Noel Harrington
Question:15 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will permit TV3 and TG4 to be provided in the Saorsat package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21707/12]
Written Answers
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 14, inclusive, answered orally.
Broadcasting Services
The SAORSAT satellite service has been developed by RTÉ on its own initiative and is not a requirement under the Broadcasting Act 2009. As such, I, as Minister, have no function in this matter. As the Deputy may be aware the SAORSAT service has been developed by RTÉ to cater for persons who cannot access the new DTT transmission system. As a result, Irish free-to-air channels will be available in 100% of the country for the first time.
The carriage of TG4, TV3 or any other broadcaster on the SAORSAT service is a commercial decision for each of the broadcasters in question and the terms and conditions relating to such carriage would be a matter for commercial negotiation between RTÉ and the relevant broadcaster. I have been informed that TG4 plans to be available on SAORSAT and it is expected that this will happen shortly. It is my understanding that TV3 has not yet made a decision as to its carriage on the service.
Consultancy Contracts
John Halligan
Question:16 Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the costs to his Department of outside consultancy companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21945/12]
My Department's expenditure from its consultancy services and value for money and policy reviews budget was €1.364m in 2011, and expenditure of €208k has been incurred to date in 2012. In procuring these specialised services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and the keeping of expenditure to the minimum necessary. In this regard, the Deputy might note that expenditure from my Department's consultancy services and value for money and policy reviews budget has reduced from €2.095m in 2007 to €1.364m in 2011.
Given the technical complexity of the sectors which my Department oversees and, in some instances regulates, there is a requirement to procure specialised services to address specific issues as they arise. The Department therefore also necessarily incurs some expenditure on outsourced services as part of programme expenditure, an element of which is consultancy in nature. I will forward the figure for the consultancy element to the Deputy when it is disaggregated from the larger programme spend.
Semi-State Companies
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:17 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a company (details supplied) is a contractor for Bord Gáis; if it is in line for the contract to install water meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21943/12]
John Halligan
Question:23 Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a company (details supplied) is a contractor for Bord Gáis; and if it is in line for the contract to install water meters here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21946/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 23 together.
Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ) appoints contractors in compliance with the appropriate competitive processes under EU and national rules as set out in the Department of Finance Guidelines on Public Procurement. The appointment of contractors is a matter for the Board and management of Bord Gáis and I have no function in the matter. My Department is advised by BGÉ that the company referred to by the Deputies is not contracted directly with BGÉ. BGÉ advises that the contractors for installation, maintenance and testing of company domestic boilers for Bord Gáis Energy, is part of the Group in question.
I have been advised by my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, that the tender process for the installation of water meters has not yet commenced. This process will be rolled out in the coming months in line with Public Procurement Guidelines. This will be an entirely new and separate procurement process. Any existing contractual arrangements in place by BGÉ have no relevance whatsoever to the process of tendering for water meters.
Electricity Transmission Network
Michelle Mulherin
Question:18 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm that the technical rules set out in 2009 by the Commissioner for Energy Regulation for the processing of Gate 3 wind farm connection applications upon which terms original connection offers issued be adhered to and that there be no change to the terms of connection which is now being pursued by ESB to the detriment of many wind farm developers. [21706/12]
Supervision of the grid connection process is the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The Gate process was put in place by the CER following public consultation. It is a group processing approach towards the processing and issuance of grid connection offers to renewable generators. The CER issued its Gate 3 Direction to the system operators on 16/12/08 in Decision Paper CER 08/260 setting out the Criteria for Gate 3 renewable generation offers and related matters. Several other related CER Decision papers have followed that relate to Gate 3 including CER 11/093 on the Connection Offer Policy and Process and CER 10/211 on Relocation of Generation Capacity.
The Gate 3 Liaison Group established by CER comprises the system operators and industry representatives, including the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) and Meitheal na Gaoithe. The liaison group is a forum for discussion and communication on Gate 3 matters. The documents and minutes of the meetings are publicly available on the CER website www.cer.ie.
ESB Networks and EirGrid, as system operators, are responsible for issuing the grid connection offers to the Gates. They advise that it would be common practice that offers are amended, for instance, at the request of the developer for an alternative proposal or in cases where some of those in the group drop out and a decision is made by the system operator to build the connection in a different way. The principle underlying the offer must however remain that the build is proposed in the least cost technically acceptable manner. It is open to any developers with a grievance about a modification to the grid connection offer to raise the matter with the CER, which will make a ruling following consideration of the case.
The right of EirGrid and ESB Networks to terminate a Connection Agreement on the passing of a Longstop Date without the attainment of the relevant project milestone, has been enshrined in the CER approved Connection Agreements for some time. This relates to project developers that have accepted a grid connection offer and are required, for their part, to undertake certain works related to the project by a certain date (the longstop date). CER has published the link to an Information Memorandum from the system operators on this subject to clarify future practice in relation to when this right to terminate a Connection Agreement will be enforced. CER has received no submissions on the Information Memorandum, which serves to highlight the existing rules and had been signalled to the Gate 3 Liaison group in advance.
Denis Naughten
Question:19 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to address gate access to the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21709/12]
Supervision of the grid connection process, including access to offers, is the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The Gate process was put in place by the CER following public consultation. It is a group processing approach (GPA) towards the processing and issuance of grid connection offers to renewable generators. Under the GPA or Gate process, applications for connections are processed in batches rather than sequentially. Within these gates, applications are further divided into groups and sub-groups based on the optimal network required to connect them. This approach is considered by CER to be a more efficient process than dealing with applications on an individual basis.
The group processing approach allows for a more strategic view to be taken of network requirements and serves to put in place efficient connection solutions to cater for a large number of applications and to ensure optimum network development, minimising network costs and, where possible, avoidance of network bottlenecks. To date there have been 3 Gates. Under Gate 1 and Gate 2, 1755MW of connection offers were made and accepted. Under Gate 3, 3900MW of offers have issued to renewable generators.
The take up of Gate 3 offers cannot be quantified as yet. A small number of those in Gate 3 have accepted their offers to date and have already contracted with EirGrid or ESB Networks. Others in Gate 3 have not yet made a decision on whether they are accepting their offer or not, pending the issuing of constraint reports by EirGrid. EirGrid is currently working on producing these constraint reports and once issued those in Gate 3 applicants will have a short period of time within which to accept or reject their offer and to pay their deposit. One of the causes of delay in EirGrid issuing constraint reports relates to the clarification of rules by the Single Electricity Market Committee as to the operation of the Single Electricity Market. A decision in August 2011 set out principles of dispatch and the design of the market schedule in the Trading and Settlement Code while another in December 2011 set out the treatment of price-taking generation in tie breaks in the Single Electricity Market. This latter decision has recently been re-opened for further consultation by the SEM Committee.
A Gate 3 liaison group involving the TSO, DSO, regulator and industry representatives meets on a regular basis and all parties are committed to Gate 3. The latest forecasts from SEAI as to the amount of renewable generation required to meet our 40% renewable electricity target is 4000MW, provided we achieve our energy efficiency goals. Currently approximately 1900MW of renewable generation is connected to the grid including over 1600MW of wind generation. A further 1500MW of renewable generation has contracted with either EirGrid or ESB Networks. For the most part, these are projects from Gate 1 and Gate 2 that are still awaiting grid build-out, along with about 500MW from Gate 3. It is expected that between what is already built in Gate 1 and Gate 2 and what has already contracted to build along with the remainder of Gate 3 is largely sufficient for the achievement of our 40% target, even if some Gate 3 developers ultimately decide not to accept their offer.
Apart from the above, the Commission for Energy Regulation published a decision in 2009 (CER 09/099) that allows for certain renewable, small and low carbon generators to connect to the transmission and distribution grids without going through the full rigours of the Gate process. This includes small projects, research and development projects and those that qualify as they are deemed to provide benefits of a public nature that merit qualification.
It will be necessary to have accurate quantification of the take-up level of Gate 3 offers and the extent to which this enables achievement of the national renewable energy target, prior to taking further decisions on future Gates. The need for significant grid build and grid upgrade to cater for the existing three Gates and to meet the 40% target and the operational issues associated with managing the grid with a high level of intermittent generation are complex and challenging matters. EirGrid's DS3 programme is designed to ensure that the security and stability of the grid can be maintained while still achieving the required renewable penetration levels.
Natural Gas Grid
Denis Naughten
Question:20 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the Western Development Commission paper Why Invest in Gas, which outlines the clear benefit of extending the natural gas distribution network to the north west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21708/12]
On the 21st March last, I met with the Western Development Commission. The meeting provided the opportunity for very useful and informative discussion in regard to the Commission's Report into the benefits of national gas infrastructure for the North West. We also discussed the role of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the economic criteria governing the CER's gas networks Connection to Towns policy.
The CER is the statutory, independent body, charged with the assessment and licensing of prospective operators seeking to develop and operate a gas distribution system within the State. I have no direct statutory function in relation to the connection of towns to the gas network. The CER, in 2006, approved a network connections policy which enabled reassessment of the feasibility of connecting certain towns to the gas network. In order for any town to be connected to the gas network, certain economic criteria need to be satisfied as a prerequisite. The policy allows for the appraisal of a town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns.
The policy framework provides that, over a certain period, the costs of connecting a town, or group of towns, to the network are recouped through the actual economic consumption of gas and the associated tariffs. Uneconomic projects would increase costs for all energy consumers. Under the CER's policy framework, Bord Gáis Networks, and latterly Gaslink carried out a comprehensive review of towns not connected to the national gas network. Gaslink published its New Towns Analysis Phase 3 report in 2010. The study included a review of the feasibility of connecting 11 towns in the West and North West region which are the focus of the Western Development Commission paper, ‘Why Invest in Gas’. However, the Gaslink review found that none of the towns qualified for connection on economic grounds.
Gaslink will continue to regularly review the towns which did not qualify for connection under the 2010 Study as well as other towns. The key factor which would qualify a town or group of towns in any future review would be a significant increase in demand for natural gas, usually as a result of the addition of a new large industrial or commercial facility.
Alternative Energy Projects
Clare Daly
Question:21 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the fact that the commercial owners of wind turbines are being subsidised by the taxpayer through the Renewal Energy Feed in Tariff, if he will provide the figure for the subsidy provided through REFIT to the owners of the 25 MW offshore wind farm installed in the sea off Arklow, County Wicklow, since its commissioning; and if he will list any benefit to the taxpayer from the concessions made to enable the wind farm owners to profit from the wind energy properly the property of the Irish people. [21701/12]
The offshore wind farm at Arklow Bank was commissioned in 2004. It pre-dated the introduction of the REFIT scheme and is part of an earlier scheme to support renewable generation namely AER or Alternative Energy Requirement. Under Orders brought in under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is responsible for calculation and certification of the Public Service Obligation (PSO). The PSO year runs from 1 October each year until 30 September the following year.
By 1 August each year, the CER publishes a Decision Paper on the PSO for the upcoming year, which sets out the components of the PSO and the amount to be charged to electricity consumers in the upcoming period. The components are aggregated thus setting out the total costs associated with a given State Aid clearance decision. While the CER would calculate the aggregate sum from individual projects, it does not publish a list of the amounts of the PSO that relate to individual projects, as the data are commercially sensitive. In CER 11/130, the CER Decision on the 2011/2012 PSO year, the total cost of the AER scheme to the PSO is set out as €665,464. The Decision states that there is 322MW of AER generation capacity supported in this PSO decision. This would include the 25MW offshore windfarm referred to by the Deputy.
A study undertaken by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and EirGrid entitled ‘Impact of Wind on Wholesale Electricity Costs in 2011', concludes that the reduction in the wholesale market cost of electricity as a result of wind in the market place in 2011 is approximately equivalent to the sum of PSO costs i.e. that there is no net additional cost to electricity consumers. Benefits to Irish consumers from renewable energy include increased security of electricity supply, reduced reliance on high priced imported fossil fuels and reduced carbon emissions and economic activity and inward investment.
Directive 2009/28/EC also places a legally binding obligation on Ireland to achieve a set proportion of energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020. In the event Ireland does not meet the target, the Directive requires the purchase of renewable credits (at an as yet unknown price) from other countries that will have exceeded their target. By ensuring renewable energy development in line with the national target Ireland will avoid the risk of additional costs through having to purchase renewable credits, while enjoying the benefits in terms of reduced emissions, increased security of supply and increased economic activity.
Legislative Programme
Catherine Murphy
Question:22 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his view on the need for primary legislation in the area of media ownership with a specific remedial regard to dealing with over-concentration of media interests in the ownership of one or a few individuals; his views on whether the current media market here contains a sufficient level of competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21939/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, the responsibility for control of merger and acquisitions including those relating to the media in the State, lies with my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. At present I have no function with regard to media, outside of my broadcasting remit. However, legislation is in train in the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to significantly update the media mergers function, and transfer it to my Department later this year. Arising from the critical role of the media in our democracy, and the potentially harmful effects of an over concentration of media ownership, this issue is a vitally important one. The Government remains committed to implementing a set of robust measures that allow for a transparent and objective assessment of the public good in media mergers cases, and to do so as quickly as possible.
Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 17.
Telecommunications Services
Catherine Murphy
Question:24 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he intends to initiate an internal assessment to estimate the impact the high rate of metal theft is having at present on infrastructure under the remit of his Department and consequently on service provision, specifically communications infrastructure related to the provision of broadband internet services, digital and analogue terrestrial television services, and other communications infrastructure; if he has received information outlining any such difficulties to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21940/12]
The protection of telecommunications infrastructure from theft is a matter for the owners of such property in the first instance. The investigation of any individual case of theft, as a criminal offence, is a matter for An Garda Síochána and is not a matter in which I have any statutory role. I am aware of reports of thefts from public lands and premises of metals for the scrap value of the stolen property. I understand from my colleague Mr. Alan Shatter T.D., Minister for Justice and Equality that in the area of metal thefts, a number of initiatives have been developed by the Garda Síochána National Crime Prevention Unit. A Metal Theft Forum under the Garda National Crime Prevention Unit has been established and has met with stakeholders particularly affected by this type of criminality including those in the communications, energy supply, transport, brewery and farming sectors to bring forward a metal theft crime prevention and reduction plan focusing on crime prevention and regulation of the scrap metal industry.
Consultancy Contracts
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:25 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the costs to his Department for expenditure on outside consultancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21944/12]
My Department's expenditure from its consultancy services and value for money and policy reviews budget was €1.364m in 2011, and expenditure of €208k has been incurred to date in 2012. In procuring these specialised services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and the keeping of expenditure to the minimum necessary. In this regard, the Deputy might note that expenditure from my Department's consultancy services and value for money and policy reviews budget has reduced from €2.095m in 2007 to €1.364m in 2011.
Given the technical complexity of the sectors which my Department oversees and, in some instances regulates, there is a requirement to procure specialised services to address specific issues as they arise. The Department therefore also necessarily incurs some expenditure on outsourced services as part of programme expenditure, an element of which is consultancy in nature. I will forward the figure for the consultancy element to the Deputy when it is disaggregated from the larger programme spend.
Broadcasting Services
Mick Wallace
Question:26 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that hundreds of unregistered digital installers are advertising the installation of Saorview; if he will consider setting up a register of digital installers to counteract this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21947/12]
Mick Wallace
Question:27 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will set up a register of digital installers in view of the fact that hundreds of unregistered installers are operating at the expense of those who registered their businesses to provide the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21948/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 27 together.
I have no function in relation to the matters raised by the Deputy. I have however, made enquiries with SAORVIEW. There is no registration system for installers of TV equipment in this country. I have been informed that SAORVIEW has established relationships with three trade bodies representing installers — the Irish Satellite and Aerial Association (ISAA), the National Guild of Master Craftsmen, and the Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI). It is my understanding that SAORVIEW has agreed with each of the bodies to the incorporation of the term "recognised by SAORVIEW" as part of each Group's logo, which can be displayed by installers who are members of the respective Groups and who adhere to certain conditions as set out by SAORVIEW.
I have been informed by SAORVIEW that it is very vigilant in monitoring the use of the SAORVIEW brand and follow up on complaints and any misrepresentation of SAORVIEW and, in certain instances, this has lead to legal correspondence being entered into. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to make it clear that, in terms of members of the public being solicited on a door-to-door basis by installers, neither SAORVIEW nor RTÉ are sending representatives to people's doors to check their televisions or aerials nor have they commissioned or endorsed any door to door sales activities under the SAORVIEW or RTÉ brand. Should the Deputy be aware of anyone misusing the SAORVIEW brand, or engaging in such misrepresentation, I would ask him to contact SAORVIEW directly.
Clare Daly
Question:28 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 402 of 14 February 2012 regarding Saorview and noting that up to 469,000 homes have acquired or will require a new digital primary television source by 24 October 2012, if he will provide a replacement scheme similar to the successful 2008 radio replacement scheme for marginalised low income families. [21700/12]
I am very much aware of the challenges digital switchover brings, in particular for households that are reliant on the existing "free to air" analogue TV network. It is estimated that about 250 thousand households are solely reliant on the Irish analogue TV network. A further 350 thousand households use the network for secondary TV's or as a back up. The necessary assistance and support for everyone but in particular for those households who need to make the switch to digital is being provided through a substantial national information campaign. In addition there is a community outreach programme aimed at providing local assistance to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in society. As I have stated in reply to previous questions, I do not propose to introduce grant schemes for this purpose.
Experience from other European countries indicates that the cost of set top boxes and other digital receivers reduces as the date for digital switchover approaches, and as competition increases in the market. There is clear evidence that this is now happening in Ireland with affordable set top boxes that meet the SAORVIEW standard on the market, as well as a wide range of suitable digital televisions. A small SAORVIEW TV can cost as little as €120 and set top boxes are now retailing from €70 or less. Experience from other European countries however shows that the availability of accurate and reliable information and the provision of practical assistance is the most effective approach towards assisting people in making the switch to digital television.
In this regard, therefore, to overcome the challenges that digital switchover brings, I have undertaken to deliver a substantial information campaign providing households with information on the digital switchover, the 24 October date for analogue switch off and on their options for going digital. This information campaign commenced in quarter four 2011 and includes a dedicated telephone helpline, 1890 840 980, a website www.goingdigital.ie, information booklets, TV and radio Ads and a PR campaign. An information booklet will also be delivered to every house in the country in the coming months. In conjunction with this, my Department has been working to address the particular information and assistance needs of vulnerable households as they prepare to go digital. On January 10th 2012, I signed an agreement with a national voluntary organisation, the Wheel, to develop and operate a nationwide community outreach digital switchover programme (Outreach Programme).
The Wheel, in conjunction with other voluntary and community organisations throughout the country, has now begun to roll out the countrywide Outreach Programme through a network of recently appointed county-based local Champions. The aim of the Outreach Programme, which will provide additional assistance and advice at community level to those who may find the move to digital TV difficult, is to ensure that everybody is made aware of the switchover and that no TV viewers are left without a TV service once the national analogue TV service switches off in October. A press release issued on the Outreach Programme and is available on the dedicated digital switchover website www.goingdidital.ie as is the list of local champions referred to above.
Telecommunications Services
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:29 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has examined the failure of the programmes to provide high speed broadband in all areas throughout the country regardless of geographic location over the past ten years; the degree to which authorities in other jurisdictions have surpassed this country’s performance in that regard over the same period; the extent to which he can make strategic and corrective changes to ensure a substantial improvement in the provision of state of the art technology thereby giving the business sector a competitive advantage in the communications sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21941/12]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:88 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline any issues that are likely to present themselves as obstacles to the development of modern high speed broadband provision in all areas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22191/12]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:92 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the means by which it is expected that broadband requirements of the most modern quality are met in full in all areas throughout the country over a specific period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22195/12]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:93 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his preferred options for the development of the telecom sector in the future with particular reference to the need for investment in infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22197/12]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:95 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which it is envisaged to match the quality, coverage and capability of telecommunication systems throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22199/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 88, 92, 93 and 95 together.
The provision of electronic communications services including broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for competing service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market, regulated by the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
The Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to bring broadband to those parts of the country where operators have not offered services on a commercial basis. In the case of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), for example, services are available from the NBS service provider, 3, to persons with a fixed residence or fixed business in each of the 1,028 Electoral Divisions (ED) where a lack of broadband access had been identified. The Rural Broadband Scheme (RBS), which was launched last year, will serve individual premises that are unable to receive a broadband service, due to technical difficulties such as line of sight issues. Completion of the RBS programme later this year 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.
International comparisons on broadband access are complicated and difficult to assess. Comparisons by the OECD, for example, are based on published speeds offered by the largest service providers in each country. These comparisons do not take account of high bandwidth circuits which are negotiated bilaterally between the customer and service provider in each case. In addition, the country comparisons are based on a ranking of advertised headline speeds only, which do not take account of actual speeds experienced by customers. Akamai, http://www.akamai.com/, an infrastructure provider to the Internet industry with servers located in 650 cities and 72 countries, on the other hand, publishes quarterly data which, among other things, measures and compares average and peak speeds available to customers across 49 countries.
The OECD broadband survey for September 2011, positions Ireland 30th in a ranking of countries based on the fastest advertised broadband speed. This compares to Akami's report for September 2011 ranking Ireland 13th globally and 7th within Europe for the highest average peak connection speeds provided. Similarly in the case of average speeds, Ireland is 21st in the ranking of highest average advertised speeds by the OECD compared to an Akami ranking of 8th globally and 4th within Europe for its average connection speed of 7Mbps. This compares to 8.5 Mbps provided in the Netherlands, the highest ranked of 23 European countries and South Korea at 16.7Mbps, the highest ranked of the 49 countries compared. It also has to be borne in mind these are average speeds by country which do not reflect actual speeds available in particular areas or regions of the countries compared. Therefore, insofar as comparable broadband statistics on average and peak speeds provided are available, Ireland hovers about the limit of the top quartile of countries compared when measured on speeds provided and performs far better in a comparison of actual speeds measured than it does in a comparison of marketed headline speeds.
There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to co-invest with the private sector and commercial Semi State sector to provide Next Generation Broadband customer access and associated fast speeds to every home and business in the State. The Next Generation Broadband Taskforce (NGBT), which I convened last summer, has had an important role to play in this regard. It comprises the CEOs of all of the major telecommunications companies operating in the Irish market, as well as CEOs of some other companies that provide broadband services. The purpose of the Taskforce, among other things, was to assist in developing a roadmap for the development of next generation networks across Ireland.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Taskforce report has now been published today. The report notes that by 2015 50% of the population will have access to highspeed broadband services with speeds in excess of 70 Mbps. The report also highlights areas where Government and industry can work together to facilitate the roll out of high speed services across Ireland, and particularly in areas where the case for commercial investment is marginal. I have also today launched a 4 week consultation process, following on the publication of the Taskforce report. The purpose of this consultation is to provide further input to this important policy area. Thereafter, it is my intention to bring proposals to Government for a National Broadband Plan for Ireland. This plan will build on the recent excellent progress made and be informed by the findings of the Taskforce and subsequent consultations.
Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 11.
Energy Prices
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:31 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has been appraised of any proposed gas and electricity price increases; the reasons given for such proposed increases; the extent to which an evaluation has been done as to the negative inpact of any such increases on the economy with particular reference to job creation, job retention and competitiveness; if he will use his influence with the regulator and the service providers with a view to deferring any such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21942/12]
I do not have a statutory function in the setting of energy prices, whether in the regulated or unregulated market. Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is entirely a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation, (CER), which is an independent statutory body. Prices in the retail electricity market for both domestic and business customers are now fully deregulated, as are those in the retail gas market for business customers. Since October 2011, CER only regulates the gas price charged by Bord Gáis Energy to domestic consumers. Prices charged to electricity customers, domestic and business, and to business gas customers, are wholly a commercial and operational matter for the suppliers. Ireland's electricity and gas markets, both wholesale and retail, are characterised by vigorous competition regulated by the CER.
The Government recognises that the cost of energy in Ireland is a serious competitiveness issue facing all energy consumers during this difficult period for the economy. The provision of secure, sustainable and competitive energy supplies is critical for the economy and is a challenge we are determined to meet. Global gas and oil prices have risen sharply since the start of 2011 driven by events in North Africa, Japan and the Middle East and high demand from the emerging economies of China and India. Volatile high prices have continued in global markets since the start of 2012. International oil and gas prices are set to rise further over the coming months. These trends will have an impact on domestic electricity and gas prices, and were reflected in the CER's decision to allow an increase in BGE's regulated gas tariff for the residential sector in October 2011 and in the recent increases in domestic electricity prices announced by the suppliers competing in that market.
Given Ireland's heavy reliance on imported gas and oil and relatively small market size, it is a price taker in the global fossil fuel market. The economy is therefore vulnerable to fossil fuel price fluctuations and price rises. Competitor countries are in many instances facing the same prospect and the objective in the context of higher global prices must be that we retain or improve our competitive position. Ireland's concerns about high oil and gas prices are shared at EU level and fellow Member Countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The EU and IEA agree that high fossil fuel prices, which pose a threat to economic recovery, underline the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by radically enhanced energy efficiency measures and the development of renewable energy.
At a national level, competitive markets in electricity and gas help put downward pressure on prices. Focus must also be maintained on actions to mitigate costs where possible for business and domestic customers. This is essential for competitiveness, employment and for economic recovery. I am committed to working with enterprise and with the energy sector to ensure that the costs of energy are as competitive as possible, including sustained focus on energy efficiency measures.
The most recent analysis of data compiled by EuroStat for electricity and gas prices in the European Union, published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), covers the period January to June 2011. The figures show Irish electricity and gas prices performing well by reference to the EU average for medium to large business customers (above 2,000 MWh/annum). The VAT-exclusive electricity price in Ireland for these business consumers ranged from 10% to 17% below the EU average and from 13% to 19% below the Eurozone average. These customers accounted for 48% of the business electricity market. Prices for gas customers were below the EU average by between 4% and 25% for most business gas categories.
Larger domestic electricity consumers, representing 64% of the domestic electricity market (over 5,000 kWh/annum) experienced price reductions between 6.1% and 7.6% over the period. The prices for these consumers were between 7% and 19% below the EU average. In the first half of 2011 natural gas prices for household consumers fell by 3.3%. The EU average for gas price reductions for the same period was 1.4%. For this period the price of gas for Irish householders was 10% below the EU average. EuroStat price data for the second half of 2011 will be available and published by the SEAI next month.
Human Rights Issues
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:32 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to meet Burma’s Pro Democracy Leader Aung San Suu Kyi; the way he is supporting the development of democracy in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22257/12]
Burma is in the process of undergoing an important and long-awaited transformation. I have been very encouraged by the manner in which the by-elections of April 1 were conducted. The credibility of the recent election process has been a testament to the commitment of President Thein Sein and the Burmese Government to advancing the causes of democracy, peace and reform in Burma. I warmly congratulate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the members of the National League for Democracy on their recent election to Burma's parliament. They, and others, have struggled for many years to bring freedom and democracy to the people of Burma and now have the opportunity play a defining role in shaping the future of their country.
The situation in Burma has greatly improved and Ireland has always remained ready to respond positively to genuine progress towards democratisation and respect for human rights. In April, together with my EU colleagues, we decided to suspend all sanctions against Burma with the exception of the arms embargo and the embargo on equipment which might be used for internal repression. At the ASEAN European Ministerial Meeting last week, which was attended by my colleague the Minister of State for European Affairs, the EU praised ASEAN's role on Burma and the courage of the Burmese Government in pushing through reforms, while cautioning about the challenges ahead. The ASEAN side underlined the fact that Burma will need a lot of support in coming years, welcomed the measures taken by the EU Foreign Affairs Council in suspending sanctions and urged the EU to work towards the full lifting of sanctions.
I remain concerned that an unknown number of political prisoners remain incarcerated. Ireland urges the Burmese Government to release all political prisoners unconditionally as an indication that it is firmly committed to change and reform. I am confident that the Burmese Government will continue to address the concerns of ethnic minority groups and work towards the establishment of comprehensive human rights protection for the people of Burma.
Ireland has been funding organisations working in Burma for a number of years and over the last four years has given €6 million to NGOs and missionaries working on long term and emergency responses. I am hopeful that recent developments will facilitate increased cooperation between the European Union, including Ireland, and Burma, as it continues its journey of reform and democratisation. I expect to speak with Aung San Suu Kyi, members of the National League for Democracy and other civil society organisations at an appropriate occasion in the future.
Tax Code
Patrick Nulty
Question:33 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Finance if he will explain the reason the levy for non-life insurance for Irish Life and Permanent customers was increased from 3% to 5% at the start of this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22059/12]
At the outset it is important to distinguish between the 3% stamp duty on non-life insurance premiums and the 2% insurance compensation fund (ICF) levy which was introduced on non-life insurance premiums on 1 January of this year. The former forms a part of general stamp duty receipts and is paid into the Central Fund along with other tax receipts. The latter is a levy which is being used to finance the ICF in order to meet the deficit arising from the administration of Quinn Insurance Ltd (QIL).
The ICF operates under the Insurance Act 1964. Its purpose is to protect policy holders in the event of their insurer becoming insolvent. This protection allows policyholders of QIL to receive the benefit of their policies rather than a partial settlement or a nil settlement. The responsibility for deciding whether the ICF has sufficient funds available to it 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. This is 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.
National Asset Management Agency
Pearse Doherty
Question:34 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will name the private investors who replaced Irish Life’s interests in the National Asset Management Agency. [22062/12]
I am advised by NAMA that it is expected that the private investors will purchase the Irish Life shareholding in the NAMA SPV through a nominee account structure. The detail of this, which will be completed in a number of weeks, is commercially sensitive. It would not be appropriate, therefore for me to comment any further on it.
Banks Recapitalisation
Stephen S. Donnelly
Question:35 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance in respect of the Anglo promissory note announcement of 29 March 2012, the rationale for, and the detailed calculation of, the €30m adjustment which he referred to as a technical adjustment under the Government accounting rules in his responses to Parliamentary Questions on 18 April 2012. [22077/12]
The €90 million additional cost in 2012 of using a Government bond to meet the Promissory Note payment due at the end of March instead of borrowing under the EU/IMF Programme was estimated by subtracting the €80 million interest costs under the Programme from the total estimated cost of €170 million arising from the Government bond. This total cost, based on a projected nominal issuance of €3.53 billion, had two elements. The first element consisted of the estimated interest arising from the coupon of 5.4% and the second, technical adjustment, relates to the difference between the project nominal issuance of €3.53 billion and its €3.06 billion market value.
The rationale for the technical adjustment is that the difference between the nominal and market values has to be accounted for in general government deficit terms. Under ESA95 accounting rules, this difference is classified as interest and accrued over the lifetime of the bond. Due to changes in pricing, a lower bond nominal amount of €3.46 billion was issued giving a difference between the nominal and the market value of around €400 million. Based on the remaining bond term of just under 13 years, the annual accrual in a full year is €30.8 million (€400 million divided by 13). In respect of the calendar year 2012, as the bond was issued at the end of March 2012, the accrual amount for three quarters of 2012 is estimated to be around €23m.
Tax Collection
Niall Collins
Question:36 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance when a tax refund will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [22149/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer in question has some issues to be resolved, arising from his registration as a self-employed person. Revenue will write to the taxpayer directly. If he requires additional information he should contact Sinead Ryan, Revenue House, Blackpool, Cork on 021 6027561.
Niall Collins
Question:37 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that the tax affairs are in order in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [22150/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person concerned has not filed a tax return or made written contact with Revenue for many years, so it is not possible to give a definitive answer. However, based on the most recent information available to Revenue, this person's pension from the Department of Social Protection has been taken into account when allocating his tax credits in respect of his income from the HSE for the past four years.
Tax Code
Peadar Tóibín
Question:38 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance if he will meet with a bus transport business in County Meath that is suffering due to a number of issues such as fuel costs, lack of rebates and inability to claim back VAT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22235/12]
Ireland, as with other countries, has experienced an increase in the cost of petrol and auto-diesel. This is an international phenomenon 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.
A derogation under EU Directive 2003/96 on Energy Taxation allowed the application of a reduced rate of Mineral Oil Tax to fuel used for the purposes of certain road passenger services. That derogation has expired and the arrangement was, therefore, terminated by the Finance Act 2008. It would not be possible, having regard to the relevant provisions of EU law, to re-introduce a scheme of that nature for those services.
Passenger transport services are exempt from VAT. This means that that VAT is not charged on the passenger service and the passenger transport provider cannot claim input deductibility on any VAT incurred on costs related to their business, including any VAT paid on fuel costs. As such, the supply of fuel is subject to VAT at the standard rate of 23%.
The exemption from VAT on passenger transport services is the subject of a derogation from the normal VAT rules, where passenger transport is normally subject to VAT at either the standard or reduced rates. Under the EU VAT Directive it is not possible to allow persons who supply exempt services to claim VAT input deductibility, this would equate to zero-rated treatment and zero rated treatment can only apply to those goods and services that were subject to the zero rate on 1 January 1991. In this regard it is not possible to allow passenger transport providers to claim the VAT incurred on their fuel costs. In light of this information, if the company in question wishes to contact my office, I will arrange a meeting with my officials.
EU Treaties
Stephen S. Donnelly
Question:39 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the negotiations leading to the revised ESM treaty, if transcripts exist of the inter-Government meetings at which this was discussed; and if so, if he will release them, redacted as necessary to avoid breaching confidentiality obligations to other parties to the negotiations. [22244/12]
Neither I, nor my Department possess any such transcripts and I am not aware that any exist.
National Asset Management Agency
Pearse Doherty
Question:40 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the amount the National Asset Management Agency currently holds in cash reserves. [22250/12]
I have been informed by NAMA that at the end of March 2012 it held cash and liquid investments (principally short-term government securities) of €4.6 billion. At my direction NAMA entered into a re-purchase agreement with the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Limited whereby it advanced €3.06 billion to IBRC on a short-term basis. This agreement has a maximum duration of 90 days. Having adjusted for this temporary re-purchase agreement, NAMA currently holds cash and liquid investments of €1.54bn.
Pearse Doherty
Question:41 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the process that was observed in making an appointment to the board of the National Asset Management Agency on 7 March 2012, following the receipt of 24 applications up to 6 March 2012. [22251/12]
Part 2, Chapter 2 of the NAMA Act 2009 governs appointments to the Board of NAMA and grants me the authority to appoint seven Board Members. In line with Government arrangements for appointments to State boards and bodies expressions of interest in respect of vacancies on the Board were invited via the website of my Department in February 2011. However, it should be noted that under the Government arrangements Ministers are not confined to those who make expressions of interest, as long as all appointees are relevantly qualified.
The appointment of John Mulcahy to the Board of NAMA was recommended to me by Frank Daly, Chair of NAMA and his appointment by me was consistent with a key recommendation in the Geoghegan report that I should introduce greater property skill sets to the Board. Expressions of interest received will be assessed as part of my consideration of appointments to the remaining vacancy on the NAMA Board.
Banks Recapitalisation
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:42 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the name of each person who holds a senior corporate management post in each of the State controlled banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22261/12]
Information regarding the composition of the management teams of the relevant State controlled banks is available on the respective company's websites through annual reports and updated press releases. However, for completeness, the current status of the management teams of each institution is presented below:
The Executive Committee of AIB is currently comprised of the following individuals:
David Duffy — Chief Executive Officer*,
Bernard Byrne — Director of Personal and Business Banking*,
John Conway — Human Resources Director,
Marcel McCann — Operations and Technology Director,
Jerry McCrohan — Director of Corporate and Institutional and Commercial Banking,
Gerry McGinn — Managing Director, First Trust Bank,
Fergus Murphy — Group Transformation and Services Director,
Ronan O'Neill — Managing Director, AIB UK,
Peter Rossiter — Chief Risk Officer,
Peter Spratt — Head of Non-Core Unit,
Paul Stanley — Acting Chief Financial Officer.
*Members of Board.
The current members of the senior management team of IBRC are:
Mike Aynsley — Group Chief Executive Officer*,
Philip Brady — Group Company Secretary,
Peter Fitzgerald — Head of Corporate Affairs,
Walter Tyrell — Head of Internal Audit,
Lizanne White — Group Executive — Chief Legal Officer (temporary),
Jim Bradley — Group Executive — Chief Financial Officer (temporary),
Gary Marshall — Group Executive — Chief Operations Officer (temporary),
Roger McGreal — Interim Chief Risk Officer*,
John McGloughlin — Group Executive — Investment and Loan Servicing,
Tom Hunersen — Group Executive — Corporate and Institutional Recovery,
Richard Woodhouse — Executive Head of Specialised Asset Management (temporary),
Mark Layther — Executive Head of Recovery Management Ireland (temporary),
Jim Brydie — Executive Head of Recovery Management UK.
Note: Senior corporate management as opposed to Gexco members.
*Members of Board.
The Executive Committee of the IL&P is comprised of:
Kevin Murphy — Group CEO*
David McCarthy — Group Finance Director*
Gerry Hassett — CEO Irish Life Retail
David Harney — CEO Irish Life Corporate Business
Gerry Keenan — CEO Irish Life Investment Managers
Tony Hession — Group Head of Human Resources and Organisation Development
Bill Hannan — Group Head of Risk and Compliance
Brendan Healy — Group Chief Information Officer
Note: The IL&P Group is in the process of being split up with legal separation currently expected to complete at end June 2012. In the interim, Jeremy Masding has been appointed as CEO of permanent tsb*. He has appointed the following people to his executive team — Bill Hannan Chief Risk Officer, Emil Ivanov Strategy and Planning Director, Kieran Bristow Head of Treasury and Tony Hession as HR Director.
*Members of the Board of IL & PGH.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:43 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the number of times in 2011 and to date in 2012 he has met the ECB President Mario Draghi and when he will be in a position to make a further announcement on the promissory note; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22262/12]
As the Deputy is aware, I have indicated that I am committed to reviewing the approach to the Promissory notes with a view to reducing the overall cost to the State of correcting the banking system. The Troika have agreed to engage in a process with Irish Officials to produce a common paper which will consider options for re-engineering the notes in terms of the maturity of the notes, the interest rate, the cash flows etc. Work is on-going on this, and we must look at 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. As you know, we want to arrive at a successful conclusion that is in the interests of Ireland and the EU.
In tandem with this technical review the Government uses appropriate opportunities to garner support for an approach which is more beneficial to the Irish State. President Draghi regularly attends Eurogroup and Ecofin meetings in Brussels and these meetings provide an opportunity to speak with President Draghi on the margins. The Deputy will also be aware that I travelled to Frankfurt on the 24th of January 2012 to meet President Draghi.
Special Educational Needs
Arthur Spring
Question:44 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding can currently be provided by his Department to assist parents with the costs of applied behavioural analysis treatment for children with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22232/12]
My Department's policy is focused on ensuring that all children including those with autism can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes, fully qualified professional teachers who may draw from a range of autism-specific interventions, including ABA, special needs assistants, and the appropriate school curriculum with the option where possible of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. As each child with autism is unique it is important that children have access to a range of interventions so their broader needs can be met.
My Department's policy is to provide for children with special educational needs, including autism, to be included in mainstream schools unless such a placement would not be in their best interests or the interests of the children with whom they are to be educated. Some children may be supported in a special class attached to a mainstream school. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Other children may have such complex needs that they are best placed in a special school. Students with special educational needs have access to a range of support services including additional teaching and/or care supports. In special schools and special classes, students are supported through lower pupil teacher ratios. Special needs assistants may also be recruited specifically where pupils with disabilities and significant care needs are enrolled.
The Deputy may be aware that my Department previously funded 13 centres through an ABA pilot scheme. All of the centres which participated in this scheme have been granted recognition as special schools for children with autism and operate in line with my Department's policy. The pilot scheme was established in the absence of the network of school-based special classes for children with autism which is now available. The establishment of this network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country has been a key educational priority in recent years. There are now in excess of 450 special classes for children with autism attached to mainstream and special schools.
FÁS Training Programmes
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:45 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review an application for training allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22279/12]
I understand that the person in question commenced a FÁS Contracted Beauty Therapy Course on 5th March, 2012. However, FÁS learners are paid training allowances only on foot of evidence on the F103 form from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) confirming eligibility. I am informed that the F103 form submitted to FÁS by the Department of Social Protection in respect of the person in question declares that she is not in receipt of a payment. Therefore, FÁS is not in a position to pay an allowance. She is, however, in receipt of an accommodation and meal allowance. The person in question would need to get in contact with her local DSP Office to progress matters further.
Pension Provisions
Ciaran Lynch
Question:46 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Skills when pension payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22039/12]
In order for a member of a pension scheme administered by my Department to claim pension payment it is necessary to make application to my Department. Specific application forms for this purpose are available on my Department's website or by writing to the Pension Unit of my Department. The Pension Unit has now issued the necessary application form to the person to whom the Deputy refers. When the completed form is returned to the Pension Unit the application will be processed.
School Transport
Brendan Griffin
Question:47 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22074/12]
From the commencement of the 2012/13 school year, the use of the Catchment Boundary Area (CB) System as a means of determining eligibility will cease for all pupils newly entering post primary school. This means that from the 2012/13 school year school transport eligibility for all pupils newly entering a post primary school will be determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language. This change was announced as part of Budget 2011 but is not being introduced until the 2012/13 school year in order to allow parents of children newly entering post primary school ample time to consider their school choice options, taking account of the revised school transport eligibility arrangements.
At post primary level, the evidence is, as set out in the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Schemes, that the majority of children are attending their nearest post primary school/centre. 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.
Adult Education
Robert Troy
Question:48 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will make provisions available for adults to access the current up-skilling and returning to education courses that are available through an adult education centre (details supplied) which is registered with FETAC and NUI Maynooth, County Kildare. [22135/12]
I understand that the centre referred to by the Deputy is a private body that charges a fee for its courses. My Department provides funding to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) nationwide for a range of part-time and full-time accredited and non-accredited further and adult education programmes. Part-time programmes are available free of charge to anyone with a less than upper second level education.
Youthreach for early school leavers and the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) for unemployed people over 21 years of age including lone parents and those on disability allowances are full-time programmes that are also free. Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) full-time programmes are for school leavers and adults returning to education and are free to welfare recipients, those who have a medical card and those eligible for receipt of a maintenance grant (other participants pay a €200 participant contribution). In 2011, there were some 170,000 participants in such programmes and this level of provision is being maintained in 2012. Individuals can get more information on these programmes from their local VEC.
School Accommodation
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:49 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide together with County Kildare Vocational Education Committee for improved second level accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22247/12]
As outlined in the Five Year Plan, the delivery of major school projects required to meet demographic demand will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise available funding to meet future demographic demands, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. The Deputy will appreciate that the primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan, is to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place. This announcement represents major advances in how the school building programme is publicised, and will provide certainty to patrons and school communities concerning the major school building projects that my Department is in a position to progress.
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, including a project for the school in question, will be progressed.
European Globalisation Fund
Michael Conaghan
Question:50 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications that have been made by redundant construction workers for European globalisation funding for enterprise support and the number of these applications that have been successful. [22274/12]
Information on the number of EGF clients who have applied to avail, or who are availing, of enterprise supports being provided with EU co-financing under the three currently running EGF construction programmes is set out in the table. These figures cover the period from 19 December 2011, when notification letters detailing the offer of relevant EGF services issued to all EGF eligible clients under these programmes, to 2 March 2012. The three EGF construction programmes will continue up to 9 June 2012. Enterprise supports supplied to the relevant cohort prior to 19 December 2011 were funded through the European Regional Development Fund and, as such, may not be included under EGF programmes. EGF Construction Programmes (NACE 41, NACE 43 and NACE 71).
|
Total number of applicants |
Currently being assisted by the EGF Construction Contact Centre |
Enrolled and due to commence intervention |
Commenced intervention |
Assisted by EGF Contact Centre but no longer pursuing interest in enterprise supports |
|
10 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
Michael Conaghan
Question:51 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the portion of European globalisation funding that has been allocated for enterprise; the amount of this that has been allocated to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22275/12]
The allocation of funding for enterprise supports provided under approved EGF co-financed programmes to date is set out in the table. The eligibility periods for the delivery of EGF co-financed supports under the Dell, Waterford Crystal and SR Technics programmes have closed and certified final expenditure figures, including enterprise support expenditure, have subsequently been submitted together with the requisite Final Reports by the Department to the European Commission.
However, to date information on only one EGF programme, the Waterford Crystal programme, is available regarding the final draw down of expenditure arising from the response of the European Commission by way of initial calculation in a debit note issued to the Department. This expenditure still remains subject to confirmation upon official closure of the programme by the EU. Debit notes are awaited on the other two closed programmes from the European Commission.
The three construction sector EGF programmes are ongoing and close on 9 June 2012. The Department must submit Final Reports and certified statements of final expenditure to the European Commission on these programmes by 9 December 2012. Under the EGF Regulations governing the Fund, the European Commission has up to six months after the receipt of all required information to wind up a financial contribution from the EGF.
|
EGF Programme |
EGF programme allocation |
EGF Enterprise supports allocation |
EGF Final Report certified expenditure |
EGF certified enterprise expenditure |
|
DELL |
€22.8m |
€2.05m |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Waterford Crystal |
€3.955m |
€0,63m |
€3.09m |
€0.86m |
|
SR Technics |
€11.46m |
€0.48m |
n/a |
n/a |
|
NACE 41 (construction of buildings) |
€19.52m |
€1.20m |
Due by 9 December 2012 |
n/a |
|
NACE 43 (specialised construction activities) |
€33.33m |
€0,83m |
Due by 9 December 2012 |
n/a |
|
NACE 71 (architectural and engineering activities) |
€2.14m |
€0.22m |
Due by 9 December 2012 |
n/a |
|
€93.21m |
€5.41m |
€3.09m |
€0.86m |
Schools Building Projects
Patrick Nulty
Question:52 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will expedite the provision of a long-standing planned extension for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; if he will provide an update on the current status of the project; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22277/12]
I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has an application with my Department for capital funding for a major school project. Information in respect of the current status of all assessed applications for major capital works, including this project, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie. As outlined in the Five Year Plan, the delivery of major school projects required to meet demographic demand will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. In view of the funding constraints imposed by the need to prioritise available funding to meet additional demographic requirements, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this school project at this time.
Job Creation
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:53 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he envisages cloud computing to become of major commercial impact with particular reference to economic recovery and job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22196/12]
Cloud computing is one of the key target sectors identified in the Government's Action Plan for Jobs. The Plan outlines the opportunities that cloud computing presents for Ireland arising from the global growth of the cloud computing sector in terms of attracting further foreign direct investment (FDI), supporting the emergence of start- up companies providing technology solutions and services via cloud computing, and, stimulating the use of cloud computing by SMEs and start-up companies. It also acknowledges that key challenges relating to the need for high speed broadband, energy cost competitiveness and access to a supply of skilled workers must be addressed for these opportunities to be exploited to the full.
The Action Plan outlines a number of specific actions for implementation in 2012 to ensure that Ireland can reap the substantial benefits in terms of jobs and growth from the global expansion of cloud computing. One of these has already been implemented following my announcement last month of the €1.2 million industry led Cloud Computing Research Centre which is being funded by Government. This centre brings together a team of researchers from DCU, UCC and Athlone Institute of Technology, with a cohort of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland companies, to establish ways to generate business from cloud computing. One of the priority objectives for the team is to conduct research on maintaining and managing cloud based applications for businesses of all sizes.
A number of other actions, which are designed to ensure that Ireland can fully exploit the employment potential offered by cloud computing, will be implemented throughout this year in accordance with the Action Plan. These include:
examining the potential for demonstration projects in cloud computing to promote Ireland as a centre of excellence for this technology, provide a reference site for Irish companies, while potentially lowering costs and improving services;
supporting industry groups, such as the Irish Software Association, to develop and deliver a practical tool kit to assist SMEs in assessing the adoption of Cloud Computing for their business;
supporting research groups in areas of relevance to exploitation of cloud computing, such as semantic web and financial stock analysis, through, for example, support for the Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI). In other areas, such as middleware, information security, distributed computing, researchers are furthering research in this area with direct application in the cloud computing context;
ensuring that the ICT Skills Action Plan, which is being implemented to address the shortage in ICT skills, incorporates the needs associated with the development of cloud computing in Ireland; and,
Developing a Cloud Computing Procurement Standard with Industry experts through an NSAI Standards group.
Progress reports on all of these actions will be provided on a quarterly basis throughout the year.
Legislative Programme
Joanna Tuffy
Question:54 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the current status of the Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22209/12]
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 and completed all stages in the Seanad on 27 April 2012. The Bill will be returned to the Dail on 9 May for consideration of Seanad amendments and, assuming final passage in both Houses, the Bill will be sent to the President for signature thereafter. I can assure the Deputy that the Bill is a priority Bill for my Department and I expect that the Bill will be enacted by mid-May, 2012.
Industrial Relations
Brendan Griffin
Question:55 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 445 of 18 April 2012, his views on a matter regarding redundancy payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22240/12]
The system of industrial relations in Ireland is essentially voluntarist in nature with the terms and conditions of employment of workers being determined in the main by a process of voluntary negotiation and agreement without the direct intervention of the State. In general, Irish law does not try to impose a solution on parties to an industrial relations dispute, but rather is designed to help support the parties in resolving their differences. Employer and trade union interests have remained committed to this approach in the interest of the harmonious conduct of industrial relations for more than half a century. The State takes a supportive role, by providing a framework and institutions through which good industrial relations can prosper, rather than an interventionist one. Institutions such as the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court were established to assist in the resolution of disputes between employers and workers.
The experience and expertise of the State's industrial relations machinery offers the best avenue for resolving issues in dispute. In this context, it is expected that the parties to a dispute come to the process in good faith and consequently are prepared to give serious consideration to the decisions or recommendations made. Even what often appears to be the most intractable of disputes is capable of resolution where both sides engage constructively and in good faith in this voluntary process. The principle of good faith implies that both sides in a dispute make every effort to reach an agreement and endeavour, through genuine and constructive negotiations, to resolve their differences. Ultimately, responsibility for the resolution of disputes remains a matter for the parties involved. I have no plans to make any changes to Industrial Relations Acts which would compel either party to a dispute to accept a Labour Court recommendation in disputes referred under those Acts.
Trade Relations
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:56 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to promote trade with South Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22263/12]
South Africa is recognised as a priority market for Irish exports in the Strategy and Action Plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment, the implementation of which is being overseen by the Export Trade Council. This strategy's overall objective is to marshal and coordinate the resources of the State in a way that best supports firms, of all sizes, in all parts of the country, which are trying to trade and grow their business overseas. Implementation of that Strategy will result in the sustained, concentrated and coordinated efforts of all the key Government Departments and agencies, including our embassies and consulates abroad, in support of Irish companies in priority markets, including South Africa.
Over 150 Enterprise Ireland clients export to South Africa and the agency's priority this year is to assist clients to maintain and grow existing market share and encourage new exporters to enter the market. In recognition of the substantial growth in the region and existing significant activity by Irish companies, Enterprise Ireland opened its first South African office in Johannesburg in February 2012. Enterprise Ireland will also use this as a base to respond to market opportunities in other sub Saharan countries and will work with our diplomatic missions in Africa in this context. Budget 2012 introduced an innovative tax incentive, where an individual spends 60 days a year outside the country developing their export business into five key high-growth markets, including South Africa. This measure will support Ireland's export drive in South Africa and encourage efforts by multinational and indigenous firms seeking to expand their export business there.
A key instrument of the Government to pursue trade expansion is that of Trade Missions. As Minister for Trade and Development, in November 2011 Jan O'Sullivan TD led a Trade Mission to Johannesburg and Cape Town as part of a broad long term strategy to further develop trade links in the region. Later this year a further Ministerial led Trade Mission is planned for South Africa which will focus on the software and services sector. In September 2011, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Eamon Gilmore launched a strategy to improve trade and investment links with Africa. The Africa Strategy recognises South Africa as an increasingly important market for Irish exports and sets out a framework for Ireland's business, political and development relations with Africa over the coming years.
Child Care Services
Patrick Nulty
Question:57 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the cooperation her Department will undertake with the Department of Education and Skills to introduce greater child care provision for lone parents in Budget 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22202/12]
Patrick Nulty
Question:68 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures that will be taken between now and the end of 2012 by her to introduce a comprehensive and affordable system of child care along the lines of the Scandinavian model to assist lone parents and other groups in finding employment, training and education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22201/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 68 together.
The Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2012 introduces changes to the structure of the one-parent family payment (OFP) and to the age of the youngest child at which the payment ceases. The changes introduced in the Act are being brought in over time between now and 2015. This reform recognises parental choice with regard to the care of young children and, simultaneously, holds an expectation that parents will not remain outside of the workforce indefinitely.
In view of the changes that have been introduced in the Act, there is a need to address the issues pertinent to the provision of appropriate education, training, employment and child care supports — including after-school care — to both lone parents and other groups who are seeking to access educational and training opportunities and/or re-join the workforce. Discussions have taken place and are on-going between my Department and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs with regard to the provision of child care and after-school care. This includes the assessment of the extent of the current provision of such care, the costs of such care to parents, and the demand for such services from lone parents. These discussions will now be extended to include the Department of Education and Skills in the context of exploring the possible role they could play in relation to the provision of after-school care. The Government will consider these matters further in the context of developing it's approach to Budget 2013.
Questions Nos. 58 and 59 withdrawn.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ciaran Lynch
Question:60 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be forthcoming in regard to an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) for invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22046/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 31st August 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and have been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits
Robert Troy
Question:61 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will expedite an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied). [22055/12]
My Department has no record of an application for carer's allowance having been received from the above named. On 30 April 2012, a claim form and return envelope issued to her for completion. On its return, duly completed, her application will be processed and she will be notified of the outcome.
Social Welfare Appeals
Finian McGrath
Question:62 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo. [22060/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 22nd 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 to an Appeals Officer who will decide the case on a summary basis having regard to the evidence or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:63 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare applying for an invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22061/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that no appeal, by the person concerned, has been received by that office. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits
Noel Coonan
Question:64 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. [22065/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance has been received from the person concerned. On completion of the necessary investigations a decision will be made and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
Question No. 65 withdrawn.
Niall Collins
Question:66 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application submitted in October 2011 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [22145/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on 11th October 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was medically eligible for DCA. A letter issued on 14th December 2011 informing the person concerned of the decision and payment has issued effective from November 2011.
Community Employment Schemes
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:67 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a community employment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [22156/12]
In April 2000, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) introduced capped limits on the amount of time that a person could participate on Community Employment. Community Employment capping was introduced to facilitate the movement of participants though the programme, allowing new participants who may not otherwise have such an opportunity, avail of the programme.
In order for a participant to remain on CE for more than one year, certain conditions must be met. One condition is that a participant must have a minimum of a 156 week period on the Live Register, Community Employment, other recognised training interventions such FÁS training, or a combination of all these. Of these 156 weeks, 52 weeks must have been continuously spent on the Live Register prior to start in order to qualify for CE in the first instance. Unfortunately, the person referred to does not have the appropriate level of qualification time to remain on CE past her finish date of August 17th 2012. It is not possible within current regulations to extend her participation further; however, she may be advised to discuss further training or employment options with her local Employment Services. The Limerick Office can be contacted on 061-312440 to arrange same.
Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 57.
Questions Nos. 69 and 70 withdrawn.
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:71 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of community employment places that were occupied on 31 March 2012 in the north inner city ward and in Dublin central constituency. [22217/12]
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:72 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of community employment drug rehabilitation places that were occupied on 31 March 2012 in the north inner city ward and in Dublin central constituency. [22218/12]
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:73 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of new entrants that started on community employment places between 1 January to 31 March 2012 in the north inner city ward and in Dublin central constituency. [22219/12]
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:74 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of new entrants that started on community employment drug rehabilitation places between 1 January to 31 March 2012 in the north inner city ward and in Dublin central constituency. [22220/12]
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:75 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of new entrants starting on community employment drug rehabilitation places between 1 January to 31 March 2012 in the north inner city ward and in Dublin central constituency who were female. [22221/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 to 75, inclusive, together.
On 31 March 2012, there were 555 participants on Community Employment places in Dublin 1 and 167 participants on Community Employment places in Dublin 7; together this makes up 722 places. Of these 722 places, 130 were drug rehabilitation places. One hundred and four participants on CE occupied drug rehabilitation places in Dublin 1 and 26 participants occupied drug rehabilitation places in Dublin 7.
Thirty-five new entrants started on Community Employment places between 1 January to 31 March 2012 in Dublin 1 and 4 new entrants started in Dublin 7 in the same period; together this makes up 39 new entrants to Community Employment between 1 January to 31 March 2012. Of these 39 new entrants 6 new entrants occupied drug rehabilitation places; 4 in Dublin 1 and 2 in Dublin 7. Two of these new entrants on drug rehabilitation places were female (1 in Dublin 1 and 1 in Dublin 7).
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:76 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding community employment reviews and specifically the future of the drug rehabilitation places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22222/12]
My Department is currently engaged in two reviews that impact on Community Employment. One of these reviews is a review of Departmental Labour Market Activation Measures generally and the other is a financial review of Community Employment that aims to secure savings in the expenditure on materials and training grants in 2012 compared to that in 2011. The financial review of Community Employment (CE) Schemes is now nearing completion and to date no scheme has closed as a result of reductions to the materials and training grants. The review has proved to be a valuable exercise for both the schemes themselves and for my Department.
I have given assurances to CE Drugs Rehabilitation projects that no CE scheme will be forced to close as a result of the reductions in the training and material grants. My Department acknowledges that in most rehabilitative responses to addiction and drug misuse the focus on training to secure employment outcomes is regarded as an essential element of successful interventions. The CE Drug Rehabilitation Projects are working with the Department's Community Development Officers to ensure that there is adequate funding for the continuation of the valuable work undertaken by such schemes.
While the baseline amount of the materials and training grant remains the €500 per participant announced in the Budget, there is scope to make an amount of up to €1,000 per participant available to schemes in respect of the training and materials grant. The onus is on Sponsors to make the case for the appropriate level of the grant for their individual scheme. In the world of recovery from addiction, good practice shows that labour market participation is one of the surest ways to enhance self-esteem and reinforce stability and recovery. This balance between rehabilitation and training has been in the past, and will remain at the core of Community Employment on Drug Rehabilitation projects. I am particularly keen to maintain access to an adequate level of training for persons on these projects. I can give assurances that the 1,000 Drugs Taskforce places will remain in place and continue to be ring-fenced. As of 30th March, there were 852 participants on drug rehabilitation places on CE.
In recognition of the requirements for the delivery of training provision for people recovering from drug addiction, nine special conditions have been agreed to support the delivery of drug rehabilitation places on Community Employment. These conditions cover participant eligibility, referral, programme delivery and expected outcomes. In addition the Supervisor to participant ratio is 1:7 under standard CE — the normal Supervisor/participant ratio is 1:15. As stated there is also a policy review of Activation Measures underway and this review coupled with the policy approaches outlined as part of the Pathways to Work process will inform future developments in relation to CE and similar programmes.
Social Welfare Benefits
Peter Mathews
Question:77 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on carer’s allowance will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22229/12]
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. She was advised that her application does not meet the medical criteria for receipt of carer's allowance based on the medical evidence submitted at time of application. However, additional medical evidence was subsequently received and forwarded to the medical assessor for further consideration. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her case a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
Community Employment Schemes
Peter Mathews
Question:78 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 may take up the position offered to them on the community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22230/12]
The person concerned is in receipt of an One Parent Family Payment and has not previously participated on a Community Employment Scheme (CE). She would therefore be eligible to participate on a CE Scheme. However, there is no record of the person concerned applying for such a scheme.
Social Welfare Benefits
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:79 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection when domiciliary care allowance payment will be made to a person (details supplied). [22238/12]
The person concerned was notified on 24th April 2012 that her appeal was successful and that her claim was awarded. The first payment will issue to her on 15th May 2012.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:80 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a decision on an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22239/12]
I confirm that an application from the person concerned for carer's allowance has been received. On completion of the necessary investigations a decision will be made and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
Social Welfare Code
Brendan Griffin
Question:81 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to change the way means are assessed on social welfare applications from persons with property and second homes in view of the financial burden these properties are on persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22242/12]
In assessing means for social assistance payments, account is taken of the income and the value of capital and property of the claimant and their spouse/partner. Social welfare legislation provides that the yearly value of "property owned but not personally used or enjoyed" is assessable for means testing purposes for social assistance payments. Such property includes houses and premises owned by a claimant which may or may not be put to commercial use. However, it does not include property such as the family home or, for example, a premises used by the claimant in carrying out a business.
For assessment purposes, the current market value of the property is established as well as the amount of any outstanding mortgages on that property. The balance (market value less outstanding mortgage) is assessed by reference to a formula. The current market value of a property is the best estimate of what would be achievable if the property was offered for sale. Such an estimate will have regard to reductions in prices over recent years. Where the current market value is less than the outstanding mortgage, no assessment is made. There are no plans to change the assessment of second properties for social assistance schemes. Any changes to the wide range of social protection schemes and services operated by my Department will be considered in a Budgetary context later this year.
Question No. 82 withdrawn.
Turbary Rights
Denis Naughten
Question:83 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of applications on a county basis submitted under the 2011 and 2012 cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme; the number of applications for compensation and the number for relocation under each category; the number approved, rejected and on hand in each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22212/12]
The Government agreed to a compensation scheme for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. This cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme now comprises a payment of €1,500 per year, index linked, for 15 years or, where feasible, relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs where they can continue to cut turf. Those wishing to relocate can avail of the financial payment or the delivery of 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum while relocation sites are identified and prepared. The costs of acquiring and preparing relocation sites will be met by the State. An additional once-off payment of €500 will be provided where legal agreements are signed with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
Details of the number of applications under the scheme acknowledged by my Department up to 27 April 2012, the number of those applicants expressing an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs, and the number of payments made are set out in the tables.
Payments have been made on the basis that applicants have indicated that they fulfil all the qualifying criteria of the scheme in the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme application form. My Department has been checking and will be continuing to check that all of the qualifying criteria of the scheme have been met. To date, no applicant has been informed that he or she does not fulfil the qualifying criteria.
In a significant number of cases, delays in making payments are due solely to the fact that application forms contain some gaps in the information required. My Department is seeking to make direct contact with applicants in such cases so that payments can issue as soon as possible. In that regard, in recent weeks approximately 230 telephone calls have been made to progress outstanding applications for compensation.
|
Site Code |
Site Name |
Counties |
Total acknowl-edged |
Number expressing an interest in relocation |
Number of payments made |
|
000006 |
Killyconny Bog (Cloghbally) |
Cavan/Meath |
43 |
8 |
0 |
|
000231 |
Barroughter Bog |
Galway |
28 |
8 |
13 |
|
000248 |
Cloonmoylan Bog |
Galway |
35 |
5 |
18 |
|
000285 |
Kilsallagh Bog |
Galway |
17 |
6 |
11 |
|
000296 |
Lisnageeragh Bog and Ballinstack Turlough |
Galway |
13 |
4 |
5 |
|
000297 |
Lough Corrib |
Galway/Mayo |
38 |
3 |
9 |
|
000301 |
Lough Lurgeen Bog/Glenamaddy Turlough |
Galway |
22 |
6 |
5 |
|
000326 |
Shankill West Bog |
Galway |
6 |
3 |
3 |
|
000382 |
Sheheree (Ardagh) Bog |
Kerry |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
000391 |
Ballynafagh Bog |
Kildare |
54 |
27 |
19 |
|
000497 |
Flughany Bog |
Mayo/Sligo |
15 |
3 |
6 |
|
000566 |
All Saints Bog and Esker |
Offaly |
6 |
2 |
0 |
|
000572 |
Clara Bog |
Offaly |
101 |
62 |
48 |
|
000575 |
Ferbane Bog |
Offaly |
4 |
3 |
0 |
|
000580 |
Mongan Bog |
Offaly |
5 |
1 |
1 |
|
000581 |
Moyclare Bog |
Offaly |
24 |
21 |
14 |
|
000582 |
Raheenmore Bog |
Offaly |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
000585 |
Sharavogue Bog |
Offaly |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
000592 |
Bellanagare Bog |
Roscommon |
112 |
31 |
58 |
|
000597 |
Carrowbehy/Caher Bog |
Roscommon |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
000600 |
Cloonchambers Bog |
Roscommon |
7 |
1 |
4 |
|
000604 |
Derrinea Bog |
Roscommon |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
000614 |
Cloonshanville Bog |
Roscommon |
6 |
0 |
2 |
|
000641 |
Ballyduff/Clonfinane Bog |
Tipperary |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
000647 |
Kilcarren-Firville Bog |
Tipperary |
20 |
3 |
9 |
|
000679 |
Garriskil Bog |
Westmeath |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
001242 |
Carrownagappul Bog |
Galway |
106 |
52 |
42 |
|
001818 |
Lough Forbes Complex |
Longford/Roscommon |
10 |
3 |
0 |
|
002110 |
Corliskea/Trien/Cloonfelliv Bog |
Galway/Roscommon |
29 |
4 |
9 |
|
Totals |
710 |
256 |
278 |
|
Site Code |
Site Name |
Counties |
Total acknowl-edged |
Number expressing an interest in relocation |
Number of payments made |
|
000440 |
Lough Ree |
Roscommon/Longford/ Westmeath |
95 |
22 |
13 |
|
000595 |
Callow Bog |
Roscommon |
56 |
6 |
7 |
|
002298 |
River Moy |
Mayo/Roscommon/Sligo |
21 |
6 |
7 |
|
002331 |
Mouds Bog |
Kildare |
24 |
10 |
3 |
|
002332 |
Coolrain Bog |
Laois |
16 |
2 |
2 |
|
002333 |
Knockacoller Bog |
Laois |
18 |
5 |
0 |
|
002336 |
Carn Park Bog |
Westmeath |
13 |
6 |
1 |
|
002337 |
Crosswood Bog |
Westmeath |
36 |
23 |
2 |
|
002338 |
Drumalough Bog |
Roscommon |
4 |
0 |
2 |
|
002339 |
Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough |
Roscommon |
11 |
7 |
3 |
|
002340 |
Moneybeg and Clareisland Bogs |
Meath/Westmeath |
29 |
5 |
9 |
|
002341 |
Ardagillion Bog |
Longford |
6 |
2 |
2 |
|
002342 |
Mount Hevey Bog |
Meath/Westmeath |
29 |
11 |
7 |
|
002343 |
Tullaher Lough and Bog |
Clare |
66 |
10 |
24 |
|
002346 |
Brown Bog |
Longford |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
002347 |
Camderry Bog |
Galway |
8 |
3 |
0 |
|
002348 |
Clooneen Bog |
Longford |
7 |
1 |
1 |
|
002349 |
Corbo Bog |
Roscommon |
32 |
9 |
5 |
|
002350 |
Curraghlehanagh Bog |
Galway |
18 |
8 |
1 |
|
002351 |
Moanveanlagh Bog |
Kerry |
20 |
3 |
3 |
|
002352 |
Monivea Bog |
Galway |
24 |
2 |
3 |
|
002353 |
Redwood Bog |
Tipperary |
17 |
2 |
7 |
|
002354 |
Tullaghanrock Bog |
Roscommon |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
002356 |
Ardgraigue Bog |
Galway |
4 |
1 |
1 |
|
Totals |
559 |
144 |
103 |
Denis Naughten
Question:84 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps that have been taken to date to implement the Quirke Report; if he will list the turf committees who have received a full response to the issues raised at the Hodson Bay turf forum; if he will list those committees who have received a partial response and those yet to receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22213/12]
As the Deputy is aware, the Quirke Report, which issued following the Peatland Forum held in Athlone at the end of February/beginning of March, contained recommended follow-up actions in respect of 41 of the 53 SAC raised bogs. As a result, my Department has put in place new arrangements focusing on bringing forward relocation projects to meet the needs of the affected communities. This has involved:
contacting communities affected by cessation in line with the recommendations contained in the report;
accompanying local community representatives on site visits;
identifying potential relocation sites;
making contact with landowners in a number of cases with a view to commencing negotiations on bog purchases; and
making arrangements for assessing the suitability of a number of potential relocation sites in terms of peat quality/quantity, access and other relevant infrastructure, as well as the potential numbers that could be accommodated in these relocation sites.
Contact with individual communities has taken place at Ministerial level, senior official level and at regional staff level.
It should be noted that the issues involved in following up the Quirke Report recommendations are complex. Each bog and each community is unique and the approach to engagement also varies from bog to bog. In the circumstances, it is not possible at this stage to set out the information in the form requested by the Deputy. However, I can assure him that my Department will follow up with all queries received from either individuals or local committees.
Denis Naughten
Question:85 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason the commitment on page 121 of the Quirke Report to circulate committees with clarification on buffer zones has not yet been acted upon by him; if he believes that this failure to act helps to build up the trust which has been lacking in the process to date; if he will outline his position on these buffer zones and their implications of changes to current farm practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22214/12]
I understand that the reference in the Quirke Report to a 15 kilometre buffer zone relates to guidance, issued in 2009, by the then Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to planning authorities in relation to appropriate assessment of plans and projects, as required by the Habitats Directive. Reference was made in that document to the need for screening for appropriate assessment where there is a distance of 15 kilometres between a proposed plan area and a Natura 2000 site (such as a raised bog special area of conservation). The reference to 15 kilometres relates to plans, such as County Development Plans, and not to projects, such as applications for planning permission from individual citizens. A letter in relation to this issue has issued from my Department to the chairperson of the relevant local committee.
Broadcasting Services
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:86 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s new document the ownership and control policy on new guidelines for considering takeover bids in the broadcasting sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22070/12]
The Broadcasting Act 2009 Act provides the statutory framework for the licensing and regulation of broadcasting and multiplex services in Ireland. The 2009 Act also established the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to regulate content across all Irish broadcasting services and it sets out a range of general and specific objectives for the BAI including ensuring the provision of open and pluralistic broadcasting services. The BAI has recently revised its Ownership and Control Policy to reflect the legislative provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009, the BAI Strategy Statement 2011-2013 and the BAI's Broadcasting Services Strategy 2012. The BAI is an independent statutory body established by the 2009 Act and I have no role in this matter.
Electric Vehicles
Patrick Deering
Question:87 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will examine the procedure involved in the purchase of electric vehicles with a view to reducing the amount of paperwork required. [22140/12]
The administration of the Electric Vehicle Grant Scheme is an operational matter for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and I have no function in the matter. I have communicated the Deputy's concerns to the SEAI and asked that they respond directly to him.
Question No. 88 answered with Question No. 29.
Prospecting Licences
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:89 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which on-going oil, gas or other mineral exploration work continues to indicate commercially viable discoveries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22192/12]
Exploration under the 18 extant petroleum exploration licences is ongoing and while there have been four new discoveries of oil and gas in the Irish Offshore in the past ten years none of these has been declared commercial to date. Three of the discoveries were in the North Celtic Sea and one in the Slyne Basin. Applications for lease undertakings in respect of two of the discoveries in the Celtic Sea are under consideration by the Department at present. With regard to non-petroleum minerals as of 30 April 2012, there are 586 mineral prospecting licences currently held by 45 companies.
While no new commercially viable deposits of minerals have been discovered in the past ten years, there have been some encouraging results, particularly in Counties Limerick and Clare. However, it is too early to determine whether these results will lead to identification of commercially viable deposits or to estimate the economic benefits that might accrue. Details of all the petroleum exploration licences and other mineral prospecting licences can be found in the six-monthly report to the Oireachtas, which I am obliged to lay before the Houses under the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1999. The last such report was in respect of the six-month period ending 31 December 2011. These reports are also available on the Department's website at: http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Natural/.
Energy Prices
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:90 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he is liaising with Bord Gáis and the ESB with a view to ensuring that gas and electricity prices here in both industry and the domestic market are comparable to other EU states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22193/12]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:91 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action, if any, he can take to persuade the gas and electricity authorities to keep prices at the lowest possible level in order to assist economic recovery and alleviate the burden on the domestic market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22194/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together.
I do not have a statutory function in the setting of energy prices, whether in the regulated or unregulated market. Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. Prices in the retail business and residential electricity markets are now fully deregulated. From 1 October 2011 gas residential consumers supplied by Bord Gáis Energy are the only segment of the electricity and gas markets where prices are still regulated by the CER. Prices in the electricity and gas markets, with the exception of residential gas customers supplied by Bord Gáis Energy, are wholly a commercial and operational matter for the suppliers concerned. Ireland's electricity and gas markets, both wholesale and retail, are characterised by vigorous competition regulated by the CER.
The Government recognises that the cost of energy in Ireland is a serious competitiveness issue facing energy consumers during this difficult period for the economy. The provision of secure, sustainable and competitive energy supplies is critical for the economy and is a challenge we are determined to meet. Global gas and oil prices have risen sharply since the start of 2011, driven by events in North Africa, Japan and the Middle East and by high demand from the emerging economies of China and India. These trends are leading to higher domestic electricity and gas prices. Given Ireland's heavy reliance on imported gas and oil and relatively small market size, it is a price taker in the global fossil fuel market. The economy is therefore vulnerable to fossil fuel price fluctuations and price rises. Competitor countries are in many instances facing the same prospect and the objective in the context of higher global prices must be that we retain or improve our competitive position.
Ireland's concerns about high oil and gas prices are shared at EU level and by fellow Member Countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The EU and IEA agree that high fossil fuel prices which pose a threat to economic recovery underline the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by radically enhanced energy efficiency measures and the development of renewable energy.
At a national level, our competitive energy market helps put downward pressure on prices. Energy suppliers compete with each other for market share by offering a variety of prices and products to consumer who may then choose the most advantageous offering. In addition, we must focus on all possible additional actions to mitigate costs where possible for business and domestic customers. This is essential for competitiveness, employment and for economic recovery. I am committed to working with enterprise and with the energy sector to ensure that the costs of energy are as competitive as possible through those measures at our disposal including sustained focus on energy efficiency and renewables. I would urge all businesses to engage with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to access the Authority's energy efficiency support programmes.
The latest analysis of data published by EUROSTAT for electricity and gas prices is published by the SEAI and covers the period January to June 2011. The figures show Irish electricity and gas prices performing well by reference to the EU average for medium to large business customers (above 2,000 MWh/annum). The VAT-exclusive electricity price in Ireland for these business consumers ranged from 10% to 17% below the EU average and from 13% to 19% below the eurozone average. These customers accounted for 48% of the business electricity market. Prices for gas customers were below the EU average by 4% to 25% for most business gas categories. The EUROSTAT figures also show that larger domestic electricity consumers, representing 64% of the domestic electricity market (over 5,000 kWh/annum), experienced price reductions between 6.1% and 7.6% over the period. The prices for these consumers were between 7% and 19% below the EU average.
The same source shows that in the first half of 2011 natural gas prices for household consumers fell by 3.3%. The EU average for gas price reductions for the same period was 1.4%. For this period the price of gas for Irish householders was 10% below the EU average.
Questions Nos. 92 and 93 answered with Question No. 29.
Energy Resources
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:94 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will indicate the continuing progress in the development of the Corrib gas field with particular reference to the likelihood of supply becoming available to the domestic and industrial consumer within the coming months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22198/12]
Completion of the Corrib gas field development works by the developer is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. Pending such completion, it is not possible to state a date for when gas from the Corrib gas field will become available. It is estimated that construction of the onshore section of the pipeline, including the construction of a 5 km tunnel, which began last year, will take in the region of three years. First gas cannot therefore reasonably be anticipated before 2014.
Question No. 95 answered with Question No. 29.
Postal Services
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:96 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the degree to which he continues to monitor the development of the postal services in the aftermath of deregulation with particular reference to the need to meet current and future demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22200/12]
The Government's core policy goal for the postal sector is to ensure that Irish customers, both business and residential, enjoy competitively priced, high quality postal services. The Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act 2011, which was enacted in August 2011, has put in place a robust and appropriate regulatory framework for the postal services market, which will offer certainty and protection to An Post, the designated universal postal service provider, its competitors, and postal service users. While I have overall responsibility for the postal sector, the Act charges the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), as the postal regulator, with the promotion of the development of the postal sector, particularly the availability of the universal postal service, the promotion of the interests of users and the facilitation of the development of competition in the sector.
Broadcasting Legislation
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:97 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will give consideration to introducing amending legislation to ensure that journalists who work for national newspapers and broadcasters commenting regularly on important issues of public policy will have to declare their interests to SIPO and or the BAI or to a statutory independent press council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22266/12]
I have no role in relation to journalistic standards in the print media. In this regard, I would note that the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman were established by industry to safeguard and promote professional and ethical standards in Irish newspapers and magazines, and have been formally recognised under Section 44 of the Defamation Act 2009, which falls under the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.
As the Deputy is aware, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is established as an independent statutory body under the Broadcasting Act 2009. Part 3 of the 2009 Act also outlines the codes governing standards and practice to be observed by broadcasters. The Compliance Committee of the BAI is charged under the Act with ensuring that all broadcasters, whether public or private, comply with their licence conditions and with the standards set out in the broadcasting codes and rules.
In line with its statutory obligations, the BAI recently launched a draft ‘Code of Fairness Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs', for a period of public consultation. The BAI proposals include rules which, if implemented, will require broadcasters to maintain a Public Register of Interests, such as that outlined by the Deputy. The draft rules, which are available on the BAI website, include, inter alia, the provision that: "personnel with an editorial role in news and current affairs shall enter details of all financial or commercial relationships that might be perceived as representing a material influence on them in, or in relation to, the performance of such editorial role, together with an indication or any individuals or companies to which the personnel in question may be deemed to owe a fiduciary duty". The Authority is now considering the responses received during the public consultation period, which ran until 14 March, and will publish the finalised Code in due course.
Community Development
Tony McLoughlin
Question:98 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will detail the level of funding that his Department has provided to a project (details supplied) in County Leitrim, through the various streams including Combat Poverty. [22041/12]
The most recent funding to the organisation referred to in the question was grant aid of €546,551 in 2008 under the EU co-funded Programme for Peace and Reconciliation 2007-2013 (Peace III). The programme is jointly funded by the EU, Ireland and Northern Ireland, with an Irish contribution of 36.26% of the total cost. The Irish contribution, which was provided by my Department, amounted to €198,179.
The funding was part of an overall project involving a number of organisations working together on the Conflict Transformation from the Bottom Up project. It was supported under theme 1.1B of the Peace Programme: Building Positive Relations at a Local Level — Regional Projects, which funds the implementation of strategic models of collaboration between the public, private and community sectors that focus on reconciliation, cultural diversity and equality. It focuses on regional projects, particularly those addressing target groups that were specifically identified in the Peace III Operational Programme (such as ex-prisoners, women and youth groups). With regard to previous funding to the organisation concerned, I refer to the reply to Question No. 346 of 8 November 2011.
Social and Affordable Housing
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Question:99 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline the income, together with criteria used in assessing applicants on local authority housing list; if individual circumstances are taken into account when assessing their social housing needs; the discretion, if any Offaly County Council has in assessing applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22051/12]
Decisions on the eligibility of specific persons for social housing support and the allocation of that support are a matter solely for the housing authority concerned. Sections of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 dealing with social housing support, and related Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, were commenced on 1 April 2011. The Regulations contain national eligibility criteria, including maximum income limits. These mandatory criteria must be applied by all housing authorities in assessing a household's eligibility for social housing support. The new arrangements seek to streamline the process of applying for social housing support, both for the applicant and the local authority. Authorities have been given guidance on these provisions by my Department and by the Housing Agency and take account of them when making decisions on social housing assessment applications. My Department is keeping the operation of the new regulations under review.
Burial Grounds
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:100 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reasons that Islamic burial plots in south Dublin cemeteries cost substantially more than other plots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22137/12]
While my Department has responsibility for rules and regulations regarding burial grounds, this responsibility does not extend to the cost of burial plots. This is a matter for each local authority in respect of the cemeteries and burial grounds it provides.
Local Authority Housing
Jack Wall
Question:101 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the actions proposed or being investigated by him to assist or overcome the major problems being encountered by couples in regard to their mortgages (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22160/12]
Regulation 22 of the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 provides that an applicant household for long-term social housing support is ineligible for such support if a household member owns alternative accommodation that it could reasonably be expected to use to meet its housing need, either by occupying it or by selling it and using the proceeds to secure suitable accommodation. For this reason, if either member of a separated couple applies, local authorities require evidence of legal separation or divorce before considering a household's eligibility for long-term housing support, as the separation agreement will provide certainty regarding ownership of property.
Authorities have been given guidance on these provisions by my Department and by the Housing Agency and take account of them when making decisions on social housing assessment applications. I acknowledge, however, that situations may exceptionally arise that may not easily be dealt with under the current Regulations. My Department is currently reviewing the social housing assessment provisions and will consider what wider discretion might be given to housing authorities to address the individually difficult and complex cases which may present to them.
Local Authority Staff
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:102 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied with the number of women taking up senior management positions in local government; if he will indicate the number of women who occupied positions at manager or assistant county manager level in cities and counties prior to the inception of Better Local Government; the number of women who were subsequently appointed as directors of services and the number of female managers or directors of services, who are currently in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22245/12]
Information on the number of women who occupied positions at manager or assistant county manager level in cities and counties prior to the inception of Better Local Government; the number of women subsequently appointed as directors of services; and the number of female managers or directors of services currently in place is not held by my Department. Local government competitions at senior level are held by the Public Appointments Service in co-operation with my Department and the relevant local authorities, all of whom are committed to the highest standards of customer service and comply with equality and other relevant legislation and codes of practice.
Planning Issues
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:103 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the average length of time taken by An Bord Pleanála to deliver decisions on appeal in respect of one-off houses on a county basis in the years 2010 and 2011; the average length of time being taken for such decisions so far in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22248/12]
The specific information requested is not available in my Department. However, in general, under section 126 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010, it is a statutory objective of the Board to determine appeals and certain other matters within 18 weeks. The statutory objective period was achieved in 81% of all cases in 2011, a significant increase on the figure of 63% achieved for 2010.
Building Regulations
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:104 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the pyrite panel will report; if he envisages any need for legislation arising out of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22264/12]
I understand that the Pyrite Panel hopes to be in a position to submit its report to me in the next month. On receipt of the report, I will give careful consideration to its content and any recommendations it may contain, including in regard to legislation.
Noise Pollution
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:105 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the fact that the mystery hum in Glencithare Lower, Beaufort, County Kerry, is still continuing, the action he will take to deal with same. [22281/12]
The investigation of noise complaints is generally a matter for the relevant local authority, in this case Kerry County Council. My Department has been informed by Kerry County Council that a formal noise complaint has now been made by a local resident concerning an alleged noise of unidentified origin in the area of Beaufort. This matter is currently being investigated by the Council.
Water Services
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:106 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider investing in the water infrastructure as both a water saving measure and job creation measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20884/12]
My Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 places a high priority on water conservation. In the year to end September 2011, some 200 kilometres of public water supply pipes had been replaced or rehabilitated under this programme. Funding is particularly targeted at areas where the level of unaccounted for water is unacceptably high.
Since the national water conservation programme was implemented in 2003, over €208 million has been specifically invested in water conservation measures by my Department. In addition, local authorities fund active leakage control, detection and repair from their own operational budgets. Most of the effort to date has been focused on putting in place the water management systems to allow for active leakage control and better planning of mains rehabilitation. Most local authorities have now prepared watermains rehabilitation strategies, which set out the priority mains for replacement and repair and provide the platform for accelerated investment in this area over the coming years. The primary objective of this programme of work is to reduce water loss and leakage in the distribution networks to an economic level and to address high levels of unaccounted for water.
The proposed water metering programme will complement the continuing programme of investment in water mains rehabilitation and replacement. The installation of water meters will encourage households to conserve water, reduce consumption and will ensure that customer side leaks can be identified and fixed. Metering will, therefore, achieve significant reductions in the volumes of water that are required to be produced and treated and will lead to savings in the operational costs of delivering water services and in deferred capital expenditure. My Department estimates that there is the potential to provide up to 2,000 jobs per annum from the metering programme. The installation of the meters is labour intensive involving minor excavation and reinstatement works after the installation of the meter. This will provide much needed employment in the construction sector.
Local Authority Staff
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:107 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when his review of the pension entitlements or remuneration of existing city and county managers will be concluded. [20295/12]
My Department has examined the new pension terms for Secretaries General to assess how they may be applied to City and County Managers. In this regard, my Department has submitted detailed proposals to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform which are under consideration. The implementation of new pension terms for Managers will require legislation.
Departmental Bodies
Peadar Tóibín
Question:108 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will detail the full international and domestic annual cost of administration including staff, property, energy and so on of the Western Development Commission and county partnerships. [20908/12]
It is not possible in the time available to provide the information requested. My Department has responsibility in respect of some of the activities of Partnership/Local Development Companies. Information relevant to the activities for which my Department is responsible will be compiled and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Legislative Programme
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:109 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he envisages that it will be necessary to hold a referendum in relation to aspects of a long-term solution for households heavily in debt with mortgage debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22265/12]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the proposed personal insolvency Bill. The Deputy will appreciate the complexities involved in drafting a Bill of this nature and that it is important that the provisions of the Bill are legally robust. This requires careful drafting of the text and full consideration of issues which emerge during the drafting process. However, I do not envisage that it will be necessary to hold a referendum in relation to any of the provisions of the Bill.
Press Council
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:110 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will put the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman on a statutory footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22267/12]
Section 44 of the Defamation Act 2009 provides for the Minister for Justice and Equality to make an Order, subject to the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas granting statutory recognition as a Press Council to a body that seeks recognition as such. It requires that the Minister be satisfied that the applicant body complies with the provisions set out in Schedule 2. No more than one such body can be recognised and the order may be revoked. On 21 April, 2010, the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform signed the Defamation Act 2009 (Press Council) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 163 of 2010) granting recognition to the Press Council of Ireland. The Order took immediate effect.
Garda Deployment
Eric J. Byrne
Question:111 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding Garda resources in Dublin South-Central (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22033/12]
As the Deputy is aware, in the Policing Plan for 2012, it was proposed to reduce the public opening hours of the Sundrive and Terenure stations in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (D.M.R.) South Division. These changes were introduced on 29 April 2012. The stations were open to the public on a 24-hour basis and are now closed to the public between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. It is important to remember that while the Garda stations in question will have reduced opening hours to the public, they will remain as functioning Garda stations on a 24-hour basis.
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.
Specifically in relation to D.M.R. South Division, it must be noted that on 29 February 2012, the latest date for which figures were readily available, there were approximately 594 gardaí assigned to the Division of which 168 are assigned to the Crumlin District itself. Sundrive Road Garda Station with a complement of 71 gardaí, forms part of the Crumlin District. There is also 49 Garda Reserves and 29 civilians attached to the D.M.R. South Division. These resources are augmented, when appropriate, by gardaí from national units such as the Garda National Drug Unit and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Legislative Programme
Michael Lowry
Question:112 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reasons for the delay in finalising the legislation on personal insolvency; when he will have the completed Bill before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22034/12]
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 530 to 533 inclusive, of 1 May 2012 which indicated the following:
"The Personal Insolvency Bill is currently being drafted by my Department in cooperation with the Office of the Attorney General and Parliamentary Counsel. This is a very lengthy and complex Bill from a legal standpoint, with proposed provisions which do not currently exist in Irish law. While it was hoped that the Bill would be published by 30 April, work on its development is still proceeding in the context of the many submissions received on the Bill which include, the report of the Joint Oireachtas Justice Committee received in early March following their completion of hearings on the Bill.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is important that the provisions of the Bill are legally robust. This requires careful legal drafting of the text and full consideration of issues which emerge during the drafting process.
The Troika team was in Dublin in the past fortnight and progress on the Bill was discussed with them. They are supportive of the provisions contained in the General Scheme of Bill which I published on 25 January last along with my colleague the Minister for Finance. They appreciate the complexities involved in drafting a Bill of this nature and understand that some additional time is required to finalise the text in preparation for publication. I expect that the Bill will be one of the matters for discussion with the Troika in the context of their next quarterly review in early July.
I can assure the Deputy that the Bill remains a legislative priority for the Government and the revised time frame for publication of the Bill is now the end of June next with the strong intention to commence Second stage in the Dáil prior to the Summer recess to facilitate early passage of the legislation through the Oireachtas in the Autumn session."
Financial Services Regulation
Brendan Griffin
Question:113 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22042/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, the matter referred to in this question was addressed by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, Mr. Michael Noonan T.D. in his reply to the Deputy on 18 April 2012. I regret that I cannot add anything further to this reply only to say that the regulation of financial service providers does not fall within my remit as Minister for Justice and Equality.
Organised Crime in Prisons
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:114 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is bringing forward proposals in response to the call by the Prison Officers Association for greater action to tackle gang activity in Irish prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22066/12]
The emergence in recent years of criminal gangs has had significant implications for the management of Irish prisons. Rivalries and feuds which develop on the outside may continue inside prison. Prison management have to ensure that the various factions are kept apart and, as far as possible, that gang members do not have influence over other inmates or criminal activities outside the prisons. Gang members are being managed on a daily basis through segregation and separation throughout the prison system. Membership/allegiance to these criminal gangs fluctuates on a continuous basis with some persons breaking links and others becoming affiliated.
I am aware of the difficulties for everyone involved and appreciate the efforts made by prison management and staff to deal with this issue on a daily basis within our prisons. However, the Irish Prison Service is taking whatever steps are necessary to deal with this and has built up considerable experience in this regard.
A number of initiatives have been introduced with a view to preventing identified gang leaders from conducting criminal activities while in custody and also to prevent them exerting inappropriate influence over other persons. For example, the security initiatives undertaken by the Operational Security Group (OSG) have made it more difficult for prisoners to engage in illegal activities while in prison. These initiatives include the introduction of passive and active drug detection dogs and the installation of airport style security including scanners and x-ray machines. Core functions of this group include gathering and collating intelligence information on criminal gang members in Irish prisons, carrying out intelligence led searches and preventing the flow of contraband (including mobile phones) into the prisons.
In addition, there is regular contact between the Prison Service and An Garda Síochána to discuss security issues including the operation of criminal gangs. Gardaí are also provided with reports detailing the release dates of this category of prisoner. Furthermore, the Risk Management of Offenders Group within the Irish Prison Service, which is comprised of Governors of all closed prisons and the Governor of the OSG meet on a regular basis to share intelligence and decide in a strategic and collaborative fashion on the placement of leading gang members across the prison estate, having regard to the associated protection issues involved.
Garda Deployment
Tom Hayes
Question:115 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an appointment of a crime prevention officer for County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22152/12]
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 the matter. I have asked the Commissioner for an update on the precise point raised by the Deputy and I will write to the Deputy as soon as that information is to hand.
Citizenship Applications
Martin Ferris
Question:116 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [22157/12]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 187 of Thursday, 26 April 2012. The position remains as stated.
Reply to Parliamentary Question 187 of 26 April 2012:
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 September 2011.
On examination of the application submitted, it was determined that the application was ineligible because the statutory residency conditions as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, were not satisfied. A letter issued to the applicant on 23 April 2012 informing her of the position.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the prescribed statutory requirements. The on-line Naturalisation Residency Calculator can be used as a guide to whether an individual satisfies the naturalisation residency conditions and, if not, give an indication of how long they should wait before making an application.
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.
Garda Operations
Finian McGrath
Question:117 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding the Garda and the Shell gas dispute issue. [22190/12]
There have been ongoing protest actions in the North Mayo area by local campaigners, supported by groups and individuals from outside the area, with a view to preventing progress on the completion of the work required to bring ashore the significant gas reserves which lie in the Corrib Gas field. I should not need to remind the Deputy of the importance to the national gas supply and to the economy more generally of having this essential infrastructural project completed.
It is deeply regrettable that so much Garda resources have to be tied up at the North Mayo site. However this is absolutely necessary in view of the actions of some of the protestors, many of whom as I have said are not from the area and who have engaged in acts of public disorder as well as damage to property. Such action cannot be tolerated and the Garda presence is there to prevent it. This has left the Gardaí open to accusations that they are facilitating the interests of a multinational company over the interests, and safety concerns, of local residents. In response to these allegations it has been consistently stated that the Garda presence is to prevent breaches of the peace, to uphold the law and to prevent interference with workers going to and coming from the site. The Garda Commissioner has informed me that the aim of the policing measures currently in place is to prevent public order offences and to ensure that people can go about their lawful business.
The Deputy will be aware that the matter of complaints in relation to comments made by a member of An Garda Siochána, were the subject of an independent investigation carried out by the Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission. On the 24th April 2012, the Commission stated that it had recommended to the Garda Commissioner (as provided for by Section 97 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005) that disciplinary action should be taken against one of the members complained of. The report of the Commission is currently with the Garda Commissioner.
An Garda Síochána is duty-bound to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour, and that is what local Garda management will continue to do in relation to the protests in what is a difficult and confrontational setting which is not of their making.
Commissions of Investigation
Sandra McLellan
Question:118 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will set up a commission of investigation pursuant to the Commission of Investigation Act 2004 in respect of the suspected murder of Reverend Father Niall Molloy CC late of Castlecoote, County Roscommon on 8 July 1985; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22243/12]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the incident referred to was the subject of investigation by An Garda Síochána, which resulted in the submission of an investigation file to the law officers, who directed that a person be charged with manslaughter and assault. At the ensuing trial directions to acquit were given by the judge. Following the publication of an article concerning this case in October, 2010, representations were made requesting an investigation of the matters raised in it. I understand that the Commissioner arranged for a Detective Superintendent to meet the author of the article and the persons making the representations to make an assessment of whether there was any evidence which was not available to the original investigation team and if further investigation was required in this case. As a result, a number of lines of inquiry were identified for examination by An Garda Síochána. I have received an update on progress on the matter from the Garda Commissioner but the examination remains ongoing and I expect to receive a final report upon its completion, at which point I will review the situation.
Garda Investigations
Gerry Adams
Question:119 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has satisfied himself that the correct procedures were followed by gardaí in relation to complaints made by a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22253/12]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the matter referred to by the Deputy is under investigation by An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will appreciate that, as the matter is under investigation, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
Finian McGrath
Question:120 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the fraud at the National Educational Welfare Board 2003-2005 was not investigated by the Garda bureau of fraud investigation; the reason the finance manager employed by the board at that time was approached by a Detective Garda attached to the Bridewell, seeking a statement from them in 2010, five years after the fraud took place; and if he will confirm the date on which the detective unit at the Bridewell commenced its investigation into the fraud. [22254/12]
I refer the Deputy to my replies to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 437 of 21 March, 2012 and 944 and 1036 of 18 April, 2012 in which I informed the Deputy of the general timeline and outcome of the investigation referred to. The Deputy will recall that the Garda investigation, which commenced in 2006, 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 in January 2011 and that, following a number of further enquiries by that office, directions were issued in November 2011 not to prosecute in the case.
Insofar as the specific and detailed aspects of the Garda investigation to which he refers are concerned, the Deputy will appreciate that I have no role in these matters or in decisions concerning investigative strategies in any individual case and that these are operational matters for An Garda Síochána on which it would not be appropriate for me to seek details to provide by way of answer to Parliamentary Questions. The Deputy will appreciate that there are statutory mechanisms in place where persons have complaints against the behaviour of members of An Garda Síochána.
Shane Ross
Question:121 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 596 the action he intends to take to prevent increased instances of identity theft, in view of a case involving the identities of deceased Irish children being used by fraudsters to make illegal insurance claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22256/12]
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.
Garda Strength
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:122 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda crime prevention officers who have retired in 2010 and 2011 and to date in 2012; the number who have been replaced; the divisions currently without a crime prevention officer; his plans to fill same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22258/12]
In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
Garda Operations
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:123 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles seized by An Garda Síochána for the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22259/12]
In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
Garda Stations
Seán Kenny
Question:124 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the refurbishment/additional accommodation that was carried out at the Garda driving school, Garda dog unit and the Garda mounted unit in each of the past five years to date in 2012; the cost of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22273/12]
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.
Defence Forces Recruitment
Seán Kenny
Question:125 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons who have been selected to go to the next stage in the recruitment of the additional personnel for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the number who were women who have been successful at the first stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22269/12]
I am advised by the Military Authorities that as a result of the General Service recruitment campaign which closed on 22 April 2012 a total of 10,155 applications were received for positions in the Permanent Defence Force. Of those who applied 9,728 will be going forward for psychometric testing which is the next stage of the competition. The following table outlines the numbers of males and females progressing to the psychometric testing stage of the competition across the Army and Naval Service.
|
Service |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Army |
7,411 |
748 |
8,159 |
|
Naval Service |
1,443 |
126 |
1,569 |
|
Total |
8,854 |
874 |
9,728 |
There is no requirement for recruitment into the Air Corps at this time.
Fisheries Sector
Brendan Griffin
Question:126 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22045/12]
The operation of the Ice Plants is wholly a matter for BIM and hence the Dingle Ice Plant comes under the remit of BIM. BIM is an independent statutory body and hence policy in relation to the operation and management of the ice plants is a matter for the Agency. The Department, which has no function in relation to the operation of ice plants, has forwarded the request to BIM for its consideration and for a direct reply to the Deputy.
Live Exports
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:127 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recent exports of cattle to Kazakhstan; if his Department is liaising with officials in Kazakhstan in relation to further opportunities for Irish farmers to facilitate the stocking of Kazakh farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22069/12]
All trade with third countries is to be welcomed and my Department will continue to support and facilitate the veterinary health certification of the animals in question and to ensure that the EU rules in relation to welfare/transport requirements are complied with. This particular market is open to any Irish supplier who can satisfy market demands.
Milk Quota
Patrick Deering
Question:128 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22133/12]
My understanding is that the named person is not in a position, for health reasons, to utilise his quota but is anxious to retain it for a number of years in order to provide his son with access to milk quota, should his son decide to become a dairy farmer. Under the Milk Quota Regulations, a person who is unable to supply milk for two consecutive quota years is entitled to retain his quota for that period, before it reverts to the National Reserve in April of the third year. During that period he may lease the quota to a qualified relative, or a company in which milk producers hold a majority shareholding. These arrangements may be extended where exceptional circumstances temporarily affect production capacity. I understand that 2012/2013 quota year will be the first year in which the person named does not supply milk. Suppliers entering their third year in this category are contacted by my Department prior to their quota going dormant, giving them the opportunity to explain the reason for their non-supply.
However, it should be noted that the milk quota regime will be abolished on 31 March 2015. After this date, milk production and supply will be a matter for individual milk producers and their respective Co-operatives/Dairies. Consequently, I would advise that the named person might consider contacting his milk purchaser for information regarding its plans for the post milk quota era and whether it is in a position to offer any information regarding his position. If the named person proposes to reactivate his quota before 31 March 2015 he can contact my Department, who will advise him on his options.
Grant Payments
Patrick Deering
Question:129 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an agri-environment option scheme 2010 payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22204/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and full payment totalling €603.92 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 on the claim submitted in respect of capital investment. This issue has now been resolved and payment will issue at the earliest opportunity to the person named.
Forestry Sector
Paul Connaughton
Question:130 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the documents a person (details supplied) in County Galway needs to provide to the Department to prove that they are a farmer for forestry grant purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22233/12]
In order to prove farmer status the persons named must supply documentary evidence that at least 25% of their income was derived from farming for one of the 3 years prior to planting. An acceptable form of documentary evidence would be one of the following: a Revenue Commissioners Tax Assessment; TF1 income certificate completed by Teagasc; TF 2 income certificate completed by an agricultural consultant, who must be a member of the Agricultural Consultants Association.
Grant Payments
Dara Calleary
Question:131 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason 20 hectares of land have been omitted from a single farm payment and agri-environment option scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22234/12]
Having had this matter investigated, it transpires that, due to a technical error, incomplete data was included on the pre-printed 2012 Single Payment Scheme application form which issued recently to the person named. I have had arrangements made to have a corrected version issued immediately.
Bovine Disease Controls
Ciara Conway
Question:132 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to recent changes in regulations regarding mandatory testing of herds for TB, if he has considered the implications for cattle trading in view of the fact that neighbouring farmers who have stocks clear of TB may now not be able to sell their animals if stocks in adjoining lands are found to have registered TB; if he has considered that this could restrict cattle trade here; the measures available to farmers who have disease free stock and wish to sell their stocks but who neighbour lands owned by farmers who have registered TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22255/12]
The background to these changes is that the main constraint to the eradication of TB, the presence of the disease in badgers, is now being addressed in a very effective manner and, if we want to progress towards eradication, we need to move on to address some of the other constraints such as the movement of high risk animals and animals from high risk herds. For these reasons, the Department is now re-focusing on the 3 fundamental principles of disease eradication, namely Find, Confine and Eradicate to achieve the ultimate goal of eradication of TB in cattle. Accordingly, the Department is paying increased attention to detecting the disease and preventing its spread to other herds. Thus greater stress is being laid on ensuring all herds test on time and on reducing movement opportunities for potentially infected cattle so as to provide increased protection for clear herds and export markets.
These measures are underpinned by research which indicates that movement of animals from the herds in question represents a significant risk to other herd owners who would otherwise buy these animals. For example, Department statistics show that, in 2011, the risk of herds which are contiguous to a high risk breakdown disclosing TB is almost 3 times greater than the risk in the case of herds tested on a round test. In view of the fact that contiguous tests were conducted on some 8,000 herds in 2011, involving almost 800,000 animals and resulting in the disclosure of 2,256 reactors, the risk of TB spreading from herds which are contiguous to high risk breakdowns is very significant.
The position is that, in the case of the changes to the contiguous testing arrangements, herds which are contiguous to a high risk breakdown were already required to undergo an additional testing regime under the previous arrangements. The only change is that, in order to protect clear herds, these herds are now required to pass a test before they are permitted to sell cattle on the open market. The contiguous testing programme will apply only to those herds contiguous to a high risk breakdown (approximately one third of all restrictions) which, after a risk based epidemiological investigation, are considered to be relevant to the breakdown. In view of this, I am satisfied that the new arrangements will ensure that the number of herds which are subject to the contiguous testing programme is kept to the minimum. Furthermore, herds which test clear will be immediately de-restricted and herdowners can minimise any impact on their trading patterns by having their herds tested as soon as possible after notification by the Department.
With regard to herds in which reactors are disclosed, such herds will be restricted in accordance with EU Directive 64/432/EEC. However, these herds are free to sell cattle direct to slaughter. Compensation arrangements are in place to assist farmers whose herds are restricted because of TB. In conclusion, my Department does not accept that these measures will have any significant negative impact on current trading practices. The objective of the measures is to protect herdowners from buying in infected animals and the costs and trade restrictions associated with the disclosure of TB in a herd. Following the introduction of these measures, farmers can now buy cattle with increased confidence that they are free from TB.
Departmental Bodies
Mattie McGrath
Question:133 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for a State body, namely Teagasc, entering the farm IT market, an area that had been well served by the private sector; the cost to the State of this body serving this market; his views on the fact that the State’s involvement in this sector have resulted in the loss of private sector jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22268/12]
Teagasc is a non-commercial state body under the aegis of my Department. Under the Act establishing Teagasc, it is charged with the provision of research, advice and education services in support of Ireland's agrifood industry. The manner in which these services are delivered is an operational matter for Teagasc. I understand that Teagasc offers an online service to all users who access its website, providing information relating to its research, advice and training activities and has developed a range of online advisory support tools and spreadsheets (not software packages), which it has made available to its clients. Teagasc does not provide farm management software packages to farmers. The Deputy may wish to contact Teagasc directly for further detail.
Departmental Investigations
Gerry Adams
Question:134 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she or the Health Service Executive has received a complaint from a person (details supplied) in County Meath; if any internal inquiries have been held in relation to this case; if correct procedures were followed in relation to the complaints of the person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22252/12]
I have not received any complaint on this matter. Accordingly, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
Child Abuse
Charlie McConalogue
Question:135 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline the filtering system she will implement to prevent social workers being overwhelmed by suspected cases of child abuse; if she is concerned such a system may undermine the mandatory reporting requirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22079/12]
I am aware that the proposed legislation could give rise to a significant number of reports being made to the HSE and I am cognisant of the need for an effective filtering system to be put in place. In this regard, ‘Guidance for Reporting of Abuse' is to be developed by my Department. This Guidance will deal with issues such as definitions, thresholds and appropriate routes for the reporting of abuse. The Guidance will be dependent on designated officers and professionals named in the legislation, considering a number of factors to see if the concern reaches the threshold of a report under the legislation.
Departmental Agencies
Charlie McConalogue
Question:136 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the child and family support agency will be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22080/12]
Extensive work is under way in my Department, in the HSE, and through the Task Force I set up last September to prepare for the establishment of the Child and Family Support Agency. The preparations are designed to allow for the Agency to assume full statutory responsibility for services for children and families early in 2013.
Children in Care
Denis Naughten
Question:137 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of complaints, both formal and informal, made to the Health Service Executive by children in the care system, children in residential care, and by staff working in the care system respectively, in each of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; if she will provide a breakdown of the reasons for the complaints and the action taken as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22215/12]
My Department has sought the information from the HSE requested by the Deputy on the number of complaints made to the Health Service Executive by children in the care system. I will provide the Deputy with the information when it becomes available.
Child Abuse
Denis Naughten
Question:138 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the neglect audits on foot of the Roscommon report; if she will confirm that the audit is solely reviewing neglect cases and the social work response to those cases, or is it the case that other categories of child abuse cases are being reviewed; if the audit is looking at the fact that in certain cases neglect may overlap with other forms of abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22216/12]
I provided an update to the Deputy in relation to this matter on 22 March, 2012. The fundamental purpose of the audit into child neglect is to look at neglect cases from the perspective of social work practice and decision-making and to make a determination in each of the cases examined as to whether adequate protective measures and safeguards have been put in place to ensure the well-being of the children concerned. Other categories of child abuse are not being considered in this audit, save where they overlap with a selected case chosen for review. However, the HSE's Children and Family Services are currently embarking on a separate programme of case audit which does target other categories of defined abuse. This programme of audit will be ongoing.
Mental Health Services
Nicky McFadden
Question:139 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health the number of persons from here that are being treated outside this jurisdiction for mental health issues, intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injury, challenging behaviour and eating disorders; the amount this costs the State on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22035/12]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Health Services
Ciaran Lynch
Question:140 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health when appropriate services will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22049/12]
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.
Medical Cards
Denis Naughten
Question:141 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who is over 70 years of age and whose only income is social welfare has been refused a full medical card and only granted a general practitioner visit card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22054/12]
If a person has been refused a medical card they can lodge an appeal within 21 days. Details of the appeals process are forwarded to the applicant with their refusal letter. As this refusal of a medical card renewal is a service matter, I have referred it to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:142 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the date on which the framework for smaller hospitals document will be published; the process by which the document has been drafted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22067/12]
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 have also drafted the 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. This framework will demonstrate clearly that the future of smaller hospitals is secure. It will set out what services can and should be delivered safely by these hospitals in the interest of better outcomes for patients. I expect to be in a position to publish the framework shortly.
Departmental Staff
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:143 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of staff within his Department, the agencies operating under its aegis, and the Health Service Executive who are in receipt of full salary but who have been unable to attend work for a period of at least three of the last 12 months; if he will provide a breakdown of same based on reason, location and grade and if he will provide a breakdown of the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22068/12]
The information in respect of my Department is detailed as follows. All of the absences are due to sick leave, uncertified and certified, and relate to staff in Hawkins House, Dublin.
|
Grade |
Absence Cost |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
€18,964 |
|
Higher Executive Officer x 2 |
€45,012 |
|
Executive Officer x 2 |
€37,772 |
|
Staff Officer |
€11,573 |
|
Clerical Officer x 2 |
€26,033 |
The HSE has been asked to arrange for the compilation of the information requested and to provide it directly to the Deputy. The information in relation to the Non-Commercial State Agencies is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Accident and Emergency Services
Billy Kelleher
Question:144 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to downgrade any accident and emergency departments; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22072/12]
Billy Kelleher
Question:145 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of accident and emergency departments he expects to be downgraded to urgent care centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22073/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.
Any changes to services provided by the HSE are carried out in the context of HSE Service Plans and are informed by a range of issues, including clinical best practice and patient safety. However, I have requested that no changes take place in the service delivery without informing me before implementation of changes.
Medicinal Products
Ciara Conway
Question:146 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health his plans to review the ban on the sale of St. John’s Wort here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22075/12]
The Traditional Herbal Medicines Registration Scheme is operated by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB). Under the registration scheme a manufacturer can apply for a certificate of traditional-use registration for their traditional herbal medicinal product. The scheme enables Irish consumers to have confidence when they buy a herbal medicine that it is safe, manufactured to a high quality and labelled correctly. Currently, there are no herbal medicinal products containing St. John's Wort registered on the Irish market. It is open to manufacturers or others to apply to the IMB to have a St. John's Wort product registered under the scheme. Medicines Regulations currently envisage that medicinal products containing St. John's Wort, other than for external use, may only be supplied on foot of a prescription.
Prescription Charges
Ciara Conway
Question:147 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health if persons will pay for prescription costs with pharmacies once free general practitioner care is introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22134/12]
The Government has given its approval to the preparation of Heads of a Bill to progress the phased introduction of free GP care in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. It is envisaged that the first phase in the Programme will provide for the extension of access to GP services without fees to persons with illnesses or disabilities to be prescribed by regulations under the new legislation. This legislation will not affect prescription charges.
Health Insurance
Billy Kelleher
Question:148 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that he has now responded to the most recent correspondence from the European Commission in relation to the regulation of the VHI by the Central Bank of Ireland; if he will outline the content of this response; if this response will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22136/12]
As the Deputy is aware, the European Commission took a case against the State regarding the VHI's derogation from the EU Non-Life Directives which have exempted it from the requirement to be authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland. The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled against the State on 29 September last. In response to this judgement, the Government agreed to:
Engage with the Commission to address the ruling;
Work with the VHI and the Central Bank on the VHI's application for authorisation, with a decision to be taken later regarding the question of capitalisation;
Examine the legal and legislative requirements to allow for the incorporation of the VHI as a limited company, in order to address the concerns of the EU Commissioner for Competition that the VHI may benefit from an unlimited State guarantee;
Examine other options for the future status of the VHI.
The Government's plans and a realistic timetable were outlined to the European Commission on 9 December last. Resolution of the issues will involve a number of steps. Irish officials have met with officials of both the Directorate General for Competition and the Directorate General for Internal Market and Services since the beginning of the year and will continue to engage with them on an ongoing basis. The Commission responded on 27 February in a Letter of Formal Notice, a procedural notification that the Commission is obliged to issue within six months of a judgement. The terms of the Formal Notice have been considered in detail in my Department and following further discussions with the Commission in April, a formal response was issued on behalf of the Government on 26 April.
In relation to publication of the response issued to the Commission, this question is being examined at present with regard to the commercial information included in the response. Subject to any required redaction of commercially sensitive information, it is my intention to publish it as soon as possible. I can, however, confirm that in addition to summarising the actions undertaken since the judgement was delivered, the response of 26 April emphasises the Irish Government's assurance that the judgement of the European Court of Justice will be addressed as quickly as possible and notes that Irish officials will update the Commission on a quarterly basis in relation to progress, with a commitment to the immediate notification to the Commission should any obstacles to progress arise.
Prescription Charges
Jim Daly
Question:149 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health his views of pharmacies in County Cork charging different prices for prescribed drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22138/12]
The Code of Conduct for Pharmacists issued by the pharmacy regulator (The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland) requires pharmacists, amongst other things, to provide honest, relevant, accurate, current and appropriate information to patients regarding the nature, cost, value and benefit of medicines, health-related products and services provided by them. Every pharmacist has an obligation to comply in full with the statutory Code of Conduct. Patients have every right to ask a pharmacist the reasons for the price they are being charged and if dissatisfied can, if they so choose, transfer their custom to an alternative pharmacy.
Medical Cards
Niall Collins
Question:150 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 Cork. [22144/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Medicinal Products
Jack Wall
Question:151 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 695 of 18 March 2012, the reason a person (details supplied) cannot obtain the stated medication on the medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22158/12]
Suppliers of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances can apply to the HSE for products to be reimbursed under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme and the community drugs schemes. In order for a medicinal product to be considered for reimbursement it must meet specified criteria. These include the following:
The product must be a medicinal product authorised by the Irish Medicines Board or the European Commission.
The product must be such that it is ordinarily supplied to the public only on foot of a medical prescription.
The product should not be advertised or promoted to the public.
If the Deputy would like to supply the name of the specific medication I will have further enquiries made on the matter.
Medical Cards
Niall Collins
Question:152 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 Cork. [22203/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Patrick Nulty
Question:153 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a medical card 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. [22205/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Billy Kelleher
Question:154 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of patients treated by consultants in the past year and separately by visiting dentists for the past year at the Dublin Dental University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22206/12]
The information requested is currently being collated by the Dublin Dental University Hospital and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Medical Cards
John McGuinness
Question:155 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 [22228/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services
Brendan Griffin
Question:156 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene to find a solution to a situation (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22237/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:157 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the Health Service Executive retains an adequate public health nursing service based in Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22246/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Medicinal Products
Brendan Griffin
Question:158 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 251 of 22 February 2012, if a time frame has been confirmed for the release of the drug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22249/12]
The manufacturer of Fingolimod (Gilenya®) has submitted an application to the HSE for the product to be reimbursed under the High-Tech Drug Scheme. The application in respect of the product in question is still under consideration.
Hospital Services
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:159 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the admission protocol for each high dependency unit at each hospital; the plans if any, to review these protocols; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22260/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Departmental Expenditure
Seán Kenny
Question:160 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the position regarding additional funding to provide extra parking spaces for staff and visitors at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22270/12]
Delivery of health capital infrastructure is a service matter. Therefore the question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply
Hospital Staff
Seán Kenny
Question:161 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that places will be made available for the training of new public health nurses, social workers, physiotherapists and so on; when such courses will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22271/12]
I have forwarded this query to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services
Michael Conaghan
Question:162 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Health when the primary care centre in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, will be opened; the services that will be available at the centre; if arrangements have been reached with local general practitioners or if other options have been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22276/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Heather Humphreys
Question:163 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent decision by the Health Service Executive to have catering services for Monaghan Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital, Castleblayney, provided from one site atSt. Davnet’s in Monaghan which is eighteen miles away from Castleblayney; if he will outline the logic behind this decision in view of the high cost of fuel at present; the projected cost savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22278/12]
I understand from the HSE that following a review, and also taking into account the significant number of catering staff who have left the HSE services in Cavan/Monaghan, the HSE has taken the decision to merge a number of catering departments. It is planned that catering services for Monaghan Hospital, St. Mary's Castleblayney and Associated Day Care/Outreach Catering Services will be provided from one site at St. Davnet's Hospital. I am informed that the St Davnet's site has been selected due to its capacity to accommodate the merged catering services and its potential for future development. A working group is in place to oversee and implement this project.
Taxi Regulations
John O'Mahony
Question:164 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when persons will have the opportunity to apply for a hackney licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22056/12]
The regulation of the taxi industry, including issues related to the issuing of small public service vehicle licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have arranged for your question to be forwarded to the NTA for a direct response. If you do not receive a response within ten working days, please notify my private office.