law in this area.
867 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a grant that has been approved will be forwarded without any further delay in respect of a group (details supplied). [18697/12]
There are 35 Local Action Groups (LAG) contracted, on my Department's behalf, to deliver the RDP throughout the country and these groups are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with Departmental operating rules and EU regulations.
There are a number of systems in place at both Departmental and LAG level to ensure that funding approved and delivered through the Rural Development Programme is managed in an efficient and effective way and is also verifiably correct. My Department has been in contact with Mayo North East LEADER Partnership (MNELP), the LAG for the area, with regard to the project referred to in the question.
Funding for the project was approved by MNELP and the LAG is now in the process of ensuring that all the documentation in respect of the claim for payment in respect of the completed project is in order. Once the documentation is finalised, and the LAG is satisfied that all is in order, the LAG will request a drawdown of RDP funds from my Department. Any claim for payment once received by my Department will be subject to my Department's own verification processes.
868 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason only one PPS number is required to register a property with multiple owners for the household charge; the safeguards in place to ensure that the rights of the other owners of the property to pay the charge in coming years will also be recognised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18716/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
Section 3(4) of the Act provides that where a residential property is owned by two or more persons, those persons shall be jointly and severally liable to pay the household charge in respect of that property. Payment of the household charge by one co-owner will discharge the liability of each co-owner to pay the household charge.
Regulation 5 of the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provides for the making of the household charge declaration. In particular, Article (2)(d) provides that the personal public service number of the person who, in the case of an individual, is the owner of the property, shall be included in the declaration.
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 shortly. 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 and modalities of the full property tax to replace the household charge in due course.
869 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if further consideration can be given to the provision of funds for the extension of the local sewerage scheme to Cummeen, Strandhill, County Sligo (details supplied). [18724/12]
The Sligo and Environs Sewerage Scheme, which includes the extension to Cummeen, is included as a scheme at planning in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013.
My Department wrote to Sligo County Council in July 2011 advising that the Design Review Report for the scheme could not be considered further until such time as the Council completed a Local Area Plan for the Cummeen area which would provide a clearer basis for determining the nature and scale of water services infrastructure that may be required for the area.
I understand from Sligo County Council that there are currently no proposals to extend the development limits of the Sligo and Environs development plan at this time to include all of the Cummeen area.
870 Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the fact that when a citizen owns a second property and is currently paying an annual non principal private residency charge of €200 for the second property that they will now be expected to pay an additional €100 household charge for the same property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18725/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, set out the legislation underpinning the household charge and the charge on non-principal private residences respectively.
Application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the relevant liability dates is liable to pay the charges, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The charges are on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the liability date concerned to determine if he/she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the charges by the due dates.
871 Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the household charge. [18726/12]
The household charge is a local authority charge, the proceeds of which will be used to fund vital local services in our communities.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides that income from the household charge is to be paid into the Local Government Fund. I will disburse monies back to local authorities in general-purpose grants, making it possible for me to equalise distribution, and ensuring that those local authorities with lower populations than others do not suffer unduly as a result.
General Purpose Grants contribute to meeting the difference between the cost to local authorities of providing a reasonable level of services and the income available to them from local sources and from specific grants. The two principle sources of revenue for the Local Government Fund are the proceeds of motor tax and the income from the Household Charge.
General purpose grants from the Local Government Fund are structured to bring about equalisation, over time, so that each authority will have sufficient resources, either from central grants or from its local income base, to provide a reasonable level of day to day services to its customers. For the purposes of allocations, a range of factors is taken into account, including each local authority's expenditure on, and income from, its services, and the overall amount of funding available for distribution.
872 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will concede to a request that all landlords who have sitting tenants in excess of two to three years who lose their employment and end up being rent subsidised should be automatically entitled to a continuation of tenancy as a rent subsidised tenant. [18746/12]
873 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the large scale discrimination against tenants, who, through no fault of their own, end up unemployed and who are then eligible for a rent subsidy and who find themselves victims of landlords refusing to accept them as continuing tenants as a rent subsidised tenant; if the necessary legislative changes will be made to ensure that this discrimination ceases as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18747/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 872 and 873 together.
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 covering, inter alia, security of tenure and the termination of tenancies. Under the Act a tenancy includes any periodic or fixed term tenancy whether oral, written or implied and a tenancy agreement includes an oral tenancy agreement.
The maximum duration of a tenancy under the Act is four years, after which a new tenancy must be registered with the Board. Where a tenant has been in occupation of a dwelling for a continuous period of 6 months, and no notice of termination has been served in respect of the tenancy before the expiry of the period of 6 months, the tenancy continues in being for the remainder of the four year period and this is referred to in the Act as a Part 4 tenancy. A landlord may not serve a notice of termination on such a tenant except in very clearly defined circumstances such as a failure by the tenant to comply with his or her obligations in relation to the tenancy, where the landlord intends to sell the property within 3 months after the termination of the tenancy or where the landlord requires the dwelling for his or her own occupation or for that of a family member.
The employment status of a tenant has no impact on the tenant's legal rights to remain in the tenancy for the remainder of the Part 4 tenancy and any changes in that status cannot be used by a landlord as grounds for termination of a Part 4 tenancy.
874 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the situation regarding exemptions from the household charge and specifically in circumstances in which the co-owner of the residential property is in long-term residential care and when the other co-owner has no independent means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18805/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self assessment basis and interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
Section 3(4) of the Act provides that where a residential property is owned by two or more persons, those persons are jointly and severally liable to pay the household charge in respect of that property.
There are a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge under the legislation. In particular, section 4(2) of the Act provides an exemption from liability to pay the household charge for the year in which that liability date falls if, on that date, an individual who is the owner of a residential property, which was that person's main or sole residence, is not residing in that property by reason of his or her having had to vacate the property due to long term mental or physical infirmity and that person is residing in another property that he/she does not own.
Section 4(6) of the Act defines the meaning of "long term mental or physical infirmity" as that which required the person to vacate the property in which he/she had been dwelling for a continuous period of more than 12 months and provides that such an infirmity must be certified by a registered medical practitioner.
Questions Nos. 875 to 877, inclusive, answered with Question No. 848.
878 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason properties in class 2 ghost estates, that is estates for which a receiver has been appointed, are not eligible for a waiver from the household charge; if this matter is under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18822/12]
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, 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 waiver was not intended to apply to developments where a developer is in place who carries the responsibility for completing the works, or where a receiver has been appointed in this regard. 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. The prescribed list of estates to which the waiver applies is the final and complete list for 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.
In some cases a local authority may have found that conditions in respect of a certain phase of a development were relatively good and that, for example, no serious public safety issues could be identified. This phase of the development may have been categorised under category 1 or 2. Conversely, safety issues may have been identified in another phase of the same overall development, or development in that second phase may have been abandoned altogether, implying a category 3 or 4 identification for that phase.
879 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil cén uair a cheadófar togra Mheitheal Forbartha Chill Éinne a chuir Comhar na nOileán chuig an Roinn lena fhaomhadh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18851/12]
Seoladh faomhadh foirmiúil maidir le deontas €200,000 a cheadú don togra a ndearnadh tagairt dó i gceist an Teachta ó mo Roinn chuig Comhar na nOileán ar 3 Aibreán, 2012.
880 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by his Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18887/12]
The Mobile contract in place in my Department was procured under the Department of Finance Mobile Voice and Data Procurement Framework. The following table outlines the breakdown of amounts paid to mobile telephone companies for the years requested:
|
Name of Mobile Company |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
Hutchinson/’3’ Network |
274 |
487 |
|||
|
02 |
2,410 |
2,055 |
2,104 |
1,707 |
740 |
|
Vodafone |
138,990 |
213,321 |
177,294 |
175,195 |
169,215 |
881 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a planning matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18937/12]
The Malahide Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 as a scheme to advance through planning.
The Design Brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare the Preliminary Report for the scheme has been submitted by Fingal County Council to my Department and this will be dealt with as soon as possible. The Preliminary Report will make recommendations on the works to be completed and will outline the costs involved.
Until the Preliminary Report is completed it will not be possible to say what elements of the sewer network in Malahide will be upgraded or what contribution my Department might make to the cost of the work.
882 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the help he can offer to a person (details supplied) in County Longford regarding the resolution of problems associated with the structural deficiencies in their relatively new home, in view of the fact that cracks appeared four times throughout the building in the first year and are an ongoing occurrence, subsidence is affecting the tarmacadam driveway down to the foundations of the house and given the fact that the problems are manifest how a pre-purchase inspection by the National House Building Guarantee Company resulted in a certificate guaranteeing that the building was of sound structure issued to them and despite subsequently bringing the problem to the attention of both the builders and Home Bond in September 2010, to date they have received no response from Home Bond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18953/12]
The Building Regulations 1997 to 2011 provide for the safety and wellbeing of persons in and around buildings (including dwellings). The legal requirements are set out in twelve parts (classified as A to M) in the Second Schedule to the Regulations. Technical Guidance Documents are published to accompany each part in order to outline how the legal requirements can be achieved in practice.
In line with the Building Control Act 1990 the responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations rests first and foremost with the owner and builder of the building. Enforcement of the Regulations is the responsibility of the local building control authority in whose functional area the building is situated which in this case is the Building Control Authority in Longford County Council. There is a five year limit from the date of completion of the dwelling within which the Building Control Authority can bring enforcement proceedings for failure to comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations.
Where building defects occur, their remediation is a matter for the parties concerned, namely the building owner, the relevant builder and the builder's insurers, in line with any contractual arrangements agreed between the parties.
The National House Builders' Guarantee Scheme (NHBGS) which operates the Homebond Warranty Scheme is a private limited company providing structural guarantees for new houses registered by the builder/developer and, since November 2008, the HomeBond Insurance Scheme is underwritten by Allianz Insurance. As in the case of any private company, the operations of HomeBond are a matter for its management and Board of Directors and I have no function in relation to how it deals with its inspections or claims.
883 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress that has been made with the Tromra Road, Granard, County Longford regeneration application of €1.7 million, to advance this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18959/12]
My Department has approved the request by Longford County Council to proceed with the preparation of contract documents for the housing refurbishment project at Tromra Road, with a view to advancing this proposal to tender stage as quickly as possible.
884 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress that has been made with the Springlawn, Longford, regeneration application of €0.8 million, to advance this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18960/12]
885 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress that has been made with the McKeon Park, Longford, regeneration application, to advance this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18961/12]
886 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress that has been made with the Colmkille and Redmond Terrace, Granard, Longford, regeneration application, to advance this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18962/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 884 to 886, inclusive, together.
There are no proposals with my Department at present for the refurbishment of housing at McKeon Park, Longford and at Colmcille and Redmond Terrace, Granard. However, I understand that Longford County Council intend to submit a proposal under my Department's Improvement Works Programme in respect of McKeon Park, Longford. Having regard to the existing high level of commitments under the programme, it is not possible to approve the proposal submitted by Longford Town Council in respect of the Springlawn Estate at this time.
887 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to increase the training requirements in fire and emergency services to improve quality of service and contingencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18963/12]
Fire services are provided by the 37 statutorily designated fire authorities. The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under Section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981.
The national blueprint for the future development of the fire services, including improvements in efficiency and effectiveness, is set out in the Irish Fire Services National Development Framework 2010-2015. The Framework sets out policies and key actions in the areas of Fire Services Role in Society; National Processes and Guidance on Standards; Staff Learning and Development; Quality Assurance Systems and Reporting Performance; and Service Infrastructure and legislative support. The Framework was developed and approved under the aegis of the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, which is also managing the implementation of its actions.
In 2011 the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management decided two priority projects should be progressed and these are now the subject of consultation with a range of stakeholders. The first draft document concerns an integrated approach to efficient fire safety in Ireland titled: “Keeping Communities Safe”. The primary objective of the draft policy is maintaining and improving public safety, through achieving an appropriate balance between prevention of fires, having appropriate fire protection facilities in place in buildings and through fire brigade response measures. The second draft document is a review of the Computer Aided Mobilisation Project (CAMP). CAMP provides a computer aided call taking and mobilisation service for members of the public seeking the assistance of the emergency services. Following this stakeholder consultation, it is intended that the finalised policy documents will be completed by the end of summer 2012, and “Keeping Communities Safe” will then be circulated to all fire authorities for implementation. I expect that each fire authority will review its approach to fire safety in light of the guidance and recommendations in the document, and plan for any adjustments in current arrangements.
As regards the CAMP project, following consideration of comments received, a revised document in the form of a final report will be prepared for the National Directorate's Management Board.
Both the CAMP and "Keeping Communities Safe" draft documents are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie via the “Public Consultations” link which can be found on the home page under the heading “Popular Topics and Quicklinks”.
Fire Services will continue to be developed by the local authorities having regard to both of the service priorities referred to above, including the need to maximise effectiveness and efficiency, and taking account of the resources available.
888 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the challenges of calling in of financial bonds, procurement and legal inspections for local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18964/12]
I am chairing the National Co-ordination Committee on Unfinished Housing Developments to oversee implementation of the Report of the Advisory Group on Unfinished Housing Developments, together with the Government's response to the recommendations. The Committee includes representatives from the Irish Banking Federation, local authorities, the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency, NAMA and the construction sector. The Committee is meeting on a regular basis with the aim of publishing a report on progress achieved within the next 12 months. In the meantime, work is ongoing on implementation of the Report of the Advisory Group and real progress is already being made with regard to the public safety works required to improve the living conditions of existing residents on some unfinished estates.
While planning authorities are making progress in securing the co-operation of developers, financial institutions and/or bond holders, thereby obviating the need to use Exchequer resources to fund such work the ongoing work of the Committee includes an assessment of the framework for the operation of bonds. This is taking account of existing legislative provisions, statutory guidance and practical experience in the operation of bonds in order to determine what further policy advice and action are necessary in this regard.
889 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress being made to approve funding for the extension of the Longford sewerage scheme to include the Ardagh Road, Ferefad, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18965/12]
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Longford. The Longford Sewerage Scheme is included in the Programme as a scheme to advance through planning. I understand that Longford County Council is in the process of procuring Consulting Engineers to prepare a Preliminary Report for the scheme. As part of the preparation of the Preliminary Report, the Consulting Engineer will examine the feasibility of providing a sewerage collection in the South Eastern Environs of Longford Town which includes Feraghfad.
890 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to increase funding to local authorities, particularly Longford and Westmeath, as a consequence of the reduction in development levies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18966/12]
Development contributions have been an important addition to the capital funding resources of local authorities but they are only one element and local authorities generate capital income from a variety of sources including grants. In addition, limited debt finance is available to local authorities as necessary to finance their capital investment.
The adoption of development contribution schemes is a reserved function of the elected members of local authorities. My Department provides a policy guidance framework for development contributions which is designed to draw the attention of local authorities to their obligations under the legislation, while also recognising that the adoption of development contribution schemes remains a reserved function. Further draft guidance which will reflect current economic conditions is currently being prepared for public consultation. My Department will continue to work closely with local authorities, including Westmeath and Longford County Councils, on this and other matters.
891 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to fund local authorities to carry the costs of compliance, Environmental Protection Agency, health and safety and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18967/12]
It is a matter for each local authority to manage its own budget and prioritise its spending, within the resources available to it, across the range of services it provides.
892 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the funding that has been allocated on a county basis from the European Life Plus Programme for Environmental Conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18968/12]
The EU LIFE+ Programme 2007-2013 is a dedicated EU funding instrument for the environment which complements existing EU funding arrangements. The Programme is administered directly by the European Commission and funding is allocated to projects on merit in accordance with established criteria and following rigorous assessment by the Commission. As funding is provided directly by the Commission, the question of county by county allocations does not arise.
To date, five Irish projects have qualified for funding totalling almost €5.5 million under the EU LIFE+ Programme. Details of these projects are set out in the following table:
|
Project Title |
Description |
Total Budget |
EC Funding |
|
Shannon SACLAEO |
Restoration of the lower Shannon Special Area of Conservation for Sea Lamprey, Atlantic Salmon and the European Otter. |
€1,779,858 |
€914,846 |
|
Control of Aquatic Invasive Species in Ireland |
Control of aquatic invasive alien species and restoration of natural communities in Lough Corrib. |
€1,486,782 |
€737,958 |
|
Blackwater Samok |
Restoration of the populations of Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Atlantic Salmon and Otter (Annex II species EU Habitats Directive), Kingfisher (Annex I species EU Birds Directive) and a sub-species of Irish Dipper endemic to Ireland, in the Upper Blackwater catchment Special Area of Conservation. |
€1,995,826 |
€935,650 |
|
Demonstrating Best Practice in Raised Bog Restoration in Ireland |
Continue the process of removing plantation forests from Irish raised bogs of conservation value and thereby ultimately to contribute towards the restoration of wetland, peat-forming conditions on those bogs. |
€2,151,328 |
€1,290,797 |
|
DEPOTEC |
Production of a depolymerisation process that will add value to waste tyres by producing products that can be used as substitute carbon filler materials in the rubber manufacturing process. |
€3,157,910 |
€1,562,672 |
893 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether it is equitable that a large motor caravan only pays €95 road tax while it costs €307 for an 1108cc Fiat Panda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18994/12]
A concessionary rate of motor tax for motor caravans was introduced in 1998. I understand that the rationale behind the introduction of the concessionary rate was that, while motor caravans are generally less in use than many other categories of vehicle, rates of motor tax were relatively high. The average engine capacity of a motor caravan was estimated at 2.5 litres and the motor tax for an engine of that capacity was significantly higher than the tax being paid by owners of motor caravans in the United Kingdom.
I understand it was also considered that a concessionary annual rate of tax for motor caravans would encourage tourism and tourist related activities, not least by facilitating more out-of-season use of motor caravans, where previously owners may have taxed and used the vehicle for only three months of the year due to cost. Concessionary rates of tax (€99 or less) are available on an annual basis only and not quarterly or half-yearly.
Question No. 894 answered with Question No. 820.
895 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the body, State agency or section of his Department which is responsible for monitoring environmental impact statements and the compliance of same with EU Directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18998/12]
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the process by which the anticipated effects on the environment of a proposed development or project are examined. The document produced to facilitate this process is known as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
EIA requirements derive from Directive 85/337/EEC (EIA Directive) on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, as amended, which has been transposed into Irish law primarily by means of the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1989 to 1999 and also, more generally, through various legislation providing for relevant consents in respect of projects.
In each such consent system, which is governed by separate legislation, a competent authority is identified as the body responsible for examining the EIS, including its compliance with the EIA Directive, as amended. The competent authority then makes its decision to refuse or grant permission for the development or project, having regard to the information contained in the EIS, among other factors. For example, the competent authority in respect of land use consent is the local planning authority and/or An Bord Pleanála; in the case of petroleum and gas extraction, it is the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
In effect, no single body is responsible for examining EISs to ensure, inter alia, their compliance with the EIA Directive, as amended; rather, this responsibility is appropriately assigned to a defined competent authority in the context of each relevant statutory consent system.
896 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason an unfinished estate, (details supplied) in County Cork which was considered as a category 3 by the County Council was not included on his Department’s waiver list as an unfinished housing estate on the website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19000/12]
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, 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. The prescribed list of estates to which the waiver applies is the final and complete list for 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.
In some cases a local authority may have found that conditions in respect of a certain phase of a development were relatively good and that, for example, no serious public safety issues could be identified. This phase of the development may have been categorised under category 1 or 2. Conversely, safety issues may have been identified in another phase of the same overall development, or development in that second phase may have been abandoned altogether, implying a category 3 or 4 identification for that phase.
897 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of cases the Private Residential Tenancies Board has brought in 2009, 2010 and 2011; the amount the PRTB cost the state in each of the past three years, including legal costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19011/12]
I have no function in the operational matters of the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), an independent statutory body established under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. While the PRTB received Exchequer funding for a number of years, it has operated on a self-financing basis since 2010. The Table outlines the Exchequer funding received by the PRTB from 2004-2009:
|
Year |
Exchequer Grant |
|
2004 |
€154,266.00 |
|
2005 |
€1,703,279.00 |
|
2006 |
€2,973,787.00 |
|
2007 |
€5,739,940.00 |
|
2008 |
€3,812,417.00 |
|
2009 |
€974,415.00 |
Details of the Board's income and expenditure are published in their annual reports and accounts which are available on the PRTB website www.prtb.ie. The most recently available annual report and accounts relate to 2010. The annual reports contain a wide range of statistics including data on dispute resolution figures.
898 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the Private Residential Tenancies Board will press charges in a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19012/12]
I have no function in the operational matters of the Private Residential Tenancies Board, an independent statutory body established under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. Accordingly, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specifics of any individual case.
899 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no funding has been given by him to Dublin City Council for maintenance and adaption grants for homes, that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10 who suffers from a spinal cord injury and is severely restricted as a result, cannot have their home adapted by Dublin City Council; and the action he will take to alleviate their problem. [19027/12]
I recently announced details of the 2012 housing capital allocations to local authorities, totalling some €251.5 million. In excess of €62 million has been made available for the various housing programmes in the Dublin City Council area. Of this, €660,000 has been allocated for necessary adaptations and extensions to meet the needs of tenants of local authority houses. The administration of this funding and the selection of properties for upgrading is entirely a matter for Dublin City Council.
900 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm that he has cut the senior alert scheme grants for security lights, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors; if he will confirm that the cutbacks also stated that groups will have a €30,000 grant ceiling under the scheme; if he will confirm that community groups were only informed of the cutback last Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 March that these cutbacks would come into effect from Friday 30 March, giving only three days notice; if he will urgently review this decision with a view to reversing these cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19057/12]
My Department manages the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages and assists the community's support for older people by means of a community-based grant scheme to improve the security of people over 65 years of age.
The Scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department.
In 2011, grant support was available towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alert systems (pendant alarms) and other items to improve the safety and security of the home (including monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, internal emergency lighting and external security lighting).
Due to unprecedented demand for grant assistance under the Seniors Alert Scheme in 2011, the budget allocation of €2.35m was expended by the end of November 2011; there were a significant number of grant applications received in December 2011 that the Seniors Alert Unit was unable to grant-aid until the receipt of the budget allocation for 2012.
A significant portion of the 2012 budget allocation (€2.35m) was spent early in 2012 as a result of this unprecedented demand. The Seniors Alert Unit is also continually registering Community and Voluntary groups who wish to administer the Scheme and this will further increase the demand for funding in 2012.
As a result, my Department examined the operation of the scheme with the aim of ensuring its sustainability and an equitable distribution of funding country-wide. The following temporary changes were notified to groups on 26 March 2012, and took effect from 30 March 2012:
Funding will only be available for the purchase and installation of socially monitored alarms at a maximum of €250 per alarm (Maximum funding of €50 is also available for additional pendants and reinstallations).
Grants to Community and Voluntary groups will be capped at €30,000 per annum.
The aim of the Seniors Alert Scheme is to support independent living for those over 65 who live alone or who live with a person who is also over 65 years of age and of limited financial means. A key element of the Scheme is the provision of funding for a socially monitored alarm which supports this independence. Having regard to available funding in the current economic climate, the changes above will ensure that my Department can continue to maintain the Scheme in a viable way and provide the maximum number of socially monitored alarms to as many older persons as possible in 2012.
The temporary changes made under the Scheme will be monitored on an on-going basis and may be revised later in the year in light of the overall demand for funding relative to the budget allocation for 2012.
901 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form, the number of persons who have registered and paid the non-principal private residence charge in each of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; and the total number of properties involved. [19060/12]
The information requested, which has been complied by the Local Government Management Agency, is set out in the table:
|
Year |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
No. of NPPR Properties |
301,835 |
332,289 |
339,431 |
|
No. of NPPR Accounts |
165,898 |
175,345 |
180,389 |
902 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form, the number of persons who registered late and paid the non-principal private residence charge in 2010 and 2011 and the total number of properties involved. [19061/12]
The information requested, which has been complied by the Local Government Management Agency, is set out in the table:
|
Year |
2010 |
2011 |
|
No. of NPPR Properties that incurred late registration penalties and Charges |
36,728 |
36,567 |
|
No. of NPPR Accounts that incurred late registration penalties and Charges |
23,730 |
19,230 |
903 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form, the total amount received in respect of the non-principal residence charge for 2009, 2010 and 2011, analysed by the year to which it referred and the amount of interest and penalties collected. [19062/12]
The information requested, which has been complied by the Local Government Management Agency, is set out in the table:
|
Year |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
Total Amount |
€72,339,740 |
€71,223,860 |
€67,742,960 |
|
Late payment fee and Charge |
€12,427,840 |
€11,766,700 |
€6,875,660 |
|
Late payment fee only |
€6,381,640 |
€5,145,900 |
€2,141,260 |
905 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a statistical analysis for 2009, 2010 and 2011 of the number of persons who have paid the non-principal residence charge by the number of housing units owned. [19064/12]
The information requested, which has been complied by the Local Government Management Agency, is set out in the tables:
|
Year |
No. of NPPRs |
1 |
2 to 10 |
11 to 20 |
21 to 30 |
31 to 40 |
|
2009 |
Total Accounts |
134,974 |
46,698 |
1,536 |
364 |
141 |
|
2010 |
Total Accounts |
136,088 |
46,080 |
1,517 |
363 |
144 |
|
2011 |
Total Accounts |
135,971 |
45,397 |
1,453 |
373 |
135 |
|
Charge |
No. of NPPRs |
41 to 50 |
51 to 100 |
101 to 200 |
201 to 300 |
300 to 400 |
> 400 |
|
2009 |
Total Accounts |
58 |
113 |
25 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
2010 |
Total Accounts |
62 |
116 |
29 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
2011 |
Total Accounts |
67 |
117 |
36 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
906 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm the cost of the household charge or property tax over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19068/12]
The household charge is being administered by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) on a shared service/agency basis on behalf of all county and city councils. The costs arising are a matter for the LGMA and the county and city councils.
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 shortly. 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 and modalities of the full property tax.
907 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends, as a matter of electoral reform, to revise the method of selection of polling station staff to ensure that the positions available are publically advertised and that, when appropriate, the jobs are offered to persons who are on the unemployment register rather than to those who are already employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19069/12]
The primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. Within that framework, local returning officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the actual conduct of elections and referendums, including the selection, appointment and training of polling station and count staff in accordance with the relevant provisions of electoral law.
To assist returning officers, my Department issues guidance to them in advance of each election and referendum. The guidance emphasises that the smooth conduct of polls is dependent on maintaining a cadre of sufficiently skilled and experienced people. Having regard to that overall objective, returning officers are advised to employ competent and efficient persons as polling staff and asked to give consideration, where possible, to employing suitable persons who are unemployed.
908 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider working with housing associations and amend legislation in order for tenants to purchase their homes for example, Cluid Housing Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19070/12]
There is no provision at present in the voluntary housing schemes for the purchase of individual houses by tenants. My Department is currently in consultation with the voluntary housing sector, through the Irish Council for Social Housing, with regard to the development of an enabling regulatory framework that will support the expanded role for the sector foreseen in the Government's housing policy statement of June 2011. In developing this framework, my Department will, inter alia, examine a range of issues around making best use of the significant equity inherent in the voluntary housing stock, including how some of this equity might be released to leverage additional new supply, including through the sale of voluntary houses to tenants.
909 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason behind the inclusion of exemption No. 6(a)(ii) under the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009; and if he will examine this clause and determine if there is scope to further the range of this clause; if a further exemption can be made in the case of properties occupied by relatives who are not paying rent, but which were purchased for the purposes of supporting independent living for disabled family members. [19090/12]
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, which sets out the detail of the charge, is premised on a universal liability for residential property in respect of the charge. It exempts certain buildings and owners from this liability, the most important exemption being where a property is occupied by the owner as his or her sole or main residence on the liability date.
Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
Section 4(6) of the Act includes an exemption for property in which a relative of the owner is living rent-free, as long as that residence is on the same property or within two kilometres of the owner's main residence. This provision was intended principally to cater for situations in which accommodation might be provided for an elderly parent by a son or daughter, and follows precedent from Revenue legislation dealing with the home carer tax credit.
910 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will investigate a matter (details supplied) and intervene if he deems it necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19109/12]
The issue raised in the Question is a matter entirely for the company and the Town Council involved.
911 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason a 1996 car with a 1.8 litre engine cost €626 road tax and a current model of the same car costs €225. [19142/12]
New emissions based Vehicle Registration Tax and motor tax systems were introduced in 2008 in order to influence the future purchasing decisions of car buyers. The owners of vehicles registered prior to 1 July 2008 continue to pay motor tax on the basis of engine capacity. Both systems of charging are based on a graduated scale, with vehicles with lower emissions or smaller engine capacity attracting lower rates of taxation than those with higher emissions or larger engine capacity.
The question of applying the new CO2 based motor tax system to all cars was subject to detailed discussion during the debate on the Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Act 2008. Any retrospection would not be possible, as the CO2 data for the pre-2008 car fleet have not been authenticated for business purposes. The cost of any retrospection could be substantial were it possible, depending on how it applied, and could have direct implications for the revenue base of local government.
Continuing improvements in vehicle manufacturing technology are contributing to an increasing number of vehicles with lower carbon emissions. The average CO2 emissions of a new passenger car in the EU were 140.3 gCO2/km in 2010, 5.4 gCO2/km (3.7%) less than in 2009 when average emissions were 145.7 gCO2/km. More than 60% of all new cars sold in the EU in 2010 have emissions of 140 g/km or less, compared to only 23% in 2003. This is reflected in Irish buying trends — 81% of new vehicles purchased in 2010 fell into the two lowest CO2 bands A and B, with emissions less than 140g CO2/km. In 2011, 91% of new vehicles fell into those two bands and indications to date in 2012 are that a similar percentage will apply.
912 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it has been brought to his attention that as part of the rationalisation of State agencies a decision was made in 2009 to merge the Local Government Management Services Board and the Local Government Computer Service Board into a single body, the Local Government Management Agency; if it has further been brought to his attention that the majority of members on each board are city and county managers; if it has been brought to his attention that the merger of the two organisations from an administrative perspective was completed in 2010; if it has been brought to his attention that the boards and subcommittees of the boards of the two agencies have failed to merge and continue to act independently at significant cost; his views on whether this is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19144/12]
The Local Government Management Services Board (LGMSB) and the Local Government Computer Services Board (LGCSB) were established under the Local Government Corporate Bodies Act 1971. The LGMSB and the LGCSB were subsequently placed on a primary legislative footing under the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) (Confirmation of Orders) Act 2008.
Under the terms of the Local Government Management Services Board (Establishment) Order 1996 (S.I. No. 410 of 1996), the Board is made up of not less than four and not more than ten qualified persons appointed by the Council, and such officers of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government as the Minister shall appoint from time to time. A qualified person is a manager or assistant manager of a county borough or the personnel officer of the Right Honourable Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses of Dublin, or a manager or assistant manager for the purposes of the County Management Acts 1940 to 1994. The Council is made up of the persons who are for the time being qualified persons.
Under the terms of the Local Government Computer Services Board (Establishment) Order 1975 (S.I. No. 212 of 1975), the Board is made up of not more than eight and not less than six qualified persons appointed by the Council, not more than two serving officers of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government appointed by the Minister, and one serving officer of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform appointed by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. A qualified person means a manager or assistant manager of a county borough, or a manager or assistant manager for the purposes of the County Management Acts 1940 to 1994. The Council is made up of the persons who are for the time being qualified persons.
The Local Government Management Services Board and the Local Government Computer Services Board are merging as the Local Government Management Agency. A single Chief Executive and joint management arrangements are currently in place.
Both boards comprise the same membership with the addition of one Ministerial nominee, on the LGMSB, and a representative from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the LGCSB. Board meetings and Audit Committee meetings are held jointly and recorded in accordance with governance requirements. There is no duplication of any sub-committee and all committees report to the joint Board meeting.
The dissolution of the LGMSB and the LGCSB, as well as the statutory establishment of the Local Government Management Agency will be facilitated by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2012, which is due to be published in the current Dáil session.
913 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Association of County and City Councils and the City and County Managers Association submit their respective annual audited accounts to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19149/12]
Audited accounts of the Association of County and City Councils, the latest of which cover the year ending 31 December 2010, have been received in my Department. The Local Government Management Services Board provides administrative, secretariat and research services to the County and City Managers' Association (CCMA) in the context of joint working of local authorities through the Office for Local Authority Management. The CCMA does not publish separate accounts.
914 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by his Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19171/12]
The information requested is set out in the following table:
|
Contract Award Year |
Consultant |
Purpose of Consultancy |
Cost € |
|
2011 |
ARUP Consulting Engineers |
Study in respect of provision of fire detection and alarm systems in dwellings. |
24,400 |
|
2011 |
Barrow Archaeological Services |
Archaeological report on Met Éireann site at Valentia. |
1,210 |
|
2011 |
Building Research Establishment Ltd |
Retrofitting Code of Practice. |
21,191 |
|
2011 |
Irish Concrete Federation Ltd |
Testing of Hydraulic Efficiency — national annex for septic tanks and wastewater treatment. |
2,270 |
|
2011 |
Mr. David Lovegrove |
Advisor to the Dormant Accounts Board. |
11,803 |
|
2011 |
Murtagh and Partners |
Review of Homelessness Services in Dublin Region. |
27,800 |
|
2011 |
Napier University Ventures Ltd. |
Sound Insulation Research to inform the drafting of Part E (Sound) of the Building Regulations. |
1,423 |
|
2011 |
O’Herlihy Consultancy |
Preparation and delivery of a training manual and programme for the implementation of the new Part M (Access and Use) of the Building Regulations. |
14,337 |
|
2011 |
Price Waterhouse Cooper |
Consultancy services on establishment of National Water Utility. |
130,536 |
|
2011 |
Tobin Consulting Engineers |
Operation of National Litter Pollution Monitoring System. |
68,822 |
|
2011 |
A. & L. Goodbody Solrs. |
Legal advice on tender and contract documentation for the provision of a premium rate weather service. |
10,374 |
|
2011 |
Malachy Walsh and Partners |
Environmental and engineering advice, EIS Screening Report and planning submission for site at Valentia. |
17,378 |
|
2011 |
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
Recertification audit (Met Éireann) of ISO9001:2008 |
3,993 |
|
2011 |
RPS |
Provision of expertise concerning Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment techniques for the evaluation and revision of Regional Waste Management Plans. |
35,307 |
|
2011 |
Dr. Eoin O’Suillivan, TCD |
Overall Review of the Homeless Strategy 2008-2013. |
6,000 |
|
2011 |
Pembroke Communications |
Advise on, and assist tendering process for, Tidy Towns sponsorship. |
4,560 |
|
2012 |
Mr. Seamus Woulfe SC |
Review of the management by the Department of an application by Wicklow County Council for loan approval in respect of the compulsory purchase of land at Charlesland, Co. Wicklow. |
19,680 |
|
2012 |
Mr. Eamon Galligan SC |
Legal advice on the provisions of section 261A of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011. |
1,353 |
915 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form the revenue generated from the issuance of dog licences for each year in the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19192/12]
A broad range of data concerning the dog control functions of local authorities is available on my Department's website at http://www.environ.ie/en/LocalGovernment/DogControl/. This includes, inter alia, information on the income and expenditure of each local authority in relation to the dog control function. The data on income comprise the total income received, including income from dog licences as well as from fines.
916 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to bring forward a scheme for persons who want to erect wind mills for domestic use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19229/12]
The planning system supports the use of domestic renewable energy including domestic wind turbines through specific exemptions or technologies, subject to certain conditions. The possible introduction of grant support for domestic wind turbines through, for example, an expansion of the existing grant scheme, Better Energy Homes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
917 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has been empowered to access the bank accounts of those households who have registered their households with direct debit details for the payment of the household charge for any additional payments which may be required in future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19234/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. There is no provision in the legislation to allow me to access bank accounts.
918 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider revising the current Leader Axis 3 and 4 funding rates of aid structure under the support for business creation and development and diversification into non agricultural activities programmes providing for up to 75% grant funding to non-community projects which is currently funded at 50%. [19247/12]
919 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider revising the current Leader Axis 3 and 4 funding rates of aid structure under the Village and Countryside Renewal and Development and the Encouragement of Tourism Activities providing up to 90% grant funding to community projects which is currently funded at 75%. [19248/12]
930 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are proposals to increase the grant aid from the Leader Programme from 50% to 75% for individuals and the community rates from 75% to 90%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19535/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 918, 919 and 930 together.
Axes 3 and 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP), for which my Department has responsibility, continues to facilitate access to significant financial resources for rural communities. The main objectives of the RDP are to improve the quality of life in rural areas and facilitate the diversification of the rural economy. The RDP is designed to address directly many of the challenges facing rural communities including the need to increase economic activity and stimulate job creation; improve access to basic services for rural dwellers and encourage rural tourism based on sustainable development of natural resources. The programme is inclusive in its approach to arriving at solutions to such challenges using a "bottom up method" where local communities provide local solutions.
In general, the rates of grant aid available under the measures of the RDP are 50% for private promoters and 75% for Community promoters with some higher rates available for specific activities such as Training (100%) and Analysis and Development (90%). In the current economic climate, it has been difficult for private individuals and community groups to obtain the matched funding required to avail of this support level, particularly for larger projects.
As part of a suite of measures to address these and other issues relating to the delivery of the RDP my Department is proposing to increase the rates of aid available to both private promoters and community groups. Such changes require the approval of the European Commission and the programme change request has already been submitted to the RDP Monitoring Committee for onward submission to the Commission for consideration. The result of this process will be communicated to all Local Development Companies as soon as possible.
920 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a definite outcome regarding the provision of a successor to Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta is envisaged to be in operation; and if, in the interests of fairness, priority will be given, in the new arrangements, to the community groups who had submitted applications to MFG prior to its liquidation. [19261/12]
My Department is actively working to ensure that services in Gaeltacht areas previously provided by MFG can be maintained.
With regard to the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP), which is administered on behalf of my Department by Pobal, interim arrangements have recently been put in place whereby funding for LCDP activities in Gaeltacht areas will be administered through contiguous Local Development Companies (LDCs) for an initial six month period, subject to a review of progress after 3 months. The LDCs have been advised that the LCDP services must continue to be delivered to communities in an effective and coherent manner, through the medium of Irish, in the short/medium term, pending a longer term solution for Gaeltacht service delivery. The LDCs have been asked to prioritise the planning for this work by liaising with both Pobal and Údarás na Gaeltachta on how the work of the LCDP delivery to the Gaeltacht areas can be achieved.
My Department's objective is to have LCDP actions delivered to these areas within the next four weeks. In the majority of cases agreement has now been reached between Pobal and the LDCs on the inclusion and implementation of LCDP actions for their particular Gaeltacht areas. These actions are now included in the LDCs Annual Work Plan for 2012.
In the context of the delivery of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) significant progress has been made and project promoters with fully completed contracts were contacted during the week ending 2 March 2012 with a view to verifying project information in order to facilitate payment of outstanding amounts. Once this verification process is fully complete the LDCs contiguous to the MFG Gaeltacht areas will form part of an interim system of payment in the short term. My Department expects to facilitate payment of verified projects in the coming weeks.
In the context of the delivery of Axes 3 and 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme in Gaeltacht areas in the longer term my Department is currently examining the submissions received as part of an overall process commenced in March 2012 which requested expressions of interest from established LDCs to deliver the LEADER elements of the RDP in MFG areas for the remainder of the Programming period.
921 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 379 of 21 March 2012, if he notes that the stipulations outlined for planning applications, as mentioned in the reply, pertain to all planning applications and not specifically large-scale developments such as wind farms; and if, in view of the added environmental impact of large-scale developments, whether he shares the view that more comprehensive obligations regarding public consultation would be both advisable and beneficial in the interests of sustainable and responsible planning. [19348/12]
The very extensive provisions referred to in the reply to Question No. 379 of 21 March 2012 in relation to public participation and notification of proposed development pertain to all planning applications and not specifically to large-scale wind farm developments. I am satisfied that these provisions, supplemented by the specific and detailed guidance to planning authorities on wind energy development set out in the Department's Wind Energy Development Guidelines, published on 29 June 2006, provide a sufficiently comprehensive framework for public consultation in respect of large-scale wind farm developments. I will continue to keep these and the suite of planning guidelines under review to ensure that they meet best practice and current policy advice.
Question No. 922 answered with Question No. 806.
923 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the measures in place to ensure that all septic tanks installed comply with the EN 12566-1 and comply with Annex A of the Building Regulations; the measures in place to prevent companies selling a product that does not qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19373/12]
924 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of septic tank manufacturers that are registered to produce a tank that complies with the EN 12566-1 and complies with Annex A of the Building Regulations in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19374/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 923 and 924 together.
The Building Regulations set out the legal requirements for the design and construction of buildings, including dwellings. Compliance with the Regulations is the responsibility of the owner or builder of a building. Enforcement of the Regulations is the responsibility of the 37 local building control authorities who are empowered to carry out inspections and initiate enforcement proceedings, where considered necessary.
Part H of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations 1997 to 2011 sets out the requirements for the disposal of foul and surface water. The related Technical Guidance Document (TGD H 2011) provides guidance on how these requirements can be achieved in practice.
In relation to the use of septic tanks in particular, TGD H states that "Septic Tanks must conform to I.S. EN 12566 Part 1 or 4 including their national annexes and comply with the EPA Code of Practice — Section 7."
The national annexes were recently completed and published by NSAI, in consultation with my Department and others. They set out clearly the performance required by septic tanks when used in Ireland, and tested in accordance with I.S. EN 12566 Part 1 or 4.
Under the EU Construction Products Directive, any product tested to a harmonised standard can be put on the market in a Member State, including Ireland. While it is not possible to indicate the number of septic tank units so tested by approved testing bodies throughout the EU, my Department is currently aware of four septic tank units which have been tested for, and declared to be in compliance with, current Irish performance standards.
925 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding Bruff sewerage scheme in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19375/12]
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Limerick. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €29 million in Limerick during the period of the Programme. However, the Bruff Sewerage Scheme was not amongst the priority contracts and schemes selected for inclusion in the current Programme.
The Programme aims to prioritise projects that target environmental compliance issues and support economic and employment growth. A key input to the development of the Programme was the assessment of needs prepared by local authorities, including Limerick County Council, in response to my Department's request to the authorities in 2009 to review and prioritise their proposals for new capital works in their areas. These were subsequently appraised in the Department in the context of the funds available and key criteria that complemented those used by the authorities. Inevitably, through this process, certain projects that had been proposed had to give way to others that were more strategically important at that time.
Progress under the Water Services Investment Programme was reviewed in mid-2011 and through this process, consideration was given to any newly emerging priority contracts and schemes submitted by local authorities for addition to the Programme. No proposal for the Bruff Sewerage Scheme was received from Limerick County Council in response to the review process.
926 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he expects the reviewed guidance for local authorities on mortgage arrears, including local authority mortgages for shared ownership, will be finalised; and when the guide will be made public. [19446/12]
Where any borrower, either from a local authority or from a private financial institution, is facing difficulties in meeting mortgage repayments, they should engage proactively and constructively with the lender to seek to achieve an agreed solution. The services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service are also available to such borrowers and support is available through the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.
Section 34 of Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 provides local authorities with powers to deal flexibly with distressed borrowers. My Department issued comprehensive guidance to local authorities on the treatment of mortgage arrears, including local authority mortgages for shared ownership transactions, in March 2010. That guidance was closely based on the Central Bank's first statutory Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears to ensure that cases of local authority mortgage arrears are handled in a manner that is sympathetic to the needs of the particular household, while also protecting the position of the local authority concerned.
To reflect the content of the Central Bank's revised Code of Conduct and provide a further suite of options for the sympathetic treatment of mortgage arrears by local authorities my Department is currently preparing updated guidance to local authorities in consultation with the City and County Managers Association. I anticipate that this guidance will be made available to local authorities before the summer recess.
927 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding that was paid to local authorities through the Local Government Fund in each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; and the amount that was allocated to each local authority in each of these years. [19450/12]
I assume that the Question refers to general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund. General purpose grants are my Department's contribution towards meeting the cost to local authorities of providing a reasonable level of services to their customers.
Some €651m in general purpose grants has been allocated to local authorities for 2012. In addition, local authorities will retain some €77 million in pension related deductions in 2012. I am satisfied that the general purpose allocations provided for 2012, together with the income available from other sources, will enable local authorities to provide a reasonable level of services to their customers.
Local authorities cost and income bases vary significantly from one another and calculating an appropriate distribution of these grants is complex. General purpose grants from the Local Government Fund are structured to bring about equalisation over time; that is a position of balance where the financial needs of local authorities are met by their resources and they are able to provide an appropriate level of service to their customers.
In determining these grants a number of factors are taken into account including the overall funding available for this purpose, the estimated cost to each authority of providing a reasonable level of services to their customers, the income each authority should generate from local sources and the necessity to provide each authority with a baseline allocation that will support its financial stability.
The information requested is set out in the tables:
|
General Purpose Grant Payments |
|
|
2007 |
947,637,879 |
|
2008 |
999,212,659 |
|
2009 |
832,668,626 |
|
2010 |
762,784,350 |
|
2011 |
699,761,891 |
|
2012 (to date) |
174,444,411 |
|
Local Authority Name |
2007 General Purpose Grant Allocation |
2008 General Purpose Grant Allocation |
2009 General Purpose Grant Allocation |
2010 General Purpose Grant Allocation |
2011 General Purpose Grant Allocation |
2012 General Purpose Grant Allocation |
|
Carlow County Council |
€12,536,458 |
€13,171,854 |
€11,910,119 |
11,331,276 |
10,128,725 |
8,532,829 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€19,526,749 |
€20,690,378 |
€18,832,045 |
18,245,262 |
16,549,414 |
14,200,854 |
|
Clare County Council |
€15,672,190 |
€16,476,569 |
€14,883,494 |
13,986,912 |
12,736,073 |
10,176,044 |
|
Cork County Council |
€54,809,504 |
€57,368,547 |
€51,707,370 |
48,353,652 |
42,689,885 |
33,495,626 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€41,556,957 |
€44,097,787 |
€40,140,417 |
38,913,388 |
36,345,399 |
30,945,838 |
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
€39,451,937 |
€41,261,666 |
€37,165,016 |
34,624,434 |
31,522,005 |
20,455,071 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€32,231,264 |
€33,756,001 |
€30,404,698 |
29,799,877 |
26,267,018 |
25,780,316 |
|
Galway County Council |
€38,490,666 |
€40,632,067 |
€36,888,227 |
36,092,172 |
32,835,625 |
28,105,841 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€27,600,743 |
€29,139,561 |
€26,457,145 |
25,572,631 |
23,238,216 |
19,005,401 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€26,476,801 |
€28,176,862 |
€25,754,427 |
25,532,785 |
23,924,053 |
20,127,482 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€20,827,594 |
€22,021,918 |
€20,020,063 |
19,334,743 |
17,527,581 |
15,113,016 |
|
Laois County Council |
€18,336,335 |
€19,360,800 |
€17,580,214 |
16,823,589 |
15,143,352 |
13,189,788 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€15,465,369 |
€16,332,646 |
€14,820,652 |
14,489,435 |
13,479,217 |
11,809,261 |
|
Limerick County Council |
€26,101,406 |
€27,483,240 |
€24,864,456 |
23,724,090 |
21,355,645 |
17,683,768 |
|
Longford County Council |
€14,657,063 |
€15,522,985 |
€14,118,480 |
13,856,743 |
12,849,645 |
11,252,795 |
|
Louth County Council |
€13,390,136 |
€14,070,960 |
€12,725,378 |
12,118,470 |
10,914,165 |
9,130,490 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€38,012,273 |
€40,257,276 |
€36,586,871 |
35,180,309 |
32,135,562 |
27,800,750 |
|
Meath County Council |
€28,583,173 |
€30,297,653 |
€27,601,149 |
27,377,684 |
25,553,557 |
21,684,996 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€15,718,151 |
€16,610,930 |
€15,094,413 |
14,737,177 |
13,648,138 |
11,902,168 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
€19,357,349 |
€20,481,309 |
€18,630,156 |
18,005,785 |
16,373,536 |
14,267,841 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€16,230,539 |
€17,222,857 |
€15,704,327 |
15,388,672 |
14,139,586 |
12,164,815 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€22,198,317 |
€23,308,308 |
€21,065,007 |
20,110,463 |
18,490,254 |
15,967,965 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€17,723,150 |
€18,731,673 |
€16,997,791 |
16,356,043 |
15,314,229 |
13,553,783 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€26,194,505 |
€27,396,258 |
€24,676,357 |
24,289,702 |
21,709,971 |
16,963,904 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
€23,696,915 |
€25,062,115 |
€22,788,742 |
22,128,379 |
20,211,960 |
17,472,862 |
|
Waterford County Council |
€22,848,496 |
€24,259,293 |
€22,059,029 |
21,990,654 |
20,583,798 |
17,888,261 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€21,387,695 |
€22,711,775 |
€20,625,403 |
20,003,602 |
18,494,866 |
16,016,846 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€22,172,296 |
€23,425,682 |
€21,282,429 |
20,755,993 |
19,259,881 |
16,229,752 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€20,291,251 |
€21,974,808 |
€19,922,275 |
19,219,558 |
17,502,198 |
14,625,057 |
|
Cork City Council |
€26,892,180 |
€28,383,759 |
€25,764,998 |
25,014,462 |
22,940,522 |
17,265,785 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€100,310,537 |
€105,039,762 |
€94,709,663 |
88,769,969 |
78,722,867 |
54,805,761 |
|
Galway City Council |
€9,357,649 |
€9,795,964 |
€8,830,378 |
8,512,430 |
7,534,888 |
5,990,156 |
|
Limerick City Council |
€11,721,449 |
€12,258,639 |
€11,050,841 |
10,595,040 |
9,638,920 |
7,968,166 |
|
Waterford City Council |
€8,537,496 |
€8,941,951 |
€8,064,061 |
7,564,315 |
6,713,415 |
5,223,860 |
|
Clonmel Borough Council |
€3,454,446 |
€3,640,466 |
€3,295,919 |
3,115,507 |
2,785,896 |
2,353,114 |
|
Drogheda Borough Council |
€4,947,336 |
€5,191,157 |
€4,688,795 |
4,434,266 |
3,966,978 |
3,208,084 |
|
Kilkenny Borough Council |
€2,001,672 |
€2,097,952 |
€1,893,103 |
1,766,873 |
1,560,328 |
1,266,584 |
|
Sligo Borough Council |
€3,335,745 |
€3,488,704 |
€3,142,285 |
2,927,408 |
2,580,497 |
2,105,833 |
|
Wexford Borough Council |
€2,467,405 |
€2,605,561 |
€2,348,994 |
2,199,185 |
1,948,097 |
1,773,200 |
|
Arklow Town Council |
€1,706,267 |
€1,800,934 |
€1,634,797 |
1,587,276 |
1,455,760 |
1,264,178 |
|
Athlone Town Council |
€2,032,113 |
€2,127,156 |
€1,917,374 |
1,793,563 |
1,587,448 |
1,296,281 |
|
Athy Town Council |
€777,620 |
€842,149 |
€767,623 |
749,251 |
690,500 |
571,629 |
|
Ballina Town Council |
€1,676,625 |
€1,793,779 |
€1,632,670 |
1,580,583 |
1,445,712 |
1,273,025 |
|
Ballinasloe Town Council |
€963,718 |
€1,015,293 |
€920,181 |
878,744 |
793,526 |
679,194 |
|
Birr Town Council |
€846,550 |
€901,055 |
€817,077 |
780,485 |
704,969 |
621,693 |
|
Bray Town Council |
€4,778,238 |
€5,016,875 |
€4,531,181 |
4,284,234 |
3,831,912 |
3,303,940 |
|
Buncrana Town Council |
€945,020 |
€1,088,368 |
€980,244 |
913,089 |
804,777 |
701,776 |
|
Bundoran Town Council |
€638,050 |
€667,311 |
€601,052 |
559,962 |
493,613 |
425,621 |
|
Carlow Town Council |
€1,937,239 |
€2,029,952 |
€1,831,382 |
1,721,237 |
1,530,546 |
1,332,619 |
|
Carrickmacross Town Council |
€628,815 |
€667,511 |
€605,674 |
586,800 |
535,346 |
466,229 |
|
Carrick-on-Suir Town Council |
€1,211,246 |
€1,280,842 |
€1,164,428 |
1,139,383 |
1,047,814 |
905,503 |
|
Cashel Town Council |
€717,796 |
€755,812 |
€684,703 |
655,338 |
593,045 |
516,446 |
|
Castlebar Town Council |
€1,101,201 |
€1,151,720 |
€1,037,375 |
966,468 |
851,964 |
730,023 |
|
Castleblayney Town Council |
€510,858 |
€547,412 |
€496,043 |
469,170 |
419,775 |
361,631 |
|
Cavan Town Council |
€912,873 |
€959,443 |
€867,812 |
811,835 |
718,591 |
654,077 |
|
Clonakilty Town Council |
€662,163 |
€693,955 |
€626,151 |
588,921 |
521,171 |
474,381 |
|
Clones Town Council |
€606,735 |
€641,474 |
€583,122 |
570,359 |
524,434 |
464,307 |
|
Cobh Town Council |
€1,327,858 |
€1,391,067 |
€1,254,730 |
1,177,961 |
1,046,319 |
952,382 |
|
Dundalk Town Council |
€5,599,979 |
€5,865,497 |
€5,289,816 |
4,961,900 |
4,403,659 |
3,589,814 |
|
Dungarvan Town Council |
€1,101,346 |
€1,151,863 |
€1,037,498 |
966,575 |
852,052 |
708,731 |
|
Ennis Town Council |
€2,583,037 |
€2,730,208 |
€2,461,593 |
2,305,693 |
2,043,399 |
1,710,714 |
|
Enniscorthy Town Council |
€1,310,009 |
€1,371,601 |
€1,235,578 |
1,151,903 |
1,016,035 |
924,817 |
|
Fermoy Town Council |
€916,133 |
€966,051 |
€874,009 |
818,970 |
726,081 |
660,894 |
|
Kells Town Council |
€527,987 |
€556,770 |
€502,483 |
473,188 |
421,572 |
361,427 |
|
Killarney Town Council |
€1,942,242 |
€2,055,205 |
€1,865,408 |
1,778,486 |
1,603,506 |
1,317,649 |
|
Kilrush Town Council |
€675,554 |
€714,415 |
€647,720 |
620,402 |
559,419 |
485,747 |
|
Kinsale Town Council |
€445,408 |
€465,860 |
€419,623 |
391,048 |
344,812 |
313,856 |
|
Letterkenny Town Council |
€1,249,170 |
€1,306,455 |
€1,176,732 |
1,096,274 |
966,369 |
796,266 |
|
Listowel Town Council |
€841,180 |
€881,560 |
€795,421 |
748,119 |
665,706 |
562,011 |
|
Longford Town Council |
€1,308,623 |
€1,368,653 |
€1,232,768 |
1,148,502 |
1,012,428 |
873,855 |
|
Macroom Town Council |
€656,139 |
€695,502 |
€629,483 |
591,359 |
525,612 |
478,423 |
|
Mallow Town Council |
€1,175,365 |
€1,249,965 |
€1,132,311 |
1,068,192 |
951,776 |
866,327 |
|
Midleton Town Council |
€602,134 |
€633,077 |
€572,789 |
546,739 |
486,711 |
443,015 |
|
Monaghan Town Council |
€1,256,710 |
€1,314,915 |
€1,184,794 |
1,105,999 |
976,889 |
828,489 |
|
Naas Town Council |
€1,512,195 |
€1,626,320 |
€1,484,461 |
1,459,370 |
1,336,377 |
1,123,654 |
|
Navan Town Council |
€616,374 |
€645,495 |
€582,061 |
545,635 |
483,948 |
392,283 |
|
Nenagh Town Council |
€1,197,754 |
€1,263,607 |
€1,140,538 |
1,074,375 |
957,471 |
847,980 |
|
New Ross Town Council |
€1,033,315 |
€1,089,176 |
€987,575 |
953,252 |
857,575 |
780,583 |
|
Skibbereen Town Council |
€478,655 |
€500,603 |
€450,894 |
420,067 |
370,292 |
337,047 |
|
Templemore Town Council |
€688,381 |
€726,943 |
€658,712 |
633,782 |
576,386 |
505,123 |
|
Thurles Town Council |
€1,069,192 |
€1,122,814 |
€1,014,871 |
963,441 |
865,088 |
729,707 |
|
Tipperary Town Council |
€917,384 |
€963,818 |
€871,488 |
829,034 |
745,880 |
630,993 |
|
Tralee Town Council |
€3,482,699 |
€3,642,477 |
€3,280,851 |
3,056,595 |
2,694,458 |
2,188,225 |
|
Trim Town Council |
€614,994 |
€645,050 |
€582,432 |
549,878 |
491,118 |
426,006 |
|
Tullamore Town Council |
€1,402,227 |
€1,469,791 |
€1,324,142 |
1,235,028 |
1,089,931 |
924,856 |
|
Westport Town Council |
€911,907 |
€953,737 |
€859,045 |
800,324 |
705,501 |
611,929 |
|
Wicklow Town Council |
€1,737,757 |
€1,825,214 |
€1,648,281 |
1,557,309 |
1,391,457 |
1,202,037 |
|
Youghal Town Council |
€1,231,917 |
€1,290,216 |
€1,163,499 |
1,090,968 |
965,305 |
878,642 |
|
Totals |
€947,637,949 |
€999,212,658 |
€905,155,681 |
€870,000,000 |
€790,000,000 |
€651,000,000 |
928 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if local authorities have discretion on penalties for the non-private principal residence charge in certain cases (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19469/12]
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and liability for it falls, in the main, on owners of rental, holiday and vacant properties.
Under the Act, it is a function of a local authority to collect non-principal private residence charges and late payment fees due to it and all charges and late payment fees imposed and payable to a local authority are under the care and management of the local authority concerned. In this regard, application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
I have recently issued guidelines to local authorities in relation to the operation of the "care and management" provisions of the legislation in the context of individual situations where genuine hardship in having to discharge a liability in a single payment can be demonstrated. In such cases, the guidelines set out the modalities for local authorities in entering into payment arrangements for the discharge of outstanding liabilities in instalments over a specified period.
929 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are any proposals to allow local authorities to act as project promoters to apply for the community rate of aid from the Leader Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19487/12]
The implementation of Axis 3 and 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) is being closely monitored and it has become apparent that declining economic activity and access to credit facilities are having a negative impact on project activity under the Programme. In the current economic climate, it has been difficult for private individuals and community groups to obtain the matched funding required to avail of support under the programme, particularly for larger projects.
As part of a suite of measures to address these and other issues relating to the delivery of the RDP my Department has recently submitted a number of proposals to the European Commission regarding possible RDP Programme amendments, one of which will allow Local Authorities to act as project promoters eligible to apply for the community rate of aid. It will be a requirement that any applications for funding from a Local Authority will be in partnership with a community group. This amendment, coupled with a proposed rate of aid change, will reduce the matching and bridging funding required from community groups, thereby increasing the likely uptake under the Programme. It is also envisaged that the assistance provided by the Local Authority will result in communities moving forward with projects they would not otherwise have considered due to the workload involved and the detailed plans required for some projects of a very complex nature.
All programme changes require the approval of the European Commission and its decision is awaited. All Local Development Companies will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.
931 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of State companies who have used overseas companies for printing work in the following years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he is satisfied that this is an appropriate use of State resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19744/12]
The information sought in the question is not held in my Department. State Agencies are subject, inter alia, to EU and national public procurement requirements relating to public procurement. Procurement of individual products or services by individual State Agencies is a matter for the agency concerned.
932 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Property Services Regulatory Authority database will contain not only headline rental figures for properties but also provide for full disclosure of any side agreements landlords may have with tenants that effectively reduce rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18104/12]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the information which must be held by the Property Services Regulatory Authority in the Commercial Leases Database is prescribed in sections 87 and 88 of the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 and includes:
the address and description of the commercial property, the subject of the lease,
the date of the lease of the property,
the commencement date of the terms of the lease (where different from the date of the lease of the property),
the term of years of the lease,
the rent payable in respect of the property,
the capital consideration (if any) to be paid by the tenant or landlord in respect of the commercial property the subject of the lease,
the frequency of the rent review in respect of the property,
the particulars relating to who is liable in respect of the rates, insurance, service charges and repairs in respect of the property,
the net floor area, per each floor, of the property,
the particulars (if any) relating to rent-free periods, fitting out time allowed, fit out allowances and capital contributions in respect of the property,
the particulars relating to any break-clause in the lease, and
the stamp duty certificate identification number.
933 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the person who owns land in a bog (details supplied) in County Mayo. [18176/12]
I can inform the Deputy that under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.
The Deputy will be aware of the service to T.D.s and Senators which provides information on the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, which was introduced in May 2006. The service provides a speedier, more efficient and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. It is operated by the PRA and is available all year round.
I can further inform the Deputy that his query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.
934 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will extend the present visa waiver scheme for a period of five years, in view of the fact that the trial period from July 2011 to October 2012 is too short to have any meaningful impact. [18439/12]
I wish to draw the Deputy's attention to my press statement of 12 March, 2012, in which I announced that the Government had agreed to my proposal to extend the Irish Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme for a further period of four years i.e. to end October 2016. The statement is below for the Deputy's information.
Minister Shatter announces extension of Irish Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr. Alan Shatter, T.D., today announced that he has secured Government agreement for the extension of the Irish Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme for a further period of four years. This initiative, introduced for the first time last year, was welcomed as a very positive step in encouraging visitors to Ireland.
The programme had originally been due to last until the end of October this year but on consideration of a review of the Programme, the Government agreed to extend its duration.
The Minister also announced the following changes to the Programme:
Bosnia and Herzegovina will be added to the existing list of 16 countries already covered by the Programme.
As a further measure to encourage tourism, the fee for visas will be waived for long-term residents from the countries covered by the Programme who live in the Schengen area. This will be reviewed after six months.
The Minister stated that he was delighted that the Government had agreed to the extension of the Programme. “There has been unanimous welcome for this initiative from the tourism promotion bodies and the tourism industry. The initial indications of the impact of the Programme are very positive. It was originally intended that the review of the Programme would follow the London Olympics period but on strong representations from the tourism industry I brought forward the review which was completed in recent weeks. Today’s announcement will facilitate preparations for the 2013 tourist season during which I am confident the industry will maximise the potential of the Visa Waiver Programme”, the Minister said.
This scheme is an integral part of the Government’s Jobs Initiative and is intended to promote tourism, particularly from emerging markets such as China, India and the Gulf Region. Under the Programme, tourists or business people who have lawfully entered the UK, including Northern Ireland, on a valid UK visa are able to travel on to Ireland without the requirement to obtain an Irish visa.
Minister Shatter pointed out that the full year cost of the existing measures and the new proposals, in terms of lost visa fee revenue, amounts to over €1m approximately. However, the Minister also said, “Lost visa fee revenue will be more than made up for by the increased number of visitors to our shores from significant new markets.” Minister Shatter added “This Programme, together with other initiatives such as the forthcoming Investor and Entrepreneur Scheme for migrants, demonstrates the Government’s commitment to innovative and imaginative approaches to promoting economic growth and recovery.”
12 March 2012
935 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of the elements of the remuneration arrangements that apply to county sheriffs and revenue sheriffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18625/12]
Revenue Sheriffs and the City and County Sheriffs in Dublin and Cork are paid an annual retainer of €23,678 towards the cost of running their office and derive their income from "poundage" and fees levied on debtors as prescribed in the Sheriff's Fees and Expenses Order, 2005 (S.I. No. 644 of 2005).
County Registrars (except in Dublin and Cork) are automatically Sheriffs. It should be noted that County Registrars are not paid an annual retainer nor do they receive any additional income from their sheriff duties.
936 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he will ratify the EU Convention on rights for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18729/12]
It is the Government's intention to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure that all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are being met. As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland does not become party to treaties until it is first in a position to comply with the obligations imposed by the treaty in question, including by amending domestic law as necessary.
The ongoing implementation of our National Disability Strategy in many respects comprehends many of the provisions of the Convention. In addition, the Inter-Departmental Committee on the UNCRPD monitors the remaining legislative and administrative actions required to enable ratification. At the Committee's request, the National Disability Authority, the lead statutory agency for the sector, has independently assessed the remaining requirements for ratification so as to ensure conclusively that all such issues will be addressed.
One of the key requirements in this regard is the enactment of mental capacity legislation. The Government's Legislation Programme as announced on 11 January 2012, indicates that the Mental Capacity Bill is expected to be published in the current Dáil session. The Bill will replace the Wards of Court system with a modern statutory framework governing decision-making on behalf of adults who lack capacity. The passage of this Bill will add substantially to the overall progress on implementation of the requirements towards ratification of the Convention.
937 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he intends to replace the uzi machine guns, which have recently been withdrawn from use, with an alternative firearm weapons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19050/12]
The specific arrangements made by An Garda Síochána in relation to firearms are, as operational matters, dealt with by the Garda Commissioner. In that context the Commissioner determines the appropriate measures to be put in place, including the specific firearms to be deployed, without reference to either myself or my Department.
The Garda authorities have informed me that at present the armed capability of Garda members is provided by District Detective Units supported by National Units. In addition, they have made arrangements to co-ordinate armed response measures throughout the country. In view of the operational nature of the functions involved, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on how the relevant resources might be deployed.
The Garda authorities have also informed me that the armed capability of Garda members is kept under on-going review.
938 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a person (details supplied) was unable to travel to an EU country in the absence of a passport, in spite of having the relevant document under EU Council decision of 30/11/1994 on the basis of Article K.3 (2) b of the Treaty on EU regarding travel facilities for school pupils from third countries resident in a member state. [13711/12]
I am not aware of the reasons why the person concerned was unable to travel whilst holding the document referred to by the Deputy. I should point out that while the Irish authorities are in a position to confirm the residence status and the right to re-enter of the person concerned, any decision in relation to the entry of the person to the EU country of his destination is a matter for the authorities of that Member State. Airlines and other carriers may also have their own requirements in terms of travel documents acceptable to avail of their services.
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person concerned is now in possession of an Irish Travel Document issued on 21 February 2012. Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
939 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of times that the working group on National Vetting Bureau and Soft Information Bill has met since their establishment. [15124/12]
The Working Group on the National Vetting Bureau Bill have met three times. In addition my Department has had numerous meetings with the relevant Departments.
940 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will expedite the part-payment of a compensation award due this August/September to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17640/12]
I wish to inform the Deputy that while funding for the payment of compensation under the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted is made available from my Department's Vote, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal is independent in terms of both its decision making and administrative functions under the Scheme.
Furthermore, as I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, the Tribunal, in common with all publicly funded bodies, has a responsibility to manage its resources in such a way as to ensure that compensation is available to the greatest possible number of applicants under the Scheme. In this regard, I am informed that it has become necessary for the Tribunal to introduce an upper limit of €250,000 to the amount that may be paid under an individual award during 2012. I am satisfied that this amount represents a substantial payment in circumstances where the balance of the award will be paid in subsequent years and, indeed, where the State itself is not responsible for the injuries suffered by the unfortunate victim.
941 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding possible redundancies in an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17647/12]
977 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the concerns among staff at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal that they all face redundancy as a result of the implementation of the Legal Services Regulation Bill; if all or any of the staff will be transferred to the new disciplinary body or will there be an entirely new recruitment process put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18304/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 941 and 977 together.
As I indicated in my reply to Question number 491 of 21 March 2012 the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority to be established under the Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011 will be independent of the legal professions and of the Government in the performance of its functions. This will include new and independent procedures relating to allegations of professional misconduct by either solicitors or barristers. Such complaints will be dealt with under the auspices of the Authority's Complaints Committee and supported, where appropriate, by the work of the new and independent Legal Practitioners' Disciplinary Tribunal. Under the Bill, members of the public will no longer go to the Law Society or to the Bar Council and their respective disciplinary tribunals to deal with complaints, as happens at the moment, but will instead do so through the Legal Services Regulatory Authority.
The Law Society has recently recognised that it would be "in the best interests of the public and the profession" if complaints about solicitors were no longer to be dealt with by the Society but by the new Regulatory Authority to be established under the Bill . The independence of the new Regulatory Authority and of its attendant complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal procedures is fundamental to their success and to the avoidance of any perception that complaints about lawyers are being dealt with by lawyers themselves or their representative bodies.
Under the Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011, therefore, the complaints systems currently operated by the legal professional bodies are to be replaced by new procedures the independence of which will have to be reflected in the relevant recruitment and appointment processes. In closing the Second Stage debate on the Bill I confirmed that I am considering possible Committee Stage amendments to create appropriately independent procedures for the appointment of members of the Legal Services Regulatory Authority, its Complaints Committee and of the Legal Practitioners' Disciplinary Tribunal. Similarly, I expressed the view that staff appointments to the new Authority would be better made by the Authority itself under a public competition carried out by the Public Appointments Service. While the transition to a new and independent complaints procedure under the Bill will have an impact on staff currently involved in that area it will be open to such staff — who would obviously possess the relevant skills and experience — to offer to apply for positions advertised by the new and independent Legal Services Regulatory Authority.
942 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to a practice (details supplied) taking place at Wheatfield Prison, Dublin; if this policy is replicated in any other Irish prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17702/12]
I wish to inform the Deputy that I am not in a position to provide a full reply at this time but will write to the Deputy as soon as possible.
943 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the abduction of a minor (details supplied). [17708/12]
The Central Authority for Child Abduction operates in my Department for the purposes of international arrangements in relation to this matter. My Department does not comment on individual cases that may be the subject of an application to the Central Authority. However, I can say that a function of the Authority is to keep a parent informed of the progress of his or her application.
944 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm the date that An Garda Síochána commenced their investigation into the fraud at the National Education Welfare Board; and the date on which An Garda Síochána sent a file concerning the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions [17746/12]
1036 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm the date on which An Garda Síochána commenced their investigation into the fraud at the National Education Welfare Board, and the date on which An Garda Síochána sent a file regarding the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions. [19363/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 944 and 1036 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that this complaint was originally received at the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation (GBFI) in May, 2006. The Deputy will be aware from a previous reply that the Garda investigation was a lengthy process due to the complex nature of the investigation which required examination and analysis of a significant volume of information technology data and communications. In particular I am informed that progress in the investigation was hampered because of the unavailability of a person the Gardaí wished to interview. I am further informed that an investigation file was submitted to the Law Officers on 27 January, 2011. Following a number of further enquiries by that office, directions were issued on 2 November, 2011 not to prosecute.
945 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda personnel allocated to Balbriggan Station, County Dublin, since 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17749/12]
The Garda Commissioner has informed me that the personnel strength of Balbriggan Garda Station on 31 December 2003 — 2011 and on 29 February 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the table:
|
’03 |
’04 |
’05 |
’06 |
’07 |
’08 |
’09 |
’10 |
’11 |
29/02/12 |
|
|
Balbriggan |
32 |
34 |
32 |
32 |
50 |
59 |
67 |
68 |
70 |
69 |
There were also 7 Garda Reserve members and 4 civilian staff assigned to Balbriggan Garda Station on 29th February 2012. The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
946 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way he intends to staff the new Garda communications unit in Store Street, Dublin; if it will be staffed by current community gardaí or from regular units; if so, by how many; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17820/12]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Communications Room at Store Street Garda Station is being expanded into a Communications Centre for the D.M.R. North Central Garda Division consolidating the four Communications Rooms currently in existence within the Garda Division.
Gardaí who currently perform this duty at Communications Rooms within the Garda Division will be assigned to the newly expanded Communications Centre. The centralisation of the Communications Centre will result in a reduction in the number of Garda personnel required to perform this duty, which will facilitate the re-deployment of additional Garda personnel for operational policing duties. In addition, the establishment of a Divisional Communications Centre will also facilitate a more robust and pro-active supervision of resources in the Division.
947 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are plans to have an open day at a station (details supplied); if not, will one be arranged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17850/12]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that Coolock Garda Station is currently undergoing refurbishment works and upon completion of same local Garda Management will consider the possibility of hosting an Open Day for members of the public.
948 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he plans to provide funding to purchase additional Garda vans; if so, the number of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17851/12]
The provision and deployment of Garda resources, including transport, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that provision has been made in the 2012 Garda Vote for the purchase of new vehicles. I am also informed that a tendering process in respect of Garda vans has recently been completed. This is being undertaken by the National Procurement Service with a view to putting in place a contract which will allow for the provision of new vehicles. Any requirement for vans on the part of An Garda Síochána will be addressed in that overall context.
949 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will indicate in tabular form the amount of money raised by An Garda Síochána from auctioning of seized property in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; if these moneys are retained by An Garda Síochána; if he will provide a breakdown of the property sold by asset; the number of auctions or sales held on an annual basis; the effort that is made to maximise the sale value through publicity and other actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17852/12]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the amounts of money realised by An Garda Síochána through the sale of unclaimed property by public auction in the years 2008 to date are detailed in the table below. I am further informed that the amounts quoted are inclusive of property forfeited to the State which was sold. In addition, I have been advised that it would not be practicable to extract the figures specifically relating to seized property:
|
Year |
Amount of Money Raised from Auctions |
|
2008 |
€28,968 |
|
2009 |
€128,730 |
|
2010 |
€84,802 |
|
2011 |
€82,607 |
|
2012 (04/04/2012) |
€650 |
Money received from the sale of unclaimed/seized property is accounted for as an Appropriation-in-Aid within the Garda Vote. The sale of the property is dealt with by public auction and in order to maximise the receipts from such sales the appointed auctioneers advertise the auctions in national newspapers.
I understand that information in relation to the class of each asset sold and the number of auctions held in each of the three years is not readily available. In this context I have been advised that extraction of the relevant material would require a significant and disproportionate use of Garda resources which are required for other purposes.
950 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the Garda policy of charging for availability and for services at public events that is concerts, parades and so on; the charges involved; if there are any waivers for community based events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17853/12]
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 and that, for example, they may not seek to recover costs arising from local public events.
951 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there will be a review of security for members of the Government following recent events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17864/12]
The Deputy will appreciate that for good reason it is not the policy, nor would it be in the public interest, to comment on matters relating to the personal security of specific individuals. However, as a matter of course, An Garda Síochána continually keep such matters under review.
952 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he intends to sanction extra staff for Kilkenny Court House in view of the fact that members of the public are being informed that their queries cannot be death with due to staff shortages; if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow who sought a schedule of assets relative to their late spouses estate and was told it cannot be provided due to staff shortage; and if he will extradite the matter [17901/12]
Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service. The Deputy will appreciate that the Courts Service, in common with all other public sector organisations, is obliged to ensure that resources are deployed to best effect in the current challenging economic climate and reductions in staff numbers. In that context the Courts Service has to prioritise the delivery of front line court services, in particular supporting court sittings, while at the same time providing the best possible services to court users.
In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the existing vacancy, coupled with other staff absences, has had an effect on delivery of probate services in Kilkenny and Carlow. The Service has indicated that measures are now being put in place to seek to address the arrears in probate cases over the coming weeks.
953 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the process for designating a dangerous junction as a collision prone zone under the Garda Síochána collision prevention programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17936/12]
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.
954 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to amend the Sex Offenders Act 2001 to ensure that more sex offenders are given post-release supervision orders on release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18007/12]
The Sex Offenders Act 2001 introduced a wide range of measures aimed at reducing the risk to the public from convicted sex offenders. Those measures include the notification system, also known as the sex offenders' register. The Act also provides for post-release supervision orders for sex offenders.
Section 28 of the Act obliges the court, at sentencing stage, to consider whether to impose a sentence involving post-release supervision. It sets out the criteria, including the need to protect the public from serious harm, the need to prevent the commission by the offender of further sexual offences and the need to rehabilitate the offender, to be considered by the court in this context. The question of whether a post-release supervision order is imposed is a matter for the court to decide taking into account the individual circumstances of the case and I have no plans to amend this aspect of the procedure. However I am considering measures to enhance the application of such orders and may bring forward legislative proposals in that regard.
955 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a breakdown of the number of persons living in direct provision centres between three and four years, between four and five years, between five and six years, between six and seven years and more than seven years. [18024/12]
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), a functional unit of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department, is responsible for the accommodation of persons while their applications for international protection are being processed.
RIA itself has no function in determining whether someone should stay or not in its accommodation, except in the context of rare instances of serious and repeated misbehaviour. Its function is to provide accommodation and related services to those who have sought international protection and who otherwise have no other means of supporting themselves. The process of determining protection claims is carried out by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC), Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) and the Repatriation Unit of my Department. Further, if the end of the process results in a removal order, the carrying out of that order is the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
In essence, RIA accommodates all those who make a claim for protection and seek accommodation until such time as they:
(i) leave voluntarily;
(ii) are removed — either by way of deportation or Dublin II transfer;
(iii) are granted refugee status or subsidiary protection; or
(iv) are granted leave to remain, either through the process set out in the Immigration Act, 1999 or by way of a special scheme such as the 2005 IBC scheme.
In relation to the statistics provided below, a number of points need to be considered.
Firstly, it is not possible to specify exactly how long each person has resided in RIA accommodation. Protection applicants are not required to live in RIA accommodation and in many cases, may move in and out of the direct provision system as their circumstances change. The statistics below set out the numbers of persons currently residing in RIA accommodation and the length of time that has elapsed since they first submitted their applications for international protection. This does not necessarily mean that those persons have lived in RIA accommodation for all of that period. These persons may have left RIA accommodation and then returned or, indeed, these persons may never have been in RIA accommodation until recently.
Secondly, the statistics do not include children whose parents have not yet presented them to be registered as asylum seekers, nor does it include any Irish citizen children in the centres. So, in total, there are approximately 5,215 persons overall currently residing in RIA accommodation.
In relation to the specific statistics sought, there are 539 persons residing in the direct provision system who made their applications for international protection less than one year ago; 630 between one and two years; 770 between two and three years; 945 between three and four years; 812 between four and five years; 670 between five and six years; 397 between six and seven years; and 272 more than seven years ago.
The length of time spent in the direct provision system is affected by a number of factors and depends on the individual circumstances of each case. For example, RIA accommodates those who have initiated Judicial Review proceedings — in respect of decisions made at the ORAC and RAT stage of the process as well as in respect of deportation orders — the effect of which is to delay a final decision as to whether they are removed or allowed to stay in the State. Further delays are caused by applications for asylum for children being made only after their parents' own claims have concluded with the issuance of deportation orders. The deportation process itself can itself be prolonged by difficulties in getting travel documents from the countries to where the person is being sent and by a lack of cooperation on the part of the intended deportee in having travel documents issued by the embassy or consulate involved.
956 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the current status of Garda presence in Celbridge County Kildare; if gardaí are based in town after normal working hours; his plans to provide a Garda presence in the area during night time hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18050/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in this process. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored and reviewed where necessary, in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that on the 29 February, 2012 the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength of Celbridge Garda station was 17. Celbridge forms part of the Leixlip District in the Kildare Division, which on the same date had a complement of 75 and 316 Garda respectively.
I have also been informed by the Garda Authorities that the opening hours of Celbridge Garda Station are Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m and 7 p.m - 9 p.m and Sunday 12 noon - 2p.m. Outside these hours, patrols are carried out by members attached to the District H.Q. in Leixlip.
957 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount being saved per annum from the closure of the Garda station in Rush, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18065/12]
958 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality having regard to the proposed savings from the nearby Rush Garda Station, his plans to carry out the needed and agreed refurbishment works at Lusk Garda Station in County Dublin, which will have added responsibility to the Rush area in view of the aforementioned closure of the Rush station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18066/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 957 and 958 together.
The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote. In that context I have been informed by the Garda authorities that financial operating cost statements are maintained at District Headquarters level rather than at Garda station level. In the circumstances the Deputy will appreciate that the specific financial information he has sought is not readily available and I understand that the provision of such information would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources which are required for other purposes.
With regard to the closure of Rush Garda station I would stress that the key objective involved is to promote the more efficient and effective deployment of resources rather than to secure cash savings. In this context, the Commissioner has concluded that Garda resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the front line if the station no longer had to be staffed and maintained.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that refurbishment work to facilitate the allocation of additional members to Lusk Garda station has been carried out by the Office of Public Works.
959 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will lend his support to the introduction, on a pilot basis, of a reciprocal one year visa arrangement with Taiwan to support a youth mobility scheme similar to the scheme they have in place with the UK. [18086/12]
I have asked my officials to explore this matter further and to see what possibilities there are for something along the lines the Deputy is proposing. The Deputy will of course appreciate that, in its foreign relations, Ireland adopts a "one China" policy and that the matter would need to be considered within that overall context.
960 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the 2011 figures for the number of decisions made by Refugee Applications Tribunal and the number of these rulings which overturned the decision of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. [18088/12]
In 2011, 1330 decisions were finalised by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Of these, the decision of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) was affirmed in 1254 cases and set aside in 76 cases.
961 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide figures for the individual years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 for the number of decisions made on subsidiary protection and the number of decisions in which subsidiary protection was granted. [18089/12]
962 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of decisions made on humanitarian leave to remain and the number of these decisions where humanitarian leave to remain was granted. [18090/12]
967 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of decisions made on subsidiary protection and the number of decisions in which subsidiary protection was granted for each of the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18190/12]
968 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of decisions made on humanitarian leave to remain and the number of these decisions in which humanitarian leave to remain was granted for each of the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18191/12]
970 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide figures for the individual years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 of the number of decisions made on subsidiary protection and the number of decisions where subsidiary protection was granted. [18199/12]
971 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide figures for the individual years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 of the number of decisions made on humanitarian leave to remain and the number of these decisions where humanitarian leave to remain was granted. [18200/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 961, 962, 967, 968, 970 and 971 together.
I assume that the information sought in respect of humanitarian leave to remain refers to applications made under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999. These applications arise in circumstances where a non-national who has no permission to be in the State is served with a notice of intent to deport under section 3(3)(a) of the Immigration Act, 1999. A person served with such a notice is afforded three options, viz. to leave the State voluntarily; to consent to the making of a Deportation Order; or to make representations in writing within 15 working days setting out reasons as to why a Deportation Order should not be made and why temporary leave to remain in the State be granted instead. In the years in question, that is, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, temporary leave to remain was granted to 1,052, 512, 232 and 1,101 persons respectively. Over the same period, in each year the total number of section 3 application cases on hands was approximately 12,000.
In addition, prior to a determination being reached on an application made under section 3 as outlined above, where a subsidiary protection application is submitted it must be considered first to assess whether the applicant has an identifiable need for international protection under the criteria defined by the applicable EU Directive. The vast majority of subsidiary applications are from persons who have already been refused refugee status following consideration of their asylum claim by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT). In 2008, 479 decisions were made on applications for subsidiary protection of which seven were granted, 680 decisions made in 2009 of which 27 were granted, 521 made in 2010 of which four were granted and 884 made in 2011 of which 13 were granted.
963 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reductions in Garda staff numbers that will be made in Ballymun and Finglas Garda stations, Dublin, respectively. [18115/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in this process. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored and reviewed where necessary, in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that on 29 February 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the Garda staff numbers assigned to Ballymun and Finglas Garda stations was as set out in the table:
|
Station |
Gardaí |
Garda Reserve |
Civilian staff |
|
Finglas |
121 |
14 |
3 |
|
Ballymun |
109 |
11 |
12 |
964 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in relation to the new investor visa scheme, if he anticipates Ireland’s position outside of the Schengen Agreement as potentially providing a serious obstacle to take up of the scheme in view of the fact that persons will not be able to travel for business or pleasure in Europe once they have invested in and entered Ireland. [18146/12]
965 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the new investor visa scheme will allow participants to travel and do business in the UK. [18147/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 964 and 965 together.
Any foreign national who is granted residency in Ireland under the Immigrant Investor Programme will be subject to the immigration laws and regulations of the United Kingdom and the Member States of the Schengen area if they wish to travel to those jurisdictions for business or recreational purposes. Such persons will of course be free to apply to those states for an appropriate permission for legal entry for whatever purpose and obviously it is important that we do not equate a requirement to have a visa to enter the UK or the Schengen zone with denial of access.
It is of course a matter for Schengen Member States and the UK to decide on the operation of their visa regimes. However, it would not be uncommon for friendly countries to regard their respective decisions on visa applications as persuasive when considering applications to enter their territory. In relation to the wider point about Ireland's position in relation to the Schengen Agreement it is not possible for us to simultaneously participate in that Agreement and remain part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) with the UK. Leaving the CTA would mean, for example, the implementation of full border controls between Ireland and the UK at all ports of entry and at the land border with Northern Ireland.
I can inform the Deputy that the longer term public policy objective in this regard is to develop a Common Travel Area visa with the UK which both countries committed to pursuing in an agreement signed in December 2011. A Common Travel Area visa would allow tourists and business visitors to travel to the Common Travel Area and to travel freely between Ireland and the UK. It is anticipated that such a visa will prove an attractive option for tourists and business visitors and it is intended to conduct a trial scheme which will be used to gauge likely demand and to resolve the substantial practical issues around its introduction.
966 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the short-term visa waiver scheme currently in place is a reciprocal agreement with the UK for persons travelling here. [18148/12]
The Irish Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme, which commenced on 1 July, 2011 allows tourists or business people who have lawfully entered the UK, including Northern Ireland, on a valid UK visa to travel on to Ireland without the requirement to obtain an Irish visa.
Nationals of seventeen countries are currently included in the programme including India, China, Russia, various priority Middle East countries and others. As part of the initiative, nationals of these countries, who are long-term legal residents in the UK, will have the cost of an Irish visa waived should they wish to visit Ireland. It is estimated that there are up to 1 million people in this category in the UK.
The Government agreed on 28 February to the extension of the Programme for a further period of four years i.e. to end October 2016, to add Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Programme and, as a further measure to encourage tourism, to waive the fee for visas for long-term residents from the countries covered by the Programme who live in the Schengen area. This last measure will be reviewed after six months.
The Programme as it operates at present does not for technical reasons allow for reciprocity between the UK and Ireland. This is primarily due to the UK requirement that all visa applicants supply fingerprint (biometrics) data electronically as an essential element of applying for a UK visa. Quite obviously Ireland does not have the capacity to capture such data for all visa applications worldwide; currently for UK visas this is done in over 150 countries.
However, there is very close cooperation between the immigration service of my Department and the UK immigration authorities and I regularly discuss with both the UK's Home Secretary and Minister for Immigration matters relating to the operation and oversight of the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangement. In December 2011, together with the UK's Immigration Minister, I signed an agreement which, among other things, commits both countries to developing a Common Travel Area visa. Such a visa would allow tourists and business visitors to travel to the CTA and to travel freely between Ireland and the UK. It is anticipated that such a visa will prove an attractive option for tourists and business visitors and it is intended to conduct a trial scheme which will be used to gauge likely demand and to resolve the substantial practical issues around its introduction. The availability of a visa for the Common Travel Area would, of course, supersede the existing Waiver Programme.
969 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a community garda (details supplied) has been removed; the measures he will implement to address rising crime rates in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18198/12]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the areas referred to by the Deputy are policed by Gardaí attached to the Galway Garda station in Mill Street. As of the 29 February 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 210 Gardaí, stationed in Mill Street. While the number of dedicated Community Gardaí in Mill Street station is 12, under the current model of Community Policing all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with Community Policing issues as and when they arise. These figures are further augmented by 30 Reserve Gardaí and 15 Civilians assigned to that station.
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
972 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in the processing of an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied ) in Dublin 11 and if he will agree to meet with them on this matter as was requested in recent correspondence with your office. [18240/12]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in June 2008.
Further to information previously provided to the Deputy, the application is now at an advanced stage of processing and the person concerned will be informed of my decision on their application in due course.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
I shouldremind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
973 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if drugs-related offences in County Longford have increased or decreased since the divisional drug unit headquarters was transferred to County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18270/12]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda National Policing Plan of 2002 outlined that each Garda Division was to set up a full time dedicated Divisional Drugs Unit. Following the establishment of the new Garda Division for Roscommon/Longford in 2009, a dedicated Divisional Drug Unit was established in Roscommon Garda Station, which was deemed geographically most central and strategically suitable.
Local Garda management is of the view that the establishment of the Unit, based in Roscommon, ensures a more cohesive and coordinated approach to the enforcement of drugs legislation within the Division.
The Garda authorities are satisfied that the Unit is deployed on a regular basis in Longford and other locations within the Division, as the need and crime trends indicate, with liaison being maintained with local district officers regarding intelligence-gathering and the monitoring of local suspected offenders, in respect of the sale and supply of illegal drugs within the overall Division.
The situation is closely monitored by local Garda management in consultation with the Regional Assistant Commissioner who is satisfied that the establishment of the Divisional Drugs Unit, based in Roscommon, has not resulted in any diminished role by An Garda Síochána in addressing drug problems in Longford.
With regard to drug offence statistics for the area, I am advised by the Garda authorities that Garda records indicate that in the Granard and Longford Garda districts, there were 87 incidents of possession of drugs for personal use contrary to section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 and 1984 detected in 2011, compared with 66 such incidents recorded in 2010. Furthermore, in the same districts there were 28 incidents of possession of drugs for the purpose of sale or supply, contrary to section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 and 1984 detected in 2011, compared with 19 in 2010. In addition there were 6 incidents of cultivation of drugs, contrary to section 17 of the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 and 1984 detected in 2011, compared with 2 such incidents recorded in 2010.
These figures reflect increased levels of enforcement since the establishment of a dedicated Drug Unit in the Roscommon/Longford Garda division and also the trend nationwide in the increased detections of so-called ‘grow-house' operations.
974 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase the complement of gardaí in County Longford in view of the fact that burglary and theft offences have increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18271/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in this process. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored and reviewed where necessary, in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that as of the 29 February, 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength of each station in County Longford, which forms part of the Roscommon/Longford Division, was as set out in the table. These are 4 Garda Reserve members and 8 Civilian staff also assigned to Garda stations in County Longford.
|
District |
Station |
Strength |
|
Granard |
Ballinalee |
1 |
|
Drumlish |
2 |
|
|
Edgeworthstown |
8 |
|
|
Granard |
27 |
|
|
Smear |
1 |
|
|
Longford |
Ballymahon |
6 |
|
Kenagh |
1 |
|
|
Lanesboro |
6 |
|
|
Longford |
59 |
|
|
Newtowncashel |
1 |
975 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce a finality clause to bring final closure to divorce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18272/12]
Reform of the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 to provide for a finality clause would require an amendment to Article 41.3.2 of the Constitution in order to modify the conditions under which a court may dissolve a marriage. I have currently no plans to bring forward proposals for legislative reform on this matter.
976 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to an earlier parliamentary question regarding Garda patrol cars, the areas in the Galway division from which the 13 marked Garda cars will be decommissioned ; the number of Garda cars that are currently in garages for repairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18283/12]
Decisions in relation to the provision and location of Garda transport are matters for the Garda Commissioner. In that regard the responsibility for the efficient deployment of Garda transport within each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that Divisional Officers, from time to time, allocate vehicles between stations in response to identified operational requirements. Accordingly, I have also been informed that it would not be practicable to seek to identify the specific stations where cars will be decommissioned in 2012. Similarly,- the Garda authorities have indicated that it would not be possible to indicate the stations within the Galway Division to which new or replacement transport will be made available during the course of the year.
The Garda authorities have also advised that on 18 April 2012 no Garda vehicles from the Galway Division were in a garage for repair.
978 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18358/12]
Officials in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question. It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
979 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a Garda force-related matter (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18369/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
I have been informed by the Commissioner that the personnel strength of Kerry Garda Division allocated to each Garda Station on 31 December 2004-2011 and on 29 February 2012, was as set out in the table:
|
Station |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
29/02/2012 |
|
Tralee |
83 |
89 |
98 |
109 |
118 |
118 |
118 |
109 |
105 |
|
Ardfert |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Fenit |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Abbeydorney |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Dingle |
9 |
9 |
8 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
|
Clochan |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Closed on 30/03/2012 |
|
Castlegregory |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Annascaul |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Ballyferriter |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Camp |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Caherciveen |
22 |
21 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
24 |
21 |
21 |
|
Ballinskelligs |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Valentia Island |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Glenbeigh |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Portmagee |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Killorglin |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
12 |
12 |
|
Waterville |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Sneem |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
Castlemaine |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Killarney |
47 |
49 |
58 |
66 |
70 |
73 |
70 |
66 |
66 |
|
Kilgarvan |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Kenmare |
7 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
|
Castleisland |
10 |
9 |
11 |
11 |
13 |
13 |
12 |
11 |
11 |
|
Farranfore |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Barraduff |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Beaufort |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Lauragh |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Listowel |
30 |
29 |
32 |
37 |
41 |
39 |
38 |
38 |
39 |
|
Ballyheigue |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Ballylongford |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Closed on 30/03/2012 |
|
Ballybunion |
6 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
7 |
7 |
|
Ballyduff |
3 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Brosna |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Knocknagoshel |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Lixnaw |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Moyvane |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
Closed on 30/03/2012 |
|
Tarbert |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Total |
262 |
266 |
295 |
318 |
341 |
339 |
334 |
314 |
307 |
On 29 February 2012, there were also 26 Garda Reserve members and 32 civilian staff assigned to Kerry Garda Division.
980 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a squad car will be made available for a Garda station (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18370/12]
The provision and allocation of Garda transport is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. At Divisional level, the deployment of Garda vehicles is a matter for the Divisional Officer who allocates vehicles on the basis of identified operational requirements.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the station referred to by the Deputy is within the Cahirciveen Garda District in the Kerry Division. In addition, I understand that the area concerned is subject to regular mobile patrols carried out by District and Divisional units. In that context the Garda authorities have indicated that the current policing arrangements for the area make the best use of available resources and that a comprehensive policing service is being delivered there. They have also confirmed that the policing needs of the local community will be kept under on-going review.
981 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the mechanism used in comparisons of Garda records (details supplied); if records as determined in the attached document can be different to that as held on the Garda PULSE system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18382/12]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the correspondence referred to by the Deputy relates to a data protection disclosure request submitted by the person referred to in the correspondence. In that context I have also been advised by the Garda authorities that the information provided to the individual concerned corresponded to the request received from him.
982 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding stamp 4 in respect of a person (details supplied). [18393/12]
I am advised that correspondence was received by the immigration service of my Department from the person concerned on 21 December, 2011 in relation to his position in the State and, more specifically, as to how the recent ECJ Judgment in the Zambrano case might apply to him. As the person in question has current permission to remain in the state on a stamp 2, a letter was issued to him on the 21 December 2011, advising him to attend at his local Garda Registration Office to have his case considered. This letter also advised the person concerned that should the Garda Registration Office not be satisfied that he meets the Zambrano criteria, he should refer his case back to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service for further examination. To date there is no record of the person in question having requested the immigration service to re-examine his case.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
983 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the salaries of each governor of each prison here; if he will give details of their expenses for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18409/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that allowing for vacancies and the fact that some Prison Governors have responsibility for more than 1 prison, there are 13 Governor grades. These comprise Governor grades 1, 2, 3 and Campus Governor, attached to the 14 Prisons in the State. The salary details, a combination of basic salary and allowances, of each Governor are set out in the table below:
|
Grade |
Salary € |
|
Campus Governor |
126,886 |
|
Governor Grade 1 |
116,193 |
|
Governor Grade 1 |
111,322 |
|
Governor Grade 2 |
109,364 |
|
Governor Grade 2 |
106,967 |
|
Governor Grade 2 |
106,967 |
|
Governor Grade 2 |
96,023 |
|
Governor Grade 2 |
96,023 |
|
Governor Grade 2 |
88,956 |
|
Governor Grade 3 |
88,192 |
|
Governor Grade 3 |
84,656 |
|
Governor Grade 3 |
84,656 |
|
Governor Grade 3 |
84,656 |
I also wish to advise the Deputy that Prison Governors are entitled to claim travel and subsistence expenses in accordance with relevant Department of Finance Circulars. The total travel expenses for these Governors for the past five years are set out in the table below. It should be noted that the individuals concerned may not have been serving in a Governor grade for the entire period in question.
|
Year |
Total expenses |
|
2007 |
37,472.51 |
|
2008 |
54,780.81 |
|
2009 |
39,036.90 |
|
2010 |
34,425.40 |
|
2011 |
30,473.15 |
|
Total |
196,188.77 |
984 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received comprehensive observations on the draft general scheme of personal solvency from the credit union movement and if he will take cognisance of these submissions, which indicate a number of issues which are of concern to the credit union movement, their members and society as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18461/12]
On publication of the Heads of the Personal Insolvency Bill on 25 January 2012, both the Minister for Finance and I invited interested parties to submit their comments on the legislative proposals. In that context I can confirm that my Department has received submissions from the Irish League of Credit Unions, the Credit Union Development Association and the Credit Union Managers Association as well as from a small number of individual credit unions. In addition, representatives from my Department and the Department of Finance met with credit union representatives last month to brief them on the proposed legislation.
The submissions and other comments on the General Scheme of the Personal Insolvency Bill received from credit union representatives are being taken into consideration in the overall context of the further development of the legislative proposals.
985 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the proposed refurbishment of Mullingar Circuit Court, County Westmeath, will take place; his views on when it is likely to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18462/12]
Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service. The Act provides that the Service is independent in the performance of its functions, including the maintenance and provision of courthouse facilities.
In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that preliminary work was carried out in relation to work on the Mullingar Courthouse project. However, due to the reduced funding available, it has not been possible to proceed to tender for the Mullingar project or indeed for any other major courthouse construction project in the last three years. The Courts Service has indicated to me that, at this time, it is not possible to say when the Mullingar project will proceed as it is dependent on both the availability of funding and other project priorities.
986 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the Occupy Dame Street protest, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18468/12]
992 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that the recent removal by An Garda Síochána of the Occupy Dame Street camp, Dublin, was carried out within proper Garda procedure and due regard for the health and safety of the camp participants; if he will confirm whether the Garda armed response unit was present and if so, if he is satisfied that this was necessary in view of the fact that the camp was unarmed and peaceful; if he is satisfied that proper eviction notice was provided to the camp; if An Garda Síochána has a protocol for dealing with peaceful protests and if he is satisfied that this was adhered to on this occasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18549/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 986 and 992 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the situation concerning the protest encampment referred to had been monitored by An Garda Síochána for some time. The group in question were encamped on private property and there had been ongoing liaison between An Garda Síochána, the group in question, the Central Bank and other interested parties. Policing of the protest and the deployment of appropriate Garda resources was, of course, at all times an operational matter for An Garda Síochána. For obvious reasons, it is not the practice to disclose operational details relating to the deployment of An Garda Síochána.
I am further informed that An Garda Síochána requested the protesters to leave the encampment, particularly in the light of health and safety and public safety issues arising at the site. A positive response was not received to this request. Against this background, the Gardaí removed the encampment, in accordance with the provisions of Section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 as amended by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2002.
987 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of proposed Garda station closures planned in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18492/12]
995 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the closure of Garda stations in County Louth. [18624/12]
1005 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations that will face closure in the next round of closures; the locations of these closures; when a decision will be made on these closures; when the closures will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18739/12]
1027 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will refrain from closing additional Garda stations in County Kerry and take into consideration the size, population, geography and the fact that County Kerry is a premier tourist county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19131/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 987, 995, 1005 and 1027 together.
Under the Garda Síochana Acts 2005-2007, the Commissioner is required to submit, before November of each year, a policing plan for the forthcoming year. The Policing Plan for 2013 has not yet been prepared and therefore it is not possible to say at this stage what it may contain although I expect that it will contain measures to address the ongoing issue of rationalisation of the Garda station network.
988 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his role alongside the Garda Commissioner in setting out the 2013 policing plan and the future of Garda stations in the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18493/12]
In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Act, the Minister for Justice and Equality may determine the policing priorities for the Garda Síochána for the coming year in consultation with the Garda Commissioner. The Garda Commissioner, in turn, must take account of the policing priorities identified and submit to me by the end of October, a draft policing plan for the following year. That plan must contain, among other items, any proposals the Commissioner has for the closure of Garda stations or for amending District or Divisional boundaries. As Minister, I must approve the policing plan as submitted by the Commissioner or with amendments determined in consultation with the Commissioner. The Deputy will appreciate therefore that I cannot comment on the contents of a policing plan for the year 2013 as it is not yet drafted. Consultations relating to the drafting of the 2013 plan will start in the third quarter of this year.
989 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the communications he has had with interested parties in relation to the future of the 39 Garda stations closed down this year, if any plans have been developed for their future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18494/12]
The Garda stations identified for closure under the 2012 Garda Síochána Annual Policing Plan form part of the portfolio of State properties owned and maintained by the Office of Public Works. Accordingly, it is for that Office to decide on the future of these properties and I do not have a role in relation to the matter.
990 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on alleged disturbances after a sporting event (details supplied); if he has any plans in conjunction with An Garda Síochána to address potential future disturbances of this nature at sporting events in view of the distress it causes to genuine sports fans who may be attending with children and young persons and the danger to the wider local community within which the event is being held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18501/12]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the incident referred to by the Deputy is under investigation and every effort is being made to establish the identity of those involved.
I am further informed that local Garda management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing plan, including the preparation of a risk assessment and an assessment of all information and intelligence available, was in place for this event. Local Garda management is also satisfied that sufficient members of An Garda Síochána were deployed for duty at this event, commensurate with the risk level assigned.
As the matter is under investigation it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time. I can, however, confirm that in planning for the policing of an event such as this, the Garda authorities consult with all relevant organisations concerning public order and safety issues, including liaison with local transport services.
991 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the full cost of policing sporting events including association football, rugby football and GAA matches are paid for by the sporting organisation hosting the event; if not, if he will outline the percentage of the cost of policing sporting events that is paid for by the organisation involved; if he will indicate the average cost for policing a sporting event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18502/12]
Section 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides a statutory basis for the Garda Commissioner to charge for police services on a non-public duty basis for commercial events such as sports fixtures and concerts.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that Garda records in relation to sporting fixtures are not maintained in a format which provides a breakdown of the costs incurred in policing these events. I am further informed that the extraction of such data would require a significant and disproportionate use of Garda resources.
I am further informed that the cost to the event holder is determined by the number of Gardaí deployed at a particular event. The operational policing plan for a particular event is formulated by local operational management and An Garda Síochána does not recover the full cost of policing such events.
993 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18552/12]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in October 2010 and also March 2011. On examination of the application submitted, it was determined that the application be returned in its entirety to the person concerned for further attention on 23 November, 2010 and 4 March, 2011. In order to be fair to all applicants, only valid applications can be considered. To date no new application has been received.
I shouldremind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
994 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of written parliamentary questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicated that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18600/12]
During the period in question, I replied to approximately 1,200 Written and Oral questions submitted by my colleagues in Dail Eireann. The Deputy will appreciate that, given the remit of my Department, the nature of these questions can often involve matters of a complex legal, statistical or personal nature.
On occasion, it is not possible to provide the information requested immediately as detailed reports must first be obtained to ensure the replies I give to the Deputy, and the House, are accurate. When these reports are to hand, I write directly to the Deputy concerned and convey the information to them. I regret that I cannot detail the number of Parliamentary Questions where the details supplied in the questions related to personal matters. Extracting this information would require a manual examination of all 1,200 Questions asked. I am sure the Deputy will agree that this would involve a disproportionate expenditure of staff time and resources.
996 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide, in tabular form, the names and salaries of all his special advisers including special advisers of Ministers of State; any salary increases they have received since they took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18642/12]
997 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide, in tabular form, details of all salary increases for special advisers requested by him or any Ministers of State in his Department; the names of the advisers and the amount requested; a list of salary increases granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18659/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 996 and 997 together.
I have made no requests for salary increases for either individual and the only changes to their salaries have been by way of normal incremental progression.
998 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18665/12]
The person to whom the Deputy refers is in protective custody at Mountjoy Prison at his own request and refuses to associate with other prisoners. As an exceptional measure, and as part of ongoing efforts to assist this particular individual and alleviate his personal fears in relation to visits, arrangements were made for this prisoner to receive visits when there are no other visits taking place. These arrangements have been in place for a number of weeks at this stage.
999 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 542 of 28 February 2012 when the information will be available; and if he will consider implementing a policy of a ten working day turnaround time for response to PQs (details supplied). [18670/12]
I regret the delay in coming back to the Deputy in relation to his previous question. This has been due to administrative reasons which have held up the response. However, I can confirm that an answer has issued to the Deputy today.
1000 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 414 of 21 March 2012 when this information will be available. [18671/12]
I can inform the Deputy that a letter was issued to him on 3 April 2012 with the information requested.
1001 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the delay in attaining a Garda vetting clearance certificate here compared to other countries; his plans to rectify the delay in view of the fact that many Irish people who have emigrated are waiting on this certificate in order to take up employment abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18678/12]
The Deputy may wish to note that Garda vetting is only provided in the case of those seeking employment in Ireland with registered organisations where the employment involves substantial unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults. The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) based in Thurles carries out this vetting service. The present turnaround time is three weeks which I consider is well within acceptable limits.
The Deputy's question appears to relate to a different type of Police Certificate of Character. Such a Certificate may be issued by An Garda Siochána in respect of a given individual, but only for the purposes of foreign consular and immigration requirements and for foreign business establishment. Applications should be made at a person's local Garda Station.
An individual may also apply to the Garda Síochána for a disclosure under Section 4 of the Data Protection Act 1988 (as amended) for a copy of the personal data which is maintained by An Garda Síochána. Such a disclosure is made to the individual to whom the data relates.
If the Deputy is referring to a specific case and will provide the required information, I will arrange to have the necessary inquiries made.
1002 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to an article in a newspaper (details supplied) on Saturday, 31 March 2012 relating to cash for gold shops; if he will give the comments made therein serious consideration; if his views on this matter have changed; the efforts he will make to introduce regulation of the cash for gold industry as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18681/12]
My Department is examining the criminal justice aspects of the cash for gold trade and a report of this examination which is at an advanced stage will allow for the necessary comprehensive assessment of the position and the development of any necessary and effective measures to address any gap that currently exists in the law in respect of the matter. In this context, I can assure the Deputy that my attention has been drawn to the newspaper report to which he refers and I can further assure him that the assessment to which I have referred will have regard to the views of all relevant stakeholders.
1003 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the latest figures published by the Central Statistics Office which show that burglaries increased by 8% in 2011; the measures he will take to ensure that this rise in burglaries is not repeated in 2012; how he expects the number of burglaries to be reduced when funding for community alert groups has been reduced and while he continues his regime of closing rural Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18682/12]
I am, of course, concerned at the increase in number of burglaries in 2011, while noting that for most crime groups, including robbery, the most recent statistics indicate a decline in recorded crime.
All crime trends are monitored closely by Garda management, with intelligence-led initiatives put in place to target burglary and other criminality. An Garda Síochána is currently developing a new Burglary Prevention and Reduction Strategy which will provide a strategic framework for preventing and reducing burglaries in Ireland. The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner has recently announced the introduction of a wide range of measures as part of a new operation aimed at tackling gangs involved in burglaries.
In terms of prevention, the National Crime Prevention Unit (NCPU) and Crime Prevention Officers at divisional level provide advice, information and support to organisations, businesses and individuals aimed at reducing burglary crime and the opportunity to commit burglary. These specially trained officers are skilled at identifying environmental design risks and advise on ways to reduce opportunities to commit burglary and other property crime. The NCPU has designed a number of crime prevention advice leaflets including advice on home security and burglary prevention through a step by step checklist. These leaflets and the checklist are available on the Garda website www.garda.ie.
During 2012, the national ‘Garda Supporting Safer Communities Campaign' will continue to highlight key issues, in particular burglary prevention. The primary objective of this Garda Community Safety Campaign is to engage with, and raise awareness within communities of initiatives aimed at preventing crime, reducing the fear of crime and promoting community safety. The first campaign will take place in early May and the second will take place in September.
The Crime Call TV programme, broadcast once a month, to an average audience of 400,000 viewers, is often utilised to specifically target the issue of burglary prevention. Practical crime prevention advice will continue to be given to highlight the most effective security measures householders can take to deter burglars.
The National Model of Community Policing is directed and supported each year by the Garda Síochána Annual Policing Plan which ascribes current key actions which govern policing priorities at a national level. Each Garda District and Divisional Officer also configures their policing response to local conditions to ensure that an appropriate policing service is continuously delivered to rural areas.
Community policing utilises a number of crime prevention programmes to encourage active participation with the public. An Garda Síochána, along with programme partners Muintir na Tíre, has established 1,345 Community Alert groups in rural Ireland. Funding totalling €160,000 was provided by my Department to Community Alert in 2011. The work of Community Alert continues to be highly valued and decisions on the precise level of funding which may be provided by my Department in 2012 will be made in the context of the available resources.
In so far as the closure of Garda stations is concerned, when preparing the Policing Plan for 2011 the Garda Commissioner reviewed all aspects of An Garda Síochána's policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations, both in terms of opening hours and possible closures. In addition, all Divisional Officers were asked to assess the level of activity in each Garda station in their area. It must be stressed that the key objective of the station closures is to promote the more efficient and effective deployment of resources rather than secure modest cash savings. In this context the Commissioner has concluded that Garda resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the frontline if a particular station no longer had to be staffed and maintained.
For the Government's part, we will do everything we can to support the gardaí in their work, to provide resources as public finances permit, and to respond to any legislative needs that are identified.
1004 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if any prisoners convicted of homicide related offences have absconded and have voluntarily returned or were returned from low security or open prisons; the criteria for transferring such prisoners to low security institutions at any given point in their sentence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18734/12]
I have been informed by the Irish Prison Service that it is not possible to provide specific information on the number of prisoners convicted of homicide offences who have absconded from open centres and who have returned voluntarily or were returned.
However, I can advise the Deputy that there are currently 3 prisoners who were serving sentences for homicide offences who are unlawfully at large having absconded from an open centre. Two prisoners were serving sentences for dangerous driving causing death and have been unlawfully at large since 24 November 2004 and 14 June 2010 respectively. The third prisoner, who was serving a sentence for manslaughter, endangerment and dangerous driving causing death, absconded on 15 March 2012. He was arrested by the PSNI and is currently serving a sentence in Northern Ireland. He will be subject to a European Arrest Warrant in due course.
Prisoners being considered for a transfer to an Open Centre are identified by a number of different means but primarily on the recommendation of the Prison Governor or the therapeutic services in the prisons. The prisoner, their family or their legal representative can also apply for consideration of such a concession. Recommendations are also made to the Minister in relation to long term sentence prisoners by the Parole Board. It is very important to note that it does not necessarily follow that a prisoner will receive a transfer to an Open Centre even if the recommendation is to that effect.
The criteria considered for the transfer of prisoners from closed prisons to open centres includes:
the safety of the public (specifically flight risk),
compassionate and humane considerations (including facilitating family visits),
nature and gravity of the offence,
length of sentence served to date,
length of sentence left to serve,
prior record on temporary release,
behaviour in prison,
previous criminal history,
family support,
addiction issues/history,
prisoner's home address.
Prisoners serving short sentences, i.e., under 12 months, can be moved to an open centre shortly after committal. Other longer term prisoners being prepared for transition back into the community can be considered for moves with about 2 years left in their sentence. Exceptional prisoners who are engaging strongly with the therapeutic services can sometimes be considered for a transfer with up to 4 years left to serve in their sentence. Those convicted of offences resulting in the loss of life are not precluded for consideration and have frequently been transferred to Open Centres in the past. In some cases, these prisoners were serving life sentences.
The Deputy may wish to note that new procedures have been put in place to ensure that where consideration is being given to the transfer of a prisoner serving a sentence for a homicide offence to an Open Centre, that decision must be made by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service.
1006 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a Garda superintendent will be reappointed to Abbeyleix district headquarters, County Laois; the position regarding the maintenance of services and Garda numbers in Abbeyleix Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18740/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in this process. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored and reviewed where necessary, in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
As of 29 April 2012 Abbeyleix Garda District and Portlaoise Garda District will be amalgamated and form the new Portlaoise Garda District as set out is the 2012 Policing Plan. I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Abbeyleix Garda Station on 29 February 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 24. The personnel strength of Abbeyleix Garda District on the same date was 37. In addition to this there is also 5 Garda Reserve members and 4 civilian personnel attached to Abbeyleix Garda Station.
All Divisional resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units, all of which have had increased resources.
1007 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average turnaround time for naturalisation applications for nationals from Pakistan; the reason for the specific delay in these cases; the number of these cases currently with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18741/12]
There has been an enormous increase in the volume of applications for a certificate of naturalisation in recent years. In 2000 the number of applications made that year was just over 1,000 whereas last year the number was 25,671 — an increase of almost 2,500%. Quite clearly, this dramatic increase in volume has impacted on the capacity of the administrative system to process them and has given rise to a large volume of cases on hand. This gave rise to a situation where most cases were taking well over two years to complete.
When I came into Office just over a year ago there were about 22,000 cases on hands. I undertook to address this issue and committed to get to the stage that by the second quarter of this year the average processing time for standard cases would take six months. In this regard, a major effort has and continues to be made in reducing the time taken to process the generality of applications. In 2011 over 16,000 applications were dealt with. I expect to have made a decision on 12,000 applications by the end of May this year and a further 12,000 by year end. By contrast, in 2010, a decision was reached in just over 5,600 cases.
The primary aim over the past year has been to reduce the large volume of cases on hand as swiftly as possible and this has been achieved in the majority of cases.
By way of general comment, it is a statutory requirement that, inter alia, applicants for naturalisation be of good character. In some instances that can be established relatively quickly and in other cases completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time. Quite clearly in those circumstances it is not possible to provide a specific date for the determination of an individual application. I can, however, inform the Deputy that steps are being taken to process all outstanding applications including those referred to by the Deputy and to have made significant inroads into them by the end of this year.
1008 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18762/12]
I refer the Deputy to my reply below to Parliamentary Question No. 184 of Thursday, 16th February 2012. The position is unchanged since then.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 18th August, 2011, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before a final decision is made. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1009 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18786/12]
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 30th April, 2010, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before a final decision is made. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1010 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will be made on an application for residency (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18792/12]
The case of the person concerned will be examined in the light of the Zambrano judgement. Once a decision has been made, the decision and its consequences will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1011 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide data or estimates on the number of alleged assaults on clients that have occurred in temporary or hostel type accommodation in the greater Dublin area within the past 12 months. [18793/12]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have requested the CSO to provide any available statistics which may be relevant to the question directly to the Deputy.
1012 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for residency by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18802/12]
I refer the Deputy to my reply below to Parliamentary Question No. 212 of 19 January, 2012. The position is unchanged since then.
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy has no application pending for residency. The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order, signed on 23 November 2011, following a comprehensive and thorough examination of his asylum claim and his application for subsidiary protection, and a detailed examination of the representations he submitted for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended).
The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1013 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will be made on an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18803/12]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in September, 2011.
The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1014 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce legislation to deal with the current problems in assisted human reproduction in particular regarding surrogacy. [18804/12]
Policy responsibility for assisted human reproduction lies with the Minister for Health.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question Nos. 158, 159 and 163 of 9 February 2012 in which I indicated that I intend in due course to develop proposals for legislation on surrogacy to deal with matters concerning the legal relationships of commissioning adults with children born through surrogacy. In developing these legislative proposals the welfare and best interests of children will be key considerations.
1015 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a management company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18812/12]
The Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment on a particular case in response to a Parliamentary Question. However, I can indicate the following by way of general information.
The principal objectives of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011, which entered into force on 1 April 2011, are to ensure the timely transfer of the common areas of multi-unit developments to owners' management companies (OMCs) and to facilitate the fair, efficient and effective management of such companies. Section 18 requires OMCs to establish and maintain a scheme of annual service charges from which they may discharge expenditure incurred on common or shared services, including insurance, refuse collection and security services. In order to ensure transparency and accountability, the annual service charge, and the services to be funded by it, must be approved by a general meeting of the apartment owners.
I should add that section 18 also provides that each apartment owner is under an obligation to pay the annual service charge. As regards unpaid service charges, the position is that section 22 provides that unpaid charges may be recovered by the OMC as a simple contract debt in a court of competent jurisdiction, i.e normally the District Court.
1016 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason installers are unable to contact the Private Security Authority by telephone and that they are unable to have their queries dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18814/12]
1017 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of money raised by the Private Security Authority in 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18815/12]
1018 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of inspections carried out by the Private Security Authority in County Mayo in 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18816/12]
1019 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the role of the Private Security Authority; his plans to reduce the fee being charged to alarm installers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18818/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1016 to 1019, inclusive, together.
The Private Security Authority, established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry in the State. The Authority is an independent body under the aegis of the Department of Justice and Equality and the administration of the Authority is vested in a Board whose membership includes industry representatives. The key responsibilities of the Authority are to licence and regulate those providing security services and to improve and maintain standards in the provision of these services.
Contractors such as those in the intruder alarm installer sector are required to pay a licence fee to the Authority. As the Authority is an independent body, my Department has no role in the determination of licence fees. This is a matter for which the Private Security Authority has sole statutory responsibility and it would be inappropriate for me to interfere in the exercise of these statutory functions. However, I am informed by the Authority that the current fee, which is for a two year licence, was set by the Authority in 2005 and has not been increased since that time.
The provision of a regulatory environment understandably has cost implications for the industry. The Authority has made every effort to ensure that costs are kept to a minimum and has also introduced an instalment payment option to assist contractors with paying for their licence.
The table sets out the licence fees paid to the Authority in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011:
|
Year |
Contractor Licence Fees |
Individual Licence Fees |
Total Licence Fees |
|
2009 |
€716,294 |
€1,146,939 |
€1,863,233 |
|
2010 |
€1,454,300 |
€1,373,163 |
€2,827,463 |
|
2011 |
€800,950 |
€1,480,177 |
€2,281,127 |
I understand that Inspectors from the Authority conduct inspections on a wide range of licence holders, including security guards, door supervisors, installers of intruder alarms and Cash-In-Transit services. Where required, the Authority's Inspectors undertake joint inspections with other state agencies and regulators including An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners.
The Authority conducts announced quality control inspections of contractors operating in licensable sectors of the security industry as well as unannounced visits to contractors and locations where security services are being provided. In the past two years, I am informed that 39 inspections where undertaken in County Mayo.
I am advised that the Authority has a modern phone system which is manned by its staff and the Authority acknowledges that during certain peak times it can be difficult to contact the Contractor Division of the Authority. For this reason alternative communication channels, including email and text, are available. In addition, the direct dial numbers for the Division are contained in all correspondence and detailed on the Authority's website. The Authority deals with all enquiries made to them. However, in circumstances where the enquiry is of a technical nature or where the identity of the caller cannot be verified, the Authority may opt to respond to the enquiry in writing.
1020 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda cars stationed in the west Cork district; the percentage of these that are deemed to be nearing the end of their usage in respect of the standard IE 300,000 kms limit; the number planned to be replaced over the next 12 months; the number that have been replaced in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18826/12]
The provision and allocation of Garda transport is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that 16 new cars have been allocated to the West Cork Division in the past three years. There are currently 43 cars attached to the Division and, based on current usage, it is estimated that 6 cars may be decommissioned by the end of the year.
I am further advised that provision has been made in the 2012 Garda Vote for the purchase of new vehicles. I am also informed that a procurement process is currently being conducted by the National Procurement Service with a view to putting in place a contract which will allow for the provision of new vehicles. An Garda Síochána's vehicle requirements, including those of the West Cork Division, will be addressed in that overall context.
1021 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by his Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18892/12]
The amount paid by my Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years was as follows:
|
Vendor Name |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 (to Date) |
Grand Total |
|
02 Communications (IRL) Ltd |
15,253 |
1,821 |
2,599 |
19,673 |
||
|
Telfonica 02 Ireland Ltd |
993 |
993 |
||||
|
Vodafone Ireland Ltd |
246,858 |
156,382 |
138,980 |
91,926 |
21,626 |
655,771 |
|
Total |
262,112 |
158,202 |
141,579 |
92,918 |
21,626 |
676,437 |
I can inform the Deputy that following an EU procurement exercise, a Mobile Framework has been established to provide non-commercial public sector bodies with a simple way to procure Mobile Voice and Data Services at competitive rates from a list of qualified vendors.
1022 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will be granted a certificate of naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18954/12]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in January, 2010.
The application is at an advanced stage of processing and the person concerned will be informed of my decision on their application in due course.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
I shouldremind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
1023 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures within immigration rules for an Irish national who marries a non-EEA national overseas and both wish to reside in Ireland but are unable to prove relationship history for the purposes of immigration procedures due to the parties having willingly consented to an arranged marriage which would not have allowed a relationship history to develop in the manner required for Irish immigration law; if there is sufficient flexibility within the system for non-EEA national spouses of Irish nationals to reside in Ireland when they have entered into a genuine marriage but are of a culture that would not have allowed for such a relationship history to develop in this manner; if there is provision to prevent discrimination based on religious faith in these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19041/12]
Marriage to an Irish national does not grant any automatic right to enter or reside in the State solely on that basis.
A person who is visa-required wishing to come to Ireland to reside in the State with his/her spouse must apply for a "Join Spouse" visa. Where all the required documentation/evidence has been furnished and the Visa Officer is satisfied with the bona fides of the application a long stay visa is approved which will allow the applicant to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in the vast majority of cases without further reference to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). In exceptional cases, where a Visa Officer has concerns over the relationship history for example, a short stay visa may be approved. The rationale for this is that the applicant is being afforded the opportunity come to the State and to demonstrate the existence of the relationship by submitting an application to INIS for consideration.
Non-EEA nationals who are already in the State and who are seeking to remain on the basis of marriage to an Irish national are required to make an application for residence to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would be neither possible nor sensible to devise rules which would comprehend every possible circumstance where non-nationals seek to enter the State. As a general rule applicants should disclose in full the reasons they are seeking to enter the State and supply readily verifiable documentation to vouchsafe those reasons. In circumstances such as those referred to by the deputy where it might not be possible for example for an entry condition such as the parties having met at least three times to be observed, a pragmatic approach is taken.
As is the case for all applications for visas, each application is considered on its individual merits. Our system operates on the basis that the onus is on the applicant to satisfy the authorities as to why s/he should be allowed to enter/remain in the State; it is not the other way around.
Finally, the Deputy may wish to note that more than 90% of all visa applications to enter the State are approved.
It is not clear if the Deputy has a particular case in mind. If so, queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1024 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide information on the jurisdiction boundaries in the south Tipperary/west Waterford area; the Garda division that has jurisdiction for the mountain area on the Newcastle to Cappoquin road inside the Tipperary border; if he is satisfied that those living in this area who reported crimes to the nearest Garda station, that is Cahir, were informed that this was not in their area; the steps he will take to ensure that this area is policed effectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19048/12]
I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that the jurisdictional boundaries in South Tipperary/West Waterford are the County boundaries of County Tipperary and County Waterford, which are in the Cahir Garda District, in County Tipperary and Dungarvan Garda District, in County Waterford. The strength of each district on the 29 February 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the table herewith:
|
District |
Station |
Strength |
|
Cahir |
Ardfinnan |
2 |
|
Ballyporeen |
1 |
|
|
Cahir |
47 |
|
|
Cashel |
14 |
|
|
Clogheen |
1 |
|
|
New Inn |
1 |
|
|
Dungarvan |
Aglish |
1 |
|
An Rinn |
1 |
|
|
Ardmore |
2 |
|
|
Ballyduff |
1 |
|
|
Ballymacarberry |
1 |
|
|
Cappoquin |
1 |
|
|
Dungarvan |
47 |
|
|
Lismore |
4 |
|
|
Tallow |
3 |
|
|
Total |
127 |
I have been advised that incidents of criminality occurring inside the County Tipperary boundary, including the mountain area on the Newcastle to Cappoquin Road, within Tipperary Garda Division, are investigated by Garda personnel from Cahir Garda District, the local Garda Station being Ardfinnan Garda Station, under the direction of the local District Officer. Incidents of criminality occurring inside the County Waterford boundary within Waterford Garda Division are investigated by Garda personnel from Dungarvan Garda District, the local Garda Stations being Ballymacarberry and Cappoquin Garda Stations, under the direction of the local District Officer.
Where an incident of criminality is reported to Cahir Garda Station, an appropriate member of An Garda Síochána from Cahir Garda District attends at the scene of the incident and investigates the matter. Where such incident refers to another Garda District, within or outside Tipperary Garda Division, a report of the circumstances is taken by the Garda who attended the scene, which is then forwarded to the District Officer of the relevant District where the criminal incident is alleged to have occurred for full and proper investigation of that incident.
1025 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total amount of money accounted for through the sale of seized and unclaimed property in the appropriations-in-aid part of An Garda Síochána's Estimates from 2009 to 2011; the final outturn figure from this for each of those years; the estimated amount expected to be raised in 2012 in the Revised Estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19067/12]
The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote. In that context I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the amounts of money realised by An Garda Síochána through the sale of forfeited/unclaimed property by the public auction from 2009 to 4 April 2012 are detailed in the table below:
|
Year |
Amount of Money Raised from Auctions |
|
2009 |
€128,730 |
|
2010 |
€84,802 |
|
2011 |
€82,607 |
|
2012 (04/04/2012) |
€650 |
I also understand from the Garda authorities that a separate estimate is not available in respect of the amount of money that might be provided to the Garda Vote arising from the sale of forfeited/unclaimed property in 2012.
1026 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 186 of 7 March 2012 (details supplied), if he will indicate when the wording will be changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19071/12]
The Courts Service has informed me that the necessary arrangements are now in place to ensure that summonses issued from 16th May 2012 onwards to be amended to advise persons charged with an offence under the Road Traffic Acts to bring their driving licence and a copy of the licence to court with them. I am informed by the Court Service that all such summonses being sent to An Garda Siochána to be served from that date onwards will be amended as above. I understand that the amended summonses will refer to cases due before the courts from September 2012.
1028 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on an incident at Dublin Airport (details supplied). [19151/12]
I am informed that a senior Garda officer has investigated the matter referred to by the Deputy based on the details provided. However, her enquiries (which included the viewing of CCTV footage where available and enquiries with relevant Garda personnel on duty at Dublin Airport at the time in question) did not identify the alleged incident referred to by the Deputy. However, if details regarding the flight on which the person concerned travelled to Dublin airport can be provided, it would greatly assist in identifying the immigration control point at Dublin airport at which the person presented in order to seek permission to enter the State. This would, of course, assist with any further enquiries.
The Deputy will be aware that it is open to a member of the public directly affected by the conduct of a member of An Garda Síochána that he or she believes is misbehaviour to contact the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission as the body responsible for receiving and dealing with all complaints made by members of the public concerning the conduct of members of An Garda Síochána. A witness to such behaviour may also make a complaint.
1029 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the organisational and legal progress that has been made to give effect to his decision to establish a statutory parole board; when he expects the new body to operate; the relationship he expects this new body to have with the existing interim parole board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19157/12]
I announced my intention last year to enact legislation to place the interim parole board on a statutory footing which I believe will help to strengthen the board and improve its functions. My Department is currently considering exactly what role a statutory parole board should play, what powers it should have, and the implications of same with a view to preparing the Heads of a Bill. I will make a further announcement in due course.
1030 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacancies that will arise on the interim parole board this year; if he is favourably disposed to filling at least one of the arising vacancies by appointing one or more persons that are from a victims of crime organisation background; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19158/12]
I can advise the Deputy that four vacancies will arise from 1st July. I am presently considering the making of appointments and will continue to bear the Deputy's suggestion of victim representation in mind.
1031 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by his Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19175/12]
Records indicate that a total of three (3) Consultancy Contracts were issued and paid for by my Department in 2011, details as follows:
|
Name |
Amount |
|
LHM Casey McGrath |
€15,712 |
|
Professor Gisli Gudjonsson |
€6,867 |
|
Forensic Navigation Servcies Ltd. |
€7,316 |
There are no records to indicate that any similar Consultancy Contracts were issued to date in 2012.
1032 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the investigation into Anglo Irish Bank, which is now in its third year. [19205/12]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the investigation into Anglo Irish Bank is ongoing by An Garda Síochána and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) with a full investigation team employed at the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation continuing to conduct necessary follow up enquiries in respect of both investigations, as well as investigations into separate complaints received regarding other alleged malpractices at Anglo Irish Bank.
The Garda authorities have indicated that to date two investigation files were submitted by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation to the Law Officers in December 2010. A supplementary file was submitted in May 2011 and a further investigation file was forwarded in October 2011. The files remain under consideration by the Director of Public Prosecutions, and directions are awaited. Following further developments additional information was submitted to the Law Officers, with a further supplementary investigation file submitted in April 2012 to allow matters to be considered further.
On taking office, this Government gave priority to satisfying itself that the necessary resources, both personnel and legal, were available to the investigation. Within eight weeks of taking up office, I moved urgently to introduce new legislation which was enacted on 2 August 2011 as the Criminal Justice Act 2011.
I am being briefed on an ongoing basis on the progress of the investigations and am assured that this investigation remains an absolute priority for An Garda Síochána.
1033 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Metal Theft Forum has finalised its report on the metal theft crime prevention and reduction plan in view of the fact that it was expected to do so by the end of March; when this report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19319/12]
I can inform the Deputy that I am awaiting the submission of the report referred to in the near future.
1034 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current average processing times for visa applications from Chinese citizens; if Chinese citizens who have been granted an Irish visa are permitted to travel to the UK with the same visa without having to satisfy any additional UK requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19325/12]
Chinese citizens travelling to Ireland as tourists currently have their visa applications processed within 5 to 10 working days. The processing of visas for Chinese citizens coming here for business purposes ordinarily takes two to five working days. I am advised that these timeframes are well within international norms. It should also be noted that the approval rate for Irish visa applications lodged in China is 94%.
At present persons granted an Irish visa are not permitted to use that visa to travel to the UK. This is primarily due to the UK requirement that all visa applicants supply fingerprint (biometrics) data electronically as an essential element of applying for a UK visa. Quite obviously Ireland does not have the capacity to capture such data for all visa applications worldwide; currently for UK visas this is done in over 150 countries.
However, I can inform the Deputy that in December 2011, together with the UK's Immigration Minister, I signed an agreement which, among other things, commits both countries to developing a Common Travel Area visa. Such a visa would allow tourists and business visitors to travel to the Common Travel Area and to travel freely between Ireland and the UK. It is anticipated that such a visa will prove an attractive option for tourists and business visitors and it is intended to conduct a trial scheme which will be used to gauge likely demand and to resolve the substantial practical issues around its introduction.
1035 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether the market for cash for gold is adding to the increase in burglaries and if the Gardaí believe that a considerable amount of the gold going into these shops is actually the proceeds of household break-ins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19347/12]
My Department is examining all relevant criminal justice aspects of the cash for gold trade in consultation with An Garda Síochána and a report of this examination which is at an advanced stage will allow for the necessary comprehensive assessment of the position and the development of any necessary and effective measures to address any gap that currently exists in the law in respect of the matter.
1037 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if persons who are applying to be members of An Garda in the next round of recruitment, and who had already passed several stages of the 2008 recruitment campaign for the Garda at the time the recruitment moratorium was put in place, will be allowed to restart their application from the stage which they had last passed in 2008 or if they will have to begin the entire process from the beginning. [19372/12]
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there is a Garda recruitment panel currently in place consisting of applicants selected by the Public Appointments Service as part of a 2008 recruitment campaign. However, no offers of employment have been made to applicants since the introduction of the public service moratorium on recruitment in 2009.
The moratorium on recruitment remains in place in furtherance of the objective, set in the context of the agreement with the EU and the IMF, to reduce the numbers of public servants. While successful applicants on this panel currently remain eligible to be offered positions as trainee Gardaí, the lifetime of the panel, and the position of applicants on it, will be kept under review in the light of when Garda recruitment might recommence.
1038 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of former separated children seeking asylum, aged out minors who have been deported since 2006; the number who currently have pending deportation orders; the number who have been granted refugee status and permission to remain since 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19439/12]
Ireland as a matter of policy does not deport unaccompanied minors. A significant percentage of unaccompanied minors who present at the frontiers of the State subsequently join up with family members already present in the State and are therefore no longer considered to be unaccompanied minors.
In relation to former separated children/ aged out unaccompanied minors (i.e. those who have reached the age of 18), if they have no permission to remain in the State, they can be issued with a 'proposal to deport' letter under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999.
Just under 40 such persons have been deported from the State since 2006. In addition, almost 280 additional Deportation Orders for such persons remain outstanding at present. It is believed that many of these persons will have already left the State.
In the period in question, over 30 such persons have been granted refugee status and just under 200 persons have been granted permission to remain in the State.
1039 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason qualifications being studied for at the time of the commencement of the prison officer recruitment process cannot be recognised for the education qualification requirements, in view of the fact that the recruitment process is ongoing for almost four years and the educational assessment is only being performed at the present time; his views that such a condition will discourage those currently unemployed to up-skill for future competitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19444/12]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the Public Appointments Service and the Irish Prison Service conducted the 2008 Open Campaign for Recruit Prison Officer in compliance with the codes of practice prepared by the Commissioners for Public Service Appointments.
The information booklet for the competition, which was made available to all candidates, stated that "To be eligible for selection as a Recruit Prison Officer, an applicant must, on the 1st September 2008, have obtained a minimum level of educational qualification". This eligibility criteria was the same for all candidates who applied for the competition.
As for the future, the current minimum educational qualifications are set out publicly for all job-seekers who wish to upskill to a sufficient level in preparation for any such competitions.
1040 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the public service moratorium on recruitment; when he expects to lift the recruitment moratorium on Garda trainees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19465/12]
The moratorium on Public Service Recruitment continues to apply to An Garda Síochána and no date has been fixed for future intakes into the Garda College. A decision on when recruitment will re-commence will take into account the rate of retirements in the Garda Síochána and Government targets, set in the context of the agreement with the EU and the IMF, to reduce the numbers of public servants.
In addition to this, what will ultimately determine the sustainable level of Garda numbers, and therefore establish when recruitment will recommence, is the level of budgetary provision that can be made for the Force, and the Deputy will be conscious that difficult decisions will continue to have to be made, right across the public sector, in order to bring our public finances back into balance.
1041 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a commitment to ensure that Columbs Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath, will hold the World Strongman event, which is due to take place over the August bank holiday. [18339/12]
My Department recently received a request for the use of Columb Barracks for the hosting of the World Strong Man competition later this year. The issues relating to the request are currently being examined and I will advise the Deputy of the outcome in due course.
1042 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence when new accommodation will be provided for the Defence Forces Reserve in Clonmel, County Tipperary, following the recent closure of Kickham Barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19490/12]
Suitable alternative accommodation has been identified for rental in Clonmel town for use by the local Reserve Defence Force Unit. My Department expects to complete the necessary administrative arrangements for the rental of the accommodation shortly.
1043 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Defence his plans for a recruitment drive for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17631/12]
The Government has decided to accept my recommendations that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force will be maintained at 9,500. I believe that this is the optimum level required to fulfil all roles assigned by Government. As the Defence Forces are currently over 500 below the agreed serving cadre, the phased recruitment of General Service Recruits will be undertaken in 2012, within the resource envelope allocated to Defence. I am advised by the Military Authorities that a new recruitment competition was launched on Monday 2 April 2012. Details of this competition are available on www.military.ie. The closing date for receipt of applications is 22 April 2012.
In addition, there will also be a Cadetship Competition in 2012. The planning for this entry level competition for officers is currently being finalised.
1044 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on his consideration of the issue of pardons for those who deserted the Irish Defence Forces to fight fascism in the Second World War and who were subsequently subjected to the provisions of the Emergency Powers Order 1945; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17660/12]
As the Deputy will appreciate this is a very complicated issue and covers a wider range of individuals than those who deserted to fight with the Allied Forces in World War II. Having regard to the wider dimensions of the issue, including for those who were actually tried by Court Martial for desertion during the Emergency and thereafter, I referred the matter to the Attorney General's Office for advice. I recently received the advice of the Attorney General in this regard and am considering that advice with a view to determining a way forward on this issue.
1045 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if there is a medal being issued by the Defence Forces in 2013 to commemorate the Volunteer movement; if this medal will be issued to reserve personnel; if not, if he will explain the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17807/12]
Whilst I have recently received a proposal that a commemorative medal be issued in 2013 to all serving members of the Defence Forces, the matter will require further consideration before any decision can be taken.
1046 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Defence the number of cadets the Defence Forces intends to recruit in 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18133/12]
The Government has decided to accept my recommendations that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force will be maintained at 9,500. I believe that this is the optimum level required to fulfil all roles assigned by Government. It is my intention that targeted recruitment will continue in 2012, within the resource envelope allocated to Defence, so as to maintain the Government approved strength of the Defence Forces. While there will be a Cadetship Competition in 2012 details of the number of cadets to be inducted from this competition are being considered in the context of the reduction in overall numbers and the re-organisation of the Defence Forces from three to two Brigades.
It is too early to confirm if there will be a cadet class in 2013.
1047 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details on the potentially viable improvised explosive device which was discovered and made safe in the Ranelagh area, Dublin, recently; if he will provide details of the potential explosive capability of the device, the component parts, the intended target, the suspected motives and the suspected persons involved; if there is a reasonable threat of further such devices being used in the area; the total number of potentially viable IEDs discovered in the State in 2011; and the relevant details of same. [18154/12]
Following a request from An Garda Síochána, a Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was deployed to a residential property in the Ranelagh area of Dublin on Monday, 23rd January, 2012. The EOD team subsequently made safe a suspected viable Improvised Explosive Device (IED). From a security and operational perspective, it would not be appropriate to reveal technical information on the specific components and capability of the device in question.
Intelligence gathering in relation to this event is a matter for An Garda Síochána, as is monitoring of the ongoing threat level.
With regard to the number of potentially viable IEDs discovered in the State in 2011, of the 237 EOD team callouts, 46 involved viable IEDs and of these 15 had functioned before the EOD team had an opportunity to intervene.
1048 Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Defence the current location of the church bell recently removed from Kickham Barracks Clonmel, County Tipperary; if he will arrange to have the bell returned to Clonmel; the details of any annuity, ground rent or other such payment, if any, payable in respect of Kickham Barracks; the details of protected structures and listed building on the site of Kickham Barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18207/12]
The church in Kickham Barracks was deconsecrated prior to the closure of the barracks and the bell which was considered to be a religious item was removed to Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick. Following a review of the matter arrangements are now being made to re-locate the bell back to the Church in Kickham Barracks. There are no annuities, ground rent or other such payment being made in respect of Kickham Barracks by my Department.
The entire barrack site is a protected structure.
1049 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if he will indicate the level of security being provided at Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath which was vacated on 28 March following the decision to close same; the person who is charged with the responsibility for providing such security or who has been hired or engaged, or will be hired or engaged to provide the security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18206/12]
Following the closure of Columb Barracks Mullingar my Department has arranged to put in place certain security measures at the barracks. Because of security considerations I am unable to give details as to what these measures are. However I can assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to provide the best possible security at the barracks.
1050 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence the number of written parliamentary questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicated that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18593/12]
The number of written Parliamentary Questions replied to between 1 January 2012 and 31 March 2012 was 162. 151 questions were answered in full on the day while 11 questions involved material being sent directly to the Deputy concerned where it was not possible to provide all of the information sought in the time available. Details on personal matters were supplied in two questions and both were answered in full on the day the question was tabled.
1051 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form, the names and salaries of all his special advisers including special advisers of Ministers of State, and any salary increases they have received since they took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18635/12]
1052 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form, details of all salary increases for special advisers requested by him or any Ministers of State in his Department; the names of the advisers and the amount requested, and a list of salary increases granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18652/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1051 and 1052 together.
I have not appointed any special advisers in my role as Minister for Defence.
Similarly, no special advisers have been appointed by Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D. in his role as Minister of State at the Department of Defence.
1053 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by his Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18885/12]
The following table details the total spend by the Department of Defence on mobile phones in each of the years 2007 to 2011:
|
Year |
Total Expenditure Including VAT |
|
2007 |
€52,057 |
|
2008 |
€54,018 |
|
2009 |
€52,703 |
|
2010 |
€46,246 |
|
2011 |
€37,807 |
The mobile phone operator that has held the contract during this period is Vodafone. This service has been procured using the Department of Finance Mobile Framework.
1054 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 418 of 7 February 2012, when he expects to have the information promised in response to that question. [19207/12]
1055 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if the death of a Defence Forces member (details supplied) last month was reported to the Irish Medicines Board by the Defence Forces authorities in view of the fact that they had been on Lariam. [19208/12]
1056 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if the death of a Defence Forces member (details supplied) last month was reported to the city coroner by the Defence Forces authorities or him in order that the levels of Lariam in their body could be tested. [19209/12]
1057 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the team of experts the Defence Forces have access to for international health and tropical medicine. [19211/12]
1058 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the experts that exist in his Department with responsibility for international health and tropical medicine and how such care is provided. [19212/12]
1059 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the reason experts in international health and tropical medicine have not been made available to serving and former Defence Forces personnel who have suffered serious side effects from Lariam. [19213/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1054 to 1059, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Military Authorities that they are compiling the documentation requested previously by the Deputy regarding information provided to personnel who were prescribed Lariam and I hope to forward this to him shortly.
Lariam is a malaria chemo-prophylactic agent first authorised for use in 1989 by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB), which is the statutory regulatory body charged with regulating the use of medicines, to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines available in Ireland. Research has shown that it is one of the most effective medications for protection against the type of malaria prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. While certain risks associated with the use of the drug were highlighted in Drug Safety Newsletters in 1996 and 2003, the Irish Medicines Board remained of the view that the benefit/risk profile for the product remained acceptable. The IMB continues to review the safety of this and all medicines on an ongoing basis and updates the product information as appropriate. Lariam remains the medication of choice for the Defence Forces for missions to sub-Saharan Africa and continues to be certified by the Irish Medicines Board.
In relation to the person referred to in the question, patient medical records are confidential and remain so even after death. It is not possible to disclose confidential patient information to third parties. I therefore can make no comment on any medical issues relating to the person referred to and can only address the generality of the questions raised by the Deputy.
There is no requirement to report whether a person who died had or had not taken Lariam or any other drug unless there was an issue directly linked to the taking of the medication which gave rise for concern. I understand that the death was reported to the coroner as is the requirement for all sudden death incidents. The Defence Forces' Medical Corps do not perform post mortems when a member of the Defence Forces dies in service. It is a matter for the Coroner's Office to determine whether a post mortem should be carried out, which would then be carried out by an appointed pathologist. It is a matter for that pathologist to determine what procedures and tests are used in post mortems.
The Medical Corps provides all medical advice to the Defence Forces. Where required the Medical Corps will accesses relevant external military or civilian medical expertise including in the area of tropical medicine.
The Medical Corps is charged with looking after the health of serving Defence Forces' personnel. It achieves this in conjunction with the civilian health services and other medical professionals as the need for additional or specialist services arises. There is no provision for the Medical Corps to provide a medical service to retired personnel. However, on request, copies of the service medical records of retired members can be provided to their nominated medical practitioner.
1060 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Defence if there is any possibility of serving members of the Defence Forces Reserve being permitted to take up a scheme to fulfil duties of cadre staff that have not been replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19438/12]
Cadre staff of the Reserve Defence Force are full time appointments in the Permanent Defence Force. Entry to the Permanent Defence Force is either through the Cadetship Competition, Apprenticeship Competition, General Service Enlistment or Direct Entry Competitions which are held to fill vacancies in specialist appointments. There are no provisions which permit the enlistment or appointment of members of the Reserve Defence Force to fill vacancies in the Cadre Staff of the Permanent Defence Force other than through these entry streams. Reservists who meet the qualifying criteria for application may apply for entry to the Permanent Defence Force through any of the aforementioned entry streams.
1061 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Defence the number of State companies who have used overseas companies for printing work in the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he is satisfied that this is an appropriate use of State resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19742/12]
The Department has not used any overseas companies for printing work in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
1062 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of forestry plantation likely to be allowed in a special protection area (details supplied) for 2012; when this level of planting for 2012 will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18171/12]
The maximum level of afforestation agreed for the 2011 planting season for the special protection area in question is 45 hectares. A decision on the level of afforestation that may be permitted in this SPA for the 2012/13 planting season will be decided following consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Future afforestation levels must take into account the results of Hen Harrier breeding and distribution surveys, the availability of suitable habitat and the effects of other cumulative developments on hen harrier populations e.g. wind farms. This analysis is currently underway and it is anticipated that a decision on future levels will be agreed in the advance of the 2012/2013 planting season.
1063 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the transportation of dead animals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18544/12]
Hauliers of animal by-products, including fallen animals, are registered and supervised by my Department in accordance with national and EU Animal By-Product (ABP) Regulations, which lay down health rules as regards the use and disposal of ABP. Annex VIII of Regulation (EC) No. 142/2011 lays down detailed hygiene, temperature and traceability requirements. In particular, the regulation specifies that vehicles or containers must be maintained in a clean condition and must be covered when transporting animal by-products or derived products and should show no evidence of leakage or damage.
Registered ABP hauliers in Ireland are required to maintain a register of receptacles used to transport ABP. Each receptacle has to be uniquely identified and there is an obligation to clearly display this identification on each receptacle. Breach of the regulations can lead to revocation of a registration. If the Deputy has specific information in this regard I would ask him to supply it and I will have the matter investigated by my Department.
1064 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action being taken with our deer population to control the spread of tuberculosis; the measures in place and the person responsible for sending carcasses to laboratories; his views on whether enough is being done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18548/12]
1118 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to deal with a proposed cull in our deer population to help control the spread of tuberculosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18547/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1064 and 1118 together.
Responsibility for management of the national deer herd, including for sending carcases to laboratories rests with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. However, my Department monitors the outcome of routine veterinary examination of wild deer carcasses intended for human consumption. My Department also specifically carries out on-going research into the incidence of TB in wild deer. To date, both the routine veterinary examination results and our research has shown a very low incidence of TB in the wild deer population (Sika and Dama dama ), even when the deer concerned were deliberately selected from areas of the country with a high incidence of TB in the cattle population. Based on the evidence to date, I am satisfied that the risk of the spread of TB from deer to cattle is low and that a deer cull is unnecessary in the context of the bovine TB eradication scheme. I should explain that, while a deer cull is not justified from a TB perspective, deer are not a protected species and can be culled under licence issued by the NPWS to local gun clubs and/or farmers for the purpose of reducing deer numbers in a locality where they may be causing problems.
1065 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of money spent to run Dingle Harbour, County Kerry, from January 2006 to December 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19521/12]
Dingle Harbour was designated as a Fishery Harbour Centre (An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre) with effect from 14th May 2007. My Department has had responsibility for the management and development of the harbour from that date. The harbour was previously in the ownership and management of the Dingle Harbour Commissioners.
A total of €307,000 in funding was provided for works at the harbour under my Departments Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development programme in 2007. In addition to these costs there would have been costs incurred to pay staff and to cover current costs from the period May to December 2007. These costs would have been met from the Fishery Harbour Centres Fund and total €239,122. Therefore the total funds invested in An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre in 2007 through my Department were €546,122, noting that the Harbour only came under the management of my Department in May of that year.
1066 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of money spent on the Dingle Harbour Commission, County Kerry under his Department’s umbrella from January 2010 to January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19528/12]
The following is a summary of the capital investment made at An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre from my Departments Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development programme for the years 2010 and 2011:
2010 —€1,048,817
2011 —€695,093
In addition to these costs there would have been costs incurred to pay staff and cover current costs. These costs would have been met from the Fishery Harbour Centres Fund. The current expenditure for the years 2010 and 2011 was €333,705 and €317,578 respectively. Therefore the total funds invested in An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre for the years 2010 and 2011 through my Department were:
2010 —€1,382,522
2011 —€1,012,671
1067 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding genetically modified potatoes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19599/12]
1114 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will comment on reports that Teagasc is to trial genetically modified potatoes at its Oakpark research facility in County Carlow; if this constitutes a change of policy for the State regarding GM foods and the value he places on Ireland’s status as a GM-free state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18445/12]
1136 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter regarding genetically modified food (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18926/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1067, 1114 and 1136 together.
Teagasc operates as a separate non-commercial semi state body under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with their own management structure and governing Authority. The Act establishing Teagasc confers on it principal functions in relation to the provision of education, advisory and research services to the agriculture sector. It is a matter for Teagasc to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act and I have no function with regard to the day-to-day operations of Teagasc. Responsibility for issues relating to the cultivation of genetically modified crops, including GM trials, in Ireland rests with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan.
1068 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will urgently process a 2010 and 2011 agri-environment options scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17610/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st November 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. During these checks a query arose in relation to the claimed Natura area on one of the parcels. This problem is presently being addressed and I expect payment will issue shortly.
Payment in respect of the 2011 Scheme year is subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. During these checks queries were identified in relation to the capital expenditure claim of the person named. My Department has issued a letter to the person named regarding this matter and will process the application further upon receipt of a response to these queries.
1069 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a public sector employee (details supplied) who is being redeployed from their current employment in Donegal town to another location in the county cannot be facilitated with a move to another Department within the public sector located in Donegal town; and if they cannot be located in Donegal town, the position they will hold in relation to the transfer list for future vacancies in Donegal town. [17633/12]
My Department's office in Donegal Town was identified for closure as a result of a review of my Department's local office network. My Department has redeployed staff in accordance with a protocol agreed with the staff associations and has endeavoured to redeploy staff within location where possible. Unfortunately this has not been possible for all staff in Donegal Town as there are no further suitable vacancies available in other Government Departments in that location. In these circumstances and in line with the Government's Public Service Reform Plan, my Department is in the process of redeploying identified surplus staff to other Government Departments/Agencies outside of current work locations. With regard to any future transfers the person named can apply to be included on the "Central Transfer List" for Donegal Town; this list is the officially agreed mechanism by which staff at this employee's grade may transfer between regional locations.
1070 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 200 of 7 March 2012, if he will explain what he means by horse breeding enterprises being eligible for stocking density purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17648/12]
It will be recalled that, on foot of commitments given in the 2012 Budget, significant savings needed to be found in my Department's expenditure for 2012, part of which it was decided should come from the funding assigned to the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. However, rather that simply apply an across the board cut to the rates payable or reduce the maximum payable area, I decided that real efforts should be made to focus the Scheme on those farmers who are most actively contributing to achieving the aims of the Scheme, namely, ensuring continued agricultural land use, thereby contributing to the maintenance of viable rural communities, maintaining the countryside and maintaining and promoting sustainable farming systems, which take account of environmental protection measures.
While horses will no longer be eligible for the stocking density calculation, equine breeding enterprises will continue to be eligible on the basis of the contribution they make to the local economy. Equine breeding enterprises are defined as follows: an applicant must, in the first instance, be an equine (horse/donkey) breeder and have bred a foal, from a mare registered as on the applicant's holding in 2011, in either 2009, 2010 or 2011, which was registered in a Stud Book approved by my Department, with pedigree recorded (sire and dam). Furthermore, the premises of all who meet this criteria must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in accordance with S.I. No. 8 of 2012, Diseases of Animals Act 1966 (Registration of Horse Premises) Order 2012.
Where these criteria are met, the following equines will then be eligible for inclusion in the stocking density calculation for the 2012 Scheme:
All equines aged one year to five years, (aged using 1 January), registered in the name of the applicant and maintained on his/her holding;
Breeding mares, registered as having been on the applicant's holding in 2011, that have bred an appropriately registered foal in either 2009, 2010 or 2011.
1071 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of inspections that have taken place of licensed merchant, veterinary pharmacy and veterinary practice outlets supplying veterinary medicine products to farmers since 1 January 2008. [17675/12]
1072 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown of the number of inspections for each supplier type, that is, licensed merchants, veterinary pharmacies and veterinary practices since 1 January 2008. [17676/12]
1073 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of inspections for each supplier type, that is, licensed merchants, veterinary pharmacies and veterinary practices since 1 January 2008 that resulted in further follow-up investigations. [17677/12]
1074 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of investigations per outlet type, that is, licensed merchants, veterinary pharmacies and veterinary practices since 1 January 2008. [17678/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1071 to 1074, inclusive, together.
Licensed Merchant outlets (including such outlets operated in association with a veterinary practice) selling animal remedies are subject to a licensing regime operated by my Department. Currently, around 700 premises are licensed. Under this regime, the outlets concerned are subject to routine inspections once in a 3-yearly cycle, reflecting the current duration of the licences. Following are the relevant data for the years 2008-2011:
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
||
|
1 |
No of routine licence-related inspections |
76 |
427 |
142 |
105 |
|
2 |
No of cases requiring formal follow-up arisingfrom 1 above |
6 |
35 |
3 |
9 |
|
3 |
No. of focused investigations |
3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
The pharmacy profession is subject to professional regulation by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland in accordance with the Pharmacy Act 2007, including licensing of pharmacy outlets. While pharmacies selling animal remedies are not subject to routine inspection by my Department, they are subject to relevant legislation relating to animal remedies and, in this context, may be visited in the context of focused investigations. Following are relevant data for the years 2008-2011:
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
|
No. of focused investigations |
6 |
8 |
4 |
2 |
The veterinary profession is subject to professional regulation by the Veterinary Council of Ireland in accordance with the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, including licensing of veterinary practice premises. However, in view of their critical role in prescribing and supplying animal remedies, veterinary practices are also subject to targeted inspections by my Department. Following are the relevant data for the years 2008-2011:
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
||
|
1 |
No. of targeted inspections |
233 |
297 |
262 |
239 |
|
2 |
No. of focused investigations |
6 |
8 |
5 |
2 |
1075 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 196 of 23 February 2012, when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17688/12]
The person named commenced REPS 4 on 1st June 2009 and has received payment in full for the first two years of his contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payment can issue. Administrative checks in respect of 2011 payments have been completed and the 75% year 3 payment amounting to €6608.66 issued on 29th March 2012. The 25% balancing payment for year 3 of €2,202.85 will issue shortly.
1076 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a grant for investment in dairy facilities in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17692/12]
The person concerned submitted an application for grant-aid under the Dairy Equipment Scheme during the course of the first tranche under that Scheme which closed on 31 January 2012. The tranche concerned was heavily over-subscribed and the applications are currently being processed with a view to issuing approvals as soon as possible. The person named will be notified of the outcome in writing.
1077 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the final REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18111/12]
The person named commenced REPS 3 on the 1st October 2006 and has received payment for four years. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. During a Single Payment Scheme inspection in 2011, an issue arose in relation to the commonage area claimed under the Single Payment Scheme. This issue is currently the subject of an investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman and has resulted in a the processing of the 2011 REPS 4 payment being held up. When this investigation has been completed my Department will be in a position to process the REPS 2011 payment.
1078 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application under the farm modernisation grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17783/12]
The person concerned submitted an application for grant-aid under the Dairy Equipment Scheme during the course of the tranche under that Scheme which closed on 31 January 2012. The tranche concerned was heavily over-subscribed and the applications are currently being processed with a view to issuing approvals as soon as possible. The person named will be notified of the outcome in writing. As requested, an official from my Department has been in contact with the person named and has explained the position to him.
1079 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will facilitate a transfer of entitlements in a case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17791/12]
A 2012 Transfer of Entitlements application was received on 27 February 2012 requesting the transfer of 242.73 Single Payment entitlements from the estate of the first person named to the second person named by way of inheritance. The closing date for receipt of such applications for the 2012 scheme year is 15 May 2012 and the transfer application will be processed in due course according to normal procedures. The Inheritance Enquiry Unit of the Department has been in ongoing communication with the legal representative of the deceased, has advised on procedures for the transfer of all relevant schemes, and has arranged for the issuing of all outstanding payments due to the estate of the deceased.
1080 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive the remainder of their annual welfare scheme payment for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17795/12]
The person named registered eight animals under the 2011 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment issued for seven of these animals on 16th December 2011, including payment for the animal bearing tag number IE272045460121. However, an error was identified during the payment validation process regarding the animal bearing tag number IE272045490116. A letter regarding this error issued to the person named on 12 April with a view to resolving this problem.
1081 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway may expect to receive payment of his agri-environment option scheme grant for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17812/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st September 2010 and full payment totalling €1,424.71 issued in respect of 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check of all applications, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. During the course of these checks verification was required in respect of the Rare Breeds Option selected by the person named. This issue has now been resolved and I expect payment to issue shortly.
1082 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an appeal against a 20% sanction on a single farm payment will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17976/12]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme /Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 6th May 2011. This application was selected for a cross compliance inspection and during the course of this inspection discrepancies were uncovered that were deemed to be intentional and a penalty of 20% was recorded for breaches of the Nitrates regulations. The person named was informed of this decision on the 28th of September 2011 and of his right to seek a review. He was also informed of his right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office. A request for a review was received and is currently being considered. A decision will be forwarded to the person named shortly. If the person named is not satisfied with the outcome of the review he can appeal to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office.
1083 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the situation on Dursey Island, County Cork, where farmers are being prevented from transporting their cattle to and from the island on cable cars, a practice they used for 40 years, for what the county council describes as health and safety reasons and if, in his view, transporting animals on small boats and swimming them ashore is a safer way of transporting them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17996/12]
I am aware of the situation in relation to the operation of the cable car to Dursey Island. The operation of the cable car to Dursey Island is the responsibility of Cork County Council. Cork County Council engaged consulting engineers to carry out studies on the cable car servicing Dursey Island following which the transportation of all animals was ceased from 30th January 2012 for a number of reasons, inter alia, health and safety, absence of codes covering transportation of animals and persons in the same cable car and increase of the risk to public health.
I understand that a Group representative of Electoral Area Members of Cork County Council, the farming community, residents and relevant public bodies has prepared a brief for the commissioning of a report on the future of the Dursey Island Cable Car. The onus is on the person transporting animals to conduct the operation in a safe manner. This Department has strict policies in place on the health and welfare of animals including during transport and would not advocate the movement of animals on small boats and swimming them ashore if it endangers the animals or handlers of the animals.
1084 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an outstanding single farm payment has issued to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18112/12]
An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2011. Following completion of the validation process, payment issued to the nominated bank account of the solicitors acting as Administrator of the Estate of the person named on 20 March 2012.
1085 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos 334 of 11 May 2010 and 405 of 18 January 2011, the timeframe for the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18006/12]
As indicated in my previous replies the area for which the licences are sought is a designated Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a Special Protection Area under the EU Habitats Directive (Natura 2000 site). All applications in ‘Natura' areas are required to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of environmental compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. My Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is engaged in a comprehensive programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of ‘Natura' areas. This data collection programme is substantially complete.
Analysis of the data, together with the setting of appropriate conservation objectives by the NPWS, will enable all new, renewal and review applications to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. This work represents a significant financial, administrative and scientific investment by the State in resolving this issue. The Appropriate Assessment of aquaculture applications is being dealt with on a bay-by-bay basis.
In relation to a timeframe, the completion of the process of identifying Conservation Objectives and conducting Appropriate Assessments varies depending on location and key operational factors including weather conditions, the quality of data received from field operations and the need to carry out additional survey work in certain specific instances. The area in question remains part of the package of prioritised areas under assessment. This package is reviewed on a regular basis with a view to expediting the appropriate assessment process. Addressing the issue of aquaculture licensing in Natura 2000 areas is a key priority for my Department and you can be assured that every effort is being made to expedite the determination of these cases having regard to all the complexities involved.
1086 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if donkeys will continue to be counted in calculations for disadvantaged area scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18021/12]
It will be recalled that, on foot of commitments given in the 2012 Budget, significant savings needed to be found in my Department's expenditure for 2012, part of which it was decided should come from the funding assigned to the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. However, rather that simply apply an across the board cut to the rates payable or reduce the maximum payable area, I decided that real efforts should be made to focus the Scheme on those farmers who are most actively contributing to achieving the aims of the Scheme, namely, ensuring continued agricultural land use, thereby contributing to the maintenance of viable rural communities, maintaining the countryside and maintaining and promoting sustainable farming systems, which take account of environmental protection measures.
Horses and donkeys will no longer be automatically eligible for the stocking density calculation, with the following requirements now applicable:
Horses:
Equine breeding enterprises will continue to be eligible on the basis of the contribution they make to the local economy. Equine breeding enterprises are defined as follows: an applicant must, in the first instance, be an equine breeder and have bred a foal, from a mare registered as on the applicant's holding in 2011, in either 2009, 2010 or 2011, which was registered in a Stud Book approved by my Department, with pedigree recorded (sire and dam). Furthermore, the premises of all who meet this criteria must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in accordance with S.I. No. 8 of 2012, Diseases of Animals Act 1966 (Registration of Horse Premises) Order 2012.
Where these criteria are met, the following equines will then be eligible for inclusion in the stocking density calculation for the 2012 Scheme:
All equines aged one year to five years, (aged using 1 January), registered in the name of the applicant and maintained on his/her holding;
Breeding mares, registered as having been on the applicant's holding in 2011, that have bred an appropriately registered foal in either 2009, 2010 or 2011.
Donkeys:
Donkeys will continue to be eligible for inclusion in the stocking density calculation where the animals in question are appropriately registered and in respect of which the relevant identification documentation has been issued, showing the animal(s) concerned as being in the ownership of the given applicant.
1087 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to amend the harbour charges regime at Howth Fisheries Harbour, Dublin, in view of the impact on small businesses such as the small business run by a person (details supplied) which is critical for Howth tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18028/12]
Charges at each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres are levied by virtue of the Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates and Charges) Order 2003. My Department has however recently conducted a review of the 2003 Order and I can confirm that a draft Rates and Charges Order has been published on foot of that review. That draft Order is currently the subject of a public consultation process. On completion of the public consultation process I will consider any submissions made and, if necessary, make appropriate amendments to the Rates and Charges Order.
1088 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding milk quota production for the year ending 31 March 2012; the likely super-levy bill, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18036/12]
While EU Regulations stipulate that milk purchasers forward, to the competent authority of the Member State by May 15th each year, a statement for each of their milk producers showing the quantity and fat content of the milk delivered for the quota year, adjusted accordingly for the leap year, my Department is currently gathering preliminary information in order to give an earlier estimated position. I hope to have this information by the end of this week or early next week. However, with more than 80% of the information gathered, early indications are that deliveries in March were significantly ahead of those in March 2011 and this will place Ireland in a super levy situation for the first time since 2007/2008. As soon as I have the estimated position I will make the information known to the Deputy.
1089 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a Middle Eastern Airways flight landed in Ireland last week with a consignment of animals to be transported to a laboratory in County Mayo for experimentation; if he has any information on the frequency of these flights; the fact an airport in the west refused to accept a weekly flight; the import licence under which they are working; the number of import licences that have been issued in 2012; which species were catered for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18052/12]
Licences in respect of the importation of experimental animals are issued under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1966 Rabies (Importation, Landing and Movement of Animals) Orders, 1972 and 1976. A total of 187 Licences have been issued this year to date in respect of rodents from outside the EU (USA), and rodents and rabbits originating within the EU. All animals entering the EU must be cleared for entry at an approved Border Inspection Post (BIP). Irish BIPs are not approved for the landing of certain categories of animals such as rodents and therefore such animals originating in the USA and destined for Ireland were cleared through Frankfurt Airport BIP.
1090 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in County Kerry who received direct farm payments and the amount provided in total; the number of outstanding payments to Kerry farmers still to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18118/12]
In the calendar year 2011 payments totalling €116,895,082 were made to 8,682 farmers/forestry owners in Co Kerry covering both direct and indirect farm payments. There are currently 45 outstanding payments to farmers in Co Kerry in respect of forestry schemes, 91 files continuing to be processed and they will be brought to payment stage as soon as possible under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme 4 (REPS 4) and with the Organic Farmers Scheme 36 participants from Kerry are awaiting payment. Under the EU Regulations governing the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) 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. At this time there are 208 applicants awaiting payment for 2011.
1091 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he will take regarding the apparent botulism from chicken litter which is feared to be present in farms in north Cork; the steps he is taking to ensure that more animals are safe and to ensure that guidelines are in place to prevent this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18181/12]
Botulism is a disease caused by a bacterium of the Clostridia family, the organisms are widely distributed in nature but only occasionally give rise to clinical disease in animals or humans. Outbreaks of botulism occur when cattle consume feed material that has become contaminated with decomposing carcase material and it can also be associated with the storage and spreading of poultry litter where the poultry litter contains remnants of dead poultry.
Botulism is not a notifiable disease in Ireland, but suspected botulism cases should be reported to my Department. The Central and/or Regional Veterinary Laboratories of my Department will carry out field investigations and epidemiological investigations where they are notified of outbreaks of suspected cases. In this regard I can confirm that the Cork Regional Veterinary Laboratory has recently carried out post mortem examinations in relation to two bovine animals that are suspected of having died of botulism. It is important in situations where botulism is suspected for keepers to consult both their private veterinary surgeon and the local regional veterinary laboratory in an effort to rule out other diseases which can present in a similar manner to botulism.
In addition to providing a diagnostic service and information in relation to the disease and prevention, my Department also carries out follow-up investigations in situations where poultry litter is suspected of being the source of a botulism outbreak to ensure that adequate measures are being taken to prevent outbreaks. These investigations involve both the farm where the poultry litter is being spread and the poultry units that supplied the poultry litter. My Department also carries out routine inspections of poultry units to ensure that carcasses of dead poultry are being dealt with appropriately. Random inspections on poultry producers' premises are also carried out to ensure that the necessary procedures are being followed in relation to the disposal of manure and where there is evidence that proper procedures are not being followed, my Department can require that all poultry litter from those premises be sent for rendering.
My Department has been proactive in disseminating information about botulism and has written to dairy processors advising them about the condition and asking them to distribute to their producers an information/advisory note. An "Information Note on Botulism for Veterinary Practitioners" and "Instructions for Practitioners when dealing with suspected cases of Botulism on Farm" has also been circulated to Private Veterinary Practitioners. Guidance notes have also been drawn up by my Department; one for the poultry industry providing advice in relation to the removal of dead birds from poultry litter and one for farmers providing advice on how to minimise the risk when storing and spreading poultry litter. Both sets of guidance notes are available on my Department's website or from local District Veterinary Offices in conjunction with other information relating to botulism. In recent times, my Department has had discussions with industry and farmer representatives with a view to ensuring that the guidelines are being adhered to in order to minimise the risk of botulism outbreaks.
1092 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the Coillte People's Millennium Forest (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18195/12]
The People's Millennium Forests Project was a flagship Millennium project sponsored by the National Millennium Committee and AIB and managed by Coillte in association with Woodlands of Ireland. This was the largest ever project directed at the expansion and enhancement of our native woodlands. There were 16 sites involved in this project, 14 of which are in the Republic of Ireland and two in Northern Ireland. The mission of the People's Millennium Forests Project was to ensure that all future generations can enjoy the benefits of Ireland's native forests.
One element of the Project was the "Household Tree Scheme" whereby each household in Ireland had a native tree planted at one of the 13 sites of the 14 sites in the Republic of Ireland. The 14th site was exclusively for the protection of a unique native yew wood in Killarney. While a certificate was issued to each household in relation to the "Household Tree Scheme", it did not confer legal ownership of the tree to that household. The context in which the trees were planted is that they would be part of a woodland community that would remain in place in perpetuity. People were invited to participate in the People's Millennium Forests Project by visiting the forests and to enjoy the ever-changing natural environment of native woodland with its associated flora and wildlife.
I am aware that 12 of the 16 sites involved in the Peoples Millennium Forest Project form part of the Coillte forest estate. As announced by the Government in February, consideration will be given to the possible sale of some assets of Coillte excluding the sale of land. A valuation of Coillte assets is currently being undertaken by the NTMA (NewERA unit) in conjunction with my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. No decision on the possible sale of Coillte assets will be taken until the valuation process is completed. The protection of the People's Millennium Forests is one of the issues to be considered in the decision-making process in relation to the possible sale of Coillte assets.
1093 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the full extent of the fish species that can be caught in the area 6A; if he will set out the procedures to be put in place to open up area 6A for additional fishing activities and if he will consider same. [18261/12]
Area VIa off the north west coast has a diverse ecosystem. The main commercial invertebrate species is nephrops, which is targeted on the continental shelf west of Scotland. Fisheries dredging for scallops and some smaller bivalves exist west of Scotland, as well as pot fisheries exploiting lobster and brown crab. Ireland's has a small quota for nephrops.
The shelf edge is a spawning area for mackerel and blue whiting while the main resident pelagic species is herring. Historically, there were important commercial fisheries for cod, haddock and whiting and a number of flatfish species. Hake and angler fish are also fished across the area. Stocks that can be caught in area VIa for which Ireland have quotas include: Cod, Haddock, Whiting, Megrim, Anglerfish, Nephrops, Plaice, Sole, Saithe, Herring, Mackerel, Horse Mackerel, Boarfish and Albacore Tuna.
At the 2008 December Fisheries Council, restrictions on whitefish fishing in the west of Area VI (waters west of Donegal and off Scotland) were introduced for the first time under Council Regulation No. 43/2009. These restrictions included establishing minimum mesh sizes to be used by vessels fishing in the west of area VIa and requiring that these vessels' fishing gear incorporate square mesh panels in certain circumstances. It also includes a ban on the use of certain fishing gears, including gill nets. These measures continue to apply under current EU Regulations with some limited amendments introduced. The Regulations apply until the end of December 2012.
In addition, EU Fisheries Councils in November 2008 adopted a new Cod Recovery Plan, as set out in Council Regulation (EC) No. 1342/2008. Under these Regulations, Ireland and other Member States were required to introduce and implement a licensing regime to manage limits on the number of days their vessels can fish in areas VIa (north west of Ireland) and VIIa (the Irish Sea) using specified gear types. This regime only applies to vessels greater than 10 metres in length.
1094 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason changes were made to the payment rules regarding farmers in the agri-environment option scheme and the organic scheme; if he will honour contracts signed in 2010 with a south Tipperary group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18280/12]
The person named joined the Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) in 2010 and his selected measures under the scheme included Traditional Hay Meadow and Species Rich Grassland. He also joined the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) in 2010. Payment under the OFS and AEOS for land submitted under the Traditional Hay Meadow or Species Rich Grassland is primarily based on the same principle which is income foregone due to the reduction of fertilizer inputs or restricted access for production. From an EU perspective, payment under both Schemes on the same parcel is regarded as a "double payment" and is not permissible.
Accordingly, to regularise this situation and to avoid "double payment", my Department wrote to the person named and indicated that he should either (i) withdraw from OFS or AEOS, or (ii) continue in AEOS and remain eligible for full payment in respect of land declared under this scheme while continuing to farm organically and receive OFS payment on all other lands farmed organically. No recoupment will be sought in respect of monies already paid. The person named has appealed this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office which is currently reviewing the case.
1095 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the 1,500 acre Millennium Forest will be exempt from any potential sale of Coillte to private investors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18308/12]
As announced by the Government in February, consideration will be given to the possible sale of some assets of Coillte excluding the sale of land. A valuation of Coillte assets is currently being undertaken by the NTMA (NewERA unit) in conjunction with my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. No decision on the possible sale of Coillte assets will be taken until the valuation process is completed. The protection of the People's Millennium Forests is one of the issues to be considered in the decision-making process in relation to the possible sale of Coillte assets.
1096 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18349/12]
The persons named were 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 was identified regarding the traditional hay meadow parcel. My Department has been in contact with the persons named regarding this issue and once successfully resolved the application will be processed with a view to making payment in respect of 2010 at the earliest opportunity.
Payment in respect of the 2011 Scheme year is subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. During these checks queries were identified in relation to the capital expenditure claim of the persons named. My Department has made contact with the persons named regarding these matters and the application will be further processed upon receipt of a response to these queries.
1097 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will furnish the full list of forestry grant recipients since 2007 when he decided to no longer avail of EU forestry grants but instead to use the public purse to pay 100% forestry premiums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18350/12]
Council Regulation No. 1290 of 2005 requires the Department to publish on its website certain details on beneficiaries of schemes funded or co-funded by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) or the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Following a European Court of Justice Judgement in 2010 only data relating to beneficiaries who are legal persons are being published. Details of natural persons cannot be published as a consequence of this Judgement. As forestry grant payments are fully State funded there is no obligation on the Department to publish details of recipients, whether they are natural or legal persons. It is not the practice of my Department to give financial details of individual grant recipients.
1098 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment appeals decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18363/12]
As indicated in response to a previous question from the Deputy on 29th March 2012, this case is currently subject to a review. This review is at an advanced stage and a decision will be forwarded to the person named in the coming days. If the person named is not satisfied with the outcome of the review he can have the case referred to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office.
1099 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he considers it acceptable that mortality figures for broilers that is birds that die before reaching the slaughterhouse are not kept by his Department, in view of the fact that high mortality rates would be an indication of poor welfare practices within certain sectors of the industry; if he will consider putting in place a monitoring system that will provide detailed figures on the numbers of birds arriving at the slaughterhouse with bone fractures, in view of the fact that this is an important animal welfare issue. [18398/12]
Birds which are presented for slaughter in establishments which operate under the supervision of my Department are subjected to ante-mortem examination by an official veterinarian, as required by Regulation (EC) No. 854 of 2004. Detailed instructions and guidelines for ante-mortem inspection include taking note of the numbers of birds which are dead on arrival and evidence of dirty birds as well as other factors which may suggest a welfare problem at the farm. Where there is evidence to suggest that there may be an on-farm welfare issue, procedures are in place to communicate this evidence, not just to the farmer, but also to the District Veterinary Office (DVO) for the county in which the farm of origin is situated, which can then investigate at farm level.
Evidence of broken bones is usually detected at post-mortem inspection and is usually a sign of improper handling during the catching of the birds. Again this is communicated to the relevant DVO and investigated as appropriate. Each slaughter establishment keeps mortality figures for consignments delivered and is required to make these available to the official veterinarian. The information available to the Department indicates that in 2011 the number of broilers which were dead on arrival at slaughterhouses represented approximately 0.18% of the total slaughtered. In the same year, ante-mortem injuries accounted for 0.02% of the number slaughtered.
1100 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details on the measures that are in place to identify fecal contamination in slaughterhouse animals; if he will provide figures for the number of broilers, pigs, cattle, sheep and other animals that were identified by inspection as having fecal contamination in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. [18399/12]
The Hygiene Package of regulation, which came into force in all European Union Member States on 1 January 2006, provides as follows in relation to cleanliness of livestock being presented for slaughter. Food business operators (FBOs) rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures, as appropriate and as far as possible, to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter and, where necessary, production animals. FBOs operating slaughterhouses must have intake procedures to guarantee that each animal or, where appropriate, each lot of animals accepted onto the slaughterhouse premises is clean. In the event of failure to comply with any of the requirements the FBO must notify the official veterinarian and take appropriate measures.
The official veterinarian is to verify compliance with the FBO's duty under Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 to ensure that animals that have such hide conditions that there is an unacceptable risk of contamination of the meat during slaughter are not slaughtered for human consumption unless they are cleaned beforehand. Post-mortem examination is carried out on all species of slaughtered animals. On detection of faecal contamination by the Department appointed inspector, measures are taken to remove the risk of entry of any faecally contaminated meat to the human food chain.
My Department does not maintain a central database for the collation of data relating to faecal contamination for all species. The Department does however require FBOs at bovine slaughtering establishments to categorise the animals as follows:
A— Cattle that can be slaughtered, without an unacceptable risk of contaminating the meat during the slaughter process by using the standard hygienic dressing procedures routinely employed by the plant;
B— Cattle that can only be slaughtered without an unacceptable risk of contamination of the meat during the slaughter process, by putting in place extra defined hygienic dressing controls;
C— Cattle unfit for slaughter because of hide condition. These cattle must not be presented for ante mortem and it is the responsibility of the FBO to take the required remedial action with regard to these cattle.
I can advise the Deputy that the percentages of bovines in each category in 2010 were as follows:
A — 75%;
B — 24%;
C — less than 1%.
The corresponding figures for 2011 were:
A — 78%;
B — 21%;
C — less than 1%.
Comparable statistics are not available for 2009.
My Department has also actively publicised the requirements for primary producers to ensure that animals being sent for slaughter are clean, as well as guidance in that regard. This approach has included publication of articles in the farming press, information leaflets and mailshots to producers who have supplied animals that were categorised as less than fully compliant with the required level of cleanliness.
1101 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details on the number of broilers, pigs, cattle, sheep and other animals that slaughterhouse inspectors routinely examine per hour; the number of inspectors employed throughout the State to inspect slaughterhouse animals during slaughter and during processing. [18400/12]
153 meat processing plants including 48 slaughterhouses currently operate under the supervision of my Department, in accordance with the terms of EU Food Hygiene Regulations. These plants are supervised by 53 veterinary inspectors (VIs) employed by the Department, assisted in their duties by 180 agricultural officers (AOs) and by temporary veterinary inspectors (TVIs) who are drawn from a pool of approximately 700 in total and contracted from private practice on a rota basis. Smaller local abattoirs are supervised by local authorities, operating under service contract to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
The numbers of the different species processed on a per hour basis in establishments which operate under the supervision of my Department vary depending on factors such as the size of the plant, the level of automation and overall throughput. Hourly throughput rates vary from approximately 5,000 to 12, 000 for broilers; 150 to 370 for pigs; and 150 to 200 for sheep. Cattle slaughter plants typically process about 50 animals per hour.
1102 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide information on what happens to unwanted male chicks born in hatcheries in the State; if it is the case that male chicks are routinely killed once their sex has been identified; if he will provide figures on the numbers of male chicks that were killed in 2009, 2010, 2011, and by what method. [18401/12]
There are no hatcheries producing commercial layers in Ireland (these are the type of hatchery which only require female chicks) therefore my Department does not retain details on number of male chicks killed.
1103 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the legal position with regard to tail docking of young pigs in the pig industry; if figures are available for the number of pigs that had their tails docked in recent years; the current legal position with regard to teeth clipping of young pigs in the pig industry; if figures are available for the number of pigs that had their teeth clipped in recent years; his view on the ethics of these practices, specifically from an animal welfare point of view. [18402/12]
The legal position on tail docking and tooth clipping of pigs is set out in the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations 2010, S.I. No. 311 of 2010 which states that tail docking or tooth clipping should not be carried out routinely except where injuries to sows' teats or to other pigs' ears or tails have occurred. Where tooth clipping appears necessary, this shall be carried out within seven days of birth. My Department does not retain figures on number of pigs that have been tail docked or have had their teeth clipped.
1104 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the practice of hormone injection of sows in order to bring forward the cycle of the sow in order that she will be ready to be artificially inseminated three weeks after weaning is common throughout the pig industry; his view on the ethics of this practice, particularly from an animal welfare point of view. [18403/12]
The practice of hormone injection of sows in order to bring forward the cycle of the sow is not common throughout the pig industry. These treatments, when used, are an aid to fertility, and as such do not give rise to any ethical or welfare issues. Furthermore, the increased cost of hormone treatment has resulted in a decline in such treatments.
1105 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider putting in place a mandatory labelling system for all meat sold at the counter, a labelling system that will clearly and unambiguously inform the consumer the way the food they eat has been produced, specifically the method of production used to raise the animal, part of which they are about to purchase; his views on the current inadequacy of the labelling system of meat, whereby consumers, who surely have a right to know the way in which their food has been produced, are left in the dark. [18404/12]
Food produced in Ireland is farmed to the highest standards and in compliance with all relevant EU Public Health and Animal Health and Welfare regulations.
As an essential component of a Single European Market, the development of objective definitions around methods of production at farm level and the relevant labelling requirements takes place at EU level. There are a number of regulations impacting on labelling including those for Marketing Standards, Consumer Information and specific production methods (e.g. Organic farming). Objective standards are set, inter alia, for organic production and for free range production in the poultry and egg sectors.
In addition to the general labelling rules which are set out in Directive 2000/12/EC, the general principles of food law set out in Regulation 178/2002 also state that "Without prejudice to more specific provisions of food law, the labelling, advertising and presentation of food or feed, including their shape, appearance or packaging, the packaging materials used, the manner in which they are arranged and the setting in which they are displayed, and the information which is made available through whatever medium, shall not mislead consumers."
Against this background, my powers to introduce national legislation in this area are constrained by the available legal bases in EU law.
1106 Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is his practice to impose full fines, even when the situation is under review; if this is pre-determining the result of the review and causing financial hardship to those involved. [18405/12]
Under EU Regulations governing the Direct Payment Schemes my Department is required to recover any monies resulting from the application of reductions and/or penalties. My Department is obliged to recover the amount from either the payment due for the calendar year of application or from payments due in future calendar years if not already repaid in full by the applicant. Where an administrative fine has been applied the monies owing can be recouped over the course of the three years following the year in which the determination was made, with any outstanding balance at the end of this three year period being cancelled.
In the vast majority of cases the penalty represents a reasonably low percentage of the payment due and it would be inappropriate to delay payment pending the outcome of any review. If the timing of the penalty is such that any review is carried out before payment falls due then the payment is made in full where the penalty decision is overturned on review/appeal. Where a reduced or no payment has issued and the outcome of the review/appeal process results in a change to the reduction/penalty originally applied any monies owing are calculated and processed as a matter of urgency.
There is no specific provision in EU regulations governing the right of farmers to seek a review of decisions relating to penalties or to appeal the outcome of any review to the independent appeals office. The review and appeals machinery was introduced by my Department with a view to ensuring that every decision to impose penalties could be challenged by individual farmers.
The value of these schemes to Irish farmers is €1.8bn annually. Therefore it is incumbent on my Department to ensure that the EU regulatory requirements in this regard are implemented in full so as to avoid EU disallowances.
1107 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a fencing grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18411/12]
The person named submitted an application for grant-aid under the Sheep Fencing/Mobile Handling Equipment Scheme and received approval to commence the investment works concerned on 12 April 2012.
Payment of grant-aid will be processed when the project has been completed and a documented claim has submitted to my Department.
1108 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the grant aid available to farmers involved in poultry egg production here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18412/12]
1109 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the initiatives and supports available for poultry farmers here looking to increase their egg production capacity. [18413/12]
1110 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the strategy in place to promote poultry egg production here; the value of exports from this industry for each of the years 2009 to 2011; if he intends to review the current supports and promotion measures in place in view of the exceptional demand and high prices for eggs throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18414/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1108 to 1110, inclusive, together.
Poultry egg production is a small but important component of the Irish agri-food sector. Output is valued at approximately €30 million. Unlike most sectors, the egg sector is largely domestically focused with competition from imports an ongoing issue. Approximately 85% of eggs consumed in Ireland are produced domestically. Food Harvest 2020 targets a 10% increase in the value of overall poultry output including meat, by 2020. The Report makes a number of recommendations, including taking all necessary measures to underpin consumer confidence in Irish product, particularly with regard to disease prevention, continued investment in innovation and value-added output and the adaption of new technologies aimed at improving efficiency and increasing the return on investment.
The value of egg exports is small with the vast majority of exported product going to Northern Ireland and the UK. In 2009, exports were worth almost €8.65 million, with values declining to €5.6 million in 2010 and recovering to almost €7.8 million in 2011.
There are four distinct egg production methods, namely Organic, Free-Range, Barn and Caged. In terms of the number of production sites in Ireland, Free-Range is the largest, followed by Caged and Organic with Barn being the smallest. Caged production, by virtue of the scale of the bigger operators, accounts for over 57% of the bird numbers with Free-Range accounting for almost 40%.
You will be aware of the introduction of the enriched cage production system in January of this year. This animal welfare measure prohibited the sale of eggs produced in older unenriched cages and led to a number of smaller scale and older producers exiting the industry. Some €16 million was allocated under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS), under the aegis of Ireland's Rural Development Programme, to assist existing producers convert their production systems. While the number of producers declined the size of the national flock remained stable. This was due to those producers remaining in operation expanding the size of their flocks and new large scale entrants.
Ireland was compliant with the new enriched cage system by the January deadline and an audit visit by the Food and Veterinary Office in early March confirmed this. A number of EU Member States have not yet complied with the provisions of the Directive and this has led to a decline in production and an increase in the price of eggs in the EU market. The European Commission have expressed the view that, as more producers become compliant in other Member States, the market will stabilise over the next few months.
In addition, Bord Bia continues to promote the Egg Quality Assurance Scheme which is a critically important tool for Irish producers who must compete with imported product.
1111 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when new born lambs may be calculated as livestock units for the purposes of stocking density under the disadvantage area scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18418/12]
Eligibility under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is established, inter alia, by satisfying the requirement as to minimum stocking density of an applicant’s holding. Those farmers for whom sheep contribute in whole or in part to satisfying this requirement are obliged annually to submit an appropriately completed Sheep Census return to my Department. The Census provides for a number of categories of sheep viz Rams, Breeding Ewes and Other. This return then forms the basis for establishing the compliance of a given holding with the minimum stocking density requirement of the Scheme. The following Table is as published in the annual Scheme Terms and Conditions:
|
Type of animal |
Livestock Unit value |
Proof which may be required |
|
Female or male cattle over 2 years old |
1.0 livestock unit each |
Herd Register kept up to date. CMMS compliant. |
|
Female or male cattle 2 years old or under |
0.6 livestock unit each |
Herd Register kept up to date. CMMS compliant. |
|
Female or male sheep |
0.15 livestock unit each |
Flock Register kept up to date. Most recent Sheep Census completed. |
|
Female or male equines over 6 months old |
1.0 livestock unit each |
Equine Passport in your name. |
|
Female or male equines 6 months old or under |
0.6 livestock unit each |
Equine Passport in your name. |
|
Female or male goats |
0.15 livestock unit each |
Herd Register kept up to date. Most recent Goat Census completed. |
|
Female or male deer |
0.3 livestock unit each |
Proof of ownership. |
1112 Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm whether the exit of Ireland from sugar production was due to Greencore availing of the processor’s fund, with regard to our national quota; if the decision to cease sugar production here was signed off by a Government Minister and if so, which Minister; if a copy of the relevant document will be made available; if he will further confirm that a Government Minister signed off on the golden share which existed which meant that the sugar industry could not sell or dispose of more than 20% of its assets without the signed consent of the relevant Minister; if Minister Mary Coughlan signed off on same; and if so, can this Deputy receive a copy. [18433/12]
As part of the reform of the EU Sugar Regime in 2006, a temporary restructuring scheme was introduced with the aim of reducing EU sugar production to comply with WTO and other international obligations. The Scheme was negotiated and agreed by the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers in the latter part of 2005 and resulted in the formal adoption by Ministers of the EU Council Regulation (EC) No 320/2006, which governs the operation of this voluntary EU restructuring scheme. Restructuring, in this context refers to the abandonment of sugar quota production and the allocation of restructuring aid to the affected processors, growers and machinery contractors.
Greencore, the sole holder of the entire Irish sugar quota at that time, decided to avail of this voluntary sugar restructuring scheme, and accordingly the company renounced the quota and dismantled the last remaining sugar factory in Mallow in compliance with the conditions of the scheme. This was a commercial decision taken by Greencore having regard to the prevailing market situation.
The total compensation package negotiated at the Council of Agriculture Ministers' meetings in November 2005, in the context of the reform of the EU sugar regime, and as further modified in 2007, was worth a total of €353 million to Ireland. This sum was made up of €220 million to beet growers, €6 million to machinery contractors and €127 million to Greencore. The beet growers' share was made up of restructuring aid of €53 million, diversification aid of €44 million and €123 million via the Single Farm Payment. All elements of the Restructuring Scheme have now been implemented, not just within Ireland but across the EU.
As Minister, I hold a Special Share in Greencore. This share has the same monetary value as any other share in the company but has conditions attached which prevent the company from engaging in a number of activities without the prior written consent of the Minister. However, the Special Share does not empower me to get involved in operational matters or normal business decisions made by the company.
In relation to the issue of quota ownership, the EU Commission confirmed at the time that the sugar quota is not an asset owned by the Member State or any other party but is simply a mechanism for regulating the sugar market.
Current Situation
The present EU sugar regime runs from 1 September 2006 to the 30 September 2015, in accordance with the prevailing EU Regulations. There is no mechanism under the current Regulations which would allow for the re-instatement of the sugar quota for the growing of sugar beet in Ireland for the production of sugar. Of course, sugar beet has always been grown here to be used as animal fodder.
I know the Deputy is aware that I have strongly supported the full abolition of sugar quotas from September 2015 as part of the CAP reform discussions which are currently underway in the Council of Ministers, and which, if agreed, would replace the existing quota regime. This would enable interested parties to re-engage in the production of sugar. I also raised the issue with the Agriculture Commissioner Ciolos during his recent visit to Ireland. In this regard, I have met in 2011 with two separate groups who have conducted feasibility studies, into the possibility of establishing a sugar/bioethanol facility here. At both meetings, I stated that any venture to develop a combined sugar/bioethanol production facility would have to be a commercial proposition, financed in total by investors and interested parties and make sound economic sense in order to be viable.
1113 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who has not received their single farm payment for 2010 and 2011 and when these payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18443/12]
Applications under the 2010 and 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Schemes were received from the person named on 14 May 2010 and 16 May 2011 respectively. On completion of processing, full payment issued to the person named for the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme 2010 and 2011 on 24 February 2011 and 21 September 2011 respectively.
In accordance with the provisions of Article 28 1(a) of Council Regulation (EC) No 73/2009, the person named is not eligible for payment under the Single Payment Scheme as the total payment due to the applicant is less than the minimum payment of €100.
1115 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) may expect payment in relation to forestry premium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18474/12]
The application by the person named is currently with the Forestry Inspectorate to establish the precise area on which payment is being claimed. As soon as these enquiries are complete, the application will be determined and the relevant payment made.
1116 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he classes domestic and or feral cats as vermin; whether the Department is aware of any non-statutory organisations that have a role in vermin control which class cats as vermin; the identities of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18509/12]
My Department does not maintain a statutory vermin list for any class of animal. I understand that the National Association of Regional Game Councils maintain records of all pest species. Under the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which I will be publishing shortly, cats living in the wild will receive the same protection from cruelty as any other wild animal. Cats owned as pets, or otherwise, are classed as "protected animals" within the meaning of the Bill and persons keeping cats as pets will be required to safeguard their welfare and provide them with adequate food, water and shelter.
1117 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the changes to the tuberculosis eradication scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18545/12]
My Department has introduced a number of changes recently into the bovine TB eradication scheme with a view to confining TB to the area/herd where it is first disclosed and to protect herdowners with clear herds from buying in infected animals. These measures were explained to and discussed with the farming organisations prior to their introduction.
It has long been recognised and research confirms that outbreaks of TB cluster within an area. With regard the new controls on the movement of animals out of herds which are contiguous to or neighbouring a herd experiencing an active high risk TB breakdown: in 2011, within the 8,014 herds tested under the contiguous test programme, the risk of disclosing TB was almost 3 times greater than the risk in the case of herds tested on a round test. In view of the fact that 2,256 test reactors were disclosed amongst the almost 800,000 animals tested in the contiguous herds, the risk of TB spreading from such herds is very significant.
In light of this evidence, my Department has decided that herds which (i) are contiguous to an active TB breakdown (high risk designation) (ii) are identified as epidemiologically relevant to the breakdown and (iii) which have not had a full herd test within the previous 4 months will be trade restricted pending a full herd test. Such herds are permitted to move cattle direct to slaughter and to buy-in cattle under permit. They will also be immediately de-restricted once they pass a TB herd test.
Prior to this change, herdowners which were contiguous to a high risk breakdown were permitted to move animals from their holdings pending the TB test. Many herdowners took advantage of this arrangement to sell on cattle which subsequently tested positive in the buyer's herd, thereby causing that herd to be restricted for a minimum period of 4-months.
I should also emphasise that the policy of my Department in relation to the identification of relevant contiguous herds has not changed and that each contiguous herd is assessed on its merits from an epidemiological perspective before determining its relevance for testing. The only difference in approach now is that any such herds which have not had a clear test within the previous 4 months must be tested before animals can be sold onto the open market. The choice of four months as the benchmark period against which to evaluate the necessity for a contiguous test is not a new criterion — this has been the parameter used heretofore. The four month period is not arbitrary but is related to the time interval from when an animal may be exposed to infection and the expectation that a test will give a positive result, if the animal is infected.
I am satisfied that the recent changes, which aim to confine disease to the area/herd where it is first disclosed and protect clear herds, will result in fewer herd restrictions and lead to a more effective TB eradication programme.
1119 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans, if any, to open the agri-environment options scheme for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18556/12]
I am currently considering the possibility of re-opening the Agri-environmental Options Scheme on an amended basis or limited scale in 2012. The full year cost of any new scheme will arise on the 2013 Estimate for my Department and accordingly, the 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.
1120 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will be made for sheep subsidy in respect of a person (details supplied) for years 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18563/12]
An application under the 2010 Grassland Sheep Scheme was received from the person named on the 15 May 2010. The payment which issued to the applicant was based, in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme, on the 2009 Sheep Census, which indicated that the person named had two hundred breeding ewes in his flock. In respect of the 2011 Grassland Sheep Scheme, as my Department has no record of receiving a 2010 Sheep Census return from the person named, no payment is due to the person named.
1121 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an application for a dairy grant under the targeted agricultural measures scheme will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18579/12]
The person concerned submitted an application for grant-aid under the Dairy Equipment Scheme during the course of the tranche under that Scheme which closed on 31 January 2012. The tranche concerned was heavily over-subscribed and the applications are currently being processed with a view to issuing approvals as soon as possible. The person named will be notified of the outcome in writing.
1122 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of import licences he issued for the import of animals to be used in circuses in Ireland for each of the years 2010, 2011 and 2012; the species that were imported; the number of each species that were imported; the person who sought the import licence in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18584/12]
The movement of circuses within the EU is governed by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1739/2005 of 21 October 2005 which lays down animal health requirements for the movement of circus animals and animal acts between EU Member States. In order to help prevent the spread of animal disease, before moving to any other Member State, all circuses with animals and all animal acts must be registered with the relevant authority (in Ireland the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) and must comply with certain conditions. These conditions require that the animals are clinically healthy, that the place of departure is not subject to any animal health restrictions and that all testing and vaccination requirements are met. The species covered by this legislation are all mammals (including bats), birds, bees, salmon and trout. Registered circuses/circus acts require a Register of Animals, Animal Passports and a Venue Register, All movements must be notified by the exporting country on a movement system (TRACES). Accordingly no import licences are required.
1123 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén fáth nach bhfuair feirmeoir (sonraí tugtha) íocaíocht faoin scéim REPS le cúpla bliain anuas; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18585/12]
An 1 Iúil 2006 a thosaigh an duine ainmnithe le REPS 3 agus fuair íocaíocht iomlán don chéad dhá bhliain dá chonradh.
Fuarthas amach le linn seiceáil riaracháin go raibh neamhréireacht ó thaobh limistéir idir na tailte a dearbhaíodh do SPS agus REPS agus an litir a eisíodh chuig an duine ainmnithe an 24 Lúnasa 2010 ag iarraidh mínithe ar an neamhréireacht. Ní bhfuarthas míniú ná plean leasaithe ón duine ainmnithe.
Chuir an duine ainmnithe glaoch teileafóin ar oifig na Gaillimhe an 5 Aibreán 2011 agus chuir duine de mo chuid Oifigeach in iúl dó go raibh air plean leasaithe a chur isteach a leireodh an staid reatha SPS. Ni bhfuarthas aon phlean leasaithe go dti seo i mo Roinn.
1124 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of written Parliamentary Questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicted that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18589/12]
My Department has answered, in full, 704 written Parliamentary Questions during this period. Of these 130 were issues that related to personal matters and 13 included in the reply an indication that the information would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned.
1125 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a licence is required for the gathering of farmed escaped oysters by means other than a fishing vessel. [18627/12]
My Department is responsible for the licensing, where appropriate, of aquaculture activity including the cultivation of oysters. Such licences specify the area of activity covered by the licence. The gathering of wild oysters is licensed, where appropriate, by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
My Department is advised by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, which has an enforcement role regarding the health conditions for the production and placing on the market of shellfish products, that shellfish gathered or picked to sell commercially may not be placed on the market for human consumption other than through a dispatch centre and in conformity with the following requirements:
(i) The oysters must have originated from a classified area;
(ii) The area must have an open biotoxin status;
(iii) The gatherer must complete a Shellfish Registration document for each batch of shellfish gathered.
1126 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide, in tabular form, the names and salaries of all his special advisers including special advisers of Ministers of State and any salary increases they have received since they took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18631/12]
In response to the Deputy's question, I have detailed below the information requested in respect of Special Advisers employed in my Department since 9th March 2011:
|
Name |
Title |
Salary p.a. |
|
Fergal LeamyEmployed: 11/4/2011-9/9/2011 |
Special Adviser to Minister Coveney |
€130,000 |
|
Aine Kilroy from 18/4/2011 |
Special Adviser to Minister Coveney |
€80,051 |
|
Ross MacMathuna from 16/01/2012 |
Special Adviser to Minister Coveney |
€110,000 |
1127 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide, in tabular form, details of all salary increases for special advisers requested by him or any Ministers of State in his Department; the names of the advisers and the amount requested and a list of salary increases granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18648/12]
In response to the Deputy's question, I have detailed below the Special Advisers that have been/are employed in my Department for which a salary increase was requested, based on the substantially higher salaries each earned in the private sector. The salaries were approved by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
|
Name |
Title |
Salary p.a. |
|
Fergal Leamy from 11/4/2011 to 9/9/2011 |
Special Adviser to Minister Coveney |
€130,000 per annum |
|
Ross MacMathuna from 16/1/2012 |
Special Adviser to Minister Coveney |
€110,000 per annum |
1128 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair atá sé i gceist íocaíocht AEOS a dhéanamh le feirmeoir i gContae na Gaillimhe (sonraí leis seo); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18664/12]
Cuireadh in iúl don duine ainmnithe gur ceadaíodh dó a bheith rannpháirteach sa Scéim um Roghanna Comhshaol Talmhaíochta 2011 le héifeacht ón 1 Meán Fómhair 2011.
Faoi Rialacháin an AE a rialaíonn an Scéim agus scéimeanna íocaíochta limistéir-bhunaithe eile, ní mór seiceáil riaracháin chuimsitheach a dhéanamh ar gach iarratas, lena n-áirítear cros-seiceálacha leis an gCóras Aitheanta Dáileachtaí Talún, sular féidir aon íocaíocht a eisiúint. Tá tús curtha leis an bpróiseas sin le súil is tosú ag déanamh íocaíochtaí chomh luath agus is féidir. Sa chás go n-eascródh ceist ar bith mar thoradh ar na seiceálacha sin, déanfaidh mo Roinn teagmháil leis an duine ainmnithe go díreach.
1129 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the practice of unannounced farm inspections including as a priority in the new service charter, that fair and reasonable notice be given for all inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18698/12]
Under EU Regulations governing the Direct Payments Schemes my Department may give up to 14 days notice for land eligibility and cross compliance inspections involving Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) other than those related to animal identification and registration, food, feed and animal welfare. For inspections involving animal identification and registration the maximum notice permitted is 48 hours. For SMRs dealing with food, feed and animal welfare no advance notice is allowed. Where it is permitted to give notice of an inspection, my Department must be satisfied that by giving such notice the purpose of the inspection is not being jeopardised.
The value of these schemes to Irish farmers is €1.8bn annually. Therefore it is incumbent on my Department to ensure that the EU regulatory requirements with regard to inspections, and all other matters, are implemented in full so as to avoid EU disallowances.
1130 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will halt efforts to fell the woods at Lismullen in the Tara Skryne valley, County Meath until an archaeological survey has been carried out and until bird nesting season has finished; if he will consider an intermittent schedule of felling to allow the area to adjust to gradual change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18732/12]
I have made enquiries and I am informed that the application for felling on this site was referred to the Local Forest Service Inspector, the Forest Service Ecologist, the Forest Service Archaeologist, Inland Fisheries Ireland, National Monuments Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Meath County Council.
The Local Forest Service Inspector and the Forest Service Ecologist approved the application with no conditions over and above the standard conditions common to all clearfell General Felling Licences. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Meath County Council made no comments or observations.
The Forest Service Archaeologist consulted the National Monuments Service of the Department of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. On this basis, the archaeologist approved the licence subject to certain conditions as follows:—
1. Coillte must submit a detailed plan for the removal of trees from the monument and/or its immediate environs for the prior consideration and agreement of the Forest Service Archaeologist and the agreement of the National Monuments Service. This must be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance of the felling commencement date.
2. Pre-felling archaeological works must be carried out by a suitably qualified archaeologist.
3. The regional Harvesting Manager, the local Forest or Environmental Managers, the Coillte Archaeologist, or other consultant archaeologist should contact the Forest Service Archaeologist in advance of inspecting the monument.
The licence was issued, with the Forest Service Archaeologist's conditions attached, on the 11th April 2011.
Coillte employed a consultant archaeologist, who compiled an Archaeological Impact Assessment and plan. A copy of this plan was submitted to both the Forest Service and the National Monuments Service in early November 2011. It was then considered jointly by the National Monuments Service and the Forest Service Archaeologist.
The National Monuments Service requested that the sensitivity of the site be emphasised with Coillte's consultant archaeologist. It also emphasised the necessity of ensuring, as per the plan, that an archaeologist would be present to continuously monitor the works in and around the souterrain. This was conveyed to Coillte by the Forest Service Archaeologist.
In response to complaint by a member of the public when the felling commenced, the relevant Coillte regional Environment Manager was contacted. He informed the Forest Service that no trees have been felled within 50 metres of the monument and that the consultant archaeologist was scheduled to be on site from the morning of 4th April 2012, i.e. before Coillte commenced works in that area.
The Coillte regional Environment Manager had also undertaken a wider appraisal of the site from an environmental perspective prior to any works commencing and identified an additional ‘cultural feature', namely a stone lined well, which was also marked off and protected. The Forest Service Archaeologist inspected the site in person on the morning of 4th April 2012, examined the condition of the souterrain before any works had commenced near it, and spoke to the harvesting crew and Coillte's consultant archaeologist. The Forest Service Archaeologist re-inspected the site again on the morning of 6th April 2012 and examined the souterrain and its environs after felling in that area had been completed. No evident damage of any nature has occurred to the monument. The stone-lined well is similarly intact and undisturbed. A report on the archaeological monitoring undertaken by Coillte's consultant archaeologist has since been received by the Forest Service Archaeologist and copied to the National Monuments Service. On the basis of this extensive preparation and its own inspections, the Forest Service of my Department is satisfied that a sufficient archaeological survey has been carried out and that Coillte took sufficient and appropriate action to protect all archaeology at the site.
There are no known protected bird species at this site and, therefore, no special conditions must be attached to a felling licence in relation to felling within the nesting season. Coillte is aware of its obligations under current legislation and must harvest its trees in accordance with current legislation and good forestry practice.
1131 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when 25% of the 2011 REP scheme payment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18850/12]
The person named commenced REPS 4 on 1st September 2009 and has received payment in full for the first two years of his REPS contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. Administrative checks in respect of 2011 payments have been completed and the 75% year 3 payment amounting to €4,433.58 less a penalty deduction of €184.73 for non-compliance issued on 12th March 2012. The balancing 25% year 3 payment will issue shortly.
1132 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive their payment; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18867/12]
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.
Payments in respect of the 2011 Scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investments related to approved AEOS actions. These checks have now been completed and following the payment of year 1, the payment in respect of year 2 will be finalised.
1133 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will arrange all outstanding payments under the single farm payment and disadvantaged area scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18869/12]
An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 14th of May 2009. The application was subsequently the subject of a Cross Compliance Cross-Report from the Special Investigations Unit of my Department. The report concerned an inspection carried out on the 7th of July and detailed serious breaches of cross compliance regulations, specifically relating to Food Hygiene, that resulted in a 60% penalty being recorded against the person named direct payments for 2009. The person named was informed of this decision on the 25th of October 2011 and of his right to seek a review. He was also informed of his right to appeal the outcome of a review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals office. To date, no such review request has been submitted.
As payments under the 2009 Disadvantaged Area Scheme and Single Payment Scheme had already issued my Department initiated a process to recover the relevant overpayment and a letter issued on the 14th of November 2011 informing the person named of the overpayment and how it could be repaid. As no repayment was made, the overpayment was subsequently recovered from payments made under the 2011 Direct Payments Schemes in November and December of 2011.
1134 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by his Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18881/12]
Because of the remit of my Department, extensive use is made of mobile telephony and related technologies, for inspections and other out of office activities related to the delivery of services to our clients and in supporting a more mobile and efficient workforce.
Following an EU procurement exercise conducted by the Department of Finance, a mobile phone Framework Agreement was established to provide non-commercial public sector bodies with a streamlined procedure for the procurement of mobile voice and data services at competitive rates from a list of qualified vendors. The Framework Agreement is intended to maximise volume discounts and provide for reductions in administrative and transaction costs for providers and public sector purchasers.
My Department has run a number of competitions under the Framework for its mobile voice and data services. In each case the successful vendor was the most economically advantageous tender. Details of the mobile phone telephone companies used and the amount paid to each company over the last five years is shown in the following table:
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
|
Vodafone |
€447,369.45 |
€326,863.15 |
€253,994.65 |
€269,753.15 |
€48,272.80 |
|
O2 |
€560,718.65 |
€375,130.91 |
€349,599.71 |
€319,163.91 |
€49,313.05 |
|
3 Ireland |
€81.28 |
||||
|
Total |
€1,008,088.10 |
€701,994.06 |
€603,594.36 |
€588,917.06 |
€97,667.13 |
1135 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the access available to researchers in relation to Land Commission records in view of the fact that many communities are now experiencing the centenary of the division of various estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18924/12]
The records of the former Irish Land Commission, mainly documents and maps, are stored in the Records Branch of my Department, located in the Clonminam Industrial Estate, Portlaoise and are considered to be current day to day working documents and have not been handed over to the National Archives.
The Estate title documents are privately owned by the Estates Vendors and their Assigns, and form part of the root of title of those allotted land on the Estate and are not available to the general public for research etc, unlike other State documents in the custody of the National Archives. The other documents in the Records Branch are files on individuals who sold land to the former Commission and those who applied for and were allotted land by the former Commission. These files are not available to the general public as they contain private, sensitive information and are protected by the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts.
Owners and purchasers of land and their personal or legal representatives are allowed access to and copy of relevant documents/maps. Also, under the Freedom of Information Acts any individual is entitled to view personal data, or third party data, held by this Department, subject to the restrictions laid out in those Acts.
1137 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expedite payment of forestry premium to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18930/12]
The forestry premium was paid to the applicant on 4th April 2012.
1138 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an application for REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [19092/12]
The person named commenced REPS 4 in April 2009 and received payments for the first two years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. Following the administrative check an area discrepancy was discovered between the Single Payment Scheme application for 2011 and the REPS Agri-Environmental Plan which has resulted in the necessity for further clarification. This issue is currently being investigated with the intention of an early resolution and payment in respect of 2011.
1139 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the decision to abolish the fishing rights of a fishing vessel (details supplied). [19127/12]
The fishing vessel referred to by the Deputy had a polyvalent licence and has access to fish stocks in accordance with the policy in place for relevant fish stocks, including mackerel and herring. The vessel has not been licensed by the Sea Fishing Boat Licensing Authority since September 2010. In relation to mackerel, the Minister introduced new management arrangements in late 2010 following a long and detailed consultation process with the fishing industry. Mackerel allocations were made available to vessel owners based on track record from the two best years 2007, 2008, 2009. Vessels were allocated an individual allocation of mackerel based on having caught more than 35% of the mackerel allocated to them in an average of 2 of the reference years. In order to qualify for Tier 1 allocations, a vessel had to have landed more than an average of 275 tonnes of mackerel per year. To qualify for a Tier 2 allocation, a vessel had to have landed more than 25 tonnes of mackerel per year. The vessel referred to by the Deputy did not have the necessary track record. Prior to the introduction of the new management arrangements, the vessel would have qualified as an "Under 65ft" vessel for participation in the mackerel fishery. The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority has provided details of mackerel landings by the vessel in question since 2000. The records show that the vessel landed over the 11 year period 2000 to 2010 in total 29 tonnes of mackerel and landed less than 1 tonne of mackerel in total in the reference years 2007, 2008 and 2009.
The vessel in question qualifies for participation in the herring fisheries in the Celtic Sea or in the North West under the management arrangements that have been in place over recent years. The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority has provided details of herring landings by the vessel in question since 2000. The records show that the vessel landed over the 11 year period 2000 to 2010 in total 17 tonnes of herring and landed less than 1 tonne of herring in total since 2006 (2007-2010). In relation to herring fisheries, I am currently concluding a full review of the management arrangements for herring which has involved a detailed consultation with industry.
1140 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to develop the beef sector here, increase exports and create new jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19145/12]
The Food Harvest report published in 2010, offers a vision for the long-term development of the agri food sector and in the case of the beef sector, targets an increase of 20% in the value of beef output in the period to 2020. Having regard to the dramatic price and other developments since then, the Beef Activation Group, which was established to identify the specific actions needed to achieve these targets, suggested in 2011 that a more ambitious target of 40% growth in output could be set.
That report suggests that there is market demand to support growth in the suckler and dairy herds. Maximising beef output potential from the national herd is contingent on a number of factors, not least on the price of beef on EU and international markets. In light of current and future market developments, it is essential that a co-ordinated approach is taken by stakeholders to improve efficiency at farm and processing level, to breed better animals, maintain high standards of quality and food safety and maximise the market potential of Ireland's unique natural advantages.
My Department and its agencies are playing their part. Despite the significant budgetary pressures in 2012, I have provided €26 million to maintain the Suckler Cow Scheme, which underpins improvements in welfare and breeding that are critically important for the future development of the sector. To date, my Department has paid out more than €127 million under this scheme, and the animal welfare measures have contributed directly to improved prices for weanlings and enhanced the reputation of Irish livestock and beef.
The Beef Activation Group Report highlighted the need to equip beef farmers to improve efficiency, reduce costs and adopt best practice at farm level. With that in mind I have, following extensive consultation with stakeholders, introduced a €5 million Beef Technology Adoption Programme. To date my Department has received more than 7,000 applications for the scheme. Livestock farmers in the BTAP will be equipped to adopt a more businesslike approach to running their farm enterprises which will reduce costs and improve profitability.
I am also providing substantial strategic support for the beef sector through the activities of State Agencies. Bord Bia's beef marketing strategy is one of product differentiation and premiumisation to assist the industry in targeting the best customers across Europe. Since 2007, we have seen a doubling of the volume of Irish beef going to premium retail and food service and a rise of 15% in the volumes destined for standard retail lines. This equates to over 50,000 tonnes going to better paying outlets. Bord Bia is also developing a strong sustainability message around its Beef Quality Assurance Scheme, and in that context has secured accreditation for its beef carbon footprint model. Bord Bia's Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme is the first such scheme world wide to include environmental criteria.
On the production side, Teagasc is working with the processing industry on research projects investigating dairy beef production and on optimal young bull production, and my Department is continuing to make a substantial financial contribution to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation to support its efforts to improve breed quality.
Insofar as international trade is concerned, I have been extremely active in developing relationships in new and expanding markets in order to build the kind of confidence in Irish production and control systems that provide a platform for long-term trading relationships in the future. As part of that effort, I am at present leading a trade delegation in China, to help to develop trade opportunities for Irish food business operators. In addition, my Department has engaged with a range of third countries, including Australia, the Philippines, South Korea, Turkey, Egypt, Algeria and others, with a view to opening new markets and expanding the presence of Irish food products in existing markets.
I should also mention the critical importance of a strong and effective Common Agricultural Policy in supporting farm incomes in the period to 2020, and I am committed to negotiating the best possible deal for Irish farmers in the context of CAP post 2013.
The Deputy will be aware that there have been dramatic price developments in global markets in recent times, based on demand and supply dynamics, and Irish beef prices have risen by 21% over the past year. I am confident that if the correct approach is taken by all stakeholders, there will be tremendous opportunities for the Irish beef sector in the coming years. I can assure the Deputy that my Department and its agencies will continue to play their part in creating an environment which will enable the beef industry to grow and develop to its full potential in the years ahead.
1141 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to develop the lamb sector here, increase exports and create new jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19146/12]
I very much welcome the fact that the declining trend in numbers in our national flock is showing signs of reversal and our sheep numbers are now increasing. This reflects a growing sense of confidence amongst sheep farmers in terms of rebuilding breeding stock numbers which will ultimately lead to an increase in through-put. Whilst it is still too early to provide an accurate estimate for the 2012 lamb crop, it is estimated that it will be up in the order of 1-2%. The market performance of the sheep sector, in common with other agricultural sectors, is a function of supply and demand. The long-term future of the sector will depend on its ability to satisfy the market and in order to do this well it must focus on competitiveness, innovation and the demands of the consumer.
The Food Harvest 2020 Strategy includes specific recommendations for the sheep sector. It envisages that over the coming years, demand for sheepmeat on the European market will outstrip production levels, which could provide opportunities for exporting countries such as Ireland. This should provide the potential for better returns, provided the industry can continue the market and product diversification which has been evident in recent years. At producer level there is likely to be improved price prospects, provided an increased focus on production, efficiency and product quality is evident. Based on a renewed commercial focus by the sheep sector, building consumption on the domestic market and through the implementation of the recommendations of Food Harvest 2020, the industry has targeted a growth in output value of 20% by 2020.
The recommendations of the report focus on farm competitiveness and the processing sector. On the farm side, they emphasise the importance of the continuance of the application of on-farm labour efficiencies and new technologies, breed improvement and the production of a quality product. On the processing side, the focus is on efficiencies, innovation and improved product range.
There has been significant public investment in the sheep sector in recent years. Key supports for this sector include €7 million from the 2009 Single Farm Payment National Reserve under the Uplands Sheep Payment Scheme and €54 million for the three-year Grassland Sheep Scheme which commenced in 2010. The grassland Sheep Scheme is proving to be a valuable support mechanism in terms of improving income and confidence in the sector. The sheep fencing/mobile handling equipment scheme, one of five Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS), which was re-opened to applications last December, will enable many farmers in the sheep sector to complete the necessary investment works in order to maintain competitiveness and introduce increased efficiencies on their farm and so secure the future of their enterprises. All of the supports I have outlined have provided a significant incentive to farmers to maintain their production levels, which is vital for the future of a viable sheep industry in Ireland. Teagasc has also allocated almost €1.5 million for sheep research for 2012.
In addition, Bord Bia will also spend over €1.1 million this year on a promotional strategy for the Irish sheep sector which addresses the issue of safeguarding the future of the sector in the following ways:
By encouraging Irish consumers to buy more Quality Assured lamb.
By collaborating with its French and English counterparts in a campaign to reverse the decline in consumption of lamb on the French market, which accounts for over 50% of our exports.
By working with individual exporters to increase the amount of exports to higher value markets such as Germany and Scandinavia and thereby reduce Ireland's dependency on the French market.
On another positive note, sheep meat exports to International markets almost doubled to 600 tonnes during the course of 2011. This generates a great confidence boost for Irish exporters. While almost 99% of our lamb exports are to the EU, it is always beneficial to have a wide range of outlets available and to this end my Department, together with Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to work to secure access to more third country outlets for Irish lamb. There is strong demand for all meats globally at present and my Department and I remain committed in our efforts to ensure that the Irish sheep sector is able to take full advantage of all of the opportunities that will arise as a result of this demand.
1142 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to develop the dairy sector here, increase exports and create new jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19147/12]
The Food Harvest 2020 report sets out the strategic vision for the agri-food and fishing sector. From a dairying perspective, the ending of milk quotas in 2015 represents an exceptional opportunity to increase milk output, and Food Harvest has targeted a 50% increase in milk production in the period to 2020. This target is ambitious but I also believe it is realistic, because the dairy sector has the capability to expand at producer and at processor level. In that context, the Dairy Expansion Activation Group established to identify specific actions needed to deliver on the Food Harvest targets, has produced a Road Map setting out 55 actions required to achieve the 50% increase in milk production. All of the stakeholders are being encouraged to discharge the responsibilities assigned to them, and the response will be monitored and reported on. Key areas for action include the identification of markets, the improvement of efficiency at processing level and improving production efficiency at farm level. While many of these actions will be taken at commercial level, my Department and its agencies are working with industry to provide a framework to support the necessary development, and I am personally chairing the High Level Implementation Committee in order to monitor progress and take appropriate action to support the successful implementation of Food Harvest 2020.
Exports of dairy products in 2011 were valued at €2.66 billion, an increase of 17% on the previous year. Ireland already has access to markets worldwide and exports dairy products to over eighty countries. Nonetheless I am working with industry to raise the profile of the Irish dairy sector, and the Irish agri-food sector generally, in emerging markets in the Far East, North Africa and elsewhere. I have been very active in developing relationships in new and expanding markets in order to build the kind of confidence in Irish production and control systems that provide a platform for long-term trading relationships in the future. As part of that effort, I am at present leading a trade mission to China to further develop this important relationship, and to meet my ministerial counterparts in the Agriculture and Quarantine Ministries to help raise the profile of the Irish agri-food industry, including the dairy sector, in China.
At farm level, my Department provides €6 million per annum through the Dairy Efficiency Scheme to encourage the adoption of technology and best practice at farm level. This scheme will help to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to maximise their output, reduce their costs of production and increase margins. In addition, a Dairy Equipment Scheme to encourage capital investment at farm level is available under the TAMS (Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme) to ensure farmers are equipped to gear up for expansion. The scheme provides grant aid for milking machines, cooling equipment and other ancillary items.
In addition, a number of incentives were introduced in this year's budget to encourage new farmers including a stock relief incentive for milk production partnerships, a stamp duty reduction on agricultural land and restructuring of retirement relief.
In addition Teagasc, which is funded by my Department, provides research, education and advice at both farm and processing level and is working closely with industry in the critically important product development area, while Bord Bia is working with operators in the sector on the development of an accredited sustainability model.
It should not be forgotten, that in recent years the dairy sector has experienced severe volatility in product prices, primarily caused by an imbalance of supply and demand in international markets. However, while there will always be short term fluctuations in dairy prices, the medium term prospects for global dairy markets are good. Growth in global population and wealth is forecast to stimulate strong levels of demand for dairy products. Against that background, I believe that prospects and opportunities for the dairy sector will expand significantly over the coming years and I can assure the Deputy that my Department and its agencies will continue to play their part in providing an appropriate framework to support the development of this critically important industry.
1143 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by his Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19167/12]
The material requested by the Deputy is listed in the following table:
|
Consultant |
Purpose/Nature of Work |
Payments in 2011 (January to December) € |
|
Brendan Riordan |
Professional fee for training services on net-flow of funds calculation |
6,000 |
|
Mazars |
IT Audit Support |
56,634 |
|
ESPION |
Quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures as required for EU accreditation purposes and Biannual independent security review of the Department’s IT infrastructure. |
13,446 |
|
ESPION |
Independent Web Application testing |
3,518 |
|
Milliards Solicitors |
Legal advice, consultations, correspondence and court attendance |
2,723 |
|
Drima Marketing Ltd |
Collation, analysis and communication of national wood harvest and trade data on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and transmission of data to EUROSTAT, FAO, the International Energy Agency and other bodies. |
30,905 |
|
Consultant |
Purpose/Nature of Work |
Payments in 2011 (January to December) € |
|
ESPION |
Quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures as required for EU accreditation purposes and Biannual independent security review of the Department’s IT infrastructure. |
6,887 |
|
ESPION |
Independent Web Application testing |
5,771 |
|
Drima Marketing Ltd |
Collation, analysis and communication of national wood harvest and trade data on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and transmission of data to EUROSTAT, FAO, the International Energy Agency and other bodies. |
23,430 |
1144 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to international concerns regarding the future scarcity of phosphorus; if steps are being considered to pre-empt the possible shortage, including the recovery of phosphate from wastewater systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19193/12]
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for agriculture, necessary for both production of herbage, such as crops and grassland but also as an important mineral for animal production. It is also an expensive nutrient for Irish agriculture and if present in excess quantities can result in diminished water qualities. It is indeed correct to state that it is a mineral of finite supply.
A number of estimates have been made as to the longevity of this resource, but these estimates vary significantly. One such estimate indicates that the viable reserves of phosphate rock could last from as low as 48 years to as high as 235 years depending on usage patterns.
The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the protection of Waters) Regulations 2010, commonly described as the Nitrates Regulations, which is administered by both the Department of Environment and Local Government and my own Department sets out the appropriate limits for application of phosphorus on crops and grassland. This, while aimed principally at preventing negative impacts on water quality arising from excess application of phosphorus to land, also ensures that this scare resource is applied at appropriate levels on Irish farms.
In addition, both my own Department and Teagasc provides guidance on the most efficient use of organic manures such as slurry (including from the Pig and Poultry sector) which are a very good source of phosphorus ensuring that effective recycling of this nutrient takes place on farms. The overall usage of fertiliser phosphorus in Agriculture in Ireland has decreased from 62,000 tons in 1995 to 29,000 tons in 2010.
In relation to the recovery of phosphate from waste water treatment systems, I am advised that it is both difficult and expensive to separate out phosphorus on its own from waste water systems. However as it tends to be bound up in sewage sludge, the recycling of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) to agriculture in accordance with the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, is, in effect, the recycling of phosphorus (as well as organic material) from wastewater treatment to agriculture.
1145 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; if he will arrange for an official from his Department to contact this person and discuss the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19228/12]
An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme for the person named was received in the Department on 13th April 2012. In addition, the applicant provided valid documentary evidence of postage of the original application, which has been accepted by my Department. Consequently, the application is being processed and on completion of same provided no errors are established, the appropriate payments will issue under both Schemes. As a result of aforementioned, the REPS application will be further examined and subject to appropriate procedures payment will issue.
1146 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when area aid will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [19322/12]
The person named does not hold any single payment entitlements. He applied to transfer 24.58 entitlements by way of lease from another farmer under the 2011 single payment scheme. EU regulations governing the scheme provide that entitlements may only be leased if accompanied by an equivalent number of hectares of eligible land. The transfer of entitlements application was rejected as the person named did not declare any land or submit a single payment application form in 2011. He was notified of this decision on 28th September 2011.
1147 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for delay in a payment under the agri-environment option scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway and if he will expedite same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19357/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st November 2010 and full payment totalling €639.03 issued in respect of 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. Similar checks are carried out in respect of payment for the 2011 scheme year. During these checks a query arose in relation to the claimed Natura area on some of the parcels. This problem is presently being addressed and I expect payment will issue shortly.
1148 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a dairy equipment grant in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19376/12]
The person concerned submitted an application under the Dairy Equipment Scheme under the first tranche on 27 April 2011. The application was approved into the Scheme on 10 October 2011. The applicant has submitted a payment claim and payment of the grant will take place when it has been determined that all the terms and conditions of the Scheme have been complied with. These checks will be completed as soon as possible.
1149 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a mapping adjustment to correct an error to an agri-environment options scheme wild berry cover folio as requested by a person (details supplied) to benefit the location of a bird hide within the folio, noting there are no changes to folio sizes in this correction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19489/12]
The person named applied to join the Agri-Environment Options Scheme in 2011 and was notified in writing by letter dated 28 September 2011 of his acceptance into the scheme and advised that the contract commencement date was 1 September 2011. In the application submitted the person named elected to sow 2.6ha of Wild Bird Cover on a specific land parcel and approval was based on this information. The Terms and Conditions of the scheme clearly indicate that it is not possible to exchange parcels for the delivery of approved actions during the period of the contract.
1150 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that amendments made to the new proposed harbour charges would allow for affordable charges to be imposed on persons trying to make a living organising boat trips and so on out of harbours such as Dingle, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19526/12]
Charges at each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres are levied by virtue of the Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates and Charges) Order 2003. My Department has however recently conducted a review of the 2003 Order and I can confirm that a draft Rates and Charges Order has been published on foot of that review. That draft Order is currently the subject of a public consultation process.
I can also confirm that my Department has already received submissions in relation to boat owners at Dingle Fishery Harbour Centre and that on completion of the public consultation process full consideration will be given to all submissions made. At that stage I will, if necessary make any appropriate amendments to the Rates and Charges Order.
1151 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of State companies who have used overseas companies for printing work in the following years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he is satisfied that this is an appropriate use of State resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19739/12]
The use of overseas companies for printing work by State Agencies is an operational matter for the Bodies concerned.
1152 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding plans to put in place a designated 116000 hotline number for missing children which is operational in some EU member states; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17644/12]
Under EU telecoms rules agreed in 2009, the 116000 number is reserved in all EU member states for a missing children hotline. My Department established and is leading a cross-sectoral Project Team, including representatives of my own Department, the Department of Justice and Equality, ComReg and An Garda Síochána to advance this matter.
The position is that ComReg, who have responsibility for allocation of this number in Ireland, received an application to operate the Hotline from the ISPCC. Following cross departmental consultation and an examination of the issues involved by the Project team, ComReg has now allocated the number to the ISPCC. The operation of the Hotline is now a matter for the ISPCC who have made an application for funding to the European Commission and a decision on this application is pending. The ISPCC are currently finalising the project plan for the Hotline and will liaise with the Project Team on this matter.
In the coming months the Project Team will work to ensure that the Hotline becomes operational as soon as possible and operates in a way that supports and augments existing arrangements to secure child protection.
1153 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide details of the amount of funding made available to an organisation (details supplied) since its foundation; the up-to-date position with this organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18553/12]
1155 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of money she has made payable to an organisation (details supplied) per annum; the reason these moneys were awarded; the reason accounts were not audited; if previous commitments that this group would be investigated were carried out and the findings of same. [19014/12]
1156 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of public funds paid to the organisation (details supplied) in each of the past five years; the work in which the organisation engages and the steps taken by the Departments and agencies to monitor this work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19039/12]
1157 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way that she intends to make an organisation (details supplied) be accountable for its finances and its placement of funds received from religious orders and the Health Service Executive since its inception in 1999; if she will address the need for greater accountability of the appropriation of future funding and the monitoring of the effectiveness of the organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19458/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1153 and 1155 to 1157, inclusive, together.
For the period 2001 to 2005 payments to this group were sanctioned by the then Department of Health and Children and issued by the then North Eastern Health Board from a Central Development Fund. Since 2005, the HSE has had full responsibility for these matters. The following table sets out the level of funding provided to the group in question for the period 2001 to 2005:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2001* |
€170,814 |
|
2002 |
€171,925 |
|
2003 |
€202,909 |
|
2004 |
€297,354 |
|
2005 |
€275,504 |
*includes a National Lottery Grant of €38,192.
Audited reports for the years 2001 to 2004 were provided to the Department by the group. My Department has sought the information requested by the Deputy, in respect of any funding provided to and the accounting arrangement with the group with effect from 2005/2006 to date, from the HSE and I will provide the information to the Deputy when it becomes available.
1154 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when a decision on the accreditation of Helping Hands Adoption Agency will be forthcoming; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18936/12]
The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for the Adoption Authority of Ireland. I have, therefore, referred the question to the Authority and requested that it provides the Deputy with the most up to date position.
1158 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 603 and 604 of the 14 of February 2012, when a response will issue from the Health Service Executive. [17628/12]
Under the Child Care Act, 1991, the Health Service Executive has a duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care or protection. The policy of the HSE is to place children in care settings, preferably in foster care, as close as possible to their home and community. The vast majority of children in care are in foster care and residential care. Some children have highly specialised needs arising from severe behaviour difficulties, in some cases as a result of injury, accident or disability or in others due to their childhood experiences. The care needs of these children are generally met by directly provided services or services commissioned by the HSE within Ireland. From time to time the HSE places children in single residential placements with specialised therapeutic inputs from child psychiatry and psychology to meet the needs of the children. There are three designated special care units in the country; Ballydowd in Dublin, Glenn Álainn in Cork and Coovagh House in Limerick where children are detained on order of the high court for their own safety. In addition, there are two designated national High Support Units at Crannog Nua, Portrane in north County Dublin and Rath na nÓg in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. These units provide, through on site education, higher staff ratios and therapeutic inputs an individualised programme of support for children and young people with exceptional needs through the provision of a time-limited, therapeutic intervention in a secure or non-secure environment as appropriate. The HSE has developed a business plan for the delivery of a national Special Care Services with a particular focus on improving governance and development and innovation. The business plan highlights the importance of improving the model of service delivery to develop a service that can cater for the needs of these most vulnerable and challenging children.
For a small number of children, the HSE is, on occasion, required to make arrangements for the placement of children in care and treatment facilities outside of the State, primarily in the UK, to allow for access to an individually tailored mix of psychiatric treatment, care and therapeutic services not available in this country. This is done on as infrequent a basis as possible and only where such placement is considered to be in the best interest of the child. I should emphasise that the referral of persons abroad for specialised therapeutic interventions is an established feature within our health and social care system and decisions in each case are made in the best interests of the individual. The level of requirement for these services is closely monitored by the National Director and my officials.
I am advised by the HSE that there are 7 young people detained in secure accommodation abroad on foot of high court orders as of 16 April 2012. The HSE ensure that these placements are suitable and the child's social worker visits regularly, and makes arrangements for family or carers of the child to also visit. The units in which the children are placed are inspected and regulated by their national authorities and the HSE is attentive to the standards of care delivered in these specialised units. I have asked the HSE to provide information regarding the cost to the Exchequer and I will forward this to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
1159 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the reports into the deaths of children in the care of the State and the report into the Roscommon incest case, the specific actions she has taken to address the failings of the relevant authorities and the measures she has implemented to ensure that there can never be a repeat of such events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17755/12]
It is a matter of concern to me that historically in Ireland we have seen only a very limited number of published reports into the deaths of children in care. It is for this reason that I am supportive of the work of the Independent Review Group on Child Deaths which was tasked with reviewing files held by the HSE relating to the deaths of children and young people over a ten year period who were in care or known to the HSE. The Review Group was asked to review the deaths of children and young people in the following three categories:
in care within the meaning of the Child Care Act 1991 at the time of their death;
in receipt of aftercare within the meaning of Section 45 of the Child Care Act 1991 at the time of their death;
known to the child protection services within the meaning of the HIQA guidance to the HSE of 20 January, 2010 at the time of their death.
The Review Group was also asked to make recommendations on how child protection responses can be strengthened, based on the learning identified from the documentation under review. This is a very significant body of work and I very much hope that the resulting report will help to guide our approach to strengthening our child protection system, where particular deficits have been identified. The findings of a number of previous reports relating to the welfare and protection of children, notably the Roscommon report, have already helped to guide policy makers and practitioners working in this field. The Government has set out a very challenging programme of work designed to reform and strengthen the delivery of child protection services and improved safeguarding of children. Key initiatives include:
The publication of revised Children First Guidance, which was launched last year.
The preparation of legislation as a priority to put the Children First Guidance on a statutory basis.
The establishment of an inter-Department Committee to oversee the consistent implementation of Children First across all sectors.
The holding of a Constitutional referendum on children's rights, which is planned for later this year.
The introduction of external inspection of child protection services by the Health Information and Quality Authority to ensure that services are being delivered to the highest standard.
The establishment of a dedicated Child and Family Support Agency, which will be led by the HSE's National Director for Children and Family Services, Gordon Jeyes, as part of a wide ranging reform programme under way across children and family services.
The change programme is addressing the quality and consistency of child welfare and protection services. This change process will continue into the new Child and Family Support Agency where Gordon Jeyes will be the first Chief Executive. An open recruitment process is under way for a number of key senior positions for the Agency. I hope that this process delivers a very strong team to work with Gordon in leading the improvement of children's services.
Enhanced accountability is also an important feature of the reforms. This greater transparency is already evident in the provision for the first time of a dedicated budget of €550 million for Children and Family Services in 2012. This will bring greater transparency and control to budgetary management and pave the way for the establishment of the new Agency in 2013. I am determined that the measures I have described above will create a new and revitalised service delivery framework for our children.
1160 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will outline the progress made, including timelines, with regard to the establishment of a bilateral agreement with Russia for inter-country adoption into Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18020/12]
1165 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding talks with Russia on a bilateral adoption agreement; the stage of these negotiations; her plans for the negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18381/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1160 and 1165 together.
Initially I should state that a limited number of adoptions from Russia are currently being processed under transitional arrangements as provided for in the Adoption Act 2010. Under the provisions of the legislation, such adoptions may take place up to the end of October 2012, with the possibility of the Adoption Authority granting approval for an extension of up to one year.
The Hague Convention is a co-operative agreement drawn up to allow countries to mutually support one another in protecting the best interests of children in the intercountry adoption process. It is a minimum set of standards in intercountry adoption in areas such as subsidiarity, consent and financial considerations. It is designed in such a way as to allow for mirrored mechanisms and structures to mutually assure countries of the safety and standard of intercountry adoptions in those countries. The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) performs the function of a Central Authority under the Adoption Act 2010, in accordance with the Convention. In choosing to deal primarily with Hague countries, the AAI has the mechanism to work collaboratively with equivalent structures in that country. Each Central Authority has the responsibility to oversee standards in respect of those parts of the process taking place within their respective jurisdictions. This mutual arrangement is designed to give the AAI, the Government and, most importantly, those involved in the adoption process assurance as to the standards being set and the oversight of the system. Russia has not ratified the Hague Convention and there appears to be no immediate prospect that this will happen. In the circumstances, adoptions from Russia, beyond those provided for under the transitional arrangements, may only be possible under a bi-lateral agreement developed to the standards of the Hague Convention.
An official delegation from Ireland recently visited Russia and held preliminary discussions regarding the potential for a bilateral agreement. I have received an initial assessment from the Adoption Authority which will inform the next steps to be taken in relation to this matter. My Department is in discussions with the Adoption Authority on this assessment and other issues which will influence any policy decisions to be taken in this regard. I am aware of the need to bring clarity to the situation in respect of Russia and I hope to be in a position to do so shortly.
The immediate priority of the Adoption Authority is the development of administrative arrangements with other countries which have ratified the Hague Convention. Any future bilateral arrangements which might be entered into would also be required by law to meet the minimum standards set out in the Convention.
1161 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a breakdown of the declarations issued for inter-country adoption by the Adoption Authority of Ireland since 1 November 2010 by country, both new declarations and revised declarations. [18022/12]
The latest available information from the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) dates from February 2012 and indicates that the number of new Declarations of Eligibility and Suitability issued to persons intending to adopt from abroad issued pursuant to Section 40 of the Adoption Act 2010, since November 1st 2010, is 178. In addition, pursuant to Section 63 of the Adoption Act 2010, the AAI has, since 1st November, 2010 issued 556 revised Declarations to persons who were already in possession of a valid Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability issued prior to 1st November 2010 by the former Adoption Board.
1162 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if funding will be provided for a voluntary youth group (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18255/12]
A total of €1.7m (approximately) in funding has been available from 2010 to date for the specific support of the provision of youth cafés. The bulk of this funding was allocated to the dedicated competitive funding scheme announced in 2010. The majority of the funds awarded from this scheme (approximately €1.5m) were distributed to the successful projects in 2011 and the facilities are gradually coming on stream. A further €200,000 was made available by my Department to various youth café projects in late 2011. This brings the total funding (to date) to circa €1.7m. The funding was designed to both provide completely new youth cafés and to support existing youth cafés who needed assistance in providing additional facilities etc.
My Department is committed to supporting the development of quality, front-line youth work projects and services which address the changing needs of young people and communities. A key element of this is to support the continued nationwide development of youth café facilities given the considerable benefits they offer for young people to meet in safe drug and alcohol free spaces and most importantly the identification of the need for such spaces by young people themselves. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs now estimates that between 75-100 youth café facilities now operate across the state and are seen as hugely beneficial to local communities in terms of broader engagement with young people. The projects are in many cases run directly by or in partnership with young people and are popular with teenagers and young people generally. We must ensure therefore that we focus any funding supports to support as many as possible of the existing locations as well as providing targeted funding for new locations. My Department is currently looking at what capital funding will be available in 2012. I must stress that this is capital funding and one of the criteria for the provision of funding will be that projects would be sustainable into the future as it is not expected that current funding will be available to provide ongoing support to these projects.
1163 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there has been any progress on the approval by the Adoption Authority of Helping Hands as an accredited agency in advance of the working agreement between Ireland and Vietnam; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18279/12]
1176 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding adoptions from Vietnam (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18896/12]
1178 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an update on the bilateral agreement on adoptions between Ireland and Vietnam following her visit to that country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19190/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1163, 1176 and 1178 together.
The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption entered into force for Vietnam on 1 February 2012. The ratification of the Hague Convention by Vietnam, the associated changes in Vietnamese law and the arrangements being put in place to support on the ground implementation represent significant changes in the intercountry adoption regime in that country.
I took the opportunity to visit Vietnam in recent months and met with the Vietnamese authorities. My visit coincided with a visit of a delegation from the Adoption Authority of Ireland to Vietnam to discuss administrative matters in relation to intercountry adoptions on foot of Vietnam's recent ratification of the Hague Convention.
Under section 72 of the Adoption Act 2010, the Adoption Authority may enter into administrative arrangements with another contracting State. In this context, the Authority has prepared and submitted to the Vietnamese authorities a suggested scheme of administrative arrangements to be established between Ireland and Vietnam for the resumption of intercountry adoption between the two States. The Authority is awaiting the response of the Vietnamese authorities to this proposal.
The Adoption Authority has also recently announced its registration of one accredited body for the purposes of adoption mediation within Vietnam. Further applications from other bodies remain under consideration by the Authority and a decision is anticipated shortly in this regard. Agencies accredited by the Adoption Authority of Ireland also require the approval of the Vietnamese authorities.
1164 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the early childhood care and education scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18292/12]
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme was introduced in January 2010 and provides a free pre-school year to all eligible children in the year before commencing primary school. About 66,000 children, that is approximately 95% of children in the year before school, are availing of the free pre-school provision at this time.
Children qualify for the free pre-school year where they are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September in the relevant year. Children born between 2 February 2008 and 30 June 2009 will qualify for the free pre-school year in September 2012 and children born between 2 February 2009 and 30 June 2010 will qualify for the programme in September 2013. There are no exceptions for children who are below the qualifying age.
The objective of the ECCE programme is to make early learning in a formal setting available to eligible children in the year before they commence primary school. To achieve this, services participating in the pre-school year are expected to provide age-appropriate activities and programmes to children within a particular age cohort. For this reason, it is appropriate to set minimum and maximum limits to the age range within which children will qualify.
As the child referred to by the Deputy was born in November 2009, she will be eligible for the free pre-school year in September 2013.
1166 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of persons here currently engaged in the process of attempting to adopt children from India; the date on which the meeting between CARA and the Adoption Authority of Ireland will take place; if she will ensure that the AAI keeps these prospective parents informed of the ongoing dialogue with CARA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18396/12]
The Adoption Authority of Ireland is an independent statutory body charged with implementing the Adoption Act, 2010. The Authority has responsibility for the direct operational implementation of legislation and Government policy.
Adoptions between Ireland and India must comply with the terms and conditions of the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The Hague Convention is a co-operative agreement drawn up to allow countries to mutually support one another in protecting the best interests of children in the intercountry adoption process. It is designed in such a way as to allow for mirrored mechanisms and structures to mutually assure countries of the safety and standard of intercountry adoptions in those countries. The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) performs the function of a Central Authority under the Adoption Act, 2010, in accordance with the Convention. In choosing to deal primarily with Hague countries, the AAI has the mechanism to work collaboratively with equivalent structures in that country. Each Central Authority has the responsibility to oversee standards in respect of those parts of the process taking place within their respective jurisdictions. This mutual arrangement is designed to give the AAI, the Government and, most importantly, those involved in the adoption process assurance as to the standards being set and the oversight of the system.
I understand from the AAI that the Indian Authorities have recently reviewed and introduced changes to their intercountry adoption system. The AAI has contacted CARA, the Indian Central Authority for intercountry adoptions, to clarify the position in this regard and will continue to provide updates on its website as appropriate. My officials are working with the AAI and liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs in respect of the matter. Further, the AAI has indicated its intention to visit India as a priority to meet with CARA to discuss matters relating to adoption between the two countries.
1167 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that persons who are engaged in inter-country adoption processes and who have received declarations of suitability and eligibility, will have their declarations expire at the end of October; the number of persons whose declarations expire in October; the date on which the Adoption Authority of Ireland will make an announcement on renewing or extending these declarations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18397/12]
1169 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address the adoptions that require more than the three year period from declaration to finalisation of the adoption even with the one year extension for renewal of declarations; the purpose of the one year extension of the Pre-Hague declarations for couples who are already deemed suitable for adoption; the role the Health Service Executive will have in the reassessment of prospective adopting couples; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18449/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1167 and 1169 together.
The expiration of declarations is covered under Section 41(1) of the Adoption Act 2010. The section provides that a declaration of eligibility and suitability expires after 24 months from the date of issuance of the declaration or after a further period of not more than 12 months that the Adoption Authority may specify. The legislation does not make provision for any further extension of declarations. In the event that declarations lapse under the provisions of the legislation the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the HSE will have responsibility for determining the most appropriate approach to the issue of suitability to adopt. I will be guided by their advice in this regard and I have raised the matter with them for clarification.
The Adoption Authority launched an online notification and application system on its website on 13 April 2012. This will allow prospective adoptive parents to apply to the Authority for an extension to their Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability in sufficient time before the expiry date of 31 October 2012. Prospective adoptive parents who may not have access to the internet can avail of alternative arrangements, which are outlined on the website.
1168 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the initiatives she is putting in place to ensure that there is greater regulations for the child minding sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18438/12]
I recently announced that my Department has begun work on Ireland's first Early Years Strategy. I have received Government approval for the approach I am taking in developing this Strategy as an innovative and dynamic blueprint for the future development of Ireland's Early Years sector aimed at providing a coherent approach to seeking to improve the lives of children from birth to age six.
One of the issues of policy which I have identified for consideration in the preparation of the new Strategy is the development of the child-minding sector as a fully-integrated component of early childhood care and education, in particular for the under-one age group.
At present pre-school services are regulated under the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No. 2) Regulations 2006, as provided for under Part VII of the Child Care Act 1991.
Services providing care for children who have not yet commenced primary school are required to notify their service to the Pre-School Inspectorate of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and are subject to inspection and report by the Inspectorate on a regular basis. Services covered by the Regulations include full-time, part-time and sessional services as well as childminders taking care of more than three pre-school children from different families in the childminder's home.
Childminders taking care of not more than three pre-school children from different families are not covered by the Regulations, recognising parental choice to place children with friends and neighbours, and the challenges of the over-regulation of the more informal arrangements chosen by parents.
The National Guidelines for Childminders, compiled by the National Childcare Co-ordinating Committee which oversees the development of an integrated child-care infrastructure throughout the country, provide guidance to childminders on good practice, and assist them to decide whether they are subject to the Regulations, as well as providing other useful information on the role of the childminder in the provision of child-care services.
As is the case with all regulatory requirements, the Child Care Regulations set the minimum standards which services are legally required to comply with. However, my Department is proactive in monitoring, promoting and developing the highest standards of care and education throughout the sector, including the regulatory environment, given the important role which these services play in this crucial phase of children's lives.
1170 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children whom the State has placed in specialist care outside of the State; the units in which they have been placed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18498/12]
Under the Child Care Act, 1991, the Health Service Executive has a duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care or protection. The policy of the HSE is to place children in care settings, preferably in foster care, as close as possible to their home and community. The vast majority of children in care are in foster care and residential care.
Some children have highly specialised needs arising from severe behaviour difficulties, in some cases as a result of injury, accident or disability or in others due to their childhood experiences. The care needs of these children are generally met by directly provided services or services commissioned by the HSE within Ireland. From time to time the HSE places children in single residential placements with specialised therapeutic inputs from child psychiatry and psychology to meet the needs of the children. There are three designated special care units in the country; Ballydowd in Dublin, Glenn Álainn in Cork and Coovagh House in Limerick where children are detained on order of the high court for their own safety. In addition, there are two designated national High Support Units at Crannóg Nua, Portrane in north County Dublin and Rath na nÓg in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. These units provide, through on site education, higher staff ratios and therapeutic inputs an individualised programme of support for children and young people with exceptional needs through the provision of a time-limited, therapeutic intervention in a secure or non-secure environment as appropriate. The HSE has developed a business plan for the delivery of a national Special Care Services with a particular focus on improving governance and development and innovation. The business plan highlights the importance of improving the model of service delivery to develop a service that can cater for the needs of these most vulnerable and challenging children.
For a small number of children, the HSE is on occasion required to make arrangements for the placement of children in care and treatment facilities outside of the State, primarily in the UK, to allow for access to an individually tailored mix of psychiatric treatment, care and therapeutic services not available in this country. This is done on as infrequent a basis as possible and only where such placement is considered to be in the best interest of the child. I should emphasise that the referral of persons abroad for specialised therapeutic interventions is an established feature within our health and social care system and decisions in each case are made in the best interests of the individual. The level of requirement for these services is closely monitored by the National Director and my officials.
I am advised by the HSE that there are 7 young people detained in secure accommodation abroad on foot of high court orders as of 16 April 2012. However, it would be inappropriate to provide further details regarding the names and locations of these placements. The HSE ensure that these placements are suitable and the child's social worker visits regularly, and makes arrangements for family or carers of the child to also visit. The units in which the children are placed are inspected and regulated by their national authorities and the HSE is attentive to the standards of care delivered in these specialised units.
1171 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of written Parliamentary Questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicated that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18591/12]
The information requested is being compiled by my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
1172 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide, in tabular form, the names and salaries of all her special advisers including special advisers of Ministers of State and any salary increases they have received since they took office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18633/12]
1174 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide, in tabular form, details of all salary increases for special advisers requested by her or any Ministers of State in her Department; the names of the advisers and the amount requested and a list of salary increases granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18650/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1172 and 1174 together.
As requested by the Deputy, details of the names and salaries for Special Advisers in my Department are set out in tabular form. In accordance with Department of Finance instructions on Ministerial appointments, my Advisers were placed on the first point of the Principal Officer standard scale on appointment. There have been no salary increases granted since their appointment:
|
Name |
WTE (Wholetime Equivalent) |
Salary on appointmen |
|
Marion Mannion |
1 |
€80,051 |
|
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill |
0.5 |
€40,025 |
|
William Lavelle |
0.5 |
€40,025 |
1173 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on whether it is appropriate to employ a local councillor as a special adviser; if she will outline their qualifications for the role; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18646/12]
All Ministerial staff appointments made by me have been made in accordance with Instructions for Ministerial Appointments as published by the Department of Finance in April 2011. These instructions set specific conditions to be met in respect of such appointments including sanction of the Minister for Finance and An Taoiseach for appointments made from outside the civil service. In addition, there is a statutory requirement under the Public Service Management Act 1997 to obtain the approval of the Government for the appointment of a Special Adviser.
The terms of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 apply to all Ministerial staff appointments, including Special Advisers, and in accordance with these Acts a copy of the appointees' contracts of employment together with details of qualifications are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. In addition, the Acts provide for each individual appointee, with the exception of the grade of Civilian Driver, to make written statements of registerable interests which could materially influence the appointee in, or in relation to, the performance of official functions.
The Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour also apply to Ministerial appointees but the Deputy may wish to note that the restrictions on civil servants engaging in political activity under the Code do not apply to Ministerial staff holding temporary unestablished positions in the civil service and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister.
I am satisfied that all of the persons appointed by me are appropriately qualified to carry out their official functions.
1175 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by her Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18883/12]
My Department is currently using Vodafone as its mobile service provider and is operating under the Department of Finance National Framework for the Supply of Mobile Voice and Data Services. My Department has incurred costs of €9,127 in respect of mobile charges since its establishment in June 2011.
1177 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by her Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19178/12]
My Department was formally established on 2 June 2011 and since then the following contracts have issued. No contracts have issued in the first quarter of 2012.
|
Company Name |
Service Provided |
Contract Value |
|
Cnag ar an Doras |
Development of resource materials and toolkit for Comhairle na nOg |
€20,200.72 (paid in full) |
|
Anam Cara |
Training, research and analysis for a survey on Body Image for Dáil na nOg Council |
€6,350(€1,050 paid to date) |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
Consultation with 67,000 children and young people for the National Children’s Strategy |
€170,900 (paid in full) |
|
University College Cork |
Development of an outline policy paper on children and young people’s participation for inclusion in the new five-year National Children’s Strategy |
€18,645.55(€12,430.38 paid to date) |
|
ELM Training |
Consultation on Standards for Local Youth Clubs |
€3,700 |
1179 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the process upon which step-parent adoption will be regularised as part of the guidelines recently published by the Minister for Justice and Equality regarding surrogacy arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19220/12]
1180 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if it is possible under current legislation for surrogate mothers to adopt their children in an effort to regularise their position vis-à-vis their child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19221/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1179 and 1180 together.
The issue of surrogacy is a cross Departmental one involving the Departments of Justice and Equality, Foreign Affairs and Health as well as my own Department. On 21 February 2012, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Deputy Alan Shatter, T.D. published a Guidance Document on citizenship, parentage, guardianship and travel document issues in relation to children born as a result of surrogacy arrangements entered into outside the State. The Guidance Document provides information to people who intend to enter surrogacy arrangements outside the State on the practical and legal considerations arising under Irish law where the commissioning parents intend to bring the child to live with them in the State.
The adoption of children generally is governed by provisions of the Adoption Act 2010. The applicability of adoption law to any individual case is a matter for the Adoption Authority of Ireland. The policy imperative on which adoption, including intercountry adoption, is based, is to provide alternative families for children who need a permanent alternative care arrangement. Surrogacy is not specifically contemplated in the adoption legislation. As the surrogacy guidance advises, family law provides the principal framework as the key first step. The Guidance advises all those contemplating surrogacy to seek independent legal advice as the issue is complex.
1181 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress being made on facilitating adoptions between Ireland and Panama, which is compliant with the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption; when she anticipates that adoptions between the two countries will be possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19468/12]
1182 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the progress being made on facilitating adoptions between Ireland and Panama, which is compliant with the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and cooperation in respect of inter country adoption, when she anticipates that adoptions between the two countries will be possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19473/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1181 and 1182 together.
The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) is an independent statutory body charged with implementing the Adoption Act 2010. The Authority has responsibility for the direct operational implementation of legislation and Government policy.
In November 2011 the AAI commenced a review of the adoption law(s) of Panama, which has ratified the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The general review process followed by the AAI in such instances is detailed on the Authority's website. Owing to the variable nature of the process in respect of each individual country, and the need to engage with legal experts in the country being assessed, there is no definitive or set timescale for the completion of such reviews. The AAI will provide all relevant information relating to reviews on its website at the appropriate time.
The Hague Convention is a formal state-to-state agreement between countries developed on a multi-lateral basis. If a country has ratified the Hague Convention then the Adoption Authority of Ireland may establish administrative arrangements, as provided for in Section 72 of the Adoption Act 2010. Administrative agreements are designed to underpin the Hague process and are related to the sequence and process arrangements in place to support the safeguards already agreed between states. The Adoption Authority of Ireland works with central authority counterparts in the establishment of administrative agreements.
1183 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a motorised transport grant from the Western Health Board. [17741/12]
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.
1184 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Health the reason a small pharmaceutical company (details supplied) in Dublin 14 was refused an application to the Irish Medicines Board to approve a switch from prescription only medicine to over the counter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18063/12]
1233 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Health the reason the Irish Medicines Board has refused a designation to switch the drug Fluconazole from prescription to over the counter while under pharmacy supervision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18062/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1184 and 1233 together.
Medicines containing fluconazole currently marketed in Ireland are subject to prescription.
The criteria and procedures for authorisation of medicines and/or reclassification of medicines from prescription control to non-prescription are set out in EU and national legislation. The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) makes a determination on an application for authorisation of a medicine based on a scientific assessment of the application and data submitted by the applicant.
Every application for authorisation or reclassification is evaluated on a case by case basis, based on the merits of the data submitted.
In this particular case, I understand that communication between the Irish Medicines Board and the applicant is ongoing. Consequently, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any particular application for authorisation or reclassification at this time.
1185 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the funding streams that will be available to a group (details supplied) in County Louth which provides services for people in the county and surrounding areas. [18517/12]
1300 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 558 on 13 March 2012, the further progress that has been made in relation to the issue of funding for a group (details supplied) to allow it to provide counselling services. [18522/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1185 and 1300 together.
My Department has a National Lottery discretionary fund in place which provides once-off grants to community groups and organisations, providing a range of health related services. Dignity 4 Patients received lottery funding of €69,000 from my Department's 2011 allocation of National Lottery Funding towards the once-off cost of providing an office, a website, a helpline and office administration. An application for 2012 Lottery funding has recently been received by my Department from Dignity 4 Patients and is currently being considered. It must be stressed that lottery funding is once-off discretionary funding and is not intended to provide a source of ongoing revenue funding.
On-going funding for any service is a matter for the HSE and accordingly I previously asked the HSE to liaise with Dignity 4 Patients to consider if any additional funding might be approved to support activities which were complementary to services offered by the HSE. I understand the HSE is currently in contact with Dignity 4 Patients in order to sign off on a Grant Aid Agreement to cover the running costs for the Organisation's County Louth office.
The HSE will not be issuing funding to Dignity 4 Patients for counselling services. All counselling services to service users will be provided via the National Counselling Service.
1186 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will explain where the clinical support for the two classroom special needs units that will operate in the new 24 classroom school in Holywell, County Dublin, due to be open in 2012 will come from, in view of the fact that Beechpark Services have been identified as the key service provider for autistic children, but do not seem to be operating with schools. [19017/12]
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.
1187 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a break down of the average waiting time incurred by persons submitting applications for medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18107/12]
1255 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the number of applications for medical cards which are awaiting a decision; and the average processing time for both renewal and new applications [18244/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1187 and 1255 together.
The latest information available to me from the HSE is that 96% of complete new and renewal applications are being processed within 15 days. The HSE receives in the region of 50,000 new or renewal applications for medical cards per month. There are approximately 1,000 and 1,400 applications from January and February respectively that have not yet been processed, mainly because some further information has still to be provided by the applicant.
Over the past number of months, I engaged with the HSE to take actions to address my serious concerns about delays that individuals were experiencing when applying for a new or renewal medical card. As a result of this, the pre-Christmas backlog has now been reduced by 95%. I will continue to engage with the HSE to ensure that the level of customer care provided remains a priority.
1188 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Health his plans to expand the list of medical conditions under the long-term illness scheme; if consideration is being given to Crohn’s disease under any future expansions of the list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17609/12]
1253 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to including Crohn’s disease on the list for the long-term illness scheme in view of its debilitating and prolonged nature. [18239/12]
1316 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health his plans to include medical conditions such as the genetic disorder Long QT syndrome on the list of qualifying ailments for qualification for a long-term illness medical card; and if not, the reason therefore, in view of the circumstances of the condition and the potential medical costs involved. [18674/12]
1317 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if he will review the long-term illness criteria to qualify for a medical card to include all those who are awaiting heart, lung or kidney transplants, in view of the medical costs entailed in those conditions, and the fact that they could be awaiting a match for many years and would have many episodes which would require treatment or hospitalisation while awaiting the operation and would require substantial medication prior to and after such an operation. [18675/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1188, 1253, 1316 and 1317 together.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €132 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultation.
1189 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an E112 application for a person to have surgery in the UK which is not available here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17624/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1190 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in reimbursement of vital medicines, such as Gilenya for MS, under the high tech drug scheme; the likely timescale of decisions in view of the urgent medical needs that exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17635/12]
1191 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for reimbursement of medicines under the high tech drug scheme; the reasons for the delay in reimbursement; the likely timescale of decisions; if measures will be implemented to resolve the delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17636/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1190 and 1191 together.
The HSE is currently considering applications for a number of products to be reimbursed under the community drugs schemes and the availability of resources to fund these new products.
1192 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health regarding the high tech drug scheme, if he will provide details of the medicines available under the scheme and for each of the last five years the number of items dispensed; the costs involved and the amount paid to wholesalers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17637/12]
Arrangements are in place for the supply of high tech medicines through community pharmacies. Such medicines are generally only prescribed or initiated in hospital and would include items such as anti-rejection drugs for transplant patients or medicines used in conjunction with chemotherapy or growth hormones. High tech medicines are purchased directly from wholesalers/suppliers by the HSE and supplied through community pharmacies for which pharmacists are paid a patient care fee. Detailed information on the medicines supplied, prescribing frequencies and ingredient costs are published each year in the Primary Care Reimbursement Service's Statistical Analysis of Claims and Payments which is available to download on the HSE's website.
In 2011 the Minister for Health reduced the wholesale mark-up paid on high tech medicines and reduced the patient care fee payable to pharmacists for months when no medicines is dispensed by 50%. The following table sets out the number of high tech medicines dispensed, the cost of high tech medicines and the patient care fees paid each year from 2006 to 2010:
|
Year |
Number of high tech medicines dispensed |
Cost of high tech medicines (payments to wholesalers) Millions |
Cost of patient care fees (payments to pharmacists) Millions |
|
2010 |
390,838 |
€345.76 |
€15.48 |
|
2009 |
357,365 |
€315.36 |
€15.94 |
|
2008 |
315,256 |
€275.39 |
€15.28 |
|
2007 |
276,477 |
€238.51 |
€11.66 |
|
2006 |
252,692 |
€207.25 |
€10.51 |
1193 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will facilitate a family (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [17638/12]
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.
1194 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will re-examine an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [17639/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1195 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo and if he will expedite the application. [17649/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1196 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo and if she will expedite the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17668/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1197 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 514 of 7 February 2012, the reason no reply has yet been received; when an answer may be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17691/12]
This service matter was previously referred to the Health Service Executive for response and has been raised again with the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
1198 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that training courses will be made available for the training of new public health nurses; where such courses will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17703/12]
I have forwarded your query to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
1199 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health his views regarding a submission (details supplied); his plans to address the major concerns raised; if he will arrange meetings with the relevant agencies and other Government Departments to discuss the matters raised and to seek a final resolution to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17707/12]
1272 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a centre (details supplied) is now complete and is available for use; if his further attention has been drawn to the number of women and their families who have to seek refuge outside the county due to the fact that the facility has not to date been funded to open; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this wonderful facility can only be used if his Department and or the Health Service Executive provide the necessary funding as outlined in the details attached from the Board of Directors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18360/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1199 and 1272 together.
The HSE has worked in partnership with Teach Tearmainn for many years and funds their information and support service for women and children who experience domestic violence. The grant paid in 2011 was €134,791. Teach Tearmainn requested additional funding from the HSE in 2012 to provide refuge accommodation in a newly commissioned building.
Due to the extraordinary pressure on services the HSE must manage service levels within existing resources. The HSE is currently in discussions with Teach Tearmainn to determine what level of funding can be provided given these financial challenges and an additional €100,000 has been offered by the HSE to Teach Tearmainn. The HSE is awaiting a response from Teach Tearmainn on what level of service could be provided with the additional monies offered and is committed to continue to work with Teach Tearmainn on this matter.
1200 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 687 of 14 January 2012 and No. 759 of 28 February 2012, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the matter raised remains to be dealt with by the Health Service Executive. [17711/12]
This service matter was previously referred to the Health Service Executive for response and has been raised again with the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
It is very disappointing that no reply has issued to date and I have requested the HSE to address this matter without further delay.
1201 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their medical card following their successful appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17715/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1202 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17716/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1203 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the position regarding changes to a budget (details supplied) and the way he proposes that services can be maintained to support vulnerable persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17733/12]
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.
1204 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the position regarding all payments the Health Service Executive has made to private ambulance services, per company, for each of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. [17739/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1205 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card appeal in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [17745/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1206 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if, under the fair deal scheme for nursing home care, a bigger portion of the proceeds of the house can be taken rather than the current deductions. [17763/12]
Individuals in receipt of financial support under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme contribute 80% of their income and 5% of the value of any assets (including their principal residence) per annum towards the cost of their nursing home care. The principal residence is only included in the financial assessment for the scheme for the first three years that a person is in nursing home care. This is known as the three year cap.
The percentages referred to above are prescribed in the primary legislation underpinning the scheme, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. In order to decrease the percentage of income and increase the percentage of the principal residence that is taken into account, the Act would need to be amended by further primary legislation. The Nursing Homes Support Scheme will be three years in operation in October 2012 and will be reviewed shortly. The reason for allowing this period to elapse is to ensure that trends and statistics will be available in order to inform the work. The review will look at, amongst other issues:
the ongoing sustainability of the scheme,
the relative cost of public versus private provision,
the effectiveness of current methods of negotiating price in private and setting price in public nursing homes, and
the balance of funding between residential and community care.
The views of relevant stake-holders will be considered as part of the review.
1207 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17779/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
1208 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied). [17784/12]
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.
1209 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health if it is still his intention to abolish the Health Service Executive; if so, his plans for the abolition and in particular if he will indicate any timelines currently in place for the abolition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17808/12]
I intend to bring legislative proposals to Government in the coming weeks to abolish the HSE Board structure as provided for under the Health Act 2004 and to provide for replacement governance structures and enhanced accountability arrangements. Following Government approval, I intend to have the necessary legislation drafted as a priority so that the Bill can be published as soon as possible. In tandem with the proposed new legal structures, new administrative structures will be put in place within the HSE which will reflect the need for a greater operational management focus on the delivery of key services, and greater transparency about funding, service delivery and accountability.
1210 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the opening of the new primary care centre that will cover Palmerstown, Dublin 20; the stage of the plans for the primary care centres for Clondalkin, Dublin 22, and Lucan, County Dublin; if his national primary care plan will meet the target as set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17810/12]
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 term of office of this Government. I have established the Universal Primary Care Project Team, which has been tasked with working through the issues relating to the introduction of this commitment. The Project Team is meeting on a regular basis.
Initially it is intended to extend GP cover without fees to persons with defined long-term illnesses. 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. €15m has been made available to meet the costs involved in 2012.
As other aspects of the Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address these matters and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
1211 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); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17829/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1212 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made to date in developing the National Positive Ageing Strategy; when he intends to publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17854/12]
The Programme for Government has committed to completing and implementing the National Positive Ageing Strategy so that older people are recognised, supported and enabled to live independent full lives.
The Strategy will set the strategic direction for future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland. It will set out a common framework for the development of operational plans by a number of Government Departments which will clearly set out each Department's objectives relating to older people. Mechanisms designed to monitor the implementation of measures contained in operational plans will also be included in the Strategy. However, I do not envisage that the Strategy will propose new service developments. Rather it will set the strategic direction for future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland.
A considerable amount of preparatory work has already been completed. The drafting of the Strategy will proceed within the Department within the constraints of available staff and other priorities. At this stage I envisage the Strategy will be completed and published as soon as possible within these constraints.
1213 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made to date in establishing an integrated care agency as provided for in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17855/12]
The integration of care in all settings is key to efficient and high quality health care delivery, in which the right care is delivered in the right place. As set out in the Programme for Government, the integration of care will be the responsibility of an Integrated Care Agency under the aegis of the Minister for Health. The Integrated Care Agency will manage the integration of funding across the spectrum of services by overseeing the flow of centrally-funded resources between the different arms of the system so that there are incentives for care to occur in the best setting.
The reform programme is a complex and major undertaking that requires careful planning and sequencing. Detailed consideration must be given to the optimal structures for delivery of different services and to the critical inter-relationships between services as well as best practice in health care reform. I recently announced significant changes in the governance of the Health Service Executive under which the current Board/Chief Executive structure will be replaced with a Directorate as a transitional governance structure pending the abolition of the HSE as the health reform programme advances. In tandem with the proposed new governance structures, new administrative structures will be put in place within the HSE which will reflect the need for a greater operational management focus on the delivery of key services, and greater transparency about funding, service delivery and accountability.
These new governance and administrative arrangements represent important first steps in the process of delivering the reform agenda contained in the Programme for Government. The next steps, which will include measures to facilitate clearer and better integrated delivery and funding arrangements, are under consideration at present.
1214 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17856/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1215 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the current funding situation for the selective dorsal rhizotomy operation; if orthopaedic consultants working for the Health Service Executive are authorised to refer children for this operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17874/12]
1216 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm if procedures have been put in place to ensure young children who have travelled to either the United Kingdom or the USA for the selective dorsal rhizotomy operation will be able to avail of the physiotherapy services necessary to ensure the success of the operation on their return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17875/12]
1217 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the discrepancy between the number of young children with cerebral palsy who have been recommended for the selective dorsal rhizotomy operation by Enable Ireland’s specialist service, and subsequently approved by the surgical teams carrying out the operation, and the number who have been able to secure a formal referral from their Health Service Executive consultant; if his attention has been drawn to the implications of this discrepancy under the terms of the treatment abroad scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17876/12]
1218 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the number of children who have been referred by the Health Service Executive for the selective dorsal rhizotomy operation to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17877/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1215 to 1218, inclusive, together.
The HSE operates a Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS), for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland under EU Regulation 1408/71, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulation 574/72, and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines. Within these governing EU Regulations and the Department of Health and Children's Guidelines, the TAS provides for the cost of approved treatments in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland through the issue of form E112 (IE).
The TAS allows for an Irish based consultant to refer a patient that is normally resident in Ireland for treatment in another EU member state or Switzerland, where the treatment in question meets the following criteria:
(a) The application to refer a patient abroad has been assessed and a determination given before that patient goes abroad.
(b) Following clinical assessment, the referring consultant certifies the following:
They recommend the patient be treated in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland;
The treatment is medically necessary and will meet the patient’s needs;
The treatment is a proven form of medical treatment and is not experimental or test treatment;
The treatment is in a recognised hospital or other institution and is under the control of a registered medical practitioner;
The hospital outside the state will accept EU/EEA form E112 (IE).
With specific reference to your question as to the numbers of children who have secured referrals by their treating consultant for the procedure I hope the following will explain the rationale that must be considered by any consultant making a referral for this irreversible treatment. In recent past months the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) of the HSE has had a number of applications for the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy procedure for which there is an emerging evidence base. The NHS, which provides the treatment for patients that have received approval under the TAS, has published guidance for the provision of same. This guidance states: "Current evidence on selective dorsal rhizotomy for spasticity in cerebral palsy shows that there is a risk of serious but well-recognised complications. The evidence on efficacy is adequate.....During the consent process parents or carers should be informed that selective dorsal rhizotomy....is irreversible...” All applications to the TAS are independently assessed by the HSE Health Intelligence Unit. In consideration of the NHS guidelines for referral for this procedure, the HSE is working with leading paediatric consultants to establish an assessment procedure in Ireland for patients seeking referral for the procedure, prior to the patients’ applications being submitted to the TAS. The aim of this assessment procedure would be to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure and to ensure the parent(s) or carer fully understands the procedure and the implications of same.
It is important to ensure that aftercare is provided for patients that undergo this procedure and our aim is to provide this aftercare in Ireland for patients that have been approved and have received the treatment. The HSE's Treatment Abroad Scheme and Health Intelligence Unit are scheduling meetings with relevant consultants early in May to review the matter of referrals for selective dorsal rhizotomy.
1219 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early appointment with a child psychologist will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [17900/12]
1262 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early appointment with a child psychologist will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [18285/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1219 and 1262 together.
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1220 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for approval of registration and payment to be made as outlined in correspondence (details supplied) as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17931/12]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1221 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of primary care centres and the number of primary care teams established by him since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17932/12]
By the end of this year the HSE is planning to have 486 Primary Care Teams (PCTs) in place. At the end of February 2012, there are 400 Primary Care Teams (PCTs) operating at varying stages of development (holding clinical team meetings on individual client cases and involving GPs and HSE staff). 52 PCTs have become operational since the beginning of February 2011. 15 Primary Care Centres (PCCs) opened during 2011 or in early 2012, bringing the total number of new PCCs in operation to date to 34. The HSE's 2012 National Service Plan makes provision for a further 19 new PCCs, which are planned for completion in 2012 or early 2013.
1222 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of primary care centres which have been agreed between private contractors and the Health Service Executive; the number in process; the number which have been delayed or are on hold due to lack of finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17933/12]
Delivery of health capital infrastructure is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1223 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of hospital consultants earning more than €200,000 including allowances from the public health system; the number earning more than €300,000; the number earning more than €400,000; the average salary of hospital consultants; the average hours of consultants in January 2011 and in January 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17934/12]
As the information sought is not held by my Department, the Health Service Executive has been requested to compile it and provide it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1224 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an appointment date for a scan in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17977/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1225 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 599 of 13 March 2012, the number of insulin pumps that have been provided by Cooperation and Working Together to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth, in each of the past five years and how many are in use. [17979/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1226 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland in relation to the problems being experienced by pharmacists registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland who wish to move and set up business in this jurisdiction; the steps he has taken to resolve this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17985/12]
In 1985, two Directives were put in place which established the system for mutual recognition of pharmacist qualifications between EU Member States. These Directives allowed for the automatic recognition of pharmacist qualifications which met agreed minimum training requirements for pharmacists, consisting of training of at least 5 years duration (comprising a minimum of 4 years academic study at university or equivalent and a minimum of 6 months practical in-service training). The 1985 Directives contained a derogation, which was availed of by the United Kingdom (UK), to provide for the recognition of pharmacist qualifications which were of 4 years total duration (i.e. 3 years academic study and 1 year practical in-service training).
The 1985 Directives were replaced by Directive 2005/36/EC which now provides a system for the mutual recognition of professional qualifications between EU Member States. The derogation which allowed for the recognition of 4 year pharmacist qualifications was not carried forward into the 2005 Directive.
The difficulty that arises in relation to the recognition of UK 4 year pharmacist qualifications is not unique to Ireland, but applies to the recognition of those qualifications in all other Member States under the framework of the 2005 Directive.
My Department and The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, which is the competent authority in Ireland for the recognition of pharmacist professional qualifications, have engaged with the EU Commission on this issue. They are working closely to endeavour to find a legal means by which affected individuals can be registered as pharmacists in Ireland.
1227 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views and intention in relation to the sale of alcoholic products in retail units; if he is considering changes to layout plans for such units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17986/12]
The position is that following receipt of the third Compliance Report on the Implementation of the Code of Practice on the Display and Sale of Alcohol in Mixed Trading Premises, the Minister for Justice and Equality launched a public consultation process inviting views on the report and on the voluntary approach to implementing structural separation objectives in mixed trading premises preparatory to a decision on whether to commence the statutory provisions on structural separation in section 9 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008. I understand that following examination of the submissions received in response to the consultation process, the Minister for Justice and Equality expects to be in a position to seek Government approval for proposals in relation to the display and sale of alcohol products in mixed trading outlets in the coming weeks.
1228 Deputy Joe O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cavan remains on a waiting list in Sligo General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17990/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1229 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if the group established to examine the location of the National Children’s Hospital will examine the potential for locating the hospital at the Connolly Hospital site in Blanchardstown, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18003/12]
I am committed to ensuring the delivery of a world class hospital for the children of Ireland providing the highest quality treatment they deserve. This project is one of the main priorities for the Government and is a commitment under the Programme for Government.
I recently announced the establishment of a Review Group to consider the decision of An Bord Pleanála to refuse planning permission for the National Paediatric Hospital. The Government agreed the Terms of Reference for the Review Group which are as follows:—
"To inform itself about the planning considerations and processes affecting this project.
To consider the different options which now exist for progressing the construction of a national children's hospital having regard to—
Government policy on the delivery of health services, including accessibility and paediatric services in particular and best clinical practice considerations,
the cost and value for money considerations of the different options,
the likely timelines associated with the different options,
the implementation risks associated with the different options.
To advise him, in the light of these considerations, on the appropriate next steps to take with a view to ensuring that a national paediatric hospital can be constructed with minimal delay.
To report to the Minister within 56 days of the first meeting of the group."
The aim of this Review is to consider all the possible options for the earliest possible delivery of a new children's hospital. The Review Group will present their findings on each of the possible options for my consideration. The Group will not be undertaking a site selection process.
I have appointed Dr. Frank Dolphin to Chair the Review Group. There is a wealth of expertise on the group. The membership is composed of senior planners, an architect, the CEO of a major UK Paediatric hospital and senior clinicians in the field of paediatrics. I will await the completion of the work of the Review Group and do not wish to make any further comment on the matter at this time.
1230 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health when an application for a medical card will be decided upon in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18009/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1231 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Sláinte cén uair a chuirfear leaba ar fáil don duine (sonraí tugtha), atá ar liosta feithimh le trí mhí, san Ospidéal Náisiúnta Athshlánúcháin, Dún Laoghaire, Contae Átha Cliath; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18038/12]
Ó tharla gur ábhar é seo a bhaineann le seirbhísí, cuireadh é faoi bhráid Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte le haghaidh freagra díreach.
1232 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Health if there are any plans in the near future to have the drug Pradaxa added to the list of drugs available on the medical card scheme and the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18055/12]
Pradaxa is available under the GMS Scheme, the Drug Payment Scheme and other community drugs schemes for the prevention of blood clots in adult patients who have undergone elective hip replacement surgery or elective knee replacement surgery.
The HSE is assessing the availability of resources to provide for the long term treatment with Pradaxa for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. This is a complicated process with long term implications. The HSE wrote to all GMS doctors and community pharmacy contractors in November 2011 to clarify the position in relation to Pradaxa. The HSE will continue to update healthcare professionals in relation to the matter.
The HSE does not intend to disturb established therapeutic regimens for patients whose treatment with Pradaxa for the prevention of stroke was initiated prior to the clarification.
1234 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the length of time a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will have to wait for an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18067/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1235 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if direct Exchequer funding will be made available for the provision of a primary healthcare centre for Corduff, Dublin 15, in view of the previous commitments by the Health Service Executive to revert to the capital programme in the absence of a successful private public partnership application. [18068/12]
Following the publication of the "Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework", the Health Service Executive commenced drawing up its capital programme for the multi-annual period 2012-2016. The Executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects within its overall capital funding allocation taking into account the existing capital commitments and costs to completion over the period. A draft capital plan for the period 2012-2016 has been submitted to my Department. My Department is reviewing the proposals and following up with the HSE where further details may be required.
The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Details of the plan will be published by the Executive following its approval.
1236 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who availed of the National Treatment Purchase Fund up to February 2011; the number of patients who availed of the NTPF in the year to February 2011, the number who availed of the fund since; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18098/12]
The total number of cases treated via the National Treatment Purchase Fund initiative up to end February 2011 is 151,156. This is inclusive of inpatients, daycases and radiology. In addition 50,714 out-patients were treated up to end December 2010. Since 1 March 2011 there have been 12,490 people treated (inpatients, daycases and radiology). In addition 2,951 outpatients received appointments in the full year of 2011.
In July 2011 I announced changes to the remit of the NTPF — namely that it would move from working to largely outsource treatments for those waiting longest to working with hospitals in a performance improvement capacity to improve access to scheduled care. The NTPF has been aligned with the Special Delivery Unit and is now targeting waiting lists strategically and incentivising hospitals to manage their waiting times proactively. The NTPF capability is a core part of the SDU's performance improvement role in holding public hospitals to account.
In 2011 I instructed all hospitals to ensure that they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for inpatient or daycase treatment by the end of 2011. All except 2 hospitals achieved this target for their patients. In order to achieve this the NTPF supported the treatment of 1159 cases in the later half of the year. Over 60% of these cases were supported within public hospitals.
This year I have set a target that, by year end, no adult will be waiting longer than 9 months and no child longer than 20 weeks for in-patient or daycase treatment. Also no person should be waiting longer than 13 weeks for a routine GI endoscopy. Currently the NTPF/SDU is intensely engaged with public hospitals supporting their planning processes that will underpin the delivery of these targets.
1237 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the options available to patients who need transport to hospitals, particularly in the case of parents with very sick children who cannot afford transport, or those living in rural areas, in view of the fact that transport is only being provided by the Health Service Executive for those who have cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18099/12]
The cost of non-emergency patient transport, in particular for outpatient (OPD) appointments, has been escalating in recent years and non-essential provision has been identified as an area suitable for budgetary control. Accordingly, criteria have been restricted considerably in recent times and, in addition, a uniform approach is being rolled out across the health regions.
In general, patients are expected to make their own way to and from hospital and OPD appointments, using private or scheduled public transport. The exceptions are for dialysis, cancer (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) and post-operative transplant patients. In these cases, the patient's appointment or treatment should be directly related to the condition. Transport may also be provided where, in the clinician's view, the patient would be unable to make the journey without clinical assistance or where the patient must be transported on a stretcher. Where transport has been withdrawn, having previously been provided, this may be a result of the Local Health Office (LHO) beginning to implement the national criteria. If a patient feels there is a genuine case for provision, that is within one of the categories outlined, then they should approach the LHO. If they feel there is a genuine clinical reason for transport to be provided, they should get the clinician to make the case for it. If having approached the LHO they are not satisfied with resolution, they can contact Director of Advocacy, Quality and Patient Safety Directorate, Oak House, Millennium Park, Naas, Co. Kildare. Telephone 1890 424 555. If they remain dissatisfied following the appeal to the Director of Advocacy, they can seek an independent review of the complaint from the Office of the Ombudsman (18 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2, Tel: +353-1-639 5600 LoCall: 1-890-223030 (from outside 01 area), ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.ie
1238 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a national dementia strategy will be implemented. [18128/12]
1249 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the current standing of the programme for Government commitment to developing and implementing the national dementia strategy; if he is in a position to progress this commitment in this European year of active aging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18208/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1238 and 1249 together.
The Programme for Government gave a commitment to develop a National Strategy on Dementia by 2013 which will increase awareness, ensure early diagnosis and intervention, and enhance community based services for people living with this condition. The first stage of the process, which was to assemble the research and evidence upon which the policy will be developed, was recently completed. The findings of the review were published and presented to Minister Reilly. The report is available at www.doh.ie.
The next step will take the form of a public consultation process and details of how this will be carried out are currently being considered. Following on from the consultation process a Working Group will then be established, towards the end of this year, to develop the strategy.
1239 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health if he will consider extending the personal assistance hours for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18142/12]
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.
1240 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of alleged elder abuse cases reported to the Health Information and Quality Authority in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18156/12]
1241 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of persons who were trained in dealing with victims of elder abuse in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18157/12]
1244 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the amount spent in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 by him on education materials and awareness campaigns on elder abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18160/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1240, 1241 and 1244 together.
The staffing structure provides for 32 Social Workers (Senior Case Workers) and 4 Dedicated Elder Abuse Officers. Among the responsibilities of the Senior Case Worker, in conjunction with the appropriate health service providers, is the assessment/investigation and provision of supports, where necessary, in relation to suspected cases of elder abuse. The duties of Dedicated Elder Abuse Officers include overseeing, reviewing and development of policies at local and national level.
Each year since 2009, the HSE has published a detailed report on developments in the HSE elder abuse service. It outlines current structures, work undertaken in the previous year and provides a detailed analysis of statistics in relation to elder abuse referrals during the previous year. The reports also identify the various training and awareness programmes undertaken by the HSE. The reports are available on the HSE website at http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/ Older_People_Services/Elder_Abuse/Resources1/. In addition, statistical information relating to elder abuse referrals has been included in the HSE’s National Service Plan and in the Performance Monitoring Reports (reported on a quarterly basis) since 2010. These reports are also available on the HSE website.
As the Deputy's question also relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1242 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of nursing home inspections that were conducted by the Health Information and Quality Authority in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18158/12]
1243 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of nursing homes that were foreclosed by the Health Information and Quality Authority in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18159/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1242 and 1243 together.
Under the Health Act 2007 statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) for inspecting and registering categories of designated centres, including nursing homes for older people. This system of registration and inspection commenced on 1 July, 2009. While some centres have decided to close for various reasons since the introduction of this regime, only five centres have been closed by HIQA pursuant to Section 59 or Section 60 of the Health Act 2007. The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Number of Inspections |
Number of designated centres foreclosed by HIQA |
|
2009 |
201 |
0 |
|
2010 |
809 |
2 |
|
2011 |
768 |
3 |
1245 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. [18169/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1246 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 183 on 14 March 2012, if he will provide a time frame for when the legislation referred to is expected to be brought before Dáil Éireann for consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18177/12]
As indicated in the previous reply, while this is a commitment under Government for National Recovery 2011-16, several factors have to be taken into account in relation to the proposed regulation of the homecare sector, including the complex legal issues involved and legislative priorities for the wider Social Care area. In the circumstances, it is not expected that relevant legislation will be prepared until the latter end of the Programme for Government.
1247 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health the reason increased charges for the provision of meals on wheels services in the Dublin 15 area have been introduced; if he will explain the criteria used by which an organisation (details supplied) was chosen to provide the service; if he will explain the reason the long-standing voluntary meals on wheels service has been removed; whether a cost-benefit analysis of changing the meals on wheels service was carried out and if he will provide details of same; if service users and volunteers were consulted before the changed service was put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18182/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1248 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the reason St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital Cork and Cork University Hospital Ophthalmology Department do not reply to representations made by TDs on behalf of their constituents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18186/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1250 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if an appointment in Cork University Hospital ophthalmology department will be brought forward in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18228/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF. As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1251 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health when a post mortem result will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [18233/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1252 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health his strategy for intellectual disability; if it follows the New Direction 2016 programme; and if so, the way the decisions are implemented when following these guidelines. [18238/12]
The New Directions Report was initiated by the HSE Primary Community and Continuing Care Directorate in 2007. The review was to consider the reconfiguration and modernisation of HSE-funded day services for people with intellectual disability, mental health and physical and sensory disability ensuring the principles of person-centeredness, access, accountability and quality, while also ensuring better outcomes for the service users; provide value for money and be in line with relevant legislation, national standards and best practice. The Report was published by the HSE on 29 February 2012.
The focus of the Report is on the requirement to accommodate a wide diversity of need among some 25,000 service users. This spectrum of need ranges from those with severe and profound disabilities, challenging behaviours and high support needs who are likely to need long-term, specialist service provision, to people with lower support needs and greater potential for community participation and inclusion. The central approach within the report focuses on the core values of person-centeredness, community inclusion, active citizenship and high quality service provision. It will be underpinned by good governance, monitoring and guidance to providers. The ambitious change envisaged in New Directions will depend on and benefit from an acceleration of the policy of mainstreaming that is central to the National Disability Strategy (NDS). This will require joint planning between the HSE and key government departments to maximise the approach outlined in the NDS.
With regard to my strategy for health-funded disability services, a Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services is currently being undertaken in the context of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review Initiative 2009-2011. The Review is well advanced and it is anticipated that it will be published in the first half of 2012 if accepted by Government. The review is made up of two strands:
1. A examination of the effectiveness and efficiency of the current disability services programme; and
2. A review of current policy in relation to HSE-funded disability services.
The Expert Reference Group on Disability Policy was established to look specifically at existing disability policy and whether it needs to be changed to better meet the expectations and objectives of people with disabilities. The Group's policy review was recently published by the Department of Health and has also been the subject of consultation within the Department of Health, with other Government Departments, and with the general public.
The Steering Group for the VFM Review is currently drafting its final report, taking into consideration the recommendations made in the report of the Policy Review Group, the results of the consultative process and the examination of the efficiency and effectiveness of the current disability services programme. On completion, it is my intention to look at both reports together and, in conjunction with Minister Reilly, to ensure that proposals for the future of our disability services are brought to Government for its consideration and publication in due course.
1254 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of cuts and staff reductions in Beaumont Hospital and the Mater Hospital, Dublin. [18243/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1256 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health the reason a full medical card application was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if the decision will be reviewed and the full medical card granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18246/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1257 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in hospital waiting times in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18247/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1258 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18256/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1259 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an operation as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18264/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF. As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1260 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused a full medical card for themselves and their family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18269/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1261 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health his views regarding support services in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18281/12]
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.
Question No. 1262 answered with Question No. 1219.
1263 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will increase the home support in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [18287/12]
As the provision of home help is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. In relation to an emergency alarm this is a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
1264 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will initiate a review into the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18289/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1265 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding social workers in respect of an organisation (details supplied). [18311/12]
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.
1266 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason nearly 250 under 18 year olds are waiting for more than 12 months for mental health services. [18312/12]
A Vision for Change identified mental health services for children and young people as a priority area for development. The HSE has therefore placed a particular emphasis on developing child and adolescent mental health teams, improving in-patient access, addressing waiting times for assessment and progress has been made in recent years. In 2009 the HSE established the multidisciplinary Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Advisory Group. The Group has now developed a minimum dataset for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and a suite of key performance indicators linked to the dataset that takes into account resource allocation and other factors. Targeted efforts have been made to reduce the waiting list and I note that the waiting list for children waiting over 12 months reduced by almost 29% between December 2010 and December 2011.
During 2012 the capacity of the CAMHS will be expanded, as part of the special funding of €35m provided for mental health in Budget 2012 will be used to strengthen CAMHS teams by ensuring, at a minimum, that at least one of each mental health professional discipline is represented on every team. This will enable the CAMHS to continue to reduce the overall waiting list and it is hoped that by the end of 2012, no child will be waiting longer than 12 months for an appointment.
1267 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an appeal for a medical card will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [18316/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1268 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the position regarding private clinics and women who have received PIP breast implants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18317/12]
1373 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 14 March 2012 and No. 633 of 27 March 2012 in relation to breast implants from a company (details supplied); if he will clarify the current rupture rates for these implants; the way a normal and expected rupture range is decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19136/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1268 and 1373 together.
The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of my Department has met with and is engaging with the treating clinics which provided breast implant surgery with a view to ensuring that best practice and patient support is paramount in the service provided to concerned recipients of PIP implants.
The PIP Action Group also met with the CMO and officials of the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) on Friday 23rd March last and discussed their very reasonable concerns. The meeting was very constructive and identified a number of follow on activities which the Department will take to help these women in their unsatisfactory dealings with one of the treating clinics. The CMO has agreed to meet the Group again and will continue to engage with the treating clinics with a view to reaching an acceptable arrangement for resolving this serious issue for all concerned. The IMB have advised that, to date, 138 women who received PIP breast implants have reported ruptures. Reports received indicate that ruptures have occurred at/between one month — eight years after implant. The Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) in "The Safety of PIP Silicone Breast Implants” published on 1st February, 2012 said that all silicone breast implants can fail, regardless of manufacturer, and the probability of failure increases with time since implantation. The Committee also states that “estimates of breast implant rupture prevalence range widely, in part because the methods of estimating rupture prevalence rates differ among studies”. On average it is estimated that there is a 10% -15% rupture risk within 10 years of implantation.
However, officials of my Department are currently working on the Licensing of Health Facilities Bill which will provide for a mandatory system of licensing for public and private health service providers. The legislative proposals are being prepared broadly in line with recommendations made by the Madden Commission in 2008 and are designed to improve patient safety by ensuring that healthcare providers do not operate below core standards which are applied in a consistent and systematic way. The intention is to have a proportionate system which has the confidence of the public. Standards and other requirements will be enforceable through inspection and imposition of sanctions as necessary. Licensing will be targeted at areas which are not currently subject to regulation. It is expected that outline proposals for the new system of licensing should be finalised by year end. In the meantime I am making arrangements to put better information in place for people who in good faith use services of non-State providers, especially for cosmetic surgery.
1269 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Health if direct Exchequer funding will be made available for the provision of a primary healthcare centre for Corduff Dublin 15 in view of the previous commitment by the Health Service Executive to revert to the capital programme in the absence of a successful public private partnership application. [18322/12]
Following the publication of the "Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework", the Health Service Executive commenced drawing up its capital programme for the multi-annual period 2012-2016. The Executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects within its overall capital funding allocation taking into account the existing capital commitments and costs to completion over the period. A draft capital plan for the period 2012-2016 has been submitted to my Department. My Department is reviewing the proposals and following up with the HSE where further details may be required. The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Details of the plan will be published by the Executive following its approval.
1270 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if recruitment of the 414 staff for mental health services as announced in the Health Service Executive service plan 2012 has begun and the number of posts that have been filled to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18348/12]
A special allocation of €35m for mental health was provided in Budget 2012 in line with commitments in the Programme for Government. This funding will be used to enhance Community Mental Health Teams, improve access to psychological therapies in primary care and implement suicide prevention strategies. It is planned that 414 staff will be recruited to the mental health service to deliver on these objectives. The staffing requirement relating to each region has been identified and the information necessary to commence recruitment is in the process of being collated by the four Regional Directors of Operations. It is proposed that the new professionals will be drawn from existing National Recruitment Service panels where available and new competitions will be established for the remaining posts.
1271 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will reverse the decision to allow the destruction of the nation’s newborn screening card blood samples, as urged by the Irish Heart Foundation, due to the importance of these records in the fight against sudden cardiac death. [18354/12]
1288 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if he will review and reverse his decision to accept the Health Service Executive review group recommendation to destroy the nations 1.6 million new born screening card blood samples. [18469/12]
1291 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health his views on the issues of new born screening cards (details supplied); if he will act on the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18476/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1271, 1288 and 1291 together.
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 Department of Health, the Health Service Executive, and Temple Street, and Cork University Hospitals.
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 National Newborn Screening Programme 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.
Retention of newborn screening cards for a period of ten years means they are available for second opinion, medico-legal reasons, long-term clinical follow-up and re-examination of samples with the most recently developed techniques to further define the initial diagnosis. This is standard practice in many countries and extends a potential benefit to the child and is ethically and legally justifiable as it directly relates to the initial purpose for which the sample was originally collected.
I am aware that recent advances in biomedical and genetic technologies have significantly increased the scientific value of archived human biological material, such as the Newborn Screening Card, in this country and beyond. Nonetheless, the potential benefits from such research have to be balanced against the rights of the donors of that material. In the case of the Newborn Screening Archive, parents did not give consent for the retention of the material/data and almost certainly did not consider the potential secondary purposes of the material, including research.
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.
1273 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a staffing matter (details supplied) at Kerry General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18366/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1274 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an issue in Killarney (details supplied) County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18373/12]
Delivery of health capital infrastructure is a service matter. Therefore the Deputy's question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1275 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that the cervical cancer vaccine is available to persons (details supplied) in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18380/12]
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a cervical cancer vaccination catch-up programme for all girls in 6th year secondary schools commenced in the September 2011. This will be repeated for the following two years in September 2012 and 2013. This will result in all girls in the senior cycle of second level schools being offered HPV vaccine, including those currently in transition year. The HPV vaccination programme for first year girls will continue annually.
1276 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the proposed bed closures and the future of a community nursing unit (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18389/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1277 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an appeal for a medical card will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [18394/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1278 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange an immediate review of an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [18395/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1279 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the length of time a person (details supplied) will have to wait for a medical procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18407/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF. As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1280 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if same will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18408/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1281 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [18410/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF. As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1282 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will cease the fluoridation of drinking water until the Department of Health can provide evidence to demonstrate that the silica fluoride compounds used for water fluoridation have been tested for human safety and environmental toxicity in accordance with international and EU law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18417/12]
The Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act 1960 provides for the fluoridation of public piped water supplies. This is achieved through the addition of hydrofluorosilicic acid (HFSA) to the water. The complete and rapid reaction between HFSA and water produces hydrogen ions (which are removed through a process called buffering), silica (sand) and fluoride ions. Consumers do not come into contact with HFSA as water from the tap contains fluoride, not HFSA or fluorosilicates. The balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and continues to be safe and effective in protecting the oral health of all age groups. There are no plans to discontinue the policy of fluoridation of public water supplies, which continues to make an effective contribution to oral health in Ireland.
1283 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the application for funding in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, seeking a health procedure in the USA; if there is any mechanism available within his Department or the Health Service Executive to address the major problems that the patient is encountering in their application to have their health needs addressed as outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18419/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1284 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the date on which he will bring the Bill dealing with changes to organ donation before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18425/12]
EU Directive 2010/53/EU, which sets down common quality and safety standards for the procurement, transport and use of organs, is due to be transposed by August 27 this year, by statutory instrument. It applies to the donation, testing, characterisation, procurement, preservation, transport and transplantation of organs. Under the Directive, Member States must also ensure that donations of organs from deceased and living donors are voluntary and unpaid. My Department is working in cooperation with the HSE to ensure that the necessary systems, processes and procedures are in place so that the health service is in a position to comply with the requirements of the Directive by the transposition date.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Programme for Government envisages the future introduction of an opt-out system of organ donation, with a view to improving the availability of organs for patients in need of transplantation. This will of course require detailed consideration and my Department will be consulting further on this matter.
1285 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the up to date position regarding an appeal for a full medical card on medical grounds in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18442/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1286 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) in Dublin 15 will receive occupational therapy: the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18446/12]
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.
1287 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been refused home help services. [18448/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1289 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the updated position in respect of the Health Service Executive review which he has requested in relation to the sheltered attendance allowance cut which came into effect on 13 January 2012. [18470/12]
The decision to reduce the top up payment made to people with a disability attending rehabilitative training was implemented by the Health Service Executive (HSE) without informing the Department of Health. The reduction from €31.80 per week to €20 per week, from the 1st January 2012, was communicated to the HSE Local Managers in advance of the Minister approving the National Service Plan for 2012. This proposed measure sought to bring consistency to the top up bonus paid to people attending the HSE rehabilitative training scheme with similar payments paid in other State training schemes. Any reduction in payments to individuals requires adequate advance notice to enable the recipients and indeed, service providers, to take the reduction into account in planning their support needs and other arrangements.
It should also be noted that people with a disability attending Rehabilitative Training are usually in receipt of a State payment such as the Disability Allowance. The HSE, at my request agreed to review its decision, and it has submitted a Report on the matter which is under consideration in my Department.
1290 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if any consideration has been given to the possibility of locating the new National Children’s Hospital in Drogheda County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18472/12]
I am committed to ensuring the delivery of a world class hospital for the children of Ireland providing the highest quality treatment they deserve. This project is one of the main priorities for the Government and is a commitment under the Programme for Government.
I recently announced the establishment of a Review Group to consider the decision of An Bord Pleanála to refuse planning permission for the National Paediatric Hospital. The Government agreed the Terms of Reference for the Review Group are as follows:—
"To inform itself about the planning considerations and processes affecting this project.
To consider the different options which now exist for progressing the construction of a national children's hospital having regard to—
Government policy on the delivery of health services, including accessibility and paediatric services in particular and best clinical practice considerations,
the cost and value for money considerations of the different options,
the likely timelines associated with the different options,
the implementation risks associated with the different options.
To advise him, in the light of these considerations, on the appropriate next steps to take with a view to ensuring that a national paediatric hospital can be constructed with minimal delay.
To report to the Minister within 56 days of the first meeting of the group."
The aim of this Review is to consider all the possible options for the earliest possible delivery of a new children's hospital. The Review Group will present their findings on each of the possible options for my consideration. The Group will not be undertaking a site selection process. I have appointed Dr Frank Dolphin to Chair the Review Group. There is a wealth of expertise on the group. The membership is composed of senior planners, an architect, the CEO of a major UK Paediatric hospital and senior clinicians in the field of paediatrics. I will await the completion of the work of the Review Group and do not wish to make any further comment on the matter at this time.
1292 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. [18483/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1293 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo and if it will be expedited as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18495/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1294 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health if he will account for a charge on prescriptions being levied on an individual (details supplied), in addition to a dispensing charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18507/12]
Medical card holders are required to pay a 50c charge for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists, subject to a cap of €10 per month for each person or family. Charges are not payable in respect of items supplied under the Long Term Illness Scheme. Prescription charges do not apply to children in the care of the HSE or to methadone supplied to patients participating in the Methadone Treatment Scheme. Under the Drug Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €132 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
There is no regulation of the prices, dispensing fees or other charges for items supplied privately to patients outside of the GMS and community drugs schemes. If the Deputy would like to supply additional information regarding the circumstances referred to, including the name of the pharmacy and the nature of the prescription, I would be happy to investigate the matter further.
1295 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the regulations covering animal testing for scientific purposes; if he will outline the enforcement regime for said regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18508/12]
The use of animals for scientific purposes is strictly controlled in accordance with Council Directive 86/609/EEC and the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876, as amended by the European Communities (Amendment of Cruelty to Animals Act 1876) Regulations 2002 and 2005. Under this legislation, experiments on animals can only be performed by persons licensed by the Minister for Health and in premises registered for that purpose. Both the licensees and the registered premises must meet specific requirements and standards. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine carries out the necessary inspections of breeders, suppliers and users of animals and their establishments to verify compliance with the regulations. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by both Departments formalising arrangements in this regard.
While it is desirable to replace the use of animals in scientific procedures it remains the case that such procedures continue to be necessary to protect human and animal health and the environment. In this regard, a new Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes will further strengthen the protection of animals still needed for research and safety testing. The Directive will also play a significant role in further minimising both the number of animals used and the requirement that alternatives be used where possible, whilst ensuring a level playing field for EU industry and enhancing the quality of research conducted in the EU. The "Three Rs" principle of replacing, reducing, and refining animal testing is firmly anchored in the new legislation and this is something that I strongly support. The new Directive will be transposed into Irish law by the end of 2012.
1296 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health if the national home antimicrobial service, which it is anticipated will begin in July 2012, will be involved in the delivery of IV drugs in a nursing home setting, thus avoiding the need to have people admitted to hospital and thus decreasing the pressure on acute hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18511/12]
The National Clinical Programme for Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) was established in 2010 and is presently in the final procurement phase to select a provider to work in collaboration with the HSE to deliver the national home antimicrobial service. The aim of the programme is to ensure that no patient receiving IV antimicrobials, who could be treated out of hospital, remains an in-patient. Patients will be reviewed within 24 hours of referral and discharged within 24 hours post review if suitable for OPAT. In the initial phase patients will be enrolled in the programme through Acute Medical Units and in-patients facilities. It will be possible to facilitate early discharge of the patient and to deliver IV antibiotics in the nursing home for suitable patients as part of the programme.
It is envisaged that the programme will be rolled out to GPs and primary care settings facilitating admission avoidance for selected patient groups.
1297 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for urgent medical intervention in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18512/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF. As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1298 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 186 of 29 February 2012, if a decision has been made as yet in relation to the two posts in the Rian counselling service in the Health Service Executive north east area; and when such a decision is likely to be made. [18518/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1299 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he intends to meet the cross-party group of Members in relation to the issue of the need for an inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse of patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, County Louth. [18519/12]
Early in 2011, I indicated that the issues raised by the case of Michael Shine, former Consultant at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda would be the subject of an inquiry by an Oireachtas Committee. This was dependent on the powers that had been proposed under the 30th Amendment of the Constitution. As it was not possible to proceed as proposed, I am giving consideration as to how best to deal with the issues involved. My Department is currently exploring the options in this regard and I would be open to a meeting at a later date when my Department's deliberations are at a more advanced stage.
1301 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Health the amount of savings that have been achieved by increasing the price from €2 per week to €4.50 per day on meals-on-wheels in the Dublin 15 area; if any provision has been made to offer assistance to those who would have difficulty affording the service. [18558/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1302 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an operation as a matter of urgency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18564/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF. As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1303 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has submitted all requested documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18565/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1304 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health his plans to restrict opening hours at the minor injuries unit at the Louth County Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18566/12]
I want to ensure that as many services as possible can be provided safely in smaller, local hospitals. On this basis, the organisation of hospital services nationally, regionally and locally will be informed by the Clinical Programmes. These Programmes have been developed and implemented by a joint HSE/Departmental group who are currently developing a framework for the future development of smaller hospitals. Consultation with all the stakeholders, including patients and public representatives, will be an integral part of the process. These inter-related programmes aim to improve service quality, effectiveness and patient access and to ensure that patient care is provided in the service setting most appropriate to individuals' needs. The planned introduction of hospital groups will also provide further opportunities for inter-site cooperation.
Louth County Hospital is an integral part of the Dublin North East Group and continues to play an important role in the delivery of clinical services in the Louth area and to other parts of the North East Region. The current level of activity will be maintained at Louth County Hospital as part of the 2012 Service Plan. In addition, an increase in day services activity is also planned for 2012.
1305 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Laois may expect to be given a date for an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18577/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF. As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1306 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if funding is available to cover maintenance costs of a student studying nursing in England when the tuition fees are being paid by the National Health Service in England (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18578/12]
The provision of fees and grants to student nurses is a matter for the Health Service Executive. The HSE has advised that it is not in a position to provide funding to help defray the maintenance costs of any pre-registration nursing undergraduate students in Ireland or abroad.
1307 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the mean waiting time in 2010, the mean wait in 2011; and the latest available data for mean waiting times. [18580/12]
The Special Delivery Unit was established in my Department last July to tackle patient wait times for hospital services. Unacceptably high wait times have been tolerated for too long and have become systemic for both unscheduled and scheduled care. The problems have to be tackled step by step so that improvements can be sustained. The SDU immediately began work with the HSE and the NTPF on the problem of trolley waits and long waits for inpatient care. Last July I introduced a 12 month limit beyond which no hospital could keep a patient waiting for inpatient or day case treatment. There is no room for complacency but progress is being made. Since December the number of patients waiting on trolleys has been consistently lower than the same period last year and 94% of hospitals met the 12 month target for scheduled care. As a result some patients have had a better quality of service than would otherwise have been the case. I believe I have also demonstrated through this initiative that, even in the challenging times we face, it is possible to exert control over the system and deliver improvements. This has been achieved by the SDU, the NTPF and the HSE working together to rigorously manage performance.
The latest available data for the mean waiting time shows that at the end of December 2010 it was 2.4 months, at the end of December 2011 it was 2.8 months and up to the end of March this year the figure was 2.9 months.
1308 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the salaries of consultants will be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18581/12]
While the Programme for Government provides for a reduction in consultants' remuneration, my immediate priority is to achieve more effective implementation of the existing contract and to reform how services are delivered to patients. I am satisfied that considerable efficiencies can be achieved under the terms of the 2008 contract and the Public Service Agreement, if consultants embrace this reform agenda. I believe that the efficiencies, productivity increases and reform, if achieved, will be worth more to the health system than simply reducing the pay of consultants and the Government has endorsed this approach.
The HSE is at present preparing for the commencement of discussions with the consultant representative bodies and I expect these discussions to begin shortly. This process will need to be focussed on the achievement of worthwhile and measurable change and should also, in my view, be concluded within a reasonable period, in line with the provisions of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014.
1309 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of written parliamentary questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicated that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18598/12]
Broadly speaking, Parliamentary Questions received by my Department can be divided into two categories. These are:
questions which relate to the development of the overall health strategy, planning and policy development, drafting of legislation etc. and;
questions which relate to operational matters such as services to named individuals, specific health service issues in local areas etc.
The vast majority of questions in the first category are answered by my Department without referral to the Health Service Executive or any other agency. In relation to the second category, the majority of questions are operational matters which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. These questions are referred by my Department to the Executive for direct reply to Deputies. The Executive is very conscious of the need to reply promptly to Deputies Questions and there is regular liaison between my Department and the Executive in this regard.
Parliamentary Questions relating to HSE operational issues of a national/regional scale or importance as well as high profile individual issues are answered by myself or the relevant Minister of State instead of being referred to the HSE. Whenever possible these questions are answered on the relevant Dáil sitting day. Where this is not possible because the information is not readily available, a reply is issued as soon as possible thereafter.
Taking account of the above, the figures sought by the Deputy for the period concerned are as follows:
|
Table |
|
|
Total number of questions answered by my Department |
2,316 |
|
Total number of questions answered in full without referral to any agency |
774 |
|
Total number of questions referred to the HSE or other agencies for direct reply to Deputies |
1,330 |
|
Total number of questions concerning national/regional issues |
212 |
1310 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18623/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1311 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health following the completion of recruitment of three radiographers mammography for Galway University, the expected start date for these radiographers; if any of these radiographers will travel to Sligo General Hospital to provide a satellite service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18628/12]
The Deputy's questions relate to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
1312 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the names and salaries of all his special advisers including special advisers of Ministers of State and any salary increases they have received since they took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18640/12]
1313 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, details of all salary increases for special advisers requested by him or any Ministers of State in his Department; the names of the advisers and the amount requested and a list of salary increases granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18657/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1312 and 1313 together.
The following table shows a breakdown of the information requested:
|
Minister |
Name of Advisor |
Title |
Salary |
|
James Reilly |
Mark Costigan |
Press Advisor |
€92,672 |
|
Sean Faughnan |
Special Advisor |
€80,051 |
|
|
Roisin Shortall |
Maev-Ann Wren |
Special Advisor |
€40,025 |
In respect of Mr Sean Faughnan, a salary of €112,672 was initially sought, and this request was subsequently reduced to €92,672. A salary of €80,051 was approved by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in this case. Ms Maev-Ann Wren is engaged on a half time basis and this is reflected in her approved salary.
There have been no salary increases granted since the three individuals took up their positions.
1314 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when will the replacement radiographer be sanctioned and recruited for St. James's Hospital orthodontic clinic, in view of the fact that it cannot take on new patients without a radiographer. [18669/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1315 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if he will consider granting a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10. [18673/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1318 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 552 of 13 March 2012, the number of the 42 recommendations from the Irish Human Rights Commission report arising from the operation of a residential and day-care centre for persons with a severe and profound intellectual disability that have been implemented; the recommendations that have not been implemented; the timeline for when the outstanding recommendations will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18728/12]
As the Deputy is aware the Irish Human Rights Commission Enquiry Report into the provision of intellectual disability services by the Brothers of Charity Services to adults in the John Paul Centre, Galway was published in March 2010. From a Department of Health perspective, the Report raises important questions regarding the current arrangements for funding, accountability and standards in our disability services. It is acknowledged that, despite considerable advances in the standard of service provision in recent years, more needs to be done to improve services. A number of important current initiatives will further advance the ability of the health services to focus more fully on meeting the needs of people with disabilities. My Department's ongoing Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services (VFM) is considering how well the current substantial allocation of funding for disability services is being used, and is exploring the way forward for reconfiguration of these services, and their management and operation, so as to enable them to respond more effectively to individual needs. It is expected that the Review will be completed in the first half of 2012.
The Report makes 15 specific recommendations to the Department of Health. I have set out below the current position in relation to the implementation of the recommendations below. Recommendations 1 and 2: (Gaps in existing law/ practice and ratification of UNCRPD). These recommendations were accepted. The Department of Justice and Equality has responsibility in relation to ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The Department of Health is engaging with that Department in relation to ongoing work involved in preparing for ratification.
Recommendation 3: (Definition of health and personal social services). The Department of Health has completed a review of the eligibility framework which is contained in the Health Act 1970. The issue is being considered in the context of policy proposals being developed on Universal Health Insurance. The Government is now committed to implementing a comprehensive programme of health reform. It has set clear goals for the health service, namely, a universal, single tier health care system with access based on need and not income, more care delivered locally through strengthened primary care, and greater transparency and incentives regarding performance. The Government will introduce Universal Health Insurance with equal access to care for all, with no discrimination between patients on the grounds of income or insurance status.
Recommendations 4, 5, 6 and 8: ("bottom up" redesign of service agreements (quantum, quality and accountability) working group on national average costs, National Intellectual Disability Database review, individual assessments to inform service level funding — non-retrogressive measures). These recommendations have been accepted and will be informed by and progressed in the context of the forthcoming Value For Money and Policy Review of Disability Services.
Recommendation 7: (Disability Act 2005). Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 was commenced for children under the age of 5 on 1 June 2007. It had been intended that the Disability Act would be commenced on a phased basis for the 5-18 year old cohort and then for adults, with the Disability Act and the Education for Persons with Special Education Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 to be implemented during 2010 in respect of children between 5 and 18 years of age. In light of current fiscal constraints, it was necessary to defer further implementation of the two Acts.
Recommendations 9, 13 and 15: (Clear guidelines on the required staff-to-client ratios; clear protocols for the prevention of foreseeable risks to vulnerable persons with an intellectual disability living in institutions or residential centres through timely and appropriate intervention strategies; HIQA's inspection and monitoring role to be immediately introduced). HIQA has prepared and published standards for residential services for the disability sector, which outline what is expected of a provider of services and what a person with a disability, his or her family, and the public, can expect to receive from such services. The standards clearly set out what a quality safe residential service for people with disabilities should be and support the delivery of person-centred care in this sector. The Government is committed to ensuring that vulnerable people with disabilities in residential services are safeguarded and protected, and that their quality of life is enhanced. With this in mind, the current Programme for Government commits to mandatory standards for this sector and inspections of services by HIQA. Discussions have begun between the Department of Health and HIQA to progress this commitment. Given the complex nature of residential service provision for people with disabilities, ranging from congregated settings to dispersed housing in the community, careful consideration is being given to designing the most appropriate regulatory model and this work is ongoing. A target date of Quarter 1 2013 has been provisionally set for the commencement of the proposed regulatory scheme.
Recommendation 10: (protocols governing HSE Reviews including reporting). The HSE has informed the Department that it has reviewed its current arrangements for holding and managing enquiries in order to ensure that all future enquiries are conducted efficiently and effectively, and without undue delay. I understand that a Serious Incident Unit has been set up within HSE for the purpose of developing and implementing policies and procedures to facilitate appropriate and proportionate responses to all serious incidents including the establishment and management of inquiries and investigations.
Recommendation 11: (the complaints mechanisms under Part 9 of the Health Act 2004 should be reviewed). The Department will raise this issue with the HSE to establish how the overall complaints system is working in relation to disability service providers.
Recommendation 12: (Mental capacity legislation). This is currently being progressed by the Department of Justice and Equality.
Recommendation 14: (Department to review the Government's 2003 Report to the CPT and the recommendations made in the Report — persons with ID in a psychiatric facility). Substantial progress has been made in relation to (a) transferring persons with an intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements, (b) the development of national standards, recommendations 9, 13 and 15 above refer.
1319 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details on the progress being made in alleviating the backlog currently in place in the medical card office; the steps being taken to tackle the backlog; the number of applications still awaiting consideration in the medical card office; the number of applications being processed weekly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18742/12]
As of 12th April, the HSE had a medical card backlog of 5,400, down from 57,962 in late January. In the vast majority of these cases, additional information is awaited from the applicant. The HSE informs me that this backlog will be cleared by the end of this month.
1320 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health when an application for a medical card will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18743/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1321 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health when an application for a medical card will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18744/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1322 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange to have a hospital appointment brought forward in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [18755/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or day-case surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1323 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is on a priority waiting list for a procedure at Cork University Hospital will be scheduled for treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18758/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or day-case surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1324 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive a date for an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18759/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or day-case surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1325 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the amount that the Health Service Executive pays to private service care providers, such as personal assistants for assisted living services, its hourly rate and daily rate; the amount that is paid directly to the employee and the amount used for administrative costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18764/12]
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.
1326 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the level of Health Service Executive supports available for persons with mental health difficulties in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18768/12]
1364 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the way the Health Service Executive proposes to follow on psychiatric care in order that the person can be fully integrated back into society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19024/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1326 and 1364 together.
This Governmentstrongly supports the implementation of the 2006 Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy —A Vision for Change. The intention is to continue with the closure of the old psychiatric hospitals and move from the traditional institutional based model of care to a patient-centred, flexible and community based mental health service, where the need for hospital admission is greatly reduced, while still providing in-patient care when appropriate.
The core unit of mental health service delivery is now the Community Mental Health Team of which there are 124 Adult Teams and 61 Child and Adolescent Teams in place nationally. These Teams provide care to individuals living in their own home or in supported accommodation within their own community. In some areas specialist Rehabilitation and Recovery Teams also provide support to those with severe and enduring mental illness to move towards recovery. Mental health services are provided in various settings in the community including community residences, day hospitals, day centres and respite houses all of which offer community based services as an alternative to in-patient admission. GPs, Primary Care Teams and the voluntary sector, in partnership with local mental health services also play a critical role in the support of individuals with mental health needs.
In addition, a special allocation of €35 million for mental health was announced in Budget 2012 in line with our Programme for Government commitments. Funding from this special allocation will be used primarily to strengthen Community Mental Health Teams in both Adult and Children's mental health services. It is intended that the additional resources will be rolled out in conjunction with a scheme of appropriate clinical care programmes based on an early intervention and recovery approach. Some of the funding will also be used to advance activities in the area of suicide prevention and response to self-harm presentations and to initiate the provision of psychological and counselling services in primary care specifically for people with mental health problems. Some of these funds will also be used to advance the re-location of mental health service users from institutional care to more independent living arrangements in their communities, in line with A Vision for Change.
1327 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals as voluntary patients who have had their status changed to involuntary patients for the years 2001 to 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18769/12]
1328 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the patients admitted to psychiatric as involuntary patients who have had their status changed to voluntary patients for the years 2001 to 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18770/12]
1332 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if a voluntary patient is free to leave a psychiatric ward at any time; if there is a process for leaving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18774/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1327, 1328 and 1332 together.
A voluntary patient is not subject to an admission order and is therefore free to leave an approved centre at any time. However Section 23 of the Mental Health Act 2001 provides that where a voluntary patient indicates that they wish to leave an approved centre, and a consultant psychiatrist, registered medical practitioner or registered nurse on the staff of the centre is of the opinion that the person has a mental disorder, they may detain the person for a maximum period of 24 hours. Where a person is detained in this manner, the person must be examined by a consultant psychiatrist who must either discharge the person or arrange for an independent examination to be undertaken by another consultant psychiatrist within the 24 hour period. If the second consultant psychiatrist is satisfied that the person is suffering from a mental disorder, an admission order for reception, detention and treatment is made, whereupon the person becomes an involuntary patient. The rights, provisions and procedures applying to persons admitted involuntarily are afforded to the patient, and the admission order admitting the patient involuntarily is subject to review by an independent Mental Health Tribunal within 21 days.
The Mental Health Act 2001 commenced in full, in November 2006 so statistics relating to the operation of Part 2 of the Act are only available from that date.
|
Form 13: Regrade of Voluntary Patient to Involuntary |
|
|
Nov and Dec 2006 |
105 |
|
2007 |
623 |
|
2008 |
584 |
|
2009 |
590 |
|
2010 |
546 |
|
2011 |
586 |
In relation to the reclassification of patients from involuntary to voluntary, the position is that this data is not routinely collected. While Section 28 of the Mental Health Act 2001 obliges a consultant psychiatrist to revoke an admission/renewal order where the person is no longer believed to be suffering from a mental disorder, in some cases the person will leave the centre while others may opt to remain as a voluntary patient. The consultant psychiatrist must notify the Mental Health Commission of all such revocations, but is not required to specify whether the patient has been discharged from the approved centre or remains as a voluntary patient.
|
Form 14: Revocations |
|
|
Nov and Dec 2006 |
249 |
|
2007 |
1,444 |
|
2008 |
1,290 |
|
2009 |
1,376 |
|
2010 |
1,347 |
|
2011 |
1,397 |
1329 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason it takes three weeks for an involuntary patient in a psychiatric hospital to have their case reviewed by a mental health tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18771/12]
The Mental Health Act 2001 provides that where an admission or renewal order has been referred to a Mental Health Tribunal, the Tribunal is required to make a decision to affirm or revoke the order as soon as may be, but not later than 21 days after the making of the order.
While I fully accept that a patient should be detained for no longer than is necessary, I believe it is also important to be realistic about the logistical and administrative implications of holding tribunals within a shorter timeframe. The present 21 day timeframe takes account of the fact that the Mental Health Commission is also required to appoint an independent Consultant Psychiatrist to examine and interview the patient with a view to forming a judgement as to whether the patient is suffering from a mental disorder and making a report available to the Tribunal within 14 days.
As the Deputy will be aware however, the Mental Health Act 2001 is currently under review and the feasibility of reducing this timeframe will be examined in that context.
1330 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to ensure that the Mental Health Act 2001 and the Mental Capacity Bill address the need to review the mental health care of psychiatric patients in order to ensure that voluntary patients receive the same standard of care as involuntary patients and that every patient whether voluntary or involuntary receives a personal care plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18772/12]
1334 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the levels of legal safeguards in place to protect the rights of voluntary patients who enter psychiatric hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18777/12]
1335 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if a psychiatric patient has any input into their mental health care plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18778/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1330, 1334 and 1335 together.
Regulation 15 of the Mental Health Act 2001 (Approved Centres) Regulations 2006 requires that the registered proprietor in each approved centre must ensure that each resident, whether voluntary or involuntary, has an individual care plan. In addition, the Mental Health Commission, which has a statutory role to promote, encourage and foster high standards in the delivery of mental health services, has published a Quality Framework for Mental Health Services in Ireland. This framework provides a mechanism to continuously improve the quality of services and promotes an empowering approach to service delivery, where services facilitate an individual's personal journey towards recovery. The framework, which incorporates the Mental Health Act 2001 (Approved Centres) Regulations 2006, requires that each service user has an individual care and treatment plan that describes the levels of support and treatment required in line with his/her needs. The preparation of these individual care and treatment plans is co-ordinated by a designated member of the multi-disciplinary team, and is developed with input from the service user, the multi-disciplinary team and the service user's family/chosen advocate, where appropriate.
Issues relating to the detention of, and protections provided for, involuntary patients are dealt with in the Mental Health Act 2001. A number of protections in the Act also apply to voluntary patients e.g., rules governing the use of seclusion and mechanical means of bodily restraint. As the Deputy will be aware, the Mental Health Act 2001 is currently under review and in that context, the need to extend the scope of the Act to voluntary patients will be examined.
1331 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the ratio of community mental health nurses to psychiatric outpatients and the way this compares to the recommended levels; his views on whether community mental health nurses are currently overstretched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18773/12]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Question No. 1332 answered with Question No. 1327.
1333 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive has any plans to introduce more counselling services for persons with mental health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18776/12]
A special allocation of €35 million for mental health was provided in Budget 2012 in line with the Programme for Government commitments. Some of this funding will be used to initiate the provision of psychological and counselling services in primary care specifically for people with mental health problems.
1336 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will receive an appointment date at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18783/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or day-case surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1337 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Health his plans to amend the drugs payment scheme, in order that persons are no longer treated in the same category as family units in relation to the threshold to this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18790/12]
There are no plans to change the current terms of the Drug Payment Scheme.
1338 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive a date for an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18799/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or day-case surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1339 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card renewal in January by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18828/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1340 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18838/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1341 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health when the Health Information and Quality Authority report on a nursing home (details supplied) in County Dublin will be released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18872/12]
The Health Information and Quality Authority completed an inspection of the designated centre, referred to by the Deputy, on 17 January 2012. The report of this inspection was published by the Authority earlier this month and is available at www.hiqa.ie. There is no further report pending at this time.
1342 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 718 of 14 February 2012, when a response will issue from the Health Service Executive; when this matter will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18876/12]
This matter was previously referred to the Health Service Executive for response and has been raised again with the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
1343 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive a decision in respect of their medical card appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18880/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1344 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by his Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18890/12]
In 2009 my Department issued a mini-tender under a Department of Finance Framework agreement. Vodafone was selected on the basis of the cost and quality of service provided. This agreement also allows my Department to benefit from any reduced charges provided for under any subsequent Vodafone contracts with the State. The name of the mobile telephone companies contracted and amounts paid in the last five years are set out below:
|
Year |
Name of Company |
Cost |
|
2007 |
02 and Vodafone |
€193,168 |
|
2008 |
02 and Vodafone |
€170,882 |
|
2009 |
Vodafone |
€133,743 |
|
2010 |
Vodafone |
€142,036 |
|
2011 |
Vodafone |
€120,879 |
1345 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an ASD unit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18897/12]
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.
1346 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on Kerry General Hospital’s outpatient waiting lists for each speciality; the average waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18901/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1347 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No 209 of 18 January 2012 when a response will issue from the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18906/12]
This matter was previously referred to the Health Service Executive for response and has been raised again with the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
1348 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the membership of the expert group set up to address the outcome of last year’s European Court of Human Rights ruling on abortion rights here; when he expects to get its final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18907/12]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Expert Group on the A, B and C v Ireland judgment of the European Court of Human Rights was established on the 13th January this year and details of its membership were announced the same day. The Expert Group is composed of fourteen members and is made up of experts in the fields of obstetrics, psychiatry, general practice, law, professional regulation and public policy. It is chaired by a judge of the Irish High Court, the Honourable Mr Justice Sean Ryan.
The Group is to examine the A , B and C v Ireland judgment of the European Court of Human Rights. It will elucidate its implications for the provision of health care services to pregnant women in Ireland. It is tasked with recommending to Government a series of options on how to implement the judgment taking into account the constitutional, legal, medical, and ethical considerations involved in the formulation of public policy in this area and the over-riding need for speedy action.
The Expert Group is due to report back to the Government within six months of its establishment by means of a written report. Full details on the membership of the Group is illustrated in the table below:
|
No |
Expertise |
Organisation |
|
1 |
Chair |
Hon. Justice Mr. Sean Ryan |
|
2 |
Obstetrics |
Dr. Peter Boylan, Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist |
|
3 |
Dr. Mary Holohan, Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist |
|
|
4 |
Psychiatry |
Dr. Imelda Ryan, Consultant Psychiatrist |
|
5 |
General Practice |
Dr. Ailish Ni Riain, General Practitioner |
|
6 |
Dr. Mark Walsh, General Practitioner |
|
|
7 |
Law |
Ms Christine O’Rourke, Office of the Attorney General |
|
8 |
Ms Mary O Toole, Senior Counsel |
|
|
9 |
Ms Joanelle O’Cleirigh, Solicitor |
|
|
10 |
Ms Denise Kirwin, Solicitor |
|
|
11 |
Policy |
Mr. Bernard Carey, Assistant Secretary, Department of Health |
|
12 |
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health |
|
|
13 |
Professional Standards — Doctors |
Dr. Deirdre Madden, Medical Council |
|
14 |
Professional Standards — Midwives |
Dr Maura Pidgeon, An Bord Altranais |
1349 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce non-means tested medical cards for the high-tech medicinal product scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18908/12]
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 a defined illness. 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.
1350 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 86 of 7 December 2011, when a response will issue from the Health Service Executive; the reason for the delay; if he is satisfied with the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18910/12]
This service matter was previously referred to the Health Service Executive for response and has been raised again with the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
1351 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the situation in County Kerry regarding dental treatment for special needs children, and the variation in time allotted weekly, which is one day a week in the southern district of the county, and four days a week in the northern district; and if he will introduce a more equitable system than that which exists. [18922/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
1352 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if a dedicated diabetic paediatric clinical nurse specialist can be appointed at Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal. [18929/12]
The HSE has informed me that there is a plan to develop Regional Centres that will ensure national coverage. These plans are in development stage and patients from Letterkenny will have their care provided by a Regional Centre.
1353 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health if access to child and adolescent mental health services and their services are available to persons aged 16 and 17 years in County Limerick; if there is a requirement for persons to be referred to CAMHS before their 16th birthday; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18931/12]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1354 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will receive an appointment with a neurosurgeon consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18943/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or day-case surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1355 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the reason primary school children in County Laois are not receiving their first dental check until sixth class, whereas in other regions in the country the first dental check is being given at a much earlier stage; if he will investigate this matter and ensure children in County Laois have the same access to this as children in other counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18951/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
1356 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the reason an association (details supplied) in County Westmeath which provides a sporting activity for elderly persons has been refused grant aid under his allocation of national lottery funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18957/12]
My Department administers a National Lottery Discretionary Fund from which once-off grants are paid to community and voluntary organisations, providing a range of health related services. An application for funding from the 2012 Lottery allocation was received in February from the organisation in question. The application was reviewed by my Department and a decision was made that it did not meet with the Department's National Lottery criteria.
The Deputy will be aware that funding from National Lottery proceeds are also allocated to other Departments for a range of projects including youth, sport, recreation and amenities, culture and heritage and the Irish language. In this regard, I understand that the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is presently seeking applications for its 2012 Sports Capital Programme to which the organisation may wish to consider submitting an application.
1357 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if he will fill the position of consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin, which has been vacant since the previous incumbent resigned from the national injury services in March 2011, in view of the fact that this reduction in surgical numbers is placing an untenable strain on the medical staff and impacting adversely on vulnerable patients, as the waiting lists extend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18973/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1358 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is justified that a person (details supplied) in County Longford should have their hip replacement postponed due to the fact that a consultant orthopaedic surgeon resigned from the national injury services in March 2011 and has not been replaced to date, leaving them in ongoing pain and distress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18974/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1359 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the reason hospitals continue to issue appointments which exceed the 12 month guidelines applied to the special delivery unit even though they are subject to a €25,000 fine (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18975/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
By the end of 2011, very significant progress had been made on SDU initiatives in relation to unscheduled care and inpatient/day case targets. In order to maintain and improve on these targets, the SDU has advised the HSE of a penalty scheme which will be levied on hospitals which fail to treat inpatients and day cases within the 12 month target. Work has now begun on access to outpatient services, with the recent launch of the OPD Performance Improvement Programme. I am conscious that the long wait for OPD appointments is a major barrier to accessing health services and I intend to have this situation remedied as a matter of urgency.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1360 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18977/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1361 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 520 of 6 March 2012, if he will indicate when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 will be granted occupational therapy support. [18993/12]
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.
1362 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding pre-school services in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [19005/12]
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.
1363 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health his plans in relation to the findings of a person (details supplied) that fluoridated water should not be given to infants due to harmful health effects; the action he has taken to warn parents of these health risks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19023/12]
I understand that the person referred to by the Deputy advises that if a child is exclusively consuming infant formula reconstituted with fluoridated water, there is an increased potential for mild dental fluorosis. Nevertheless he advises that fluoridated water can be used for preparing infant formula.
The question of whether infants receive too much fluoride in their early months through infant formula reconstituted with fluoridated water has been addressed in a risk assessment carried out by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) (2004) and by research carried out at University College Cork (2006). The FSAI risk assessment concluded that there was no significant evidence that any adverse effect other than dental fluorosis was relevant to the assessment of the risk of fluoride intake at levels within the range estimated for young infants. It also concluded that the risk of dental fluorosis was very low. A research project was subsequently conducted in University College Cork to investigate formula feeding practices in infants. The results of the study confirmed the results of the FSAI risk assessment. Since these studies were carried out the level of fluoride in public water supplies has been reduced from 0.8-1 mg per litre to 0.6-0.8 mg per litre as provided for in the Fluoridation of Water Supplies Regulations 2007. Based on these findings and on the scientific evidence available, the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health recommends that infant formula should continue to be reconstituted with boiled tap water in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions or alternatively ready-to-feed infant formula can be used.
1365 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be issued as a matter of urgency to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [19026/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1366 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when the fair deal review will be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19052/12]
The NHSS will be three years in operation in October 2012 and the review will commence shortly. The reason for allowing this period to elapse is to ensure that trends and statistics will be available in order to inform the work. The review will look at, amongst other issues:
the ongoing sustainability of the scheme,
the relative cost of public versus private provision,
the effectiveness of current methods of negotiating price in private and setting price in public nursing homes, and
the balance of funding between residential and community care.
The views of relevant stake-holders will be considered as part of the review.
1367 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the placement list for the fair deal scheme; the number of applications yet to be processed completely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19053/12]
1368 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the mean average waiting time from the time an application is made to the fair deal scheme to the time it is approved; the average waiting time for persons on the placement list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19054/12]
1369 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of persons availing of the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19055/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1367 to 1369, inclusive, together.
There were 2,800 applications for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme in progress at end-March. Applications continue to be processed on a daily basis. Since the start of 2012, an average of 900 applications per month have been received by the HSE. On average, applications take between 4 to 6 weeks to process, from receipt of completed application to date of determination. Depending on the level of complexity of the individual case, processing of the application may take longer. For example, in cases where ancillary state support is sought, additional factors may impact on the timeframe, i.e. the HSE must establish Title of a property before a decision can be made. Establishing Title can be a lengthy process in some cases.
1370 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health in view of the recent publication of the national review on autism services, the extent to which he is considering the development of an autism-specific national strategy similar to those which are already in place in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales; if such a strategy will have an interdepartmental approach that will ensure children and adults with autism live fulfilling lives economically, culturally and socially; if there are any plans to draft autism legislation similar to the Autism Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 in view of the increasing prevalence of autism in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19065/12]
The Health Service Executive published a 'National Review of Autism Services' in February this year. The National Review of Autism Services outlines the historical background, the current models that exist, the gaps in service provision and the need for a consistent clear pathway for individuals to access services in the least restrictive way. The report highlights the imperative for a clear focus on the individual and their family in ensuring that the needs of the individual remain at the centre of service provision.
It is intended that future provision of services for children and adults with autism will be developed having regard to the Government's commitment to 'mainstreaming' i.e. to enable people with a disability have access to the same services as the general population, and in addition receive the appropriate support and intervention to address individual needs. There are no plans currently under consideration in the Department of Health for the development of a national autism strategy or for introducing specific legislation on autism.
The recommendations of the National Review of Autism Services report will be implemented through the reconfiguration of existing service provision, and having regard to the most efficient and effective use of resources available in the current economic climate. The Department of Health's forthcoming Value For Money and Policy Review of Disability Services will set the wider context for achieving a person-centered disability service overall.
1371 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the person paying for flights and accommodation in respect of a person (details supplied) since their appointment, the costs of same in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19075/12]
My Department has not paid for flights or accommodation abroad for the person (details supplied) since his appointment.
1372 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. [19130/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1374 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by his Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19179/12]
It is the policy in my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where it is felt to be appropriate and cost-effective, taking account of Government decisions and policy on the matter. All projects involving the engagement of external consultants are approved by me before any decision can be taken by any division of the Department to go to public tender. Once initiated, the spend profile of each project is monitored by my Department on a monthly basis. The following tables set out the payments made by my Department to consultancy firms in 2011 and the first quarter of 2012.
|
No. |
Consultancy Purpose |
Consultant |
Amount Paid (€) |
|
1 |
Actuarial Advisory Services/Health Insurance |
Milliman |
72,348 |
|
2 |
Government decision on the Capitalisation, Authorisation and Sale of VHI |
Goodbody Stockbrokers |
300,080 |
|
3 |
All Ireland Travellers Health Study |
University College Dublin |
139,000 |
|
4 |
D/JEI led project to Reduce the Administrative Burden |
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation |
14,000 |
|
5 |
Practice of Symphysiotomy in Ireland |
Dr. Oonagh Walsh |
10,000 |
|
6 |
Suboxone Feasibility Study |
Create Consultancy Ltd |
13,144 |
|
7 |
Organisation and Financing Options for Chronic Care |
Mr. Gerard Mullally |
5,227 |
|
8 |
Special Delivery Unit Project — Expert Clinical Advice |
Dr. Hubert Curran |
5,808 |
|
9 |
Special Delivery Unit Project — Expert advice regarding elective treatment waiting lists |
Valued Based Health Solutions |
45,385 |
|
10 |
Special Delivery Unit Project — Expert advice on performance improvement in scheduled care |
Valued Based Health Solutions |
302,540 |
|
11 |
Process Auditor to oversee procurement process of actuarial/insurance services |
Mr. Peter Smyth |
2,541 |
|
12 |
Payment in respect of Evaluation Committee member for the award of tender for actuarial/insurance advisory services |
Mr. Dermot Smyth |
1,200 |
|
13 |
Payment in respect of editing and proofing services for the report “ National Policy and Strategy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015” |
Ms. Carole Devaney |
1,530 |
|
14 |
High Level Issues Analysis of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme |
Accenture (Pro Bono) |
0 |
|
15 |
Oversee and monitor the implementation of and adherence to alcohol advertising Voluntary Codes of Practice re U-18s |
Advertising Standards Authority Ireland |
32,265 |
|
16 |
Secretarial and executive services for the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body |
Advertising Standards Authority Ireland |
20,000 |
|
17 |
Chairperson of the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body |
Peter Cassells Consultants Ltd. |
16,698 |
|
18 |
European Schools Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) 2011 |
Mark Morgan |
22,688 |
|
19 |
Nutrition Service |
Irish Heart Foundation |
35,832 |
|
Total |
1,040,286 |
|
No. |
Consultancy Purpose |
Consultant |
Amount Paid (€) |
|
1 |
Actuarial Advisory Services/Health Insurance |
Milliman |
22,866 |
|
2 |
Practice of Symphysiotomy in Ireland |
Dr. Oonagh Walsh |
15,000 |
|
3 |
Special Delivery Unit Project — Expert Clinical Advice |
Dr. Hubert Curran |
4,200 |
|
4 |
Special Delivery Unit Project — Expert advice on performance improvement in scheduled care |
Valued Based Health Solutions |
52,295 |
|
5 |
Special Delivery Unit Project — Expert advice regarding elective treatment waiting lists |
Centre for Diagnostic Management |
37,856 |
|
6 |
WP/AG/CI-Model of demand GP Practice Nurse |
Trinity College Dublin |
30,552 |
|
7 |
Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Survey (HBSC) 2010 |
Health Promotion Research Centre, NUI Galway |
100,640 |
|
Total |
263,409 |
1375 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a medical card renewal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19206/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1376 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update in his progress in drafting primary legislation which is required to implement budget 2012 plans to provide a general practitioner visit card for persons with diabetes, and other conditions covered under the long-term illness scheme, by March 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19320/12]
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 a defined illness. 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. The Department is currently working on preparing legislation, which is intended to be published as soon as possible.
1377 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are currently on the long-term illness scheme; the number of same who have qualified as they have diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19321/12]
There are approximately 60,000 people who receive medicines and appliances under the Long Term Illness Scheme and approximately 44,000 of these have diabetes.
1378 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the number of persons with Epidermolysis bullosa who have been awarded a full medical card; the reason a number of persons with EB would be refused medical cards despite requiring long term medical care; the number of persons with EB who have qualified for the hardship scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19324/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1379 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress made to date in enacting a health information Bill which will support a conducive environment for health research in Ireland as outlined in the 2012 action plan for jobs. [19335/12]
The Health Information Bill is currently being drafted and is expected to be ready for publication later this year. As set out in the 2012 Action Plan for Jobs, the Bill will support a conducive environment for health research in Ireland through, among other initiatives, facilitating the creation of a streamlined ethics approval process for health research not governed by statutory regulation and EU law.
1380 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 531 of 25 October 2011, if he will outline if he favours the introduction of generic packaging for cigarettes similar to that being proposed in Australia and the United Kingdom; when he expects the findings of the Tobacco Policy Review Group to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19338/12]
As I indicated in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 531 of 25 October, 2011, plain packaging is one of the issues being considered in the context of the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive by the European Commission in consultation with Member States. I understand that the legislative proposal in relation to this is due to be published later this year.
Also as I stated in that response the Australian Government is being challenged in the courts by the tobacco industry and I understand that one of these legal challenges is being heard this week in the High Court of Australia.The Deputy may be interested to know that the Department of Health in the UK just this week published a "Consultation on the standardised packaging of tobacco products” and I understand that the UK Government will await the results of this consultation before taking any decisions in this regard.
My Department will continue to monitor developments in Australia and the UK in this regard and will support any international developments in relation to plain or standardised packaging.
In relation to the Report of the Tobacco Policy Review Group I hope to be in position to publish this document in the coming months.
1381 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the support available to a family (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [19341/12]
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.
1382 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding autism. [19342/12]
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.
1383 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the support available to a family (details supplied) in County Dublin. [19346/12]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1384 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19451/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1385 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the reason a young child with cerebral palsy is being denied access to a local hydrotherapy pool (details supplied) and required to travel to a different pool; his views on whether this represents the best use of Health Service Executive resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19459/12]
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.
1386 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding medical card applications in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19470/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1387 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will bring forward a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19471/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF. As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1388 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19482/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1389 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will issue a full medical card at the earliest possible date in respect of a person (detail supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19486/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1390 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health when he expects the ongoing review of domestic abuse and rape crisis services by the Health Service Executive to be completed in view of the length of time it has now been ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19522/12]
A national and regional review of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence services funded by the HSE is still ongoing. It is envisaged that by year end the review will be completed and a strategic plan for the future provision and configuration of services in this area will be developed.
1391 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19532/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF. As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
1392 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health the number of State companies who have used overseas companies for printing work in the following years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he is satisfied that this is an appropriate use of State resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19746/12]
The Voluntary Health Insurance Board is the only state company operating under the aegis of my Department. The Board has advised that no overseas printing companies were used in the period in question.
1393 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he intends to re-establish funding for local improvement schemes in respect of local and community roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17697/12]
As you are aware, the Local Improvements Scheme provided funding for non-public roads and the maintenance and improvement of these roads is in the first instance a matter for the relevant landowner. In view of the current financial circumstances, my Department is not in a position to provide funding under the Local Improvements Scheme in 2012. Given the limited funding available to maintain the road network, I have to concentrate resources on the maintenance of public roads, including those in rural areas and it is not possible to assist with works on non-public roads at present. However, the scheme has been suspended and not abolished. If and when the financial position of the State improves, it will be possible to re-open this scheme. In the interim, it is open to local authorities to continue to operate the scheme or a similar scheme from their own resources and I am sure they will do if they consider it to be a good use of limited resources.
1394 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the purchase of an all-weather ocean going tug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17897/12]
There is no record of any EU Funding funding through my Department for the purchase of an emergency towing vessel (ETV) over the past 10 years. ETV's are expensive to purchase and maintain and so it is important to pursue enhancements in Ireland's marine pollution prevention, preparedness and response capability from within existing and available resources before we consider any further expenditure. As part of the Programme for Government I am reviewing risks posed by international shipping and by offshore exploration in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone and will thereafter consider what steps can be taken for the provision of emergency towing
1395 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 159 of 15 March 2012, if there has been any discussion between his Department, the Office of Public Works and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht regarding the provision of a site at the new airstrip at Cluain Leacht an Abba, Cleggan, Connemara in relation to the provision of a new Coast Guard station there, the stage these discussions are at; and if any advice was given by the Office of Public Works as to the suitability of this site for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18368/12]
As previously stated in Parliamentary Question No. 159 of 15 March 2012, funds are not available at this time for the Cleggan upgrade as the Coast Guard station building projects at Killybegs, Doolin and Greystones will take priority. The current site of the Unit and the Cleggan BIM Ice Plant have been deemed unsuitable for development by the Office of Public Works (OPW). A new site will need to be identified by the OPW should funds become available at a later stage. However, the OPW has not been asked to consider lands at the Cleggan airstrip as no offer has been received.
1396 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures currently being taken to repair and replace road surfaces in Ireland, especially road markings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18574/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual 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.
In January this year, I announced the 2012 Regional and Local Road Grant Allocations under which a total of €379.5 million was made available towards works on regional and local roads, Over 85% of the monies allocated to local authorities were directed towards the maintenance and rehabilitation of road pavements. The restoration of road surfaces would also include for the provision of new road markings as appropriate. Some €225 million has been allocated towards a programme of Restoration Improvement and Maintenance works in County Council areas. A Discretionary Grant of €55 million was made available to county councils and it may be used towards both road repairs and for road markings. Block Grants which total €27.2 million have been allocated towards roads in urban areas. However it should be noted that works on regional and local roads is a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources and that the regional and local road grants provided are only intended as a supplement to this own resources expenditure.
1397 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans, if any, to restrict heavy goods vehicles from travelling through Johnstown village, County Kilkenny, as they leave the M8; his plans to fund a traffic management plan for this village; if he has had discussions with the National Roads Authority or Kilkenny County Council regarding funding for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17734/12]
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. Where excess heavy goods vehicles are deemed to be an issue then the relevant local authority, in this case Kilkenny County Council, may apply speed restrictions, traffic calming, or other measures they deem appropriate. The designated works may be eligible for funding under the regional and local roads allocations made by my Department each year. It is open to the Council to apply for a grant allocation under the relevant funding heading (where applicable) or to carry out such works under its Discretionary Grant from the Department under which a variety of road and traffic management works are permitted.
1398 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he intends asking the National Roads Authority to produce standards for regional roads, in order that all local authorities would have a standard laid out for them in relation to the repair and upgrade of regional roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17878/12]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for local authorities. Local authorities have been provided with a number of best practice documents and are required to follow the guidelines in these documents when carrying out grant aided works on regional and local roads. These best practice documents are available on the Department's website www.dttas.ie.
1399 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the reduction of subsidies to Iarnród Éireann is having a negative impact of the cost of railway fares (details supplied); his views on whether this is a grave disincentive to persons wanting to use public transport. [17913/12]
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, which regulates fares for public service obligation (PSO) services. 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. 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.
1400 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the main terms of the lease held by the regulator’s office; and the name of the landlord (details supplied). [18144/12]
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA). 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.
1401 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider granting access to bus lanes for electric vehicles, as has happened in Norway, as a means of effectively promoting the purchase and use of electric vehicles on Irish roads. [18151/12]
The primary purpose of providing bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. The regulations generally limit the use of bus lanes to buses and, in the case of with-flow bus lanes, to cyclists. Having regard to the role of taxis in providing on-street immediate hire services, an exemption is allowed in respect of taxis when they are being used in the course of business.
There have over the years been a number of requests to my Department to consider amending the legislation to allow other categories of vehicle to use bus lanes. These include hackneys, limousines, multi-occupancy cars, and motorbikes, among others. I have received a number of such requests since becoming Minister. The overriding concern in considering these applications is the carrying capacity of bus lanes, and the potential that their primary role to provide bus priority could be undermined if other vehicles were allowed access. As a result, I have taken the view that the current restrictions on use of bus lanes should be maintained. These lanes were introduced at some expense to the taxpayer in order to provide priority on our roads for public transport. This is in line with our aim of making public transport more efficient and attractive, and so reducing congestion and pollution.
I do, of course, support the development and promotion of electric cars as an environmentally friendly means of transport, a policy which is within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. However, changes to the bus lane legislation in regard to electric cars, or other modes of transport, are not in my view the appropriate way to promote them.
1402 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received a request from Athy Town Council, County Kildare to meet with a deputation to consider the matter of a proposed southern distributor road for the town; if he will accede to this request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18211/12]
I have received no request to meet with members of Athy Town Council. The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council. My Department received an application from Kildare County Council in November 2008 for 100% funding of the Athy Southern Distributor Road. A grant of €150,000 was allocated to the Council in 2011 to allow certain design and planning work on this project to be undertaken. No funding allocation has been made for this project in 2012. All available funding for 2012 has been allocated to local authorities. I am not in a position to give any commitment regarding the provision of further funding for this road in the future.
1403 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the final cost to the State of the construction of the port tunnel, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18262/12]
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 roads projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act 1993-2007, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. The construction of the Dublin Port Tunnel project was procured by Dublin City Council and funded through the NRA. In order to be of assistance 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.
1404 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the contact he has had with Dublin City Council on the expansion of the Dublinbikes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18318/12]
1405 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has been briefed on the Dublinbikes Strategic Planning Framework 2011-2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18319/12]
1406 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of financial support he has made to the expansion of the Dublinbikes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18320/12]
1407 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the progress made in implementing phase 2A and phase 2B of the Dublinbikes expansion strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18321/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1404 to 1407, inclusive, together.
Recognising the success of the Dublinbikes scheme, the Programme for Government commits my Department to look to extend the scheme and to integrate it more effectively with public transport links. Dublin City Council has published the Dublinbikes Strategic Planning Framework 2011-2016 to guide the development of the scheme. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is working with Dublin City Council to expand the Dublinbikes project, initially into areas to the East and West of the existing bike scheme. The detailed design of phases 2A and 2B (including location of stations, size of bays etc.) is expected to be completed shortly. The arrangements for the implementation of the expansion are being developed by Dublin City Council. The NTA supported development work on the scheme's expansion in 2011. The NTA has provided an allocation of €500,000 to Dublin City Council for work on the scheme in 2012.
1408 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be made available for a road (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18371/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The upkeep 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 the above position, 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.
1409 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding an audit report on Basketball Ireland and from whom a copy may be obtained. [18383/12]
I can advise the Deputy that my Department's Audit Committee, on the 14th of March, adopted the audit report referred to. I can inform the Deputy that it is not possible to release a copy of the report, as any such release might prejudice or impair any potential further investigations of matters arising on foot of the report and might negatively impact on my Department's deliberations in relation to the report's findings and recommendations. A similar position has been adopted in regard to Freedom of Information requests received for the release of the report.
1410 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18430/12]
This is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and 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.
1411 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure, as far as is possible, the maintenance of employment in the travel and tour business. [18436/12]
As with businesses in other sectors of the private economy, I am very conscious of difficulties being experienced by tour operators and travel agents due to the general economic circumstances prevailing at present. With regard to the tourism sector generally, the Government has introduced a range of measures to enhance competitiveness and our marketing drive overseas. These included reducing the cost of employing people by halving employers' PRSI for those on modest wages and reducing VAT to 9% on tourism-related services. We also facilitated an additional autumn/winter marketing blitz, by channelling some of the proceeds from our travel tax back into cooperative tourism marketing. According to Failte Ireland, many tourism enterprises are optimistic regarding their own prospects for 2012. If these markets perform as expected, employment in the industry should increase this year. Under the auspices of my Department, the Commission for Aviation Regulation [CAR] licences travel agents and tour operators in accordance with the Transport [Tour Operators and Travel Agents] Act 1982.
1412 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cycling initiatives he intends to put in place to ensure greater tourism in view of the fact that an estimated 164,000 overseas visitors engaged in cycling while here in 2010, and 54,000 said cycling was important in their choice of Ireland. [18440/12]
The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1413 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are any plans to provide fan zones and big screens in public spaces or parks in Dublin and other cities around Ireland for Euro 2012 in June of this year. [18513/12]
I have no function in relation to this matter. Any such arrangements would be a matter for local authorities and the FAI.
1414 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of written parliamentary questions replied to from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012; the number of these that were answered in full; the number that related to issues where details supplied were personal matters and where the reply was supplied directly to the Deputy; the number of other replies where it was indicated that the information requested would be sent directly to the Deputy concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18603/12]
My Department has answered 753 Parliamentary Questions from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012. The Department's Parliamentary Question System does not provide an immediate breakdown in the manner requested by the Deputy and providing the information in that manner would involve a disproportionate amount of work in terms of the staff time involved. However, as the Deputy is aware, the actual responses to all Parliamentary Questions are available on the Oireachtas website.
1415 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of all consultations with taxi industry representative groups since the publication of the taxi review report; and if he has any plans for further consultation throughout its implementation. [18617/12]
The National Transport Authority (NTA), is the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the Taxi Regulation Review Report recommendations. The NTA will provide progress reports on a quarterly basis to the Taxi Advisory Committee, which includes representation from the taxi industry. In the case of a number of medium term actions identified in the Report there will be follow up consultation with stakeholders on the approach to the implementation of the measures involved.
1416 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide, in tabular form, the names and salaries of all his special advisers including special advisers of Ministers of State and any salary increases they have received since they took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18645/12]
1417 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide, in tabular form, details of all salary increases for special advisers requested by him or any Ministers of State in his Department; the names of the advisers and the amount requested and a list of salary increases granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18662/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1416 and 1417 together.
There are two special advisers in my Department, Mr. Nick Miller and Mr. Brian Murphy. The remuneration of Mr. Brian Murphy, my Special Adviser is €105,837, which is an increase from €80,051 granted on an exceptional basis. Mr. Miller's salary as my Press Adviser is €80,051.
1418 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question Number 680 of 27 March 2012, if he will provide details of the allocation to each local authority of the €6 million for 2012 road safety projects (details supplied); if he will outline the amounts and the locations of each of the specific 2012 projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18666/12]
The details of the 2012 Low Cost Safety Improvement Grants, including amounts and locations, are outlined in the "2012 Grant Allocations to Local Authorities for Regional and Local Roads" booklet, copies of which were sent to the Dáil library in February this year. The staff of the library have also indicated that this information is available to members through the online system.
1419 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount he has given in grant aid to Galway Airport since the airport was opened; if Galway Airport is to close whether this money is to be repaid to the Exchequer; if so the percentage of this money that must be repaid; if this money can be ring-fenced to ensure that staff are paid proper redundancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18680/12]
Since 1993 a total of €17.8 million funding has been allocated to Galway Airport, €8 million in respect of Capital expenditure and €9.8 million for subvention of operational expenditure. In December 2011, a total of over €5 million was allocated to the six regional airports to cover a portion of their operating costs incurred in 2011. This included a subvention of over €2 million to Galway Airport. In addition, €200,000 was paid to Galway Airport in 2011 under the Regional Airports Capital Expenditure Grant (CAPEX) Scheme. Recoupment of any monies provided by the Exchequer would have to be in accordance with the relevant schemes. The issue of redundancy payments for staff is a matter for Galway Airport as a privately owned entity.
1420 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to transform the Galway to Clifden railway track, County Galway into a cycle greenway; the progress that has been made on this to date; if there are no current plans to re-open the western rail corridor between Athenry, County Galway, and Claremorris, County Mayo, has consideration been given to providing a cycle greenway on parts of this track; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18718/12]
1439 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the western rail corridor, including projected costs for completion; if the project will be completed in the next four years of capital expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19368/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1420 and 1439 together.
The programme for the funding of capital projects to 2016 is set out in the Medium Term Exchequer Framework 2012-16. Due to the overall reduction in funding for transport infrastructure the priority to 2016 is to protect investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. The limited funding available over and above this priority will only be provided for projects which are affordable, have strong business cases, meet overall transport objectives and deliver the best return in terms of economic recovery and job creation. Moreover the ability to operate profitably and without the need of any subsidy would also be a key consideration for any new rail projects or extensions. In the circumstances, Phase 2 of the Western Rail Corridor has been deferred for consideration in 2015 in advance of the next Public Capital Programme. However, the construction of new stations at Crusheen and Oranmore which were approved under Phase 1 have been included in the Capital Programme to 2016.
In accordance with the Programme for Government, I am investing in the National Cycle Policy which calls for a wide programme of action including investment in cycling infrastructure. With regard to the development of a cycle way from Clifden to Galway, an assessment of this route was carried out by the National Roads Authority as part of its plans to upgrade the N59 to Clifden. I understand that the route alignment for the section from Clifden to Oughterard is currently being finalised. The identification and design of cycle routes is a matter for local authorities and I understand that Galway City Council and Galway County Council are working together to progress the overall project. There are no plans for the development of a cycleway along the Western Rail Corridor.
1421 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount paid to private companies operating toll roads in order to compensate for lost revenue. [18765/12]
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 (PPP) projects, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2007. In addition, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act (as amended).
The contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between the NRA and the PPP concessionaires concerned. Two PPP contracts, the M3 Clonee-Kells PPP and the Limerick Tunnel PPP, incorporate a traffic guarantee mechanism. 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 the average daily traffic ("ADT") exceeds scheme specific pre-defined threshold traffic. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for further reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
1422 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that the Republic of Ireland will be participating in UEFA Euro 2012, if he will confirm that the tournament suits for the team and officials will be manufactured and produced in Ireland. [18791/12]
I have no function in relation to this matter. Arrangements regarding team suits are solely a matter for the FAI.
1423 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider measures to assist taxi drivers in view of the impact that the increase in fuel prices is having on their livelihoods; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the price of petrol has doubled since the taxi fare was last set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18794/12]
As part of the Taxi Regulation Review an economic analysis of the taxi market was undertaken, which included an analysis of taxi prices. The International comparison of taxi prices suggests that prices for taxis appear to be somewhat above average in Ireland relative to other countries. However, the conclusion of the analysis was that fares in Ireland are very similar to what one would expect given the levels of wages, employment and population density. The Review Group concluded that the guiding principles that have influenced recent price reviews by the National Transport Authority continue to be a valid basis for achieving an appropriate balance between the interests of taxi drivers and consumers. The National Maximum Taxi Fare is reviewed every two years and is due to be reviewed by the National Transport Authority again later this year. In line with the conclusions of the Review Group on Taxi Regulation, the benchmarking of taxi prices in other jurisdictions will be included in the analysis carried out for the 2012 taxi fare review.
1424 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce a rural hackney service; the details of such plans; when he expects that this service should be open or made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18839/12]
The rural hackney licence is one of a range of actions proposed in the Taxi Regulation Review Report which has been approved by Government and published last January. The proposal aims to facilitate low cost entry to the market for transport provision in rural areas that, otherwise, would be unlikely to have such services. The rural hackney licence was proposed as a medium-term measure, to be further developed this year for implementation post-2012. The regulation of the taxi industry is a matter in the first instance for the (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. The NTA is the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report, including the proposal for a rural hackney licence. I understand that the NTA is currently working on progressing this recommendation in accordance with the timeframe of the Taxi Regulation Review Report.
1425 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans in relation to the examination and evaluation of all speed limit signs here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18868/12]
Under Action 35 of the Road Safety Strategy, 2007-2012, my Department is committed to auditing and reporting on the appropriateness and consistency of speed limits across the road network at regular intervals. The audit is designed to examine and improve, where necessary and appropriate, the application by local authorities of speed limits and speed limit signage throughout the country, in accordance with my Department's "Guidelines for the Application of Special Speed Limits" which issued to all road authorities last year.
In this regard, I recently announced that a review of speed limits would be initiated in 2012. The primary objective of the review is to improve the consistency of application of speed limits nationwide so as to contribute to a reduction in speeding, which is a key cause of road collisions and fatalities. My Department is in the process of establishing a stakeholder Working Group. The Automobile Association, an Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority, the National Roads Authority and the National Transport Authority have been invited to participate on the Working Group. It is also intended that local authorities will be represented on the Group. The Group will monitor an audit of the appropriateness and consistency of special speed limits, oversee consultation on possible changes to default speed limits and advise on the extent to which more appropriate signage can assist in reducing road fatalities. It is planned that the first meeting of the Group will take place in the coming weeks and that substantial progress will have been made by the end of 2012.
1426 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of the amount paid by his Department to mobile telephone companies for the past five years; the name of the companies used; the criteria used in deciding which mobile telephone company to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18895/12]
The following table provides details of total payments by my Department to mobile telephone companies in the last five years:
|
Year |
Vodafone |
O2 |
|
2008 |
€43,746.22 |
€45,823.48 |
|
2009 |
€106,587.53 |
€44,765.89 |
|
2010 |
€55,147.83 |
€35,522.98 |
|
2011 |
€40,901.32 |
€29,844.20 |
|
2012 (to date) |
€13,962.13 |
€11,319.60 |
Mobile costs are included for Tourism and Sport functions since they joined the Department in April 2011. My Department selects mobile service providers using the National Mobile Voice and Data Framework negotiated by the Department of Finance.
1427 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans, if any, to lift the funding suspension on the N4 Mullingar to Longford route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18972/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual 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. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. Noting the above position, 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.
1428 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a bus service (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [19004/12]
The responsibility for the licensing of Public Bus Passenger Services was transferred under Statutory Instrument No. 566 of 2010 from my Department to the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 1 December 2010. I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1429 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the direction, if any, he has given to CIÉ and Iarnród Éireann regarding the protection of ownership rights on lands owned by Iarnród Éireann and CIÉ and in particular in relation to disused railway lines and ancillary lands which could be used as greenways; if CIÉ and Iarnród Éireann have outlined to him the steps they are taking to stop encroachment onto their land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19018/12]
I have not issued a direction to CIÉ or Iarnród Éireann regarding property or disused railway lines at this point as issues relating to property held by the CIE Group of Companies are primarily a matter for the Group. Notwithstanding this having regard to my Departments policy as regards the development of cycle routes I have a concern regarding the unauthorised and illegal encroachment on closed or abandoned rail lines and ancillary lands. In this regard my Department is currently in correspondence with Iarnród Eireann in relation to what measures they might take to prevent these encroachments.
1430 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he supports the steering group’s report on a national substance misuse strategy; and if it will be supporting the implementation of its recommendations that drinks industry sponsorship of sporting events here should be phased out through legislation by 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19066/12]
I fully support the central aim of the strategy in reducing the level of alcohol consumption in Ireland. However, I have serious concerns that a legislative ban on sponsorship would have negative consequences for sport and tourism. There are huge economic, social and health benefits accruing from sport. From a health perspective alone, there are clearly significant benefits for individuals and for our health system in maintaining and increasing participation levels in sport. One of the goals of my Department is to contribute to a healthier and more active society by promoting sports participation. However, it is important that funding is available to sports organisations to ensure that sport is maintained at grassroots level so that as many people as possible can participate.
Also, it is my view that sport plays an important role in diverting young people away from alcohol. The financial support provided through sponsorship is integral to the availability of sport at grassroots level and I am concerned that placing constraints on the sporting organisations by eliminating the drinks industry as a source of sponsorship will have a negative impact on the development and availability of sport, particularly in the current economic climate. My Department will participate in the consultative process which will now take place on foot of the recommendations of the report.
1431 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will take into consideration the vast experience, expertise, skills and passion for transport solutions of the Kerry forum for integrated transport when assessing County Kerry’s application to be included as a pilot area under the national integrated rural transport committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19072/12]
On foot of a recent Government Decision the National Transport Authority (NTA) has been assigned national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport services. A further development arising from the Government Decision is that I have established a high level committee, the National Integrated Rural Transport Committee (NIRTC), to oversee the future integration of local and rural transport. Membership of the NIRTC is drawn from organisations representing key stakeholders in local and rural transport including rural transport groups, Bus Éireann, HSE, Pobal and local authorities, as well as policy makers from the relevant Government Departments. The Committee is chaired by the NTA. The first meeting of the new Committee took place on 4th April 2012. At that meeting Committee members were requested to submit proposals to the NTA by 20 April in relation to possible pilot areas for developing local and rural transport integration. The NTA will review these submissions and will submit recommendations for my approval. The approved model projects will be overseen by the NIRTC.
1432 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by his Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19180/12]
Please see the following table regarding the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by my Department in 2011 and the number that were issued in the first quarter of 2012.
|
Year (i.e. 2011 or 2012) |
Name of Consultant |
Cost |
|
2011 |
Deloitte |
€42,350 |
|
2011 |
Avia Solutions |
€16,940 |
|
2011 |
Booz and Company |
€119,350 |
|
2011 |
Kevin Gleeson, Emptum Consultancy Service |
€1,198 |
|
2011 |
Malcolm Coe, Consultavia |
€24,316 |
|
2011 |
John McCarthy, Lighthouse Building Design |
€480 |
|
2011 |
Frank Coffey, Consulting Engineer |
€817 |
|
2011 |
FGS |
€23,958 |
|
2011 |
Deloitte |
€12,288 |
|
2011 |
Indecon |
€54,813 |
|
2011 |
Conor Feeney |
€1,000 |
|
2011 |
Ann Frye Ltd. |
Maximum agreed cost is €21,780 (incl. VAT) and the outturn for 2011 was €9,435. While a portion of the balance will be required for completion of the task in 2012, it is envisaged that the overall cost will be significantly within the maximum agreed cost. |
|
2011 |
Version 1 |
€36,370 |
|
2011 |
MentecPlus |
€119,422 |
|
2011 |
Core |
€120,131 |
|
2011 |
Gallen Alliance Solicitors |
€4,235 |
|
2011 |
Adrian Swift, Financial Analyst |
€44,574 |
|
2011 |
Fisher Associates |
€39,195 |
|
2012 |
LK Shields |
€3,826 |
|
2012 |
Kevin Gleeson, Emptum Consultancy Service |
€4,500 |
|
2012 |
Malcolm Coe, Consultavia |
€12,330 |
|
2012 |
Lily Buckley Barrister |
€6,150 |
1433 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the Irish airlines superannuation scheme, the pension scheme for Dublin Airport Authority workers, has not been frozen in view of the uncertainty surrounding that scheme. [19199/12]
1434 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Dublin Airport Authority workers are being forced to pay pension contributions into a scheme that is in severe financial difficulty and may not pay out any of the money they have put into it because of what appears to be poor investment strategy and lack of regulation and governance. [19200/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1433 and 1434 together.
The Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme (IASS) is a multi-employer scheme involving the employees of Aer Lingus, Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and the now non-operational SRT Technics. Pension entitlements and pensions in payment under this scheme are primarily matters for the Trustee, the members and the companies participating in the scheme and I have no operational responsibilities in that regard but it is important to state that this scheme is closed to new entrants. I understand that the Trustee of the IASS has advised the participating employers and membership that the results of the March 2011 actuarial valuation of the scheme indicates a significant deficit as measured under the statutory minimum funding standard. Resolution of the funding difficulties in the scheme is a matter for the Trustee, the companies participating in the scheme and the members. I understand that the parties are participating in discussions with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission to identify solutions. My Department is not a party to these discussions.
1435 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of jobs that have been created since the introduction of the lower VAT rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19244/12]
In relation to the tourism sector — which is my area of responsibility — the temporary lower 9% VAT rate applies to a range of services, including hotels and restaurants. This initiative was aimed at supporting the creation and maintenance of employment within the tourism sector as well as helping tourism businesses to lower their cost base, thereby allowing them to offer a more competitive product offering to tourists.
At this stage I believe that it is still too early to accurately assess the impact of the lower VAT rate and it will be later this year before we can form a view on the effect of this and other measures on employment. I am, however, pleased to report that overseas tourism numbers have increased by 6% in 2011. I am also encouraged that seasonally adjusted employment in accommodation and food service activities, as measured by the Central Statistics Office, increased by 11,000 over the nine month period to end-December 2011. In addition, a recent survey of restaurant owners by the Restaurants Association of Ireland showed that 30% had hired new staff because of the VAT reduction. The Irish tourism industry is cautiously optimistic about its prospects and performance for the year ahead. Tourism Ireland is targeting growth in overseas visitor numbers of 4.5%. I would hope that this will result in improved job creation over the course of the year.
1436 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to any negotiations under way to establish a direct airline route from Dublin to Beijing with a view to bringing more tourists from China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19326/12]
Ireland has a bilateral air transport agreement with China; the agreement was signed in 1998 and provides the basis on which air services between the two countries can be operated. It is open to any Irish, EU or Chinese airline to operate services between the two countries under the terms of the agreement and I would very much welcome any such initiative. The Dublin Airport Authority and Tourism Ireland regularly engage with airlines both in Ireland and internationally in relation to the development of new routes to/from Ireland. Any decision to operate services between Ireland and China would ultimately be a commercial matter for any of the airlines that are interested in operating in this market.
1437 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will make available the tourism grant for a centre (details supplied) and the reason for the delay in same. [19351/12]
The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1438 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for an airport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19353/12]
Any developments in relation to Ireland West Airport Knock are a matter for the management of that Airport which is a privately owned entity. No decisions have been made in relation to Shannon Airport. I will be bringing proposals to Government in the matter shortly.
1440 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding an application for a driving test; if he can offer assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19443/12]
The operation of driver testing is a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and I have no power to intervene in these matters. I would advise the individual in question to contact the RSA and see if a change of time can be arranged.
1441 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the direction signs on the N17 at Claremorris, County Mayo, have had all references to the town of Ballina removed; the person who caused it to be so removed despite Ballina being a hub town, a major population centre at the end of the national primary, N26, a popular tourist destination and location of several large multinational corporations; if he will take the necessary steps to have Ballina placed back on the signs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19481/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects, including the provision of relevant signage, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
