Vol. 767 No. 1
11 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the full extent to which he expects and or intends to involve or utilise the arts, culture and heritage sectors in economic recovery with special emphasis on the marketing of a positive natural image; the degree to which he can quantify the effect in financial terms in the case of the current year. [27109/12]
The arts, culture and heritage sectors continue to offer vital opportunities for the provision of important cultural, social and employment benefits to communities throughout the country. The nature of employment within the arts sector encompasses a very wide range of activities. It can include those engaged in the arts practice within specific artistic genres and can also encompass areas which flow from such artistic pursuits. It may also embody the whole industrial creative sectors, including the audiovisual production sector.
The Government appreciates and values the contribution the arts sector makes to the internationally renowned artistic reputation of this country. Within the current economic constraints, investment in the arts, culture and creative sectors is more important than ever, having regard to the employment intensity of the sector. The Deputy will be aware that a report (An Assessment of the Economic Impact of the Arts in Ireland) published by the Arts Council in 2011 indicated that the arts sector provides significant direct and indirect employment, supporting some 21,300 jobs and contributing €306.8 million in taxes. The arts also impact on the wider creative industries, contributing €4.7 billion to the economy and supporting 79,000 jobs.
The heritage area is also increasingly identified as a primary stimulus in the tourism sector and my Department is committed to promoting greater appreciation and understanding of Ireland's rich heritage as a valuable amenity for business, farming and tourism and as a means of presenting Ireland as an attractive destination for sustainable inward investment. A report published by the Heritage Council last month indicates that Ireland's historic environment supports over 35,000 jobs and contributes in the order of €1.5 billion to the national economy. It also indicates that one fifth of total visitor expenditure in Ireland is attributable to our historic environment.
While the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and the agencies under its remit, have primary responsibility for the promotion of Ireland generally as an attractive visitor location, heritage sites, including national parks and national monuments, feature strongly in much of this promotion. In addition, my Department through, for example, the provision of important heritage inventories, the funding for the conservation and presentation of the built heritage, and through support for the Heritage Council, assists in promoting greater appreciation and understanding of Ireland's heritage as a valuable amenity for residents and visitors alike. My Department is also directly involved in developing heritage initiatives with Fáilte Ireland, the Heritage Council and other organisations. I am confident that these and other initiatives will contribute to the quality of the national heritage tourism product, economic recovery and job creation.
As the Deputy will be aware, in the Government'sAction Plan for Jobs, there are 11 specific actions in the areas of arts, culture and creative enterprise which are to be undertaken by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the agencies under its remit. The relevant actions are set out in section 7 of the Plan and I look forward to continuing progress in relation to these actions in the period ahead.
12 D’fhiafraigh Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an raibh aon phlé idir Údarás na Gaeltachta agus BIM maidir le cúrsaí oiliúna a chur ar fáil i bhfeirmeoireacht éisc má leantar ar aghaidh leis an scéim feirmeoireachta éisc in Inis Oírr. [27091/12]
Tuigtear dom go bhfuil Meabhrán Comhthuisceana i bhfeidhm idir Údarás na Gaeltachta agus BIM agus go bhfuil comhoibriú maith, dá bharr, idir an dá eagraíocht.
Tuigtear dom fosta go bhfuil Údarás na Gaeltachta agus BIM ag obair as lámha a chéile maidir le forbairt an togra atá beartaithe in Inis Oírr. Ag cruinniú a tionóladh idir BIM agus Údarás na Gaeltachta le déanaí, aontaíodh go bhfuil sé riachtanach cúrsaí oiliúna i bhfeirmeoireacht éisc a chur ar fáil do mhuintir na háite chun cabhrú leo an tairbhe is fearr a fháil ón tionscnamh seo. Tuigtear dom go bhfuil sé i gceist ag an dá eagraíocht tabhairt faoin bpróiseas oiliúna nuair a bheidh na ceadúnais chuí faighte agus cúrsaí pleanála socraithe don tionscnamh.
13 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of direct and or indirect funding for the arts at local level; if sufficient emphasis is placed on incentivising local performing groups; if such groups are directly supported in their efforts to secure or upgrade premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27108/12]
The Government's policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, to increase access to and participation in the arts, and to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. I am continuing to work towards this goal with my Department and the agencies within its remit, and I remain committed to securing the best possible level of funding for the arts sector.
The State appreciates and values the contribution the arts sector makes to the internationally renowned artistic reputation of this country. Within the current economic constraints, such investment in the arts, culture and creative sectors is more important than ever, having regard to the employment intensity of the sector and their potential for assisting with cultural tourism initiatives.
I was pleased to recently launch The Philanthropy Leverage Initiative. This initiative, established with funding of €230,000 for 2012, is designed to encourage philanthropic sponsorship and endowment funding of the arts from private sources. The scheme aims to promote support for the arts from private sources and to unlock 2 to 5 times the funding put up by the taxpayer. The Philanthropy Leverage Initiative will provide an incentive to arts organisations to proactively seek new and multi-annual relationships with sponsors which deliver private sector financial support, thereby increasing overall funding available to the arts. The initiative will be available across projects of varying scale, geography and art forms. The Leverage Initiative will run in parallel with a second initiative — the Philanthropy Capacity Building Initiative — which is operated by the Arts Council.
Capital investment in cultural infrastructure has greatly improved access to and participation in the arts for large numbers of people nationwide. Facilities funded include integrated arts centres, theatres, galleries, studios and creative and performance spaces. In this manner, my Department provided the bulk of capital funding for buildings and refurbishing arts facilities around the country, mainly in the not for profit sector, while the Arts Council provides the ongoing revenue support for many of the facilities.
In terms of indirect funding, my Department, in conjunction with the Arts Council, has developed an initiative calledCulturefox, which is a free promotional medium for arts and culture events. Culturefox is both a website and an “app”, and is available to all arts and culture practitioners at national, regional and at local levels. It is free to use for promoters and consumers alike.
As the Deputy is aware, I also forwarded details to him on 25 April last of financial assistance provided to bodies/groups over the period since the establishment of my Department on 2 June 2011.
14 D’fhiafraigh Jonathan O’Brien den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas faoin tacaíocht a bhfuil a Roinn in ainm a bheith á tabhairt d’fhorbairt na Cé in Inis Oírr, an dtabharfaidh sé soiléiriú maidir leis na híocaíochtaí a tháinig ón Roinn chun an Ché a fhorbairt, agus an bhfuil sé i gceist ag an Roinn forbairt na Cé a chríochnú. [27098/12]
473 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas faoin tacaíocht a bhfuil a Roinn in ainm a bheith á tabhairt d’fhorbairt na Cé in Inis Oírr, an dtabharfaidh sé soiléiriú maidir leis na híocaíochtaí a tháinig ón Roinn chun an Ché a fhorbairt; agus an bhfuil sé i gceist ag an Roinn forbairt na Cé a chríochnú. [27134/12]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 14 agus 473 le chéile.
Mar is eol don Teachta, is cé de chuid Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe an ché seo. Ach an oiread le céanna Árann agus Inis Meáin, ar cheadaigh mo Roinnse deontais de luach €58m ina n-iomláine dóibh le blianta beaga anuas, aithníonn mo Roinnse an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an gcé seo do phobal Inis Oírr.
Idir na blianta 2004 agus 2007, cheadaigh mo Roinnse deontais de luach €784,000 inan-iomláine chun cur ar chumas Chomhairle Contae na Gaillimhe tabhairt faoin obair seo a leanas i ndáil leis an gcé in Inis Oírr: réamhstaidéar, múnlóireacht fhisiceach agus measúnacht tionchair timpeallachta, chomh maith le ceadúnais a fháil, dearadh a dhéanamh, doiciméid chonartha a ullmhú, tairiscintí a lorg agus bainistiú cuí a dhéanamh ar an gconradh.
Tuigtear dom go bhfuil cead pleanála agus ceadúnas forchladaigh faighte ag an gComhairle Contae d'fhorbairt na cé in Inis Oírr. Meastar go mbeidh costas de €8.5m ar an obair atá beartaithe agus, ós rud é nach bhfuil acmhainní airgeadais den chineál sin ag mo Roinnse — ná ag an gComhairle Contae, tuigim — i láthair na huaire, níl sé beartaithe dul i mbun tairisceana don togra sa ghearrthéarma.
15 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the financial funding initiatives being put in place to protect and promote the walled towns here. [27101/12]
The Heritage Council, a body under the aegis of my Department, operates a specific initiative to support walled towns across the island of Ireland — the Irish Walled Towns Network.
I understand that the Council provided over €1.8m to walled towns in the past 3 years. The funding provided for this initiative is a matter for the Heritage Council.
My Department is providing a total of €4,811,000 of Exchequer Funding for the Heritage Council in 2012, together with €1,500,000 from my Department's share of the Environment Fund.
16 D’fhiafraigh Mary Lou McDonald den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an raibh aon phlé idir é agus an Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe faoi athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an gcinneadh Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga a chónascadh le hOifig an Ombudsman agus léiriú a dhéanamh ar cé mhéid airgid atá á shábháil de bharr an chinnidh agus ar an mbonn a bhí leis an gcinneadh. [27089/12]
Mar is eol don Teachta, d'fhógair an Rialtas ar 17 Samhain 2011 go raibh cinneadh tógtha feidhmeanna Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga a chónascadh le hOifig an Ombudsman agus go raibh an cinneadh sin le cur i gcrích i gcomhthéacs an athbhreithnithe ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003, atá ar siúl ag mo Roinnse faoi láthair. Tógadh an cinneadh sin mar chuid dePhlean Athchóirithe an Rialtais don tSeirbhís Phoiblí. Faoin bPlean sin, tá sé beartaithe ag an Rialtas go ndéanfar cuíchóiriú ar 48 comhlacht poiblí faoi dheireadh na bliana 2012 agus go ndéanfar athbhreithniú criticiúil ar 46 comhlacht poiblí eile faoi mhí an Mheithimh 2012.
Tá sé ráite go soiléir ag an Rialtas nach sábháil airgid amháin atá á lorg sna cúrsaí seo. Mar atá ráite ibPlean Athchóirithe an Rialtais don tSeirbhís Phoiblí, tiocfaidh na buntáistí is suntasaí as timpeallacht riaracháin níos simplí agus níos éifeachtaí a bheith ann, rud a thabharfaidh cuntasacht dhaonlathach níos fearr, níos lú dúblála agus línte freagrachta níos soiléire don saoránach.
Glactar leis, ar ndóigh, go dtagann saincheisteanna chun cinn do na heagraíochtaí éagsúla atá i gceist de thoradh na gcinntí seo agus go bhféadfadh leasuithe reachtaíochta a bheith san áireamh chomh maith. Tá Coiste Athchóirithe bunaithe ag mo Roinnse chun scrúdú a dhéanamh ar na saincheisteanna ábhartha a bhaineann leis na heagraíochtaí ar leith a thagann faoi scáth mo Roinne. Tá an coiste seo ag plé leis na heagraíochtaí éagsúla atá i gceist, lena n-áirítear Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, le gur féidir cinntí an Rialtais a chur i bhfeidhm ar bhealach éifeachtach agus éifeachtúil. Ar ndóigh, bíonn plé rialta idir mo Roinnse agus an Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe i dtaca leis an ábhar seo fosta.
17 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that 11 of 53 protected bogs are being cut by turf cutters, if he has had any success in securing a 12 month extension in the derogation from the EU on these bogs; if he will provide an update regarding the talks with the EU on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27242/12]
489 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he and/or his Department have engaged in outgoing discussions with the EU Commission on the issue of efforts to resolve difficulties arising from the displacement of traditional turf cutting at various bogs throughout the country; the success of any such deliberations; if the various compromise positions put forward over the past year have been accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27502/12]
491 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the various attempts made to resolve issues arising from displacement of traditional cutters from various bogs throughout the country in the past two years; the extent to which any such proposals have been accepted by each of the parties involved including the EU Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27504/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 489 and 491 together.
Earlier this year, at the request of the Government, Mr. Conor Skehan, Chairman of the Peatlands Council, convened a Peatlands Forum, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Justice John Quirke, and involving my Department, the IFA, the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, Bord na Móna, and representatives of turf-cutting and environmental groups. This Forum allowed each community affected by the cessation of turf-cutting to put forward their views on the issues and follow-up steps were identified for each bog.
The report on the Forum from Justice Quirke also recommended that a national plan should be prepared to examine how the 53 raised bog special areas of conservation are to be protected. This recommendation was agreed to by Government. Dáil Éireann also gave unanimous support to a Private Members' Motion, which called for such a national plan to be put in place. On the 3rd of April, I, together with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., met with EU Environment Commissioner Potoènik in Brussels, where we secured the support of the European Commission for developing a National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan. This plan will be developed over the coming 12 months.
The plan will be wide-ranging, looking at the practical aspects of conserving and managing the affected bogs and will allow solutions for turf-cutters to be explored in detail. In the context of such a plan, it may be possible to bring some flexibility, within the terms of the EU Habitats Directive, that could allow limited cutting within a small number of sites. The plan will be progressed both at local level for each site and through the Peatlands Council.
An extension to the "derogation" is not legally possible. While the Plan is being prepared, no unauthorised turf cutting can take place on the protected bogs. Any unauthorised cutting will be dealt with through prosecution and cross-reporting. The State may also pursue contractors and turf-cutters involved in illegal damage to meet remediation costs.
The Government has put in place a flexible package of compensation for affected turf cutters. Those affected who want to cease cutting turf completely can apply for compensation of €1,500 per annum for the next 15 years. Eligible cutters are also entitled to a one-off payment of €500 for this year. This means the total compensation package is worth €23,000, index linked and tax-free.
For those who wish to continue cutting, my Department is working to relocate turf cutters to alternative bogs. Turf has now been cut on the first of these relocation bogs and others are being prepared or are being identified in consultation with affected cutters. Where relocation bogs are not yet available, turf-cutters can choose between a €1,500 payment or the delivery of 15 tonnes of turf, each year while the relocation bog is being identified, acquired and prepared for cutting. They will also be entitled to the one-off €500 payment. To date, more than 2,100 applications for compensation have been received by my Department with payments issued to some 550 applicants already. The first deliveries of turf have also been made in recent days.
My Department is maintaining ongoing contact with the European Commission both in terms of the development of the national plan and in regard to updating the Commission on the unauthorised cutting to date and the steps being pursued on enforcement.
18 D’fhiafraigh Michael Colreavy den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cé mhéid scéimeanna teanga a cuireadh i ngníomh ó thosach na bliana, cé mhéid acu a bheartaíonn sé a chur i ngníomh, agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas maidir leis na scéimeanna sin nach bhfuil curtha i ngníomh fós. [27094/12]
Tá dhá scéim teanga daingnithe agam faoi fhorálacha Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla go dtí seo i mbliana. Ciallaíonn sé seo go bhfuil 107 scéim teanga san iomlán, a chlúdaíonn 192 comhlacht poiblí, daingnithe ón uair gur tháinig an tAcht i bhfeidhm. Tá sonraí maidir leis na scéimeanna uilig atá daingnithe go dáta, mar aon leis na scéimeanna atá á n-ullmhú faoi latháir, ar fáil ar shuíomh idirlín Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga,www.coimisineir.ie.
Tá plé leanúnach ar siúl ag oifigigh mo Roinne le comhlachtaí poiblí maidir le scéimeanna teanga a ullmhú agus a aontú. Sa chomhthéacs sin, tá suas le 20 dréachtscéim á bplé go gníomhach ag mo Roinn faoi láthair agus tá mé dóchasach, mar sin, go ndéanfar dul chun cinn sásúil chun tuilleadh scéimeanna a dhaingniú agus a fhoilsiú faoi dheireadh na bliana seo.
19 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has held any discussions with the Department of Finance on the extension of tax relief to apps, games and other digital content as part of the review of section 481 tax relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27236/12]
The whole area of development of the Irish audiovisual industry (including the gaming sector and other digital content) was examined during the preparation of the Creative Capital Report — Building Ireland's Audiovisual Creative Economy. The Report was published in July 2011 and an implementation Committee to pursue the execution of its recommendations has been established. One of the recommendations in the Report is the extension of Section 481 until the end of 2020. It is currently approved until the end of 2015. A public consultation process to assist the Department of Finance in examining the operation of the Section 481 Scheme beyond 2015 was announced on 24 May 2012. This consultation process invites interested parties to make submissions on the economic impact assessment of the operation, status and future development of the Section 481 Scheme. My Department is involved in this consultation process.
The Deputy will appreciate that primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland, in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions, is a matter for the Irish Film Board (IFB). This agency is funded through my Department and is independent in its day-to-day operations.
20 D’fhiafraigh Martin Ferris den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén sciar de bhuiséad Údarás na Gaeltachta a chaitear ar phinsin daoine atá fós fostaithe, agus ar phinsin daoine atá tar éis éirí as an Údarás. [27097/12]
Caitheann Údarás na Gaeltachta thart ar €4.4 mhilliún sa bhliain ar phinsin 135 duine atá ag fáil pinsean faoi Scéim Aoisliúntas an Údaráis.
I láthair na huaire, tá duine amháin athfhostaithe ag an Údaras ar chonradh sé mhí go 31 Lúnasa 2012 ar chostas breise de €23,663 anuas ar an €28,017 a bheadh iníoctha leis an duine mar phinsean.
21 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will confirm the future of the Heritage Council in view of the report that heritage is worth €1.5 billion to the economy; if he will ensure that the 35,000 jobs it supports are safeguarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27227/12]
Under the Public Service Reform programme announced by Government on 17th November last the Heritage Council is included in Appendix IIb: Candidate Bodies for Critical Review by end of June 2012. The focus of the review is to examine the potential merger of functions of the Council into my Department. Any decision in relation to the future of the Council will await the finalisation of that review.
I welcome publication of the report cited by the Deputy which was commissioned by the Heritage Council, a body funded by my Department. The Steering Committee responsible for commissioning and overseeing completion of the report was chaired by an official in my Department. The reportEconomic Value of Ireland’s Historic Environment and its findings will help to inform the development of heritage policy and related initiatives by my Department.
22 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if it remains his position that he intends to take Bank of Ireland’s College Green branch into the hands of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27235/12]
451 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the discussions he has held on his plans to repossess the Bank of Ireland College Green premises, Dublin; his plans to use the building as a major heritage attraction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26231/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 451 together.
I refer the Deputies to my previous replies on this matter. As outlined in those replies, I met the Chair and Chief Executive of Bank of Ireland and had a constructive engagement on the issues.
My dialogue with the Bank is continuing.
23 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to better support arts and heritage initiatives in rural areas; and the percentage of the overall budget allocated to developing rural arts and heritage. [27106/12]
The Government's priorities for the arts are set out in the Programme for Government. Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved primarily to the Arts Council. The Council is a statutory body, funded by my Department, and independent in its day-to-day operations, including in relation to its funding decisions.
The Deputy may be aware that I recently launched The Philanthropy Leverage Initiative. This pilot initiative, established with funding of €230,000 for 2012, is designed to encourage philanthropic sponsorship and endowment funding of the arts from private sources. The scheme aims to promote support for the arts from private sources and to unlock multiples of the funding put up by the taxpayer. The Philanthropy Leverage Initiative will provide an incentive to arts and culture organisations to seek new and multi-annual relationships with sponsors which deliver private sector financial support, thereby increasing overall funding available to the arts. The initiative will be available across projects of varying scale, geography and art form. Full details are available on my Department's website.
24 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will confirm the future of opera here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27230/12]
Responsibility for the promotion and funding of opera falls within the remit of the Arts Council. Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council is a statutorily independent body.
25 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if, as part of the centenary celebrations to commemorate 1916, he will ensure that commemoration services and ceremonies will include the Four Courts, the Custom House and Kilmainham Gaol in view of the fact that these and others are centres of significance when remembering those who sought our independence in 1916; if he will outline any initial plans and his view of such planned ceremonies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21295/12]
446 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if any armies other than the Irish Army will be involved in the centenary celebrations of the 1916 Rising. [26378/12]
456 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps being taken in preparations for the forthcoming centenary anniversary of the Easter Rising to allow for the involvement of relatives to those who took part in the Rising during the commemorative events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26402/12]
482 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made in preparations for the commemoration of the centenary of the 1916 Rising. [23767/12]
483 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the commemorations that are planned by the State in the year ahead. [23768/12]
484 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he or his officials have attended meetings recently to discuss the commemoration of 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24825/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 446, 456 and 482 to 484, inclusive, together.
As Deputies will be aware, we are already arrived on the Centenary anniversary of the tumultuous decade that saw the transition from the campaign for Home Rule to the establishment of an autonomous Irish State. It was a period when the parliamentary process was overtaken by the resort to arms in Ireland and the descent of Europe into war. It was also a period of transformation and cultural renewal in Irish society, following on electoral reform, land reform, education reform and migration. The demand for constitutional change was in parallel with the assertion of workers' rights and women's rights. The decade from 1912 to 1922 is the most momentous of modern Irish history and requires a comprehensive commemorative programme that will acknowledge the achievements of the revolutionary generation and enhance the understanding today of the events that shaped our society.
While it is intended that the official commemorative programme will continue through the entire Decade of Centenaries until 2022, consideration is currently being focused on an initial programme to 2016.
With a strong commitment to the development of a comprehensive and balanced programme of commemorations, I very much appreciate the support of the Oireachtas All-Party Consultation Group. The meetings of this Group, of which I am Chairman, not only provide opportunities for suggestions and advice from members in relation to the programme, but also allow interested institutions and groups to make presentations in relation to their expectations in the coming years. At the most recent meeting on 22 May, the Group discussed commemorative planning with a cross-community group from Belfast and met with members and officials from Dublin City Council in relation to future co-operation.
In order to ensure a coherent presentation of the history of the period, the commemorative arrangements will be aligned, as far as possible, with the historic timeline of the Centenary anniversaries. I very much appreciate that the commemorative programme will have the support of a panel of distinguished historians, chaired by Dr Maurice Manning, providing advice for the Government and the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on both the overall commemorative programme and on any specific issues which may arise. I very much hope that the commemorative programme will strengthen the public interest in our national history and encourage original research at local and national level. I understand that the expert group will be consulting widely — with universities, educational and cultural bodies, local historical associations and committees, and individuals — on the advancement of historical study.
To date in 2012, there have been a number of significant centenary commemoration events. In late March, the Northern Ireland First Minister, Mr. Peter Robinson, MLA, visited Iveagh House in Dublin, at the invitation of the Tánaiste, to offer his reflections on Carson's influence and on Irish Unionism. The centenary of the introduction of the Third Home Rule Bill in the Westminster Parliament on 11 April was marked by memorial lectures on the work of John Redmond and the Irish Parliamentary Party, hosted by Waterford City Council. In mid-April, I addressed a conference in Belfast about the Ulster Covenant, organised by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
With support from my Department, Dublin City Gallery — The Hugh Lane is currently hosting a major exhibition —Home Rule and Modern Ireland. The centenary of the signing of the Ulster Covenant will be marked on 28 September of this year, although the details of any event have not yet been confirmed. The county libraries of Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan will host exhibitions on the Covenant this year, with support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Other events planned this year include the completion of the restoration of Erskine Childers’ yacht, Asgard, and the continuation of the National Library of Ireland’s Europeana World War I collection roadshows.
The developing programme of special Centenary commemorations will complement the established arrangements for annual commemorations, which includes the National Day of Commemoration and the commemorations at the GPO and Arbour Hill. The annual commemoration of the Great Famine and other events outside the Centenary framework will also continue. In this regard, consideration is being given to special commemorative arrangements for events such as the millennial anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf in 2014.
With our priority attention to the immediate future, the arrangements for commemoration in 2016 are still at an early stage of consideration. The significance of particular buildings and sites in relation to the Rising will be borne in mind in developing the commemorative programme. Similarly, the special arrangements for military ceremonies or parades on the Centenary of the Rising in 2016 have yet to be addressed. I would renew my invitation to Deputies and all interested persons to send me any contributions or suggestions they would offer towards the developing programme. If Deputies have any particular interests or concerns in this regard, I would be grateful to hear from them.
26 D’fhiafraigh Dessie Ellis den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén buiséad atá ag Ealaín na Gaeltachta i mbliana i gcomparáid leis na 5 bliana roimhe seo; agus cad iad na pleananna atá aige maidir le forbairt na heagraíochta seo. [27095/12]
Tuigtear dom ó Údarás na Gaeltachta gur cuireadh maoiniú mar a leanas ar fáil d'Ealaín (na Gaeltachta) Teo le cúig bliana anuas:
|
Bliain |
Maoiniú |
|
2011 |
€820,000 (suas go Márta 2012) |
|
2010 |
€866,000 |
|
2009 |
€950,000 |
|
2008 |
€1,013,000 |
|
2007 |
€980,000 |
Tuigtear dom ó Údarás na Gaeltachta fosta go mbeidh buiséad de €700,000 ar fáil d'Ealaín (na Gaeltachta) Teo i leith forbairt na n-ealaíon sa Ghaeltacht don tréimhse ón 1 Aibreán 2012 go dtí an 31 Márta 2013. Beidh €350,000 den bhuiséad seo á chur ar fáil ag Údarás na Gaeltachta, leis an bhfuílleach le teacht ón gComhairle Ealaíon.
Tuigtear dom chomh maith go bhfuil plean straitéise d'fhorbairt na n-ealaíon sa Ghaeltacht don tréimhse 2012-2016 ullmhaithe ag Ealaín (na Gaeltachta) Teo agus go bhfuil an plean sin curtha faoi bhráid na Comhairle Ealaíon. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh an plean seo réidh le seoladh taobh istigh d'achar gairid.
27 D’fhiafraigh Brian Stanley den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén buiséad atá ag Óige na Gaeltachta i mbliana i gcomparáid leis na 5 bliana roimhe seo; agus cad iad na pleananna atá aige maidir le forbairt na heagraíochta seo. [27096/12]
Tuigtear dom ó Údarás na Gaeltachta gur cuireadh maoiniú mar a leanas ar fáil d'Óige na Gaeltachta le sé bliana anuas:
|
Bliain |
Maoiniú |
|
2012 |
€285,000 |
|
2011 |
€340,000 |
|
2010 |
€367,000 |
|
2009 |
€300,000 |
|
2008 |
€300,000 |
|
2007 |
€300,000 |
Ach an oiread leis na heagraíochtaí eile pobail atá ag feidhmiú sa Ghaeltacht, beidh ról lárnach ag Óige na Gaeltachta i gcur i bhfeidhm naStraitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge . Beidh Óige na Gaeltachta ag obair as lámha a chéile leis na heagraíochtaí forbartha pobail sa Ghaeltacht chun a chinntiú go mbeidh ról ag an óige sa phróiseas pleanála teanga.
Chomh maith leis sin, leanfaidh Óige na Gaeltachta ag cur seirbhísí ar fáil d'aos óg na Gaeltachta. Tuigtear dom go bhfuil oifigí ag Óige na Gaeltachta i gcontaetha Dhún na nGall, Gaillimh agus Corcaí. Tá 55 club óige faoi chúram na heagraíochta ag feidhmiú sna Gaeltachtaí éagsúla agus ag freastal ar timpeall 2,000 ball. Anuas air sin, tá 6 ionad 'buail isteach' ag feidhmiú sa Ghaeltacht le tacaíocht ó Óige na Gaeltachta. Tuigtear dom go ndéanfar gach iarracht cur le líon na n-ionad sin taobh istigh de na srianta airgeadais atá ar Údarás na Gaeltachta san aeráid eacnamaíoch reatha.
29 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps being taken to promote Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which is taking place in Derry in 2013. [27102/12]
My Department provides an annual current grant to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. In 2012, this amounts to €1.675m. This grant assists,inter alia, with the day-to-day running costs of the organisation, along with various deliverables. Comhaltas has a nationwide network of branches that promotes Irish traditional music in all its forms, including the playing of the harp and uilleann pipes, Irish traditional dancing, traditional singing in both Irish and English, and Irish language classes.
The Deputy will appreciate that the promotion of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is primarily a matter for Comhaltas CeoltóiríÉireann itself.
30 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason very little famine memorabilia is currently on exhibition; and his plans to address this matter. [27107/12]
The Deputy will be aware that, as Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, I am responsible for ensuring on behalf of the Government that appropriate arrangements are in place to commemorate the Great Irish Famine with an annual memorial day. This year's National Famine Commemoration took place on Sunday, 13th May in Drogheda, County Louth. Details of the work of the National Famine Commemoration Committees since 2008 in implementing a varied and diverse annual programme of events to coincide with the National Famine Commemoration are available on the relevant pages of my Department's website athttp://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/NationalFamineCommemoration2012/.
In relation to the display of famine memorabilia in exhibitions, the Deputy will appreciate that decisions in relation to any such displays would be operational matters for the relevant cultural institutions or other entities concerned. I should, however, draw the attention of the Deputy to my reply to Question No 293 of 7 February 2012, in which I pointed out that the National Famine Commemoration Committee had previously considered the possibilities around exhibiting a collection dedicated to the Irish Famine in the National Museum of Ireland. The Committee was given to understand that much of the evidence relating to the Great Famine is statistical and pictorial, and, as there are very limited artefacts that could be exhibited at the National Museum, the position is that there is insufficient material to support a dedicated exhibition at that venue. The Deputy will, of course, be aware that there are many local museums and other entities around the country that display material relating to the Famine period, the Irish National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, Co Roscommon, being an excellent example.
31 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé ar intinn aige leanúint leis na toghcháin chuig Bord Údarás na Gaeltachta i mbliana agus, mura bhfuil, cén tslí ina mbeartaíonn sé an Bord a thoghadh nó a roghnú. [27085/12]
Tá cinneadh tógtha ag an Rialtas deireadh a chur leis an riachtanas do thoghcháin do bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta. Dá bhrí sin, beidh foráil sa Bhille Gaeltachta, a fhoilseofar go luath, chun feidhm a thabhairt do chinneadh an Rialtais. Leagfar amach an próiseas chun bord nua a cheapadh d'Údarás na Gaeltachta sa Bhille Gaeltachta fosta.
32 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the availability of funding for restoration works on protected buildings throughout Ireland. [27103/12]
€1,252,000 has been provided by my Department in this year's Estimates for built heritage capital. As part of this capital programme, €500,000 is allocated specifically for protected structures at risk. Applications for this funding are made by local authorities to my Department. However, it should be noted that the deadline for applications in 2012 has now passed.
The remaining built heritage capital allocation supports funding to the Office of Public Works in respect of national monuments and historic properties in State care, a special projects fund and archaeological capital works.
My Department also provides funding to the Heritage Council, which, in turn, supports many heritage projects throughout the country. This year my Department is providing a total of €4,811,000 of Exchequer Funding for the Heritage Council, together with €1,500,000 from my Department's share of the Environment Fund.
Other programmes may also provide funding which could be used to support protected structures, for example, the LEADER Programme.
34 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the initiatives in place to fully utilise the area of heritage to contribute to job creation. [27100/12]
Ireland's rich heritage has a key role to play in national economic recovery. My Department is currently promoting the role which Ireland's heritage has to play in making our country an attractive destination for sustainable tourism and inward investment, both in terms of the operation of Ireland's national parks and nature reserves, and in terms of our unique built heritage, which distinguishes us and which makes Ireland an attractive tourist location for both visitors and Irish people themselves. Cultural and heritage tourism is one of the most important elements of Ireland's tourism product, and heritage properties, including those in State care, are an important element of that attraction.
My Department provides some limited funding under a number of headings for investment in the built and natural heritage, and also supports the Heritage Council and the Irish Heritage Trust in their work in the heritage area. However, the scope to provide additional funding for the protection, conservation and development of the State's built heritage is constrained by the current national economic difficulties and the significant reduction in the public finances. My Department is therefore focusing on working creatively across Government and with partner bodies such as the Heritage Council, the Irish Heritage Trust, Fáilte Ireland, the LEADER Programme and other heritage interests in seeking to ensure that resources are directed towards the heritage sector. My Department will also continue to provide funding for the protection, conservation and development of our built and natural heritage, in so far as resources allow.
The recently published Heritage Council research documentEconomic Value of Ireland’s Historic Environment provides comprehensive evidence-based data that support and enhance our innate understanding of the importance of our built heritage. I welcome publication of the report, which is a useful tool that complements the work of my Department and the findings of which will help to inform the development of the Government’s heritage policy and related initiatives. The report indicates that capital investment in built heritage conservation provides significant employment in the construction industry and is of major benefit to the national economy. Such investment also assists in developing and maintaining specialised skills among conservation professionals and craftspeople.
In the context of the Government Policy on Architecture 2009-2015, my Department is developing various policy actions which contribute to the protection and appropriate re-use of our built heritage and aim to deal with on-going challenges facing our architectural heritage, such as the adaptive re-use for historic properties and a forward plan-led approach to cultural heritage and urban design in our towns and cities. This will also assist in the maintaining of specialist jobs in the wider heritage sector and in particular the repair and maintenance industry.
35 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding an application for passports by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26202/12]
Passports were posted to persons in question on 30 May, 2012.
36 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason the social accountability component of the protection of basic services programme in Ethiopia was not continued after its initial pilot phase ended in 2008; if there are any plans to re-start same; the state of play of other relevant proposals for independent evaluation of donor assisted Government spending in Ethiopia; the reason they are taking so long to implement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26262/12]
Ethiopia is one of the nine Programme Countries for the Government's aid programme, where we have a commitment to the provision of long term strategic assistance. One of the key aims of our development cooperation programme in Ethiopia is to support the increased use of basic social services such as health and education by its citizens. While the Government of Ethiopia has made substantial progress in deploying basic services across the country, there is still a relatively low uptake of such services by the poorest and most marginalised communities, especially women. Ireland supports efforts to address this by improving the capacity of service providers and the quality of the basic services, as well as tackling the barriers poor people face when accessing these services. These efforts are advanced through a multi-donor programme with the title Protection of Basic Services. Ireland has supported this Programme since 2006.
The social accountability component of the Protection of Basic Services programme aims to enable Ethiopian citizens to express their needs and preferences for improved and effective services delivery and to hold policy-makers and service providers accountable for weak performance. Engagement in social accountability by citizens, local government officials and service providers is intended to improve service delivery by making public services more effective, efficient, responsive and accountable.
The pilot phase of this component commenced in January 2008 and concluded in July 2009. Irish Aid supported this first phase, and its preparation, with funding of €720,000. At the end of the pilot phase, the World Bank, acting on behalf of Ireland and other donors, commissioned an independent evaluation of the pilot. This evaluation confirmed that social accountability facilitated improved, constructive dialogue between citizens and local government officials in the pilot areas. It also concluded that there was an increased citizen awareness of their rights, responsibilities and entitlements to basic services.
In light of this positive evaluation, and following a rigorous process of design and procurement, led by the World Bank, the second phase began in late 2011 and will run for two years. Irish Aid has so far provided €1.8 million in funding for this second phase. Our Embassy in Addis Ababa is engaged in the management and oversight of the programme, as an active member of the steering committee chaired by the Government of Ethiopia and of the donor technical advisory group.
All programmes assisted by international donors in Ethiopia are regularly submitted to independent external evaluation, as was the case with the pilot phase of the social accountability programme. The Protection of Basic Services programme has also been reviewed recently by an international firm commissioned by the European Union Delegation. The Evaluation and Audit Unit of my Department has commissioned an external independent evaluation of the Irish Aid Country programme in Ethiopia for the period 2008-2012. This will provide an evidence-based assessment of the performance of the programme as a whole and of its contribution to partner programmes we have funded, including the Protection of Basic Services programme. This evaluation will be completed in the coming months and the full evaluation report will be made available to the public through the Irish Aid website.
More generally, Irish Aid has in place a range of rigorous checks and safeguards to ensure that Ireland's development assistance is achieving the intended development results and benefiting those who are most in need. These include regular audits, independent evaluations, independently-commissioned surveys and frequent field monitoring visits.
37 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has considered the case of persons (details supplied) both of whom are imprisoned; his view on this situation; if he proposes to assist these persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26301/12]
I am aware of the situation concerning the two men referred to by the Deputy. As neither of them is an Irish citizen it is not possible for my Department to offer them consular assistance. The Greek authorities are under no legal obligation to assist our Embassy with any requests made in connection with this investigation, as we have nolocus standi in the matter. However, on hearing of Mr. Marku’s predicament, and notwithstanding the fact that he is not a citizen of Ireland, the Irish Embassy in Athens made contact with the Greek police in an effort to convey the Irish Government’s interest in this case on the basis that he is married to an Irish citizen. It was made clear to our Embassy that the authorities in Crete would not provide them with any information regarding this investigation owing to the fact that no Irish citizen was involved in the case.
To clarify further, the Embassy has certain rights of communication and contact with Irish citizens in Greece to facilitate the exercise of our consular functions under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963). This Embassy has no such rights for other persons, even if they are related to Irish citizens.
38 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support dialogue in relation to Iran. [26322/12]
Relationships with Iran continue to be dominated by grave concerns over its nuclear programme, reflected in successive UN Security Council and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolutions adopted since 2006 and notably in the IAEA's report of 24 February 2012 which highlighted possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear programme.
The international community has consistently urged the Iranian Government to respect and fulfil its international obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and to engage seriously and unconditionally in discussions aimed at confirming the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme.
Ireland has strongly supported this position. As a State Party to the NPT, Iran must fulfil its commitments and obligations under the Treaty. These include the obligation under Article II "not to manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices" and the obligation under Article III to conclude a safeguards agreement with the IAEA.
Ireland continues to support strongly the dual-track approach which EU High Representative Ashton is pursuing on behalf of the E3+3 (France, Germany, UK, US, Russia and China). This combines a willingness to negotiate with Iran a determination to apply sanctions if these are required in order to ensure that it responds seriously to the concerns of the international community.
Given the overall lack of progress in persuading Iran to respond to the international concerns (which have been deepened by the most recent IAEA reports), the EU and other international partners such as the US and Canada found it necessary earlier this year to impose further rounds of restrictive measures against Iran. In the case of the EU, these included an embargo on Iranian crude oil imports to the EU which is due to come into effect on 1 July. While imposition of these further measures has not been easy, not least in terms of the impact on global oil prices which affects us all, I nonetheless believe that these additional sanctions have been necessary and effective in persuading Iran to return to the negotiating table and to accept an invitation from High Representative Ashton to resume discussions with the E3 + 3.
Following an initial constructive round of discussions in Istanbul on 1 April, the E3+3 and Iran held a further round of talks in Baghdad on 17/18 May. While no agreement has yet been reached and substantial difficulties remain, HR Ashton has reported from the Baghdad talks that there is some common ground between the parties. The talks indicated an apparent readiness on Iran's part to proceed on the basis of reciprocity and to contemplate confidence-building measures (CBMs), including in relation to the crucial enrichment issue. However, more work needs to be done in elaborating any possible package of CBMs.
A further round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Moscow on 18 June, at which time it is hoped that Iran will come forward with a specific and constructive response to the proposals outlined by the E3 + 3 at the Baghdad meeting. Such positive engagement on Iran's part will be necessary in order to prevent a further ratcheting-up of sanctions, already due to be tightened with the full entry into force on 1 July of the EU oil embargo.
The Government remains strongly of the view that the issues surrounding Iran's nuclear activities can only be adequately addressed and resolved through diplomacy and negotiations, and not by any other means. We will continue to advocate this position in all international fora, including at EU and UN level.
39 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will further develop and build economic and cultural links with Argentina in 2012-2013. [26323/12]
Longstanding and close bilateral ties have characterised relations between Ireland and Argentina since diplomatic relations were formally established between the two countries in 1948, the same year that Ireland opened a resident mission in Buenos Aires. Argentina opened its resident mission in Dublin in 1964.
Consultations between senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and their Argentine counterparts also take place on a regular basis to discuss and develop co-operation in the political, economic and cultural spheres. Consultations took place most recently in Argentina in May 2011.
In 2011, Argentina was Ireland's 44th largest trading partner. Total merchandise trade stood at €227,777,000, a 37.8% increase over 2010. There are a number of Irish companies with significant investments in Argentina, and there exists further niche opportunities in the country for Irish companies. Ireland's embassy in Buenos Aires is working with the state agencies and Irish companies in efforts to access these opportunities. The embassy is working to establish an Irish business network as part of this work, which will support exploration of export opportunities and enhance opportunities for networking.
Further to this, a working holiday agreement exists between Ireland and Argentina whereby 100 young citizens of both countries can travel to and work in the other country for up to one year. It is hoped to increase the number of places available under this programme to 200 per year.
The embassy in Buenos Aires has a varied cultural programme targeting the 500,000 Argentines with Irish ancestry as well as the wider Argentine public. St. Patrick's Day celebrations have been increased in recent years with celebratory events in all of Argentina's main cities. There are also efforts ongoing to hold an Irish Cultural Week in 2013, hopefully to coincide with St. Patrick's Day celebrations next March.
40 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of funding committed by his Department to capital projects; if he will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26632/12]
My Department is responsible for two Votes: Vote 27, International Co-operation and Vote 28, Foreign Affairs and Trade. For 2012, the Vote 28 capital allocation is €4.1million and the allocation for Vote 27 is €0.265m. The total expenditure to date is €287,000.
This funding is used to support the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services in my Department, the maintenance of state-owned properties abroad and the provision of vehicles for official use at missions abroad.
ICT-related capital expenditure covers the purchase of office machinery and equipment, including IT and telecommunications hardware and software to support the Department offices, at HQ and abroad, including the Passport Service. Current projects involving capital investment include upgrades to elements of the Passport Service infrastructure, upgrades to existing hardware and software applications and the provision of a solution for processing applications for Foreign Birth Registrations (citizenship through ancestry), Marriages Abroad and document authentications
The capital allocation in respect of premises expenses covers the cost of maintenance of state-owned properties abroad (used as offices and official residences of Ambassadors). Many of these properties have been owned by the State for several decades and refurbishment inevitably becomes necessary over time in order to ensure they remain fit use as platforms in promoting the interests of the State and also to protect the investment previously made.
Projects in respect of which funding has been committed to date are:
|
Location |
Project |
Estimated cost |
|
Brussels, Luxembourg, Strasbourg |
Adapting and equipping the offices of the Permanent Representation in Brussels and the delegation rooms at the European Institutions to meet the operational needs of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU in 2013 |
€250,000 |
|
Iveagh House |
Installation of lift to facilitate universal access to upper floors (shared cost with OPW) |
€225,000 |
|
Rome |
Following closure of the Resident Embassy to the Holy See, reconfiguration of the Villa Spada to facilitate relocation of both the office and the residence of the Embassy to Italy. |
€180,000 |
|
Washington |
Necessary repair works at the Embassy. |
€250,000 |
41 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason a person (details supplied) cannot get an Irish passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26879/12]
The Passports Act, 2008 provides, among other things, that only Irish citizens are entitled to be issued with Irish passports. Each application received by the Passport Service must, therefore, demonstrate that person's entitlement to Irish citizenship before a passport can issue. The Passport Service must operate within the law on this as in all matters.
The Department received an application from the person in question last April. This application accompanied applications from her mother and an older sibling in respect of whom passports have since been issued. Her mother was entitled to citizenship on the basis that she became a naturalised Irish citizen on 1 April, 2012. In terms of the older sibling, she was born in the State in 2002. Under the terms of Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended (the Act), this child was automatically an Irish citizen by virtue of her birth in the State.
It should be noted, at this stage, that the child's father also became a naturalised Irish citizen on 1 April, 2012 and has been issued with an Irish passport.
The position for the person in question is different, however. She was born in Dublin on 8 February, 2008. The Act was amended in 2004 to provide that a person, born in the State on or after 1 January 2005, where neither parent is an Irish or British citizen or otherwise entitled to reside in the State or Northern Ireland without restriction at the time of that person's birth, may claim citizenship by birth in the State (and thereby establish eligibility for an Irish passport) only where a parent has been lawfully resident in the State for three years of the four years preceding that his/her birth.
As neither parent was an Irish citizen in 2008, their residence in the four year period from 8 February, 2004 to 7 February, 2008, which immediately preceded their daughter's date of birth, had to be examined by the Department to determine her entitlement to Irish citizenship.
In line with guidelines provided by Department of Justice and Equality, which is the Department responsible for immigration and citizenship, the proofs of lawful residence, which are accepted and considered by this Department for passport applications, are immigration stamps in passports and/or the registration cards/books. These are issued to persons registering their lawful presence in the State with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). In addition, the Department will accept letters from GNIB that state the various permission details which have been issued to a person. All of these are official documents/permits, which can be objectively verified by the Department, if required.
GNIB have provided information to the Department that shows the parents have been registered in the State since 16 June, 2005. The amount of residence from this date to 7 February, 2008 is less than three years. As the statutory requirement has not been met, their daughter's entitlement to Irish citizenship has not been demonstrated. Accordingly, her application for a passport has been refused under the Passports Act, 2008 on the grounds that she is not an Irish citizen.
There was contact between the Department and the parents during the processing of their daughter's application. On 11 May last, the Department wrote to the parents to inform them of the decision to refuse their daughter a passport and to explain the background for it.
It remains open to the parents to pursue the matter of their daughter's entitlement to become a naturalised Irish citizen with the Department of Justice and Equality. In the event that she does acquire Irish citizenship by this or any other means, the Passport Service will be in a position to issue a passport on receipt of a new application.
42 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting the need for the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan to comply with international humanitarian law to provide for safe access for humanitarian aid for the civilian population in South Kordofan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26889/12]
The Government remains seriously concerned about the situation in Sudan and South Sudan. We are working with our EU partners to ensure that, in addition to a focus on the political and security situation, priority is given by the international community to the vital issue of humanitarian access to people and communities affected by the conflict and the tension in the region. We will continue to use all available opportunities, within the EU and internationally, to raise these issues.
The situation in Sudan and South Sudan, including the humanitarian crisis in Southern Kordofan, has been discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at their meetings over recent weeks and months. In January, with Ireland's encouragement, the EU urged the Government of Sudan to allow safe and unhindered access for international humanitarian workers to all civilians, and reiterated its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance. The EU also emphasised that the ongoing conflicts in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur remain obstacles to progress in providing the full range of support that we would like to provide to Sudan, and in the region. In April, the EU called on the Government of Sudan and the SPLM North to engage in an inclusive political process to resolve the ongoing conflict.
The UN Security Council on 2 May and 17 May adopted Resolutions demanding that both Sudan and South Sudan fulfil their obligations under international law to allow access by humanitarian agencies to civilian populations in need of assistance.
Through Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Government has provided substantial assistance for those affected by the conflict in this region. Earlier this year, we allocated €2 million for the UN-managed Common Humanitarian Funds for both the Republic of Sudan and South Sudan. On 24 May, we announced an allocation of a further €3m in funding. These funds are being provided to help UN agencies and NGOs target the most critical humanitarian needs across both countries, including in areas affected by conflict and by displacement of populations from the Blue Nile and South Kordofan areas. We have made available a further €1.22 million to Irish NGOs for programmes in Sudan and South Sudan under the annual Irish Aid Humanitarian Programme Planning funding scheme.
Ireland's emergency humanitarian assistance to Sudan and South Sudan is saving lives daily. The Government will continue to monitor closely the situation in South Kordofan, the Blue Nile, and other areas facing critical need across the Horn and Sahel regions of Africa. Along with our EU partners, we will continue to press for unrestricted humanitarian access to affected civilians.
43 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline all staff appointments he has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their positions; their salaries; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26956/12]
No such appointments have been made by me since March 2012.
44 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on human rights, the role of the EU and the UN in Colombia, Kurdistan and Sri Lanka. [26977/12]
Human rights are a cornerstone of Ireland's foreign policy. With our European Union partners, we monitor closely the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world. We do this on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources, including the United Nations, the EU and other international organisations, as well as civil society organisations.
The Deputy will be aware of the Government's concerns about indications of continuing human rights abuses in Colombia, where trade unionists, human rights activists and people who were displaced from their lands over the course of the civil conflict are among the vulnerable groups. The efforts of President Santos' administration since August 2010 to improve the situation should, however, be acknowledged. These efforts include the passage of the landmark Victims' Rights and Land Restitution legislation (2011) and a conference on human rights which is scheduled to take place at the end of 2012.
The Deputy will also be aware of the EU's policy of engagement and dialogue with the Government of Colombia. Ireland actively supports this policy. We believe it offers the best way to further the objectives of supporting democracy and improving the human rights situation there. We will continue to monitor the situation and to support the Colombian Government's efforts, both in partnership with the EU and in our bilateral contacts with Colombia.
Ireland is active on human rights issues in Sri Lanka, both at EU level and in the UN Human Rights Council. We were to the fore in the EU decision to suspend GSP+ status for Sri Lankan exports in 2010. We have conveyed our concerns directly to officials at the Sri Lankan Embassy in London and again at the UN in Geneva on 22 March 2012. We support engagement with Sri Lanka to address these issues. It is important, however, that the Sri Lankan Government demonstrates a genuine commitment to the protection of human rights in Sri Lanka, to reconciliation among the country's communities and to a political solution to the divisions on the island.
The particular difficulties faced by the Kurdish population in a number of countries vary from one to the other. We continue to avail, both bilaterally and at EU level, of all appropriate opportunities to engage with the countries concerned on the general human rights situation in each, including specific issues concerning the Kurds and other minorities.
There are minority Kurdish populations in Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria, each of which has expressed grievances centred on issues of identity. In Iran, Iraq and Turkey, the situation has at various times been greatly complicated by the existence of armed groups seeking an independent Kurdish state. This has led to armed conflict and has exacerbated human rights difficulties. The general human rights situation in Syria and Iran, in particular, is profoundly disturbing; the protection of minority rights in these countries gives rise to particular concern.
45 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made representations on an EU and UN level regarding the increase in the number of executions being carried out by the Iranian Mullah regime; if he has made representations to the Swiss Government in relation to Mr. Fariborz Firoozi, arrested on 4 May, and still in custody in Switzerland, awaiting deportation to Iran where he risks being executed by the Mullah regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26994/12]
As I have repeatedly stated in the past, the human rights situation in Iran is profoundly disturbing. The period since the Presidential election of 2009 has been characterised by an intensification of human rights violations on many fronts. Of particular concern are the high level of executions, including executions after trials which failed the most basic standards of natural justice, including the absence of any right of appeal or rights of defence. Equally, capital sentences are imposed for a number of offences which, according to international standards, should not result in such punishment. I am also concerned about the continuing imposition of the death penalty against minors, in violation of Iran's obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the practice of secret executions in Iran which has been highlighted by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran.
Ireland has spoken out consistently against such abuses. At EU level, we fully supported High Representative Ashton's statement of 30 May, following an earlier statement last January, in which she expressed her deep concern about the alarming increase in the number of reported executions in Iran, in sharp contrast to the worldwide trend towards the abolition of the death penalty. The High Representative also called on Iran to commute all death sentences for offences not considered to be among the most serious crimes by international standards. Ireland has also supported the High Representative's call on Iran to halt the execution of Sakineh Ashtiani and Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani and all pending executions and to introduce a moratorium on the death penalty.
Given the gravity of these abuses as well as the unwillingness of the Iranian Government to redress these entrenched practices, the EU felt compelled in April 2011 to adopt wide-ranging sanctions against those responsible for committing grave human rights violations, including a stringent travel ban and asset freeze. Last October the latter was extended to include additional individuals. These strong measures send an important political signal to all those in the Iranian judicial system and elsewhere who perpetrate human rights abuses. It leaves them in no doubt about Ireland's and the EU's resolve to ensure that fundamental freedoms and human rights are fully respected.
Ireland also continues to be active at UN level in highlighting the serious human rights situation in Iran. This includes our co-sponsorship both of a General Assembly resolution, adopted last October, which expressed the international community's deep concern at the human rights situation in Iran and of a Resolution, adopted by the UN Human Rights Council on 22 March, which welcomed the report and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran and expressed serious concern at the developments noted in that report. At a bilateral level, my Department also engages in ongoing dialogue with the Iranian Ambassador and his Embassy and regularly conveys our grave concerns at the human rights situation in Iran, including the unacceptable use of the death penalty.
In relation to the particular case mentioned, I understand that Mr. Fariborz Firoozi is a young Iranian activist who fled Iran in fear of imprisonment and persecution. Mr. Firoozi is currently being held in detention by the Swiss authorities. He is in the process of being transferred to Hungary under the terms of EU Regulation 2003/343 (otherwise known as the Dublin II agreement) which established the criteria and mechanisms for determining the member State responsible for examining an asylum application lodged by a third-country national.
Switzerland became party to this Regulation in June 2005. It determines the EU member State responsible for examining an application by any asylum-seeker seeking international protection under the Geneva Convention of 28 July 1951 relating to refugee status. As Hungary in this case is deemed responsible for considering Mr. Firoozi's application under the terms and criteria of the Geneva Convention, it is not in Ireland's jurisdiction and competence to assess the merit of his application for refugee status. We have no reason either to believe that Mr. Firoozi's basic entitlements will not be adequately sustained in the relevant procedure to be initiated in Hungary under Regulation 2003/343. It is worth recalling that this foresees a review mechanism should Mr. Firoozi wish to appeal an eventual negative decision.
46 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the Colombians for Peace group at both EU and UN level. [27015/12]
My colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for Trade and Development, Mr. Joe Costello, T. D., met with a delegation from Colombians for Peace on 22 May, during their visit to Ireland.
As I have made clear in replies to other parliamentary questions on Colombia, and as Minister Costello informed the delegation during their meeting, the government of Ireland is ready to support representatives of civil society in Colombia in their efforts to address the legacy of the conflict in that country.
47 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of additional staff to be employed by the Irish permanent representation office in Brussels for the forthcoming Irish Council Presidency; the number of applicants; the number recruited to date; the nationality of those recruited to date; the number of officials to be seconded from Irish Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27261/12]
The Presidency staffing plan for the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU in Brussels has been prepared following a co-ordinated and careful evaluation of the needs of all Government Departments and Offices. While the details are not fully finalised, the staffing of the Permanent Representation is expected to temporarily increase by some 80 officers in the lead-up to and for the duration of the forthcoming Irish EU Presidency from January to June, 2013. This number comprises 8 staff assigned from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and 37 from other Departments and Offices, as well as a small number of secondments from other sources.
Separate processes are also under way in Brussels for the temporary local recruitment of approximately 20 interns and 10 clerical staff, of which the greater portion has been sought and will be funded by other Departments and Offices. These posts are open to eligible citizens of the EU and of the other European Economic Area member states — Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. In excess of 540 applications were received for the intern posts from which, following a competitive interview process involving 60 short-listed candidates, a panel of the 30 candidates deemed the most highly qualified and suitable for appointment was established.
While candidates placed on the panel are now being offered temporary assignments, a breakdown on the basis of nationality will not be available until all appointees are in place. The focus of the recruitment process has been to select candidates with extensive EU knowledge and expertise. Nevertheless, I understand that a large proportion of the candidates qualified for appointment are Irish. In the case of temporary clerical staff, the focus will be on administrative experience and language skills. The closing date for receipt of applications for those posts is 15 June. The contracts of all locally employed staff will terminate at the end of the Presidency in June 2013.
48 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on reports that approximately 600 Tibetans have been detained in their homeland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27456/12]
The Government is closely following the reports of the detention of several hundred Tibetans by the Chinese authorities and is concerned about this volatile situation.
Ireland together with our EU partners believes that constructive dialogue between the Chinese Government and the representatives of the Dalai Lama is the best way to address differences and tensions in Tibet and to reach a solution that respects Tibetan culture, language, religion and identity. It is important for the long-term peace and stability of the region that the two sides come to an agreement on the future of Tibet. To this end, we continue to encourage an early resumption of dialogue by the parties.
The promotion of human rights is an important dimension of European foreign policy, as enshrined in the Treaty of the European Union. Constructive dialogue remains the EU's preferred channel for working to improve the human rights situation in China. Human rights are discussed as part of regular political dialogue as well as during specific human rights dialogues with China which have taken place since 1995.
The Irish Government continues to convey its concerns about the situation in Tibet directly to the Chinese authorities through regular contacts in both Dublin and Beijing. The issue of Tibet is also raised by the European Union in its dialogue with China. Most recently, the EU raised the issue of Tibet last week at the 31st round of the EU-China human rights dialogue in Brussels.
49 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance his plans for the future retention of the 9% VAT rate; if the policy is self-financing to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26133/12]
The Finance (No. 2) Act 2011 provided for a second reduced VAT rate, of 9%, on a temporary basis in respect of certain tourism-related services and goods for the period 1 July 2011 to 31 December 2013. This measure is aimed at contributing towards boosting tourism and the creation of additional jobs in that sector.
Initial analysis of the effectiveness of 9% VAT rate indicates that employment numbers in the tourism and restaurant sector have increased, prices have reduced and Tourism Ireland is targeting growth in overseas visitor numbers in 2012. In this context I have decided not to make any amendment to the rate and have provided assurance to the tourist industry that the 9% rate will continue throughout 2013 as currently legislated for.
With regard to the financing of the 9% VAT rate, the Jobs Initiative provided for a pension levy that would offset the cost of the introduction of the 9% VAT rate. Over their lifetime, these measures were designed to be budgetary neutral and they are in line with expectations to date.
50 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Finance the number of properties owned by the National Asset Management Agency that are rented by the State and the total amount of rent that has been paid to NAMA for the past three years. [26226/12]
There are NAMA debtors who own properties which are leased to state agencies and who derive income from them. The properties are leased to the State by these debtors on an arms-length basis. NAMA's primary concern is whether a property is generating cash flow that allows interest and principal on the debt to be repaid by a debtor. NAMA advises me that it does not own any properties that are rented by the State.
NAMA advise me that the total amount of rental income that originates from commercial property leased by NAMA debtors and receivers to the State is not readily available. NAMA does not currently categorise the source of monies paid by debtors into their loan accounts as being rental income from a particular sector of the economy. However, NAMA advise that the amount of monies being paid by State bodies is not likely to be substantial in the context of NAMA's total rental income.
I have asked NAMA to compile the data as sought by the Deputy and NAMA have undertaken to carry out a review of their loans with a view to identifying all properties that involve payment of rent by the State. I will forward this data to the Deputy on receipt from NAMA.
51 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline in tabular form the number and type of prescription drugs seized by customs officials to date in 2012. [26596/12]
52 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline in tabular form the total number of prescription drugs seized by customs officials annually from 2005 to 2011; the type of drugs seized; and the estimated value of same. [26598/12]
53 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline in tabular form the total quantity and estimated value of illegal non-prescription drugs seized by customs officials from 2005 to 2011. [26606/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 to 53, inclusive, together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the following tables set out the details requested by the Deputy of seizures by Revenue's customs service of prescription drugs and illegal non-prescription drugs:
|
Year |
Number of Tablets |
Estimated value € |
|
2012 |
360,527 |
686,383 |
The principal types of prescription drugs encountered to date in 2012 are sedatives such as benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets, erectile dysfunction medicines, steroids and slimming tablets.
|
Year |
Number of Tablets |
Estimated value € |
|
2005 |
14,902 |
147,924 |
|
2006 |
1,160 |
16,205 |
|
2007 |
207,178 |
1,534,615 |
|
2008 |
556,956 |
1,665,191 |
|
2009 |
935,181 |
2,384,530 |
|
2010 |
1,652,124 |
2,752,219 |
|
2011 |
1,285,340 |
2,211,079 |
The principal types of prescription drugs seized over the course of 2005 to 2011 have been sedatives such as benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets, erectile dysfunction medicines, steroids and slimming tablets.
Section 17 of the Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 appointed officers of Customs as enforcement officers for the purpose of the Irish Medicines Board Act 1995. Revenue's Customs service works closely with the Irish Medicines Board in enforcing the law relating to medicinal products, drug precursors, medical devices and other healthcare products.
|
Type of Drug |
Quantity (kg) |
Value (€) |
|
Herbal Cannabis |
180 |
360,000 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
3,784 |
28,100,000 |
|
Ecstasy |
78,964 tablets |
2,400,000 |
|
Heroin |
0.01 |
1,700 |
|
Cocaine |
63.3 |
4,400,000 |
|
Khat |
373 |
750,000 |
|
LSD |
65,408 tablets |
650,000 |
|
Type of Drug |
Quantity (kg) |
Value (€) |
|
Herbal Cannabis |
131 |
260,000 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
25.6 |
176,000 |
|
Ecstasy |
1,123 tablets |
13,000 |
|
Heroin |
0.6 |
51,000 |
|
Cocaine |
61.1 |
6,001,000 |
|
Khat |
473 |
905,000 |
|
LSD |
1,528 microdots 0.001 kg |
15,000 |
|
Type of Drug |
Quantity (kg) |
Value (€) |
|
Herbal Cannabis |
1,406.31 kg |
16,141,678 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
414.5 kg |
2,901,893 |
|
Ecstasy |
3,333 tablets |
106,445 |
|
Heroin |
22.8 kg |
4,565,778 |
|
Cocaine |
1,617.9 kg* |
113,251,542 |
|
Khat |
168.1 kg |
336,200 |
|
LSD |
5 tabs |
50 |
*Includes 1,550kg from attempted landing at Dunlough Bay, Cork in July 2007.
|
Type of Drug |
Quantity (kg) |
Value (€) |
|
Herbal Cannabis |
459 |
5,507,663 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
3196.7 |
22,377,100 |
|
Heroin |
70.2 |
14,046,700 |
|
Cocaine |
1545* |
108,150,000 |
|
Ecstasy |
62 tabs |
310 |
|
Khat |
47.9 |
89,800 |
|
LSD |
350 tabs |
3,500 |
*Includes a maritime seizure of 1,500 Kgs. (‘Dances With Waves').
|
Type of Drug |
Quantity (kg) |
Value (€) |
|
Herbal Cannabis |
1,170.4 |
14,245,506 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
2,276.2 |
15,924,144 |
|
Heroin |
0.002 |
300 |
|
Cocaine |
34 |
2,379,670 |
|
Ecstasy |
75 tabs |
377 |
|
Khat |
50.3 |
100,500 |
|
LSD |
1000 tabs |
10,000 |
|
Type of Drug |
Quantity (Kg) |
Value (€) |
|
Herbal Cannabis |
259 |
3,147,297 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
6.8 |
40,622 |
|
Ecstasy |
698 tablets |
3,390 |
|
Heroin |
1.3 |
189,900 |
|
Cocaine |
37.4 |
2,615,095 |
|
Khat |
218.3 |
436,600 |
|
LSD |
0.1 |
1,500 |
|
Type of Drug |
Quantity (Kg) |
Value (€) |
|
Herbal Cannabis |
449.5 |
5,394,013 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
935.4 |
5,612,347 |
|
Ecstasy |
50,722 tablets |
254,382 |
|
Heroin |
1.7 |
255,900 |
|
Cocaine |
138.5 |
9,697,242 |
|
Khat |
177.1 |
354,200 |
|
LSD |
0.04 |
600 |
54 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance the legislation he is reviewing in relation to the strengthening of the law regarding the illegal importation of prescription drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26718/12]
The Deputy may be aware this is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Health.
However, I understand the Department of Health is reviewing the Misuse of Drugs Regulations with a view to introducing additional controls on certain prescription drugs being traded illicitly, for example benzodiazepine medicines. These additional controls include introducing import and export controls as well as an offence of possession, thereby assisting the law enforcement roles of Customs and of the Garda Siochána.
The Department of Health will consult with key stakeholders in relation to the proposed amendments.
55 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will deal with the following matter (details supplied) regarding carbon tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26898/12]
Increasing the carbon tax by €5 to €20 in Budget 2012 meant a relatively small increase spread across all mineral oils and natural gas rather than larger increases in the excise rates on specific fuels, such as petrol or diesel. The amount of €20 charged per tonne of carbon dioxide emitted through the combustion of mineral oils is set down in the Finance Act 2012, and this carbon charge is an integral part of the rates of Mineral Oil Tax applied to those fuels. A move to link the carbon charge directly to the market price of carbon credits could, therefore, involve frequent adjustments to Mineral Oil Tax rates, and give rise to uncertainty for fuel suppliers and customers. It would also give rise to an additional administrative burden both for taxpayers and for the Revenue Commissioners. Accordingly there are no proposals for altering the present arrangement under which the carbon charge is determined periodically through the Budget process.
56 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Finance the incentives available to employees to invest in the company of their employment; his plans to introduce any new incentives; the schemes that have been abolished in the past five years; the actual cost per annum to the Exchequer of the schemes abolished and the existing schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27471/12]
Unfortunately, it was not possible to collate the information required for this answer in the time allowed. I will provide the Deputy with the answer in writing shortly.
57 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if a VRT or VAT exemption will be issued to a person (details supplied). [26138/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an application for relief under the Disabled Drivers/Passengers scheme was received from the person (details supplied) on 27th April 2012. In order to process this application, the Central Repayments Office, Monaghan requested an original Primary Medical Certificate. This was received on the 18th May 2012. An Exemption Notification, dated 24th May 2012, issued subsequently. This enables the applicant to register the vehicle and obtain exemption from VRT. When the vehicle is registered, the applicant can apply for a refund of VAT, by forwarding a purchase invoice for the vehicle (marked paid in full), invoice for adaptations (marked paid in full), and the IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) certificate.
58 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Finance when a PRSI refund will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 as outlined in the correspondence supplied; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26149/12]
My colleagues are actively examining the correspondence received and will revert directly to the individual in due course.
59 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons appointed to the advisory group for the National Asset Management Agency; the terms of their appointment; when each person was appointed; the number of times they met as a group since their appointment; when they are due to report to him; the matters on which they report; the form that this report will take, and if this report will be made public. [26153/12]
The advisory group currently consists of three members; Mr. Michael Geoghegan; Mr. Denis Rooney and Mr. Frank Daly, the chairman of NAMA. Mr. Geoghegan acts as chair of the group and all members of the Group were appointed on 7 March 2012. Each of the individuals has agreed to work on apro-bono basis.
This group was set up to advise me on specific issues related to NAMA. The group operates on an informal basis and reports directly to me. As such there is no formal report to be published. It is important to say that this group is not a shadow Board nor is it intended to provide a route for me as Minister to get involved in the day to day running of the Agency.
The group's advice to me primarily relates to the strategy of NAMA as proposed by the board of NAMA; the appointment of directors to NAMA; the remuneration of the senior executives of NAMA and any further advice that I may seek on any matter relating to NAMA.
I have agreed that the group will meet and report to me at least four times a year. I have met with the group on one occasion since it was established. It is also open to the Chair to contact me as issues arise. I expect the advisory group to play a valuable role and I can confirm that I am satisfied with the operation and progress of the group to date.
60 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance his plans to make e-books used in schools exempt from VAT, as normal, printed school books are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26167/12]
The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. In Ireland the zero rate applies to printed books, including atlases, children's picture, drawing and colouring books and books of music. Under the EU VAT Directive, all digitised publications, regardless of their rate when printed (for example, a book liable at zero rate), are treated as the supply of a service liable at the standard 23% rate of VAT. E-books, online newspaper subscriptions and online information services purchased via download over the Internet are also considered the supply of services liable for VAT at the standard rate. There is no option under EU VAT law to exempt e-books from VAT.
61 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 1 May 2012, if he will arrange for the outstanding information relating to Bank of Ireland to be forwarded on at an early date. [26183/12]
As requested by the Deputy, I am setting out below the details supplied to me by Bank of Ireland as being the latest information available in response to his question.
|
Number of staff members (FTE)* who currently earn a basic salary between |
Euro |
Sterling |
Dollar |
|
100k and <200k |
457 |
56 |
22 |
|
200k and <300k |
43 |
5 |
18 |
|
>300k |
18 |
4 |
21 |
*full time equivalents.
62 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the tax relief available to landlords on mortgage interest for rental income from tenants of commercial property; the cost of this in 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26184/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that landlords may deduct interest on money borrowed to purchase, improve or repair commercial property from the gross rent when computing their rental profits for tax purposes on that property. Interest incurred before the first occupation of the property by a tenant for the purposes of a trade or undertaking, or between lettings, is not deductible.
I am also informed by the Commissioners that the information provided for interest relief for rental property is based on claims for such relief on all rental properties included in personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers declaring interest on borrowings to be offset against rental income assessable under Case V, Schedule D. It is not possible to separately identify how much of this cost is associated with commercial property.
Based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers for 2010, the latest year available, the amount of tax foregone by allowing a deduction for interest on borrowings to be offset against all rental income assessable under Case V, Schedule D for both residential and commercial property is estimated at €660 million.
This estimate is based on assuming that tax relief was allowed at the top income tax rate of 41% and the figure provided could, therefore, be regarded as the maximum Exchequer cost in respect of those taxpayers. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not in a position to provide data for 2011 as the tax returns for that year are not yet due. The figures for 2010 are subject to adjustment in the event of late returns being filed or where returns already filed are subsequently amended.
It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return form 12 is not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return form 11. This return is the source of the figures provided in this reply.
63 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance the names of each special adviser for whom he approved a pay increase in excess of the Government cap and the amount involved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26195/12]
In my Department, I have appointed Mary Kenny and Eoin Dorgan as special advisers. The salary for both special advisers has been €83,337 per annum since their appointment. No salary increases have been approved in respect of either appointment.
64 D’fhiafraigh Pearse Doherty den Aire Airgeadais an bhfuil deireadh curtha le hAonad 088, an rannóg a d’fhreastail ar phobal na Gaeilge, in Oifig na gCoimisinéirí Ioncaim; má tá, cé a bheidh ag próiseáil foirmeacha Gaeilge anois, an mbeidh daoine gan Ghaeilge ag plé leis na foirmeacha, agus an gcuirfidh sé seo moill ar an bpróiseas do dhaoine a líonfaidh foirm as Gaeilge; an bhfuil córas nua ann; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [26239/12]
Cuireann na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim in iúl dom go ndearna siad roinnt athruithe riaracháin le déanaí ar an mbealach ina ndéantar bainistíocht ar a seirbhís 1890 do chustaiméirí Gaeilge. Cinnteoidh na hathruithe sin nach mbeidh aon laghdú i gcaighdeán na seirbhíse atá ar fáil do chustaiméirí atá ag lorg comhairle trí Ghaeilge.
Maidir le próiseáil tuairisceáin agus comhfhreagras Gaeilge, cuireann na Coimisinéirí in iúl dom freisin, cé go bhfuil siad ag athbhreithniú na socruithe riaracháin don tseirbhís seo faoi láthair, níl aon athrú déanta ar fhreagrachtaí go dtí seo. Leanfaidh foireann oifigigh in oifigí éagsúla Ioncaim, Aonad 88 i nDúiche Bhaile Átha Cliath Thuaidh san áireamh, ar aghaidh leo ag soláthar seirbhís Ghaeilge. Beidh fógraíocht ann i leith aon athruithe a chuirfear i bhfeidhm.
65 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance the reason the Irish State, via the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, paid full value €2.5 billion to a company (details supplied) even though the prospectus clearly stated that if Irish Nationwide was not in a position to pay, then the investors would lose. [26273/12]
As the Deputy is aware the Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day operation of the bank. Nonetheless, the Deputy may wish to note that the company referred to in the question was an independently rated funding vehicle set up by INBS that enabled INBS to access low cost funding from the ECB. It was fully consolidated into INBS and all securities issued by that company were held by INBS. Therefore at no time were any securities sold to external investors. The structure was unwound at no gain or loss to IBRC in April 2012 as the particular securities no longer met ECB criteria and therefore the bank was no longer able to access low cost ECB funding.
66 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for a P21 to be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26279/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a P21 Balancing Statement for 2011 issued to the person in question on 25th May 2012.
67 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that the Central Bank of Ireland guidelines published on 20 December 2011 entitled impairment provisioning and disclosure guidelines will apply to the National Assets Management Agency for its reporting of its 2011 results; and if the guidelines do not apply to NAMA, if he will provide the reasoning for this position. [26305/12]
The Central Bank guidelines published in December 2011 were for the financial institutions covered by the ELG scheme to follow in the development and application of their impairment provisioning frameworks. Under the NAMA Act 2009, NAMA is not regulated by the Central Bank and it follows that Central Bank guidelines do not apply to NAMA.
However, I am advised by NAMA that it has carried out a review of its impairment policy against the Central Bank guidelines and that NAMA is applying the relevant applicable principles.
In preparing its annual accounts and calculating any impairment charges, NAMA use international financial reporting standards (IFRS) which are consistent with the Central Bank guidelines.
68 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance when will he put the Danish and Swedish bilateral agreement before the Dáil Éireann. [26307/12]
The Swedish and Danish bilateral loan agreements were laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on March 28th 2012 and April 30th 2012 respectively.
69 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that it is the intention of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation to pay in full the two unsecured, unguaranteed senior bonds that fall due on 26 June, 2012; if he will confirm the sums to be paid and the identity of the bondholders; and if he has taken steps to reduce or defer these payments. [26308/12]
As the Deputy is aware the Government is committed to delivering a return to a successful vibrant economy. In this context I have indicated that there is no private sector involvement for senior bank paper or Irish Sovereign debt without the agreement of our external partners. This commitment has been agreed without external partners and is now the basis on which Ireland's future financing strategy is built. This strategy is working well as evidenced by the reduction in pricing of Irish Sovereign debt in the secondary markets and the recent successful bond exchange offer by the NTMA.
IBRC has confirmed that two unguaranteed senior bonds with a combined principal value of €0.6bn are scheduled to mature on 26 June 2012. IBRC's position on its publicly traded securities remains unchanged. The Bank is contractually obliged to repay senior securities on their maturity dates.
As already indicated it is not possible to identify bond holders with any degree of certainty. Such securities are freely tradable once issued and therefore the issuer (i.e. the Bank) has no means of establishing the underlying ownership. These securities are publicly traded and dealt through market participants and settled by clearing house systems. An issuer does not have any access to the records of the clearing house. At maturity, the Bank will instruct its paying agent to transfer the funds due to the clearing house who will then distribute the funds to the holders of the securities as per their records.
70 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the level of surplus income the Exchequer expects to receive from the Central Bank for 2011; if, as recently reported it is more than €958 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26331/12]
I have been informed by the Central Bank that surplus income payable to the Exchequer amounted to €958,343,153.88 for the year ended 31 December 2011. The Central Bank of Ireland transferred the amount in full to the Exchequer on 11 May 2012.
71 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance when the increased mortgage interest relief for those who purchased their homes between 2004 and 2008 will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26403/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they continue to work with all qualifying lenders to ensure that the necessary software changes to lenders' Tax Relief at Source (TRS) systems are in place at the earliest possible date.
The speed with which the required software changes can be developed and implemented varies from lender to lender. The majority have now successfully completed testing of their software programs to enable them pass on the 30% rate. Where for any reason Revenue is concerned that the pace of implementation is less than optimal having regard to all of the circumstances, Revenue is in direct contact with the lender concerned to ensure the necessary changes are implemented as a matter of urgency.
As an interim relieving measure, a 25% rate available in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) systems was applied to all eligible accounts from January 2012. The current software changes allow for the introduction of the 30% rate in the lenders' ICT systems resulting in the passing on of the remaining 5% to the mortgage account holders and any relief due since 1 January.
72 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 15 May 2012, if he will supply a table for the tax year 2011, using data from the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Protection, to show by range of gross income, the sources of incomes for those aged 65 and over distinguishing between the following categories, income from work and self employment, occupational or personal pensions, social welfare pensions, other income and total gross income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26431/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent basic data available on the incomes of income earners aged 65 and over from which information of the type requested by the Deputy could be derived are in respect of the income tax year 2010.
|
Range of gross Income |
Number of cases in range |
Total Gross Income € |
Employment Income* € |
Social Welfare pensions € |
Income from other sources |
|
0-10,000 |
25,262 |
104,680,175 |
86,114,269 |
10,503,377 |
8,062,528 |
|
10,000-12,000 |
7,308 |
81,413,896 |
31,151,383 |
45,370,929 |
4,891,583 |
|
12,000-15,000 |
16,582 |
223,922,244 |
71,031,883 |
142,023,654 |
10,866,707 |
|
15,000-17,000 |
9,842 |
157,341,738 |
63,249,828 |
83,572,743 |
10,519,167 |
|
17,000-20,000 |
14,834 |
275,310,905 |
117,080,773 |
136,110,631 |
22,119,501 |
|
20,000-25,000 |
26,743 |
601,206,889 |
248,582,804 |
309,169,693 |
43,454,393 |
|
25,000-27,000 |
9,750 |
253,259,160 |
117,175,867 |
116,601,302 |
19,481,991 |
|
27,000-30,000 |
12,887 |
367,127,427 |
186,415,485 |
149,867,842 |
30,844,099 |
|
30,000-35,000 |
18,489 |
599,417,898 |
337,696,666 |
207,644,974 |
54,076,258 |
|
35,000-40,000 |
15,820 |
592,543,750 |
356,010,457 |
180,780,408 |
55,752,885 |
|
40,000-50,000 |
21,793 |
971,399,000 |
625,178,352 |
253,389,123 |
92,831,526 |
|
50,000-60,000 |
13,109 |
715,250,054 |
487,498,392 |
149,392,592 |
78,359,070 |
|
60,000-75,000 |
11,065 |
738,094,226 |
521,743,820 |
122,617,066 |
93,733,340 |
|
75,000-100,000 |
7,977 |
680,107,680 |
489,262,800 |
83,309,062 |
107,535,818 |
|
100,000-150,000 |
4,645 |
554,775,505 |
385,391,044 |
47,622,702 |
121,761,760 |
|
150,000-200,000 |
1,564 |
268,325,577 |
174,255,740 |
14,987,196 |
79,082,641 |
|
200,000-275,000 |
925 |
216,316,703 |
137,580,496 |
8,961,583 |
69,774,624 |
|
Over 275,000 |
1,085 |
680,657,847 |
357,548,566 |
9,761,048 |
313,348,233 |
|
Totals |
219,680 |
8,081,150,674 |
4,792,968,625 |
2,071,685,925 |
1,216,496,124 |
*Income from Employees and Self-employed.
While social welfare pensions can be separately identified from other sources of income in Revenue statistics it is not possible to do so in respect of income from private pensions. Consequently income from private pensions cannot be presented separately in the table.
The figures in the table are based on details from tax returns on record at the time the data were compiled for analytical purposes. This was generally based on coverage levels representing in or about 90% of all returns expected.
It should be noted that the income ranges shown in the above table relate to Gross Income as defined in Revenue Statistical Report 2010. A married couple that have elected or have been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one taxpayer.
73 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence regarding AIB charges (details supplied). [26435/12]
As I noted to the House on 18 April 2012, the Bank's policy in relation to fees is a matter for the management and board of the institution.
The Relationship Framework that was specified on 30 March 2012, as per the Memorandum on Economic and Financial Policies agreed with the EU Commission, the ECB and the IMF, defines the nature of the relationship between the Minister for Finance and Allied Irish Banks. This framework, inter alia, rules out intervention by the Minister for Finance in day-to-day management and commercial decisions and allows the bank appropriate discretion to define its own strategic budget, and business plans.
74 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the cash reserves held by the National Treasury Management Agency on 31 March 2012 by account and source; his views on the purpose to which those various sums are committed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26530/12]
Cash reserves and other balances held by the National Treasury Management Agency on behalf of the State at 31 March 2012 were as follows:
|
NTMA Cash Reserves/other balances |
€ billion |
|
Exchequer Account |
13.26 |
|
Capital Services Redemption Account |
0.03 |
|
Deposits |
0.55 |
|
Housing Finance Agency Guaranteed Notes |
3.86 |
|
Dormant Accounts Fund |
0.14 |
|
Other Ministerial balances |
0.74 |
|
Total |
18.58 |
The figures above include cash held in the Exchequer Account in the Central Bank, cash held by the NTMA on deposit, Housing Finance Agency Guaranteed Notes held by the NTMA, cash available in the Dormant Accounts Fund and other Ministerial funds.
The cash reserves are available for use by the State, with the exception of the Housing Finance Agency Guaranteed Notes, which are not immediately callable as they provide funding to the Housing Finance Agency.
The Exchequer Account is funded by borrowings under the EU/IMF Programme. These borrowings are for the general financing requirements of the Exchequer which include the funding of the budget deficit and the re-financing of maturing debt.
The Capital Services Redemption Account is used to record certain transactions "of a normal banking nature" related to the management of the national debt. These include transactions in foreign exchange contracts and other derivatives, receipts of deposit interest earned. The balance in the account is used to make repayments in respect of normal banking transactions or towards defraying interest and expenses on the National Debt.
The NTMA places short-term deposits from the Exchequer account as part of a daily short-term cash management operation.
The Dormant Accounts Act 2001, as amended by the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2005, provides that balances on dormant accounts in certain financial institutions be transferred to the State and disbursed for charitable purposes or purposes of societal or community benefit. The Act guarantees the right of account holders to reclaim their moneys at any time. The balances on dormant accounts, including accrued interest, are paid into the Dormant Accounts Fund which is managed by the NTMA.
The Other Ministerial balances are mainly cash balances held as part of the management of the Post Office Savings Bank Fund which can be made available as short-term funding for the Exchequer Account.
Liquidity is managed by the NTMA to ensure that the State has adequate reserves at all times to meet obligations as they fall due. Balances can vary widely depending on the timing of tax receipts, Exchequer payments, borrowings and repayments.
75 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 207 of 22 May 2012, if he will advise the number of the 4,000 vacant residential dwellings that are currently habitable; the number of the 4,000 dwellings that are habitable and currently being marketed for sale or rent; the reason habitable homes would be kept vacant and off the rental or sale market by the National Asset Management Agency. [26574/12]
I am advised by NAMA the units to which the Deputy refers are under the control of NAMA debtors and receivers and I understand that the further breakdown sought by the Deputy is not currently available. As I stated in my response of 22 May (PQ 24849/12), NAMA is currently engaged in an extensive analyses of the residential portfolio under the control of its debtors and receivers and this is expected to continue for some time. I reiterate that NAMA's policy is to ensure that all residential units controlled by its debtors and receivers are made available either for sale or rental at the earliest possible opportunity.
76 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 205 of 22 May 2012, if he will clarify the maturity time period of the Government bond issued to the National Asset Management Agency; if the bond is a 90 day maturity, maturing on 30 June, not May as the parliamentary question response stated or is it a shorter maturity date; and if he will confirm that the rest of the response is accurate. [26587/12]
I would like to thank the Deputy for the opportunity to clarify the statement made as part of the response to PQ 24847.12. As per my direction to NAMA in accordance with Section 14 of the NAMA Act 2009, the maximum maturity allowable on the Bond in question was 90 days. The €3.06 billion facility was drawn on the 3rd April 2012.
However, as the Agency had been directed to enter a commercial transaction they were free to agree any terms within the parameters set out in my direction. In this instance I am advised that the Agency decided that the initial maturity date would be 30th May 2012.
I am also advised that the Agency rolled the Bond over on 30 May 2012 as the Bank of Ireland shareholders have yet to approve the main transaction in this process. The new maturity date of the latest NAMA / IBRC bond is 20th June 2012, which is within the 90 day maximum maturity provided for in my direction.
77 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the amount of funding committed by his Department for capital projects; if he will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26631/12]
My Department has an allocation of €150k for capital for the 2012 Estimates year. It is envisaged that this capital will be used to fund relocation to a new premises as the lease on our 2-4 Merrion Row premises has expired. No funds have been drawn down to date. It is expected that the spend will take place during June/July 2012.
78 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if a medical device (details supplied) is subject to VAT. [26647/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. While the EU VAT Directive and Irish VAT law provide for the possibility of applying a reduced rate of VAT to the supply of certain medical equipment this possibility does not extend to the supply or hire of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines typically used in the treatment of sleep apnoea. Nor is there any provision in VAT law that would make it possible to apply an exemption or the zero VAT rate to the supply or hire of such products. The supply or hire of CPAP machines is therefore liable to the standard 23% VAT rate. The supply of parts and accessories is also liable to VAT at the standard rate.
I understand from the Revenue Commissioners that the charges incurred on the supply, maintenance or repair of any medical, surgical, dental or nursing appliance used on the advice of a practitioner qualify for income tax relief on medical expenses and that this applies in this case. In addition, the expense incurred may also qualify under the Drugs Payment Scheme administered by the Health Service Executive.
79 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the figures for the national debt outstanding at the end of each year from 1985 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26666/12]
The National Debt is calculated by the National Treasury Management Agency and historical data is published on their website —http://ntma.ie/GovernmentDebt/historicalData.php. The table below sets out the National Debt for the years 1985 to 2011. The National Debt was €129.0 billion at end May 2012.
|
Year |
Total € Million |
|
1985 |
23,492 |
|
1986 |
27,440 |
|
1987 |
30,085 |
|
1988 |
31,250 |
|
1989 |
31,525 |
|
1990 |
31,849 |
|
1991 |
32,223 |
|
1992 |
33,450 |
|
1993 |
36,006 |
|
1994 |
37,111 |
|
1995 |
38,358 |
|
1996 |
37,980 |
|
1997 |
38,966 |
|
1998 |
37,510 |
|
1999 |
39,851 |
|
2000 |
36,511 |
|
2001 |
36,183 |
|
2002 |
36,361 |
|
2003 |
37,610 |
|
2004 |
37,846 |
|
2005 |
38,182 |
|
2006 |
35,917 |
|
2007 |
37,560 |
|
2008 |
50,398 |
|
2009 |
75,152 |
|
2010 |
93,445 |
|
2011 |
119,082 |
Sources: Finance Accounts and NTMA (from 1990).
Note: Figures for 2011 are unaudited.
80 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Finance the extent of work undertaken by and fees paid to an organisation (details supplied) by the National Asset Management Agency for each year in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26670/12]
NAMA has informed me that it has engaged accountants, solicitors and other professional advisors in its initial establishment, the acquisition of its loan portfolio and its ongoing operations. A breakdown of the fees in relation to the organisation in question are shown below. The analysis is based on fees invoiced to and paid by NAMA in the period from inception to 31 March 2012. Amounts are inclusive of VAT.
|
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
Total |
|
|
Property due diligence: |
330k |
428k |
2k |
760k |
|
Portfolio management fees: |
490k |
1,978k |
427k |
2,896k |
81 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the cash accounting scheme as it exists in Ireland, with a condition that businesses have an annual turnover of no more than €1 million to qualify, is too restrictive; and if he will consider the extension of the scheme to businesses with a turnover of less than €2.5 million, as recommended by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. [26677/12]
I would point out that VAT is normally accounted for on the basis of invoices issued, i.e. VAT is payable on the total sales invoiced in the relevant period, regardless of whether or not the trader has been paid for the supply in that period. However, the cash basis of accounting provides traders with the option to account for VAT on a cash receipts basis. This means that the trader is not required to pay VAT until payment for the supply is actually received. Availing of this option assists firms in the critical area of cash flow.
In order to avail of the cash receipts basis of accounting for VAT, a business must either a) be supplying goods or services, where 90% of the supplies are to persons who aren't registered for VAT, or b) have an annual turnover which is less than €1 million. The annual turnover threshold for eligibility for the cash basis of accounting is €1 million and has been effective since 1 March 2007. Although it is possible under EU VAT law to increase the threshold, the cash basis can only be used for "certain transactions or certain categories of taxable persons". It cannot be used to replace the normal VAT arrangements across the board. In addition, increasing the cash basis threshold from €1 million to €2.5 million would be very costly to the Exchequer, costing in excess of €150 million in the year of introduction.
82 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the number, value and maturity date of Irish Government bonds held by each of the covered institutions at the end of 2011 and at the present time. [26709/12]
Irish government bonds held by each of the covered institutions are as follows:
|
Irish Government Bonds — Year end 2011* |
Carrying Value |
|
AIB |
€5,217m |
|
BoI |
€4,222m |
|
IBRC |
€303m |
|
ILP |
€2,319m |
Figure for BOI excludes €462m held in its life company
Figure for ILP excludes bonds held by Irish Life.
*Excludes promissory notes.
Information beyond year end 2011 has not been published and is commercially sensitive.
|
Irish Government Bonds — Year end 2011 Maturity |
< 1 year |
1-5 Years |
> 5 years |
Total |
|
AIB |
€693m |
€2,205m |
€2,319 |
€5,217m |
|
BoI |
€437m |
€2,798m |
€987 |
€4,222m |
|
IBRC |
€303m |
|||
|
ILP |
€176m |
€1,604m |
€539m |
€2,319m |
83 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of staff numbers, full time, part time and contract staff, by grade, details of corresponding remuneration and any resulting travel and subsistence expenses for the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Limited, formerly Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Limited, for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and estimated provisions for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26716/12]
As the Deputy is aware the Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day operation of the bank including the staffing, general pay rates and expenses incurred by bank staff in the performance of their duties.
I have been informed by the bank that staff numbers and associated costs are detailed in the Bank's accounts on an annual and interim basis, the most recent being the 2011 Annual Report and Accounts. The Bank does not further breakdown details of staff numbers in terms of grade and corresponding remuneration. I have also been informed by the bank that total staff costs costs in the organisation have reduced by 48% from end 2008 to end 2011 and this includes 6 months of additional cost resulting from the merger with INBS in 2011.
In terms of travel, accommodation and other related expenses the bank has informed me that such costs have decreased from c. €6.7m in 2008 to c. €1.2m in 2011, a percentage decrease of c. 82%.
84 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if it is intended that Government Departments will pay suppliers electronically in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26766/12]
The funding of payments made by line Departments and Offices is organised through the Paymaster General's Office, which is part of my Department. Virtually all payments by Government Departments from their annual Votes are now made electronically. Since 2001 Departments have reduced the number of payable orders issued annually from 4.2 million to an expected 190,000 in 2012, which is a reduction of over 95%. These paper payments have been replaced by electronic funds transfers to the bank accounts of payees. The Croke Park Agreement commits to the use of electronic payments, which will achieve greater efficiency. The Public Service Reform Plan envisages the abolition of payable orders as a payment method for Government Departments with effect from mid 2013.
85 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance when the current review of vehicle registration tax and motor tax will be completed; when the results will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26773/12]
As the Deputy will be aware Budget 2012 announced a public consultation to review options for the improvement of VRT and Motor Tax revenue in future years, in the context of a fall in VRT yields from €1.4bn in 2007 to €387m in 2011.
The closing date for receipt of submissions under the public consultation process was 1 March 2012. 34 submissions were received, 12 of which were from representative organisations or firms with the remainder from individuals. While there was a general welcome for the consultation process, the views varied considerably from those supporting the immediate removal of VRT to a restructuring of the existing system.
My officials are currently in the process of meeting industry representatives and developing options in consultation with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
86 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding an application for a tax rebate in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26795/12]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that reviews for 2008 and 2009 were issued on 10 August 2010 and 11 November 2010 respectively. These reviews were based on the information available at that time and included tax relief for interest paid as claimed. The Revenue Commissioners are now writing to the person concerned for additional information to enable them to review the position for 2008 to 2011 inclusive.
87 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide, in tabular form, the annual estimated loss to the Exchequer due to the illegal selling of tobacco products in 2010 and 2011; his Department’s proposals to minimise losses in 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26838/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax, and for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products, that there is no internationally recognised method for precisely determining the amount of tax lost as a result of the illicit trade in cigarettes. However, a survey commissioned by Revenue and the Office of Tobacco Control in 2010 estimated that 20% of cigarettes consumed in the State had not been taxed in this jurisdiction. This figure was further broken down as 14% illicit product and 6% legally imported by passengers arriving into the State from other jurisdictions. A further survey was conducted in 2011, the final results of which are due to be released within the coming weeks.
The following is the annual estimated loss in respect of excise duty and VAT, based on a 14% loss to the exchequer from illicit cigarette consumption.
|
Year |
Quantity of Illegal Cigarettes |
Estimated loss |
|
2010 |
750,000,000 |
€250,800,000 |
|
2011 |
750,000,000 |
€251,600,000 |
The illegal smuggling of cigarettes and other tobacco products and the illicit selling of these products is a problem for many tax jurisdictions throughout the world. Ireland has a longstanding policy, primarily because of health concerns and also for budgetary reasons, of high tobacco taxation, and this makes this State a particularly attractive market for tobacco smugglers. Easy access to Ireland via cheap flights from countries with significantly lower tobacco taxes accentuates the attractiveness of Ireland for criminals involved in the illegal importation and sale of tobacco. The Revenue Commissioners are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax, and for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products. They attach a high priority to this area, and they continuously review their response to the problem and their effectiveness in tackling the illicit tobacco trade.
The operational strategy employed by Revenue to tackle the illicit tobacco trade is multi-faceted. It includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, ongoing review of operational policies, development of analytics and detection technologies, and optimum deployment of resources at point of importation and inland in order to intercept the contraband product and to prosecute those involved.
Interception at the point of importation is achieved through a combination of risk analysis, profiling, intelligence, and the screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and postal packages. Revenue enforcement officers also target this illicit trade at the post-importation level by carrying out intelligence-based operations and random checks at retail outlets, markets and private and commercial premises in order to disrupt the internal distribution network for illicit tobacco.
In 2010, Revenue established a high-level internal group, chaired at Commissioner level, to examine the risks related to tobacco products tax evasion and to oversee and optimise the detection of contraband and counterfeit tobacco products. This group has promoted a number of initiatives aimed at counteracting the illicit trade in tobacco. These include the adoption of a comprehensive tobacco strategy, which is underpinned by annual action plans. This 3-year (2011-2013) strategy, which is published on Revenue's websitewww.revenue.ie, includes a series of programmes which are designed to complement each other in targeting the supply and demand sides of the market for contraband tobacco in Ireland.
Revenue's strategic-level plans include ensuring that the legitimate trade remains compliant; delivering more effective and visible interventions through enhanced capability and better deployment of resources; further development of cooperation and intelligence sharing at organisational, national and international level; a commitment to prosecute all serious cases of tobacco tax evasion and a focus, in partnership with other Government agencies, on reducing the demand for contraband tobacco.
88 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the long term sustainable repayment plans for loans given to recapitalise the banking system and to fund the day to day expenditure of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26840/12]
I understand your question is intended to ascertain when the loans drawn down from the EU/IMF Programme will be repaid. I would first of all emphasise that the funds drawn down under both the EU/IMF programme and the bilateral loan agreements are not ring-fenced for particular uses and contribute alongside tax and other State revenues to meeting all calls on the Exchequer. However, the cost of bank recapitalisation to date has been met from our existing resources — cash reserves and the NPRF. Under Ireland's EU-IMF Programme, which is due to expire at the end of 2013, a total of €67.5 billion in loans will be provided from EU facilities, bilateral loans and the IMF.
At the end of April 2012, Ireland's nominal borrowings under the EU/IMF Programme amount to €48.97 billion.
The weighted average life of the loans drawn down to date is 9.8 years.
The estimated all-in fixed euro equivalent cost of loans received under the EU/IMF assistance programme is 3.46%.
When the programme was initially agreed the average maturity of all loans was set at 7½ years. Following the Euro Area Heads of State or Government meeting in July 2011, it was agreed that average maturities for the EU facilities, the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism (EFSM) and the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), should be extended. For the EFSF, maturities will now be a minimum of 15 and up to 30 years.
The repayment of the loans from the IMF commences in 2015, and that for the EU loans we have received from the EFSM and the EFSF also commences in 2015.
In the case of the bilateral loans from the UK, Sweden and Denmark, repayment is due 7½ years after each drawdown.
In relation to the schedule of the current interest rate being charged to Ireland on all forms of funding under the EU/IMF Programme of financial support, the following table supplied by the NTMA, provides the information for all amounts outstanding as at 30 April 2012.
89 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding tax and other incentives given to the horse racing and breeding industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26849/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there are no specific statutory tax incentives for the horse racing and breeding industry.
Before 1 August 2008, profits or gains from stallion fees were exempt from income tax and corporation tax, although all other profits from horse-breeding, such as the sale of yearlings, were always taxable. The exemption no longer applies to profits or gains arising on or after that date.
Since 1 August 2008, stallions are treated as stock in trade which means that income from stud fees and profits or gains on the sale of the stallions are fully taxable in the hands of both corporate and individual owners.
A write-off over 4 years of the cost of a stallion is allowed as a deduction for tax purposes in computing income from stallion fees and profits or gains on the sale of stallions. This 4-year write-off period reflects the fact that some stallions have a short nomination life and also takes into account that the majority of stallions are unsuccessful at stud. The impact of the deduction on taxable profits during the write-off period is directly related to the success, or otherwise, of the stallion. Without this provision the cost of a stallion would, under normal rules, be allowed as a deduction upon its disposal or death.
90 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding tax and other incentives given to the greyhound racing and breeding industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26850/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there are no specific statutory tax incentives for the greyhound racing and breeding industry. Profits from stud greyhound service fees arising before 1 August 2008 were exempt from income tax and corporation tax. The exemption no longer applies to profits or gains arising on or after that date.
91 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Finance the enforcement action taken by the Revenue Commissioners to ensure that markets that operate on weekends are fully compliant with their VAT and tax liabilities; the number of inspections undertaken each year to ensure full compliance; the way members of the public can report suspected non-payment of these tax liabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26855/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that specific measures have been implemented to tackle hidden economy issues in the cash sector including casual trading markets. The threat to the Exchequer posed by the shadow economy is fully recognised by Revenue which puts a strong focus and concentration on those sectors that traditionally have been susceptible to shadow activity. Revenue's overall approach to the shadow economy in all sectors, including the weekend trading markets, is underpinned by close consultation and cooperation with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and over 500 joint Revenue/DSP inspections took place in 2011, and over 200 so far in 2012.
In tandem with this Joint Agency activity, Revenue have run specific projects to detect shadow economy activities and recover VAT, Income Tax and PAYE where due, together with appropriate statutory interest and penalties. These projects include streetscape operations and visits to market, fairs and high profile festivals and events. In 2011, 36 weekend markets were visited and, so far, in 2012 Revenue has carried out 39 streetscape operations.
In combating tobacco smuggling and retail of illicit cigarettes, I understand that Revenue's ongoing activity in this area is complimented by a number of blitz visits to casual trader markets. These types of activities normally take place in off-hours, the majority of which is weekend activity. In 2011, there were 6 national tobacco blitzes and weekend visits were paid to the main risk markets, resulting in 26 seizures amounting to 58,900 cigarettes and 8.68 kilos of tobacco.
In 2011, Revenue committed additional resources to tackling tax evasion in high-risk sectors and carried out over 11,000 audits of businesses and individuals as well as over 546,000 other compliance checks. These resulted in additional yield for the Exchequer of nearly €483m.
I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that any person can inform them of instances of tax evasion through the network of local offices, by phone, email or letter. There is a confidential free-phone number 1800 295 295, for reporting tobacco smuggling or sale of illicit tobacco products. Reports of suspected evasion/fraud should provide as much detail as possible particularly in terms of location, names, addresses, telephone numbers and vehicle registrations. All such reports are treated as confidential and are fully investigated by Revenue.
The Revenue Commissioners inform me that they are committed to tackling tax evasion and avoidance across all areas of the economy. Their goal is to prevent a loss of revenue to the State and at the same time to ensure that a level playing field exists for the benefit of legitimate trade interests.
I am satisfied that the Revenue Commissioners are pursuing programmes that are dealing in a very determined way with tax evasion.
92 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Finance if he will request the Revenue Commissioners for the tax contribution history in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [26858/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that no trace of tax contributions can be found in respect of the person named. Should he wish to discuss tax matters he can telephone Frank Levey in Limerick Tax Office at 061 212800.
93 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance for each of the years 2006 to 2011 inclusive, if he will provide the final nominal Exchequer balance figure; the final nominal general government balance figure; and the general government balance as a percentage of GDP. [26861/12]
The information requested by the Deputy is available in the following table. The Exchequer balance figures for 2006-2010 are from the annual Finance Accounts. The 2011 figure is as per the end-December 2011 Exchequer Statement. The audited figure will be set out in the 2011 Finance Accounts which will be published later this year. The General Government Balance (GGB) figures for 2006 and 2007 have been provided by the CSO. The 2008-2011 figures are as per the April 2012 Maastricht Returns. The GGB figures are the latest available and the historical figures can be subject to minor technical statistical adjustments on a periodic basis:
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
|
Exchequer Balance (€m) |
2,264 |
-1,619 |
-12,714 |
-24,641 |
-18,744 |
-24,917 |
|
General Government Balance (GGB) (€m) |
5,183 |
124 |
-13,219 |
-22,519 |
-48,607 |
-20,515 |
|
GGB (% of GDP) |
3.0% |
0.1% |
-7.3% |
-14.0% |
-31.2% |
-13.1% |
|
Underlying GGB (€m) |
-18,519 |
-17,032 |
-14,735 |
|||
|
Underlying GGB (% of GDP) |
-11.5% |
-10.9% |
-9.4% |
94 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to allow civil unions or married couples combine their tax allowances for public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26883/12]
The tax exemptions for the travel pass scheme operates on two levels in order to ensure that the taxation benefits are given to employees. Firstly, where a travel pass is provided in addition to normal remuneration the taxable BIK that arises on its provision is exempt from tax in the hands of the employee under section 118(5A) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
However, many travel pass schemes operate under what are known as salary sacrifice arrangements. These are arrangements under which an employee agrees with his or her employer to take a cut in remuneration and in return the employer incurs the cost of providing a benefit of a corresponding amount to the employee (that is, a bus, rail or ferry pass).
As a general rule, Revenue does not regard salary sacrifice arrangements as reducing an employee's taxable income. If an employee foregoes salary payable under an existing contract of employment in exchange for a benefit, the employee remains taxable on the "gross" income payable. An exception to this rule is made in the case of the travel pass scheme. Under section 118B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 where an employee is provided with a travel pass, the employee will not be chargeable to tax on the remuneration sacrificed. The corresponding cost to the employer of the travel pass does not, as stated above, give rise to a BIK tax charge on the employee who receives the travel pass.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that if the couple concerned are jointly assessed the tax relief is, in fact, provided at the couple's marginal rate of tax (i.e. either 20% or 41% depending on the rate of tax applicable to the couple). If the couple is not currently being jointly assessed to tax they should contact their local tax office with a view to ensuring that joint assessment applies to them if this is what they want.
(The issue of determining the boundaries of areas falling within the scope of the all-in-one commuter / Dart and Luas ticket is a matter for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in consultation with the approved transport service providers.)
95 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance his view of whether wage flexibility is needed which will particularly allow the appropriate degree of wage differentiation across different types of workers and stimulate the hiring of young, female and older workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26902/12]
At an aggregate level, my view is that over the medium term wages should move in line with productivity trends. In fact, one of the key problems in the past decade was that wage growth was far in excess of productivity gains. This undermined Ireland's competitive position and resulted in a sharp moderation in export growth from 2000 onwards. Encouragingly, however, some of this competitiveness loss has been reversed and this is standing to us in terms of export growth and larger inflows of FDI.
At a disaggregate level, there must be a degree of wage differentiation in the economy to reflect the heterogeneous nature of employment and the specific demand and supply factors for certain jobs.
But what we cannot have is a situation in which the labour market is distorted through the introduction of an artificial wage gap for individuals performing the same work.
96 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance in view of the Irish mortgage crisis and the amount of persons who find themselves in a desperate situation, should a transparent and completely independent entity be put in place to ensure that the resolution process will not involve persons trying to profiteer on the misfortunes of persons in debt, that is, there should be a non-profit sector assisting persons who have such financial difficulties with their mortgages at present and there should be a strengthened financial services ombudsperson to help in this crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26908/12]
The Government is acutely aware of the increasing financial stress that some households are facing arising from difficulty in meeting their mortgage commitments. The Deputy will be aware that the Interdepartmental Report on Mortgage Arrears indicated that the reform of personal insolvency legislation is a central catalyst to the resolution of the mortgage arrears problem. In particular, it indicated that new non-judicial debt settlement arrangements are vital to address the problem. The Government is in the process of finalising a Personal Insolvency Bill with a view to publishing it at the end of June. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence has indicated a strong intention to commence Second stage prior to the Summer recess to facilitate early passage of the legislation through the Oireachtas in the Autumn session.
The Interdepartmental Report also recommended that a Mortgage Advice Service should be provided to advise people in their dealings with mortgage lenders. The Minister for Social Protection is now finalising the appropriate framework for the provision of this service.
Both of these measures will require the utilisation of independent and professional expertise to best assist people in difficulty with their mortgages or other debts. In finalising these matters and putting in place the necessary structures, the key objective will be to provide the best possible service in the most efficient manner and this general approach does not preclude the non-profit sector or other sectors from appropriate involvement in those proposed important services.
Finally, it is important to point out that the Financial Services Ombudsman was established on a statutory basis as an independent body to deal with complaints from customers of financial service providers and will continue to fulfill this function. The Minister for Finance is not involved in the day to day workings of the Financial Services Ombudsman Bureau.
97 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Finance if the €700 billion firewall is a set figure for the ESM fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26930/12]
The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Treaty, was signed by Euro Area Member States on 2 February 2012. The original version of the treaty was signed on 11 July 2011, but it has been modified to incorporate decisions taken by the Heads of State and Government (HoSG) of the Euro Area on 21 July, 9 December 2011 and 2 March aimed at improving the effectiveness of the mechanism.
In order to further improve market confidence and in accordance with the agreement reached at the Euro Area Heads of State or Government (HoSG) meeting on 9 December 2011 and reiterated on 2 March 2012, the HoSG have reassessed the adequacy of the overall EFSF/ESM lending ceiling of €500 billion.
The Eurogroup concluded its review of the ESM capacity on 30 March and agreed in principle the following:
That the ESM will be the main instrument to finance new programmes as from July 2012. The EFSF will, as a rule, only remain active in financing programmes that have started before that date. For a transitional period until mid-2013, it may engage in new programmes in order to ensure a full fresh lending capacity of €500 billion.
The current overall ceiling for ESM/EFSF lending, as defined in the ESM Treaty, will be raised to €700 billion such that the ESM and the EFSF will be able to operate, if needed, as described above. As of mid-2013, the maximum lending volume of ESM will be €500 billion. The combined lending ceiling of the ESM and the EFSF will continue to be set at €700 billion.
In addition, €49 billion out of the EFSM and €53 billion out of the bilateral Greek loan facility have already been paid out to support current programme countries. All together the euro area is mobilising an overall firewall of approximately €800 billion.
98 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline all staff appointments he has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their positions; their salaries; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26955/12]
Since 1 March 2012, the following staff have been appointed to my Department:
|
Grade |
Number of Staff |
Salary per annum |
|
Temporary Clerical Officer(on a 1 year contract) |
4 |
€20,859 to €33,607 |
|
AO Graduate Recruits(1 Banking/Finance and 1 Economics) |
2 |
€29,922 to €58,294 |
99 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the advice he will offer on a matter regarding mortgages (details supplied). [26976/12]
Policy in relation to credit lending decisions in the bank referred to is a matter for the management and board of that institution. I have no role in the day-to-day commercial and operational decisions of the bank. Notwithstanding the fact that the State is a shareholder in the bank referred to, I must ensure that the bank is run on a commercial, cost effective and independent basis to protect the value of the bank as an asset to the State, as per the Memorandum on Economic and Financial Policies agreed with the EU Commission, the ECB and the IMF. Relationship Frameworks have now also been specified that clearly define the nature of the relationship between me and each of the covered institutions. These Frameworks were published on 30 March 2012 and can be found at:http://banking.finance.gov.ie/presentations-and-latest-documents/.
100 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance if persons with incomes in excess of €200,000 are now earning more money since the introduction of the universal social charge; the action being taken regarding this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27144/12]
The introduction of the USC, replacing the Income and Health Levies, reduced the top marginal tax rates for both PAYE and self-employed income earners by 4%. In the case of PAYE this allowed for the abolition of the PRSI ceiling and the restoration of the PAYE marginal rate to 52%. However, in the case of the self-employed, where there is no PRSI ceiling, the marginal rate remained reduced. This had the unintended effect of benefiting high earning self-employed income earners.
Therefore, as a transitional measure, a new rate of USC of 10% was introduced in Finance Act 2011 for income in excess of €100,000 arising from self-employment. This restored the self-employed marginal tax rate back to 55% where it was in 2010.
It should be noted that self-employed income earners do not benefit from the PAYE tax credit of €1,650 per annum.
101 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a business (details supplied) in Dublin 1. [27195/12]
NAMA has advised me that it holds property as security adjacent to the business referred to in this case. A receiver was appointed to that property in March 2012. The receiver has indicated that he is not aware of any damage to properties adjoining those under his control. It may be more appropriate in this instance to contact the receiver, who is in control of the enforced property. A list of all properties enforced and the contact details of the receivers associated with those properties are available on NAMA's website or the Deputy can contact NAMA atoir@nama.ie. NAMA have also advised that it has no relationship with the development company referred to by the Deputy.
102 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of representations made to him or his Department by or on behalf of customers of an institution (details supplied) in 2011 and to date in 2012; the nature of the representations; the way they are handled by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27199/12]
As the Deputy is aware the representations are received in a number of ways including representations through political representatives, from individuals directly, from legal representatives of clients of the bank etc. These representations are received through a number of channels including mail, e-mail and primarily by telephone contact. While the Department has records of written correspondence received that relate to the institution referred to in the question we do not have a breakdown of the representations which are on behalf of customers of the institution. There is generally, no record of telephone communication and the calls are dealt with as received. The overall number of written representations relating to customers of the institution referred to which were received was 20 in 2011 and 16 in 2012.
Under the Relationship Framework the Board of the bank is assigned responsibility and authority in relation to the day to day operation of the bank including the management of relationships with the bank's clients. As a general rule the Department does not become involved in individual cases and will refer callers to the bank, to the Central Bank or to the Financial Services Ombudsman etc. as appropriate and depending on the circumstances of the case. In particular cases where there appears to be a public interest issue, or where the circumstances appear to controvert the bank's policy or practice, the Department may, while referring the client to the bank, raise the matter with the bank to assist in understanding the issues or to ensure that management at the bank is aware of particular or recurrent problems. Any such involvement by the Department is facilitative and does not impinge on the responsibility and authority of the bank.
103 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money that has been invested to date in the strategic investment fund by the Government and by ways of commercial investment by private investors; the amount of money he plans to invest in the funds; the details of the investments made by the fund to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27202/12]
The Government announced the establishment of the Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) in September 2011. The SIF will channel commercial investment from the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) towards productive investment in the Irish economy. As well as money from the NPRF, the SIF will seek matching commercial investment from private investors and target investment in areas of strategic significance to the future of the Irish economy.
I am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency, as Manager of the National Pensions Reserve Fund, that the NPRF announced in November 2011 a commitment of €250 million to a new Irish infrastructure investment fund which is seeking up to €1 billion from institutional investors in Ireland and overseas and which will invest in infrastructure assets in Ireland, including assets designated for disposal by the Government and commercial State enterprises and also new infrastructure projects. Marketing of this fund in Ireland by Irish Life Investment Managers and abroad by AMP Capital commenced in the first quarter of 2012. Normally the period from commencement of marketing of an investment fund targeting illiquid assets to closure of financial commitments by investors in such a fund can extend up to one year.
I am also informed that the NPRF has in addition committed, subject to certain pre-conditions, €450 million to finance the national roll-out of domestic water meters.
Further involvement of the NPRF in the SIF is expected to require the amendment of the investment policy of the NPRF, which is set out in the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000. Officials of my Department are liaising with the National Treasury Management Agency, which is the Manager of the NPRF, in identifying and drafting the necessary amendments to the legislation and I expect to bring forward proposals for amending legislation as soon as possible once that work is completed.
104 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the number of National Asset Management Agency sites and their location in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27250/12]
NAMA debtors own property, which may include sites, in County Wicklow which is valued at €475 million by reference to a valuation date of November 2009. NAMA is prohibited by Sections 99 and 202 of the NAMA Act and by the normal rules of banking confidentiality from disclosing details relating to its debtors or their properties. The Deputy will also note that a number of properties located in Co. Wicklow are under the control of receivers appointed by NAMA. Further details are available onwww.nama.ie. The National Asset Management Agency itself does not own sites or other properties in County Wicklow.
105 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has been engaging with a bank (details supplied) to look for solutions to deal with the problems of negative equity; the way the new personal insolvency legislation will address this particular matter specifically; if any systems are in place for enabling those in negative equity to access new mortgages and bring their debt with them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27253/12]
The Government is conscious of the difficulties some homeowners are facing in meeting their mortgage commitments. In accordance with the conclusions of the Inter-Departmental Report on Mortgage Arrears, the key focus of attention is on the development of measures to assist people who are having genuine difficulty in meeting their mortgage payments as opposed to providing assistance for people currently experiencing negative equity.
The Deputy will be aware of the range of measures currently being advanced to address this mortgage arrears problem. The Central Bank is engaging with all regulated mortgage lenders on their mortgage arrears resolution strategies project. The objective of this engagement is to ensure that each lender has an effective strategy and plan for dealing with its mortgage customers who are, or who are likely to be, in difficulty.
The Deputy will be aware that the Interdepartmental Report on Mortgage Arrears indicated that the reform of personal insolvency legislation is a central catalyst to the resolution of the mortgage arrears problem. In particular, it indicated that new non-judicial debt settlement arrangements are vital to address the problem. The personal insolvency proposals are not intended to address the issue of negative equity but to resolve the issue of insolvent debtors in a fair and effective manner.
The Bill remains a legislative priority for the Government and the timeframe for publication of the Bill is now the end of June next and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence has indicated a strong intention to commence Second stage prior to the Summer recess to facilitate early passage of the legislation through the Oireachtas in the Autumn session.
A draft general scheme of a Bill was published by the Minister for Justice at the end of January for consultation and a number of submissions were received in response including from some financial institutions. However, there have also been advances made to allow people currently experiencing negative equity to access new mortgages. The Deputy may wish to note that in a recent speech given by Mr. Matthew Elderfield, the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank said that the Central Bank agreed in late 2010 that two lenders could develop negative equity mortgages on a pilot basis. In light of the limited take-up of these mortgages the Central Bank decided to adapt its approach to make provision of negative equity mortgages easier. The Central Bank has set out for lenders general criteria under which it will consider allowing the provision of such mortgages. The Central Bank has not set prescriptive standards in these areas but will look to see that lenders are taking a reasonable and controlled approach. All such sales however must also comply with the affordability and suitability provisions set out in the Consumer Protection Code.
106 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) has had their one parent family tax credit taken away; the legislation under which this is possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27262/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 462 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 is the relevant legislation governing the one parent family credit. Section 462(2)(c) of this Act provides that this credit shall not apply to a person who is cohabitating with another person. In this case, the taxpayer rang Revenue on 28th May 2012 and, in the course of the telephone conversation indicated that both herself and her child had been cohabitating with her partner since July 2010. As a consequence of this cohabitation, the taxpayer is ineligible for the one parent family credit, and accordingly the credit was withdrawn.
107 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the plans the National Asset Management Agency has for investing in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27264/12]
The National Asset Management Agency has announced that it plans to invest up to €2 billion in development capital over the period to 2016 to preserve, enhance and complete commercial and residential projects and to develop Greenfield sites. NAMA have advised me that they are currently assessing a wide range of projects that may be suitable for development by reference to expected demand and decisions to invest will be based on those projects which are capable of generating the greatest return to the taxpayer. Pending completion of project appraisal, it is not possible to indicate the location of those projects.
108 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the properties the National Asset Management Agency currently has in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27265/12]
109 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the commercial projects the National Asset Management Agency has in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27267/12]
110 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the residential projects the National Asset Management Agency has in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27268/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 to 110, inclusive, together.
NAMA have advised me that debtors own property in Meath which is valued at €500 million by reference to a valuation date of November 2009. A further breakdown of this figure into commercial and residential projects is not available at present.
NAMA is prohibited by Sections 99 and 202 of the NAMA Act and by the normal rules of banking confidentiality from disclosing details relating to its debtors or their properties.
The Deputy will also note that a number of properties located in Meath are under the control of receivers appointed by NAMA. Further details on those properties are available onwww.nama.ie.
The National Asset Management Agency itself does not own property in Meath.
111 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of deferred payment initiative transactions for County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27269/12]
Information on NAMA's 80:20 Deferred Payment Initiative is available on NAMA's website,www.nama.ie, which confirms that 18 properties in Co. Meath were included in this pilot initiative. For reasons of debtor confidentiality, NAMA cannot confirm how many of these have been sold until such time as the pilot phase has been completed.
112 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Finance if he will expedite matters in relation to problems relating to outstanding tax in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Longford which is impacting on their ability to conduct their business in view of the fact that they are unable to apply for tax clearance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27285/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the persons concerned have failed to file Income Tax returns for 2010 or VAT returns for 2011 or 2012 to date. In addition, Income Tax for 2007 and 2008 and Preliminary Tax for 2011 has not been paid. The persons concerned have recently been in contact with the Collector General's Office in relation to this matter. Arising from that contact, they will be aware that until such time as the outstanding tax returns are filed, Revenue is not in a position to quantify the tax outstanding or to decide if the informal phased payment arrangement currently in place is sufficient to clear the arrears within a reasonable timeframe. Until such time as they can do this, Revenue will not be in a position to consider issuing a tax clearance certificate.
The persons concerned should now file all outstanding tax returns. The issue of the tax clearance certificate can then be considered further.
113 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the measures in place to help those who have endowment mortgages whose policies are coming to an end but may not have sufficient capital accumulated to pay the lump sum due a shortfall; the regulations that apply to this financial product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27356/12]
I have been informed by the Central Bank that where the proceeds of an endowment policy are insufficient to repay the capital element of an endowment mortgage, borrowers should be given ample time to make alternative repayment arrangements. In addition, borrowers are afforded the protections of the 'Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears' in cases where the mortgage is in arrears or in pre-arrears and is secured by the borrower's primary residence. The Deputy may wish to note that, when the risks associated with endowment mortgage products were highlighted in the 1990s, specific provisions were incorporated into the Consumer Credit Act 1995 which require warnings to the effect that the proceeds of a policy may not be sufficient to repay a mortgage. Under the provisions of the Act, endowment mortgage savings plans must be reviewed by the life company at least every five years to check if the plan is on track to repay the mortgage. In this regard, a statement setting out the estimated revised valuation of the endowment policy at maturity must be issued by the insurer to the borrower. If the policy is not on track to repay the mortgage, the life company will recommend an increase in the premium.
114 Deputy Luke ’Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that banks are more likely to lend to a purchaser of a property held by a bank than to a purchaser of a non-bank owned property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27367/12]
The decision on whether or not to grant individual mortgages remains a commercial decision for each individual lending institution and, as Minister for Finance, I have no function in such decisions. This is outlined in the Relationship Frameworks with the banks which provide that the State will not intervene in the day-to-day operations of the banks or their management decisions, including with respect to pricing and lending decisions. These frameworks are published on my Department's website athttp://banking.finance.gov.ie. Mortgage lending must be undertaken on a commercially sustainable and prudential basis by lending institutions and conform fully with regulatory requirements both in relation to the financial institution itself and also the safeguarding of the consumer’s interest. It is important in that context that each lending institution is allowed to assess independently the individual risks in granting mortgage finance.
115 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Finance the number of income tax payers, total income and the total tax paid for each of the following income tax bands (details supplied) based on the most recent data available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27372/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested, estimated by reference to the income tax year 2012, is set out in the following table:
|
Gross Income Range |
Gross Income |
Numbers |
Income Tax |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
10,000 or less |
1,741,727,360 |
394,606 |
463,277 |
|
10,001-20,000 |
5,796,765,594 |
382,929 |
44,272,743 |
|
20,001-30,000 |
9,590,057,348 |
386,339 |
383,536,160 |
|
30,001-40,000 |
10,258,657,138 |
295,067 |
779,646,445 |
|
40,001-50,000 |
9,233,596,409 |
206,874 |
1,072,754,844 |
|
50,001-60,000 |
7,600,348,121 |
139,022 |
1,104,384,156 |
|
60,001-70,000 |
6,189,082,128 |
95,641 |
1,008,526,730 |
|
70,001-80,000 |
5,188,204,469 |
69,443 |
930,020,106 |
|
80,001-90,000 |
4,079,790,804 |
48,173 |
791,911,294 |
|
90,001-100,000 |
3,174,795,435 |
33,515 |
657,294,325 |
|
100,001-125,000 |
5,424,046,195 |
48,901 |
1,221,866,530 |
|
125,001-150,000 |
3,197,913,149 |
23,510 |
783,194,520 |
|
150,001-175,000 |
1,938,858,222 |
12,027 |
496,073,330 |
|
175,001-200,000 |
1,320,697,103 |
7,084 |
345,448,987 |
|
200,001-250,000 |
1,791,691,539 |
8,071 |
479,218,080 |
|
250,001-300,000 |
1,177,244,030 |
4,322 |
319,111,068 |
|
300,001-350,000 |
850,570,163 |
2,631 |
231,333,328 |
|
350,001-400,000 |
608,215,973 |
1,630 |
170,061,818 |
|
400,001-450,000 |
491,782,546 |
1,161 |
135,588,743 |
|
450,001-500,000 |
386,210,649 |
815 |
107,702,020 |
|
500,001-750,000 |
1,218,485,106 |
2,030 |
340,603,596 |
|
750,001-1,000,000 |
552,453,776 |
647 |
159,816,557 |
|
1,000,001-2,000,000 |
701,243,630 |
537 |
187,200,632 |
|
Over 2,000,000 |
1,033,458,034 |
120 |
351,110,637 |
|
Total |
83,545,894,918 |
2,165,100 |
12,101,139,926 |
It should be noted that the income ranges shown in the above table relate to Gross Income as defined in Revenue Statistical Report 2010.
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends in the interim. These are, therefore, provisional and likely to be revised.
It should also be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
116 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons whose income in 2009/2010 was more than €1 million; the percentage this was of the overall number of taxpayers; the amount of tax paid; and the percentage of overall tax take. [27411/12]
117 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons whose income in 2009/2010 was more than €500,000; the percentage this was of the overall number of taxpayers; the amount tax paid; and the percentage of overall tax take. [27412/12]
118 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons whose income in 2009/2010 was more than €250,000; the percentage this was of the overall number of taxpayers; the amount tax paid; and the percentage of overall tax take. [27413/12]
119 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons whose income in 2009/2010 was more than €100,000; the percentage this was of the overall number of taxpayers; the amount tax paid; and the percentage of overall tax take. [27414/12]
120 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons whose income in 2009/2010 was more than €70,000; the percentage this was of the overall number of taxpayers; the amount tax paid; and the percentage of overall tax take. [27415/12]
121 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons whose income in 2009/2010 was more than €50,000; the percentage this was of the overall number of taxpayers; the amount tax paid; and the percentage of overall tax take. [27416/12]
122 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons whose income in 2009/2010 was more than €40,000; the percentage this was of the overall number of taxpayers; the amount tax paid; and the percentage of overall tax take. [27417/12]
123 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons whose income in 2009/2010 was more than €35,000; the percentage this was of the overall number of taxpayers; the amount tax paid; and the percentage of overall tax take. [27418/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 to 123, inclusive, together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested, estimated by reference to the income tax years 2009 and 2010, is set out in the following tables:
|
Range of Gross Income |
Number of Taxpayers |
% of Total Number of Taxpayers |
Income Tax * |
% of Total Income Tax Yield |
|
Over €35,000 |
876, 599 |
38.65 |
€10,762,083,100 |
94.73 |
|
Over €40,000 |
731,513 |
32.26 |
€10,398,809,400 |
91.54 |
|
Over €50,000 |
516,201 |
22.76 |
€9,497,999,700 |
83.61 |
|
Over €70,000 |
272,757 |
12.03 |
€7,572,424,900 |
66.66 |
|
Over €100,000 |
116,894 |
5.15 |
€5,353,725,300 |
47.13 |
|
Over €250,000 |
14,503 |
0.64 |
€2,094,608,100 |
18.44 |
|
Over €500,000 |
3,560 |
0.16 |
€1,107,367,500 |
9.75 |
|
Over €1,000,000 |
710 |
0.03 |
€577,057,200 |
5.08 |
|
Range of Gross Income |
Number of Taxpayers |
% of Total Number of Taxpayers |
Income Tax * |
% of Total Income Tax Yield |
|
Over €35,000 |
845,248 |
38.66 |
€10,280,364,000 |
94.73 |
|
Over €40,000 |
705,612 |
32.28 |
€9,933,101,900 |
91.53 |
|
Over €50,000 |
497,688 |
22.77 |
€9,066,492,400 |
83.55 |
|
Over €70,000 |
262,573 |
12.01 |
€7,209,072,000 |
66.43 |
|
Over €100,000 |
112,141 |
5.13 |
€5,069,555,700 |
46.72 |
|
Over €250,000 |
13,541 |
0.62 |
€1,935,448,000 |
17.84 |
|
Over €500,000 |
3,222 |
0.15 |
€1,006,469,900 |
9.27 |
|
Over €1,000,000 |
627 |
0.03 |
€525,631,900 |
4.84 |
* Income tax figures are rounded to nearest hundred.
It should be noted that the income ranges shown in the above table relate to Gross Income as defined in Revenue Statistical Report 2010.
The 2010 figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2010. They are, therefore, provisional and likely to be revised.
It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
124 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the location and dates in 2011 and to date in 2012 on which he has met the European Commission President; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27451/12]
During the election campaign in 2011 I met with President Barroso in Brussels. I have had no further formal meeting with President Barroso in 2011 or 2012.
125 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that it is PAYE workers only that can claim six months income tax back. [27487/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that no taxpayer has an automatic entitlement to tax back for any specific period. In the case of PAYE workers, the calculation of any PAYE tax paid that may be due back to a taxpayer is not based on any time period but is based on the amount of taxable income received by a person in the year in question, the amount of tax paid and the amount of tax credits and reliefs due to the person.
In the case of a PAYE worker who becomes unemployed the calculation of any refund that may be due varies depending on the personal circumstances of each taxpayer and is based on the amount of tax paid up to the date of unemployment, the amount of credits and reliefs utilised up to that date and the amount of other income from all sources that the individual may have for the year in question. It should be noted that jobseekers benefit in excess of €13 each week is taxable.
In the case of taxpayers who are self assessed, i.e. those who are in receipt of income from sources which are not chargeable to tax under the PAYE system or where some but not all of their tax on these sources of income is paid under PAYE (for example individuals with rental income or other investment or trading income) different rules apply for the payment of tax.
With regard to income tax, self-assessed taxpayers must:
pay preliminary tax for a tax year on or before the 31st October of that year,
pay any outstanding tax due for a tax year by 31 October of the following tax year — this is also the date by which their return for the previous tax year is due.
Like PAYE taxpayers, any refund due to self assessed taxpayers for a tax year is calculated based on the amount of taxable income received by a person in the year in question, the amount of tax paid and the amount of tax credits and reliefs due to the person. A period of unemployment of a self-assessed person, while factored into the amount of tax payable by them, does not necessarily give rise to a refund of tax.
126 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason secondary school children (details supplied) in County Mayo are being denied school transport even though the bus servicing the school of their choice passes by their door; the reason these same children are being told by Bus Éireann to avail of a service to other schools even though there is no existing bus to service such a run; his views on whether this system is unfair and insensible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26622/12]
127 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a secondary school (details supplied) in County Mayo is being denied school transport even though the bus servicing the school of their choice passes by their door; the reason these same children are being told by Bus Éireann to avail of a service to other schools even though there is no existing bus to service such a run; his views on whether this system is unfair and insensible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26772/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.
Changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme mean that from the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for children will be determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language.
Existing eligible and catchment boundary children 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 children and other children who are not eligible for school transport, may apply for school 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.
While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school, having regard for ethos and language.
128 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teaching posts lost and the amount of monetary savings to his Department that will arise in the 2012/2013 academic year as a result of changes to pupil requirement thresholds in small schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26130/12]
73 small primary schools were originally due to lose a classroom teacher in September 2012 as a result of the budget measure to increase the relevant pupil thresholds. The Staffing Appeals Board considered appeals from any of the 73 schools that could show that their projected enrolments for September 2012 were sufficient to allow them retain their classroom teacher over the longer term.
35 small schools had their appeals provisionally upheld by the Appeals Board subject to confirmation that their actual enrolments in September 2012 reach the required level.
In these extremely challenging times, all public servants are being asked to deliver our public services on a reduced level of resources and teachers in small schools cannot be immune from this requirement. The final staffing position for all schools will ultimately not be known until the Autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed and all appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.
129 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will introduce flexibility to students who are not automatically entitled to a bus to their secondary school, which is not their nearest school by allowing supplementary payment options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26134/12]
130 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way students who are not automatically entitled to a bus to their secondary school, which is not their nearest school, can be guaranteed access to the most suitable school for their needs and ability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26135/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together.
Changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme mean that from the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for children will be determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language.
Existing eligible and catchment boundary children 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 children and other children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for school transport on a concessionary basis only in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme.
The current school transport charge for eligible and concessionary post primary children is €350 per annum subject to a family maximum of €650. This charge can be paid in two instalments in July and December. Eligible children who hold valid medical cards (GM Scheme) are exempt from these charges.
The changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme will be applied equitably on a national basis.
While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school, having regard for ethos and language.
131 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a proposed building project in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Galway; the steps required before the project may proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26141/12]
150 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the stage of the proposed development of a new building for schools (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26414/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 150 together.
The schools referred to by the Deputies have an application with my Department for capital funding for a major school project.
In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects required to meet demographic demand will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. In the context of the need to prioritise available funding for the provision of additional school accommodation, it is not possible therefore to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this school project at this time.
132 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a proposed building project in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Galway; the steps required before the project may proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26142/12]
A building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is awaiting appointment of a design team and the commencement of architectural planning. The next step required will be a tender competition for appointment of the design team.
To ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of projects to meet the increasing demographic demands will be the main focus for capital investment over the next 5 years, particularly in those areas where it has been identified that most future demographic growth will be concentrated.
School building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available.
133 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the transfer of FÁS staff to SOLAS; the timescale in which this transitional period will be completed. [26144/12]
200 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding SOLAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27032/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 200 together.
Following the Government Decision to create SOLAS, an Implementation Group was set up to establish SOLAS. I am chairing this Group and its membership includes representatives from the Department of Education and Skills, FÁS, the Irish Vocational Education Association, the Department of Social Protection, the Department of the Taoiseach, and a representative from the private training sector.
The Heads of a Bill for the establishment of SOLAS have been approved by Government and have recently been referred to the Office of the Attorney General for drafting purposes. The Bill will, inter alia, provide for the establishment of SOLAS, for the dissolution of FÁS and for the transfer of FÁS staff to SOLAS. I expect to publish this legislation in the Autumn session.
134 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for implementing some of the measures discussed recently at the inaugural meeting of the anti-bullying forum. [26145/12]
As the Deputy is aware, the Anti-Bullying Forum, which was held on Thursday 17th May, brought together a range of experts, support groups and representatives of the schools sector including parents and students.
I was very pleased to open this important Forum and to provide an opportunity to explore with all the relevant stakeholders how best to tackle bullying in schools and to consider what changes or updating of existing practices and procedures are required to achieve this having regard to what is feasible to implement in the current financial climate.
The range of speakers on the day of the Forum included contributions from my Department, Professor Mona O'Moore of the Anti-Bullying Centre, Trinity College, representatives of the National Anti-Bullying Coalition (NABC), and contributors from the school sector from the various perspectives of school principal, parent and pupil. The Forum also gave other stakeholders an opportunity to give their views.
The proceedings of the Forum were broadcast live over the internet and recordings of the day's events can be now viewed by accessing the Anti-Bullying Forum webpage of my Department's websitewww.education.ie. The presentations of the various speakers can also be viewed and downloaded from this page.
In addition to holding the Forum itself, I have invited the stakeholders and any other interested parties to submit their views on this important topic to my Department by 29th June 2012. Full details of how this can be done are available on the Anti-Bullying Forum webpage on my Department's websitewww.education.ie.
I have also established a working group on tackling bullying in schools, including homophobic bullying, cyber bullying and racist bullying. The outcomes and recommendations from the Forum together with the submissions from the stakeholders and other interested parties will assist the working group in its deliberations. This working group includes representatives of the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and will draw upon the expertise of a range of organisations throughout their work.
135 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views that his Department’s GPS system which tracks PPS numbers does not work for Gaelscoileanna and will he agree to look at anomalies and difficulties that parents are experiencing when trying to get children into a Gaelscoil in which there are not enough spaces to meet demand. [26146/12]
As the deputy is aware, the Forward Planning Section of my Department utilises a Geographical Information System (GIS) to analyse demographic data in order to determine the areas where additional school accommodation may be required. A variety of sources are used in this analysis, including census data, school enrolment data, and child benefit data obtained from the Department of Social Protection.
It is anticipated that enrolment in primary and post-primary schools will grow by around 70,000 pupils between now and 2018 — by over 45,000 at primary level and 25,000 at post primary. It is expected that enrolments will continue to rise at post-primary level to the year 2024 at least.
In June 2011, I announced that 20 new primary and 20 new post-primary schools are to be established up to 2017 across a number of locations. I also announced new arrangements for the recognition and determination of patronage of these new primary and post-primary schools. The new arrangements published by my Department provide a balanced approach to allow applications to be made by prospective patrons for the establishment of schools. The criteria used in deciding patronage of the new schools place a particular emphasis on parental demand for plurality and diversity of patronage, which also includes preference for all-Irish school provision.
136 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the funding streams available to DEIS band 1 and 2 schools for ICT initiatives; if any discretionary funds are available for these initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26169/12]
Under my Department's most recent ICT Infrastructure Grant Scheme, all DEIS schools received an additional block grant of €850 on top of the standard grant allocations for primary and post primary schools. This Scheme (which was non-discretionary) was fully allocated between November 2009 and December 2010.
It is not currently possible, in our challenging fiscal context, to provide for a new round of ICT Infrastructure Grants for schools.
Additional financial supports are allocated under DEIS and issued to all participating schools. These resources are provided on the basis of the school size and the school's level of disadvantage. The purpose of these additional resources is to facilitate schools to support the pupils who are most at risk of educational disadvantage. These resources should be focused on the provision of in-school and out-of-school supports for the specific pupils whose enrolment qualified the school for the additional supports.
It is a matter for an individual school to decide how best to apply the funding, to suit a school's particular needs, in accordance with guidelines on the appropriate use of DEIS funding that have issued to all primary and post-primary DEIS schools.
137 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when funding will be provided for a new permanent school (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26194/12]
The major building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at an early stage of architectural planning.
To ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of projects to meet the increasing demographic demands will be the main focus for capital investment over the next 5 years, particularly in those areas where it has been identified that most future demographic growth will be concentrated.
The project referred to will continue to progress through the design stages of architectural planning within the context of available funding. However, due to competing demands on my Departments capital budget, it is not possible at this time to progress the project to tender and construction stage.
138 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for an increase in the school’s allocation of €200,000 for works in a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26205/12]
I can confirm that my Department has received correspondence from the school, referred to by the Deputy, in relation to the matter to which the Deputy refers. The matter can be considered further on receipt of the additional information requested by my Department from the school authority concerned.
139 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills when partial redundancy will be paid in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [26216/12]
The partial redundancy in respect of the person referred to by the Deputy will be paid on 7th June 2012.
140 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has set the income threshold that will apply for eligibility for postgraduate contribution of €2,000 towards fees, in view of the fact that thousands of students are in the process of making important decisions on their future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26223/12]
There will be a new income threshold for the payment referred to by the Deputy, which will be lower than the standard grant threshold. The income threshold for this level of grant is currently being determined in the context of the formulation of the Student Grant Scheme for the 2012/13 academic year which I expect to be in a position to publish shortly.
141 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills following the recent publication of the My World Survey on youth mental health by the organisation Headstrong and the UCD school of psychology, if he accepts the survey’s finding that the presence of one good adult is central to the mental health of young people, and that the absence of such a person for a young person to confide in is linked to an increased likelihood of self-harm and suicide and higher levels of depression; if he accepts the survey’s finding that 25% of adolescents would be likely to go to a guidance counsellor for mental health support; if these findings give him cause to rethink his cuts to support for guidance counselling in schools; and if not, if he will explain the reason. [26252/12]
This Government has protected education as much as it can. Far greater reductions in expenditure and in the number of public servants are being made in other sectors relative to those in schools. But there are limits to the level of expenditure on education and the number of teaching posts we can afford. The Budget 2012 measures in relation to the post-primary sector are set out in the documentation that was published by my Department last December. This envisages a net overall reduction of about 450 posts at post-primary level between the current school year and the 2012/13 school year. This net reduction in posts takes account of the impact of the budget measures, demographics and the budget decision to shelter all the DEIS post-primary schools through a reduced staffing schedule of 18.25:1.
My Department has published Circular 0009/2012 to inform all post primary school management and staff of the staffing arrangements for post-primary schools for the 2012/13 school year, including in particular, the requirements to manage guidance from within the standard allocation. The circular is available on the Department website.
I want to re-assure the Deputy that all schools must continue to provide guidance to their pupils. However, from September 2012 guidance provision must be managed by schools from within their standard staffing allocation. Schools will have autonomy on how best to prioritise its available resources to meet its requirements in relation to guidance and the provision of an appropriate range of subjects to its students. Decisions on how this is done will be taken at school level and I am confident that schools will act in the best interest of students when determining precisely how to use the teaching resources available to them.
142 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the person who is the owner of the student residential accommodation on the campus of a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; if all accommodation will be available to students in the academic year commencing in September 2012; if students currently residing in the campus accommodation and wishing to return in September 2012 will be able to do so; and will all deposits paid by students be refunded in accordance with their tenancy agreements. [26264/12]
The Department of Education and Skills has no involvement in the matters referred to by the Deputy. The Deputy may wish to consult the College Authorities directly.
143 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason ICT is not an examination subject for the junior and leaving certificates in view of the growth of the ICT industry and the necessity of being ICT literate in today’s work environment; his views on the fact that ICT forms part of the school examination curriculum in other countries; the plans he has to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26286/12]
The focus in schools is on using ICT (a) as a tool in learning and (b) to improve the quality of teaching and learning across the curriculum, guided by the ICT curriculum framework developed by the NCCA. This framework is supported by extensive digital resources on the Scoilnet website, by professional development programmes for teachers and by investment in ICT infrastructure. All post primary schools will be connected to a 100Mbps broadband service by the end of 2014, providing for improved integration of ICT in learning.
One of the Statements of Learning in the Junior Cycle reform is to ensure that all students "Use ICT effectively and ethically in learning and in life". The forthcoming Junior Cycle reform will allow for the introduction of optional school developed short courses of 100 hours duration. This will provide opportunities for schools to progress the provision of courses to enhance students' ICT skills which will be embedded in all their learning.
There is also a Transition Year option in relation to "Having Fun with Computer Programming and Games" and, under the ICT Action Plan which I launched earlier this year, this is being expanded nationally.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are also significant components in the syllabuses of Technology and Design and Communication Graphics.
Some work experiences are being provided for students in our post-primary schools through the provision of places in ICT companies in Ireland so as to promote the ICT sector as a career choice.
Business and IT interests place a greater emphasis on improved uptake and performance in mathematics and the sciences in general at the post-primary level than on provision of a specialist courses in computer science.
In an extract from the Report "Key Data on Learning and Innovation through ICT at School in Europe 2011" by Eurydice (European Commission). It notes that, on page 40: "The ‘Handbook on Digital Strategies for Educational Transformation' recommends embedding the use of ICT and digital media across the whole curriculum through specific tasks in all subjects in order to develop digital fluency (European Commission/ICT Cluster 2010, p.29). Empirical research has highlighted that there is indeed a shift from teaching ICT skills in isolation towards more horizontal approaches, ‘crossing the traditional boundaries of academic subjects' and forming part of other complex skills such as collaboration and communication. (Voogt and Pelgrum 2005, p. 172)
Eurydice information on curricula and steering documents show that education policy reflects these findings. ICT is used as a general tool and/or for specific tasks across the different subjects of the curriculum in the large majority of countries."
It is this approach that is being adopted here in Ireland.
144 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he will approve the procurement of a broadband router for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26288/12]
153 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will arrange for a school (details supplied) in County Cork to be provided with an Internet router as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26523/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 153 together.
My Department has recently entered into a framework agreement with 15 internet service providers as part of the Schools Broadband Access Programme. Under the framework agreement all previous school connections were put out to tender and contracts are due to be signed shortly.
The request for a second connection at Carrigaline Educate Together National School will be included in a mini competition under the new framework agreement. On this basis a second connection for Carrigaline Educate Together National School will be awarded later in the year.
145 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills with reference to reasonable accommodation for students sitting State examinations, if the criteria for eligibility are the same for junior and leaving certificate examinations; the reasons some students who have successfully secured reasonable accommodation in the junior certificate might be unsuccessful in securing similar accommodation for the leaving certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26299/12]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
The State Examinations Commission operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the Certificate examinations. Applications for such accommodations are submitted by schools on behalf of their students. Full details of the scheme is available for downloading from their website:www.examinations.ie/candidates/reasonableaccommodations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
I wish to inform the Deputy that in all cases where a school/parent or student is dissatisfied with any aspect of the SEC's decision in relation to an application for reasonable accommodations, they have access to an Independent Appeals Committee. All members of the Appeals Committee are drawn from outside the SEC. The remit of the Appeals Committee covers appeals against all elements of a decision taken by the SEC. All appeals are considered in light of the published principles.
146 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the financial supports and grant assistance available to postgraduate students commencing courses in May 2012 in view of the fact students must wait until the grant application system goes live in the next number of weeks, the supports available to those who require funding in the intervening period. [26312/12]
A postgraduate student entering a course for the first time in May 2012 should have made application to the appropriate awarding authority under the Student Grant Scheme 2011 and should have received a decision at this point.
The Deputy will be aware that, in the context of the necessary but difficult expenditure reduction measures announced in Budget 2012, new students entering postgraduate courses, from the 2012/13 academic year onwards will not be entitled to maintenance payments under the Student Grant Scheme. Postgraduate students continuing on their existing courses will not be affected.
New students entering postgraduate courses from September 2012 onwards will make their applications for grants to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI — a division of the City of Dublin VEC) which will administer the Student Grant Scheme on behalf of my Department. The online application facility will be available shortly.
New postgraduate students who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant will be eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit under the Student Grant Scheme.
In addition, a further limited number of students who would previously have qualified under the standard grant thresholds will qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the costs of their fees. There will be a new income threshold for this payment which will be lower than the standard grant threshold. The income threshold for this level of grant is currently being determined in the context of the formulation of the student grant scheme for the 2012/13 academic year.
Tax relief is also available on postgraduate tuition fees. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
147 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a decision has been made in relation to the staffing numbers at a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26342/12]
The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on my Department's website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule for the 2012-2013 school year is available on my Department's website.While mainstream staffing for any school year is based on the previous September's enrolment, there is a provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional mainstream posts on developing grounds, using projected enrolment. The retention of such posts in the current school year is subject to schools' having achieved their projected enrolment on 30 September. If the enrolment is not achieved the post allocated on developing grounds is suppressed.
I understand that the school referred to by the Deputy has made an application for a mainstream classroom post on developing school criteria for the 2012/13 school year. My Department has notified the Board of Management of provisional approval for this post subject to achieving their projected enrolment on 30 September 2012.
148 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a college (details supplied) will be allocated a roll number and a dedicated premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26347/12]
The college referred to by the Deputy delivers Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses and is part of a second level school which is managed by County Meath Vocational Education Committee (VEC). I have no plans at this time to provide stand-alone status to this or any other PLC centre.
By way of background, generally PLC centres must have an approved allocation of at least 500 PLC places in order to be considered for stand-alone status. County Meath VEC's total allocation for the 2011/2012 academic year was 366 PLC places for their 3 PLC centres.
In addition, given the current budgetary constraints, the moratorium on public service appointments and the Employment Control Framework, it is not possible to provide the additional staffing (Principal, Deputy Principal, etc.) that stand-alone status would entail.
149 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consult the appeals office with regards to expediting the appeal that was made by a school (details supplied) to protect its staffing allocations for the coming year. [26379/12]
The appeals process at post primary level is now complete and the Chief Executive Officer of Westmeath Vocational Educational Committee has been notified of the outcome of their appeal. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and it's decision is final.
151 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that the productive assets of farm families and other self-employed families are not factored into the assessment of income for the purpose of third level maintenance grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26428/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, I announced last December that the means test for student grants will be amended to take account of the value of certain capital assets as well as income for the 2013/14 academic year.
A dedicated Capital Asset Test implementation group has been established. The group has been charged with bringing forward detailed implementation proposals on new means testing arrangements for student grants, to include the value of assets, for new applicants from the 2013/14 academic year.
No decision has been taken on the treatment of farm or other business assets including productive assets. In the circumstances, I am not in a position to say at this time what assets may be included.
However, any proposals in this regard will require further Government agreement and necessitate legislative amendment.
152 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork which is on the school building programme for a new school building and has been designated to move to construction stage in 2014/15, and has an autism spectrum disorders unit in its current temporary premises; and if he will confirm whether the plans which have been approved by the local authority for the new school building provide for an ASD unit. [26522/12]
As the Deputy is aware, my Department is actively engaged in the process of acquiring a site for the proposed new school, referred to by the Deputy, and have reached agreement, in principal, subject to contract with Cork County Council, in relation to the proposed purchase of the site concerned. In this regard, the issue of the "decision to grant planning permission" by the Local Authority is awaited.
I wish to confirm for the Deputy that it is my Department's intention to make provision for pupils with an autism spectrum disorder within the proposed new school. My Department will be in direct contact with the school authorities concerned to progress this project.
154 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he intends to purchase or lease the intended site for a new school building in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26524/12]
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has reached agreement, in principle, subject to contract with Cork County Council, in relation to the proposed acquisition of a site for the school to which he refers. With regards to planning permission, a "Notification of Decision to Grant Permission" has been issued by the Local Authority and the "Decision to Grant Permission" is awaited. Once this acquisition is concluded, the proposed building project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.
155 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of serving primary and second level teachers currently on his Department’s payroll and being paid by payable order; the number of these that have been awarded the salary increase of 2.5% payable from 1 September 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26544/12]
There are eight teachers serving in primary, secondary and community/comprehensive schools currently being paid by payable order.
The Deputy should note that there are fifty six thousand five hundred and forty four teachers paid on the serving payrolls.
None of the eight teachers currently being paid by payable order have received the salary increase of 2.5% from the 1st September, 2008.
156 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of serving primary and second level teachers currently on his Department’s payroll who having transferred from payable order to electronic funds transfer since 1 February 2009 were given retrospection of the salary increase of 2.5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26545/12]
There are 6 teachers who opted to be paid by electronic funds transfer in the period February / March 2009 who were given retrospection of the salary increase of 2.5% to the 1st September 2008.
No retrospection was paid to teachers since that time. A Rights Commissioner decision in June 2009 indicated that retrospection should not be paid.
All new staff joining the Department's payrolls are paid by electronic fund transfer only.
157 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of retired primary and second level teachers who had retired prior to 1 September 2008 and who are currently on his Department’s payroll and being paid by payable order; the number of these that have that have been awarded the salary increase of 2.5% payable from 1 September 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26546/12]
There are 572 retired primary, secondary and community/comprehensive school teachers paid by payable order from the retired teachers payroll operated by my Department who retired before 1st September 2008.
The increase of 2.5% payable from 1st September 2008 was awarded to all these retired teachers.
158 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of retired primary and second level teachers who retired between 1 September 2008 and 31 January 2009 and are currently on his Department’s payroll and being paid by payable order; the number of these that have been awarded the salary increase of 2.5% payable from 1 September 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26547/12]
There are no retired primary, secondary and community/comprehensive school teachers paid by payable order from the payroll operated by my Department who retired between 01st September 2008 and 31st January 2009. Their pension is paid electronically into an account.
159 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if teachers who had initiated additional qualification courses on or before 5 December 2011, would be recognised for additional allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26557/12]
As a result of Budget 2012, Circular 70/2011 provides that teachers who had been engaged in a public sector teaching post on or before 4 December 2011 are eligible to retain the qualification allowances they were entitled to be in receipt of on that date. Such teachers will not be paid any additional allowance where they acquire any further qualification on or after 5 December 2011. The position of teachers who, on 5 December 2011, were undertaking courses will be considered in the context of the public service-wide review of allowances being led by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Teachers who were appointed to teaching for the first time on or after 5 December 2011 but before 1 February 2012 are eligible for allowances on the basis of their qualifications at entry to the profession up to a maximum of the allowance which had been applicable to an honours primary degree.
Pending the outcome of the review of allowances, they are not payable to new beneficiaries from 1 February 2012. The only exceptions to this prohibition are principal and deputy principal allowances and, for a limited period of time, the assistant principal allowance. These decisions were taken due to the upward pressure on the cost of teacher allowances. These provisions are outlined in Circular 70/2011 and Circular 3/2012.
These measures are concerned with the sustainability of the public service pay bill and in particular the need to find payroll savings in the education vote. Without immediate action, this upward pressure would have cancelled out the savings made elsewhere in the education system and would bring about even harsher adjustments to schools and services. I am not in a position to comment further until the outcome of the review is known.
160 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will explain the way it costs almost €1 million to hear the appeals from approximately 390 school pupils who were either expelled or suspended over the three year period 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26572/12]
Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department, or in the case of a Vocational Education Committee (VEC) school to the VEC in the first instance, where a Board of Management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the Board, refuses to enrol a student in a school, expels a student or suspends a student for 20 or more days in any school year.
A section 29 appeals committee is established for the purposes of hearing and determining an appeal. A committee consists of three persons; an Inspector and two other persons who have the requisite expertise, experience and independence to serve on these committees.
In the three year period referred to by the Deputy, there were 1,126 section 29 appeals admitted by my Department, these included appeals made in respect of permanent exclusions, suspensions and also refusals to enrol. The main costs involved in the section 29 process relate to payments to appeals committee members, including travel and subsistence. The cumulative cost for the three year period in question was €974,000. This amount excludes payments to Inspectors.
Last year, I launched a discussion paper on school enrolment. The document, "Discussion Paper on a Regulatory Framework for School Enrolment" contains suggestions on how to make the process of enrolling in schools more open, equitable and consistent.
I invited education partners and interested parties to submit their views to my Department by the 28th of October last and my officials are now co-ordinating the submissions received.
The feedback from this consultation will help inform the nature and scope of a new regulatory framework for school enrolment. The new legislation will remove appeals against refusals to enrol from the Section 29 apparatus.
161 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects to have pre-enrolment numbers for the junior infants class 2012/2013 for a town (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26603/12]
Pre-enrolment data by standard or individual school is not available.
162 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the assistance that is available for low income families, when both partners are working, to avail of short courses such as train the trainer or caring for the elderly FETAC courses, which would help improve their chances of employment in view of the fact that currently such courses appear to be available free or at reduced rates to those wholly dependent on social welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26620/12]
My Department provides funds to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and FÁS to provide a range of full-time and part-time further education and training courses to help people improve their skills and to meet the changing needs of the labour market.
Part-time VEC further education courses are generally free to all adults with less than upper second level education while FÁS training courses are generally free for adults who are in receipt of a welfare payment.
People who wish to find out more about these courses should contact their local VEC or FÁS office.
163 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding committed to in his Department for capital projects; if he will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26629/12]
The Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework published last November provides for an investment of €2.2 billion in the Education Sector over the five year period to 2016. On 12 March this year, I provided details in the 5 year plan of 275 major school building projects that will proceed to construction over the duration of the plan (details of the projects available on my Department's website).
The investment for the Higher Education sector over the five year period amounts to €125m and this allows projects with existing contractual commitments to be completed. These projects include the UCD Science Centre, the University of Limerick Medical School, NUI Maynooth's library project and the new campus development at St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra.
My Department has a capital allocation of €430m this year of which €144m was expended by the end of May.
164 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any decision has been made regarding the appeal against the proposed withdrawal of special needs assessment posts from a special needs school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26645/12]
The National Council for Special Education is responsible for allocating Special Needs Assistants to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's established criteria for the allocation of such supports and the staffing resources available to my Department.
In considering the level of SNA support required by a school the NCSE takes into account the individual care needs of all qualifying children, supports freed up due to any school leavers, and the identified care needs of newly enrolled children with special educational needs.
A review of the level of SNA support in the special school referred to by the Deputy took place in January of this year. Based on the number of school enrolments and the individual care needs of the children concerned the NCSE indicated to the school that there was a surplus of SNA posts in the school.
I understand that an appeal has been made to the NCSE in relation to this decision and that this is currently being considered by the NCSE. The NCSE will advise the school in relation to this matter as soon as possible and will advise the school of its SNA allocation for the coming school year.
165 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the award of the contract for the construction of an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when construction work is expected to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26646/12]
The Deputy will be aware from my previous response to him in December 2011 that this project was at an advanced stage of the tender process but progress had been delayed due to a number of technical issues relating to site access. These issues have now been resolved. However following the withdrawal of both the preferred bidder and the second lowest tenderer, my Department in consultation with the Design Team and school authorities, agreed to re-tender the project.
Subject to no further issues arising, it is envisaged that the project will be re-tendered shortly and will then progress to construction in late 2012 or early 2013.
166 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the entitlement to higher education grants, including postgraduate study, available to persons in receipt of the lone parents allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26655/12]
Financial assistance is available to students under the student grant scheme, which from the 2012/2013 academic year will be administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI — a division of the City of Dublin VEC) on behalf of my Department. SUSI will accept all new applications in its first year of operation. Renewal applications will continue to be dealt with by the existing 66 grant awarding authorities. Students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
A person in receipt of a social welfare payment as a lone parent may be entitled to a student maintenance grant provided they meet the terms and conditions of the student grant scheme. The means-tested one parent family payment is not included in calculating reckonable income where paid to the applicant. In addition, the one parent family payment is an eligible payment for the special rate of maintenance grant. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the assessing authority.
In the context of the necessary but difficult expenditure reduction measures announced in Budget 2012, new students entering postgraduate courses, from the 2012/13 academic year onwards will not be entitled to maintenance payments under the Student Grant Scheme. Existing postgraduate students will not be affected.
Those students who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant will be eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit under the Student Grant Scheme. In addition, a further limited number of students who would previously have qualified under the standard grant thresholds will qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the costs of their fees. There will be a new income threshold for this payment which will be lower than the standard grant threshold. The income threshold for this level of grant is currently being determined in the context of the formulation of the student grant scheme for the 2012/13 academic year.
Tax relief is also available on postgraduate tuition fees. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
167 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the conditions of staff who will transfer to the newly formed Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland, particularly non-remuneration-based conditions as outlined in section 21, subsection 2 of the Bill; if he will clarify his comments at Second Stage debate (details supplied) that the apparent diminishment of staff conditions is not the Bill’s intent and if these conditions will be the same as those outlined in the Qualification (Education and Training) Act 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26695/12]
213 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in view of the Qualification and Quality Assurance Bill 2011, he will address concerns in relation to section 21(c) on work conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27251/12]
229 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide assurances to employees of the four bodies to be covered by the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Bill 2011 that their current conditions of employment as outlined in section 52(8) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurances (Education and Employment) Act 1999 will not be detrimentally affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27465/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167, 213 and 229 together.
The Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Bill contains provisions to protect the existing remuneration and superannuation entitlements of staff transferring to the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland. It is appropriate that the Oireachtas would protect remuneration and pension entitlements and these are covered in sections 21 and 22 of the Bill respectively.
In relation to any small variations in other terms, conditions and work practices that may exist between staff in the three organisations, it is not my intention to seek to undermine the working conditions of staff transferring to the new Authority.
However, in order for the new body to operate efficiently and effectively, it is important to achieve as much coherence as possible in working arrangements and terms and conditions. I believe that this can be achieved most effectively through management and staff associations working together, and within the framework of the Croke Park Agreement, to agree common approaches on any issues that arise.
The relevant provisions in the Bill mirror those in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2010 that covered the transfer of FÁS and HSE staff to the Department of Social Protection.
168 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills when construction will commence on a new school (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26702/12]
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of the tender process. Subject to no issues arising, it is envisaged that the project will progress to construction in the coming weeks.
169 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a disability access route to education programme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26722/12]
The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a third-level admissions scheme for students with a disability. The scheme is operated by a number of higher education institutions and not by my Department. Admissions to the institutions are regulated by the institutions themselves.
The Deputy may wish to contact the Irish Universities Association in this instance.
170 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide funding for another school (details supplied) in County Limerick for children with autistic spectrum disorder. [26751/12]
My Department has no record of having received an application from the school referred to by the Deputy for the additional accommodation in question.
It is open to the school authority to submit an application for this additional accommodation and the relevant application form can be downloaded from my Department's websitewww.education.ie.
171 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the new on-line student grant scheme application system will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26752/12]
A new online only grant applications system is being introduced for the academic year 2012/13. All new applications will be made online to a single awarding authority, Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI — a division of the City of Dublin VEC) which will administer the Student Grant Scheme on behalf of my Department. The online facility will be available through the websitewww.studentfinance.ie and is expected to go live early next week on completion of the user acceptance testing phase.
Updates are available on the studentfinance.ie website on an ongoing basis.
172 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will list in tabular form all national schools in County Donegal with four or less teachers and the roll number of each school. [26756/12]
The information requested is provided by the National School Annual Census Returns and is contained in the following table:
|
Roll No. |
School Name |
Address |
Total Enrolment 2010/2011 |
Walking Principal |
Full Time Equivalent Teaching Teachers / Principals |
Other full time teachers |
Other part time teachers |
FTE of part time |
Total teachers |
|
05164I |
SCOIL NAOMH CHOLMCILLE |
OILEAN THORAI, AN BHUN BHIG, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
6 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0.5 |
1.5 |
|
01733B |
ARDARA MIXED N S |
ARDARA, CO DONEGAL |
16 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
07143K |
MONREAGH N S |
MONREAGH, CARRIGANS LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL |
24 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
07464H |
BROWNEKNOWE N S |
BROWNKNOWE, RAMELTON, CO DONEGAL |
47 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
07626H |
S N AN IORBALL RIABAIGH |
BAILE UI GHORMAIN, LETHBHEARR, TIR CHONAILL |
42 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
09009Q |
ROCKFIELD N S |
ROCKFIELD BALLYSHANNON, CO. DONEGAL |
45 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
10062E |
CREESLOUGH N S |
CREESLOUGH, CO. DONEGAL |
15 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
10595Q |
KILBARRON N S |
KILBARRON, BALLYSHANNON, CO. DONEGAL |
19 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
13563S |
S N CHILL COINNIGH |
CILL CHOINNIGH, GLENTIES, CO. DONEGAL |
23 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
13755E |
GARTAN N S |
GARTAN, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL |
16 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
15170J |
CASHELSHANAGHAN N S |
BALLYMALEEL P O, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL |
46 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
15554E |
GORTNACART N S |
GORTNACART, ARDARA, CO. DONEGAL |
37 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
16137Q |
DRUMFAD N S |
BALLYNASHANAGH P O, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL |
24 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
16142J |
S N MIN NA MANRACH |
AN CLOCHAN LIATH, LEITIR CEANAINN, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
7 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
16242N |
S N DUMHACH BEAG |
DUMHACH BEAG, BAILE LAIR, CO DUN NA NGALL |
14 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
16279N |
SCOIL CHOLUIM |
BALLYHEERIN, FANAD, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL |
21 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
16384K |
SN ARAINN MHOR II |
ARAINN MHOR, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
12 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
16611S |
GLENTOGHER CON N S |
CARNDONAGH, CO. DONEGAL |
34 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
16664Q |
BRUCKLESS N S |
BRUCKLESS, CO. DONEGAL |
24 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
16763S |
S N GLASAIN |
CRAOSLOCH, LEITIRCEANAINN, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
35 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
16823K |
MIN A GHABHANN N S |
LETTERMACAWARD, DONEGAL |
15 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
16837V |
S N DUCHORAIDH |
DUCHORAIDH, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
23 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
16850N |
ST GARVAN’S N.S. |
DRUM HALLA, RATHMAOLAIN, LETTERKENNY |
21 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
16854V |
BUNCRANA N S |
BUNCRANA, CO DONEGAL |
34 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
16869L |
S N AN BHREACAIGH |
ARD A RATHA, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
47 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
16903I |
S N FOTHAR |
PORT NA BLAITHCHE, LEITIR CEANAINN, CO DUN NA NGALL |
44 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
17241Q |
S N DOMHNACH MOR |
CASTLEFIN, LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL |
41 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
17447N |
S N CRANNAIGHE BUIDHE |
CRANNOG BUI, ARDARA, CO. DONEGAL |
25 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
17469A |
SCOIL CUILM CILLE |
BALLINDRAIT, LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL |
21 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
17552K |
SCOIL BHRIGHDE |
PORTHALL, LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL |
30 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
17716O |
ST RIAGHANS NS |
DRIMNACROSH, KILRAINE P.O., CO. DONEGAL |
40 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
17822N |
SCOIL BHRIGHDE |
MIN A CHLADHAIGH, GORT A CHOIRCE, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
29 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
18058H |
SCOIL NAOMH SEOSAMH |
RATHDOMHNAILL, TREANTACH, CO DUN NA NGALL |
36 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
18086M |
DUNFANAGHY N S |
DUNFANAGHY, CO DONEGAL |
45 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
18295V |
S N MIN AN AOIRE |
AN CHARRAIG, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
21 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
18319J |
S N TRIANTA |
TRIANTAGH, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL |
20 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
18508M |
NAOMH ADHAMHNAIN |
LAGHEY PO, DONEGAL, CO DONEGAL |
32 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
18700E |
S N BAILE AN CAISLEAN |
BAILE AN CHAISLEAIN, ST JOHNSTON LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL |
30 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
18874O |
KILLYGORDAN N S |
MAIN STREET, KILLYGORDON, LIFFORD |
20 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
18939Q |
S N DONAIGH |
CARNDONAGH, CO DONEGAL |
32 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
19089A |
KILLAGHTEE N S |
KILLAGHTEE, DUNKINEELY, CO. DONEGAL |
45 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
19235I |
PORTLEAN N S |
KILMACRENNAN, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL |
42 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
|
09748I |
GLENMAQUIN NO 2 N S |
KNOCKBRACK, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL |
19 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0.5 |
2.5 |
|
14704P |
MURROE NATIONAL SCHOOL |
MURROE, DUNFANAHY, CO. DONEGAL |
19 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0.5 |
2.5 |
|
18703K |
S N BAILE AN BHAILSIG |
BAILE AN BHAILSIGH, WELCHTOWN, BALLYBOFEY |
27 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0.5 |
2.5 |
|
03294L |
S N CAISEAL NA GCORR |
GORT A CHOIRCE, LEITIR CEANAINN, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
25 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
04809A |
SCOIL AN AINGIL CHOIMHEADAI |
AN CHEIDIDH, BURTONPORT, LEITIR CEANAINN |
36 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
15532R |
CROAGHROSS N S |
PORTSALON, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL |
33 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
15763N |
MOVILLE N S |
MOVILLE, CO. DONEGAL |
34 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
15847T |
S N LEITIR MHIC AN BHAIRD |
LEITHBHEARR, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
33 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
15955W |
SN ARAINN MHOR I |
ARAINN MOR, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
47 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
16108J |
SCOIL NAOMH TREASA C |
TIERNASLIGO CLONMANY, LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL |
60 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
16357H |
S N FHIONNTRA |
FINTRA, KILLYBEGS, CO DONEGAL |
66 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
16458N |
INVER N S |
INVER, CO DONEGAL |
20 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
16471F |
ST DAVADOGS N S |
TAMNEY, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL |
22 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
16603T |
S N AN CHILLIN |
AN CILLIN, INVER, CO. DONEGAL |
27 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
16836T |
NAOMH BRIDHID |
GLENMAKEE, CARNDONAGH, CO. DONEGAL |
84 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
17040G |
SN NAOMH SAMHTHANN |
DRUMDOIT, CASTLEFIN, CO. DONEGAL |
81 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
17122I |
SN EADAN FHIONNFHAOICH |
NA GLEANNTA, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
23 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
17328F |
SCOIL ROISIN |
AN CLOCHAN LIATH, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
65 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
17553M |
S N TAODHBHOG |
AN CLOCHAN, LEIFEARR, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
62 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
17956L |
SCOIL CHOLMCILLE NAOFA |
BALLYLAST, CASTLEFIN, CO. DONEGAL |
66 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
18250W |
S N BAILE MOR |
DUNFANAGHY PO, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL |
21 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
18710H |
SN NA CROISE NAOFA |
DUNFANAGHY, CO DONEGAL |
38 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
18731P |
ROBERTSON N S |
BALLYBOFEY P O, LIFFORD, CO DONEGAL |
44 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
1.0 |
3.0 |
|
18844F |
SCOIL MHUIRE |
BELCRUIT, KINCASSLAGH, LETTERKENNY |
47 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
19009W |
CRAANFORD N S |
CRAANFORD, CO. DONEGAL |
35 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
20167B |
GAELSCOIL EIRNE |
FEARAINN AN BHAILE, BEAL ATHA SEANNAIGH, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
71 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
|
14941G |
RAY N S |
RAY, MANORCUNNINGHAM, CO DONEGAL |
61 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0.5 |
3.5 |
|
01572D |
S N NAOMH PADRAIG |
DRUMFRIES P O, CLONMANY, CO. DONEGAL |
52 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
|
05230S |
COMHSCOIL CHONMHAS N |
CONVOY, LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL |
74 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
|
13872I |
ROBERTSON N S |
BALLINTRA, CO DONEGAL |
55 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
|
15770K |
S N NAOMH NAILLE |
NA CAOLOGA, INVER, CO DONEGAL |
68 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
|
16995Q |
S N NAOMH COLMCHILLE |
DRUMOGHILL NS, MANORCUNNINGHAM, LETTERKENNY |
68 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
|
17035N |
S N MHIN TEINEADH DE |
ARD A RATHA, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
51 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
|
17130H |
SCOIL NAOMH DUBHTHACH |
MACHAIRE UI RABHARTAIGH, GORT A CHOIRCE, LEITIR CEANAINN |
49 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
|
17729A |
SCOIL NAOMH PROINNSEAS |
MAGHERABEG, MANORCUNNINGHAM, LETTERKENNY |
84 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
|
18007N |
S N OLIBHEAR PLUINCEID |
RANN NA FEIRSTE, ANAGAIRE, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
74 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
|
18114O |
S N NAOMH EIGHNEACH |
DISEART EIGHNIGH, BUNCRANNACH, CO DUN NA NGALL |
79 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
|
18120J |
SCOIL MHUIRE |
CAISEAL CEANNDROMA, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
72 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
|
18131O |
S N MUIRE GAN SMAL |
ARD ARATHA, CO DUN NA NGALL |
30 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
|
18251B |
AYR HILL N S RAMELTON |
RAMELTON, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL |
50 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
|
18446Q |
SCOIL NAOMH MHUIRE |
CEANN MHALANNA, BALLYGORMAN LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL |
72 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
|
20144M |
GAELSCOIL CHOIS FEABHAILL |
GAA, BUN AN PHOBAIL, CO DHUN NA NGALL |
90 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
4.0 |
173 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if procedures are in place to deal with the large volume of applications for the new student grant scheme in view of the experiences of other centralised applications departments. [26764/12]
Several administrative improvements have been introduced to the student grant schemes in recent years to speed up processing. These include the introduction of a single unified grant scheme in 2011 to make it easier to apply for a grant.
As the Deputy will be aware, from the 2012/13 year onwards, grants will be centrally administered by a single grant awarding authority, Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI — a division of the City of Dublin VEC), which will administer the Student Grant Scheme on behalf of my Department. A new online-only grant applications system is being introduced for the academic year 2012/13.
The student grant scheme for the 2012/13 academic year will be published onwww.studentfinance.ie in the coming weeks and students are urged to apply as early as possible for a grant. They don’t have to wait for a CAO offer. Applicants should make sure that their online application forms are properly completed and that they subsequently submit the correct supporting documentation. Late applications and incorrectly completed applications contribute significantly to delays in getting decisions.
My Department will also continue to work with the CAO, the Institute of Guidance Counsellors and USI to make sure that students apply early for grants.
In addition, the following steps have been taken to ensure that the system runs smoothly in its first year of operation:
1. SUSI will only accept new applications in its first year of operation. Renewal applications will continue to be dealt with by the existing 66 grant awarding authorities.
2. The online applications system is currently undergoing rigorous stress testing to ensure that the application process will run smoothly.
The combination of improvements introduced and control measures in place for the 2012/13 academic year should eliminate much of the delays which some students have experienced in recent years and provide sufficient capacity to handle the large volume of applications.
174 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will issue regarding an appeal for a concessionary post in respect of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26777/12]
The next meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board takes place on Thursday, 14 June and the Boards of Management of the applicant schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy will be notified as soon as possible of the outcome of their appeal. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
175 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers assigned to teach applied maths in second level schools; the number of those that have a qualification in maths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26786/12]
176 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers assigned to teach chemistry in second level schools; the number of those that have a qualification in chemistry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26787/12]
177 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers assigned to teach physics in second level schools; the number of those that have a qualification in physics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26788/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 to 177, inclusive, together.
Teacher allocations to second level schools are approved by my Department in accordance with established rules and procedures. In accordance, each school management authority is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The deployment of teaching staff in the school, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the school management authorities.
In relation to the numbers of teachers registered on the basis of qualifications in applied mathematics, chemistry, physics and mathematics, I am advised by the Teaching Council that the current numbers (rounded) are as follows:
Applied Maths — 260;
Maths — 4,100;
Chemistry — 1,900; and
Physics — 980.
178 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects to receive a report from the Higher Education Authority on a proposal for funding the higher education sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26792/12]
199 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to increase funding to third level institutions that are struggling to cope with increased numbers, are on a reduced budget and will have to face a 30% hike in student numbers in the coming years as per the Hunt report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27001/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 199 together.
The reality of the economic situation and the public expenditure corrections which must be made in the coming years present challenges across all areas of public expenditure, including higher education. Moreover, the projected growth in demand for higher education over the next two decades creates further challenges for funding. Careful planning and consideration of available evidence will allow us to develop policy options so that the system can meet those challenges in the difficult years ahead.
At my request the Higher Education Authority (HEA) completed an initial study late last year on sustainability of the current funding system for higher education. The HEA report outlines the scale of recent reductions in funding and growth in student numbers, and provides some evidence on the possible impacts of this on quality of provision. However, the HEA has emphasised that the report is preliminary only and that substantial additional work now needs to be undertaken before comprehensive proposals as to how we can sustainably fund higher education into the future can be developed. The HEA is continuing its work in this area and further advice is expected later this year.
179 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to address skills shortages in the area of languages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26793/12]
There are a wide range of further and higher education courses available with a foreign language as either a core subject or in combination with a range of other disciplines. Information on all relevant courses is available on the Qualifax websitewww.qualifax.ie. There are also a range of foreign languages available on the curriculum in second level schools — French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Arabic. A Post Primary Languages Initiative has been in place since 2000 with the objective of diversifying language provision in schools, focusing particularly on Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Russian. Furthermore a Working Group has developed a draft languages policy for internal submission to the Department in advance of a wider consultation phase.
Almost 150 new part time higher education places on foreign language courses have been made available under Springboard 2012. Employer input and research by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs informed the development and selection of these Springboard programmes.
180 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 253 of 22 May, 2012, his views on whether it is acceptable that his Department has no role in relation to the setting down of minimum standards for accommodation provided to children under the remote area boarding grant; if he will consider reviewing this matter in view of the concern of some parents regarding the lack of regulation in this area; if he will consider introducing standards in relation to the vetting and inspecting of such accommodation in the same manner that Irish summer colleges are subjected to examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26798/12]
I reiterate that my Department has no role in relation to setting down minimum standards for accommodation or the conduct of inspections envisaged by the Deputy.
It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that the accommodation which they secure for their child is of an acceptable standard.
I would encourage parents to ensure they are satisfied with the standard of accommodation for anyone providing accommodation to minors.
181 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and his plans to review this decision. [26830/12]
The school submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. All appeals submitted to the Primary Staffing Appeal Board were considered in accordance with the published appeals criteria that is set out in my Department's Staffing Circular 0007/2012. This was done at its meeting on 18th and 19th April. The appeal by the school was unsuccessful on the basis that the school did not meet the published appeal criteria. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.A total of 367 schools submitted appeals to the April meeting of the Appeals Board. 205 schools had their appeals upheld by the Staffing Appeals Board. A summary outcome of the appeals is now published on my Department's website. Individual schools have been notified of the outcome of their appeals.
182 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the provision of training courses and education through SOLAS in Balbriggan, County Dublin, following the reduction in course provision this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26844/12]
I understand that in 2011, the FÁS Baldoyle Training Services Unit conducted a comprehensive review of its training provision in the greater Dublin North and West areas, which included the Balbriggan area. This review focused on performance outcomes in line with the FÁS training strategy, in terms of employment, progression to further training and education, and certification. Such reviews are essential to ensure that FÁS Baldoyle Training Services Unit delivers a diverse range of effective training interventions to a broad category of clients, across a wide range of geographical locations, including Balbriggan, within a defined training budget. The 2011 review identified the need for FÁS Baldoyle Training Unit to readjust its 2012 training provision and course type in the Balbriggan area as, in many cases, the key performance training outcomes were not being achieved. Following a recent analysis of labour market opportunities, it has been decided to locate a Contact Centre Support course in the Balbriggan area. This course is scheduled to commence on 11th June, 2012.
183 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school transport in respect of areas (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26848/12]
Changes to the School Transport Scheme for Post Primary children were announced in the 2011 Budget and derived from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the scheme. From the commencement of the 2012/13 school year, the use of the Catchment Boundary Area (CB) System as a means of determining eligibility for school transport will cease. This means that from the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for pupils will be determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language.
Existing catchment boundary pupils who are not attending their nearest post primary centre will retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their post primary education cycle provided there is no change to their current circumstances. Siblings of these pupils and other pupils who are not eligible for school transport, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme. The current pupil charge for post primary transport is €350 per annum subject to a family maximum of €650. Eligible pupils who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from these charges. The changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme will be applied equitably on a national basis.
184 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the situation regarding special needs assistants provision in a school (details supplied) for the 2012/2013 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26866/12]
186 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a situation regarding special needs assistant provision in a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the effect of the reduction on the pupils concerned; if he will outline his latest position on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26871/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 186 together.
The National Council for Special Education is responsible for allocating Special Needs Assistants to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's established criteria for the allocation of such supports and the staffing resources available to my Department. All schools were advised to apply to the NCSE for SNA support for the 2012/13 school year by 16th March, 2012. In considering applications for SNA support for the new school year, the NCSE will take into account the individual care needs of all qualifying children, supports freed up due to any school leavers, and the identified care needs of newly enrolled children with special educational needs.
Schools will be advised by the NCSE of their SNA allocation for the 2012/13 school year by June of this year. It is open to schools to contact their local SENO in this regard, using the contact details available onwww.ncse.ie. The NCSE is also developing an appeals process which is intended to be in place for the 2012/13 school year allocations process.
185 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if pre-fabricated accommodation at a school (details supplied) will be replaced with permanent accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26870/12]
The school referred to by the Deputy was recently assessed for replacement of prefabs with a permanent structure under my Department's new Rented Prefab Replacement Scheme. Enrolments at the school have declined by 15% over the past 5 years and by 6% between 2010 and 2011. As a result of falling enrolments, the long term need for the prefab is uncertain and a permanent build option was eliminated on this basis. Should the school's enrolment increase, the matter can be reviewed again.
187 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will identify the schools that employed eight retired primary teachers for more than 40 days, in clear contravention of his Department’s circular which stated priority be given to unemployed, qualified teachers; the action he will take against these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26900/12]
This matter has been investigated further by my Department. There are currently two primary schools in which teachers who retired during February 2012 have been paid in excess of forty days and are still employed. My Department will contact the schools involved and request them to confirm that are complying with the terms outlined in Circular 31/2011. In the event that they are not complying they will be requested to submit reasons for failing to do so.
188 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of second level school projects that are in Band 2:1 that have completed stage 2B and are not in the five year building programme announced this year; the estimated gross cost of these projects; the names and roll numbers of the schools involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26915/12]
189 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of first level or primary school projects that are in Band 2:1 and that have completed stage 2B and are not in the five year programme announced this year; the gross estimated cost of these projects; the names and roll numbers of the schools involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26916/12]
190 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary school projects that are in Band 2:1 and are at stage 2B at present and are not included in the five year building programme announced this year; the estimated gross cost of these projects; the names and roll numbers of the schools involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26917/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 to 190, inclusive, together.
There are no second level schools that are in Band 2.1, that have completed stage 2(b) and that are not in the five year construction programme. There are, however, three such second level projects which are currently working toward the completion of stage 2(b). These are Colaiste Abbain, Wexford, RN71600B, St. Brendan's College, Bray, RN61790D and Scoil Phobail, Clifden, RN91412M. Taken together these three second level projects have an estimated gross cost of twenty million euro.
There are no primary schools with a band rating of 2.1, that have completed stage 2(b) and that are not in the five year construction programme. There are five such primary school projects which are currently working toward the completion of stage 2(b). These are St. Marys NS, Bagnalstown, Co Carlow, RN11135K; Scoil Odhran Naofa, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, RN17932U; Scoil Tigh an Iubhair, Co Louth, RN18635T; Scoil Naomh Padraig, Baconstown, Co Meath, RN02905J andSt Marys Central NS, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, RN19727G. The estimated gross cost of these five primary school projects is seven million euro.
191 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he proposes to publish details of the higher education grants scheme and income guidelines for same for the 2012/2013 school year; and if he will outline the organisation that will be processing these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26922/12]
The student grant scheme for the 2012/13 academic year will be published onwww.studentfinance.ie in the coming week. As the Deputy may be aware, from the 2012/13 year onwards, grants will be centrally administered by a single grant awarding authority Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI — a division of the City of Dublin VEC) which will administer the Student Grant Scheme on behalf of my Department. A new online-only grant applications system is being introduced for the academic year 2012/13. SUSI will accept new applications only in its first year of operation. Renewal applications will continue to be dealt with by the existing 66 grant awarding authorities. The online applications system is currently undergoing rigorous stress testing to ensure that the application process will run smoothly. I am confident that the establishment of a single grant awarding authority will greatly improve the efficiency of the process and will eliminate the delays which some students have experienced in recent years.
192 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 3 May 2012, for the purpose of establishing automatic qualification for rural school transport, if he will identify the nearest qualifying secondary school for children who reside at an address (details provided); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26933/12]
193 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 3 May 2012, for the purpose of establishing automatic qualification for rural school transport, if children are not entitled to automatic enrolment at their nearest secondary school due to that school offering priority to its preferred feeder schools in the area, are the children then entitled to automatic qualification for rural transport to another school. [26934/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.
Under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. Eligibility for post primary school transport is determined from where children reside and not from where they attend primary school. Bus Éireann is responsible for processing and assessing school transport application forms. In this regard the parents of the children referred to in the details supplied should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding school transport eligibility under the terms of the scheme. Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport to a particular school on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the scheme. The changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme will be applied equitably on a national basis.
194 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by parents in receipt of the remote area boarding grant who live on islands where there is no daily access to a secondary school, in view of the extra costs incurred in paying for boarding school fees, and taking into consideration that an individual accommodation provider may require more than the €150 per week provided for by the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26937/12]
The purpose of the Remote Area Boarding Grant is to give pupils who are educationally disadvantaged because of their remoteness from schools an opportunity to attend school on the same basis as other pupils not so disadvantaged. Pupils resident on off-shore islands that do not have a school providing suitable free second-level education may also qualify for assistance under the scheme. The maximum grant payable under this scheme may not exceed €4947 per pupil per annum. Given the scale of our economic crisis, I have no scope to provide additional funding to increase the grants available under this scheme.
195 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a submission (details supplied) on the actions the applicant must take to ensure they obtain the necessary forms to allow them continue their apprenticeship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26943/12]
This is a day to day operational matter for FÁS. The person referred to was registered as an apprentice electrician in August 2005; his current status on the FÁS apprenticeship system is "Unemployed" rather than Redundant. In order to participate in the Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme 2012 (RAPS), FÁS requires documentary evidence of redundancy in the form of a letter from an apprentice's last FÁS approved apprenticeship employer, on company headed paper, confirming the date of redundancy. FÁS have advised me that a letter is being sent by registered post to the person's former employer seeking the relevant information.
196 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline all staff appointments he has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their positions; their salaries; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26953/12]
One new staff appointment to my Department has taken place since March 2012. Ms Anne Kinneen was appointed as a temporary personal assistant to my colleague Minister of State, Ciarán Cannon, T.D. There were also two new assignments to my Department of existing civil/public servants since March 2012 as follows: Ms Mary Doyle, Deputy Secretary, from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Mr. Tom Deegan, Principal Officer equivalent, redeployed to this Department on an initial secondment basis from the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) — Tipperary.
I can confirm that none of these three are retired public servants in receipt of a public service pension. The relevant salary scales or salary point in respect of each post are set out in the table:
|
Salary Point |
Personal Assistant Rate |
|
1 |
€43,715 |
|
2 |
€45,485 |
|
3 |
€47,304 |
|
4 |
€48,520 |
|
5 |
€49,790 |
|
6 |
€51,365 |
|
7 |
€52,925 |
|
LSI 1 |
€54,490 |
|
LSI 2 |
€56,060 |
|
Salary Point |
Institute of Technology Senior Management Grades |
|
1 |
€70,435 |
|
2 |
€72,818 |
|
3 |
€75,200 |
|
4 |
€77,587 |
|
5 |
€79,975 |
|
6 |
€82,356 |
|
7 |
€84,925 |
|
8 |
€87,327 |
|
9 |
€89,874 |
|
Salary Point |
Deputy Secretary |
|
1 |
€168,000 |
197 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is his intention to further cut the maximum entitlement of special needs assistants hours that children with special needs will receive in the 2012/2013 school year to three hours. [26966/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for allocating Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's established criteria for the allocation of Special Education supports and the staffing resources available to my Department. In considering applications for SNA support, the NCSE takes into account the individual care needs of all qualifying children, supports freed up due to any school leavers, and the identified care needs of newly enrolled children with special educational needs. SNAs, once allocated to schools are a school based resource. The allocation of SNAs, while allocated on the basis of an assessed need of an individual child, are allocated to the school and should be deployed with discretion by the school in a manner which bests meets the support and care requirements of the children. There is no maximum number of hours for which SNA support can be provided for any particular child during the school day.
198 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce a daily programme that incorporates mental health issues into the school curriculum from a very early age that would run in tandem with our current education system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27000/12]
Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) is a mandatory part of the curriculum in primary schools and in junior cycle since 2003 and is designed, inter alia, to promote positive mental health. SPHE is supported by comprehensive teacher guidelines and a curriculum support service which provide training and advice for schools and a resource directory. The Department has also issued guidelines to schools on the development of whole-school policies in the areas such as anti-bullying, RSE, substance use, managing critical incidents, whole-school guidance planning etc which are also important in promoting positive mental health.
Pastoral care supports are promoted in schools through year heads, key tutor systems, home/school links, etc. This is one of the areas which is evaluated as part of a Whole School Evaluation. Schools also engage in a wide range of sport and cultural activities which provide an important opportunity for students to experience success and personal growth.
The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) operating within the Department provides a range of services both direct and indirect which support the personal, social and educational development of students in primary and post primary schools. NEPS also provides assistance in supporting pupils with particular social, emotional or behavioural difficulties. NEPS promotes the development of structures and supports among teachers and schools' care teams which assist and encourage the development of contact and collaboration with the relevant local HSE mental health agencies including the Community Psychology Services and Mental Health Promotion Officers and the referral services of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAHMS).
This Government has protected education as much as it can. Far greater reductions in expenditure and in the number of public servants are being made in other sectors relative to those in schools. But there are limits to the level of expenditure on education and the number of teaching posts we can afford. My Department has published Circular 0009/2012 to inform all post primary school management and staff of the staffing arrangements for post-primary schools for the 2012/13 school year, including in particular, the requirements to manage guidance from within the standard allocation. The circular is available on the Department website.
201 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any precedent exists in which a post primary school has been granted DEIS status outside of a programme of applications being processed by the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27041/12]
The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate. Second-level schools were selected by reference to centrally-held data from the Post-Primary Pupils and State Examinations Commission databases. The identification process was in line with international best practice and had regard to, and employed, the existing and most appropriate data sources available.
In relation to schools that did not qualify for DEIS, it is important to note that an independent review process was available to schools that did not qualify for inclusion in DEIS but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which was of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The results of the review were notified to schools in August 2006 and additional schools were added to the programme as a result of making successful review applications. As already advised, none of the existing schools in the country, which were unsuccessful in the initial identification and subsequent review processes, were ever admitted to the DEIS programme. Given the current economic climate and the target to reduce public expenditure there is no capacity at present for inclusion of new schools in the DEIS programme.
202 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his position on the EU Commission case involving outdoor education centres involved in commercial activity; if he recognises the valuable educational contribution and future role of these centres (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27042/12]
A complaint has been made to the European Commission regarding the funding that my Department provides to Outdoor Education Centres, operated by a number of Vocational Education Committees, on the basis that it is unlawful. The Commission is currently in the process of establishing the facts in this matter and my Department is in ongoing correspondence with the Commission in this regard.
203 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his position on grant aid (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27043/12]
My Department has no plans to review the grant payable under the Remote Area Grant scheme.
204 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider the case of a person (details supplied), a teacher who has held their current position since 1995, has had their pay reduced since 2010, arising from an administrative decision at that stage to switch the payment of their salary from their school to the Department of Education and Skills and the subsequent failure of the Teaching Council to recognise their qualifications for registration as a second level teacher; if he will consider this decision in the context of other teaching posts which this person holds in the area of further education where they continue to be paid at the correct qualified rate; if in the circumstances he considers it necessary to amend the legislation establishing the Teaching Council to provide for a grandmother clause to cater for such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27059/12]
Firstly I wish to advise the Deputy that only teachers with qualifications appropriate to the sector and suitable to the post for which they are employed and who are registered with the Teaching Council are entitled to payment at the qualified rate. It is a matter for the Teaching Council to determine the individual's suitability in this regard. Enquiries in relation to Teaching Council registration should be made directly to the Teaching Council by telephone on LoCall 1890 224224 or +353 (0)1 651 7909 or by email toprimaryregistration@teachingcouncil.ie.
Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act, which is not yet commenced, will require everyone in publicly funded teaching posts to be registered with the Teaching Council in order to be paid from the Exchequer. The only exception to this will be in very limited, short-term circumstances where a registered teacher is not available. The recent enactment of the Education (Amendment) Act 2012 will facilitate section 30 becoming law. My Department and the Teaching Council have issued information to teachers and schools informing them of the forthcoming legal requirements. Further consideration can be given by my officials to the case referred to by the Deputy once the qualifications of the teacher in question have been assessed by the Teaching Council.
205 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27127/12]
This is a day to day operational matter for FÁS. FÁS liaises actively with the Department of Social Protection's local Employment Services Office and the Local Partnership Companies to determine demand and responds accordingly. The current Training Centre based in Tralee also services North Kerry and the Dingle peninsula which have higher unemployment figures.
FÁS currently have an active training provision for the Killarney catchment although demand has declined recently compared to some other areas. Over the last 5 years FÁS have run courses in the KTI (Killarney Technology Innovation Centre) Technology Park in two dedicated computer rooms. However the walk-in multimedia training room in Killarney has ceased operation due to decreased demand. Night and evening training courses will continue to be offered in various Killarney venues. A range of courses are also provided from FÁS' on-line/blended suite of courses for the whole of County Kerry.
The Deputy will be aware that the Further Education and Training sector is currently undergoing major structural reform. When established SOLAS will have strategic responsibility for further education currently delivered by Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and training currently delivered by FÁS. This rationalisation will also see the establishment 16 Local Education and Training Boards (LETBs).
206 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a multiple disabled visually impaired unit at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 [27173/12]
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the approval of special classes. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available onwww.ncse.ie. I have arranged for a copy of the Deputy’s correspondence to be forwarded to the NCSE for consideration and for engagement directly with the school.
207 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a statistical breakdown detailing the counties that are home to children who are attending a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24. [27179/12]
The National School Annual Census does not collect information on the home addresses of pupils. Hence the information requested is not available.
208 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow which has applied for additional funding to carry out the necessary work; if this can be allocated as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27186/12]
School authorities are responsible for managing the delivery of their devolved building projects and ensuring that the project is delivered within the approved budget. The school referred to by the Deputy was allocated devolved funding for the provision of a mainstream classroom and a multi-purpose room under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme in 2011.
In April 2012 the school authority wrote to my Department requesting additional funding for a number of additional items to the original approved project. When re-assessing the schools application it emerged that the school had changed the scope of works for which the funding had originally been approved. The school authority have been advised that the application for additional funding was unsuccessful and that the Department was satisfied that the grant provided was sufficient to provide the level of accommodation approved. The school were advised to consider reducing the scope of works to that approved by the Department so as to keep within the original budget of approved funding. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that there are many competing demands on my Department's capital resources and in this context it must prioritise applications for the provision of much needed additional mainstream classroom accommodation.
209 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications submitted to his Department for July provision in 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively; the number approved and refused each year or still awaiting a decision this year; the number of appeals submitted as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27187/12]
The July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism who choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided. Home based July Provision:
In 2010 a total of 2315 applications were approved and 39 applications were refused. In 2011 a total of 2799 applications were approved and 65 applications were refused. The 2012 figures are not yet finalised.
Schools participating in July Provision:
In 2010 a total of 130 schools participated in the school based programme. In 2011 a total of 149 schools participated in the school based programme. The 2012 figures are not yet finalised. The number of applications appealed is not readily available in my Department.
210 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications submitted to the State Examimination Commission for reasonable accommodation in this year’s leaving certificate examinations; the numbers approved and the number refused; the number of appeals submitted to the reasonable accommodation independent appeals committee; the number of successful and unsuccessful appeals; if he will provide a breakdown of the types of reasonable accommodation sought by applicants and the grounds on which they were seeking same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27188/12]
The State Examination Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. They have in place criteria for reasonable accommodation including an independent appeals system. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
211 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person studying nursing in the UK currently on unpaid work placement is entitled to grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27204/12]
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. Under my Department's student grant scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution as defined in the scheme. Students who are attending undergraduate courses in an EU Member State, can apply for a maintenance grant in respect of an approved course which is being pursued in an approved institution.
The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant or what level of grant would be appropriate. Where a grant application is refused, the reason for the refusal is given by the grant awarding authority. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant awarding authority. Where the appeals officer decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department or the independent appeals board, as appropriate.
212 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the level of employment control framework credits that has been provided to each body under the aegis of his Department; and their current staffing level in terms of ECF. [27209/12]
Details of the ceilings in the Government's Employment Control Framework for bodies under the aegis of my Department are provided in the attached table, together with details of the latest available staffing levels.
|
Employment Control Framework (ECF) for Aegis Bodies |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Name of Body |
ECF for end 2012 |
Staffing numbers at end March 2012* |
|
Whole Time Equivalent |
Whole Time Equivalent |
|
|
FÁS |
1,073 |
1,112 |
|
State Examinations Commission (excl temporary clerical staff) |
153 |
142 |
|
National Council for Special Education |
103 |
104 |
|
NQAI/FETAC/HETAC** |
85 |
83 |
|
Higher Education Authority and Research Councils |
58 |
60 |
|
Teaching Council |
32 |
26 |
|
Residential Institutions Redress Board and Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse |
28 |
28 |
|
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment |
25 |
25 |
*Note — Staffing numbers at a particular point in time may include vacancies waiting to be filled. Numbers do not include staff on career breaks.
**Note — These three organisations will shortly be amalgamated to form the new Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland.
214 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure funding cuts are not applied to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13 for their July provision from three weeks to two weeks. [27255/12]
I wish to clarify that there have been no cuts made to the allocation for July Provision within my Department's budget. Therefore, any decision by an individual school to reduce the level of July Provision offered is a matter for each school. Any such decision has not been brought about by reductions in the level of available resources by the Department of Education and Skills.
The Deputy will be aware that participation in the scheme is an option for all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism or severe to profound general learning disability that choose to extend their education services through the month of July. Home based tuition of 10 hours per week for the four weeks is provided to children who attend schools that choose not to participate in the scheme. Schools can decide to participate for part of the month of July and accordingly the children in question are allocated home based tuition for the remaining period. My Department's preference is that the home based tuition is undertaken by a fully qualified teacher. However where parents have difficulties in sourcing fully qualified teachers my Department accepts some tutors with alternative qualifications and modifies the rate of payment accordingly.
215 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position in relation to the proposed extension to a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; when this extension will be built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27273/12]
The proposed building project to extend and refurbish Virginia Mixed National School, County Cavan has recently been authorised to proceed to Stage 2a of architectural planning. To ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of projects to meet the increasing demographic demands will be the main focus for capital investment over the next 5 years, particularly in those areas where it has been identified that most future demographic growth will be concentrated. The project for the school referred to by the Deputy, although not included in the 5 year construction programme, will continue to progress through the design stages of architectural planning within the context of available funding. However, due to competing demands on my Departments capital budget, it is not possible at this time to progress the project to tender and construction stage.
216 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding extra funding for classroom accommodation in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27280/12]
My Department approved a devolved grant in April last to the school, referred to by the Deputy, for the provision of one mainstream classroom. The school has appealed this decision and is seeking increased funding for additional school accommodation. This proposal is currently being considered and a response will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as this process has been completed.
217 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding funding in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27281/12]
The school, referred to by the Deputy, has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding. In view of the need to prioritise available funding for the provision of additional school accommodation, the delivery of major school projects required to meet future demographic demand will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. I wish however to advise the Deputy that my Department approved funding on a devolved basis earlier this year to enable the school address some necessary health and safety works. My Department will also be in further contact with the school authorities shortly in relation to any immediate accommodation needs.
218 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding additional funding in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27283/12]
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department has received correspondence from the school in question in relation to the matter to which he refers. A response will issue to the school authority as soon as the matter has been considered by my Department.
219 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects an emergency funding application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal to be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27347/12]
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme for a roof replacement in 2010. This application was refused as the scope of works for which funding was sought was outside the terms of the scheme. This decision was appealed and the school authority were informed that the project still remained outside the scope of the scheme. A further appeal has recently been received and is currently being examined by my Department. The school authority will be notified of the decision as soon as possible.
220 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he provides any guidance or instructions to primary schools on the way to distribute the teaching resources among the school’s enrolment, particularly to ensure that class sizes in the school remain broadly consistent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27348/12]
The staffing schedule is the mechanism used for the allocation of classroom teachers to all primary schools. It operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location. The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level. My Department publishes annual statistics on class size data for each school. The most recent statistics are for the 2010/11 school year. The national average class size is 23.9 pupils. However, with over 20,600 classes in over 3,100 primary schools throughout the country there will always be variations in class sizes at individual school level. My Department's guidance to local school management is that such variations should be kept to the minimum.
221 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has satisfied himself that the current annual fee of €90 for the teacher registration council is a necessary fee; if the amount charged every year represents good value for money for members of the teaching profession; the amount of moneys collected under this heading annually; what these moneys are used for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27377/12]
The Teaching Council is a self funding body with income generated by way of teacher registration and renewal fees. Currently more than 70,000 teachers are registered and 7,500 teachers apply for registration each year. Under Section 23 of the Act, the Council has statutory authority to charge a fee and in this regard the annual teacher registration fee has been set at €90 per teacher per year.
You may wish to note, however, that the outgoing Teaching Council reviewed its financial statements for 2011 and budget for 2012 and decided to recommend that the annual teacher registration renewal fee be reduced from €90 to €65 with effect from 1 January 2013. I have indicated my support for this. The total income from Registration and Assessment Fees for 2011 was €6,783,163.
The Council's income is necessary to meet its statutory obligations. While it is accepted that the Council is not yet in a position to fully discharge its legal functions it is my intention to implement the remaining sections of the Act as soon as is practicable.
222 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of wholetime equivalent teaching posts that DEIS secondary chools in the City of Dublin Vocational Education Area will lose in September 2012, in tabular form, taking account of reductions in so called legacy posts, language support teachers, special needs assistants and the integration of guidance teaching hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27382/12]
This Government has protected education as much as it can. Far greater reductions in expenditure and in the number of public servants are being made in other sectors relative to those in schools. But there are limits to the level of expenditure on education and the number of teaching posts we can afford. The Budget 2012 measures in relation to the post-primary sector are set out in the documentation that was published by my Department last December. This envisages a net overall reduction of about 450 posts at post-primary level between the current school year and the 2012/13 school year. This net reduction in posts takes account of the impact of the budget measures, demographics and the budget decision to shelter all the DEIS post-primary schools through a reduced staffing schedule of 18.25:1. This is a 0.75 point reduction compared to the existing PTR of 19:1 that applies in non fee-paying second-level schools.
My Department has published Circular 0009/2012 to inform all post primary school management and staff of the staffing arrangements for post-primary schools for the 2012/13 school year, including in particular, the requirements to manage guidance from within the standard allocation. The circular is available on the Department website.
Schools will have autonomy on how best to prioritise its available resources to meet its requirements in relation to guidance and the provision of an appropriate range of subjects to its students. Decisions on how this is done will be taken at school level and I am confident that schools will act in the best interest of students when determining precisely how to use the teaching resources available to them.
The final staffing position for all schools at post primary level will ultimately not be known until the Autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed and all appeals to the Staffing Appeal Board will have been considered.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support which now includes a requirement for them to have regard to the overall cap on numbers.
Schools have been advised to make applications to the NCSE for resource teaching and SNA support for the 2012/13 school year by 16th March, 2012. Schools will subsequently be advised by the NCSE of their allocation for the 2012/13 school year, based on the number of valid applications received and in the case of SNA support, the extent of the care needs of qualifying children.
In considering applications for SNA support for the new school year, the NCSE will take into account the individual care needs of all qualifying children, supports freed up due to any school leavers, and the identified care needs of newly enrolled children with special educational needs.
The NCSE will advise schools of their SNA allocation for the 2012/13 school year shortly.
223 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the procedure that is currently used by FÁS in selecting persons and assessing thier suitability to undertake courses in horticulture as part of reskilling; if FÁS have engaged with representatives of the horticultural industry in terms of candidate selection and course contents; if, as part of the creation of SOLAS, he will require the horticulture industry to be consulted in the re-design of any new courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27389/12]
The selection of participants for FÁS ‘reskilling' courses is currently a matter for the Department of Social Protection.
Within its Adult Training provision, FÁS currently offers two Horticulture Programmes. One leads to a FETAC Award at Level 4 and the other a FETAC Award at Level 5. These major awards were led by TEAGASC in their development as they are the Authority in Ireland for agriculture and food development, including horticulture.
The forthcoming SOLAS legislation will provide for the dissolution of FÁS and the establishment of SOLAS as a new statutory authority to oversee the Further Education and Training sector. When it is established SOLAS will have strategic responsibility for further education currently delivered by Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and training currently delivered by FÁS. At the present stage of development full details of the day to day operation of SOLAS are still under consideration however, the envisaged remit of SOLAS will include the requirement to consult with the relevant industries for which courses are provided.
224 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a new policy of the Dublin Institute of Technology in relation to job vacancies which states, if you have a current or previous employment relationship in a non-permanent capacity with the Institute, you will not be deemed eligible to apply for this post; his views on whether this complies with the spirit of the European Employment Directive; if it is related as claimed to the employment control framework; if he is concerned about the implications for sustainability of existing research investment by the State and their ability to further invest in niche research expertise at the DIT; if he is further concerned that this will reduce the competitiveness of research in the DIT/ third-level sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27441/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, Institutes of Technology are autonomous bodies and it is a matter for each institution to ensure that their policies and procedures are compliant with employment law. In that regard, I have been informed by Dublin Institute of Technology that it is satisfied that its policy as referred to in the Deputy's question is in accordance with employment law.
I would also like to clarify that the employment control framework operating in the higher education sector at present does not place any restrictions on the number of research posts provided the posts are fully funded from a particular research funding stream.
The Government remains committed to investing in research and innovation. Our higher education institutions have already developed significant research strengths, and through the implementation of the recently published research prioritisation report the Government aims to further enhance our capacity and competitiveness internationally.
225 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin regarding their special needs [27442/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools which have enrolled pupils with special educational needs in order to ensure that, wherever a child is enrolled, s/he will have access to an appropriate education.
The enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment to schools.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) can assist parents to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs.
Parents may contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs and to seek assistance in identifying placement options, using the contact details available onwww.ncse.ie.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) can also assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB will try to help parents to find a school placement if their child has been unable to secure a school placement to date. The NEWB can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.
Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld, may the Secretary General of my Department direct a school to enrol a pupil.
I can also advise that children are eligible for transport under the Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs where they have special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability in accordance with the designation of high and low incidence disability set out in Department of Education and Skill's (DES) Circular 02/05 and where they are attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs.
226 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students who will be affected by changes to the primary school transport system which will require students to attend their nearest school in order to avail of free transport from September 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27453/12]
227 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of money he is intending to save through changes to the primary school transport rules which requires children to attend their nearest school from September 2012 in order to avail of free transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27454/12]
228 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reverse his plans to change primary school transport rules restricting fee transport to only those students travelling to their nearest school which in many cases will lead to families being divided and students having to break parish boundaries in order to avail of free transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27455/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 to 228, inclusive, together.
Changes to the Primary School Transport Scheme were announced in Budget 2011 and derived from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the Scheme. These changes are being applied equitably on a national basis.
Firstly, I wish to clarify that a school transport charge for eligible primary children was introduced with effect from September 2011. Children who hold valid medical cards (GM scheme) are exempt from paying a charge. The charge applying in the coming school year is €100 or a family maximum of €220.
The Deputy will be aware that from September 2011, the distance criterion of 3.2 kilometres was applied nationally to all children travelling under the primary school transport scheme, including those travelling under the ‘Closed School Rule'.
The second element of the change is scheduled to take effect in September 2012 and will apply only in the case of children commencing their primary education from that date. This second element will restrict school transport eligibility for children entering in September 2012, to those children who meet the distance eligibility criterion and are travelling to their nearest school.
The number of children who may be affected by this second change, and the savings to be achieved as a consequence of the combination of the changes, will not be known until all applications for school transport have been received and assessed by Bus Éireann. However, sample surveys undertaken by Bus Éireann show that the majority of children are in fact attending their nearest school, so this change will not have any practical impact on the majority of children.
Existing eligible children, who are not attending their nearest school, will retain their school transport eligibility for the duration of their primary education cycle provided there are no changes to their current circumstances.
Siblings of these children, who wish to attend the same school, or other children who are not eligible for transport, may apply for concessionary transport subject to a number of terms and conditions.
In this regard, it is worth noting that the annual charge for concessionary tickets will be reduced to €100 for the 2012 school year which is the same charge that applies for eligible tickets.
230 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an extension to a secondary school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27470/12]
The building project referred by the Deputy was included in the 5 year construction programme announced in March and is scheduled to commence construction in 2013.
A stage 2(b) submission was received in the Department in April and following a review by the Department a letter issued to the Design Team. The Department is currently awaiting a response from the Design Team.
The next stage for this project will be progression to tender and construction.
231 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will explain the purpose of the €11 million that has been generated as surplus by the Teaching Council; the amount of interest this accrues on an annual basis; the way the interest is spent; the number of teachers this might this pay per annum; and the reason the Teaching Council accumulates such a large sums of money. [27473/12]
The Teaching Council's annual accounts for 2011 show a surplus of c. €11m. Of this amount, €4m has been set aside by the Council to cater for contingencies. Interest on funds in 2011 amounted to €252,000 (2010 — €146,000). This interest forms part of the overall income of the Council.
The surplus finance will be used to meet the increased costs of the Council as it expands its role. As is often the case when legislation is introduced, it is on a phased basis. Some of the main functions of the Teaching Council have not yet been commenced. For example, in relation to Fitness to Teach; while this function is not yet commenced, there has been a huge amount of preparatory work done in advance so that the Council will be in a position to undertake this work when the relevant legislative provision is made. This function, along with others such as Probation, Induction and Continuous Professional Development will lead to a significant increase in Council expenditure and staffing needs in the future. I hope to be in a position to commence a number of further sections of the Act within the next 12 months.
The Deputy will be aware that I have publically indicated my support for a recent decision by the Teaching Council to reduce the cost of its registration fee from €90 to €65.
The average cost of hiring a teacher is approximately €60,000.
232 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the criteria that was met in order to qualify for the recently appointed position of Director of the Teaching Council; the salary paid to the Director of the Teaching Council; and the level of consultation there was between his Department and teachers on this appointment. [27474/12]
The recent recruitment of the Director of the Teaching Council was by way of open competition and was carried out in accordance with good human resources practice.
The post of Director of the Teaching Council was advertised on the Public Appointments Service website and also in the National Press.
The salary scale for Post of Director is: €90,355-€110,844 (or as appropriate to the employee's employment history, modified pay scale (€85,957-€105,429).
A comprehensive set of criteria for the post of Director was set out as outlined below:
A proven track record in a senior management role.
Experience of developing and sustaining critical relationships with other public sector bodies.
An understanding of the role and responsibilities of a regulatory body in a complex environment.
A thorough knowledge of the Irish education system.
An appreciation and understanding of the role and work of the Teaching Council.
A career record that demonstrates a high level of competence in conceptual and analytical thinking, financial management and corporate governance.
The capacity to promote the relevance of the Teaching Council among the teaching profession.
As is the norm in public sector recruitment, consultation took place with my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in advance of the process and in relation to the appointment arrangements.
233 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the figures relating to the number of executive directors who sit on the Teaching Council and to list their individual salaries. [27475/12]
234 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will list the non-elected members of the Teaching Council who are in receipt of and are members appointed by him receiving a salary from the Teaching Council. [27476/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.
There are thirty seven members appointed to the Teaching Council. Under the Teaching Council Act 2001 twenty two members are either directly elected teachers or nominated by teacher trade unions. No salary is paid for being a member of the Council. However, members are entitled to and receive expenses in accordance with Public Service Travel and Subsistence Regulations.
235 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that there is no facility for teachers to directly contact their elected representative on the Teaching Council. [27477/12]
The Teaching Council is an independent statutory body established by the Teaching Council Act 2001 and my Department is not involved in the day to day affairs of the Council.
The membership of the Council is as set out in the Act. There are 16 elected teachers on the Council. The Council is subject to the normal corporate governance arrangements applicable to public bodies. Neither the Act nor the corporate governance code confers a representative role on individual members. Members of the Council are expected to bring their expert knowledge and professional understanding to the deliberations of the Council.
Communication and consultation with teachers and the public generally is a matter for the Council. It is of course open to any teacher to write to the Council at any time on matters related to Council work.
236 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way the permanent staff of the Teaching Council were first selected and chosen for that position; his view on the view that the Teaching Council should be run by teachers as they are best placed to understand the issues directly affecting members of the teaching profession. [27478/12]
Staff including the original appointees, are recruited by way of open competition, in accordance with norms, procedures and practices which generally apply to appointments to public sector posts.
The composition of the Council provides for teacher representation. Of the 37 member Council, 16 are elected teachers and a further 6 members are nominated by teacher unions. The Council is independent in the discharge of its functions and in its role as regulator of the teaching profession.
237 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason payment from teachers to the Teaching Council have to be paid in a one-off payment and should an option of paying by instalments be available to financially stressed teachers. [27479/12]
The Teaching Council is an independent body established under the Teaching Council Act. Section 33 of the Teaching Council Act deals with the renewal of registration. Renewal of registration involves an application and payment of the renewal fee. The Council is responsible for the administrative arrangements in this matter.
I understand that the Council has in the past provided the option for the payment of the membership subscription through regular deductions from salary. Difficulties arose in the operation of this arrangement which potentially could give rise to questions concerning the registration status of individual teachers. In the light of the planned commencement of Section 30, it was decided to cease the arrangement.
It should be noted that the Council has proposed that the renewal fee will be reduced from €90 to €65 per annum from 1 January 2013 onwards. Where hardship cases arise, these are dealt with on a case by case basis. It is also worth noting that teachers can avail of tax relief on this fee.
238 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way the establishment and the current operation of the Teaching Council benefits teachers, pupils and the citizenry of the Irish State as a whole; if the stated aim of the Teaching Council is to professionalise teaching here; if it is his view that prior to the establishment of the Teaching Council the cohort of teachers was substandard. [27480/12]
240 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide evidence of the benefit of the Teaching Council since its inception with particular reference to teachers, standards of teaching and the results of students results since its establishment. [27482/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 240 together.
The Teaching Council is the professional standards body for the teaching profession. The Council seeks to set and uphold high professional standards for teaching and teachers. It does this in the interests of pupils and the public good but equally for the reputation and status of the profession. Quality of teaching has been determined as the single most influential factor towards achieving good educational outcomes for students. The work of the Council is focused towards the maintenance and improvement of the standards of teaching and includes:
Developing and implementing a ‘Continuum of Education' which links the professional education and training needs throughout all phases of a teachers career.
Restructuring and extending the programmes of initial teacher education in order that newly qualified teachers are better equipped for the needs of the modern day classroom.
Reviewing and accrediting teacher education programmes.
Putting in place higher qualification and teacher education standards for teachers in the three sectors — Primary, Post-Primary and Further Education.
Putting in place strict good character and Garda vetting requirements.
Publishing a Code of Professional Conduct for teachers (which is currently being revised).
Putting in place induction procedures for newly qualified teachers and a probation process applicable to all newly registered teachers.
Preparing for Fitness to Teach procedures and processes when the Council's powers in this area are commenced by the Minister.
Developing a Continued Professional Development framework for teachers. The individual teacher benefits from being a member of a fully regulated profession. The work of the Council supports teachers in the following key areas:
Protecting standards of entry to the profession, promoting induction processes and fostering best practice in continuing professional development.
Reviewing and accrediting programmes of teacher education.
Promoting research and engaging in debate and discussion on policy issues related to education.
Dealing with complaints as to alleged professional misconduct made against teachers (when Part 5 of the 2001 Act is commenced).
Advising Government on teaching supply and other professional issues.
Enhancing the teacher's individual status and identity by his or her being part of a recognised, collective professional entity, with statutory authority and recognition.
Enhancing the status of the profession and use every opportunity to promote teaching as a career.
Through all of the above the Teaching Council will help teachers to set and maintain the standards for the profession. It is the policy of my Department that all teachers paid from State funds should be registered by the Teaching Council and suitably qualified. The Education (Amendment) Act 2012 which was recently signed by the President paves the way for the commencement of Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act which is part of the progression towards a fully regulated profession.
I am confident that the work of the Council contributes to the quality of educational outcomes for our students.
239 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the fact that the Teaching Council does not fall under the terms of either the Freedom of Information legislation or the Committee of Public Accounts, the person who has oversight over the Teaching Council and to whom is it accountable. [27481/12]
The Teaching Council Act includes provisions governing membership, funding, accountability and the council's relationship with the Department. The legislation provides for the appointment of a 37 member council. The council has responsibility for operationalising the provisions of the Act and the development of the necessary organisational and collaborative strategies and structures for the effective regulation of the teaching profession. It is responsible for the conduct of its affairs and meeting any obligations arising in this regard.
As a public body, the Teaching Council complies with a range of Government policies and requirements applicable to public bodies generally, including policies on employee numbers and remuneration and corporate governance. Under the Act, the council is a self-funding body but is subject to independent audit and required to publish its accounts, together with its annual report, which are lodged in the Houses each year.
A number of other obligations fall on the Teaching Council which enhance its accountability. It is required to implement the Department's policies on teacher education, probation, qualifications, professional conduct and so on. The approval of the Department is required for the drawing up of regulations in areas such as the election of members, the charging of fees and the registration of teachers. The council is required to provide the Minister with information and advice on matters relating to its functions having regard to resource implications and other relevant matters. In certain circumstances, members of the council may be removed.
Aside from the formal provisions, there is ongoing contact and communication between my Department and the Teaching Council at official level. I meet the Council as required and I am satisfied that the accountability of the council is in order, both in terms of regulation and in practice.
The Council is covered by Freedom of Information legislation. Because of the self funding position of the Council, the terms of reference of the PAC do not extend to it.
241 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the school bus inspector refuses to allow pupils attending their parish school to travel on the school bus as their house is located 200 meters outside the catchment area (details supplied) [27488/12]
Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, having regard to ethos and language.
Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport schemes on behalf of my Department, has advised that they are not aware of the issue referred to by the Deputy and that all eligible children attending the school in question have a service within guidelines.
If the Deputy wishes to provide more detailed information I will request Bus Éireann to investigate further.
242 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will direct the Paymaster General to calculate and publish the amount of tax revenue directed in each calendar year since 2007, and the amount budgeted in 2012, for payment of increments to civil and public servants whose remuneration comes entirely from the public purse; if he will direct that the figures be published in tabular form, showing the particular cost incurred per year in respect of increments by grade as follows, higher executive officer, assistant principal officer, principal officer, assistant secretary, secretary general, city or county manager, CEO of a State agency and all equivalent or comparable grades, also any grade the title of which includes one of the following words, senior, specialist, chief, registrar, consultant, inspector, general or advisor, head, director, stiúrthóir, first, governor, principal or manager; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26177/12]
I refer to my replies to Question Nos. 40820/12, 1075/12 and 1076/12 of 11 January 2012.
243 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in view of the fact that there is currently no pension solvency protection for workers, if there is a possibility that responsibility for pension deficits will be passed to the new employers in charge of State assets — leaving them with the decision on whether or not to make up the shortfall or cut the benefits of the members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26896/12]
244 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the likely impact of pension deficits on the sale of State assets and indicate if the cost of rectifying these deficits will be deducted from the sale price prior to the proceeds being divided up between debt repayment and stimulus measures, or if they will be dealt with before being put up for sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26897/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.
The inter-departmental Steering Groups established in respect of each of the State companies listed in the asset disposals programme are taking account of, inter alia, the possible impact of pension deficits on the outcomes of the programme. However, the State is not liable for pension fund deficits arising in commercial state companies. Responsibility for addressing any funding difficulties rests with the trustees of the schemes, the members of the schemes and the companies themselves. I should also point out that these schemes have to meet the minimum funding standard set down by the Pensions Board. As regards the funding standard and its application to individual pension funds or the question of pension solvency protection, these are matters for my colleague the Minister for Social Protection.
245 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if legislation will be brought forward to extend the remit of the Freedom of Information Act to include the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27490/12]
265 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he expects to publish his revised Freedom of Information Act; the way it differs to the previous amended Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27339/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 265 together.
The restoration and extension of Freedom of Information (FOI) aims, in line with the Programme for Government commitment, to reverse the substantive restrictions to FOI introduced in 2003 and to extend FOI to all public bodies, including the administrative functions of the Garda Síochána (subject to security exceptions) as well as to non-statutory bodies in receipt of significant funding from the Exchequer.
The current position is that significant work has been undertaken by my Department to examine and assess the key next steps and priorities relating to the implementation of these commitments. My Department is currently considering the responses it has received from other Government Departments in respect of proposals in this area. It is planned to bring proposals to Government in the coming weeks to secure approval to draft amending FOI legislation. Extension of the remit of the Freedom of Information Act to include the National Asset Management Agency will be considered by Government in this context.
246 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the names of each special adviser whom he approved a pay increase in excess of the Government cap and the amount involved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26196/12]
I have appointed Anne Byrne and Ronan O'Brien as special advisors. The salary for both special advisors has been 83,337 and 114,000 respectively per annum since their appointment. No salary increases have been requested in respect of either appointment.
247 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when revaluations of commercial properties for the purpose of commercial rates will take place in County Wicklow; if there is a pilot revaluation scheme using the self assessment approach in place; if it has been possible to outsource some of the work; when legislation is due to be published on the Valuation (Amendment) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26272/12]
As I informed the Deputy in a previous reply, the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Valuation Act, 2001 and the making of valuations for rating is his sole prerogative. The statute does not accord me as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform any function in this regard.
In accordance with the Act, a revaluation programme which began in November 2005 in the greater Dublin area is ongoing, the current emphasis being in the Dublin City Council area which commenced in May, 2011 involving the valuation of approximately 25,000 properties and which is expected to be completed in 2013.
As part of the roll-out of the revaluation programme to other local authority areas, the Commissioner signed the valuation orders for Waterford City, Waterford County and Dungarvan Town Council areas on 12th December, 2011 and Limerick City and County on 29th March, 2012. The Waterford and Limerick revaluations will be completed in 2013 and 2014 respectively. It is intended to extend the revaluation programme to further local authority areas as soon as it is practicable to do so but it is not possible at present to say where these areas will be.
The Commissioner had indicated that, with the intention of speeding up the revaluation work, two pilot schemes were to be undertaken on outsourcing some of the work and exploring the introduction of a self-assessment scheme. The enabling provisions to allow for the start-up of these schemes were included in legislative proposals approved by Government on 6th December, 2011 and as a consequence, planning for their initiation is currently underway in the Valuation Office.
Significant work has already been done on the formulation of amending legislation to streamline and improve the valuation system and the Heads of a Bill, having been approved by Government, are now with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting of the Bill with a view towards its publication as part of the Government's legislative programme at the earliest opportunity.
248 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a proposal by a local community to utilise a closed Garda station for alternative purposes (details supplied); when a decision will be made on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26287/12]
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently assessing the property options arising in respect of the recently closed Garda Station in Castletownshend, County Cork.
This assessment will include other potential State uses for the property. If the property is considered surplus to requirements, the OPW will consider options including disposal on the open market and consideration of any viable local proposals in the matter.
249 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in tabular form the number of civil servants employed in the State who are earning less than €30,000 per annum; the number of civil servants in the State who are earning less than €20,000 per annum; the number of public servants in the State and of these the number of these who are earning less than €60,000, €40,000 and less than €30,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26300/12]
I refer to my reply to Question No. 1329/12 of 11 January 2012.
250 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if works (details supplied) will be considered for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26372/12]
The Office of Public Works is not responsible for the maintenance of the Glosha embankments at Cromane, which are located at the south — east end of the Cromane spit.
However, it is open to Kerry County Council to submit a funding application under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for works at this location. Any application received will be considered by OPW under the scheme eligibility criteria and having regard to the availability of resources.
251 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on any meetings he or his officials attended on the Croke Park Agreement recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21420/12]
252 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the role his Department has in relation to implementation of the Croke Park agreement both internally and across all other Governments Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21302/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.
The Implementation Body for the Public Service Agreement was established in July 2010 to oversee progress on implementation of the agreed reform and flexibility measures across all sectors of the public service and to ensure that robust and verifiable reforms are secured, which lead to sustainable savings in the cost of public service delivery. I have been in contact with the Body on number of occasions since I became Minister, and the secretariat is provided by my Department.
The secretariat supports the Body in carrying out its remit including co-ordination of the progress reporting required by the Body from the various sectors of the Public Service. The Body also comprises of nominees from Public Service Management, which are represented by officials from my Department.
Both I and officials of my Department regularly meet with senior management from other Departments, sectoral representatives and staff representatives regarding the implementation of commitments under the Agreement.
The Implementation Body is currently carrying out its second Annual Review of the Croke Park Agreement. I expect to receive the final report from the Body later this month and, following its consideration by Government, it will be published and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
253 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on his recent meeting with the European Investment Bank; if any proposals for new public private partnerships were discussed at the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25623/12]
Both myself and my colleague the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, met with officials of the European Investment Bank in Brussels recently to discuss a range of issues. Those talks were very successful and we made good progress on many grounds. The EIB were very positive towards Ireland and made a firm commitment to continue to support Irish infrastructure projects. Following these discussions, officials of my department are continuing to engage with the EIB and other potential investors in order to secure additional funding for Irish infrastructure projects in order to supplement the €17bn Exchequer capital framework. Since coming into office, the current Government has been working on a range of measures to create employment and help stimulate economic growth and investment in infrastructure is just one area through which this will be achieved.
254 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on proposals to change the sick leave entitlements of public servants, including teachers; and his views on whether these proposals, if implemented, include a significant reduction in the availability of uncertified and certified leave. [25784/12]
As part of the Croke Park Agreement management and staff representatives have agreed to work together to deliver increased productivity and maximise efficiencies in the delivery of public services. It is estimated that the direct cost of sick leave across the public service is over €500m. The State is no longer in a financial position to be able to sustain the cost of the existing sick leave. It is the view of public service management that a reduction in the amount of paid sick leave across the public service will result in increased productivity, a reduction in the cost of sick leave and improved morale. Therefore management has made proposals to reduce the arrangements for paid sick leave across the public service, including the arrangements for teachers.
The Labour Relations Commission is facilitating discussions between the management side and public service unions on proposals to change sick leave provisions across the public service, including teachers. Discussions are ongoing.
255 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline further steps that he intends to take to ensure that small and medium enterprises can fully engage with the State procurement process [20904/12]
I am very aware that public procurement can be an important source of business for local enterprises. Current guidelines (Circular 10/10) issued by my Department require public bodies to promote participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the award of public contracts. These guidelines set out positive measures that contracting authorities are to take to promote SME involvement in a manner that is consistent with the principles and rules of the existing public procurement regulatory regime. The guidance also highlights practices that are to be avoided because they can unjustifiably hinder small businesses in competing for public contracts. The key provisions of the guidance include:
supplies and general services contracts with an estimated value of €25,000 or more to be advertised on thewww.etenders.gov.ie website;
less use of "restrictive" tendering procedures and greater use of "open" tendering;
ensuring that the levels set by contracting authorities for suitability criteria are justified and proportionate to the needs of the contract;
sub-dividing larger requirements into lots where this is practical and can be done without compromising efficiency and value for money.
Circular 10/10 has been in place for almost two years. It is clear that there is a need to ensure greater consistency in relation to the implementation of this circular. In this regard, the National Procurement Service (NPS) recently established a Working Group on Small and Medium Enterprises to respond to public procurement issues arising for SMEs. The Working Group consists of representatives from the NPS, the Health Service Executive, the Irish Business and Employers Federation, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, Chambers Ireland, and the Small Firms Association. The Working Group will develop measures to highlight the scope that contracting authorities have under circular 10/10 to encourage SME participation in public procurement processes.
256 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funds will be made available to South Dublin County Council for the replacement of the footbridge (details supplied) destroyed by recent flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26605/12]
The Office of Public Works received an application in April this year from South Dublin County Council under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme for funding of €100,000 to undertake works to the bridge concerned.
Following an assessment of the application, it was determined that the condition of the structure does not give rise to a flood risk. As such, the project was deemed ineligible for funding under the Scheme and South Dublin County Council was advised accordingly on 15th May, 2012.
257 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current position regarding the Construction Contracts Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26621/12]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce new legislation to protect small building subcontractors that have been denied payments from bigger companies. In this regard, my colleague Minister of State Brian Hayes is working with Senator Feargal Quinn to develop the Senator's private member's Construction Contracts Bill into a robust piece of legislation. The Bill is now at Second Stage in the Dáil.
During the Second Stage reading of the Bill, Minister Hayes signalled to the House his intention to bring proposals to Government on Committee Stage amendments dealing with the following issues:
Thresholds:
In order to ensure that the legislation applies to the majority of Construction Contracts the scope of the legislation will be broadened by reducing or removing the current monetary thresholds contained in the Bill.
Adjudication:
This issue of making adjudication awards binding for both the public and private sectors is a complex issue. It is important to strike the right balance between giving this legislation the necessary enforcement provisions, whilst ensuring that the application of the legislation is equitable and the taxpayer is safeguarded.
Supplies:
Proposals are being developed to broaden the scope of the legislation to include bespoke construction supply contracts. However, as I understand it, this is likely to be difficult to define in a manner that is easy to interpret.
When these and a number of other technical issues have been examined, Minister Hayes will bring proposals to Government in advance of Committee Stage. This is an important piece of legislation aimed at creating a more level playing field between contractor and subcontractor in the construction sector. Therefore it is essential that these complex issues are properly assessed so as to avoid imposing unnecessary regulatory or cost burdens on parties in dispute, the State or others.
258 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of funding committed to in his Department for capital projects; if he will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26636/12]
My Department does not have any capital projects. My Department has a 2012 capital budget of €500,000 which is for normal expenditure on new and replacement hardware to expand and maintain the countrywide Government Network infrastructure that is used for communications by all of the public service. This budget will be drawn down as required over the course of the year.
259 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the new arrangements being made regarding opening times of the national heritage sites to facilitate tour coaches trying to showcase as much as possible in a short timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21678/12]
The Office of Public Works is responsible for the care and management of approximately 780 National Monuments and Historic Properties that are in State ownership. A guide service on a seasonal or year-round basis is provided at 70 sites. Details of the opening times and facilities on each site are available onwww.heritageireland.ie. There have been no significant changes to the existing arrangements at guided sites.
All tour operators who are members of the tour operator voucher scheme avail of the discounted rate of admission to our heritage sites. Advance booking is necessary at sites to ensure that the tour group will have an allocated time for their visit. OPW acknowledges the importance of welcoming tour groups to the sites under its care and takes all possible steps to ensure their visit highlights Ireland's rich heritage.
260 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the proposed savings to the Exchequer from the establishment of the Human Resources Shared Service Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26839/12]
The Government recently decided to proceed with the implementation of a HR Shared Service Centre (HRSSC) for the Civil Service. The HRSSC will carry out the transactional elements of HR, freeing up staff in Departments, Offices and Agencies to focus on more strategic HR activities. It currently costs the Civil Service €85.6m annually to deliver HR services to 40 bodies. It is estimated that, once fully operational, the implementation of the Human Resources Shared Service Centre (HRSSC) will result in annual savings of €12.5m.
The Civil Service wide Human Resources Shared Service Centre is a key priority and a significant milestone in achieving the Government's commitment to introduce the Shared Service model in a number of areas. This initiative will result in the provision of a high quality and professional HR function at significantly reduced cost and will free up staff in Departments, Offices and Agencies to focus on providing key services. The Government is committed to realising the significant benefits that can be achieved using the shared service model and there will be a keen focus on realising these benefits for the taxpayer.
261 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform following the recent closure of Geashil Garda Station, County Offaly his plans to make available the former Garda Station to local community groups in the Geashil area. [26875/12]
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently assessing the property options arising in respect of the recently closed Garda Station in Geashill, County Offaly.
This assessment will include other potential State uses for the property. If the property is considered surplus to requirements, the OPW will consider options including disposal on the open market and consideration of any viable local proposals in the matter.
262 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline all staff appointments he has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their positions; their salaries; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26960/12]
I have not made any staff appointments in my Department since last March.
263 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the vetoing by his Department of the terms of a settlement successfully brokered by the Labour Relations Commission between staff and management at the National Museums of Ireland compensating low paid staff for rostering changes; if there are any precedents of compensatory arrangements honoured by employers in the civil and public service which fall outside the terms of the Croke Park agreement. [27030/12]
The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter more appropriately addressed by my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht under whose remit the National Museum of Ireland falls and in conjunction with whom internal industrial relations concerning that body are dealt with in the first instance.
264 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on increasing the remit of the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27205/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to extend the remit of the Ombudsman to ensure that all statutory bodies, and all bodies significantly funded from the public purse, are covered. The next steps in implementing this commitment will be the development of specific proposals relating to the extension of the remit of the Ombudsman in line with the Programme for Government commitment. The remit of the Ombudsman for Children is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.
266 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of public sector workers earning less than €20,000, €30,000, €40,000, €50,000, €60,000, €70,000, €80,000, €90,000 and €100,000 per annum and earning more than €100,000 per annum, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27379/12]
267 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of public sector workers who received an annual increment payment in 2011 earning less than €20,000, €30,000, €40,000, €50,000, €60,000, €70,000, €80,000, €90,000 and €100,000 per annum, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27380/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 267 together.
I refer to my replies to Question Nos. 1329/12, 40820/12, 1075/12 and 1076/12 of 11 January 2012.
268 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will enter into negotiations with the landowner regarding the future of the birthplace of Daniel O’Connell at Caherciveen, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27408/12]
The Office of Public Works is responsible for the care, conservation and management of 768 National Monuments that are in State ownership. The birthplace of Daniel O'Connell is not a National Monument designated under the National Monuments Acts and OPW has no plans to engage with the landowner regarding the acquisition of this property.
The acquisition of National Monument sites is a matter for the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
269 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the strategies in place to speed up payments due to small and medium enterprises from Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26766/12]
Since 2009, Central Government Departments have been improving their respective payment times, so as to assist the cash flow of businesses, and are obliged to pay their suppliers within 15 days of receipt of a valid invoice. This 15 day prompt payment rule was introduced by Government on an administrative basis.
Departments are required to report quarterly to my Department on their performance in meeting this target. To date, 11 sets of Quarterly returns have been published on my Department's websitewww.djei.ie . The returns for the first Quarter of 2012 were published on the 3rd of May. These Returns show that in value terms 88% of invoices were paid within 15 days for that quarter.
The ongoing publication of these composite returns by my Department provides clarity in relation to the performance of individual Departments in meeting the terms of the Government Decision.
As part of the commitments in the EU/IMF Programme for Ireland, the 15 day prompt payment rule was extended beyond central Government Departments and rolled out to the Health Service Executive, the Local Authorities, State Agencies, and all other Public Sector Bodies, (excluding Commercial Semi-State bodies), in respect of valid invoices received, on or after, 1 July 2011.
As part of this new extended arrangement, parent Departments are required to publish on their respective websites Quarterly composite reports covering those bodies under their aegis. The individual bodies covered by this arrangement are also required to publish their own Quarterly reports on their websites.
These new reporting arrangements should ensure that all Ministers will be able to monitor the performance of the bodies under their aegis and will enable them to address any issues with those bodies who are not meeting these obligations.
Any Small Businesses experiencing difficulties in securing payments should, in the first instance, approach the Government Department or State body concerned. Any failures to comply with the initiative can also be brought to the attention of the relevant Minister with responsibility for the body concerned.
Under Key Actions Points Nos. 3.44 and 7.13.2 of the Action Plan for Jobs, and to support compliance with the new 15 day Prompt Payment requirement for all public sector bodies and agencies (excluding commercial Semi-State bodies), the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation published the Prompt Payment Official Notice on its website on the 20 March 2012.
Small Businesses can attach this Official Notice of the new payment requirements to relevant invoices. Small businesses themselves should refer instances of non-adherence to the relevant Government Department, public sector body and State Agency. Copies of this Notice are also available on the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation website.
270 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on whether there is a need to address rigidities in the market by reducing the degree of employment protection for permanent jobs. [26903/12]
It is important to maintain an appropriate balance in terms of labour market flexibility and protection of employees and this is something that is constantly under review.
The most recent evidence supporting the view that Ireland is among the least rigid labour markets is available from the OECD's most recent report on the subject of employment protection and the extent of its rigidity across OECD member states. Entitled "Legislation, Collective Bargaining and enforcement: Updating the OECD employment protection indicators (http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/36/9/43116624.pdf), the report ranks Ireland among those member states with the least stringent employment protection systems. On a scale of 0-6, where 0 was the least stringent and 6 the most stringent system, Ireland scored 1.39 overall. This indicator was made up of three sub-indicators:
1. Protection of permanent workers against (individual) dismissal.
2. Specific requirements for collective dismissal.
3. Regulation on temporary forms of employment.
There have been no changes to Irish legislation governing either of the first two sub-indicators (unfair dismissal or collective redundancies) in the period since the OECD report was published in 2008.
In respect of the third OECD sub-indicator (legislation governing temporary employment), the Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act, enacted last month, transposes an EU Directive to provide equal treatment between agency workers and directly recruited workers in terms of basic pay and employment conditions.
Even allowing for this legislative change since 2008, I am not convinced that Ireland's rigidity score would be significantly impacted relative to other OECD members, many of whom, as EU Members, were also obliged to transpose the Directive on Temporary Agency Work.
The OECD's analysis that Ireland is not excessively rigid in the application of employment protections is further supported by the report of the World Competitiveness Rankings for 2012 (http://www.imd.org/research/publications/wcy/upload/scoreboard.pdf), released last week by the Swiss Business School, IMD. This report ranked Ireland as Number One globally for the flexibility and adaptability of its workforce. In my view, this is recognition that Ireland is maintaining an appropriate balance between flexibility and protection in our labour market regulation.
I am aware that some EU member states, particularly Scandanavian countries, have pursued a "flexicurity" model, whereby greater flexibilities are available for employers in the termination of staff contracts. However, such a system is only viable where there are complementary balancing measures. Typically a feature of such models is significantly enhanced social protection measures, including generous and sustained income supports, an option that is not feasible in an Irish context in the current economic climate.
271 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on whether the minimum wage should be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26904/12]
The current Programme for Government contained a commitment to reverse the €1 per hour reduction in the National Minimum Wage introduced by the previous Government on 1 February 2011.
The increase was provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011 and effected by the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 (Section 11) (No. 2) Order 2011 on July 1st 2011.
The restoration of the National Minimum Wage to €8.65 per hour represents a significant commitment by the Government to protect the lowest paid and most vulnerable workers. The Government does not have any plans for further adjustments to the National Minimum Wage.
272 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the supports or grants available to a business (details supplied) in Dublin 1. [27194/12]
My Department does not provide direct funding or grants to businesses but provides funding to a number of State Agencies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) and Enterprise Ireland, through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses. The role of Dublin City Enterprise Board as part of the network of CEBs is to develop indigenous potential and stimulate economic activity at a local level primarily through the provision of financial and technical support for the development of small and micro-enterprises.
The promoter may therefore initially wish to contact Dublin City Enterprise Board to discuss what options may be available to them and their proposed business venture. Dublin City Enterprise Board is located on 5th Floor, O'Connell Bridge House, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2; Phone No: 01 6351144, Fax No: 01 6351811: Email:info@dceb.ie Website: www.dceb.ie
273 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if Enterprise Ireland has a vested interest in a company (details supplied); if this is compliant with competition regulations with reference to other similar trading companies competing for similar business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27407/12]
The company concerned is a client company of Enterprise Ireland and the company have been supported as part of the enterprise development agenda of the agency. I am informed by the agency that the supports provided to the company are fully compliant with Irish legislation and EU State Aid rules.
274 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will consider providing a financial package access to credit which would assist in the set up costs for persons in receipt of social welfare who want to start up a business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27584/12]
The Programme for Government details a commitment to establish a Microfinance Loan Fund targeted at start-up, newly established or growing micro-enterprises across all industry. The Action Plan for Jobs reconfirms this commitment. It is generally accepted that lack of credit severely restricts opportunities to create and support micro enterprises and in so doing help reduce unemployment.
When viewed in a macroeconomic context, microfinance is a very cost effective job creation/protection mechanism generating a high rate of return. In many cases the business promoters and any other staff hired come from the unemployed ranks and are therefore drawing State benefits. Existing employees who choose the entrepreneurial route and set up their own business are also likely to create a residual employment opportunity in their previous organisation.
The Microfinance Fund is designed to stimulate lending to sustainable microenterprises and is targeted at start-up, newly established, or growing micro enterprises across all industry sectors, employing not more than 10 people. It will provide loans of up to €25,000 for commercially viable proposals that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by commercial banks. This is part of the Government response to the unmet demand in Ireland for micro-finance.
The Government has approved the allocation of €10 million as seed capital for the Fund. It is anticipated that the Fund will supplement this seed capital by leveraging further funding from private sources, including the banks.
The €10m allocation, supplemented by €15m bank borrowing in tranches of €5m over years 2,3 and 4, will generate €40m in loan expenditure and create 3,800 jobs over a 5 year period. This is based on €8.8m of loan demand and 20% Bad Debts and will greatly assist employment in the microenterprise sector. Finalisation of the required legislation to establish the Fund is on-going and subject to completion of all administrative and corporate governance requirements, it is anticipated that the Loan Fund will become operational in Quarter 3 of this year.
Furthermore, I would bring the Deputies attention to self-employment supports from the Department of Social Welfare. People who are getting social welfare payments can keep all or part of their payment for a time after becoming self-employed if they take part in one of the Enterprise Allowance schemes. There are two schemes: the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme and the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance Scheme.
Approval normally involves an interview to assess the viability of the proposed project and to provide advice on funding, start your own business courses or other relevant aspects of self-employment.
275 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation while recognising the very positive measures contained in the proposals to create a world-class Workplace Relations Service, whether the absence of legal advice or representation for claimants might mitigate against the principles of fairness, balance and equality which ought to underpin such a service. [26148/12]
The position in relation to legal advice or representation for complainants will not be changed in any way on foot of the reform.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) will, among other matters, incorporate the proactive information functions, currently discharged by the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), in relation to informing employers and employees in respect of employment rights and responsibilities with a particular emphasis on complying with employment law and avoiding and resolving disputes.
As is currently the case the provision of such information will not extend to the merits or otherwise of individual complaints or cases. It would not be appropriate for a body which also has an adjudicative role to provide advice to individual complainants.
The Equality Authority (and its proposed successor the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission) will continue to provide advice and advocacy to individuals in relation to equality matters.
The position in relation to representation at hearings of the WRC and Labour Court will be in line with existing arrangements and provisions insofar as the Rights Commissioners, Equality Tribunal, Employment Appeals Tribunal and Labour Court are concerned in that parties will be free to represent themselves or be represented by a person of their choosing.
My aim is to ensure that hearings are conducted in a fair and balanced manner to the highest standards.
276 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he sees any merit in introducing a Media Mergers Bill separate from the Competition Bill: if he will detail his meetings with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on the matter; the dates of the meetings: the discussions that took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26246/12]
I see no merit in proceeding with stand-alone legislation on media mergers. Following a Government decision, the Consumer and Competition Bill is currently being drafted which will give effect to,inter alia , the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Media Mergers. The media mergers provisions will complement the overall merger and acquisition provisions which will be updated in this Bill.
Discussions have taken place between officials in my Department and in the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources whilst I have been in written communication with my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on the matter.
277 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide in tabular form the number of jobs created by Enterprise Ireland and the Industrial Development Agency sponsored companies in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26247/12]
280 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the projected number of jobs created by the Industrial Development Agency and Enterprise Ireland backed companies in 2012; the projection for 2012 this time last year; the projection for 2013; the numbers created in each of the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26537/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 280 together.
Figures in respect of the number of jobs created in firms assisted by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are published each year in the Annual Report for those agencies and are available on the websiteswww.idaireland.ie and www.enterprise-ireland.com respectively. In 2011, 11,594 jobs were created in IDA Ireland assisted companies and 9,038 were created in Enterprise Ireland assisted companies.
In 2012, the projection for new jobs to be created in IDA Ireland assisted companies is 12,500 and the projection for new jobs to be created in Enterprise Ireland assisted companies is 10,300. These projections are broadly similar to those made for 2012 at this time last year.
The Government's Action Plan for Jobs has set a target of supporting the creation of 100,000 net new jobs over the period 2012 to 2016, with the longer term objective of having 2 million people at work by 2020. I recently announced the progress which has been made in this regard so far this year. Meanwhile, I am already getting suggestions and proposals in relation to preparing the Action Plan for 2013, which I am examining and will bring to Government later this year.
278 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn the fact that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown libraries have stopped their contract with a company (details supplied) and awarded the contract to an English company; if he acknowledges that this will possibly result in job losses as well as further jeopardising Irish writers published in Ireland; his plans to implement incentives which seek to help protect the Irish publishing industry from tenders sought abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26251/12]
It would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific contracts in the procurement process. Any issues or queries concerning the award of a particular contract should be addressed by the company in question to the procuring authority.
Public procurement policy is primarily a matter for the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Brian Hayes, T.D.
Public procurement policy is aimed at ensuring that all public sector purchasing is carried out in a manner that is legal, transparent, and secures optimal value for money for the taxpayer. It is a basic principle of public procurement that a competitive process should be used. As a Member State of the EU, we are also obliged to observe the principles of the free movement of goods and services within the Single Market.
Under EU Directives, contracting authorities are obliged to advertise contracts valued above certain thresholds in the Official Journal of the European Union. The threshold for supplies and general services is currently €125,000. In addition, national guidelines in Ireland stipulate that all contracts for supplies and general services with an estimated value of €25,000 and upwards are to be advertised on the national tenders website,www.etenders.ie. It is open to any interested party to submit a tender for consideration in response to advertisements at EU or national level.
Ultimately, the award of any particular contract is a matter for the procuring authority in question, having regard to the content of the tenders received and the criteria under which they are assessed.
279 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will consider lifting working visa restrictions for skilled non-EU nationals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26367/12]
The Government has no plans at present to lift employment permits restrictions for non-EU nationals nor does it see that the current policy impedes inward investment. Visas are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.
It is current Government policy to issue new employment permits in respect of jobs requiring key skills and where there is a recognised scarcity of suitably skilled workers. The issue of any employment permit is predicated on a job offer from a prospective Irish employer who has made every effort to recruit an Irish or EEA national for the post. In considering applications the Department takes cognisance of applications submitted with the support of the IDA.
For specified highly skilled and strategically important occupations, where a skills shortage exists, Green Card employment permits may be issued. The Green Card permit is issued to the employee and allows his or her employment in the State by the named employer in the occupation specified on the permit. It may be issued for a period of two years. The employee may apply for immediate family re-unification and an application for long-term residence may be made after two years. No labour market needs test (e.g. newspaper and FÁS/EURES advertising) is required prior to making an application. Sensibly, it is a requirement that no more than 50% of staff employed by a company in Ireland may be employment permits holders.
The Department also operates an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) scheme. This scheme is designed to facilitate the transfer of senior management, key personnel or trainees who are foreign nationals from an overseas branch of a multinational corporation to its Irish branch. Only 5% of the workforce may have ICT Permits. However for startups this may be waived on a case by case basis for an initial period. No labour market needs test is required in respect of an application for an Intra-Company Transfer permit. Certain criteria apply in the case of ICTs.
Application forms and information in relation to the criteria that apply in the case of all employment permit types including green cards and ICTs are available on my Department's website.
281 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he intends, in view of the requirement under the International Labour Organisation’s constitution to submit adopted conventions to national parliaments within one year of their adoption by the organisation, to submit convention 189 on the rights of domestic workers to Dáil Éireann before 16 June; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26612/12]
I welcome the successful outcome of discussions at the International Labour Conference (ILC) in June 2011 that led to the adoption of a new International labour standard aimed at ensuring Decent Work for Domestic Workers.
The final text of the draft Convention was one that the Irish Government was in a position to support and the Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers has become ILO Convention No. 189, supplemented by a Recommendation.
The question of ratification by Ireland of this — or indeed any — international Convention must be considered from the perspective of any amendments that may be required to existing domestic legislation, as well as the cost implications for both the State and private enterprise, if any, arising from ratification, including enforcement arrangements.
My Department is in the process of assessing the implications of the Convention from these perspectives, including any amendments that may be necessary to existing employment rights legislation which numbers in excess of thirty Statutes, together with associated Regulations and Statutory Instruments.
The date to which the Deputy refers derives from Article 19 of the ILO Constitution which provides that Member States "should bring the Convention before the authority or authorities within whose competence the matter lies for the enactment of legislation or other action”. It is not yet clear that legislation will be required in this case and therefore the question as to whether there will be a legislative role for the Houses of the Oireachtas is not certain.
Nevertheless, I intend to communicate in the near future with the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Jobs Enterprise and Innovation in order to apprise the Committee of the content of the Convention and to provide an update on the process to date.
However, it is important to note that, in the meantime, domestic workers are protected by virtue of the fact that the full suite of employment rights legislation, including that of redress for violations of their employment rights, apply to domestic workers in the same way as they apply to other categories of employees in Ireland.
A voluntary Code of Practice for Persons Employed in Other People's Homes was developed under the Industrial Relations Act 1990. The Code sets out certain employment rights and practices for persons employed in other people's homes and encourages good practice and compliance with the law in such employment situations. In any proceedings before a court, or a workplace relations dispute resolution body, a code of practice shall be admissible in evidence and any provision of the code which appears to the court, body or officer concerned to be relevant to any question arising in the proceedings shall be taken into account in determining that question.
It is also worth pointing out that NERA has carried out a programme of inspections involving domestic workers, as well as continuing to respond to any complaints it receives from domestic workers.
282 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of funding committed to in his Department for capital projects; if he will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26634/12]
Capital funding allocated to my Department's Vote is primarily expended through various agencies under the remit of my Department, including IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, Shannon Development, Inter Trade Ireland, the National Standards Authority of Ireland and the 35 City and County Enterprise Boards. Capital funding of €10 million has also been allocated for expenditure by my Department in 2012 in respect of the Micro Finance Loan Fund.
The funding provided to the agencies is used to operate programmes that provide a range of grants, supports and financial facilities to clients. Capital funding also covers the maintenance and development of the agencies' buildings and upgrading of equipment. The funding provided in respect of the Microfinance Loan Fund will provide loans to start-up, newly established, or growing microenterprises.
The Gross Exchequer Capital Allocation for 2012 for the Department and these agencies is set out in the Table overleaf. Expenditure across all Subhead lines is closely monitored by my Department; at the end of April €102 million had been expended from the Capital budget and I anticipate that the 2012 allocation will be spent in full at year end, bearing unforeseen timing issues that may arise with regard to particular projects.
The operation of programmes funded through capital expenditure in my Department's Vote is a day-to-day matter for the agencies concerned. Details of the programmes and projects, which involve many hundreds of clients, are available in the agencies' Annual Reports and on their websites.
|
Agency |
2012 Capital Allocation €000 |
|
IntertradeIreland |
6,000 |
|
IDA — Grant to Industry |
85,000 |
|
IDA — Building Operations |
1,000 |
|
EI — Grant to Industry |
69,500 |
|
EI — Capital |
1,000 |
|
SFADCo |
5,000 |
|
S and T Development Programmes |
291,200 |
|
Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) |
26,800 |
|
County Enterprise Development |
15,000 |
|
INTERREG Enterprise Development |
3,000 |
|
NSAI — Capital |
500 |
|
Micro Finance Loan Fund |
10,000 |
|
Total |
514,000 |
283 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Industrial Development Agency sponsored site visits to locations in Drogheda, County Louth, including the IDA Business Park, Drogheda, County Meath in 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26640/12]
I am informed by IDA Ireland that statistics in relation to site visits by potential investors are maintained on a county by county basis only. In the three year period 2009 to 2011 inclusive, there have been a total of 83 IDA sponsored site visits by potential investors to County Louth. The number of such visits paid in each of those years is set out in the attached tabular statement.
The global economy and, in particular, the European economy, which is the primary target market for foreign direct investment (FDI) clients in Ireland, is in a low growth phase. The challenge for IDA is to win FDI in this low growth environment. In addition, there is the intense and continual international competition to win this FDI, which is mainly dominated by Metro City Regions with populations in excess of 1 million people i.e. London, Manchester, Boston, Los Angeles etc. Ireland has only one Metro Region, the Greater Dublin area.
In order to achieve balanced regional development IDA focuses on marketing Gateway locations within each Region as the areas of critical mass. IDA also highlights the opportunities provided by Hub locations, which are within commuting distances of these Gateways. In addition, IDA will promote other locations as part of its marketing efforts in response to specific client requirements and enquiries on an opportunistic basis. With the improved infrastructure now in place, a significant number of people commute within the North East Region, of which Dundalk is the Gateway, and IDA considers a project win in one town in the region to have a positive impact on the other surrounding areas due to the close proximity of all main locations.
IDA has 21 client companies in County Louth employing in the region of 1,500 people. So far this year there have been two job announcements for County Louth with the potential to create a further 1,200 jobs over the coming 3/4 years which will almost double the numbers employed in IDA client companies. In April, Diaceutics, an international business consulting and software application firm specialising in personalised medicine, announced the creation of 20 new jobs over 3 years in Dundalk, while in February, PayPal, the leading global online payments company, announced the creation of 1,000 jobs over the next four years at its new European Operations Centre also in Dundalk. This new Centre will open in July 2012.
This achievement by IDA in securing these investments has to be recognised as an enormous boost for the economy of the Region as a whole.
|
Year |
Number of site visits |
|
2009 |
33 |
|
2010 |
27 |
|
2011 |
23 |
284 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the deliberate failure by companies to abide by Labour Court judgements; if he intends to take any action in relation to these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26720/12]
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. 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 Court and the Labour Relations Commission 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. 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.
Recommendations of the Labour Court are not legally binding. Neither the Labour Court, nor I, can compel a company to comply with such recommendations. Ultimately, responsibility for the settlement of a trade dispute rests with the parties involved.
285 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will confirm that a company (details supplied) in Dublin 6 must ensure that workers are paid their entitlements back-dated to the 5 December in line with the company’s obligations under the Temporary Agency Work Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26745/12]
The Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) 2012 Act transposed EU Directive 2008/104/EC on Temporary Agency Work into Irish law. The Act provides for equal treatment in terms of basic working and employment conditions for agency workers, as defined in the Act, as if they were employees recruited directly by the Hirer to do the same or similar job. The Act covers
(a) Basic pay.
(b) Working time.
(c) Rest periods.
(d) Rest breaks during the working day.
(e) Night work.
(f) Overtime.
(g) Annual leave.
(h) Public holidays.
(i) Access to collective facilities and amenities (e.g. canteen, childcare and transport facilities).
(j) Access to information on vacancies in the hirer company.
The provisions in relation to "pay" for agency workers on assignment on 5 December 2011 have retrospective effect to 5 December, 2011 (the date of transposition of the Directive). In respect of agency workers that commenced assignment after 5 December 2011 but before the Act came into effect, the provisions in the legislation relating to "pay" have effect from the date of assignment.
The Act provides a derogation from the principle of equal treatment in relation to ‘pay' in respect of agency workers who hold a permanent contract of employment with an employment agency. For this derogation to apply:
The agency worker must be notified of the implications of the derogation in writing in advance of signing their contract of employment.
The contract of employment must include a statement to that effect.
The agency worker must be paid between assignments at a rate of no less than half of the pay they were entitled to in respect of their most recent assignment (not less than the National Minimum Wage).
In relation to all other entitlements, the legislation is effective from the date of enactment of the Act. "Pay" is defined in the Act as basic pay, and any pay in excess of basic pay in respect of, shift work, piece work, overtime, unsocial hours worked or hours worked on a Sunday but does not include sick pay, payments under any pension scheme or arrangement, occupational social security schemes or financial participation schemes.
The Act does not prescribe the rate of pay other than to require that the rate of pay for the agency worker should be the same as that which applies to a direct employee of the hirer recruited to the same or a similar job. This must have regard for established pay scales, collective agreements, terms and conditions of employment etc. that apply in enactments, collective agreements or any arrangements that apply generally in respect of employees or to a class of employees. The Act specifically allows for the application of arrangements whereby agency workers are entitled to conditions that are better than the basic working and employment conditions provided in the Act.
The hirer is obliged to provide relevant information to allow the Agency to comply with the legislation. Should proceedings in relation to a contravention of the Act be brought by the employee against the agency and the contravention is attributable to the failure by the hirer to provide information as prescribed then the hirer shall indemnify the employment agency in respect of any loss incurred by agency that is attributable to such failure.
Complaints in respect of contraventions of the Act may be presented to the Rights Commissioners within 6 months of the date of the contravention and up to 18 months where reasonable cause for not presenting the case is shown.
286 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total number of jobs created since March 2011 as a result of investment and initiatives provided by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26843/12]
The figures in respect of jobs in Enterprise Development agency-supported companies and those supported by the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) are compiled in the Forfás Annual Employment Survey and the CEB Annual Employment Survey respectively. As the information is compiled on an annualised basis, the figures in respect of 2011 as a whole are set out in the table accompanying this reply.
|
Enterprise Ireland |
IDA Ireland |
Shannon Development |
County and City Enterprise Boards |
|
9,038 |
11,594 |
406 |
7,253 |
287 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans for the County Enterprise Board structure, including its staff, premises and operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26851/12]
The Government has approved the restructuring of the existing micro and small enterprise support mechanisms with a view to creating an enhanced national enterprise support model. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will remain responsible for national enterprise policy and budgets but under the new model, enterprise supports will be delivered at local level by a network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), situated in the Local Authorities .
As agreed by Government, the CEBs will be dissolved in their current legal format and their functions, assets and liabilities transferred to Enterprise Ireland (EI). EI is being mandated to work with the Local Authorities to develop benchmarks for service delivery and enterprise supports as well as appropriate structures and delivery models for the LEOs. In this regard, a detailed formal Service Level Agreement (SLA) will be put in place between Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities which will set out how the new enterprise support model will operate in practice. The existing staff of the CEBs will be an integral part of the new arrangements.
An Implementation Working Group (IWG) has been set up under the auspices of my Department for the purpose of directing the practical implementation of the Government decision. The IWG will be comprised of all key stakeholders including the City and County Managers Association (CCMA), the CEBs, Enterprise Ireland (EI), the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG), the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) and my own Department. In conjunction with this, my Department is engaging with the Office of the Attorney General regarding the legal and legislative aspects of giving effect to the new arrangements.
288 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when a decision may be expected on the work permit appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26865/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that this Spousal/Dependant Permit application was refused on the 14th March 2012 on the grounds that it appeared that the proposed employee had already been working in the company without having a valid employment permit. Furthermore, additional information requested from the applicant had not been provided and there appeared to be a discrepancy in the information provided in relation to the numbers of EEA and non-EEA nationals currently employed.
An appeal in respect of this decision was received in the Employment Permits Section on the 5th April 2012. The Appeals Officer is currently examining appeals received on the 2nd April 2012 and this appeal will be examined in sequence.
289 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to a company (details supplied), if he will detail if he or his Department have had any discussions with the company regarding the future of the jobs currently located here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26899/12]
Neither I myself nor any officials in my Department have had any discussions with this company in relation to the future of their operation here. In addition, in relation to IDA Ireland, while that Agency welcomed the decision of the company to locate in Ireland, it was not IDA policy to target gambling related companies through grant aid at that time. IDA has had no contact with the company since.
290 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he will take to ensure that there will never be a repeat of the treatment that the workers in the Vita Cortex plant in Cork had to endure for nearly six months and that no workers in Ireland should ever be put through this situation again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26940/12]
I welcome the fact that a mutually acceptable resolution was found to bring an end to the long running dispute at the Vita Cortex factory. I am conscious of the toll that the events have taken on the workers and their families since 16 December 2011 when 32 workers began the sit-in at the factory arising from a dispute with their former employer over extra-statutory redundancy payments.
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. 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 Court and the Labour Relations Commission 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. 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 endeavor, through genuine and constructive negotiations, to resolve their differences.
Ultimately, responsibility for the settlement of a trade dispute rests with the parties involved, which was the case in the Vita Cortex dispute.
291 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline all staff appointments he has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their positions; their salaries; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26958/12]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to appointments to my private Office. I confirm that I have made no such appointments in the period since March 2012.
292 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide details of the full annual remuneration of the chief executive officer of Science Foundation Ireland. [27016/12]
The salary sanctioned by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for the Director General of Science Foundation Ireland, Professor Mark Ferguson, is €189,115 gross per annum. This includes a personal pension contribution rate. Professor Ferguson commenced in the post on 16th January 2012.
293 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the action he is taking in conjunction with the Industrial Development Agency Ireland to promote and market an Industrial Development Agency site in Roscommon town as a superb location for investment of manufacturing centre based on recent upgrade and investment in infrastructure, broadband and other services. [27118/12]
The provision of property and infrastructural solutions is a key element of IDA Ireland's offerings to potential investors to the regions. The strategy of developing and maintaining lands and property solutions in advance of securing new mobile investments has been a fundamental differentiator in IDA's marketing efforts with overseas clients.
I am informed by IDA that its Roscommon Business and Technology Park, which is located on Racecourse Road, extends to approximately 13 Ha, of which in the region of 7 Ha remains available for promotion. The Park is fully Masterplanned and is maintained to a Flagship Standard with on-going landscape maintenance contracts in place. The Park is available not only to facilitate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and investments made by indigenous industry supported by Enterprise Ireland, but is also potentially available to facilitate other investments and to act as a catalyst for employment generation in the region. Such investments need not necessarily be supported by either IDA or Enterprise Ireland.
There is intense and continual international competition to win FDI, which is mainly dominated by Metro City Regions with populations in excess of 1 million i.e. London, Manchester, Boston and Los Angeles. Ireland has one Metro Region, the Greater Dublin area. In order to achieve regional economic development, IDA focuses on marketing Gateway locations within each Region as the areas of critical mass and highlights the opportunities provided by Hub locations which are within commuting distances of these Gateways. IDA's Midlands Region consists of the counties of Roscommon, Westmeath, Offaly, Laois and Longford. With the improved infrastructure now in place, a significant number of people commute within the Midlands Region and IDA considers a project win in one Midlands town to have a positive impact on the other surrounding areas due to the close proximity of all main locations.
IDA also promotes Roscommon town to potential overseas investors through its network of overseas offices and in response to specific client requirements but, in the final analysis, it is the investor who decides in all cases where to locate.
Meanwhile, we must not lose sight of the fact that at present there are 900 people employed in IDA supported companies in County Roscommon.
294 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will review the application for work permits (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27197/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that this Work Permit application was refused on the 9th February 2012. An appeal was received in respect of this decision on the 1st March 2012 and the decision to refuse this application was upheld on 2nd May 2012.
As the application has now been refused on appeal there is no further action that can be taken in this instance. However, it is possible for the applicant to apply again including supplementary arguments as to how the granting of employment permits would result in additional employment.
295 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total number of new jobs created in the economy in the past 18 months; the way this compares with earlier periods since 2008; if he will indicate the skills levels required for these jobs; if he is satisfied regarding the competitiveness of the economy and the sustainability of the jobs so far created; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27512/12]
The figures in respect of jobs in Enterprise Development agency-supported companies and those supported by the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) are compiled in the Forfás Annual Employment Survey and the CEB Annual Employment Survey respectively on an annualised basis.
The figures in respect of jobs created in Enterprise Development agency-supported companies and those in companies assisted by the CEBs are set out in Table 1 accompanying this reply. As there are no figures available in respect of jobs created in CEB-supported companies prior to 2011, details of jobs existing in those companies from 2008 to 2010 inclusive are set out in Table 2. There is no information available specific to skills requirements.
The jobs created with agency and CEB assistance contribute greatly to the development of local economies throughout the country and, in addition, the agencies and CEBs work closely with their clients both in the early start-up stages of businesses and also to ensure the sustainability of those businesses through on-going support, advice and mentoring.
The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) has pointed out that Ireland has become significantly more cost competitive since 2008. The World Economic Forum rankings showed Ireland's position holding steady last September (where we stayed at 29th out of 134 countries), with the Institute for Management Development (IMD) Work Competitiveness Yearbook released last week showing Ireland's headline position recovering back into the top 20 (up from 24th in 2011, out of 59 countries). The IMD places Ireland in the top 10 in relation to our business efficiency. This mirrors our 10th position overall in the World Bank's "Doing Business" listings (out of 183 countries). Both of these are a good foundation to build on in seeking, as I have regularly outlined in recent months, our Government's ambition to make Ireland the "Best small country in which to do business". We have jumped ahead of a number of other small countries in the latest results, such as Belgium and New Zealand. We need to make sure that we tackle those remaining areas where we can best support our enterprises and our people.
To make that happen, we need companies, employers, entrepreneurs and innovators who are all viable and thriving, and an enterprise environment that is supportive of their efforts, allowing enterprise and creativity to flourish and quality employment opportunities to be grown and maintained. Many of the actions which we are pursuing through the "Action Plan for Jobs 2012" are aimed at improving Ireland's overall competitiveness — reducing costs and ensuring that the enterprise environment (regulation, infrastructure, availability of skills) are all supportive of those companies which can sustain and create jobs.
|
No. of Jobs Created between 2008 and 2011 in Companies supported by the Enterprise Development agencies and the County and City Enterprise Boards |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year |
Enterprise Ireland |
IDA Ireland |
Shannon Development |
County and City Enterprise Boards |
|
2008 |
13,885 |
9,203 |
576 |
— |
|
2009 |
8,463 |
5,239 |
260 |
— |
|
2010 |
10,966 |
9,075 |
347 |
— |
|
2011 |
9,038 |
11,594 |
406 |
7,253 |
|
Year |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
Jobs existing in CEB-supported companiesBased on CEB Annual Employment Survey |
33,811 |
30,726.5 |
32,910 |
296 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the full extent of foreign direct investment here on a quarterly basis in each of the past three years to date in 2012; the total likely number of jobs to arise therefrom; the main considerations by foreign investors when investing here; the likely trends in the future; if he is satisfied regarding the competitiveness of the Irish economy for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27298/12]
Statistics relating to foreign direct investment ( FDI) are reported on an annual basis and are published in the IDA's Annual Report. The number of FDI investments won for this country , together with the number of new jobs created in IDA client companies in each of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 is set out on the tabular statement below.
When deciding on investment locations, Foreign Direct Investors look at the entire business environment in a country, for example: Competitiveness, Market access, Education and skills, Infrastructure, Political and regulatory environment and tax rates. On a global scale, Ireland scores extremely well in many of the key areas of importance to investors. In addition to political stability and a highly attractive corporate tax rate, Ireland has a young, well educated workforce, growing levels of R&D activity, a modern internationally trading enterprise base and a long track record as a successful location for overseas investment.
2011 saw a strong performance in the level of FDI won by Ireland. IDA Ireland client companies created over 13,000 new jobs despite the current global economic situation and a strong increase in international competition. In accordance with the Government's Action Plan for Jobs, IDA Ireland is working to target another 144 new FDI investment projects in 2012, which will create 12,500 new jobs with an associated 8,750 in the wider economy, giving a total impact of 21,250 this year. Up to the end of May 2012, there have been 44 IDA announcements with in excess of 5,000 jobs.
The National Competitiveness Council has pointed out that Ireland has become significantly more cost competitive since 2008. The World Economic Forum rankings showed Ireland's position holding steady last September (where we stayed at 29th out of 134 countries), with the IMD Work Competitiveness Yearbook released last week showing Ireland's headline position recovering back into the top 20 (up from 24th in 2011, out of 59 countries). We are now ranked:
1st for skilled labour and for flexibility and adaptability.
2nd for lack of protectionism and for foreign investors.
3rd for labour productivity and for exports of commercial services.
4th for real corporate taxes.
5th for inward investment flows.
10th for business efficiency, up 8 places from 2011.
The Taoiseach has set the ambition that by 2016 Ireland will be the best small country in the world in which to do business, and the Government has started to implement our plan to deliver on this. Through the Action Plan for Jobs, we are implementing a raft of changes to reduce costs to business, improve access to finance and encourage greater innovation and in the coming months I will be developing a list of areas in which Ireland's performance is lagging internationally and a plan to address this.
Many of the actions which we are pursuing through the "Action Plan for Jobs 2012" are aimed at improving Ireland's overall competitiveness — reducing costs and ensuring that the enterprise environment (regulation, infrastructure, availability of skills) are all supportive of those companies which can sustain and create jobs.
|
Year |
Jobs Created |
Number of Investments won |
|
2009 |
3,568 |
125 |
|
2010 |
11,224 |
126 |
|
2011 |
13,068 |
148 |
297 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to examine the labour intensive sectors of the economy; his further plans to stimulate employment in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27306/12]
The 2012 Action Plan for Jobs identifies a number of key economic sectors which the Government will focus on to promote employment opportunities. These sectors include Construction, Manufacturing, Wholesale and Retail, and Tourism, all of which are labour intensive.
The Action Plan identifies a number of specific actions to facilitate the development of these sectors.
Among the key actions identified for the Construction sector is the development of a National Strategy to 2015, which will outline the opportunities, challenges and actions needed to realise the potential of the sector. Work has already commenced on this Strategy, and initial consultations have taken place with key stakeholders.
In relation to Manufacturing, the Government has committed to establishing a Manufacturing Development Forum to assist in identifying the needs of manufacturing enterprises and to progress a transformation agenda in the sector. The Government will also develop a long term vision for the Manufacturing sector and put in place a strategic plan to deliver this vision.
A number of measures have already been introduced by the Government to support the Tourism sector, including a reduction in VAT rates from 13.5% to 9% on many hospitality services to the end of 2013, and the launch of The Gathering, which will take place in 2013 and will be Ireland's biggest ever tourism initiative.
The Action Plan for Jobs also includes a range of measures which will impact positively on the retail and wholesale sectors, including the reform of statutory wage setting mechanisms, simplification and extension of the Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme, as well as the implementation of a number of the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Small Business.
Progress on the specific deliverables under the Action Plan for Jobs will be published on a Quarterly basis. I anticipate that some of the measures I have outlined above will lead to further initiatives being undertaken in 2013 in relation to the sectors in question. Any such initiatives will be included in the 2013 Action Plan for Jobs.
298 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Carlow who have applied to become guardians of their grandchild. [26427/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 8th September 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has 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.
299 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence regarding the JobBridge scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26978/12]
The National Internship Scheme was launched on 1st July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals at all skills levels. The aim of JobBridge is to assist individuals in breaking the cycle where they are unable to get a job without experience. It provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills within a working environment. The Scheme is open to organisations in the private, public and community or voluntary sectors.
The Scheme has made significant progress to-date. As at 24th May 2012, 7,316 internship placements have commenced since the launch of the Scheme in July 2011. There are currently 4,825 interns undertaking internship placements. In addition, there are in excess of 1,800 internship posts currently advertised on the JobBridge website www.jobbridge.ie
The eligibility to access the National Internship Scheme is based on the overall objective of labour market policy in ensuring a pathway to appropriate employment, training and education opportunities.
Given the scale of the unemployment crisis, the key objective of labour market policy and of the NEAP will be to keep those on the Live Register close to the Labour Market and prevent the drift into long-term unemployment. This will ensure that individuals availing of activation measures such as the National Internship Scheme will, while retaining social welfare unemployment payments and a top up allowance of €50, get an opportunity to engage in the workplace, get work experience and so be in a position to avail of employment opportunities as the economy improves.
For these reasons, it has been proposed as a matter of public policy that eligibility for the scheme be targeted at those in receipt of a Live Claim (Jobseekers Allowance/Jobseekers Benefit/One Parent Family Payment/Disability Allowance/Signing for Credits) for 78 days of the last 6 months. Time spent on certain government sponsored training may also be taken into account when calculating eligibility. As such, the policy objective is to prioritise scarce resources to those in receipt of a Live Claim or on the Live Register so as to increase their chances of leaving it thereby ensuring a reduction in Exchequer costs over time.
It is not currently proposed to broaden the eligibility criteria of the scheme beyond the current requirements. My Department will however continue to monitor all aspects of the Scheme on an ongoing basis.
300 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 282 of 7 March 2012, when a person (details supplied) will be paid their redundancy payment which was due at the end of the month of April; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26140/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned has been awarded and a cheque payment has issued.
301 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the carer’s allowance section at present is only dealing with applications lodged last July or August; her plans to deal with the backlog with a view to speeding up the process in view of the difficult financial situation many persons find themselves in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26150/12]
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. In the interests of fairness and equity applications are processed in order of the date on which they were received in the Department.
A major service delivery modernisation project is underway to address the large increase in the claim-load and to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the development of information technology functions and associated business process re-organisation. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customer. Accordingly, the project is being given high priority and involves a significant level of time and commitment from the relevant staff in the Department. This essential focus of certain staff resources will continue until the completion of the modernisation project when all existing carer's allowance claims will be transferred onto the new processing system.
Accurate processing time figures are not available at present as applications are still being processed on both the old and the new computer systems. The average time to award an application at present is estimated at around 28 weeks. There are currently approximately 8,670 new applications registered and awaiting a decision and approximately 360 new applications are received each week. I acknowledge that this is unsatisfactory but I am satisfied that the Department is taking all steps available to it to resolve the issue.
In addition to the deployment of new systems, the Department is allocating additional resources in the form of overtime working and temporary staff to help reduce backlogs that have built up. However, it is expected to be a number of months before the backlog is reduced to an acceptable level.
In the meantime, if a person's means are insufficient to meet their needs while awaiting a decision on an application, they may apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance payment from their local community welfare officer.
302 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a jobseeker’s benefit appeal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26151/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of an oral hearing.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.
Following the submission of additional evidence, the file has been requested to be returned to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. On receipt of this file, the Appeals Officer will review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his appeal has been finalised.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
303 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal of outstanding jobseeker’s allowance payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26152/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 23rd September 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has 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.
304 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will re-examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who has had their rent allowance withdrawn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26157/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3rd March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be 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.
305 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm a date on which the Department plans to conclude the review for a disability payment appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [26163/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the disability allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 21st February 2012 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Deciding Officer on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
306 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason domiciliary care allowance ceased without any notice or review in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26168/12]
The age limit for receipt of domiciliary care allowance (DCA) is 16 years. As the child in question reached the age of 16 years in December 2011, DCA was no longer payable. A letter issued in September 2011 advising that payment of the allowance was due to end in December and that the person concerned could apply for disability allowance in their own right.
307 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Galway may expect a decision in relation to an appeal in respect of an over payment of social welfare for qualified children. [26173/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13th December 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has 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.
308 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Social Protection if any person in the State has ever received back to education allowance to study theology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26178/12]
The back to education scheme (BTEA) covers a large range of full-time courses of education in approved colleges spanning basic foundation courses to third level courses across all disciplines, including,inter alia, theology mentioned in the question. Courses may be pursued up to and including a higher diploma level in any discipline [level 8 in the national framework of qualifications (NFQ)] or to a professional diploma in education (primary and secondary teaching; level 8 in NFQ).
Data on individuals who availed of BTEA to study theology is not available.
309 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the non-payment of rental allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26180/12]
The person concerned failed to collect a number of rent supplement payments during the period 20 January 2012 to 2 March 2012. Her claim was suspended and subsequently closed. In order to determine if she has an entitlement to an arrears payment for this period and to determine her current entitlement to rent supplement, she must submit verification of the cessation of her participation on the CE Scheme that she had been attending.
310 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a community employment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; if they will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26181/12]
The person concerned is currently on a Tús Programme. At present, time spent on Tús does not count as being eligible for Community Employment (CE). Consequently, the person concerned will have to be signing on for a social welfare payment for one year before he is eligible for CE.
311 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when a carer’s allowance will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26192/12]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. In the interest of fairness and equity all applications are dealt with in order of date of receipt in the department.
On completion of the necessary investigations a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
312 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an oral hearing held over two weeks ago in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26197/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of this case took place on 3rd May 2012. The Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer's decision when the appeal has been determined.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
313 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is any truth in the reports that there are plans to withdraw community employment participants from working at GAA and soccer pitches, sports complexes and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26204/12]
There are no plans to withdraw Community Employment participants from working at GAA, Soccer or any sports pitches or complexes. The number of places available for CE will remain at 23,300 which is the same level as 2011.
314 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will receive their domiciliary care allowance following the decision of the Independent Social Welfare Appeals Office to grant the appeal; if payment be backdated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26209/12]
Domiciliary Care Allowance has been paid to the person concerned and all arrears due were issued on 10th May 2012.
315 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal and when a decision will issue. [26241/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17th April 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 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.
316 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a domiciliary allowance appeal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26259/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 8th October 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 6th January 2012 advising of the decision.
The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision. As part of the appeal, her application along with the additional information she provided, was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor on 25th May 2012. The application was again deemed to be medically ineligible.
The file will now be returned to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for the next stage of the appeals process where an Appeals Officer will review the case.
317 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that rent supplement is not being granted to separated couples unless they have instigated legal proceedings against each other in order to obtain a legal separation or divorce; her views on the fact that some women who are victims of domestic violence have taken a huge step to actually leave the family home and need time to come to terms with this before they would be in a position to consider legal proceedings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26261/12]
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible persons living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from another source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer.
To qualify for rent supplement a person must be residing in private rented accommodation or accommodation for homeless persons (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for rent supplement. A person may also qualify for rent supplement where an assessment of housing need has been carried out within the 12 months preceding the date of claim and the person is deemed by a local authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support.
In all other cases, a person who wishes to apply for rent supplement is referred, in the first instance, for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support by a housing authority. Only when the person has been assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support, does the person become eligible for consideration for rent supplement.
However where a claimant's safety and wellbeing are at risk due to domestic violence Department officials operating the rent supplement scheme have discretionary powers to expedite the award of a payment to the person in question.
Policy in relation to the assessment of housing need is a matter for the Minister for the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
318 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the nature of the human disability evaluation training which she stated that medical assessors of the domiciliary care allowance receive: in relation to the nature of the training, by whom is it given; if it is a certifiable course; the content of the course; and whether there is refresher training. [26274/12]
There is a formal induction period of training for new Medical Assessor recruits, this runs from 6-8 weeks and covers all illness-related schemes, including DCA. Medical Assessors education is continuously updated and enhanced by frequent case presentations and discussion, attendance at in-house and external conferences which are addressed by relevant specialists, including child and adolescent psychiatrists. There is continuous refreshment of Medical Assessors training to comply with their Continuous Professional Development as required by the Irish Medical Council which is subject to audit.
319 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if the social welfare appeals office has discretion in its decision making with respect to the prescribed limits placed on rent supplement in budget 2012, when assessing supplementary welfare allowance appeals. [26276/12]
327 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection under the prescribed limits on rent allowance appeal process, the level of discretion the appeals officers have; the guidelines they are working under in relation to going beyond the prescribed limits. [26346/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 319 and 327 together.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that Appeals Officers are statutorily appointed by the Minister for Social Protection and exercise their functions in a quasi-judicial manner.
Entitlement to social welfare payments is subject to satisfying conditions which are provided for in the Social Welfare Acts and in Regulations made under those Acts. Appeals Officers must have regard to these Acts and Regulations in arriving at their decisions in cases appealed to that Office.
In relation to rent supplement, the legislation sets maximum rent limits for particular family circumstances. These limits change from county to county and are based on the local market rate for accommodation appropriate to the needs of the appellant.
The Regulations covering the scheme, however, also provide discretionary powers to award a rent supplement in exceptional cases where it appears that the circumstances of the case so warrant. While the Department provides its own determining officers with guidelines as to the circumstances in which this discretion may be used, Appeals Officers consider each case on its own merits.
320 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection when rent allowance will be re-instated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26277/12]
Rent supplement can be reinstated for the person concerned when the Department has verified that she is not working full time. The Department has only been provided with one payslip to suggest the person concerned is not working full time. Further clarification has been sought in order to ensure an accurate reassessment can be carried out on the file.
321 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the length of time it takes to process carer’s allowance; the average waiting time; the number of persons waiting three months or longer to have their applications processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26285/12]
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. In the interests of fairness and equity applications are processed in order of the date on which they were received in the Department.
A major service delivery modernisation project is underway to address the large increase in the claim-load and to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the development of information technology functions and associated business process re-organisation. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customer. Accordingly, the project is being given high priority and involves a significant level of time and commitment from the relevant staff in the Department. This essential focus of certain staff resources will continue until the completion of the modernisation project when all existing carer's allowance claims will be transferred onto the new processing system.
Accurate processing time figures are not available at present as applications are still being processed on both the old and the new computer systems. The average time to award an application at present is estimated at around 28 weeks. There are currently approximately 8,670 new applications registered and awaiting a decision and approximately 360 new applications are received each week. I acknowledge that this is unsatisfactory but I am satisfied that the Department is taking all steps available to it to resolve the issue.
In addition to the deployment of new systems, the Department is allocating additional resources in the form of overtime working and temporary staff to help reduce backlogs that have built up. However, it is expected to be a number of months before the backlog is reduced to an acceptable level.
In the meantime, if a person's means are insufficient to meet their needs while awaiting a decision on an application, they may apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance payment from their local community welfare officer.
322 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the work of the Tax and Social Welfare Commission, in particular the issue of self-employed and their entitlements has been examined by the group. [25631/12]
328 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection when the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare will conclude; if she will provide in tabular form the time frame for each of the modular reports to be published and the areas covered in each report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26363/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 328 together.
Creating jobs and tackling poverty are two of the key challenges that Ireland now faces. It is essential, therefore, that our tax and social protection systems play their part in addressing these issues and ensuring work is worthwhile. To this end, last year I established an Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare with the aim of harnessing expert opinion and experience in order to address a number of specific issues. These include making cost-effective proposals for improving employment incentives and achieving better poverty outcomes, particularly child poverty outcomes.
In its terms of reference, the Group has been asked to examine a number of specific issues and make recommendations on them, including child and family income supports, working age income supports, the appropriate unit of assessment in both the tax and social welfare codes, the interaction of the tax and social welfare codes, issues concerning social insurance for self-employed people and any other issues that may be referred to the Group, which includes the Budget 2012 proposals concerning Disability Allowance and Domiciliary Care Allowance.
The Group's overall method of working is based on producing modular reports on the priority areas identified in the terms of reference. Where possible, the aim is to provide recommendations that can be acted upon in time for the annual budget, estimates and legislative cycle and to allow the Government to best address its commitments under the EU-IMF Programme of Financial Support. Decisions in respect of publishing reports of the Group will be made at the appropriate time.
The Group commenced its work programme by prioritising the area of family and child income supports. The report of the Group's examination of this issue is currently receiving my consideration and it is my intention to publish this report in due course.
Among the other issues that the Advisory Group is currently progressing are the issue of social welfare entitlements for the self-employed and the Budget 2012 proposals concerning Disability Allowance and Domiciliary Care Allowance. The Group will revert to me with its reports on these issues once their examination of the various issues is completed. Thereafter, I expect that the Group will address the other issues provided for in its terms of reference in a time frame to be determined and agreed by the chairperson, in consultation with the members of the Group, with a view to concluding its work programme as expeditiously as possible.
Given the nature of the information, I do not propose to provide this information in tabular form at this time.
323 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision not to award the household benefits package may be appealed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26291/12]
Deserted wife's benefit is a payment made to a woman deserted by her husband. Entitlement to payment is based on social insurance contributions paid by the wife or her husband. The deserted wife's benefit scheme was closed to new applications with effect from 2 January 1997, when the one-parent family payment was introduced.
The purpose of the household benefits package is to facilitate older people, people with disabilities living alone and carers to participate more fully in society. In general, people under 66 who do not have a disability related payment are not entitled to household benefits. Deserted wife's benefit is therefore not a qualifying payment. Likewise, one parent family payment, which replaced deserted wife's benefit in 1997 for new applicants, is not a qualifying payment. A person in receipt of deserted wife's benefit who is over 66 may be eligible for household benefits.
As the household benefits are non-statutory, it is not possible to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
324 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider reviewing recent cuts in rent allowance for single persons as it is impossible to rent a property in Carlow for €350 per month. [26329/12]
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible people living in private rented accommodation who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from another source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently approximately 94,000 persons in receipt of rent supplement, with €436m provided in 2012.
New maximum rent limits came into force on 1 January 2012 and are in place until June 2013. These new limits are in line with the most up to date market data available. The emphasis of the rent limit review was to ensure that maximum value for money for tenants and the taxpayer was achieved whilst at the same time ensuring that people on rent supplement are not priced out of the market for private rented accommodation.
For all counties, major urban population centres were tested as part of the review to ensure that rent supplement applicants can access temporary housing arrangements whilst seeking employment opportunities. Analysis of the Carlow market shows that there are a limited number of rental properties available to single persons in comparison to other larger properties available in the area. However, accommodation is available, including shared accommodation, for single persons within the prescribed limits. Department officials dealing with rent supplement tenants will continue to ensure that their accommodation needs are met and that the residence is reasonably suited to their residential and other needs.
It should be stressed however, that there will be no case of homelessness from this measure. The Department will continue to monitor rent levels throughout the country but at this stage there are no plans to revise the existing rent limits.
326 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if all the evidence provided in a domiciliary care allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry was taken in account when making the decision on this case. [26337/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received from the person in question on 28th July 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 5th October 2011 refusing DCA. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against the decision. He was informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 11 May 2012 that the appeal had been disallowed. All of the information supplied in support of the DCA application was considered both by the Medical Assessor and the Appeals Officer.
The decision/appeal process for this application is now complete. If the person concerned has additional information which was not made available to the Deciding Officer and the Appeals Officer when they made their decision, it is open to him to re-apply.
329 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against a refusal of a disability allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26373/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 12th December 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has 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.
330 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for jobseeker’s benefit will be decided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26377/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27th March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be 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.
331 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be expedited on a supplementary welfare allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26380/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28th November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has 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.
332 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a domiciliary care allowance application in respect of a person ( details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26393/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 12th September 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 15th November 2011 advising of the decision.
On 18th April 2012, the person concerned requested a review of the decision and the case has been forwarded to another of the Department's Medical Assessors for further consideration. Upon receipt of the Medical Assessor's opinion, the person concerned will be notified of the decision.
333 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount spent on rental deposits on an annual basis since 2006 through supplementary welfare officers; the amount on an annual basis recovered at the end of each tenancy; the amount not recovered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26400/12]
Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential once-off cost, such as a payment of a rent deposit, which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources.
There is no automatic entitlement to an exceptional needs payment and each application is determined by the person administering the scheme based on the particular circumstances of the case, taking account of the nature and extent of the need. Such payments are confined to occurrences which the person administering the scheme considers to be unexpected, unforeseen or exceptional.
The tabular statement below shows the expenditure on exceptional needs payments in respect of rent deposits in each year from 2006 to date. Multiple rent deposits are not generally paid to the same person and every effort is made to ensure that only one payment is made. If the landlord or tenant terminates the tenancy, the tenant can use the returned deposit to secure a new tenancy. Statistics are not available on deposits recovered or not recovered at the end of each tenancy.
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
2006 |
4,805,000 |
|
2007 |
4,549,000 |
|
2008 |
7,218,000 |
|
2009 |
6,598,000 |
|
2010 |
4,500,000 |
|
2011 |
3,780,000 |
|
2012 (Jan-April) |
860,000 |
334 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of appellants of social welfare decisions in Counties Louth and Meath that are awaiting oral hearing; the timeframe for getting oral hearing; the number of cases awaiting a medical assessor; the number of medical assessors there are for the Louth/Meath region and the hours they work in the appeals section. [26405/12]
I have been advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that statistics are not maintained on a county-by-county basis. Therefore, it is not in a position to supply the information sought by the Deputy in relation to counties Louth and Meath. Based on figures for the first four months of 2012, the overall average waiting time for appeals was 40.5 weeks for those appeals that required an oral hearing. These average processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation. They include all activities during this period, including time spent in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant, and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department's Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary.
By its nature and its quasi-judicial nature, the processing of appeals takes some time. By definition, the appeal process cannot be a quick one. A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process. Medical Assessors perform in-person assessments on illness-related cases involving Illness Benefit and Disablement Benefit. While there are no Medical Assessors permanently assigned for in-person assessment work solely in the Louth-Meath region, this region is frequently serviced by a pool of nine Medical Assessors based in the Dublin area. Medical centres in highly populated areas in this region such as Drogheda, Navan and Dundalk are frequently selected for scheduling for in-person assessment, often two weeks out of every four for Drogheda and Navan and one week in every three or four for Dundalk.
The weekly travel itinerary or caseload for in-person assessments provided to each Medical Assessor is based on an up-to-date appraisal of which centres need to be visited. That, in turn, is based on the current number of outstanding referrals, including appeals referrals, the frequency of recent visits to centres and an up-to-date assessment of available building, medical assessor and nurse resources for each centre. Cases for schemes such as Illness Benefit at the initial stage, Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carers Allowance and Benefit, Respite Care Grant and Domiciliary Care Allowance are all assessed by Medical Assessors on-line at desk. If the cases pertaining to these schemes progress to appeal stage (except Illness Benefit cases), they are also assessed on-line and at desk. However, all outstanding cases for desk assessment work, including those for customers based in the Louth-Meath region, can be accessed and performed on line by Medical Assessors based in Dublin, Longford, Cork, Kilkenny and Donegal. In appeals cases pertaining to all schemes, a different Medical Assessor from the Medical Assessor who performed the original assessment must be assigned.
335 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons refused an application for jobseeker’s allowance in January, February, March and April of this year solely for failing to meet the habitual residence condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26420/12]
The number of jobseeker's allowance applications that were disallowed between 1 January 2012 and 30 April 2012 on the basis of a failure to satisfy the habitual residence condition was 609. The monthly breakdown of this figure is as follows: January, 138; February, 189; March, 158; and April, 124.
336 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26533/12]
The person concerned has been awarded rent supplement in full from the commencement of her tenancy and is in receipt of her full entitlement to rent supplement based on her household circumstances.
337 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person has an appeal lodged with the appeals office for invalidity pension whether it is still possible for them to make a claim for jobseeker’s allowance while they are awaiting a decision on their invalidity pension appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26535/12]
Any person who has an appeal lodged on an Invalidity Pension claim is entitled to make a claim for Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Assistance pending the appeal decision. It should be borne in mind, however, that the primary focus of the Invalidity and Jobseeker's schemes is fundamentally different and as a result they have different qualification conditions. Invalidity Pension is a payment focused towards people who are permanently incapable of work because of an illness or incapacity. To qualify for payment, the person concerned must satisfy both the medical and social insurance (PRSI) conditions of the scheme. Jobseeker payments are focused towards unemployed persons and to qualify for payment the person concerned must be capable of work and genuinely seeking employment. They must also satisfy other eligibility criteria such as a minimum level of social insurance (PRSI) conditions in the case of Jobseeker's Benefit and a maximum level of means in the case of Jobseeker's Assistance. A critical factor in these circumstances is whether the person concerned is capable of work. If the person has had their application for Invalidity Pension disallowed on the grounds that they were considered by a Medical Assessor to be not permanently incapable of work, they would automatically be considered as fulfilling the ‘capability' condition of the Jobseeker schemes. In addition to a possible entitlement to a Jobseeker Payment, a person who is disallowed Invalidity Pension may, have an entitlement to Illness benefit or Disability allowance. They can also apply for a Supplementary Welfare Allowance payment if they urgently need income support.
338 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to allowing participants on internship programmes to complete three years in their placement in view of the fact that most companies seek three years experience in a field from prospective employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26536/12]
The National Internship Scheme was launched on 1 July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals at all skills levels. The aim of JobBridge is to assist individuals in breaking the cycle where they are unable to get a job without experience. It provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills within a working environment. The Scheme is open to organisations in the private, public and community or voluntary sectors. The Scheme has made significant progress to date. As at 24 May 2012, 7,316 internship placements have commenced since the launch of the Scheme in July 2011. There are currently 4,825 interns undertaking internship placements. In addition, there are in excess of 1,800 internship posts currently advertised on the JobBridge website,www.jobbridge.ie. Our records indicate that almost 40% of the finishers to date have progressed directly into employment on immediate completion of their internship with either their JobBridge Host Organisation or another company. It is important to note that this data does not take account of an intern who may have secured employment in the subsequent weeks or months after completing their internship. A picture of the career paths of JobBridge interns will become clearer following the independent evaluation of the scheme which is being undertaken by Indecon International Economic Consultants. Given the successes to date of the Scheme including the encouraging levels of progression into employment within the six or nine month internships period, it is not currently proposed to extend the duration of the Scheme beyond the current duration. My Department will continue to monitor all aspects of the Scheme on an ongoing basis.
339 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to recognise and adequately support self employed persons with social welfare entitlements in view of the benefit to employment and to the Exchequer their businesses provide. [26538/12]
Self-employed people are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 4% which entitles them to access long-term benefits such as State pension (contributory) and widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's pension (contributory). Ordinary employees who have access to the full range of social insurance benefits pay Class A PRSI at the rate of 4%. In addition, their employers make a PRSI contribution of 10.75% in respect of their employees, resulting in the payment of a combined 14.75% rate per employee under full-rate PRSI Class A. For employees earning less than €356 per week, the rate of employer's PRSI is 4.25%. Any changes to the PRSI system to extend the full range of social insurance benefits to self-employed people would have significant financial implications and would have to be considered in the context of a much more significant rise in the rate of contribution payable. I established the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare last year to meet a commitment made in the programme for Government. Among the issues the Advisory Group is considering is the question of providing social insurance cover for self-employed people to establish whether such cover is technically feasible and financially sustainable. In addition, the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund, which is due to be completed in the next few weeks, will examine this matter. Self-employed individuals who fall on hard times or are without work for some time may establish entitlement to assistance-based payments. Those who have been previously self-employed can apply for the means-tested jobseeker's allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. In general, their means will take account of the level of earnings in the last 12 months in determining their expected income for the following year and, in the current climate, account is taken of the downward trend in the economy. As in the case of a non-self-employed claimant for assistance-based payments, the means of husband/wife, civil partner or cohabitant will be taken into account in deciding on entitlement to a payment.
340 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26608/12]
The person concerned has no entitlement to rent supplement at the present moment as he has currently obtained full-time employment. The Department will be in a position to reassess his rent supplement claim in the future if the terms of this employment change.
341 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue in relation to an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26619/12]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. 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.
342 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of funding committed to in her Department for capital projects; if she will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down. [26637/12]
The total capital budget for the Department of Social Protection in 2012 is €10.5 million. This is provided for under three administration sub-heads, as follows:
|
Capital spent to 5th June 2012 |
Total (V) Capital Budget |
Amount remaining as of 5th June 2012 |
|
€425,708 |
€5,050,000 |
€4,624,292 |
This capital expenditure provision is to cover the purchase of Information and Communications Technology equipment required for the delivery of the social welfare services. This includes the purchase of computer hardware and software, data storage, desktop equipment such as PCs, printers, faxes, laptops and a range of network infrastructure equipment such as telephone switchboards and routers. It also includes the purchase of photocopiers and other non-IT office machinery and related supplies such as inserters, guillotines and other mailroom equipment and the replacement of out of date equipment.
|
Capital spent to 5th June 2012 |
Total (vi) Capital Budget |
Amount remaining as of 5th June 2012 |
|
€53,574 |
€5,000,000 |
€4,946,426 |
This capital element of this Subhead provides for the costs of new buildings and the refurbishment of other buildings. The timing of the drawdown of this budget is determined by the progress made by the Office of Public Works in acquiring new local office accommodation and in placing contracts for refurbishment of existing offices.
|
Capital spent to 5th June 2012 |
Total (ix) Capital Budget |
Unspent at 5th June 2012 |
|
€59,363 |
€450,000 |
€390,637 |
This Subhead caters for eGovernment projects which have an impact beyond the Department itself. The Capital element is for expenditure arising on the Standard Authentication Framework Environment (SAFE) Project and the Public Service Card project. The purpose of the SAFE Project is to deliver the capability to issue and manage the new Public Services Card. The purpose of the Public Service Card project is to develop the capability to register the Department's customer to the various SAFE levels and to issue requests for Public Services Cards to the third party service provider selected under the SAFE Project. The related capital expenditure is on cameras, scanners and software including photo matching software. It is anticipated that all of the remainder of the Department's capital budget will be drawn down by the end of the year.
343 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if the windup of pension schemes will be addressed in the forthcoming study on the level and transparency of pension charges associated with different forms of private pension arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26641/12]
354 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if the current Departmental study with regard to pension schemes will include an examination of the wind-up costs for deferred member; her views on whether a chargeable search through the Revenue or her Department would not only bring in extra money into the State but would reduce the cost to pension schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26707/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 343 and 354 together.
My Department, in conjunction with the Pensions Board and the Central Bank, and with assistance from PricewaterhouseCoopers, is undertaking a study on the level of pension charges and expenses associated with different forms of private pension arrangements. The study includes the range of pension arrangements: funded defined benefit pension arrangements; defined contribution occupational pension schemes (insured and non-insured) including Additional Voluntary Contributions in Public Sector Schemes; Retirement annuity contracts and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts. The focus of the study is on those charges or expenses that have the effect of reducing members' or employers' contributions or investment returns. The study does not include the costs associated with the wind-up of a scheme. The study will provide information which had not been available previously and will provide an initial benchmark in relation to the level and transparency of charges. This will be important in informing policy and in determining whether any further measures are required. Pension schemes are obliged to make every effort to trace all members of a scheme when their entitlements become due. My Department supports this by providing a mail hosting service for pension schemes that are unable to locate scheme members. This service operates by sending a letter to a person's last known address asking them to make contact with their pension company. A group chaired by my Department and comprising representatives from the Pensions Board and the Revenue Commissioners has considered ways of facilitating a more enhanced pension tracing facility. As a result, my Department is working closely with the Revenue Commissioners to put in place an automated solution to capture the required data which will facilitate a person to trace his or her accrued pension rights in former employment. A decision on whether to charge for this service has yet to be made.
344 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay on a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26653/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the disability allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 22nd May 2012 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Deciding Officer on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
345 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection the entitlements to education, training and work experience recipients of lone parents allowance have; if further entitlements are planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26659/12]
My Department offers a range of training opportunities and employment support services that are designed to encourage and to support social welfare recipients of working age, including lone parents, to reduce their dependency on social welfare payments, to improve their qualifications and skills base, and to return to work. The relevant supports for which lone parents can apply are:
Community Employment (CE);
the Back-to-Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWA) scheme;
the Back-to-Education Allowance (BTEA) scheme;
the Job Club programme;
the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), and
the JobBridge national internship scheme.
In addition, the Department of Education and Skills will support some 457,400 training and education places in 2012. Lone parents are eligible to apply for these supports through:
FÁS training provision,
the Vocational Training and Opportunities Scheme (VTOS), and
Springboard.
My Department liaises with the Department of Education and Skills on an ongoing basis in relation to ensuring the appropriateness of activation supports for social welfare recipients of working age, including lone parents.
346 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection the current waiting time for rent supplement appeal decisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26662/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that statistics on Rent Supplement appeals are not maintained. Rent Supplement comes under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. The current average times taken to process Supplementary Welfare Allowance appeals is 12.8 weeks for appeals decided by summary decision and 17 weeks for those requiring an oral hearing.
These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation and include all activities during this period including time spent in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant and any further investigation by the Department's Inspectors, that is deemed necessary.
A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process.
347 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath is still waiting for their appeal to be decided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26673/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11 April 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in 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.
348 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; if she will expedite the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26675/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision on 22nd October 2011. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.
Since the appeal was decided, the appellant, through his representative, has requested an oral hearing. However, where the facts of a case are clear from the file, there is little point in arranging an oral hearing. In this case, one of the grounds for disallowance is that the appellant is working more than 15 hours per week outside the home and accordingly, does not meet one of the conditions governing eligibility for this payment.
Should his circumstances change, it is open to the appellant to re-apply for the allowance.
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.
349 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal will be expedited for carer’s allowance and social welfare allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26693/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeals from the person concerned were referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in these cases on 31st May 2012. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements for the hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
350 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26696/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that there is no Carers Allowance appeal registered in that office for the person concerned.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an Illness Benefit appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20th October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has 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.
351 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection when a redundancy payment will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied). [26703/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned has been awarded and a cheque payment has issued.
352 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection when a redundancy payment will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied). [26704/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned has been awarded and a cheque payment recently issued to the person's home address.
353 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection when a redundancy payment will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied). [26705/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned has been awarded and a cheque payment recently issued to the person's home address.
355 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a rent allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26712/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18 April 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 8th May and the case will be 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.
356 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a redundancy claim will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26713/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned has been awarded and a cheque payment issued directly to the person's home address in February 2012.
357 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26714/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.
Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
358 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a decision on an appeal for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26719/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28th February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.
359 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26728/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28th April 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 case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.
360 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for jobseeker’s payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; when the claim will go into payment and arrears issue; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26749/12]
The person concerned applied for jobseeker's allowance effective from 4 May 2012. He was requested to provide accounts regarding his self-employment, and a bank statement from March to May 2012. The requested information and documents were received in the local office this week.
The claim is currently with the Social Welfare Inspector for a means assessment. The Inspector will be in contact with the person concerned in relation to his claim. Once the Inspector has finalised the means assessment, the Deciding Officer in the local office will make a decision on his claim.
The person concerned will be notified directly of the decision.
361 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal of an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26750/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that there is no Disability Allowance appeal registered in that office for the person concerned.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an Invalidity appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10th May 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 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.
362 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the average timeframe it takes to process applications for domiciliary care allowance; the percentage of applications for domiciliary care allowance that are rejected. [26767/12]
Currently, the average time to process an application for Domiciliary Care Allowance from receipt to decision is 7 weeks. In terms of the percentage of cases that are rejected, in 2009, the refusal rate on new applications at initial decision stage was 63%, in 2010 it was 61% and, in 2011, it was 62%.
363 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of families in receipt of domiciliary care allowance this year in comparison with the previous years 2010 and 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26768/12]
There were 24,148 parents/guardians in receipt of Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) in respect of 25,924 children at 30th April 2012. This compares to:
24,101 parents/guardians in receipt of DCA in respect of 25,914 children on 31st December 2011; and
23,428 parents/guardians in respect of 25,234 children on 31st December 2010.
364 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Social Protection the current rate of refusals in respect of domiciliary care allowance applications within her Department; if it is higher than average and if so, the reasons her Department attribute to such a rate of refusals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26774/12]
The refusal rate in respect of the initial decisions on new domiciliary care allowance (DCA) applications in the period February to April 2012 was 60%. This refusal rate is consistent with that of previous years.
In 2009, the refusal rate on new applications was 63%, in 2010 it was 61% and in 2011 it was 62%. The most common reason for disallowance is a failure to meet the medical criteria for the scheme.
365 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the date on which her Department received an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in processing this application; the steps she will take to expedite the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26778/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the person in question on 26 October 2011. 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.
The average time taken to process a claim for carer's allowance through to completion is circa 28 weeks at present.
366 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection when exactly a person (details supplied) will have their appeal decided upon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26791/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that no appeal has been received by that office in respect of the person concerned.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
367 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26794/12]
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. 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.
368 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick [26801/12]
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. 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.
369 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding funding for a community employment scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26803/12]
The community employment (CE) scheme referred to is being funded in line with the funding levels announced in Budget 2012 of €500 per participant per annum for materials and training, pending the outcome of the review into CE materials and training funding.
370 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for rent allowance in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 1; when the claim will go into payment and arrears issue; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26804/12]
The person concerned was in receipt of rent allowance when she lived at her previous address. This payment is currently suspended as she no longer lives at this address.
As she is now living in temporary accommodation, she currently would not qualify for the rent allowance payment. To qualify for rent allowance, a person needs to provide relevant documents and evidence to prove that they are living in a permanent residence.
It is open to the person concerned to contact the Homeless Persons Unit, Oisín House, 212-213 Pearse St, Dublin 2 regarding her possible entitlement to financial assistance. Appointments must be arranged in advance. She should contact the Freephone number 1800 724 724 to arrange an appointment.
In addition the person concerned could contact Dublin City Council, Central Placement Service, 69 Capel Street, Dublin 1, Tel: 1800 707707 regarding the provision of emergency accommodation.
371 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has any projections on the average number of times a person will have to visit the new employment and entitlement office a month under the new pathways to work scheme who is in receipt of job seeker’s benefit or allowance; if her Department has statistics on the average number of times a person will have to visit the new employment and entitlement office a month under the new pathways to work scheme who is in receipt of the one family payment; if she has statistics on the average number of times that a person will have to visit the new employment and entitlement office a month under the new pathways to work scheme who is in receipt of back to work allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26813/12]
The ‘Pathways to Work' initiative has been developed to deliver a new approach to the provision of services to unemployed people. The key objective is to deliver a service that supports people who are unemployed to find a pathway back to employment and thereby reduce both the average duration of unemployment and the number of people who are long-term unemployed.
Pathways to Work is a central component in the establishment of a new National Employment and Entitlements Service (NEES), as provided for in the Programme for Government. It is important to note that NEES will not be a stand-alone agency or service but will be an integrated element of the Department's service provision for people of working age.
It is not possible to state the average number of times a customer will visit a NEES office. As set out in the Pathways to Work document the number and regularity of visits will depend on individual circumstances. It is intended that each customer will receive a service tailored to their needs.
372 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on carer’s allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry and if same will be expedited. [26815/12]
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. 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.
373 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the technical employment support grant; the number of persons who availed of this scheme for each of the years 2007 to date in 2012; the maximum funding available; the relevant qualifying criteria; if there is an appeals mechanism which may be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26829/12]
The technical employment support grant (TESG) can be made available to jobseekers who have registered with the Employment Service and undertaken a guidance process leading to an agreed career plan, and who are in receipt of certain specified welfare payments, primarily jobseekers' and lone parent payments as well as payments related to disability and long-term illness. TESG is designed to support a person to overcome identified barriers in progressing from unemployment to employment. The grant can be used to purchase of training (where this cannot be provided by a state provider within a reasonable time) or for certain other expenditures such as purchase of tools, travel costs to job interviews. Training, with limited exceptions, must be on certified courses. TESG meets the full costs of these supports up to €500 per jobseeker. If, following the provision of the reason for a decision, a person, or service provider, remains dissatisfied with the decision and explanation, a review of the decision may be sought in which case the application is re-examined by a more senior officer not involved in the original decision. Information on the number of persons who availed of the TESG in each of the years 2007 to date in 2012 is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
20071 |
20081 |
20092 |
2010 |
2011 |
20123 |
|
Approved |
5,000 |
5,400 |
12,300 |
13,719 |
13,659 |
6,590 |
|
Completed |
5,000 |
5,400 |
9,777 |
10,285 |
9,855 |
2,996 |
|
Expenditure |
€2.87m |
€3.11m |
€5.81m |
€5.57m |
€3.13m |
€1.13m |
1The number of grants approved and completed in 2007 and 2008 was not recorded in a central database. The figures stated are estimates based on actual expenditure and a review of the programme at that time.
2From 2009 TESG reporting has been on the basis of the number of grants approved and completed (subsequently availed of) as individuals may have received more than one grant up to the maximum grant amount available.
3Figures for 2012 relate to the period to the end March 2012.
374 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an occupational injuries benefit disablement appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [26832/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case.
There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 and 2011 when the intake rose to 32,432 and 31,241 respectively. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.
While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
375 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide the funding made available each year from her Department for lone parent financial support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26845/12]
The one-parent family payment (OFP) is made up of a personal rate for the parent and of extra amounts for dependent children. The payment rate for 2012 remains unchanged from 2011 and amounts to €188 per week — with a further €29.80 for each additional qualified child. The cost of the OFP scheme in 2010 and in 2011 was €1.11 billion — up from €751 million in 2005 and €480 million in 2000. This represents an expenditure increase of 57% on the scheme over the last decade. The cost of the scheme is estimated to be €1.06 billion in 2012.
376 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the savings made each year by her Department through the follow up of maintenance payments and the percentage of parents in receipt of both maintenance and lone parent support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26846/12]
378 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection her proposals to assist one parent families in seeking maintenance payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26852/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 378 together.
In cases where a One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) is awarded, the Department seeks to trace the other parent (liable relative) in order to ascertain whether s/he is in a financial position to contribute towards the cost of the payment.
This follow-up activity takes place as soon as possible after the award of payment. However, certain categories of liable relative are not pursued due to personal circumstances, such as age or allegations of violence or because they have low incomes. The method of assessment of the liable relative's ability to pay is set out in regulations (SI 571 of 2006 and SI 142 of 2007) and the assessment is based on net income with certain allowances being deducted.
All liable relatives assessed with maintenance liability are contacted by the Department and are issued with a Determination Order setting out the amount of contribution assessed. In 2011, details in relation to 12,657 liable relatives were recorded and Determination Orders were issued in 1,856 (14.66%) of the cases examined.
As a result, 489 liable relatives commenced making payments/additional payments to the lone parent(s) in 2011. A further 25 liable relatives started paying the Department directly. The Department is following-up with the remainder of cases with a view to securing payment as quickly as possible.
It is estimated that this work resulted in savings of €3.8m in 2011.
According to the Department's records, approximately 31% of those in receipt of OFP are also in receipt of maintenance.
The issue of maintenance payments is first and foremost a private matter for the persons concerned or if they cannot resolve the problem, for the courts through family law provisions.
377 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families in receipt of financial assistance from her Department; the number of these families who are in receipt of a maintenance payment from the second parent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26847/12]
The number of one-parent families that are in receipt of the one-parent family payment (OFP) stood at 89,905 on 2 June, 2012. The number of these one-parent families that are also in receipt of a maintenance payment from the second parent stood at 27,983 on 2 June, 2012 — representing some 31% of one-parent families.
379 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if same will be expedited. [26863/12]
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. In the interest of fairness and equity and unless there are exceptional circumstances, applications are dealt with in order of date of receipt in the department.
In the meantime, if a person's means are insufficient to meet his or her needs while awaiting a decision on a claim, he or she can apply for a means tested supplementary welfare allowance payment from their local community officer.
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.
380 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a redundancy application will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26880/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned has been awarded and payment will issue in the coming weeks.
381 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a decision on their carer’s allowance application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26887/12]
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. 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.
382 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against the disallowance of an invalidity benefit claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [26894/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3 October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be 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.
383 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Social Protection the date on which an application for redundancy payment for a person (details supplied) in County Louth will be processed; the date the redundancy payment will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26919/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 18 April 2012. The claim is pending and it is expected that the claim will be finalised in June 2012.
384 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the current timeframe for dealing with applications for carer’s allowance; her plans to increase staffing levels within this section to reduce the length of time applicants are waiting before a decision is made. [26924/12]
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. In the interests of fairness and equity applications are processed in order of the date on which they were received in the Department.
A major service delivery modernisation project is underway to address the large increase in the claim-load and to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the development of information technology functions and associated business process re-organisation. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customer. Accordingly, the project is being given high priority and involves a significant level of time and commitment from the relevant staff in the Department. This essential focus of certain staff resources will continue until the completion of the modernisation project when all existing carer's allowance claims will be transferred onto the new processing system.
Accurate processing time figures are not available at present as applications are still being processed on both the old and the new computer systems. The average time to award an application at present is estimated at around 28 weeks. There are currently approximately 8,670 new applications registered and awaiting a decision and approximately 360 new applications are received each week. I acknowledge that this is unsatisfactory but I am satisfied that the Department is taking all steps available to it to resolve the issue.
In addition to the deployment of new systems, the Department is allocating additional resources in the form of overtime working and temporary staff to help reduce backlogs that have built up. However, it is expected to be a number of months before the backlog is reduced to an acceptable level.
In the meantime, if a person's means are insufficient to meet their needs while awaiting a decision on an application, they may apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance payment from their local community welfare officer.
385 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline all staff appointments she has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their positions; their salaries; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26961/12]
Since March I have appointed Irene Martin my Personal Secretary, as a temporary civilian driver, to cover a sick leave absence. I subsequently appointed Elaine Dooley as a temporary Personal Secretary. Their salary details are as follows:
|
€ |
|
|
Irene Martin |
631.75 Weekly |
|
Elaine Dooley |
456.50 Weekly |
Neither of these appointees are former retired public servants.
386 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection the back to work support schemes (details supplied) available to self-employed persons who have lost their job; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26963/12]
The eligibility criteria for Tús, community employment and similar activation and training schemes require that the applicant is in receipt of a jobseekers' or other defined payment from the Department of Social Protection. I am aware that these eligibility conditions impose restrictions of previously self-employed people who now find that they have lost their business and are out of work and not in receipt of a payment from my Department. Self-employed workers are not insured for short-term benefits such as illness and jobseeker's payments and therefore, depending on their means, may not in receipt of the specified underlying payment for access to these schemes.
In line with commitments contained in the Programme for Government, I established an Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare. The main rationale for the establishment of the Advisory Group is to harness expert opinion and experience to address a number of specific issues around the operation and interaction of the tax and social protection systems, recommend cost-effective solutions as to how employment incentives can be improved and better poverty outcomes achieved and to identify the specific practical institutional and administrative improvements to their operation. Among the issues that the Advisory Group is currently considering is the issue of social welfare entitlements for the self-employed.
387 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in processing a transfer application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26968/12]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of two applications for carer's allowance from the person in question. In the interest of fairness and equity, and unless there are exceptional circumstances, applications are dealt with in order of date of receipt in the Department.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his case a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
388 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse an application for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26972/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 14 January 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has 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.
389 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer’s allowance. [26982/12]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. 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.
390 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27013/12]
The person concerned has been requested to provide the Department with relevant information pertaining to their application on the 29 May 2012. When this information has been received a full and thorough assessment can be completed.
391 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a maternity benefit payment appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27021/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13 December 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has 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.
392 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on carer’s allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27024/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, has partially allowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of an oral hearing. The person concerned has been notified of the decision.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
393 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when jobseekers will be in a position to source information locally; the type of services that will be made available to jobseekers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27033/12]
The position regarding SOLAS is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills.
As part of the new integrated service to customers of the Department, jobseekers will have the opportunity to engage with a case officer who will have full knowledge of the education and training facilities available locally and will be in a position to refer them to a particular course where appropriate.
394 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social Protection if carer’s allowance will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo. [27037/12]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. 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.
395 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social Protection if carer’s allowance will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied). [27039/12]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. 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.
396 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against a refusal of a disability allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the application will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27051/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 12 December 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has 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.
397 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is proposed to pay a pro-rata contributory pension to applicants whose PRSI contributions fall short of the revised requirements effective from 1 May 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27058/12]
In relation to question raised by the Deputy I take it that the Deputy is referring to the changes to the rate bands which will be introduced in September 2012.
This change means that pension payments made, for new customers, will reflect PRSI payments made over a working life. Currently a person with an average of 20-47 PRSI contributions per year over their working life receives a weekly State pension of only €4.50 less than a person with a yearly average of 48 or more PRSI contributions. This is neither fair nor equitable.
From September 2012, a lower pension will be payable to new applicants for State pension who have a yearly average of less than 48 PRSI contributions which better relates to their PRSI record. This measure introduces additional rates bands for State pension (transition) and State pension (contributory) to more fairly reflect the proportionality of attachment to the workforce by the claimant.
The maximum rate will remain unchanged and the rate payable to people with an average of between 40 and 47 contributions per year will also remain unchanged. However, those who have fewer contributions will receive a lower rate of pension. This change moves somewhat closer to the total contribution approach outlined below where those who pay more, benefit more. I have set out below, for information, the new rate bands below.
Given the scale of the fiscal crisis and because spending on social protection accounts for nearly 40% of current Government expenditure, you will appreciate that savings have to be found in the social welfare system.
There is also an important long-term policy context for the proposed changes to State pension as the challenges facing the Irish pension system are significant. There are currently six people of working age for every pensioner and this ratio is expected to decrease to approximately two to one by 2050. People aged 65 years and over will account for a greater proportion of the population while the proportion of working age is expected to decline. People are living longer with healthier lives and growing numbers of people want to work, or may need to work beyond State pension age. This has obvious and significant implications in relation to the future costs of State pension provision. Therefore, the task of financing increasing pensions will fall to a diminishing share of the population.
Taking all of these factors into consideration, I introduced legislation in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2011 to abolish the State pension (transition) with effect from January 2014 standardising pension age at 66 years. The State pension (contributory) age will be increased in 2021 to 67 years and to 68 years with effect from 2028.
In the future, a ‘total contributions approach' to State pension will be adopted to replace the current averaging system. The current proposed date for its introduction is 2020. Under this system, the level of pension paid will be directly proportionate to the number of social insurance contributions made by a person over his or her working life.
The State pension is the bedrock of the Irish pension system, and these reforms are essential to address the challenges of increasing life expectancy and to ensure its sustainability.
All information relating to the changes that I have outlined here is also available on my Department's website.
|
Yearly average contributions |
Personal Rate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged under 66 yearsRate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged over 66 yearsRate per week |
|
48 or over |
€230.30 |
€153.50 |
€206.30 |
|
20-47 |
€225.80 |
€153.50 |
€206.30 |
|
15-19 |
€172.70 |
€115.10 |
€154.70 |
|
10-14 |
€115.20 |
€76.80 |
€103.20 |
|
Yearly average contributions |
Personal Rate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged under 66 yearsRate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged over 66 yearsRate per week |
|
48 or over |
€230.30 |
€153.50 |
€206.30 |
|
40-47 |
€225.80 |
€146.00 |
€196.00 |
|
30-39 |
€207.00 |
€139.00 |
€186.00 |
|
20-29 |
€196.00 |
€130.00 |
€175.00 |
|
15-19 |
€150.00 |
€100.00 |
€134.00 |
|
10-14 |
€92.00 |
€61.00 |
€83.00 |
|
Yearly average contributions |
Personal Rate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged under 66 yearsRate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged over 66 yearsRate per week |
|
48 or over |
€230.30 |
€153.50 |
€206.30 |
|
24-47 |
€225.80 |
€153.50 |
€206.30 |
|
Yearly average contributions |
Personal Rate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged under 66 yearsRate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged over 66 yearsRate per week |
|
48 or over |
€230.30 |
€153.50 |
€206.30 |
|
40-47 |
€225.80 |
€146.00 |
€196.00 |
|
30-39 |
€207.00 |
€139.00 |
€186.00 |
|
24-29 |
€196.00 |
€130.00 |
€175.00 |
398 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a half rate carer’s allowance has been refused to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [27061/12]
The above named is currently in receipt of Disability Allowance from my department. However, there is no record of a recent decision on carer's allowance ever having been made in respect of her entitlement to carer's allowance at half rate in conjunction with her disability allowance.
On 5 June 2012, an incomplete claim form, received from the above named was return to her for completion. Upon its completion and return to carer's allowance section, her application will be processed.
399 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a one parent family payment will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27063/12]
An application for a one parent family payment from the person concerned has been awarded. Her first payment will be available for collection on 7 June 2012.
400 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection under which heading overpayment is alleged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the information made available to them in respect of their entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27064/12]
An overpayment of jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance has been assessed in this case. A review of the overpayment is being undertaken and the person concerned will be informed of the outcome once the review is completed.
401 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will set out the criteria affecting entitlement to rent supplement in general in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has been assessed in this context; if it is accepted that they have been repeatedly refused rent allowance, who has now been refused access to one child; if she will review the case and refer it to appeal for an oral hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27065/12]
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer.
There are numerous qualifying conditions for the rent supplement scheme all of which are based on legislation. For example, any person seeking a rent supplement must satisfy the Department that they have a housing need that they are unable to meet from their own resources. In addition, the Department must be satisfied that the residence is reasonably suited to the residential and other needs of the claimant. The Department must also be satisfied that the rent payable is reasonable having regard to the nature, character and location of the residence.
Entitlement to rent supplement is determined under Chapter 11 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended and under S.I. No. 412 of 2007, Social Welfare (Consolidated Supplementary Welfare Allowance) Regulations 2007, as amended. These legislative provisions are supported by staff guidelines issued by the Department.
In a case where parents have joint custody of a child, the needs of both parents to have adequate accommodation to look after the child are taken into account when an application for a rent supplement is being determined. The claim from the person concerned has previously been refused as the child is being adequately accommodated by the mother. The refusal has been upheld by the HSE appeals office.
402 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when payment for disability allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27066/12]
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 20 May 2011.
The medical evidence supplied with the person's application was referred to one of the department's medical assessors who was of the opinion, based on the information supplied, that she was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted this opinion and disallowed the claim and the person was notified in writing of this decision.
Further medical evidence was subsequently received and this was reviewed by the medical assessor who again was of the opinion, based on the information supplied, that the person was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted this opinion and the original decision to refuse the claim remained unchanged and the person was notified in writing of this outcome.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24 January 2012.
As part of the appeals process all the medical evidence received in the case has now been referred to another medical assessor for review. Following this review the deciding officer will decide if the original decision should stand or whether it should be revised. If the original decision stands, the appeal will be returned to the Appeals Officer for determination. If, following the review, the deciding officer decides that the person has an entitlement to disability allowance, the decision will be made and the person will be notified.
403 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when payment of carer’s allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27067/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 8th March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be 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.
404 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an up to date report on her internship programme, JobBridge, and the numbers of persons availing of same. [27080/12]
405 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on figures on the number of persons who have transferred from internships to permanent employment. [27081/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 404 and 405 together.
The National Internship Scheme was launched on 1st July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals at all skills levels. The aim of JobBridge is to assist individuals in breaking the cycle where they are unable to get a job without experience. It provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills within a working environment. The Scheme is open to organisations in the private, public and community or voluntary sectors.
The Scheme has made significant progress to-date. As at 24th May 2012, 7,316 internship placements have commenced since the launch of the Scheme in July 2011. There are currently 4,825 interns undertaking internship placements. In addition, there are in excess of 1,800 internship posts currently advertised on the JobBridge websitewww.jobbridge.ie.
Our records indicate that 966 of the finishers to-date have progressed directly into employment on immediate completion of their internship with either their JobBridge Host Organisation or another company. This figure represents almost 40% of finishers to-date. It is important to note that this data does not take account of an intern who may have secured employment in the subsequent weeks or months after completing their internship. A picture of the career paths of JobBridge interns will become clearer following the independent evaluation of the scheme which is being undertaken by Indecon International Economic Consultants.
406 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is any evidence of companies abusing internships, that is, keeping persons on as interns rather than filling the vacancy with a real employee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27082/12]
407 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has, or intends to have, a system of spot checks to ensure that the internship system is working satisfactorily for current interns. [27083/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 406 and 407 together.
The National Internship Scheme was launched on 1st July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals at all skills levels. The aim of JobBridge is to assist individuals in breaking the cycle where they are unable to get a job without experience. It provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills within a working environment. The Scheme is open to organisations in the private, public and community or voluntary sectors.
The Scheme has made significant progress to-date. As at 24th May 2012, 7,316 internship placements have commenced since the launch of the Scheme in July 2011. There are currently 4,825 interns undertaking internship placements. In addition, there are in excess of 1,800 internship posts currently advertised on the JobBridge websitewww.jobbridge.ie.
Our records indicate that almost 40% (966) of the finishers to date have progressed directly into employment on immediate completion of their internship with either their JobBridge Host Organisation or another company. It is important to note that this data does not take account of an intern who may have secured employment in the subsequent weeks or months after completing their internship. A picture of the career paths of JobBridge interns will become clearer following the independent evaluation of the scheme which is being undertaken by Indecon International Economic Consultants.
A variety of measures have been introduced to protect the intern and to maintain the integrity of the JobBridge scheme. In order for all applications from host organisations to be approved they must meet a number of criteria so as to ensure that the potential internships are of sufficient quality. These include the following:
that the internship does not allow the intern to work unsupervised;
that the internship is not displacing an employee; and
that the intern accrues significant experience throughout the entire internship.
These checks are undertaken by staff in my Department.
In order for an internship to commence a Standard Internship Agreement must be signed by both the intern and the host organisation. This Agreement clearly stipulates the terms of the internship and states the specific learning outcomes the intern will receive over the course of their internship.
To ensure compliance with the scheme, the Department of Social Protection are monitoring internships to ensure that they are of sufficient quality and that both host organisations and interns are abiding by the spirit and the rules of the Scheme.
This involves the monitoring of monthly compliance reports that are required to be submitted by the host organisation verifying that the internship is proceeding as set out in the Standard Internship Agreement. In addition, contact with the host organisations and interns including random site visits have begun as part of this process. These visits are undertaken by staff in the Regions. In excess of 100 Monitoring visits have taken place to-date.
A ‘whistle blowing' feature is also in place, whereby any individual who suspects that an internship may be in breach of the scheme's criteria, including in cases of suspected displacement or poor quality, may contact the JobBridge team. All such claims are fully investigated.
It is worth noting that participation in the Scheme is voluntary and an intern may contact the JobBridge team at any stage of their internship.
I believe that these measures are currently sufficient in relation to the operation of the JobBridge scheme. However, my Department continuously monitors the scheme and will introduce additional measures if the need arises.
I have also commissioned an independent evaluation of the Scheme which is currently being undertaken by Indecon International Economic Consultants. This evaluation will assess the design, delivery and impact of the JobBridge Scheme, It will provide details of the nature of the work experience of the participants; a measurement of the relevance of that experience to the labour market and progression into employment. It will also offer an assessment of the potential displacement effect of the Scheme and the satisfaction of participants and of Host Organisations with their experience. It will also present recommendations on how the Scheme might be improved.
It should also assist my Department in making further policy decisions on the benefit of work placement programmes in the overall context of the Government's activation policy, which is to engage with every unemployed individual to provide them with a pathway to employment and to prevent and reduce long term unemployment.
408 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an appeal of an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo on their non-contributory pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27138/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24 April 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has 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.
409 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a community employment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27152/12]
A member of the Travelling Community is required to be in receipt of at least one current payment from the Department in order to be eligible to apply for a place on any Community Employment scheme. Eligibility does not automatically lead to entitlement. The candidate would be required to attend an interview with the Supervisor of the scheme in order to be deemed suitable for the place.
The person concerned is currently not in receipt of a payment from the Department. They are in receipt of credits only since 7th April 2012. Receipt of credits is not considered eligibility criteria for entry to CE. Therefore, the person concerned is not eligible to participate on CE.
410 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to increase staffing levels in the social welfare appeals office in D’Olier House, D’Olier Street, in view of the fact that there is a backlog of several months. [27158/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, based on figures for the first quarter of 2012, the average waiting time for appeals dealt with by summary decisions was 22.4 weeks and 40.9 weeks for those that required an oral hearing. The comparable times for 2011 were 25 weeks and 52.5 weeks.
In an effort to reduce the processing times, the Department appointed 12 additional Appeals Officers in 2010 and 2011. In addition, a further 10 Appeals Officers, formerly employed by the Community Welfare Services (CWS) of the Health Services Executive joined the Office as part of the integration of the CWS appeals services into the Social Welfare Appeals Office. This brought the total number of Appeals Officers to 39.
The matter of assigning additional Appeals Officers is kept under constant review but any consideration of extra assignments must be taken in the context of overall government policy on civil service numbers.
411 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection when a carer’s allowance application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27159/12]
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of the case a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
412 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the refusal to grant domiciliary care allowance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 in view of the fact that there is a considerable amount of support letters and recommendations specifying the persons qualification for such allowance; if she will re-establish contact with the person in question in order that a decision be made promptly after the person has been waiting a considerable amount of time for their review to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27161/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 22nd September 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 24th November 2011 advising of the decision.
The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision. As part of the appeal process, the case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor on 24th May 2012 who confirmed that the child was not medically eligible for the payment. The file will now been sent to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for consideration of the appeal.
413 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an economic breakdown of the cost to small to medium size businesses here; if changes are made to the statutory sick pay scheme; if an impact study is being done on the extra costs put on businesses which may drive them into further financial instability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27165/12]
The question of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay, whereby employers would directly meet the costs of sick absence for an initial period of illness, is being considered in the context of the need to reform the social welfare system to bring it into line with practices in other countries in this area; the need to address the deficit in the social insurance fund; the need to limit progression from short-term illness to long-term illness or disability; and in the wider context of enhancing the health of the workforce and addressing levels of absenteeism.
Before any decision could be taken by Government on the possible introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme, a range of complex issues need to be addressed. These include the extent of coverage; the duration of payment; the rate of payment; compensation mechanisms for employers where appropriate; and how to ensure that a scheme of statutory sick pay would be enforced and policed. The potential impact on small and medium size enterprises would be contingent on how these issues are addressed and how the scheme would ultimately be structured. A preliminary analysis based on estimates of absenteeism in the private sector indicates that if a sick pay scheme with a duration of four weeks were to be introduced, it would add about €1 per week per employee to the costs of employment.
I hosted a consultative seminar on the feasibility and implications of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay in February of this year. This seminar was attended by a broad range of key stakeholders, including representatives of small and medium-size employers. The report of that seminar will be published shortly and will provide the basis for more detailed consultations with key stakeholders. The analysis of the potential impacts of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay will be developed and refined as consultation with key stakeholders progresses.
414 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4. [27169/12]
The person concerned was refused carer's allowance in respect of her first care recipient on the grounds that the Department's Medical Assessor expressed the opinion that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations.
On 16 January 2012, she was notified of this decision and of her right of review and/or appeal to the Chief Appeal's Officer within 21 days. Additional medical evidence was received and forwarded to the Medical Assessor for consideration. She will be notified of the outcome of the review in due course.
A second application was received from the person in question on 23 March 2012 in respect of a second care recipient.
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.
415 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection her views of a carer’s application taking nine months for a decision to be made on an oral hearing in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27180/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 29th October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has 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.
416 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied); when a final decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27181/12]
The person concerned was awarded carer's allowance with effect from 17 November 2011. Arrangements are being made to have her carer's allowance in payment at her local post office on 14 June 2012. Arrears of allowance due for the intervening period less any other payment made on her behalf for this period and less any overpayments that have occurred will issue to her in due course.
417 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal will be finalised in respect of an application for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27184/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20 March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has 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.
418 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a means assessment for a person (details supplied) who has been medically approved for disability allowance in view of the circumstances of their case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27266/12]
The deciding officer has written to the person concerned requesting further information which is required before a decision is made. When this information is received the claim will be decided and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
420 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if carers allowance will be approved as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if she will expedite the matter. [27295/12]
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. In the interest of fairness and equity all applications are dealt with in order of date of receipt in the department.
On completion of the necessary investigations a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
421 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to change the means testing of cohabiting couples where one is employed and the other is not; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27337/12]
The current means testing arrangements for social assistance schemes provide that married couples, civil partners and cohabiting couples, both same sex and opposite sex, are treated in the same manner, including where one of a couple is in employment and the other is not.
I have no plans to change these arrangements.
422 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent allowance has ceased in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27338/12]
The person concerned has recently obtained temporary employment but has not notified the Department of details. In order to assess whether an entitlement exists, we have requested information relating to this employment. When the necessary information has been received a full and thorough reassessment can be carried out.
423 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection if school boards of management are defined as eligible organisations for participation in the JobBridge programme; if so the specific process for boards of management applying to participate in the scheme; if they are not eligible the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27343/12]
The National Internship Scheme was launched on 1st July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals at all skills levels. The aim of JobBridge is to assist individuals in breaking the cycle where they are unable to get a job without experience. It provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills within a working environment. The Scheme is open to organisations in the private, public and community or voluntary sectors.
The Scheme has made significant progress to-date. As at 24th May 2012, 7,316 internship placements have commenced since the launch of the Scheme in July 2011. There are currently 4,825 interns undertaking internship placements. In addition, there are in excess of 1,800 internship posts currently advertised on the JobBridge websitewww.jobbridge.ie.
A host organisation participating in JobBridge must be in a position to provide a substantial commitment to their intern so as to ensure the provision of a quality internship. To this end, a clear set of rules have been developed to protect the intern and safeguard JobBridge from potential abuse. Potential host organisations can avail of the JobBridge guidelines and full eligibility criteria on the JobBridge website. The process for Host Organisations to apply and advertise positions is also clearly outlined on the website.
In relation to the more specific matter raised by the Deputy, I wish to advise that schools are currently eligible to participate in JobBridge. In this regard, I wish to advise that there are currently in excess of 250 internship placements in the Education sector. There are currently 92 internship placements across primary and secondary schools.
424 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a supplementary welfare allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27351/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by 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 the case has 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.
425 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a domiciliary care allowance appeal will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27355/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on 3rd October 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for DCA. A letter issued on 30th November 2011 refusing the allowance. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision.
As part of the appeal process, the case has been forwarded to another of the Department's Medical Assessors for further consideration, including a review of any new information supplied. Upon receipt of the Medical Assessor's opinion, the case will be further examined and will be forwarded for consideration by the Appeals Office, if necessary.
426 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance and supplementary welfare allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27357/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that there is no current Jobseeker's Allowance appeal registered but that a Supplementary Welfare Allowance appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16 May 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in 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.
427 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for the state contributory pension from September, 2012; if she will confirm the details of these changes; if she will specify the changes that apply to widows; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27366/12]
The Government has made decisions on a number of changes to State pension provision including the changes to the rate bands which will come into effect from September 2012 for new customers:
Currently a person with an average of 20-47 PRSI contributions per year over their working life receives a weekly State pension of only €4.50 less than a person with a yearly average of 48 or more PRSI contributions. This is neither fair nor equitable. From September 2012, additional rates bands for State pension (transition) and State pension (contributory) will be introduced to more fairly reflect the attachment to the workforce by the claimant.
The maximum rate will remain unchanged and the rate payable to people with an average of between 40 and 47 contributions per year will also remain unchanged. However, those who have fewer contributions will receive a lower rate of pension. This change moves somewhat closer to the total contribution approach where those who pay more, benefit more. I have set out below, for information, the new rate bands below.
In relation to changes to the eligibility criteria for widow's, widower's and surviving civil partner's contributory pension, currently either the claimant or their late spouse or civil partner must have a minimum of 156 paid social insurance contributions paid to the date of death of the spouse/civil partner or before reaching pension age (currently, age 66) whichever is earlier.
Where the date of death of a spouse or civil partner is on or after 27th December 2013, the minimum number of paid social insurance contributions required will be increased to 260 paid contributions.
In addition, with effect from 6th April 2012, late claims for the State pension (transition), State pension (contributory), widow's, widower's or surviving partner's contributory pension will be limited to a maximum period of 6 months.
I would like to take this opportunity to again outline the context for these changes. Given the scale of the fiscal crisis and because spending on social protection accounts for nearly 40% of current Government expenditure, you will appreciate that savings have to be found in the social welfare system.
There is also an important long-term policy context for the proposed changes to State pension, including the forthcoming change to pension rate bands being introduced for new customers from September 2012, which is that the challenges facing the Irish pension system are significant.
There are currently six people of working age for every pensioner and this ratio is expected to decrease to approximately two to one by 2050. People aged 65 years and over will account for a greater proportion of the population while the proportion of working age is expected to decline. People are living longer with healthier lives and growing numbers of people want to work, or may need to work beyond State pension age. This has obvious and significant implications in relation to the future costs of State pension provision. Therefore, the task of financing increasing pensions will fall to a diminishing share of the population.
Taking all of these factors into consideration, I introduced legislation in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2011 to abolish the State pension (transition) with effect from January 2014 thereby standardising pension age at 66. The State pension (contributory) age will be increased to 67 in 2021 and to 68 with effect from 2028.
In the future, a ‘total contributions approach' to State pension will be adopted to replace the current averaging system. The current proposed date for its introduction is 2020. Under this system, the level of pension paid will be directly proportionate to the number of social insurance contributions made by a person over his or her working life.
The State pension is the bedrock of the Irish pension system, and these reforms are essential to address the challenges of increasing life expectancy and to ensure its sustainability.
All information relating to the changes that I have outlined here are also available on my Department's website.
|
Yearly average contributions |
Personal Rate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged under 66 yearsRate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged over 66 yearsRate per week |
|
48 or over |
€230.30 |
€153.50 |
€206.30 |
|
20-47 |
€225.80 |
€153.50 |
€206.30 |
|
15-19 |
€172.70 |
€115.10 |
€154.70 |
|
10-14 |
€115.20 |
€76.80 |
€103.20 |
|
Yearly average contributions |
Personal Rate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged under 66 yearsRate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged over 66 yearsRate per week |
|
48 or over |
€230.30 |
€153.50 |
€206.30 |
|
40-47 |
€225.80 |
€146.00 |
€196.00 |
|
30-39 |
€207.00 |
€139.00 |
€186.00 |
|
20-29 |
€196.00 |
€130.00 |
€175.00 |
|
15-19 |
€150.00 |
€100.00 |
€134.00 |
|
10-14 |
€92.00 |
€61.00 |
€83.00 |
|
Yearly average contributions |
Personal Rate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged under 66 yearsRate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged over 66 yearsRate per week |
|
48 or over |
€230.30 |
€153.50 |
€206.30 |
|
24-47 |
€225.80 |
€153.50 |
€206.30 |
|
Yearly average contributions |
Personal Rate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged under 66 yearsRate per week |
Increase for Qualified Adult aged over 66 yearsRate per week |
|
48 or over |
€230.30 |
€153.50 |
€206.30 |
|
40-47 |
€225.80 |
€146.00 |
€196.00 |
|
30-39 |
€207.00 |
€139.00 |
€186.00 |
|
24-29 |
€196.00 |
€130.00 |
€175.00 |
428 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of application for carer’s allowance; the number of applications approved; the number of applications that a request for additional information was sought, on a month by month basis over the past 14 months. [27375/12]
The information requested is contained in the table below, apart from the information in relation to the number of applications that a request for additional information was sought. This information is not routinely collated and is therefore unavailable at this time.
|
Month |
Numbers Registered |
Numbers Approved |
|
March 2011 |
1,243 |
620 |
|
April 2011 |
1,908 |
616 |
|
May 2011 |
1,374 |
589 |
|
June 2011 |
1,074 |
411 |
|
July 2011 |
1,482 |
900 |
|
August 2011 |
168 |
564 |
|
September 2011 |
2,836 |
633 |
|
October 2011 |
2,232 |
634 |
|
November 2011 |
1,435 |
559 |
|
December 2011 |
935 |
589 |
|
January 2012 |
1,056 |
644 |
|
February 2012 |
2,240 |
507 |
|
March 2012 |
1,185 |
547 |
|
April 2012 |
980 |
473 |
429 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for carer’s allowance that have been outstanding of one-three months, three-six months, six-nine months, nine — 12 months and in excess of 12 months. [27376/12]
The information requested by the deputy is set out in tabular form below. These figures are accurate to the end of April 2012.
|
Months Pending |
Number of Applications Pending |
|
1 and less than 3 months |
2,606 |
|
3 and less than 6 months |
3,003 |
|
6 and less than 9 months |
2,260 |
|
9 and less than 12 months |
46 |
|
In excess of 12 months |
25 |
430 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if same will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27401/12]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. In the interest of fairness and equity all applications are dealt with in order of date of receipt in the Department.
On 8 February 2012, the case was referred to an investigative officer of this Department for means assessment and confirmation that the conditions necessary for receipt of the allowance are satisfied. On completion of the necessary investigations a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
431 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27403/12]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his case a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
432 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons who are on a Tús scheme for 12 months will then have to become unemployed for 12 months before they qualify for a community employment scheme. [27421/12]
The purpose of Tús is to support the work-readiness of people who are unemployed for a year or more. At the end of May, some 4,330 participants and 225 supervisors have been engaged in the provision of services to their communities. Currently, the conditions for recruitment and entry to community employment do not provide that a person who has been engaged on a Tús work placement is eligible.
433 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of their application for invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27422/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal in this case has been allowed and the appellant has been informed of the outcome.
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.
434 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of their application for disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27424/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 5 October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has 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.
435 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27426/12]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of the case a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
437 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27428/12]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. The medical evidence that you submitted in support of the medical aspect of his application was forwarded to the medical assessor for further consideration.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his case a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
438 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on a review for invalidity pension with new medical information supplied; and if this person will be seen by a medical assessor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27431/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11th April 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be 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.
440 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for jobseeker’s payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; when payment will be granted and arrears will issue; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27438/12]
The person concerned applied for jobseeker's allowance on 30 April 2012. His claim has been awarded and he will be advised of the outcome in writing today by the Deciding Officer.
441 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for supplementary welfare allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; when payment will be granted and arrears will issue; the reason for this delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27439/12]
The person concerned has been granted Stamp 4 which gives legal residency in the state. In order to qualify for Supplementary Welfare Allowance, a person must also satisfy the Habitual Residency Condition and a means assessment. The person concerned has not submitted the documentation required to satisfy the conditions for granting of SWA as requested.
442 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of school workers who made claims for jobseeker’s benefit or allowance or other assistance and who presented form UP2C on signing on, indicating that they had been paid a percentage of their pay in lieu of statutory holiday pay, during the Easter holidays 2011, Summer holidays 2011 and Christmas holidays 2011/2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27483/12]
The level of detail requested by the Deputy on claims made by school workers is not available. Claims made by school workers for jobseeker payments are processed on a case by case basis throughout the Department's network of offices. In the majority of cases a form UP2C/D is automatically generated from computer records. During the 2011/12 academic year some 4,000 customers were automatically issued with forms.
In the case of some 450 school wardens employed by Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, Dublin South County Council and Dun Laoghaire and Rathdown County Council , the required details are provided directly to the Department on computer file.
In the balance of cases, for which there are no statistics available, a form UP2C/D is manually issued to the customer.
443 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27549/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned took place on 28 May 2012 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
444 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of a claim for domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27557/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 22 March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in 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.
445 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to assist owners of thatched roof structures and dwellings, which are recorded as protected structures by their local authorities, to obtain affordable insurance cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26258/12]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 236 of 2nd November 2011.
Part IV of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011 provides for the protection of architectural heritage. The Act gives primary responsibility to planning authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage, including thatched buildings, by including them on the Record of Protected Structures. Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future.
While the overall number of thatch roofs declined in the second half of the 20th century, increased legislative protection for the architectural heritage and heightened awareness of this part of our national heritage has meant that this decline has stabilised. The issue of insurance for historic buildings, including thatched structures, has been raised by my Department with both the Financial Services Regulator and the Irish Insurance Federation. My Department will continue to keep this issue under review.
447 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the proliferation of the wild deer population in the Mid Louth area and the effect it is having on local traffic, if he will consider a cull licence application in this area. [26762/12]
In accordance with the Wildlife Acts, the annual open season when deer can be legally shot under licence operates from 1 September to 28 February, depending on the species and gender of deer.
However, landowners may apply to my Department for a licence under the Wildlife Acts to cull deer when this is necessary outside the annual open seasons in instances where damage is being caused to habitats or where levels of deer may have negative ecological consequences.
448 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding property owners’ obligations under Section 58 of the Planning and Development Act and specifically these applications in circumstances in which the property is substantially derelict, incapable of being repaired for habitation and is situated in the middle of a commercial farmyard and the way in such circumstances the owner may engage with the relevant authorities regarding the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26891/12]
My role as Minister, the role of local authorities, and the responsibilities of owners, with regard to protected structures are set out in the provisions of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011. Under Part IV (Architectural Heritage) of the Acts, inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures in relation to those structures.
Planning authorities are given powers to ensure that such structures are protected. These include powers to serve notice to carry out protective works, and obligations in relation to how development proposals are considered. Owners of protected structures are advised to contact the appropriate local planning authority regarding the on-going care, management and future use of protected structures in their ownership.
In this regard, my Department's policy and best practice guidance consistently recommends that appropriate new uses are identified and pursued for vacant protected structures, as this is the best means of ensuring conservation of their architectural heritage.
449 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will consider transferring the bell and wheel from the Asgard 2 to the Arklow Maritime Museum, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27410/12]
I am advised that the wheel, compass and binnacle salvaged from the Asgard II are in the possession of the National Museum of Ireland, having been transferred from the Department of Defence in February 2012. While I do not have a statutory function in respect of such operational matters, I am advised by the Museum that these objects can be made available for display should a suitable location for their exhibition, which fulfils the Museum’s standard loan conditions, become available. Full details of these loan conditions are available on the Museum’s website www.museum.ie. The Museum also advises that the whereabouts of the bell from the Asgard II are not known.
450 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the increase in the numbers of foxes in Dublin North Central; and if local residents should be concerned. [26208/12]
I have responsibilities under the Wildlife Acts relating to the conservation of populations of certain wild animals but I have no regulatory role in relation to foxes as they are not a protected species under these Acts.
Foxes are widespread across Ireland and have adapted to the urban and suburban landscape. Like all wild animals, their populations will fluctuate naturally. At this time of year, when there are young cubs to feed, the adult foxes tend to be more active and therefore more obvious. Foxes play an important role in pest control given that much of their diet is composed of rats and mice.
452 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures he plans to put in place to protect endangered wildlife such as the golden and whitetail eagles, following the deaths of a number of eagles due to poisoning which is in breach of legislation introduced recently here following a directive from the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26232/12]
In response to of a number of poisoning incidents involving reintroduced birds of prey, such as golden eagles and the white tailed eagle, my Department published the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) (Restriction on Use of Poison Bait) Regulations 2010, which made it an offence for a person to use any type of meat, fish, egg or other animal substance as bait to poison or stupefy birds or animals, or in a manner likely to poison or stupefy, except under licence by my Department.
My Department is continuing with its investigations into two recent killings, as well as working with the Garda Síochána, farmers, shooting interests and environmental groups to reduce the incidence of poisoning, whether deliberate or accidental.
I consider such poisoning incidents as occurred recently to be completely unacceptable. They are damaging to our wildlife, to our reputation in countries which have allowed us source eagle chicks from their native stock, to tourism-related business in parts of the country where such business is especially important, and to the image generally of Ireland's healthy countryside. I urge all stakeholders to work with my Department in seeking to avoid the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
453 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he is or his Department has received any advice from the Director of the National Archives or the National Archives Advisory Council concerning the proposed merger of the National Archives with the National Library at any time since the announcement of that proposal in 2008; if so, he will report on that advice; if he intends to follow that advice; and the actions being taken or that are planned to be taken to do so. [26386/12]
478 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the savings he will expect to achieve in amalgamating the National Archives and the National Library; if he will address concerns expressed by a person (details supplied) in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27246/12]
480 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the headings under which costs are expected to be made, and the quantum of such savings, following the merger of the National Library, the National Archives and the Irish Manuscripts Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27260/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 453, 478 and 480 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply in the House earlier today to Priority Questions Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 5.
454 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his view on whether the National Archives has the accommodation, staff and other resources required to enable it to accept 30 year old records from all Departments of State in accordance with the terms of the National Archives Act, 1986; if he has identified any deficiency in its resources; the steps he has taken or plans to take to remedy those deficiencies. [26387/12]
477 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he is satisfied with the conditions under which the National Archives is operating in view of the fact that a warehouse is being used as temporary storage; the cost of building and maintaining said warehouse; when it is intended to provide a permanent building with adequate facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27245/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 454 and 477 together.
Firstly, I should point out that the National Archives building at Bishop Street is not a temporary storage building. It, along with the associated facility at the Four Courts, is the permanent home for the National Archives. While there have been issues with the Bishop Street building over the years, my Department, with the Office of Public Works (which has overall responsibility for the building), has endeavoured to improve the facilities there. Over the last year, almost €700,000 was spent to replace the roof and defective shutters and in making the warehouse watertight. This work was key to safeguarding the State's archives and will allow heretofore unseen files and papers be made available to the public. This will be the first stage of a phased improvement scheme that will aim to maximise the internal storage capacity of the facility. I am currently awaiting a costed scheme from the Office of Public Works in that regard.
As the Deputies are aware, there have been necessary reductions in programme and capital funding for all public bodies, including the National Archives and other cultural institutions, in recent years. Clearly, the economic realities pertaining to the public finances have to be addressed, while endeavouring at all times to maintain services to the public at our national cultural institutions.
455 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the impact that a ban on eel fishing is having in terms of loss of a particular heritage and unique fishing style using traditional hand-made wicker basket from Carrick-on-Suir that has been practised for generations in the Suir estuary; his views on the way that these very specialised and uniquely Irish practices that are distinctive to this region might be documented and the knowledge recorded, preserved and passed on to future generations; if he has liaised with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in relation to this issue; the progress that has been made; if he has not liaised with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, if he will consider working with them in order to preserve a distinctive heritage and fishing style that has been practised for generations, and the knowledge retained by a small group of people but which is in danger of being lost forever; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26391/12]
Issues in relation to the control of eel fisheries are a matter for the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and I have no statutory function in these matters.
In relation to the general issue of documenting the heritage aspect of this fishery, I understand that this is a matter which the local authority or the Heritage Council may be able to advise on.
457 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the criteria used in the designation of 53 Irish bogs as Special Areas of Conservation; if State owned or commercially owned bogs would meet these criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26541/12]
Under the EU Habitats Directive, each Member State is required to designate Special Areas of Conservation for the protection of endangered habitats and species as listed in the Directive. As part of Ireland's obligations under the Directive, 53 Special Areas of Conservation were nominated for designation between 1997 and 2002 for the protection of Active Raised Bog, Degraded Raised Bog still capable of natural regeneration and Bog Woodland. Each of these habitats is listed in Annex I of the Directive.
The choice of sites for selection as SACs arose from an extensive survey of the habitats in Ireland and the application of the scientific criteria specified in Annex III of the Directive. In short, the criteria used included:
The degree of representivity of the natural habitat type on the site.
The area of the site covered by the natural habitat type in relation to the total area covered by that natural habitat type within national territory.
The degree of conservation of the structure and functions of the natural habitat type concerned and restoration possibilities.
A global assessment of the value of the site for conservation of the natural habitat type concerned.
The reasoning behind the nomination for designation of each individual site is contained in theNatura 2000 standard data form, which can be viewed on my Department’s website at www.npws.ie. The ownership of these bogs was not a central consideration in their selection and the 53 sites comprised both State-owned and privately-owned lands. I am advised that most State-owned or privately-owned raised bogs outside of the areas selected for designation do not meet the criteria for selection as SACs. In most cases, the living surface of the bog has been removed. In a few cases, the bog surface has not been removed but the areas were extensively drained, resulting in the loss of the most sensitive species.
458 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the panel for hearing and determining appeals on turf cutting and harvesting rights has been established; the composition of the panel; when the panel will commence its work; when appeals will be heard; when appellants will be advised of the panel and the appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26542/12]
459 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding an appeal on turf cutting harvesting rights (details supplied); when a date will issue for the appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26543/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 458 and 459 together.
Under the provisions of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, the carrying out of certain works in natural heritage areas, including the extraction of turf, cannot take place without my consent, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Consent was refused for the works referred to in the Question, as they were considered to be damaging to the NHA. I understand that the individual in question has appealed against this decision.
My Department has established a panel from which to draw upon barristers or solicitors of not less than seven years standing to hear and determine appeals against decisions to refuse consent for the carrying out of certain works in natural heritage areas. My Department will be writing shortly to the individual referred to in the Question in relation to the hearing and determination of his appeal.
460 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount of funding committed to in his Department for capital projects; if he will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26625/12]
Under the Government's Medium Term Capital Investment Framework 2012-2016, some €190m has been committed to my Department's Vote Group over the next 5 years. This comprises €44m in 2012 (of which €43m has been allocated to my Department with a further €1m available to the National Gallery), €38m in 2013 and €36m each year for 2014, 2015 and 2016.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department's capital expenditure relates principally to meeting the ongoing costs of the Irish Film Board, the National Cultural Institutions, works to address EU compliance requirements in relation to our built and natural heritage, supporting employment through Údarás na Gaeltachta, and maintenance and development works carried out by Waterways Ireland.
The ACCESS programme, Gaeltacht Support Schemes and Islands capital expenditure account for the greatest share of my Department's commitments at present. The attached tables indicate the range of capital commitments made by my Department. It is not possible at this point to categorically specify when these commitments will arise as this is dependent upon grantees, when the works in question are fully completed, and all conditions are complied with.
|
Commitments |
|
|
SUBHEAD A.7: Cultural Infrastructure and Development (ACCESS) |
|
|
Abbey Theatre (Annual Capital Grant) |
50,000 |
|
Ionad Ealaíona, Beál an Mhuirthead (Mayo) |
15,790 |
|
Athlone Artist Studios and Gallery |
572,038 |
|
Ballina Arts Centre, Mayo |
52,025 |
|
Belltable Arts Centre, Limerick |
4,440 |
|
CREATE Dublin |
190,000 |
|
Dublin City Council Artists Studios |
108,048 |
|
Garage Theatre, Monaghan |
1,621,079 |
|
St. John’s Square, Limerick |
133,903 |
|
Limerick City Gallery of Art |
430,408 |
|
National Sculpture Factory, Cork |
15,068 |
|
Nenagh Community Arts Centre |
42,317 |
|
Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin |
266,454 |
|
Sweeney Memorial Library, Clare |
110,295 |
|
Irish Film Institute, Dublin |
129,143 |
|
Teach Siamsa, Finuge (Kerry) |
75,469 |
|
Theatre Royal, Waterford |
220,688 |
|
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Development Programme |
20,215 |
|
Music Network |
16,172 |
|
Wexford Festival Opera |
125,000 |
|
Cultural Infrastructure and Development Sub-total |
4,198,552 |
|
Subhead C.3: Gaeltacht Support Schemes |
|
|
Gaeltacht Roads |
94,737 |
|
Gaeltacht Piers |
97,676 |
|
Village Renewal |
10,759 |
|
Group Water Schemes |
5,013 |
|
Áiseanna Pobail and Teanga |
1,036,890 |
|
Gaeltacht Support Schemes Sub-total |
1,245,075 |
|
Subhead C.4: Irish Language Support Schemes |
|
|
Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe |
106,000 |
|
Subhead C.9: Islands |
|
|
Island Infrastructural Projects (Piers) |
1,034,000 |
|
Island Infrastructural Projects (Other Works) |
146,000 |
|
Aerodrome Development |
58,000 |
|
Islands Sub-total |
1,238,000 |
|
Total |
6,787,627 |
461 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht under section 34 of the Wildlife Act 1976, if he has responsibility for the issue of an annual licence to the Irish Coursing Club and its affiliated clubs to capture live hares. [26724/12]
My Department has received an application under the Wildlife Acts from the organisation in question on behalf of its affiliated clubs to facilitate the tagging and the capture of hares in relation to the holding of coursing meetings for the coming 2012/2013 season. The application is under consideration and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
462 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there are any grant schemes under Údarás na Gaeltachta that allocate funding for local health initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26737/12]
I have been advised by Údarás na Gaeltachta that the grant schemes it administers are not specific or limited to any one sector, such as funding for local health initiatives. Accordingly, each project is assessed on its own merits and this assessment is a matter for Údarás na Gaeltachta. Further information regarding the grant schemes administered by Údarás na Gaeltachta is available on its website atwww.udaras.ie.
463 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a heritage centre (details supplied) in County Kerry is under new ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26823/12]
My Department has no responsibility for the centre referred to by the Deputy.
464 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide the level of funding and any other support and investment provided by his Department to the film industry in 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26842/12]
The Irish Film Board is the independent statutory body responsible for the development and the promotion of the Irish film industry. Funding is provided by my Department to the Irish Film Board by the means of a grant-in-aid. Funding for the years in question is set out below:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2010 |
€19,272,000 |
|
2011 |
€18,431,000 |
|
2012 |
€15,690,000 |
In addition to funding provided by the Irish Film Board, my Department made a once-off capital refurbishment grant to Ardmore Film Studios of €222,000 in 2010.
465 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will direct the National Parks and Wildlife Service to prepare a map showing the details of the boundaries of the natural heritage area associated with the Royal Canal as it passes through Dublin City Council area, from the ninth level to the River Liffey; if he will confirm which public body determines public policy governing the spraying of herbicides, pesticides and so on, within this area; if he will report on the manner in which the NPWS, Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland cooperate and coordinate their efforts to maximise the ecological value and the social amenity of that particular NHA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26869/12]
I am arranging to have a copy of the map for the site in question, which is a proposed Natural Heritage Area, forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Under section 40 of the Wildlife Acts, the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction by other means of vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches is prohibited during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife, from 1 March to 31 August. This is subject to certain specific exceptions. In most instances, it is required by law that work to hedgerows is undertaken outside this period. Local authorities and relevant public bodies, including Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland, are reminded annually of their responsibilities in this regard by my Department.
My Department is available to advise and support these and other public bodies in meeting their obligations regarding the protection of wildlife under domestic and European law.
466 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the situation regarding property owners’ obligations under the National Monuments Act 1930 and specifically these applications in circumstances in which the property is substantially derelict, incapable of being repaired for habitation and is situated in the middle of a commercial farmyard; the way in such circumstances the owner may engage with the relevant authorities regarding the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26890/12]
The National Monuments Acts oblige the owner, or any other person, wishing to carry out work at or in relation to a monument included in the Record of Monuments and Places or in the Register of Historic Monuments to give notice of the proposal to the Minister and (except in a case of urgent necessity and with the Minister's consent) not to commence the work for a period of two months after the giving of notice. In the case of a monument subject to a Preservation Order, the Minister's express prior consent is required.
My Department's National Monuments Service will, on request, be pleased to provide advice in relation to the care and conservation of such monuments and the related statutory requirements.
467 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide for each of the years 2005 to 2011, in tabular form, details of all spending more than €1,000 by his Department or the previous relevant Department, including the amount, the name of the recipient, the name of the organisation or company, the specific purpose and if it was accounted for as capital or current spending, from the revised estimates sub-headings B4 and B5 in 2011 and D4 and D5 in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, that is, containing the descriptions cultural centres and projects, cultural infrastructure and development, or variants such as cultural projects or cultural infrastructure. [26901/12]
Owing to the volume of material concerned, the information sought by the Deputy could not be compiled in the time available. I will endeavour however to provide a comprehensive answer to the Deputy as soon as possible.
468 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline all staff appointments he has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their positions; their salaries; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26949/12]
Since the establishment of my Department in June 2012, I have appointed the following staff:
|
Grade |
Name |
Salary level |
|
Special Adviser |
James Kenny |
€38,216 (1st point of Principal Officer Standard Scale of €80,051, abated to take account of public service pension as a retired teacher). |
|
Special Adviser |
Damien Garvey |
€80,051 (1st point of Principal Officer Standard Scale) |
For the sake of completeness, I would advise that Mr. Seán Mac Cárthaigh acted as my Special Adviser from 10 March 2011 to 2 March 2012, prior to Mr. Garvey's appointment. During this period, Mr. Mac Cárthaigh continued to be employed by the Arts Council. His salary of €83,385 per annum was recouped to the Arts Council by my Department for this period.
I have also appointed a Personal Assistant and a Personal Secretary and the salary scales for each of these positions are €43,715-€56,060 and €23,820-€47,755 respectively.
In addition, both the Minister of State at my Department and I have each appointed two Civilian Drivers. The salary for a Civilian Driver is €631.75 per week.
All the above appointments are in line with Government Guidelines on Ministerial Appointments.
469 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the vetoing by his Department of the terms of a settlement brokered by the Labour Relations Commission between staff and management at the National Museums of Ireland compensating low paid staff for rostering changes resulting in significant hardship for the staff in question. [27031/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the management of staffing issues within the National Museum of Ireland is a day-to-day matter for the management and board of the Museum. In relation to the specific matter referred to by the Deputy, I am advised that the Museum management is in ongoing contact with the relevant staff association with a view to finalising an agreement that is consistent with both the Croke Park Agreement and previous agreements reached at the Labour Relations Commission. The Deputy will appreciate that agreements entered into by my Department and the bodies under its aegis, in relation to matters that come within the remit of the Croke Park Agreement, must adhere to the provisions of that Agreement.
470 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on correspondence (details supplied). [27055/12]
The matter referred to by the Deputy is the subject of a Government decision regarding the Public Sector Reform Plan, which was published in November 2011. The 'details supplied' format of the Question precludes me, however, from providing a more comprehensive reply, I will of course, be pleased to provide the Deputy with further information on this matter if he requests it using a less restrictive format.
472 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil na maoir atá freagrach as scéimeanna Fás atá á reáchtáil faoi choimirce Údarás na Gaeltachta i dteideal pinsin a fháil ón Údarás. [27132/12]
Tuigim ó Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil fostaíocht na maor atá luaite ag an Teachta ag brath ar mhaoiniú a bheith ar fáil ón Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí do na scéimeanna ar a bhfuil siad ag obair. Cé nach bhfuil na maoir páirteach i scéim pinsean an Údaráis, comhairlítear dom go bhfuil sé curtha in iúl ag an Údarás dóibh mar rogha chaighdéanach go bhfuil an deis acu páirt a ghlacadh i scéim pinsean príobháideach.
474 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the National Parks and Wildlife Service will confiscate and destroy thousands of unlawful nooski traps recently found to be in possession of a person (details supplied) in County Cork which are unlawful under Section 34(6) of the Wildlife Act 1976 as amended by Section 42 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000; if confiscation and destruction of such traps will be carried out by the National Parks and Wildlife Service instead of placing the onus on the UK supplier to recover them; if he will address the supplying of such traps here and the facilitation of their sale in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27135/12]
The use of traps, snares and nets in relation to wildlife is governed by the Wildlife Act 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003. The "Nooski Animal Trap" referred to by the Deputy does not meet the requirements set by these Regulations and is, therefore, illegal. Officials of my Department understand that the traps in question have been returned to the UK distributer.
475 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil a Roinn nó Údarás na Gaeltachta tar éis aon duine a athfhostú le déanaí a d’fhág a phost nó a post nuair a bhí an pacáiste luathscoir d’oibrithe san earnáil phoiblí ar fáil. [27136/12]
Faoi mar a chuir mé in iúl don Teach i mo fhreagra ar Cheist Pharlaiminte Uimh 324 ar 8 Bealtaine 2012, tá múinteoir scoile, atá ar scor, ag obair mar Chomhairleoir Speisialta i mo Roinn. Is é €38,216 in aghaidh na bliana a thuarastal, tar éis lacáiste i leith a phinsin. Níl éinne eile, atá ar scor, tar éis a bheith athfhostaithe ag mo Roinn.
Tuigim freisin go bhfuil na socruithe seo a leanas déanta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta maidir le conarthaí gearrthéarma i gcás beirt oifigeach dá chuid atá ar scor:
duine ar chonradh 4-mhí, ar tháinig deireadh leis ar 30 Aibreán 2012, mar Phríomhoifigeach Feidhmiúcháin eatramhach, ar chostas €20,916; agus
duine ar chonradh 6-mhí, a chríochnóidh ar 31 Lúnasa 2012, mar dhlíodóir, ar chostas €23,663.
Tuigim go bhfuil an prionsabal lacáiste curtha i bhfeidhm i ngach cás acu seo.
476 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a breakdown by year, on the level of funding provided to the National Archives and to the National Library over the past 10 years in tabluar form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27244/12]
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table below.
|
Year |
National Library |
National Archives |
||||
|
Current |
Capital |
Total |
Current |
Capital |
Total |
|
|
2003 |
€6,405,000 |
€1,000,000 |
€7,405,000 |
€937,000 |
€277,000 |
€1,214,000 |
|
2004 |
€6,974,000 |
€2,800,000 |
€9,774,000 |
€959,000 |
€477,000 |
€1,436,000 |
|
2005 |
€8,054,000 |
€1,350,000 |
€9,404,000 |
€1,130,000 |
€600,000 |
€1,730,000 |
|
2006 |
€9,067,000 |
€2,350,000 |
€11,417,000 |
€1,674,000 |
€1,100,000 |
€2,774,000 |
|
2007 |
€9,201,000 |
€4,000,000 |
€13,201,000 |
€1,800,000 |
€350,000 |
€2,150,000 |
|
2008 |
€9,752,000 |
€2,250,000 |
€12,002,000 |
€1,804,000 |
€350,000 |
€2,154,000 |
|
2009 |
€9,242,000 |
€1,500,000 |
€10,742,000 |
€1,515,000 |
€306,000 |
€1,821,000 |
|
2010 |
€7,848,000 |
€1,500,000 |
€9,348,000 |
€1,378,000 |
€400,000 |
€1,778,000 |
|
2011 |
€7,084,000 |
€1,000,000 |
€8,084,000 |
€1,058,000 |
€400,000 |
€1,458,000 |
|
2012 |
€6,620,000 |
€500,000 |
€7,120,000 |
€1,000,000 |
€409,000 |
€1,409,000 |
The allocations outlined above for the National Archives do not include salary and administration costs. As staff in the National Archives are civil servants of my Department, such costs are met directly from my Department's Administration Budget.
479 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding that will be required to digitise the 1926 Census; the legal and administrative problems that arise with this; when the legislation will be required to allow for the publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27247/12]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to enabling the publication of the 1926 Census. The project requires two principal components to be addressed. The first is the legal necessity to change the relevant legislation to permit publication of the Census before the expiry of the statutory 100 year period, while respecting certain rights. The second is the technical process whereby the material can be converted from the paper records to a searchable electronic database in a cost-effective fashion.
Legal advice has been obtained in relation to the legislative changes and consultation with relevant bodies is in progress. Possible technical approaches are also currently being considered, as are their resource implications. I intend to bring a Memorandum to Government on this matter in the near future.
481 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a person (details supplied) in County Galway affected by the cessation of turf cutting on their bog will receive compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27263/12]
The Government announced 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, for15 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 for qualifying turf cutters will be provided where legal agreements are signed with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
One of the qualifying criteria for the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme is that the claimant must have been cutting turf on the lands in question in the relevant five year period. If an individual has a legal interest in one of the 53 designated sites and had not been extracting turf in the relevant five year period, my Department is willing to examine the feasibility of relocating such interests to alternative non-designated bogs. It is not proposed to make the financial payment in such cases.
I understand that the individual referred to in the Question had not been extracting turf from the site in the relevant five year period and has not expressed an interest in relocation to an alternative non-designated bog. My Department will be writing to him in relation to his position in due course.
485 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to the issue of funding for Gaeltacht areas in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27365/12]
With regard to funding for Gaeltacht areas in Co. Kerry, my Department continues to provide both capital and current funding under the various Gaeltacht schemes and initiatives administered by my Department, details of which are available on its website atwww.ahg.gov.ie. As is the case with all other Gaeltacht areas, this funding continues to be provided in the context of competing demands and available resources. Funding is also provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta in line with its statutory remit and further information in this regard is available at www.udaras.ie.
486 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor Heritages Sites and buildings deemed to be at risk throughout in each of the past five years to date in 2012 on a county basis; the action taken of any on foot of such investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27499/12]
487 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he or his Department have received reports of threats of damage to any heritage sites or buildings throughout the country in each of the past three years to date; the action taken or pending arising therefrom; the location of such building or sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27500/12]
492 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of conservation measures in respect of sites or building taken in each of the past three years to date at various locations throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27505/12]
495 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will list the various conservation measures currently in place or proposed in the context of the preservative of buildings, sites or other locations throughout the country at present, those with EU legal base and otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27508/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 486, 487, 492 and 495 together.
My Department has a broad range of responsibilities in respect to the protection of our natural, architectural and archaeological heritage and, in each case, there is a different suite of legislative instruments that provides for protection of the relevant national heritage sites. The primary conservation measures for which the Deputy has sought information are as follows:
Natural Heritage Areas (NHA), Special Areas of Conservation Areas (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA), Nature Reserves, Flora Protection Orders and Refuges for Fauna made under the Habitats Regulations 1997-2011, transposing the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and the Wildlife Acts 1976-2000;
Structures included in Record of Protected Structures and Architectural Conservation Areas under Part IV (Architectural Heritage) of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011; and
Sites protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004.
My Department directly manages 6 national parks and 66 nature reserves. In addition, as noted above, it has responsibility for the monitoring of European nature sites established under the Birds and Habitats Directives, as well as a range of sites established under the Wildlife Acts. All sites designated for nature conservation have been identified as requiring protection and are monitored on an on-going basis.
Under the provisions of Part IV (Architectural Heritage) of the Planning and Development Acts, each planning authority is required to include in its development plan a Record of Protected Structures. The making of an addition to, or deletion from, a Record of Protected Structures is a reserved function of the planning authorities. Inclusion in the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them, seek to safeguard their future and serve notice to require works to be carried out in relation to endangerment of protected structures.
Section 59 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011 provides for a planning authority to serve notice to require works to be carried out in relation to endangerment of such structures. On the basis of information submitted by the planning authorities to my Department, there were 19 such notices served in 2008, 27 in 2009 and 10 in 2010. My Department does not have the relevant information for 2007 and figures for 2011 are currently being finalised.
The 757 national monuments in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht are managed and maintained by the Office of Public Works on a day to day basis. Local authorities are responsible for monuments in their ownership or guardianship. The vast majority of recorded monuments (approx 120,000) are, however, privately owned and, while they are protected under the National Monuments Acts, the owners are responsible for their maintenance. Appropriate action is taken where my Department becomes aware of threats or damage to monuments, including advice to owners, prosecution under the National Monuments Acts or, occasionally, rescue excavation work.
The management and delivery of specific conservation projects is generally carried out through bodies such as the OPW, local authorities and heritage organisations that receive grants awarded by the Heritage Council. This does not include private investment in conservation projects.
In the context of the above, my Department does not collate comprehensive information on the numbers of reports of actual damage or threats of damage to protected structures and sites. Information on the number of conservation measures in respect of sites or buildings taken in each of the past three years by location is not available to my Department.
The Deputy will appreciate that the scope to provide for the protection of the State's heritage assets is constrained by the current national economic difficulties and the significant reduction in the public finances. However, my Department will continue to provide funding for the protection, conservation and development of our built and natural heritage, in so far as resources allow, in accordance with best practice and legal requirements, both nationally and internationally, and will intervene as provided by law to protect such sites.
Finally as regards current and on-going initiatives to assist in the safe guarding of our Built Heritage, I would draw the Deputy's attention to a number of key developments.
In 2011 my Department set up an Expert Advisory Committee representing key stakeholders to review the operation of Part IV (Architectural Heritage) of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011. This review includes an examination of how the legislation is operating in practice regarding the protection and management of architectural heritage from a central and local government perspective and the need, in the light of current economic circumstances, to consider alternative ways of supporting the conservation of protected structures.
In the context of the Government Policy on Architecture 2009-2015, my Department is developing various policy actions which contribute to the protection and appropriate re-use of our built heritage and aims to deal with on-going strategic objectives indirectly effecting our architectural heritage such as adaptive re-use for historic properties and a forward plan-led approach to cultural heritage and urban design in our towns and cities.
My Department is responsible for the legislative framework, general policy development and promotional awareness of Ireland's built heritage. My Department also provides some limited funding for the built heritage directly or through the OPW. €1,252,000 has been provided in this year's Estimates for built heritage capital. My Department also provides funding to the Heritage Council, which, in turn, supports many heritage projects throughout the country. My Department is providing a total of €4,811,000 of Exchequer Funding for the Heritage Council in 2012, together with €1,500,000 from the Department's share of the Environment Fund. Final allocations for future years have not been decided.
While the current national economic difficulties and the significant reduction in the public finances pose considerable challenges, my Department continues to work creatively across Government and with partner bodies such as the Heritage Council, the Irish Heritage Trust, Fáilte Ireland, the LEADER Programme and other heritage interests in seeking to ensure that resources are directed towards the heritage sector.
488 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the numbers of bogs in Country Kildare affected by special areas of conservation’s generated restrictions on turf cuttings: the numbers and the location of any such bogs on which turf cutting is restricted by other conservation’s measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27501/12]
490 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the efforts that have been made to facilitate the traditional turf cutters at Coolceragh Bog in County Kildare; if the area is affected by a special area conservation or other conservation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27503/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 490 together.
There are 2 raised bog special areas of conservation (SACs) in Kildare protected under the EU Habitats Directive. There are also 2 Natural Heritage Area raised bogs in Kildare designated under national law in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife Acts.
The Government has put in place 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 for qualifying turf cutters will be provided where legal agreements are signed with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
The townlands of Coolearagh East and West in County Kildare are close to Ballynafagh Bog special area of conservation and to Hodgestown Bog natural heritage area (NHA).
Discussions have been ongoing with turf cutter representatives from Ballynafagh Bog special area of conservation. Progress has been made with a view to the relocation of qualifying turf cutters similar to relocation arrangements already concluded with groups from Clara Bog in County Offaly and Mountbellew in County Galway.
In 2010, the then Government decided that turf-cutting should come to an end on raised bog natural heritage areas at the end of 2013. However, in accordance with the Programme for Government, t he situation regarding the 75 raised bog NHAs will be reviewed in conjunction with the Peatlands Council and decisions will be made in advance of the cutting season in 2014.
Details of raised bog special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas in County Kildare are set out in the table, including the number of applications received under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, the number of applications acknowledged, the number of applicants expressing an interest in relocation out of the applications acknowledged, and the number of payments made.
|
Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas in County Kildare |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Site Code |
Site Name |
Total Number of Applications Received |
Total Number Acknowledged |
Total Number expressing an interest in relocation |
Total Number of payments made |
|
000391 |
Ballynafagh Bog SAC |
54 |
54 |
27 |
11 |
|
002231 |
Mouds Bog SAC |
45 |
38 |
13 |
4 |
|
001388 |
Cabury Bog NHA |
Not Applicable |
|||
|
001393 |
Hodgestown Bog NHA |
Not Applicable |
493 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he has had discussions with various community groups interested in the promotion of the Arts; the degree to which he has been in a position to offer tangible assistance to such groups throughout the country and in County Kildare in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27506/12]
The Government's priorities for the arts are set out in the Programme for Government. Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved primarily to the Arts Council. The Council is a statutory body, funded by my Department, and independent in its day-to-day operations, including in relation to its funding decisions.
I am acutely aware of the beneficial effects of arts in the community, both from the aspect of individual participation and that of community involvement, as well as their potential for impact in addressing social inclusion issues.
Since taking office, I have engaged extensively with the arts community at local and national levels. Following dialogue with local arts officers, a pilot interactive strategy has been put in place, which, I believe, will lead to more co-ordination in arts and culture activities at community and at local level. Many projects have received capital funding under the arts capital schemes operated by my Department. These projects — situated in the heart of communities — assist in local arts endeavours and I would urge communities to support and participate in the many and diverse range of activities offered by them throughout the State. Details of these payments are on my Department's websitehttp://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/Arts/ GrantsandFunding/CulturalDevelopmentExpenditure/
As the Deputy is aware, I also forwarded details to him on 25 April last of financial assistance provided by my Department to bodies/groups over the period since the establishment of my Department on 2 June 2011. In addition, I supplied information received from the Arts Council, which included assistance to groups in Co Kildare.
494 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he and his Department continue to promote traditional music and song at various levels and media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27507/12]
My Department is committed to enhancing our traditional culture by supporting groups and organisations involved in furthering the traditional arts. Since 2005, €20m has been provided in capital grant aid to organisations that promote traditional music and song such as Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Na Píobairí Uilleann (The Pipers Club) for infrastructural development throughout the State.
My Department provides an annual current grant to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. In 2012, this amounts to €1.675m. Comhaltas has over 400 branches nationwide and has been to the fore in training young people in the traditional arts.
Other organisations funded by my Department that encourage and foster the traditional arts of music and singing include the Arts Council, Foras na Gaeilge and Ealaín na Gaeltachta. These organisations provide funding to the many festivals held in the country every year where thousands of young people participate and are encouraged to develop their artistic talents. My Department also assists An Gael-Acadamh, which provides a range of classes for young people in the Connemara Gaeltacht.
I would especially like to direct the Deputy toCulturefox, an initiative paid for by my Department to promote the arts and culture. Culturefox is both a website and an “app”, and has a separate section for the promotion of traditional music and song. It is free to use for promoters and consumers alike.
496 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he can use Arts, Heritage and the Cultural arising therefore to promote a beneficial image of Ireland abroad thereby contributing to the economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27509/12]
Ireland's artistic and cultural strengths play an important role in underscoring our global cultural reputation. My Department'sCulture Ireland works to support Irish artists who have engaged very actively in helping to unlock the full potential of the key connection between culture, Ireland’s international reputation and tourism.
Culture Ireland also works closely with Tourism Ireland on a range of co-operative ventures, including promotional material for priority markets such as New York, joint support for events such as St. Patrick's Festival in Beijing and cross-promotion of Irish arts events abroad to maximise their cultural tourism potential.
In 2011Culture Ireland presented Imagine Ireland, a special year-long initiative, showcasing Irish arts and culture in the US throughout the year in an endeavour to provide a strategic platform to promote Irish tourism. More than 1,000 Irish artists were showcased in more than 500 events in more than 40 US States, working in partnership with key US festivals, venues and cultural institutions. Clusters of events were targeted to maximise the impact of key promotional opportunities, including St. Patrick’s week and Bloomsday, coordinating with Tourism Ireland and the Irish Embassy and Consulates. In the current year, it is seeking to build on that initiative and will also have an important role to play in the delivery of the Government’s cultural programme for the E. Presidency.
In addition, in 2013,Culture Ireland will continue to work closely with Tourism Ireland and The Gathering to showcase and celebrate Irish culture and encourage visitors to Ireland.
497 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he has engaged with the EU colleagues in the context of the promotion of the Arts and Heritage of Europe and this country as a result thereby enhancing tourism potential as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27510/12]
I meet with my EU colleagues on a regular basis, whether at formal gatherings such as meetings of the Council of Ministers or at more informal meetings. I always take the opportunities presented at these engagements to promote the positive aspects of the arts and heritage of this country.
I should say that our EU Presidency in 2013 will present an additional platform for cultural links to be enhanced with key European partners. My Department, throughCulture Ireland, is leading on the international dimension of the Cultural Programme for the EU Presidency.
498 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he intends to proceed with introducing a Media Mergers Bill separate from the Competition Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26245/12]
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. I have written to my colleague, Minister Bruton, in relation to the possibility of extracting the media merger-related provisions from the proposed Consumer and Competition Bill and this issue remains under discussion. The Government is 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.
499 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the evidence his Department has, from Inland Fisheries Ireland, to back up a statement that sea lice induced mortality can be significant and that sea lice larvae emanating from farmed salmon may influence individual survivorship and population conservation status of wild salmon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26293/12]
The statement I made to the House is supported by a recent scientific study entitled "Evidence for sea lice-induced marine mortality of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in western Ireland from experimental releases of ranched smolts treated with emamectin benzoate”, P. Gargan, P.G., Forde, G., Hazon, N., Russell, D.J.F. and Todd.
The study cites a number of internationally respected papers on the issue. The study was also published in the prestigious Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences C.D. (2012), Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 69: 343-353.
I have arranged for a copy of the study to be forwarded to the Deputy.
500 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to a report in a newspaper (details supplied) on 20 May 2012, which claimed that he had called in newspaper editors in response to concerns of what was described as a continuous cycle of negative media coverage, if he will confirm that he did call in editors of newspapers; the dates that such meetings took place; the content of these meetings; and if he thinks it appropriate for his Department to bring pressure to bear on newspaper editors to publish reports of which he approves. [26309/12]
I did not call in any newspaper editor on any date.
501 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the retrofit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26319/12]
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Programme.
Exchequer funding of €76.146 million has been allocated to the Better Energy Programme in 2012, which is projected to deliver 524GWh in energy savings. The Better Energy Programme includes Better Energy Homes, Warmer Homes and Better Energy Workplaces.
Better Energy Homes provides financial assistance to householders who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes. Fixed grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying BER. Since the scheme commenced in March 2009 the SEAI has disbursed over €133m in grants and supported the installation of over 300,000 such measures in 126,761 homes.
Better Energy Warmer Homes delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is managed by the SEAI and delivered through a range of Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage. Since the commencement of the Programme in 2000 energy efficiency upgrades have been delivered to 82,669 homes amounting to €82.959 million in Exchequer funding.
The table below details the number of energy efficiency measures delivered and grants paid from the Exchequer under the Better Energy programme in 2011 and 2012:
|
2011 |
Better Energy Homes |
Better Energy Warmer Homes |
|
Homes Completed |
47,594 |
20,388 |
|
Measures Completed |
138,227 |
N/A |
|
Total Spend (€m) |
€57.620 |
€21.430 |
|
2012 (Jan-end May) |
||
|
Homes Completed |
16,489 |
2,281 |
|
Measures Completed |
45,814 |
N/A |
|
Total Spend (€m) |
€15.603 |
€1.694 |
502 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to the Conservation of Eel Fishing (Prohibition On Issue of Licences) Bye-Law No. 858, 2009, if he will provide a roadmap and terms of reference for the upcoming National Eel Management Plan, outlining the key stakeholders, and specifying how and when these stakeholders will be identified and engaged with; if he expects the consultation period to end; when the Eel Management Plan is due to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26417/12]
503 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the terms of reference of the national eel survey will be broadened to incorporate a study into the heritage value of the baited pot fishery, and other distinctive and unique fishing practices as have been carried out in the Suir Estuary; if this will be incorporated into the national eel survey, on a scientific basis in order to establish a catch per unit effort time series; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26418/12]
504 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the impact the ban on eel fishing is having in terms of loss of a particular heritage and unique fishing style that has been practiced for generations in the Suir Estuary; his views on the way these very specialised and uniquely Irish practices might be documented and the knowledge recorded, preserved and passed on to future generations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26419/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 502 to 504, inclusive, together.
I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that surveys of transitional or estuarine waters during the monitoring of eels stocks under Ireland's Eel Management Plan (EMP) over the last three years showed differences between each water body and between the transitional waters and lakes.
The transitional waters contained significantly smaller eels than the lakes. The highest catch per unit effort values were recorded in the transitional waters of the Barrow/Nore/Suir. Low recapture of tagged eels most likely indicate high levels of movement within these transitional waters and make population estimation difficult The current data make it very challenging to provide an estimate of silver eel escapement/production for such a large transitional water bodies.
Due to the difficulties in obtaining density estimates for eels in large water bodies and the migratory habits of eels moving upstream into the rivers and/or leaving the transitional water as silver eel, estimating silver eel escapement/production for transitional waters remains extremely challenging.
The incorporation of baited pots into the national eel survey to establish a catch per unit effort time series will not address the current challenges of deriving a robust population estimate for eels in transitional waters.
Telemetry studies, currently underway, will give a clearer indication of the movement habits of eels in estuaries and improve population density estimates.
The National Eel Management Plan prepared in 2009 is currently being updated following the provision of three additional years of scientific research and monitoring of the status of Eels stocks.
Posting of the latest independent Standing Scientific Committee reports on eels onto Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)'s website is imminent and a link to this publication will also be available on the Department's website. IFI's three year eel monitoring report will also available on line.
Ireland's Eel Management Plan Implementation report, which details progress on Ireland's 2009 Eel Management Plan, is due to be submitted to the EU by the end of June.
In relation to the information contained in these reports and prior to consideration of the continuation of existing measures, a public consultation period will commence this month.
Submissions made during the public consultation period will be considered in formulating proposals for the management of the eel fishery for the coming years. Existing stakeholders shall be advised of the consultation period and invited to attend a series of seminars detailing the latest scientific data.
505 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grants apply to houses that were built before 2006; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26558/12]
506 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the criteria the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland use for their build date for applications for an insulation grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26559/12]
507 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the insulation grants available for houses that were built prior to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26560/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 505 to 507, inclusive, together.
The Better Energy Homes programme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and provides grants to homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes through insulation and heating upgrades.
Better Energy Homes is demand-led and open to all homeowners of dwellings built, completed and occupied before 2006. Homes built from 2006 onwards are legally required to have been constructed to the standards set in the 2003 Building Regulations. It would not be cost-effective for the Exchequer to provide a financial incentive to homeowners seeking to upgrade their property as the resulting energy savings would be minimal for properties which should be in legal compliance with the Building Regulation Standards.
The table below outlines the grant levels available for all measures supported under Better Energy Homes:
|
Better Energy: Homes scheme |
Current Support Levels € |
|
Roof Insulation |
200 |
|
External wall insulation |
|
|
Apartment (any) OR Mid-terrace House |
1,800 |
|
Semi-detached OR End of terrace |
2,700 |
|
Detached House |
3,600 |
|
Internal Wall Dry-Lining |
|
|
Apartment (any) OR Mid-terrace House |
900 |
|
Semi-detached OR End of Terrace |
1,350 |
|
Detached House |
1,800 |
|
Cavity Wall Insulation |
250 |
|
High Efficiency Gas or Oil fired Boiler with Heating Controls Upgrade |
560 |
|
Heating Controls Upgrade |
400 |
|
BER After Upgrade Works (Only one BER grant per home) |
50 |
|
Solar Thermal |
800 |
508 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form the number of households and businesses who have received grant aid for heating upgrades in Dublin broken down by area postcode. [26575/12]
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Programme. My Department is advised by the SEAI that over 126,000 homes have received energy efficiency upgrades under the Better Energy Homes programme since the scheme was launched in May 2009.
The Better Energy Homes programme is demand-led and open to all homeowners of dwellings built before 2006. Better Energy Homes provides support to homeowners towards the installation of attic and wall insulation, and heating system upgrades including solar thermal with the works being undertaken by privately appointed contractors.
The table below outlines the numbers of grant payments for heating upgrades within in the Dublin area, broken down by postal district, for Better Energy Homes from 2009 — up to 31 May 2012 inclusive:
|
Postcode |
Heating upgrade Grants |
|
Dublin 1 |
36 |
|
Dublin 10 |
76 |
|
Dublin 11 |
398 |
|
Dublin 12 |
472 |
|
Dublin 13 |
520 |
|
Dublin 14 |
648 |
|
Dublin 15 |
856 |
|
Dublin 16 |
698 |
|
Dublin 17 |
83 |
|
Dublin 18 |
386 |
|
Dublin 2 |
30 |
|
Dublin 20 |
98 |
|
Dublin 22 |
220 |
|
Dublin 24 |
387 |
|
Dublin 3 |
435 |
|
Dublin 4 |
350 |
|
Dublin 5 |
628 |
|
Dublin 6 |
342 |
|
Dublin 6W |
399 |
|
Dublin 7 |
453 |
|
Dublin 8 |
206 |
|
Dublin 9 |
628 |
|
Co Dublin |
3,457 |
|
Total |
11,806 |
509 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount that he has paid to the Communications Clinic since the appointment of a person (details supplied) to the board of RTÉ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26584/12]
No payments have been made by me or my Department to the Communications Clinic since the appointment of Mr. Tom Savage to the Board of RTÉ.
510 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding salmon counters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26616/12]
I have been advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that the 2011 national fish counter report is due for publication shortly. For the Deputy's convenience the 2011 fish count figures for the River Feale are shown below.
This information was also disseminated and presented to representatives from all the River Feale angling clubs (including the Association referred to by the Deputy), commercial draft net fishermen, rated occupiers and other interested groups at the launch of the Feale Initiative meeting with Minister Deenihan earlier this year, with subsequent discussion on all aspects of the River Feale catchment at the working group meeting held in April.
In relation to the surplus of 3,749 fish available for harvest a significant amount of data is inputted to the scientific model annually, to determine the quotas on open rivers, the final quota figure is based on a five year rolling average.
I have been advised by IFI that they replied directly in detail to the Angling Association referred to by the Deputy by letter dated 24 May 2012, a copy of which was forwarded to the Deputy.
I appreciate the concern of all stakeholders of the River Feale and hope that those concerns are addressed through the River Feale Initiative Working Group.
The following table shows the 2011 figures recorded for the River Feale.
|
Fish Up |
Fish Down |
|
|
January |
59 |
0 |
|
February |
100 |
2 |
|
March |
210 |
65 |
|
April |
436 |
162 |
|
May |
847 |
36 |
|
June |
611 |
16 |
|
July |
605 |
14 |
|
August |
1,018 |
6 |
|
September |
781 |
0 |
|
October |
621 |
47 |
|
November |
103 |
6 |
|
December |
71 |
0 |
|
Total |
5,462 |
354 |
511 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of funding committed to in his Department for capital projects; if he will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26627/12]
€119.8m (including capital carryover) has been committed to my Department for capital projects in 2012. Details of the funding committed and drawdown to end May are set out in the table below. The balance of funding is to be drawn down over the remainder of 2012.
|
Vote 29. Communications Energy and Natural Resources Vote — Capital Subheads |
Estimate 2012 |
Expenditure to End May 2012 |
|
€000’s |
€000’s |
|
|
Office Equipment, External IT Services, Equipment Stores and Maintenance |
1,101 |
178 |
|
Information and Telecommunications Technology Programme |
12,366 |
631 |
|
Multimedia Developments |
5,750 |
1,616 |
|
Deontas i Leith Theilifís na Gaeilge |
835 |
228 |
|
Grants for Digital Terrestrial Television |
250 |
0 |
|
Sustainable Energy Programmes |
79,646 |
21,127 |
|
Energy Research Programmes |
6,700 |
214 |
|
Strategic Energy Infrastructure |
1 |
0 |
|
Mining Services |
1,805 |
0 |
|
Geoscience Initiatives |
2,138 |
523 |
|
National Seabed Survey |
3,000 |
574 |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
1,450 |
400 |
|
Inland Fisheries |
4,258 |
208 |
|
Capital Contingency |
500 |
0 |
|
Total |
119,800 |
25,699 |
512 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the fact that drilling will be commencing shortly off different parts of our coastline, if there is any mechanism that can be put in place to ensure that the drilling exploration companies will offer a fair share and proportion of the jobs to Irish persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26907/12]
The level of exploration activity offshore Ireland is low, with on average only one to two wells drilled per year over the past decade. As a consequence of the low level of drilling activity there are no offshore drilling rigs permanently based in Ireland. When an exploration well is to be drilled exploration companies engage an international drilling contractor to bring a rig along with its existing crew to carry out the drilling operation. Exploration drilling in the Irish offshore does give rise to some employment opportunities in ancillary supply/support areas such as ports. Until there is a much higher level of exploration drilling in the Irish offshore, this situation is likely to remain unchanged.
By way of illustration of the low level of drilling, only one exploration well was drilled in the Irish offshore last year and while my Department is aware that plans are being advanced for further exploration drilling, no application for drilling approval has been received by my Department to date this year.
513 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline all staff appointments he has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their position; their salary; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26951/12]
There have been no staff appointments to my Department since last March.
514 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is concerned about salmon poaching in inland rivers; the measures that are taken to ensure quotas allocated to landowners are adhered to; the measures taken to ensure quotas allocated to anglers are adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27150/12]
Salmon quotas are allocated only in respect of individual rivers which are above their predetermined conservation limit and are based on annual scientific advice. Allocations are made to two separate groups; commercial fishermen and recreational anglers (including domestic and tourist anglers) based on consultation within the local Fishery District Committees comprised of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) representatives and local stakeholders.
These quotas are strictly controlled and enforced by IFI. Essentially any fish landed from an agreed allocation must be recorded by means of a unique numbered and colour coded tag. Tagging is an important element in the battle against poaching via helping to enforce the conditions under which wild salmon can be legally caught or offered for sale.
Salmon caught by anglers are marked with a blue tag and it is illegal to offer a fish bearing a blue tag for sale.
A commercially caught whole salmon is tagged with green, white or orange tag (to indicate fishing method), which is uniquely numbered to assist traceability. Salmon tagged in these categories may only be offered for sale by fishermen or dealers who are specifically licensed.
IFI takes very seriously its obligation to safeguard wild stocks in line with conservation imperatives and invests very significant time and resources protecting the wild salmon stock in rivers and along our coast. I am satisfied that they are doing all that is possible to reduce illegal fishing, protect the resource and to ensuring that the commercial and recreational fishermen adhere to their licensing conditions.
If members of the public suspect that illegal fishing is taking place they should advice IFI via the poaching and pollution hotline 1890-347424 and report suspected incidents.
515 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has considered a cost saving measure for the postal service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27153/12]
An Post is statutorily required, as the designated universal service provider under the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act of 2011, to provide a universal postal service. The essential element of this obligation is the collection and delivery of mail to every address in the State on every working day.
The universal service obligation is a form of safety net, ensuring by way of regulatory obligations that a minimum set of services is provided at an affordable price for the benefit of all users, irrespective of their geographical location. It is a fundamental principle of the regulatory framework for postal services and is an explicit requirement of the EU Postal Services Directive which has provided for the gradual and controlled opening of the postal services market to competition.
The Deputy may wish to note that the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act of 2011 also makes provision for a compensation mechanism if it is found that the universal service obligation is an unfair burden on the designated universal service provider.
516 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to review the remit of State broadcasting stations, including a review of the type of material produced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27157/12]
The remit of the public service broadcasters, RTÉ and TG4 is set out in, respectively, Section 114 and Section 118 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. These Sections of the Act set out the principal objects and associated powers of RTÉ and TG4. Section 98 provides that both corporations shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects.
Section 124(2) of the Act charges the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) with carrying out an annual review of the extent to which RTÉ and TG4 have fulfilled their commitments in respect of their public service objects. This review also examines the adequacy of funding of both broadcasters and is ultimately laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
I have no plans to change the aforementioned current position as provided for in the Act. Regarding RTÉ specifically and following the BAI report on RTÉ's Mission to Prey programme, as I stated following my recent meeting with the Board, the Company has committed to submitting a quarterly monitoring report measuring new processes and arrangements being embedded into the organisation. While I will not be encroaching on RTÉ's independence as outlined above, this additional process should assist in mitigating editorial risks.
517 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the process for particular districts in Dublin City to change postal code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27440/12]
I have no statutory function in regard to the issue raised by the Deputy. This is an operational matter for the management and Board of An Post.
I have contacted An Post and asked that they reply directly to the Deputy in this regard.
518 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a non-principal private residence waiver in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26254/12]
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and liability for it falls, in the main, on owners of rental, holiday and vacant properties. The Act has a starting position of a universal liability for residential property and then goes on to exempt certain properties, the most important exemption being where the property concerned is occupied by the owner as his or her sole or main residence on the liability date.
The Act does not provide for waivers and instead places collection of the charge under the care and management of local authorities. I have recently issued guidelines to local authorities in relation to the operation of the 'care and management' provisions in the context of individual situations where genuine hardship in having to discharge a liability in a single payment can be demonstrated. In such cases, the guidelines set out the modalities for local authorities in entering into payment arrangements for the discharge of outstanding liabilities in instalments over a specified period. Enquiries in this regard should be directed to the relevant local authority.
519 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide the number of local authority managers in the State and their salaries in tabular form; the number of chief fire officers in the State and their salaries in tabular form; the number of local authority senior engineers working in the State and their salaries in tabular form; his plans to merge civil and public servant management teams, fire chiefs, county managers and senior engineers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26300/12]
In March 2012 there were 34 City and County Managers, 29 Chief Fire Officers, and 164 Senior Engineers employed in local authorities. The salaries of City and County managers, senior engineers and chief fire officers are set out in the tables below.
Local authority senior management structures are being downsized. The numbers of Directors of Service have decreased by 23% since 2008, from 262 in June 2008 to 209 currently and local authorities are working towards the Local Government Efficiency Review (LGER) target of 190 Directors. A workforce planning process is underway which in the first instance concentrates on the implementation of the recommendations of the LGER in respect of senior management in local authorities.
The Government has approved proposals to establish single local authorities to replace Limerick County Council and Limerick City Council and North and South Tipperary County Councils, by mid 2014. In both cases, the establishment of interim management arrangements, whereby a single person would oversee both authorities in the run up to full merger, was also approved. The amalgamation of the Limerick and Tipperary local authorities will result in a reduction in the number of city and county managers and a reduction at the number of senior and middle management levels.
The wider local government reform proposals that I will be bringing to Government shortly will focus particularly on strengthening structures generally at regional, county and sub-county levels and expanding the role of local government. The programme will also reflect other work in progress in relation to various aspects of local government, including the merger and restructuring processes that I have referred to, efficiency implementation, local government financing, local development and local government alignment.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management and local authorities are bringing forward a framework for keeping communities safe which sets out principles and national standards for fire services operations, together with other measures to improve effectiveness and efficiency — including shared services.
|
Local Authority Manager |
Salary |
|
Dublin City Council |
€189,301 |
|
Cork County Council |
€162,062 |
|
Fingal County Council |
|
|
South Dublin County Council |
|
|
Cork City Council |
€153,260 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
|
|
Kildare County Council |
|
|
Meath County Council |
|
|
Limerick City Council |
€142,469 |
|
Clare County Council |
|
|
Donegal County Council |
|
|
Galway County Council |
|
|
Kerry County Council |
|
|
Kilkenny County Council |
|
|
Limerick County Council |
|
|
Louth County Council |
|
|
Mayo County Council |
|
|
South Tipperary County Council |
|
|
Westmeath County Council |
|
|
Wexford County Council |
|
|
Wicklow County Council |
|
|
Galway City Council |
€132,511 |
|
Waterford City Council |
|
|
Carlow County Council |
|
|
Cavan County Council |
|
|
Laois County Council |
|
|
Leitrim County Council |
|
|
Longford County Council |
|
|
Monaghan County Council |
|
|
Offaly County Council |
|
|
Roscommon County Council |
|
|
Sligo County Council |
|
|
North Tipperary County Council |
|
|
Waterford County Council |
|
Point |
Rate 01/01/2010 |
|
1 |
€73,223 |
|
2 |
€74,957 |
|
3 |
€76,685 |
|
4 |
€78,417 |
|
5 |
€80,148 |
|
6 |
€81,886 |
|
LSI 1 |
€84,500 |
|
LSI 2 |
€87,117 |
|
Chief fire Officer (Dublin City Council) |
Chief Fire Officer |
||
|
Point |
Rate 01/01/2010 |
Point |
Rate 01/01/2010 |
|
1 |
€78,368 |
1 |
€73,223 |
|
2 |
€81,185 |
2 |
€74,957 |
|
3 |
€83,995 |
3 |
€76,685 |
|
4 |
€86,809 |
4 |
€78,417 |
|
5 |
€89,623 |
5 |
€80,148 |
|
LSI 1 |
€92,583 |
6 |
€81,886 |
|
LSI 2 |
€95,540 |
LSI 1 |
€84,500 |
|
LSI 2 |
€87,117 |
520 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider introducing further legislation or amendments to anti-social behaviour legislation to resolve neighbours and local disputes on high hedges and high trees, especially evergreens with a role for local authorities to invigilate and resolve such disputes including a maximum height order where necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26357/12]
521 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to reduce car tax for vehicles that are dual fuel gas and petrol in view of the fact that these vehicles have zero emissions. [26421/12]
A new emissions based motor tax system was introduced in 2008, together with changes to Vehicle Registration Tax, in order to influence the future purchasing decisions of car buyers. The owners of vehicles, including dual fuel vehicles, registered prior to 1 July 2008 continue to pay motor tax on the basis of engine capacity. Tax on dual fuel vehicles, which do not have zero levels of carbon emissions, is based on the CO2 emissions level of the vehicle, as shown on the manufacturer's Certificate of Conformity, if registered after that date.
I do not anticipate that the current review of the CO2 banding and rates for motor tax for post-2008 vehicles will change the basis for charging motor tax for dual fuel vehicles.
522 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason an English national, living here for 10 years, paying taxes, having bought property here and married to a lady who has an Irish background is denied the right to vote on the upcoming Fiscal Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26423/12]
531 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to vote in elections [27572/12]
571 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding voting entitlements for D class voters; the rationale for restricting voting rights to Dáil Éireann elections, European elections and local elections; his plans to reform the system of voter registration and extending voting rights to this cohort taking into account the duration of residency in the State and paid taxes and social insurance contributions. [26623/12]
633 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding UK citizens [27460/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 522, 531, 571 and 633 together.
Subject to age and residency requirements, a registered elector's citizenship determines the polls at which he or she is entitled to vote. British Citizens (denoted by ‘D' on registers) may vote at Dáil, European Parliament and local elections. Irish Citizens alone are entitled to vote in Presidential elections and referendums.
While electoral law is subject to ongoing review, I have no proposals at present to extend the current arrangements for voting by non-Irish citizens.
523 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the relationship between Bord Gáis and Irish Water after the former is privatised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26480/12]
The Government decided on 17 April 2012, that Irish Water should be established as independent state owned company within the Bord Gáis Group. Irish Water will be a public utility, wholly owned by the State. The water service will remain in public ownership as is the case in most countries in Europe and further afield.
BGE has key capabilities that can be brought to bear in the establishment of Irish Water, including experience in operating as a utility in a regulated environment and a track record in raising finance, and has specific skills from its own experience of transformation, customer relations, network management, metering and utility operation that can be quickly deployed to assist in the successful establishment and operation of Irish Water. The skills within the Bord Gáis Group will be paired with the experience and commitment to service in local authorities and the specific water and wastewater capabilities and expertise that exist in local government to build the new organisation.
In the context of the Government's commitment under the Programme for Government and the EU/IMF Agreement in relation to State assets, the Government has decided to sell Bord Gáis Energy, which is a separate business unit of the Bord Gáis Éireann (BGE) group dealing with electricity and gas supply as well as power generation. The Government has also reiterated its commitment to retaining BGE's gas networks and interconnectors in State ownership. I am confident that Bord Gáis will continue to contribute to achieving key Government and national objectives in its ongoing management of the strategic gas infrastructure as well as the sale of the Bord Gáis Energy business and the establishment of the new Irish water utility.
524 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider permitting persons to pay their road tax for 12 months in instalments through a direct debit of 12 monthly payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27190/12]
620 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, in the current environment, he will consider a proposal to allow persons to pay motor tax through a direct debit system by spreading the annual cost over a 12 month period, as currently exists for television licences for example, rather than the current situation where a surcharge is incurred by those who have to pay in instalments of three months, thereby increasing the overall cost for those persons who do not have access to the total annual cost up-front; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27146/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 524 and 620 together.
I have no plans currently to introduce a monthly direct debit payment option for motor tax. The surcharge on non-annual vehicle licences was designed to cover the higher administrative costs involved. Current surcharge levels are lower than the maximum permitted under motor tax law.
The estimated annual income from the increased charges for half-year and quarterly vehicle licences is in the region of €20m. Were a monthly pro-rata system to be introduced, the loss in income would have to be compensated for elsewhere in the motor tax system, or through the taxation system generally. It would also have a negative transitional impact on the flow of income to the Local Government Fund and consequently on grant allocations to local authorities from the Fund.
In considering options for payment by direct debit, regard would also have to be had to the set-up costs in the motor tax system, any increased ongoing administrative and financial controls/costs, bank charges, uncertainty as to payment of motor tax and subsequent problems for enforcement of non-payment and retrieval of motor tax discs. In addition, changes of vehicle ownership, over 750,000 annually, undertaken during an instalment period could also present major problems.
525 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a response will issue to correspondences (details supplied) [27259/12]
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each City and County Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. Accordingly, this issue is a matter for the relevant local authority.
526 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Gaeltacht areas in County Kerry will come under the LEADER programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27365/12]
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG), the group contracted by my Department to deliver Axes 3 and 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) in Gaeltacht areas, went into liquidation on 7 September 2011. Progress, in the context of the legal "winding up" process, is currently ongoing.
Local Action Groups in contiguous geographical areas have been engaged to implement an interim system to facilitate grant payment to projects that were at an advanced stage of development. Many of these project files have now been sent to the relevant Local Action Groups who are contacting promoters directly to facilitate payment.
In the context of the delivery of Axes 3 and 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme in Gaeltacht areas, including the Gaeltacht areas in Kerry, for the remainder of the programme period, my Department requested expressions of interest, in March 2012, to deliver the programme in these areas. The submissions received are now being examined as part of this process with a view to determining the competent bodies to deliver the RDP going forward.
527 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will remove the public sector recruitment embargo on the Dublin Fire Brigade service to ensure adequate staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27381/12]
The recruitment moratorium in the Public Service was introduced by the Government in March 2009 as an emergency measure in response to the financial crisis facing the State. Under the terms of the moratorium no public service post, however arising, may be filled. When vacancies arise, public bodies must reallocate or reorganise work or staff accordingly.
My Department has delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for implementation of the moratorium across all local authorities. Under the terms of the moratorium all local authority exceptions must be sanctioned by my Department.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements, including recruitment and day to day operational measures, necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. In this regard, it is a matter for City and County Managers, in the first instance, to ensure that the reduction in staff numbers is managed so that the appropriate service level is maintained.
My Department works very closely with local authorities to ensure that critical posts are filled while overall numbers are reduced. All staffing sanction requests are examined on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services and the need for further reduction in overall staffing levels and expenditure in the local authority.
Local authorities have been early movers in terms of staff reductions. Between June 2008 and March 2012 staff numbers have reduced by 8,432 (20%) from 37,243 whole time equivalent WTE to 28,811 WTE. In the context of the very significant overall staff reductions, I am satisfied that fire service numbers have been protected, and I understand that the position in relation to staffing in Dublin Fire Brigade is kept under constant review by Dublin City Council management.
In the case of Dublin City Council, its overall staff numbers have reduced from 7,326.15 WTE in June 2008 to 5,873.45 in March 2012, a reduction of 1,452.7 (20%). In the same period the total number of full time fire fighters in Dublin City Council increased from 825 WTE to 858 WTE.
528 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the local authorities are required to advertise for the procurement of horticultural supplies and services; if he is satisfied that these services are being advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27391/12]
The Public Procurement Guidelines issued by the National Public Procurement Policy Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform apply to all public sector bodies, including local authorities, and would include contracts for horticultural supplies and services.
The Guidelines provide that supplies or services less than €5,000 in value may be purchased on the basis of verbal quotes from one or more competitive suppliers and those between €5,000 and €25,000 in value on the basis of responses to specifications sent by fax or email to at least three suppliers or service providers. Contracts with an estimated value of €25,000 or more are requested to be advertised on the national public procurement websiteetenders.gov.ie. While contracting authorities are not required to advertise on this website for requirements below €25,000, they are encouraged to do so if the anticipated response would not be disproportionate, having regard to the value of the goods and services. Depending on the nature of the requirement, it may be appropriate to supplement national website advertising in other media, trade publications and/or other websites.
Contracting authorities are also advised to work closely with the National Procurement Service to promote efficiencies and economies in contracting for supplies and general services. I have no information as regards any non-compliance with these requirements to advertise prior to procurement.
529 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on amending the Motor Vehicles and Duties Licence Act to apply the CO2 emission-based motor tax to all vehicles with certificates and manufacturer accredited CO2 emissions, regardless of when the vehicle was registered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27640/12]
530 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the CO2 based motor tax is not applied to vehicles with verifiable CO2 emissions registered before 1 January 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27637/12]
534 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will amend the Motor Vehicle Act 2008 to eliminate the discrimination against the eco friendly car (details supplied) which if registered in 2007 is not eligible for the reduced motor tax rate due to its emission free status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26143/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 529, 530 and 534 together.
I have no plans to bring in legislation to change the basis for charging motor tax for vehicles registered prior to 2008 to the CO2 system. The question of applying the new CO2 based motor tax system to all cars was subject to detailed discussion during the debate on the Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Act 2008. Any retrospection would not be possible, as the CO2 data for the pre-2008 car fleet have not been authenticated for business purposes. The cost of any retrospection could be substantial were it possible, depending on how it applied, and could have direct implications for the revenue base of local government. Any loss in revenue would have to be compensated for elsewhere in the motor tax system, or through the taxation system generally.
532 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has an assessment of the overall successes and failures of the rural resettlement programme; if he has any similar programme planned for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26132/12]
533 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if persons in receipt of social welfare payments can purchase houses under the tenant purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26136/12]
Persons in receipt of social welfare payments are not specifically precluded from purchasing their home under any tenant purchase scheme. However, if the applicants are applying to fund the purchase through loan finance from the local authority they must meet the criteria which apply to such loans. Provisions governing mortgage lending by local authorities are set out under the Housing (Local Authority Loans) Regulations 2009 and associated credit policy. To ensure effective targeting of resources, loan finance continues to be available to first-time buyers only. Income limits are also in place, distinguishing between single and dual income households and a maximum loan limit is applied. In assessing loan applications local authorities take account of the household's ability to finance the loan based on their net household income. While, as a general rule, the credit policy provides that loans are not available to those in receipt of unemployment/social welfare benefits, an exception may be made where there is a primary income of a permanent waged/salaried nature and where the secondary income is from the Department of Social Protection.
In such cases, long-term social welfare payments can be considered, provided the long-term nature of the payment is confirmed. The final decision on whether to grant/refuse an applicant lies solely with the relevant local authority. All local authorities must satisfy themselves on the financial risk they are undertaking. These provisions apply for purposes of mortgage lending by all local authorities.
535 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if an amalgamation of services between Galway County and City Council is being considered in the context of efficiencies in local government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26161/12]
Decisions on local authority structures generally will be a matter for Government, in light of the broader reform proposals to be finalised shortly. In the meantime, the local government sector is progressing with the implementation of necessary efficiencies, including the development of shared services, continuing reductions in staff numbers and assessment of options for joint working and back office support, in accordance with the recommendations of the review group. Implementation of these efficiencies, including the amalgamation and sharing of service provision between local authorities, will be progressed vigorously alongside the wider reform proposals currently being finalised.
536 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he anticipates that changes to local electoral boundaries or the number of elected members on local authorities will be effected in advance of the local elections in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26162/12]
Unlike for Dáil constituencies, there are no constitutional or statutory requirements in relation to the frequency of local electoral area boundary reviews. The most recent reviews of local electoral areas were carried out in 1998 and 2008. The June 2009 local elections took place on the basis of the local electoral areas enacted following the 2008 review.
The Constituency Commission which I established in July 2011 must present its report on Dáil and European Parliament constituencies to the Chairman of the Dáil no later than 29 June 2012. Following the publication of that report and having regard to its recommendations on Dáil constituencies, and any related subsequent decisions by the Oireachtas, I will give consideration to arrangements for the review of local electoral areas. I will also have regard to the final results of Census 2011 and to Government decisions on local government reform including the establishment of unified local authorities in Limerick and Tipperary.
537 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress that has been made in the case of public or social housing in implementing a 12-month probationary tenancy for all new tenants when, if tenants engage in anti-social behaviour during this period, their tenancy will be terminated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26166/12]
Section 29 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 provides for the prescription of different forms of local authority tenancies. In fulfilment of the commitment outlined in theProgramme for Government, consideration will be given to making regulations providing for probationary tenancies, and their termination in the event of anti-social behaviour, when section 29 is being commenced as part of the ongoing implementation of the 2009 Act.
538 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if employment opportunities will become available in water meter installation; and when these jobs are likely to commence. [26191/12]
My Department estimates that there is potential to generate up to 2,000 jobs per annum from the metering programme and the type of work involved would typically be carried out by general operatives, machinery operators and plumbers/fitters. Irish Water, a new State-owned water company to be established as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Eireann Group, will be responsible for the metering programme. It is expected that the procurement for the programme will commence later this year.
539 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to hold an external review of planning practices in Dublin City Council in view of the number of applications overturned by An Bord Pleanála. [26217/12]
564 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the current status of planning enquiries into seven separate local authority bodies; the timeframe for their publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26406/12]
623 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which he will proceed with investigations into planning decisions made by the various local authorities, as prepared by former Minister Gormley; if he will ensure that all future planning decisions are made in a comprehensible, transparent way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27166/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 539, 564 and 623 together.
The planning review is intended to assess the application of planning legislation, policy and guidance within the development plan and development management systems at local level and to inform further policy development in these areas. Seven planning authorities, including Dublin City Council, representing a broad geographical spread of both urban and rural areas as well as both large and small authorities, had been selected to assist in the review of policies and practices by reference to a number of cases raised with my Department.
I am proceeding on the basis of my predecessor's decision as Minister for Housing and Planning that, instead of incurring significant costs to the Exchequer by securing outsourced expertise, the Department would carry out an examination of the cases involved to inform the planning review. In this regard, a three-person team from my Department has been in communication with the local authorities involved and has met locally with senior officials of the authorities. I will be making a public statement in the coming weeks, setting out fully the nature of the complaints involved, the findings of the review and, the conclusions and recommended next steps, as appropriate.
540 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of all employees in Donegal County Council earning more than €100,000; the amount they earn and the additional benefits available to them. [26218/12]
There are currently three employees in Donegal County Council in receipt of salaries in excess of €100,000. These comprise the County Manager and two Directors of Service.
County Managers and Directors of Service may submit claims in respect of travel and subsistence expenses incurred as part of their official duties in accordance with the relevant travel and subsistence circulars. All local authorities are obliged to ensure that only essential travel is undertaken and that the number of employees going on any official journey is kept to an absolute minimum. Local authorities are also obliged to ensure that related expenditure is critically appraised and monitored.
541 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the household charge in respect of persons (details supplied). [26219/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver.
The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. I understand, from data provided by the LGMA, that as of 30 May, 2012, 28,800 postal applications received in the household charge bureau have yet to be processed. Every effort is being undertaken by the LGMA to clear this postal backlog as soon as possible.
542 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost to date to the State of the clean-up at a location (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the total projected cost for this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26220/12]
543 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the work undertaken to date in clearing sites at a location (details supplied); the most recent correspondence he has had with the county council on this matter; if any assurances have been given by the council in relation to the work to be undertaken and the timeframe for completion of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26221/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 542 and 543 together.
The sites referred to in the questions were cited in relation to the European Court of Justice judgement in Case C 494/01 as an example of Ireland's failure to comply with the 1975 Waste Framework Directive. My Department, on behalf of the State, has been liaising with the European Commission to ensure that the requirements of the judgement are fully met. The Commission is concerned, as I am, to secure the urgent remediation of the sites, a concern underlined by an additional letter of formal notice issued on 30 September 2010, which indicated that the Commission might refer the case back to the Court of Justice for financial penalties to be imposed against Ireland for failure to comply with the judgment.
It is in these circumstances that my Department, in 2011, requested Wicklow County Council to remediate both sites, pursuant to its powers under section 56 of the Waste Management Act 1996. The Whitestown site is being dealt with initially and the council, working with the Environmental Protection Agency, has established a technical working group to oversee a programme of detailed investigation of the areas of illegal waste at that site. The purpose of this programme, which I understand is now complete, is to gain a greater understanding of the nature, character and distribution of the waste and to assist in determining the requirements for the site's remediation. My Department is in ongoing contact with Wicklow County Council in relation to these sites and I understand that following a procurement process, remediation work will commence in the Autumn.
The cost of remediation will be dependent on the technical approach taken to remediation and on the outcome of the tendering process. The costs involved will be funded in the first instance by the State, with Wicklow County Council seeking cost recovery through the Courts. To date, my Department has recouped some €1.3 million to Wicklow County Council in relation to the Whitestown site and further payments are anticipated for that site during 2012, and in respect of the Castleruddery site which it is envisaged will also be addressed this year.
As the matter is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, it would not be appropriate to comment further.
544 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will upgrade a general services supervisor (details supplied) with Carlow County Council to the post of senior services supervisor due to their long number of years service. [26225/12]
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each City and County Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible.
545 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the inequality in fees charged for applying for a disability access certificate, in which a small business of 30 sq. m is expected to pay the same as a huge shopping outlet; and if he will make the necessary provisions to make the system more equitable, based on the size of the premises. [26227/12]
A flat fee of €800 applies in the case of all applications for a Disability Access Certificate (DAC). The fee is an administrative charge and is necessary having regard to the requirements for local authorities in processing of DAC applications. Access and use provisions, including the accessibility of the approach route, access at entry level and access to sanitary and other facilities in general, applies generally to all new buildings or to existing buildings undergoing a material alteration or a material change of use. These key requirements are standard considerations relevant to all DAC applications irrespective of the size of the building concerned.
546 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider allowing community based childcare facilities to be exempt from commercial rates. [26228/12]
Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. With regard to the application of rates to childcare facilities, where childcare provision is within a community facility, operating in non-profit capacity, commercial rates do not generally apply.
The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. The annual rate on valuation (ARV), which is applied to the valuation of each property, determined by the Valuation Office, to obtain the amount payable in rates, is decided by the elected members of each local authority in the annual budget and its determination is a reserved function.
I recognise that these are difficult economic times for many businesses and I am continuing to keep all matters relating to rates under regular consideration in my Department.
547 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he anticipates that employees currently working in water services for local authorities will remain employed by local authorities following the establishment of Irish Water, or if they will be employed directly by the new entity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26255/12]
The initial transition strategy for the establishment of Irish Water as a public utility as recommended in the independent assessment envisages a staged approach involving local authorities acting as agents of Irish Water for a period, with Irish Water taking over their operations on a phased basis from January 2015, and the full transfer of operations being completed by end 2017.
This approach to transition is the subject of further detailed analysis as part of the development of an implementation strategy, which is currently underway. This more detailed implementation strategy for Irish Water will give further effect to the Government decision of 17 April to establish Irish Water as an independent State-owned company within the Bord Gáis Group. The skills within the Bord Gáis Group will be paired with the specific water and wastewater capabilities and expertise that exist in local government to build the new organisation.
It will ultimately be a matter for Irish Water to determine the staffing and skills required for the new organisation. In the initial phase, Irish Water will work largely through service level agreements with local authorities. This will ensure a smooth transition to the new model and guard against the loss of local expertise. It will also mean that the majority of staff will remain in the direct employment of local authorities for a considerable period.
The Department has already had initial engagement with ICTU at the start of the independent assessment and as part of the consultation process. There will be detailed engagement with staff and trade unions in the rollout of the proposed changes to ensure that the change is managed well.
548 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation to abolish the library council and create a library development unit under the aegis of the Local Government Management Agency; when he expects this legislation to be passed; what will happen to the positions held by representatives of the Association of County and City Councils, Local Authorities Members’ Association and the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland on the current council; the public representation that he expects will be on the new library development unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26290/12]
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2012 was published on 9 May 2012 and was passed by Dáil Eireann on Thursday, 24 May 2012. The Bill is scheduled to be debated by Seanad Eireann on Wednesday, 6 and Thursday, 7 June 2012.
The Bill is required, inter alia, to facilitate my Department's agency rationalisation programme from 21 agencies/bodies to 11. This is in keeping with the Government's Public Sector Reform Plan announced on 17 November, 2011. In this regard, Part 3 of the Bill provides for the dissolution of An Chomhairle Leabharlanna.
It is intended that An Chomhairle Leabharlanna will be dissolved and any key residual functions will be subsumed into the newly established Local Government Management Agency.
Local authority members are represented on the board of An Chomhairle and there has traditionally been input from members as well as a wide range of stakeholders to An Chomhairle.
My Department, in the context of the transfer of functions from An Chomhairle Leabharlanna to the Local Government Management Agency, LGMA, is considering, in consultation with the Board of the LGMA, the appropriate mechanism for the views of members' and other stakeholders' on library matters, to be facilitated under the new operation.
549 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding being provided this year for the seniors alert scheme 2012; the amount of funding provided for the same or similar scheme in the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the reason for cutbacks in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26295/12]
550 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason smoke detectors and carbon dioxide detectors are not eligible for grant aid under the seniors alert scheme for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26296/12]
551 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the maximum grant available for monitoring personal alarms, smoke detectors, carbon dioxide detectors, additional pendant reinstallation, external security lights, internal emergency lights, under the seniors alert scheme 2011 and 2012 respectively; the reason for the changes in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26297/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 549 to 551, inclusive, together.
My Department manages the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages and assists the community's support for older people by means of a community-based grant scheme to improve the security of people over 65 years of age.
The Scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department.
The funding provided this year for the Seniors Alert Scheme is €2.35m.
Funding provided for years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 was as follows:
2008 — €3.059m.
2009 — €3.5m.
2010 — €3.10m.
2011 — €2.35m.
In 2011, grant support was available towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alert systems (pendant alarms) and other items to improve the safety and security of the home (including monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, internal emergency lighting and external security lighting).
In 2011, the maximum grants for equipment were as follows:
Monitored Personal alarms (with pendant) — €250
Monitored Smoke Detectors (per unit) — €75
Monitored Carbon Monoxide Detectors (per unit) — €100
Additional pendant/Re-installation — €50
External Security lights — €120
Internal Emergency lighting — €50
Due to unprecedented demand for grant assistance under the Seniors Alert Scheme in 2011, the budget allocation of €2.35m was expended by the end of November 2011; there were a significant number of grant applications received in December 2011 that the Seniors Alert Unit was unable to grant-aid until receipt of the budget allocation for 2012.
A significant portion of the 2012 budget allocation (€2.35m) was expended early in 2012 as a result of this unprecedented demand. The Seniors Alert Unit is also continuing to register Community and Voluntary groups who wish to administer the Scheme and this will have further implications for funding in 2012.
As a result, my Department examined the operation of the scheme with the aim of ensuring its sustainability and an equitable distribution of funding country-wide. The following temporary changes were notified to groups on 26 March 2012, and took effect from 30 March 2012:
Funding will continue to be available for the purchase and installation of socially monitored alarms at a maximum of €250 per alarm. Maximum funding of €50 is also available for additional pendants and reinstallations.
The aim of the Seniors Alert Scheme is to support independent living for those over 65 who live alone or who live with a person who is also over 65 years of age and oflimited financial means. A key element of the scheme is the provision of funding for a socially monitored alarm which supports this independence. Having regard to available funding in the current economic climate, my Department’s objective is to continue to maintain the scheme in a viable way and provide the maximum number of socially monitored alarms to as many older persons as possible in 2012.
The temporary changes made under the scheme will be monitored on an on-going basis and may be revised later in the year in light of the overall demand for funding relative to the budget allocation for 2012.
552 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm the number of dwellings on which the household charge is being paid by instalment; if he will confirm the quantum of cash received in respect of such dwellings by 13 March, 2012 and the number who have paid the second instalment by 14 May, 2012. [26306/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the liability date to determine if he/she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.
The Local Government Management Agency, LGMA, is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. Instalment payments were available by direct debit only and persons opting to pay in this way had to register their details with the LGMA before 1 March, 2012. This deadline was necessary in order to meet banking requirements for direct debit arrangements.
I understand, from data provided by the LGMA, that direct debits in respect of 42,054 residential properties, equating to €1,051,350, were processed in March. Direct debits in respect of 41,733 residential properties, equating to €1,043,325, were processed in May.
553 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 has had their payment for the household charge returned to them; if this is an appropriate course of action in view of this person’s willingness to pay the charge but the omission of the late penalty fee. [26311/12]
558 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm that payments made on the household charge, post the deadline, have been returned to householders who paid the €100, but did not pay the penalty fee; if it is true, the number of households that had the payment returned to them and the value of same; if he will explain the rationale behind the move. [26358/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 553 and 558 together.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver.
The household charge is on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the liability date to determine if he/she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.
Section 7 of the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 imposes late payment fees and late payment interest where the owner of a residential property fails to pay the household charge in accordance with the Act.
The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. The LGMA has informed me that the household charge payment system does not accept household charge payments made after the 31 March deadline unless accompanied by the appropriate late payment fee and late payment interest. I have asked the LGMA to make modifications to the payment system to allow for the retention of the €100 household charge payment in such circumstances, with appropriate follow up in respect of the collection of late payment penalties where due.
I understand that 945 late household charge payments that were not accompanied by the appropriate late payment penalties were returned, equating to €94,500.
554 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of social and affordable housing units delivered over the last five years under the provisions of Part V of the Housing Bill. [26350/12]
The data requested in respect of units delivered under the provisions of Part V of the Planning and Development Acts can be viewed on my Department's website,www.environ.ie. Data in respect of 2011 output have not yet been finalised.
555 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of regeneration funding spent in 2009 on regeneration schemes (details supplied); the expenditure on project staff salaries on each of the said regeneration schemes; the project staff salaries as a percentage of overall expenditure on each scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26354/12]
My Department supports an ambitious programme of regeneration projects to deliver integrated physical, social and economic regeneration, ranging from large-scale urban regeneration projects, such as in Ballymun and Limerick City, to smaller estate regeneration projects in a number of regional towns around the country.
As with all projects of this nature and complexity, outside consultants have been required for various planning, design and research activities. All local authorities have been advised that, in carrying out the planning and design stages of projects and in supervising construction/refurbishment works, in-house staff and resources should be used to the fullest extent possible before procuring these services from outside consultants and service providers. The extent to which this work is done in-house depends on the availability and skill-set of the relevant staff.
The detailed information sought in relation to regeneration programmes in five cities and towns could involve up to 28 individual regeneration projects, each with a research, planning/design and construction element. It will take some time for my Department to examine the relevant records, liaise with the local authorities involved and collate the detailed information sought. This will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course when this work is completed.
556 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider introducing high hedges legislation for the control of evergreen trees in view of ongoing difficulties with lack of light and loss of light for affected householders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26355/12]
557 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider introducing legislation permitting local by-laws to give power to local authorities to adjudicate on disputes over the height of trees and hedges with the authority to reduce such heights to two meters maximum if required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26356/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 556 and 557 together.
I have no plans at present to introduce specific legislation to regulate the permitted heights of hedges and trees in privately owned gardens. Planning legislation does not place restrictions on the height of hedges or trees nor does it make any particular provision for recognition of a right to light or remedy from any other nuisance which may be caused by trees in an urban residential area.
Complaints relating to matters such as trees or shrubs overhanging a property are normally addressed, where necessary, under civil law between the parties concerned.
559 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a third level degree course (details supplied) in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26385/12]
The status and the level of accreditation of the course in question is in the first instance a matter for consideration by the educational institution providing the course, working in conjunction with National Qualifications Authority of Ireland and the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland; the latter has been designated under Part 5 of the Building Control Act 2007 as the registration body for Building Surveyors and as the relevant competent authority for purposes of EU Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications.
Section 43(2) of the Act of 2007 provides for the prescription of further educational bodies and courses in relation to the registration of Building Surveyors. No proposals of this nature are currently under consideration in my Department.
560 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if all the household tax registration forms received have now been processed. [26394/12]
561 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the number of households that registered for the household tax and the number of households which were deemed liable to pay the charge. [26395/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 560 and 561 together.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless entitled to claim a waiver or otherwise exempt.
The household charge is on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the liability date to determine if he or she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.
The Local Government Management Agency, LGMA, is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. I understand, from data provided by the LGMA, that as of 30 May 2012, a total of 916,214 property declarations had been processed by the household charge bureau; 899,121 registered for payment of the charge, equating to some €90.3m; and 17,093 residential properties have been registered for a waiver from payment of the charge.
In addition, an estimated 28,800 postal declarations have been received in the household charge bureau, which have yet to be processed; these equate to a further €2.88m. This gives a total number of 945,014 declarations made, equating to over €93m.
It is estimated that some 1.62 million residential properties are liable to the household charge.
562 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the Central Statistics Office data from the 2011 Census that there are 1,994,845 housing units in the State and that 1,850,870 are liable to register for the household tax total minus social and voluntary. [26396/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the liability date to determine if he/she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides for a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge. The exemptions from payment of the household charge are:
Residential properties that are part of the trading stock of a business and have not been sold or been the source of any income since construction,
Residential property owned by a Minister of the Government, a housing authority or the Health Service Executive,
Voluntary and co-operative housing,
Residential property subject to commercial rates and wholly used as a dwelling,
Residential property owned by certain charities or discretionary trusts, and
Residential property which an owner has vacated due to long-term mental or physical infirmity (e.g. elderly person that has moved into a nursing home).
The waivers which apply concern:
Owners of residential property entitled to mortgage interest supplement, and
Owners of houses in certain unfinished housing estates.
It is estimated that, having regard to exemptions and waivers, some 1.62 million residential properties are liable to the household charge.
563 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding septic tank registration in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26404/12]
It is not yet possible to register domestic waste water treatment systems. The on-line and written facilities for the registration of domestic wastewater treatment systems are currently being developed by the Local Government Management Agency on behalf of the local authorities and I understand that the programming work for the on-line system will be completed shortly.
My Department is also examining a number of different payment options to facilitate householders to the fullest extent possible in the registration process. I have decided that when registration commences a reduced fee of €5 will be payable for the initial three months and a fee of €50 will apply thereafter. Ample time will be provided for householders to comply with the requirement to register their on-site wastewater treatment systems. The current position regarding development of the registration facilities is included in an information leaflet published on my Department's websitewww.environ.ie. My Department will ensure that a public information campaign, including details of how and when to register, will be carried out in advance of registration commencing.
Question No. 564 answered with Question No. 539.
565 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the current level of on-site inspection of buildings by local authorities; if he will provide a tabular breakdown of the inspection rates achieved by each local authority; if he intends to change the level of inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26407/12]
There is an inspection target of 12-15% of all buildings covered by valid commencement notices and Performance Indicators compiled for 2010 by the Local Government Management Agency (outlined in the following table) show that all but five Building Control Authorities (Galway County, Mayo, Tipperary North, Waterford City and Wexford County) met or exceeded the target
|
Buildings inspected as a percentage of new buildings notified to the local authority |
|
|
Carlow County Council |
44.06 |
|
Cavan County Council |
18.48 |
|
Clare County Council |
20.23 |
|
Cork City Council |
26.49 |
|
Cork County Council |
17.32 |
|
Donegal County Council |
16.99 |
|
Dublin City Council |
28.07 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
18.51 |
|
Fingal County Council |
12.71 |
|
Galway City Council |
28.85 |
|
Galway County Council |
6.28 |
|
Kerry County Council |
28.93 |
|
Kildare County Council |
58.68 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
15.79 |
|
Laois County Council |
100.00 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
20.00 |
|
Limerick City Council |
60.00 |
|
Limerick County Council |
16.78 |
|
Longford County Council |
12.00 |
|
Louth County Council |
14.12 |
|
Mayo County Council |
10.98 |
|
Meath County Council |
47.76 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
25.69 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
9.55 |
|
Offaly County Council |
22.39 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
17.37 |
|
Sligo County Council |
17.65 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
19.80 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
35.16 |
|
Waterford City Council |
0.00 |
|
Waterford County Council |
24.19 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
22.22 |
|
Wexford County Council |
0.00 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
26.39 |
In July 2011, I announced a number of measures to be advanced by my Department and local authorities with a view to improving compliance with, and oversight of, the requirements of the building regulations.
In broad terms the measures will involve:
(a) the introduction of mandatory certificates of compliance by builders and designers of buildings confirming that the statutory requirements of the Building Regulations have been met;
(b) the lodgement of drawings at both commencement and completion of construction, demonstrating how the building has been designed and built to comply with all parts of the Building Regulations;
(c) more efficient pooling of building control staff and resources across the local authority sector to ensure more effective oversight of building activity;
(d) standardised approaches and common protocols to ensure nationwide consistency in the administration of building control functions;
(e) better support and further development of the building control function nationwide.
I have recently released, for public consultation, proposed Building Control (Amendment) Regulations which will provide for mandatory certification and the lodgement of drawings as referred to at (a) and (b) above. The closing date for submissions in relation to the proposed regulations was 24 May 2012 and some 500 submissions have been received and are currently being reviewed by my Department with a view to having the proposed Building Control (Amendment) Regulations finalised and signed into law later in 2012.
The other measures referred to above, relevant to more meaningful oversight of building activity by building control authorities and improved functioning of building control authorities, are being advanced separately by local authorities in consultation with my Department in the context of the wider programme of achieving greater efficiencies in the local government system.
Energy Efficient Buildings
566 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding his pledge to achieve zero carbon homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26408/12]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to further improve the energy efficiency of new buildings with a view to moving towards carbon neutral homes in the longer term. In tandem with this commitment, Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings requires EU Member States,inter alia, to ensure that all new buildings will be nearly zero-energy by 31 December 2020 (or by 31 December 2018 in the case of new buildings owned and occupied by public authorities).
The Directive broadly defines a ‘nearly zero-energy building' as a building with a high energy performance where the very low amount of energy required should, to a very significant extent, be met by energy from renewable sources, including renewable energy produced onsite or nearby.
Against this background, Ireland has been making significant progress in terms of both improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions within the built environment. Taking the energy efficiency requirements established in 2005 as the benchmark, the Building Regulations (Amendment) Regulations 2007 set the requirements necessary to achieve a 40% improvement (over the 2005 standards) in the energy and carbon performance of new dwellings. These regulations came into effect on 1 July 2008 subject to certain transitional arrangements.
Furthermore, last year, I signed the Building Regulations (Part L Amendment) Regulations 2011 and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document L — Conservation of Fuel and Energy — Dwellings (2011) into law. These regulations came into effect on 1 December 2011 and build on the substantial improvements already introduced under the 2007 regulations by delivering a 60% aggregate improvement (relative to 2005 standards) in both the energy and carbon performance of new buildings.
Part L 2011 marks an important step on the road to carbon neutrality and puts Ireland at the forefront of EU Member States in terms of energy efficiency standards for new dwellings. All the signs indicate that Irish builders and manufacturers continue to innovate and adapt their approaches and products to meet new standards as they continue to evolve progressively over time. This is important in terms of continuing the development of the market for energy efficient buildings and products domestically while also increasing the considerable potential that exists for high energy efficiency products in export markets. The new regulations are important in maintaining the momentum that has already been created in this regard.
My Department is also working on the development of a framework for achieving a nearly zero energy framework for dwellings in order to meet our obligations under Directive 2010/31/EU within the prescribed timeframe. It is anticipated that a nearly zero energy framework for dwellings will require further amendments to the building regulations over and above the recent Part L 2011 requirements.
567 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason an estate (details supplied) in County Dublin was not included in the list of unfinished estates designated by his Department for intervention; if he will consider including this estate on the list of unfinished estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26564/12]
As part of the process of preparing the National Housing Development Survey 2011, published by my Department in October 2011, local authorities provided details of all unfinished housing developments in their areas. Unfinished housing developments were divided into four categories as follows:
category one, where the development is still being actively completed by the developer, or where no serious public safety issues exist;
category two, where a receiver has been appointed;
category three, where a receiver has not been appointed and the developer is still in place but effectively inactive; and
category four, where the development has been effectively abandoned and is posing serious problems for residents.
Other relevant factors for the purposes of the categorisation process include,inter alia:
the state of completion of roads, footpaths, public lighting, piped water and sewerage facilities and open spaces or similar amenities within the development;
the extent to which the development complies with the terms of applicable planning permission;
the extent to which it complies with the provisions of the Building Control Acts 1990 and 2007;
the provisions of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1964 as they pertain to dangerous places and dangerous structures within the meaning of the Act;
the extent to which facilities within the development have been taken in charge by the local authority concerned; and
where there is an agreement regarding the maintenance of such facilities, the extent to which this agreement has been complied with.
The Paddocks Estate, in Adamstown, Lucan, Co. Dublin was included in the 2011 survey as a category one estate.
568 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the residents of an estate (details supplied) in County Clare are not excluded from the household charge in view of the fact that there are many unresolved issues relating to the finishing of this estate. [26592/12]
569 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the developer of an estate (details supplied) in County Clare has gone into receivership, that there are many unresolved issues relating to the finishing of this estate and the estate has not been taken in charge by Clare County Council; if he will clarify whether the developer paid a bond for this development to the council; in view of the fact that the developer has now gone into receivership will the bond now be used to finish any outstanding work on the development. [26593/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 568 and 569 together.
As part of the process of preparing the National Housing Development Survey 2011, published by my Department in October 2011, local authorities provided details of all unfinished housing developments in their areas. Unfinished housing developments were divided into four categories as follows:
category one, where the development is still being actively completed by the developer, or where no serious public safety issues exist;
category two, where a receiver has been appointed;
category three, where a receiver has not been appointed and the developer is still in place but effectively inactive; and
category four, where the development has been effectively abandoned and is posing serious problems for residents.
Other relevant factors for the purposes of the categorisation process include,inter alia:
the state of completion of roads, footpaths, public lighting, piped water and sewerage facilities and open spaces or similar amenities within the development;
the extent to which the development complies with the terms of applicable planning permission;
the extent to which it complies with the provisions of the Building Control Acts 1990 and 2007;
the provisions of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1964 as they pertain to dangerous places and dangerous structures within the meaning of the Act;
the extent to which facilities within the development have been taken in charge by the local authority concerned; and
where there is an agreement regarding the maintenance of such facilities, the extent to which this agreement has been complied with.
The National Asset Management Agency has responsibility for Ashley Close, Westbury, Athlunkard, Co. Clare, and reports regularly to the National Co-ordinating Committee on Unfinished Housing Developments on progress in respect of unfinished developments for which the Agency has responsibility.
570 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to introduce measures to regulate the collection of domestic waste in order to reduce the frequency of visits to congested residential areas by competing waste collection companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26594/12]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce competitive tendering for household waste collection, under which service providers would bid to provide waste collection services in a given area, for a given period of time and to a guaranteed level of service, a system otherwise known as "franchise-bidding".
A public consultation designed to inform the policy development process concluded in September 2011. A large number of responses were received from a broad spectrum of interests. A consensus is not apparent and, on almost all of the relevant issues, a considerable breadth of opinion was expressed. All of the responses received, in addition to a summary document, are available on my Department's website,www.environ.ie.
My Department is currently finalising a regulatory impact analysis to examine the costs, benefits and other impacts of options for change, and to inform how best to regulate the household waste collection market.
I expect to be in a position to finalise proposals for Government in relation to household waste collection in the coming weeks. All policy proposals, including franchise-bidding, will be carefully considered by Government and will take account of the full range of issues and perspectives, including those related to overlapping collection networks operated by competing waste collection firms.
572 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding committed to in his Department for capital projects; if he will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26630/12]
The Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework, published by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in November 2011, sets out capital funding of some €3.3 billion in respect of my Department's programmes over the period. This investment will allow progress to continue to be made across the range of capital programmes for which my Department is responsible, including housing, water services, rural development, fire, libraries and other services, which in general are delivered by the local authorities.
As regards 2012, €895 million is provided for capital spending in my Department's Vote (including €34 million carried forward from 2011). This includes €390m for housing, €371m for water services and €97m for the Rural Development Programme. Total capital spending to end May 2012 is €112 million, with the balance of 2012 funding to be drawn down by year end.
The overall impact of this investment in 2012 will be reflected in my Department's Vote for 2013 under Key Outputs. Having regard to the range of programmes, the role of local authorities in delivering most of these programmes and the number of projects involved, the compilation of the information sought at project level would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.
573 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if new members have been appointed to An Bord Pleanála; the number of same; the name of the persons appointed. [26652/12]
On foot of nomination and appointments processes initiated in December 2011 under section 106 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010 and associated regulations, four new members have been appointed to An Bord Pleanala.
Names and periods of appointment for the new members are set out in the following table:
|
Board Member |
Period of Appointment |
|
|
From: |
To: |
|
|
Gabriel Dennison |
21/05/2012 |
20/05/2017 |
|
Paddy Keogh |
21/05/2012 |
20/05/2017 |
|
Michael Leahy |
14/05/2012 |
13/05/2017 |
|
Nicholas Mulcahy |
21//05/2012 |
20/05/2017 |
574 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when tenders will be approved for a project (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26667/12]
575 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when tenders will be approved for a project (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26669/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 574 and 575 together.
A number of contracts for the Laois Grouped Town Sewerage Scheme are included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 as contracts to start during the period of the programme.
My Department has approved proposals for a contract for network improvements in each of the towns in the scheme and the contract to design, build and operate waste water treatment plants in each of the towns to progress to the tender stage. I understand that the tender process for the contract for the waste water treatment plants is underway.
576 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers of persons in his Department earning over €100,000 per annum and the positions for which they receive these wages. [26683/12]
The information in relation to staff earning over €100,000 is set out in the following table:
|
Position |
No. |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
6 |
|
Director Met Éireann |
1 |
|
Inspector of Audits |
1 |
|
Principal Adviser (Higher) |
4 |
|
Principal Officer (Higher) |
7 |
|
Total |
20 |
577 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the numbers of persons employed by local authorities earning over €100,000 per annum, the positions for which they receive these wages and the section they work in. [26685/12]
As of 31 March, 2012 there were 235.8 local authority staff on salary scales the maximum points of which are in excess of €100,000, made up of City and County Managers, Assistant Managers and Directors of Service.
578 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular form, a breakdown of funding in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary from 2002 to 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26686/12]
The table sets out the payments made from 2002 to 2012 to Curreeney Hedge School in County Tipperary under the LEADER+2000-2006 programme and the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013:
|
Name of Project |
Funding Programme |
Grant Amount |
Year |
|
Curreeney Hedge School Project |
LEADER + |
€9,931.50 |
2006 |
|
Curreeney Hedge School Project |
LEADER + |
€7,570.75 |
2007 |
|
Curreeny Hedge School |
RDP 2007-2013 (LEADER) |
€816.75 |
2010 |
579 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funds released from National Asset Management Agency will be used to launch an upfront programme of remedial works for houses which contain heave-inducing pyrite. [26694/12]
It is a matter for the National Asset Management Agency to determine the appropriate arrangements for the utilisation of its funds and I have no function in that regard. My Department understands that, following its recently announced plans to invest up to €2 billion in development capital over the period to 2016, the agency is currently assessing a wide range of projects that may be suitable for development by reference to expected demand; decisions to invest will be based on those projects which are capable of generating the greatest return to the taxpayer.
580 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm plans to ensure the retention of the vital estate management projects in estates (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if he will appreciate the importance of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26700/12]
As part of the Government's Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and the 2012 estimates process, difficult decisions had to be taken in relation to prioritising funding for core services in all programme areas. The provisional funding estimate to support the mainstreamed drugs projects under my Department's Housing programme for 2012 was €100,000, compared with €400,000 in 2011. In view of this, my Department advised the relevant local authority that it would not be possible to continue funding the projects concerned throughout 2012.
My Department is providing pro rata funding to fund the projects concerned until end June 2012 only, in order to allow the projects and other bodies to explore alternative funding mechanisms and identify resources to deliver on the overall objectives of the projects beyond end June 2012.
Following a consultation process, South Dublin County Council has recently advised my Department that the Council has identified interim funding to maintain the projects concerned during the second half of 2012. The funding was identified on a partnership basis between the Council and the Tallaght Local Drugs Task Force. The Council has advised that this funding represents a once-off contribution and will allow the projects to continue while the report of my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, on the review of the structures that underpin the strategy at local, regional and national level is finalised. It is understood that this report will consider how current funding structures can be improved or streamlined, particularly with regard to local and regional drugs task forces.
The provision of interim funding by South Dublin County Council and the Tallaght Local Drugs Task Force for the second part of 2012 provides a further opportunity to the projects to source alternative funds and/or to identify an alternative model for the delivery of services in the future.
581 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to initiate a detailed review of the national spatial strategy taking account of changing demographics and socio-economic trends since the adoption of the strategy in 2002; his views on the timeframe for any such review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26717/12]
The 2002 National Spatial Strategy (NSS) is a twenty-year planning framework designed to achieve a better balance of social, economic and physical development and population growth between regions, and it provides the spatial vision and principles for statutory regional planning guidelines across eight regions and for development plans at a local level.
A comprehensive review of implementation of the NSS was undertaken during 2010, culminating in the publication in October 2010 of the NSS Update and Outlook Report (available atwww.environ.ie). This report reaffirmed the commitment to implementing long-term planning frameworks such as the NSS and identified new priorities and objectives to deliver more consistent implementation at all levels, taking account of experience since 2002 and the new environmental, budgetary and economic challenges that Ireland continues to face. In particular, the 2010 Report identified a series of actions in respect of:
better alignment and prioritisation of sectoral infrastructure investment,
improved governance at national, regional and local levels, and
the promotion of more sustainable patterns of development, both in rural and urban contexts, through more effective, evidence-based planning policies, with the aim of maximising the role of NSS implementation in supporting overall economic recovery.
In addition, the adoption of updated Regional Planning Guidelines in 2010 for the twelve-year period to 2022 and the new legislative provisions in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 to include core strategies in development plans, taking account of regional policies, targets and priorities, are further embedding the NSS principles into the forward-planning process, and should help to deliver more co-ordinated, coherent and sustainable planning outcomes. I will as necessary consider the need for any further review of the National Spatial Strategy in light of evolving economic circumstances and the beneficial deployment of our now more constrained resources.
582 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular form, the usage, per capita, of plastic bags each year since the introduction of the plastic bag levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26721/12]
The environmental levy on plastic bags was primarily introduced as an anti-litter measure and is designed to ensure people make more environmentally friendly choices by encouraging them to use reusable bags rather than disposable plastic bags. The introduction of the levy in March 2002 led to a dramatic reduction in the number of disposable plastic bags provided to consumers, from an estimated 328 bags per person per year prior to the introduction of the levy, to 21 bags per person by the end of 2002.
The table following provides the estimated per capita usage of disposable plastic bags each year since the levy was introduced, using population data produced by the Central Statistics Office and the number of bags for which levy receipts were remitted by the Revenue Commissioners to the Environment Fund. However, while the figures produced in the table below are indicative of trends in usage of disposable plastic bags, they are not a precise measurement of the number of bags supplied — each year's figure will also take into account levies recovered in respect of earlier periods on account of retailers filing late returns and the recoupment of levies due following Revenue audit findings. Increases in levy receipts are also likely to arise from enforcement activity by local authorities and audit activity by the Revenue Commissioners, while fluctuations in levy receipts are also reflective of increases and decreases in consumer activity in the economy.
As the plastic bag levy does not apply to reusable bags, my Department does not have information regarding per capita usage of such bags. However, data from the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System are used to measure the impact of certain anti-litter measures such as the plastic bag levy. This demonstrates that plastic bags accounted for approximately 5% of litter arisings prior to the introduction of the levy while the most recent survey data (2010) show that plastic bags, including reusable bags, constitute approximately 0.25% of litter pollution nationally.
|
Year |
Per Capita Usage of leviable bags |
|
2002* |
21 |
|
2003 |
22 |
|
2004 |
25 |
|
2005 |
28 |
|
2006 |
31 |
|
2007 |
28 |
|
2008 |
27 |
|
2009 |
24 |
|
2010 |
18 |
|
2011 |
16 |
*10 months.
583 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will set up a public enquiry to investigate the granting of a foreshore licence to a company (details supplied) to drill for oil and gas off Dalkey Island, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26726/12]
The application from Providence Resources for a foreshore licence in respect of site investigations and the drilling of an exploratory well off Dalkey has been assessed by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee which recently submitted its report to my Department. I will consider the recommendation of the Marine Licence Vetting Committee and my Department in due course in making a determination on the licence application. Without prejudging my eventual determination of the current application, it is important to recognise that, should the project progress to commercial exploitation, it would be the subject of further formal applications for consents from the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, in the first instance, and then An Bord Pleanála under the Planning Acts, and a full lease or licence under the Foreshore Acts, all of which willrequire an Environmental Impact Assessment, including full public consultation.
584 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Local Government Efficiency Review Group has considered and evaluated the report on the Whole System of Work from Donegal County Council submitted in 2010; if they have a view on the value of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26729/12]
The Whole System of Work Framework Document developed for Donegal County Council was provided to the then Transforming Public Services Office in the Department of the Taoiseach as a contribution to the development of the strategy for public service transformation and was also provided to the independent Chairman of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group for consideration prior to the publication of the Report of the Local Group in July 2010.
The Local Government Efficiency Review Group was established to evaluate the cost base, expenditure and numbers employed in the local government system with a view to preparing specific recommendations to reduce costs, considering the effectiveness of particular programmes and optimal efficiency in programme delivery, and any other proposals to enhance value for money in the delivery of services at local level. The assessment of any specific service delivery model and its potential to deliver efficiencies and contribute to its terms of reference was a matter for the Review Group. The Report does not contain evaluations of specific projects such as that contained in the Whole System of Work Framework Document.
585 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if legislation includes the requirement for identification of safe guard zones for the protection of drinking water supplied in accordance with Article 7(3) Directive 2000/60/EC especially when these are established local rural water schemes in the west Cavan/north Leitrim areas; if there is a licence to conduct hydraulic fracking in these same areas in view of the fact that the detailed hydro geologic characteristics are not available and regular water monitoring sites are non-existent in these areas, especially as the source of the Shannon comes from Fermanagh into Cavan via the Shannon pot and the area has an extensive unexplored cave system. [26730/12]
586 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in accordance with directive 2000/60/EC, if he will undertake groundwater monitoring programme for the purpose of establishing threshold values in this area for a monitoring period as recommended by the directive for six years prior to the consideration of any work that may impact the risk of ground water contamination in the west Cavan/north Leitrim areas (details supplied) [26731/12]
587 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to the proposed process of hydraulic fracking exploration under the directive 2000/60/EC, if he will make it mandatory for exploration companies to publicly disclose the chemicals used in advance of any approval of exploration activities being done; if he will extend the minimum number of pollutants, in accordance with directive 2000/60/EC, and reduce their associated threshold values for material used in hydraulic fracking that are known to have a detrimental effect on environment and human health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26732/12]
588 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce regulation on the construction and use of pit storage site for prevention of ground-water containment from hydraulic fracking, especially from flow back fluids. [26733/12]
589 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in accordance with directive 2000/60/EC, if he will introduce regulation and standards for the prevention of improperly plugged well heads that result in leaking into ground water system, especially with capping existing and future well heads (details supplied) in place so that the risk to ground water contamination will be prevented. [26734/12]
592 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the drafting of the new water framework directive compliant regulations to include a modernised system of registration and prior authorisation will commence later. [26741/12]
625 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the drafting of a new Water Framework Directive compliant regulations to include a modernised system of registration and prior authorisation will commence later; if these regulations will be in place at the latest by end of 2012 as outlined in the Shannon River basin amendment report, appendix 1; if the same legislation will include the requirement for identification of safe guard zones for the protection of drinking water supplies in accordance with Article 7(3) Directive 2000/60/EC; in accordance with the same directive 2000/60/EC if he will undertake a detailed groundwater monitoring programme for the purpose of establishing threshold values in this area for a monitoring period as recommended by the directive for six years prior to the consideration of any work that may impact the risk of ground water contamination in the west Cavan/north Leitrim areas; in relation to the proposed process of hydraulic fracking exploration under the same directive 2000/60/EC if he will make it mandatory for exploration companies to publicly disclose the chemicals used in advance of any approval of exploration activities being done, extend the minimum number of pollutants, in accordance with Directive 2000/60/EC, and reduce their associated threshold values for material used in hydraulic fracking that are known to have a detrimental effect on environment and human health; if he will introduce regulation on the construction and use of pit storage sites for prevention of groundwater containment from hydraulic fracking especially from flow back fluids; if he will introduce regulation and standards for the prevention of improperly plugged well heads that result in leaking into groundwater system, with correct regulation for capping existing, Glangevlin and Kiltyclougher, Lough Macnean areas that may have a problem, and future well heads in place the risk to ground water contamination would be prevented; and if he will introduce legislation for the regulation of hydraulic fracking wastes to prevent any ground water contamination under Directive 2000/60/EC. [27191/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 585 to 589, inclusive, 592 and 625 together.
Article 11 of the Water Framework Directive requires Member States to implement controls over the abstraction of fresh surface water and groundwater and over the impoundment of surface waters, including a register of abstractions and a system of prior authorisation for abstraction and impoundment. Proposals for legislation to implement these requirements will be developed later this year on completion of a comprehensive consultation process that will commence in the coming months. Ireland, generally, has abundant natural water resources and the Directive includes provision for Member States to exempt from control, abstractions or impoundments which have no significant impact on water status.
The European Communities (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations 2007 are the main statutory instrument for the protection of drinking water. These Regulations,inter alia:
set out a range of chemical, microbiological and indicator parameters which must be complied with by drinking water suppliers;
provide that suppliers of drinking water ensure that the water supplied is wholesome and clean; and
provide for direct intervention by supervisory authorities, if necessary, to ensure compliance with their directions.
The proposed legislation referred to above will also introduce additional protections for drinking water sources.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published an advice note on Source Protection and Catchment Management to protect Groundwater Supplies in August 2011. This note provides an outline of the key groundwater protection policies, guidance and related legislation that water services authorities should have regard to when developing measures to protect groundwater used for drinking water. Groundwater Protection Plans have been prepared on a county by county basis by the Geological Survey of Ireland for most local authorities; there are four Groundwater Protection Plans outstanding but these will be completed by the end of this year. These plans are incorporated by local authorities into County Development Plans and are used to assist in the assessment of the potential impact of development on groundwater.
The EPA is responsible for carrying out Ireland's national groundwater monitoring programme. The programme consists of a network of some 350 monitoring points. The network has been designed to be representative of the variations in hydrogeology and anthropogenic pressures across a groundwater body and is subject to ongoing review as circumstances change. Threshold values for mandatory substances under the Priority and Dangerous Substances Directives have been established in the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations 2010 and they apply to all groundwater bodies nationally. In relation to the specific areas mentioned in the question, I understand the EPA will be involved in commissioning a scientific study into hydraulic fracturing which will include baseline monitoring of groundwater in relevant areas. The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the EPA are developing the scope for this study. The European Communities Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations 2010 transpose key elements of the Water Framework Directive and the Groundwater Directive and establish clear environmental objectives to be achieved in groundwater bodies.
In accordance with the Groundwater Regulations, public authorities including the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, insofar as their functions allow, must, inter alia, take all reasonable steps to prevent or limit the input of pollutants into groundwater and prevent the deterioration of the status of all groundwater bodies. The Regulations prohibit the direct discharge of any pollutants into groundwater. Certain categories of discharges may be permitted subject to a requirement for prior authorisation provided such discharges, and the conditions imposed, do not compromise the achievement of the environmental objectives established for the body of groundwater into which the discharge is made.
Discharge authorisations are required by the Regulations to prohibit the input of hazardous substances and limit the input of non-hazardous substances into groundwater. The EPA is responsible for identifying and publishing a list of pollutants which it considers to be hazardous or non-hazardous based on technical criteria. This list was first published in December 2010 as part of the report Classification of Hazardous and non-Hazardous Substances in Groundwater and is available to download from the EPA website. The list is periodically reviewed by the EPA where it considers this to be necessary for the purpose of protecting groundwater.
As regards the construction and use of pit storage sites and the regulation of and standards for the operation of well-heads, overall responsibility for policy and regulation of hydraulic fracturing is a matter for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The Minister is committed to obtaining further and more detailed scientific advice on hydraulic fracturing. I understand that until the results of the study to be commissioned by the EPA are available and have been considered, he will not make any decision on any application proposing the use of hydraulic fracturing.
590 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce legislation for the regulation of hydraulic fracking waste to prevent any ground water contamination under directive 2000/60/EC. [26735/12]
Overall responsibility for policy in respect of exploration licences for hydraulic fracturing is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte. Any proposed facilities that are granted exploration licences for hydraulic fracturing would be subject to the appropriate licensing and other legislative requirements. These would include, inter alia, the provisions of the Planning Acts, provisions of the Waste Management (Management of Waste from the Extractive Industries) Regulations 2009, which transposed Directive 2006/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the management of waste from extractive industries, the provisions of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 in respect of Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control and the provisions of the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations 2010 which, inter alia, transposed the relevant provisions of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy. The broad objective of this corpus of legislation is to prevent or reduce as far as possible any adverse effects on the environment, including groundwater, and any resultant effects to human health.
591 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are any grant schemes under his Department that allocate funding for local health initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26738/12]
This is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Health, in the first instance. While my Department does not fund mainstream health initiatives it is, however, responsible for a range of programmes which support communities, including the Local and Community Development Programme which tackles poverty and social exclusion in disadvantaged communities; the RAPID Programme (Revitalising Areas through Planning Investment and Development) which tackles the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion in designated areas; and the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 which implements measures to improve the quality of life in rural areas and facilitates the diversification of the rural economy. These Programmes do not specifically deal with health issues, but they have a role in addressing community well-being.
Although healthcare activities are not eligible for funding under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013, the RDP has elements that support the achievement of a healthy lifestyle, for example community gyms. Such funding is provided in a broader, quality-of-life context and is not targeted at specific aspects of healthcare. In addition, it is widely recognised that a lack of adequate facilities, directly or indirectly related to health, is a major contributor to disadvantage in RAPID areas. Under the RAPID Programme, my Department has, in the past, co-funded a number of health projects in RAPID areas with the Department of Health and the HSE. Projects funded under the scheme covered a wide range of community health facilities, including premises for youth facilities, play areas for special needs playgroups, improvements to womens' refuges and services and facilities for older people to enhance and provide facilities that would enable older people to live independent lives. The RAPID budget for my Department for 2012 is fully committed to existing projects and our priority is to ensure that there is sufficient funding available to meet existing legal contractual commitments.
593 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding household charges (details supplied). [26742/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the liability date to determine if he or she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.
The Act provides for a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge. The exemptions are:
Residential properties that are part of the trading stock of a business and have not been sold or been the source of any income since construction,
Residential property owned by a Minister of the Government, a housing authority or the Health Service Executive,
Voluntary and co-operative housing,
Residential property subject to commercial rates and wholly used as a dwelling,
Residential property owned by certain charities or discretionary trusts, and
Residential property which an owner has vacated due to long-term mental or physical infirmity (e.g. elderly person that has moved into a nursing home).
The waivers which apply concern:
Owners of residential property entitled to mortgage interest supplement, and
Owners of houses in certain unfinished housing estates.
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of a charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and is being levied and collected by local authorities. If a person does not inhabit a property as his or her sole or main residence, he or she will also be liable for this €200 charge on the property concerned unless otherwise exempt.
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 does not provide for waivers and instead places collection of the charge under the care and management of local authorities. I have recently issued guidelines to local authorities in relation to the operation of this care and management provision in the context of individual situations where genuine hardship in having to discharge a liability in a single payment can be demonstrated. In such cases, the guidelines set out the modalities for local authorities in entering into payment arrangements for the discharge of outstanding liabilities in instalments over a specified period. I also intend to issue guidance shortly to local authorities on hardship in the context of the operation of the "care and management" provisions of the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011.
594 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason persons have to pay a charge on a small extension to a house (details supplied). [26747/12]
595 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 125 of 9 May 2012 and 115 of 17 May 2012, if he will give a specific answer to the two previously specific Parliamentary Questions, namely the background reason tenants of residential properties, whether in public or in private residential accommodation, are considered to be not liable for the household charge, and that he will not just repeat the terminology of the legislation, as was done in the two previous Parliamentary Questions, in view of the fact that the legislation underpinning the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 is clear. [26783/12]
The household charge is levied on owners of residential properties. A tenant, whether in public or private rented accommodation, is not an owner of the property in which he or she is living and is therefore not liable in respect of that property. The charge is assessed on the basis of ownership of property, not on individuals personally. However, a tenant who is the owner of another property in which he or she is not living would be liable for the household charge and for the non-principal private residence charge on that property unless specifically exempted.
596 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a reply will issue to this Deputy’s letters to him in relation to Áras Rónáin, Árann, Contae na Gaillimhe, dated 9 December 2011 and 17 May 2012 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26790/12]
A response to the letter in relation to Áras Rónáin has recently issued to the Deputy, advising that a meeting will be arranged by my Department with the relevant parties including Galway County Council, the HSE and Áras Rónáin Tithíocht Soisialta Teoranta.
597 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare was not included or classified as an unfinished estate in the National Housing Survey 2010 or updated version 2011, despite the estate appearing to be a category 4 unfinished estate — inactive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26834/12]
The National Housing Survey was initiated to identify unfinished or partially completed housing developments. Finished housing developments (for more than three years and where more than 10% of the units remained unoccupied) were also included. In the context of the survey, a "housing development” comprised of two or more dwellings set out in free standing, semi-detached, terraced, duplex and/or apartment formats. An “unfinished housing development” is one where the approved dwellings and their associated services and amenities had not been completed and occupied. “Completed” in this context does not necessarily mean that all the works required in terms of building regulations and/or the planning permission have been completed.
Planning permissions may well have many conditions attached which relate to different physical aspects of a project. Minor outstanding works, such as individual house electricity connections, entrance gates, decoration etc. would not be regarded as significant. A development will be regarded as finished if an Inspector considers, on the basis of a normal visual on-site inspection, that the following have been substantially completed: dwellings, roads and footpaths, lighting, water supply, waste water infrastructure, open spaces as defined for the purposes of this survey. In cases where one or more phases of a development had been completed but no work has commenced on subsequent phases, then the development would be regarded as being unfinished.
Louisa Park, Leixlip, Co.Kildare was not included in the 2010 or 2011 surveys as it was deemed not to meet the criteria for inclusion.
598 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the levels of enforcement action taken in relation to the plastic bag levy; the way members of the public can report suspected breaches of this levy; the number of inspections that that take place each year to ensure that this levy is enforced; the number of inspections of temporary retail settings such as weekend markets that are carried out to ensure that this levy is adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26854/12]
Primary responsibility for enforcement of the plastic bag levy rests with the local authorities and members of the public should report suspected breaches of the plastic bag levy legislation to the enforcement officer in their local authority. Local authorities undertake a range of actions to ensure compliance by retailers with their obligations in respect of the levy, including—
carrying out spot checks at retail premises;
ensuring that the levy is passed on in full to customers;
ensuring that exemptions are not being abused;
checking tills to confirm that customers are being charged the 22 cent levy for plastic bags where applicable;
taking appropriate action where it has been established that the levy has not been charged to customers — such as issuing a letter informing the retailer of their obligations under the legislation and taking appropriate follow up action to ensure compliance where necessary;
investigating complaints from the public in respect of failure by a retailer to charge the levy.
In relation to non-compliance discovered by a local authority enforcement officer, a warning letter is issued and a follow up inspection is carried out. If the retailer is still non-compliant, the next step would be for the local authority to pursue legal action. The Revenue Commissioners will also be contacted if it is suspected that the non-compliance has been ongoing, resulting in a significant amount of levy not having been collected. Statistics collected by the Environmental Protection Agency on local authority enforcement activities indicate that approximately 800 plastic bag levy inspections were carried out by local authorities in 2010. However, my Department does not have information regarding the number of inspections specifically targeting temporary retail settings such as weekend markets.
The Revenue Commissioners are responsible for collection and recovery of the levy and for ensuring that businesses are aware of their obligation in relation to making returns. This involves a range of actions, including—
identification of accountable persons;
processing returns and payments received from accountable persons;
carrying out verification checks relating to the accuracy of returns;
pursuing accountable persons who fail to deliver returns and payments within the statutory time limits;
raising estimates where returns are not received or where liability is understated;
dealing with appeals against estimates raised.
All complaints received in my Department concerning non-compliance are forwarded to the relevant local authority and the Revenue Commissioners. The operation of the levy is also subject to the normal Revenue Commissioners auditing arrangements.
599 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will bring forward legislation requiring mandatory geological testing as part of the planning process for quarries; if he will bring forward legislation to require on-going geological testing of active quarries as a quality control measure; his views on whether the current regulatory regime which gave rise to pyrite problems is insufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26856/12]
The Pyrite Panel which I set up in September, 2011 is due to report to me shortly. On receipt of the Panel's report I will give careful consideration to any recommendations it may contain in relation to the adequacy of existing testing regimes for quarries and the need for revised standards or testing requirements in relation to the end use of aggregates. A strong statutory framework for the regulation of construction activity already exists under the Building Control Acts 1990 and 2007 and relevant European standards.
The Building Regulations set out the legal requirements for the design and construction of buildings, including houses and extensions. Related Technical Guidance Documents (TGD) provide technical guidance on how compliance with the regulations can be achieved in practice. Work carried out in accordance with the guidance provided in the TGDs is consideredprima facie evidence of compliance with the Building Regulations. The key requirements relevant to the use of hardcore material for buildings are set out in Part C (Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture) and Part D (Materials and Workmanship) of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations. The Building Regulations and related TGDs are subject to on-going review.
The Construction Products Directive provides for a system of harmonised technical specifications for construction products. There is a suite of European Standards and Guidance Documents for the use of aggregates including their use in concrete, bituminous mixtures, mortar etc. The standards and guidance documents set out testing requirements for the aggregates depending on their end use. Quarries are required to have in place a testing regime to ensure compliance with the requisite standard.
IS EN 13242:2002 is a harmonised European Product Standard for Aggregates for unbound and hydraulically bound materials for use in civil engineering work and road construction. IS EN 13242:2002 was published by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NASI) in 2002 and came into effect in January, 2003. Standard Recommendation (SR) 21, published by NSAI in 2004, provides guidance on the use of IS EN 13242:2002. It was revised in 2007 to give additional specific guidance on reducing the risk of reactive forms of pyrite being present in material fill for use under concrete floors in dwellings and buildings.
600 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if those who have paid the household charge are entitled to receipts; from where those receipts are issued; when those who have paid may expect to receive their receipts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26862/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the liability date to determine if he or she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.
Section 10 of the Act specifically provides that a receipt shall issue on payment of the charge. Receipts are issued by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which administers the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. When the online system is used for payment, a receipt issues automatically. When a payment is made by post, a receipt issues on processing of that payment. I understand from data provided by the LGMA that, as of 30 May 2012, 28,800 postal applications received had yet to be processed. Every effort is being made by the LGMA to clear this postal backlog as soon as possible.
601 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding will be made available to an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26872/12]
629 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide funding in respect of a charitable company (details supplied) which provides emergency accommodation and care for homeless men, women and children, but which is facing a crisis in funding and possible closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27288/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 601 and 629 together.
My Department recoups to local authorities 90% of their approved current expenditure on the provision of accommodation and related expenses for homeless persons in accordance with Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988. In this context, funding is currently provided to the TEAM organisation through recoupment to Westmeath County Council. Additional funding has now been sought through an application received on 21 May, 2012. This proposal is currently under consideration in my Department and a reply will issue to the local authority shortly.
602 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the registration of architects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26873/12]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 27 of 30 November 2011 which sets out the arrangements already in place under the Building Control Act 2007 for the registration of practically trained persons as architects. To date, 31 practically trained persons have been deemed eligible for inclusion on the register of architects. Of these, six underwent the technical assessment process and 25 underwent the register admission examination. Membership of the RIAI is not a prerequisite for registration under the Act and the legislation is clear and unambiguous in this regard.
I have no plans to amend the registration arrangements currently provided for under the Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007. I would encourage practically trained architects to pursue the routes to registration which are open to them with a view to joining the small but growing numbers of practically trained architects already on the register.
603 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide for 2011 and 2012 respectively, the number of cases at An Bord Pleanála that were determined within 18 weeks, within 22 weeks, or took more than 26 weeks to determine; the current backlog of cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26876/12]
Under section 126 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011, it is a statutory objective of An Bord Pleanála 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. The equivalent figure up to the end of April 2012 is 45%. The specific information requested regarding cases determined within 22 and 26 weeks, respectively, is not available in my Department.
604 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total cost respectively for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and budgeted for 2012 for storing the E-voting machines; the progress he has made towards selling the E-voting machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26877/12]
The total costs for storage of the electronic voting equipment for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Total Cost |
|
2008 |
€204,225.21 |
|
2009 |
€183,075.97 |
|
2010 |
€144,320 |
|
2011 |
€139,750.62 |
Storage costs are collated annually and figures for 2012 are not yet available. Over 60% of the electronic voting machines (4,762 in total) are stored at Gormanston Army Camp where there are no ongoing rental costs in respect of the use of this property. Costs of €552.83 were incurred in 2009 in respect of equipment to monitor the environmental storage conditions at the Gormanston premises and these are incorporated into the above table. The remaining machines, apart from a small number kept in the Custom House, are stored at 13 local premises that were originally identified by Returning Officers for this purpose.
Following the Government meeting of 11 January 2012, a Request for Tenders was published on 19 January 2012 seeking proposals for either the purchase of the equipment or for its recovery as waste, consistent with environmental and other obligations. The deadline for receipt of tenders was set for 3pm on 15 March 2012. Seven tenders were received by this time and these have been considered by the Task Force on the Cessation of the Electronic Voting Project. The process to conclude the tendering process and to agree a contract with a preferred tenderer is expected to be completed shortly.
605 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends making a further allocation to local authorities under the housing aid for older persons grant and the housing adaption grant in view of the demand for these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26905/12]
Exchequer allocations for 2012 in respect of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, totalling some €54.2 million, were notified to local authorities on 28 February. My Department monitors expenditure under these schemes on an ongoing basis and any savings, resulting from an under-spend by local authorities of their 2012 allocation, will be made available for re-allocation to authorities whose allocations have been fully spent.
606 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the percentage of the housing grant that is considered to be self financing from an Exchequer point of view taking into account the construction activity such grants create, deadweight and the taxes received from increased economic activity as well as social welfare savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26906/12]
The Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes have a major impact on the quality of life for the many thousands of beneficiaries and are vitally important in assisting older people and people with a disability to continue to live independently in their own homes. In 2011 alone, a combined Exchequer and Local Authority contribution of over €76m facilitated the payment of over 11,000 grants to householders all across the country.
There are substantial social and fiscal benefits accruing as the grant schemes also generate local employment opportunities for builders and businesses. My Department estimates that up to 12 man-year jobs are sustained for each €1 million investment in housing retrofitting and improvement works. The detailed socioeconomic indicators referred to are not available in my Department.
607 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the non principal private residence online payment system can be set up in a way to prevent information notices being sent to NPPR owners who have previously paid the charge online. [26925/12]
The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) administers the online payment system for the non-principal private residence charge. I am informed by the LGMA that prior to both e-mail and postal information notices being issued, accounts where payment had been made for 2012 was excluded. However, it is possible in some cases that owners could have paid after the date the data was extracted from the system and prior to the notices issuing and this possibility was referred to in the information notice.
608 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on an anomaly regarding the non principal private residence tax (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26938/12]
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 broadened the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of a charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and is being levied and collected by local authorities. A number of exemptions were set out in the Act, including an exemption where a building to which Schedule 3 of the Valuation Act 2001 applied. This means that a property on which commercial rates were payable would not have been liable for the charge in 2009, 2010 or 2011.
However, amendments to this provision made by the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 have the effect that from 2012 onwards, only buildings wholly used as dwellings and in respect of which local authority rates are payable are exempt. A residential property within a building on which commercial rates are payable is therefore liable for the charge from 2012 onwards unless the property in question is the sole or main residence of the owner or is otherwise exempt under the Act.
609 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline all staff appointments he has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their positions; their salaries; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26954/12]
My colleague, Minister of State O'Sullivan, appointed a replacement civilian driver, who is not a retired public servant, on 7 May 2012. His annual salary is €32,965. I have made no appointments since last March.
610 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Dublin City Council is about to force into retirement on disputed ill-health grounds a blind employee (details supplied) despite their wish to remain in employment; and if his Department monitor the record of local authorities with regard to their employing and accommodating persons with disabilities. [26979/12]
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each City and County Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 outlines the obligations on public service bodies to employ people with disabilities. There are three interlinked requirements. Firstly public bodies must, insofar as practicable, take all reasonable measures to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities. Secondly, unless there are good reasons to the contrary, at least 3% of their employees must be people with disabilities. Finally on an annual basis public bodies must report to the statutory Monitoring Committee and to the Minister of their parent Department on the number of people with disabilities in their employment and the measures they are taking to support them in employment.
A Monitoring Committee was established in 2007 to monitor compliance by local authorities and public bodies under the remit of my Department with Part 5 of the Disability Act. The Committee reviews employment targets to determine levels of compliance with the Government's 3% target for the employment of people with disabilities and reports each year in relation to compliance by the local authorities and public bodies under the aegis of my Department to the National Disability Authority (NDA) and to me.
611 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce legislative reform to remove the immunity from prosecution that the Environmental Protection Agency currently enjoys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26985/12]
612 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he intends acting on the recommendations made in last year’s Environmental Protection Agency review group report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26986/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 611 and 612 together.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Review Implementation Plan was published on 31 January 2012 and is available on my Department's websitewww.environ.ie. Implementation of the recommendations is under way. The plan contains a list of actions arising from the review, some of which are a matter for my Department and others which are the responsibility of the EPA and others. I have prioritised a large number of actions for implementation in 2012, while others will be considered over a longer period as they will require detailed consultation and possibly primary legislation. Details of the expected timeframes for the implementation of individual recommendations are set out in the implementation plan.
The review recommended that immunity from prosecution, as applicable to the EPA in carrying out its functions, be reconsidered. As set out in the implementation plan, I propose to consider this issue, which is likely would require primary legislation if it is decided to progress it in the latter half of 2013.
613 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the options available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [26988/12]
Firstly I acknowledge the distressing and stressful situations which individuals face when building works are not completed to the required acceptable standard. The Building Control Act 1990 clearly places responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations on the owner of the building concerned and on the builder/developer who carries out the works. The Building Regulations set out the legally enforceable minimum standards which a new building must achieve. Enforcement of the Building Regulations is primarily the responsibility of the 37 local Building Control Authorities who have strong powers to serve enforcement notices for non-compliance or to institute proceedings for breaches of regulatory requirements within a period of five years from the date the building has been completed. Homeowners should be advised to report any concerns about non-compliance with the Building Regulations to the local Building Control Authority, in this case Dublin City Council.
There is no mention in the details supplied as to whether the builder/developer was a member of any structural guarantee warranty/scheme, such as that provided by HomeBond, and this should be ascertained and pursued if relevant. Remediation of defects is a matter between the parties concerned, the owner and the builder/developer and their insurers. If satisfactory resolution cannot be achieved through dialogue and negotiation, the option of seeking civil legal remedy may be considered. It is noted that the homeowner in question has already been in contact with a solicitor and is therefore already receiving professional advice in relation to the options available having regard to the particular circumstances.
614 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a person who has been sentenced to prison is liable to pay rent on their local authority house while serving their sentence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26998/12]
Decisions on whether a person who has been sentenced to prison is liable to pay rent on their local authority house while serving their sentence are a matter for the housing authority concerned. However, I have examined the practice across a number of authorities and my understanding is that where a person who has a local authority tenancy receives a custodial sentence that the local authority will look at the individual circumstances of the case, as well as taking into consideration any remaining household members, to determine whether to continue with the tenancy and, if so, the appropriate level of differential rent.
615 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of home owners that have separately paid the non principal private residence charge and household charge; the number that have paid both; the total money collected under each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27029/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, set out the legislation underpinning the household charge and the charge on non-principal private residences respectively. Both the household charge and the charge on non-principal private residences are on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the relevant liability date to determine if he or she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay either charge.
The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. I understand, from data provided by the LGMA, that as of 30 May 2012, a total of 916,214 property declarations has been processed by the household charge bureau. A total of 899,121 registered for payment of the charge, equating to some €90.3m. A total of 17,093 residential properties have been registered for a waiver from payment of the charge. In addition, an estimated 28,800 postal declarations have been received in the household charge bureau, which have yet to be processed; these equate to a further €2.88m. This gives a total number of 945,014 declarations made equating to over €93m.
The information, as of 31 May 2012, in relation to the charge on non-principal private residences is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Amount |
No. of Non-Principal Private Residences |
|
2009 |
€73,060,420 |
328,873 |
|
2010 |
€71,913,620 |
329,621 |
|
2011 |
€68,372,280 |
328,015 |
|
2012 |
€13,074,200 |
65,358 |
I am advised by the LGMA that the data on residential property owners who have paid both the household charge and the charge on non-principal private residences is not yet available. The LGMA is currently carrying out an analysis of both datasets to identify the relevant properties.
616 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of income to the Exchequer from motor tax receipts for each of the past six years and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27054/12]
Motor tax receipts are paid into the Local Government Fund. The following table contains net income figures from motor tax to the Fund from 2006 to 2011. It also contains a figure to the end of May 2012, which gives the amount of motor tax received into the Fund to date. This may not represent the final net figure, as reconciliation processes are ongoing.
|
Year |
Net Motor Tax Receipts € |
|
2006 |
878,261,123 |
|
2007 |
957,089,036 |
|
2008 |
1,055,317,645 |
|
2009 |
1,056,324,243 |
|
2010 |
1,021,366,254 |
|
2011 |
1,011,640,768 |
|
2012 (to 30 May 2012) |
462,735,431 |
617 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has given approval to Monaghan County Council and a housing association (details supplied) to seek planning permission for the development of a group home for women with physical and sensory disabilities at Carrickmacross, County Monaghan; the projected timeframe for the completion of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27056/12]
My Department's involvement with voluntary and co-operative housing schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the schemes, and the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of the funding schemes, are the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
Monaghan County Council submitted a funding proposal under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) to my Department in December 2009 for the provision of a group home for people with physical and sensory disabilities at Drummond Otra, Carrickmacross. Provisional approval for the project issued in July 2010 subject to certain cost and design issues being addressed. Revised proposals, submitted by Monaghan County Council, have since been examined by my Department. Further information and documentation in relation to the design of the proposed scheme has been sought from the Council and a response is awaited. The proposal will be further considered once this information is to hand.
618 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if qualification for inclusion on the local authority housing lists will be reviewed to cater for women and children who have left the family home and are awaiting process of the separation proceedings via legal aid and who find themselves without any source of housing other than shelters which may not be suitable in some circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27069/12]
Decisions on eligibility of households for social housing support and the allocation of that support are solely a matter for housing authorities. 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 could reasonably be expected to be used 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, housing authorities require evidence of legal separation or divorce before considering a household's eligibility for long-term social housing support, as the separation agreement will provide certainty regarding property ownership.
My Department and the Housing Agency have provided guidance on these provisions to housing authorities. I acknowledge, however, that situations may exceptionally arise that may not be easily 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 difficult and complex cases which may present to them.
619 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided to Laois County Council for the construction or purchase of social housing and for major extensions to existing social houses where there is a medical need due to the disability of a person in the house for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27078/12]
In March I announced details of the 2012 housing capital allocations to local authorities, totalling some €251.5 million. In excess of €1 million has been made available for the various housing programmes in the Laois County Council area. Of this, €170,000 has been allocated to meet commitments under the Council's social housing supply programme and €106,504 is being made available in respect of extensions and adaptation works to local authority houses.
Question No. 620 answered with Question No. 524.
621 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to comments (details supplied) by Deputy Griffin, if he plans to legislate to hold all future polling days at weekends, that all polling clerks, presiding officers and count staff would be chosen from the live register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27156/12]
624 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of unemployed persons taken off the live register to work at polling stations on the referendum day 31 May 2012. [27182/12]
628 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the terms and conditions for the hiring of poll clerks and presiding officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27212/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 621, 624 and 628 together.
The primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. Within that framework, local returning officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the actual conduct of elections and referendums, including the selection, appointment and training of polling station and count staff in accordance with the relevant provisions of electoral law. Accordingly, there is no information in my Department about the number of election staff chosen from the live register.
To assist returning officers, my Department issues guidance to them in advance of each election and referendum. The guidance emphasises that the smooth conduct of polls is dependent on maintaining a cadre of sufficiently skilled and experienced people. Having regard to that overall objective, returning officers are advised to employ competent and efficient persons as polling staff and asked to give consideration, where possible, to employing suitable persons who are unemployed.
The Electoral Acts allow for the taking of a poll on any day of the week, and this flexibility allows all relevant factors to be taken into account at any given time in setting the polling day.
622 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he expects the work to begin on a project (details supplied) in Dublin 1; or if his attention has been drawn to any reasons preventing this work from proceeding. [27160/12]
A tender report for the works in question was received in my Department from Dublin City Council on 4 May and is currently under consideration. The proposal was discussed at a meeting between my Department and the Council on 1 June. The Council was asked to review a number of issues including costs and a response is awaited.
626 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the guidance he is giving to local authorities regarding mortgage arrears on local authority mortgages and shared ownership schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27207/12]
627 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the guidance he is giving to local authorities regarding mortgage to rent on local authority mortgages and shared ownerships schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27208/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 626 and 627 together.
The Government is acutely conscious of the difficulties many households are facing in terms of mortgage arrears. Where any borrower, either from a local authority or from a private financial institution, is facing difficulties in meeting mortgage repayments, they should engage proactively and constructively with the lender to seek to achieve an agreed solution. The services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service are also available to such borrowers and support is available through the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme. Provisions regarding lending by local authorities for the purposes of house purchase are set out in section 11 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. Where a loan stands in default, section 11(10) provides that a local authority may make such monetary arrangements with a borrower as they consider equitable to take account of the particular circumstances of the borrower.
In addition, my Department issued comprehensive guidance to local authorities on the treatment of mortgage arrears, including local authority mortgages for shared ownership transactions, in March 2010. That guidance was closely based on the Central Bank's first statutoryCode of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears to ensure that cases of local authority mortgage arrears are handled in a manner that is sympathetic to the needs of the particular household, while also protecting the position of the local authority concerned.
To reflect the content of the Central Bank's revised Code of Conduct — which replaced the previous code from 1 January 2011 and was informed by the deliberations of the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt — my Department is currently preparing updated guidance to local authorities in consultation with the City and County Managers Association.
This guidance will issue shortly and will include a common Mortgage Arrears Resolution Strategy. This will provide for the options available to distressed borrowers from private lenders to continue to be made available to distressed local authority borrowers also.
630 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will make funding available to Dublin City Council to commence and complete the work necessary for those homes seriously affected by pyrite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27340/12]
Funding may be available under the Social Housing Investment Programme to fund major refurbishment works to dwellings with serious structural defects including problems arising from pyrite. My Department is currently assisting Dublin City Council with regard to social housing schemes affected by pyrite at a number of locations.
631 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if consideration will be given to the introduction of container deposit legislation as proposed in correspondence (details supplied); if he agrees that this will help prevent littering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27378/12]
Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste (the Packaging Directive) classifies items such as bottles, drink cans and plastic containers as packaging. The Packaging Directive is based on the concept of producer responsibility, which effectively requires producers to contribute to the waste management costs of products which they have placed on the market.
Under the Directive, Ireland's requirement to achieve a 60% recovery rate for packaging waste in 2011 has already been exceeded and, in 2010, a recovery rate of 74% was achieved. The material-specific recycling targets of 60% for glass, 50% for metals and 22.5% for plastics had also been achieved by 2010, with recycling rates of 78%, 63% and 39% respectively, recorded.
TheProgramme for Government contains a commitment to drive a waste reduction programme as part of the overall policy in the area of sustainable waste management. One of the possible elements of this waste reduction strategy, which is contained in the Programme, is the introduction of a levy on packaging.
My Department commenced a process of consultation with industry, other stakeholders and the public on a possible levy on packaging to obtain the overall view of stakeholders on the broad subject of a packaging levy in 2011.
The main issues examined in this initial consultation were as follows:
The overall views of stakeholders on a packaging levy;
How a packaging levy might be operated;
International experiences of similar levies; and
How a possible packaging levy might be structured in order to contribute to a reduction in packaging waste.
Following on from this consultation I have commenced aReview of the Producer Responsibility Initiative (PRI) Model in Ireland which will build on the initial levy consultation and will examine other relevant issues in the packaging area, such as container deposit and refund schemes. The aim of the review is to identify any changes to PRI policy which are required to ensure that Ireland is in a position to meet more challenging waste recovery and recycling targets in the future in the most cost-effective manner possible and to inform the policy development process which is now underway and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
In connection with a possible packaging levy, the review will include the following:
(i) an economic analysis of the possible affects of a packaging levy;
(ii) options on how a possible packaging levy might operate;
(iii) possible alternatives to a packaging levy which would yield corresponding reductions in packaging;
(iv) how might a packaging levy work in tandem and affect the operation of the compliance schemes; and
(v) an examination of initiatives such as deposit and refund and reverse vending either as stand alone options or in tandem with a packaging levy.
It is my view that economic decisions should only be taken when they have been placed in an environmental context, including the potential impact of such economic decisions on littering, and the review will inform my approach to deliver the best possible results for Ireland and our environment.
632 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding provided to Dublin Fire Brigade in 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 towards the cost of purchasing new fire appliances, equipment or refurbishment to fire stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27448/12]
The provision of fire services in local authority areas, including the establishment and maintenance of fire brigades, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department supports fire authorities through the setting of general policy and guidance, and the provision of capital funding, including the recoupment (within the overall funding available) of costs incurred by fire authorities in relation to the approved purchase of fire appliances and emergency equipment as well as construction and upgrading of fire stations. Dublin City Council provides fire services on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities.
During the years 2010 and 2011, and to date in 2012, a total of €1,561,577 has been paid to Dublin City Council from my Department towards the cost of purchasing new fire appliances, equipment or refurbishment to fire stations, as follows:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2010 |
€1,056,167 |
|
2011 |
€389,697 |
|
2012 (to date) |
€115,713 |
|
Total |
€1,561,577 |
Continued investment in the fire appliance fleet has been identified as a key national priority, given the current constraints on public finances. In order to deliver cost efficiencies in line with recommendations of the Local Authority Efficiency Review Group, and following the development of an agreed national fire appliance specification, a programme is currently underway which involves fire authorities aggregating demand and inviting tenders for 17 new fire appliances, two of which have been allocated to Dublin Fire Brigade.
Further support from my Department's fire services capital programme for any fire appliances, equipment or fire station projects will be considered within the constraints of available resources and will have regard to local authorities' priorities, the value for money offered by proposals and the totality of requests from fire authorities.
634 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the position (details supplied) regarding the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27462/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the liability date to determine if he or she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.
The Act provides at section 2(2)(d) that buildings wholly used as dwellings and in respect of which local authority rates are payable are exempt from the charge. A dwelling that forms part of a mixed hereditament within the meaning of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1978 is specifically excluded from this exemption.
635 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will add additional consumer representation to the Building Regulations Advisory Body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27548/12]
Section 14 of the Building Control Act 1990 provides for the establishment of the Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB) to advise me on matters relating to the Building Regulations.
The BRAB is comprised of nominated representatives of key construction industry stakeholders (both private and public sectors) and includes a member nominated by the National Consumer Agency. It provides expert advice on proposed changes to Building Regulations and has no executive function. Building Regulations are subject to ongoing review by my Department, working in conjunction with the BRAB. All proposed changes to the Building Regulations must also be subjected to public consultation and a rigorous Regulatory Impact Analysis before being signed into law. Every reasonable effort is made, and will continue to be made, to ensure that the broadest possible range of interests, not least those of the consumer, is included in the ongoing review of the regulations.
636 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on correspondence regarding distressed mortgage holders (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27353/12]
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. I can assure the Deputy that the Bill remains a legislative priority for the Government and it is expected that the Bill will be published at the end of this month 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.
637 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the statutory situation regarding paternity leave; his plans to introduce paternity leave as currently it is not recognised in employment law in Ireland and employers are not obliged to grant male employees special paternity leave, either paid or unpaid, following the birth of their child. [27556/12]
My Department is currently working on the draft heads of the Family Leave Bill which will transpose Council Directive 2010/18/EU. Among other things this new legislation will provide for an additional four weeks parental leave for both mothers and fathers. This Bill will also consolidate all various family leave legislation (maternity, adoptive, parental and carer's leave) in one Bill. This will also provide an opportunity to examine whether there is scope for additional improvements in current provisions in the area of leave for fathers.
638 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which he intends to ratify the Convention on Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and the reasons behind the delay in ratifying this treaty. [26154/12]
It is the Government's intention to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure that all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are being met. As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland does not become party to treaties until it is first in a position to comply with the obligations imposed by the treaty in question, including by amending domestic law as necessary.
The ongoing implementation of our National Disability Strategy in many respects comprehends many of the provisions of the Convention. In addition, the Inter-Departmental Committee on the UNCRPD monitors the remaining legislative and administrative actions required to enable ratification. At the Committee's request, the National Disability Authority, the lead statutory agency for the sector, are in the process of assisting the Committee to assess the remaining requirements for ratification so as to ensure conclusively that all such issues will be addressed.
One of the key requirements in this regard is the enactment of mental capacity legislation. The Government's Legislation Programme as announced on 11 January 2012, indicates that the Mental Capacity Bill is expected to be published in the current Dáil session. The Bill will replace the Wards of Court system with a modern statutory framework governing decision-making on behalf of adults who lack capacity. The passage of this Bill will add substantially to the overall progress on implementation of the requirements towards ratification of the Convention.
639 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a person (details supplied) will serve the remainder of their sentence in their country of origin; the procedures or guidelines in place for informing families of victims, or victims themselves, when there are changes to the sentencing arrangements of those convicted of perpetrating a crime against them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26156/12]
I will write to the Deputy directly on this matter.
640 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the metal theft forum has finalised its report on the metal theft crime prevention and reduction plan in view of the fact that it was expected to do so by the end of March; when this report will be published; the efforts that are being taken to ensure that this report is not further delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26182/12]
647 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the expected introduction of legislation in relation to regulation of the scrap metal industry, following an increase in the number of scrap metal thefts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26244/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 640 and 647 together.
The drafting of a Metal Theft Crime Prevention and Reduction Plan is at an advanced stage and this work is proceeding in consultation with the stakeholders represented on the metal theft forum. I expect to receive a further update from the Garda authorities on this matter in the coming weeks. This Plan will focus on prevention, the Garda operational response and an examination of the regulation of the scrap metal industry. I look forward to the outcome of this process and will study any Garda recommendations concerning regulation, in conjunction with all stakeholders and relevant Departments.
641 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the number of employers and employees in the private security sector that have been detected by the Private Security Authority to be non-compliant with licensing requirements each year since the authority was established; the sanctions that have been imposed on non-compliant private security employers and employees; the number of checks carried out by the PSA each year on operators and employees in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26185/12]
The Private Security Authority, established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, as amended, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry in the State. The authority is an independent body under the aegis of my Department.
I am informed by the authority that, to date, there have been 44 successful criminal prosecutions in the courts and over 6,300 applications have been rejected or refused. The tables following set out enforcement statistics since 2008. Comparable figures for the years 2006 and 2007 are not available as the authority's enforcement policy was evolving as the licensing of the private security industry matured during the early years of licensing.
|
Year |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
Number of Contractor Investigations |
661 |
520 |
518 |
474 |
146 |
|
Number of Contractors no longer operating, as a result of the PSA’s enforcement work |
132 |
173 |
134 |
106 |
16 |
|
Number of Contractor Licences Revoked |
5 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Number of Contractor Licences Suspended |
8 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
|
Number of Contractor Licences issued with sanctions (e.g. warnings, cautions, etc) |
49 |
23 |
73 |
58 |
38 |
|
Year |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
Number of Individual Investigations |
25 |
350 |
544 |
419 |
101 |
|
Number of venues visited |
519 |
679 |
850 |
940 |
398 |
|
Number of Individuals Inspected at venues |
1,436 |
1,468 |
1,479 |
2,343 |
878 |
|
Compliance with wearing ID Badges |
N/A |
N/A |
79% |
91% |
92.5% |
|
Number of unlicensed individuals no longer working, as a result of PSA’s enforcement work |
30 |
96 |
86 |
86 |
14 |
|
Number of Individual Licences Revoked |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Number of Individual Licences Suspended |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
|
Number of Individual Licences issued with sanctions (e.g. warnings, cautions, etc.) |
0 |
94 |
304 |
256 |
58 |
642 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on his recent introduction of new regulations for the electronic security sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26186/12]
The Private Security Authority, established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, as amended, is an independent agency under the remit of my Department, responsible for the regulation and licensing of the private security industry. The licensing of installers of security equipment encompassing intruder alarm, CCTV and access control systems is one such activity covered by the 2004 legislation.
I recently consented to the making of regulations, by the PSA, to extend licensing to contractors providing security services installing CCTV and access control systems. In accordance with these regulations, from 1 October 2012, all existing contractors providing licensable CCTV and access control services must be in possession of the appropriate licence(s) or have an application lodged with the authority. The regulations also provide for the licensing of contractors who maintain intruder alarms systems.
As with other activities licensed by the authority, the validity of licenses will be based upon continued certified compliance with the required standards. The standard required for the access control sector is SR 40:2005 — an Irish Standard Recommendation for electronic security services. For CCTV, both the SR 40 standard and PSA 2006:12 are required, the latter being the Authority's requirements for CCTV installation. The Authority has also specified standards for contractors who maintain intruder alarms.
As a measure to alleviate the cost of the introduction of licensing to these new sectors, existing licensed intruder alarm installers will be able to add the CCTV and access control sectors to their existing licence at no additional cost. Furthermore, in terms of compliance costs, existing licence holders will be allowed to synchronise the timing of their standard certification audits for the new sectors with their existing intruder alarm auditing arrangements.
I am informed by the authority that the extension of its licensing to these sectors has been in preparation for a considerable time and has involved consultation with the industry stakeholders. This extension of licensing, as outlined, marks the completion of the authority's licensing for the electronic security sector.
643 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the legislation he proposes to bring forward to licence all sectors of the private security industry under the remit of the Private Security Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26187/12]
The Private Security Authority, an independent agency under the remit of my Department, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry in the State. The Private Security Services Act 2004, as amended, sets out the activities in the private security industry which are, or will be, subject to licensing.
Licensing is being introduced on a phased basis by the Authority, who currently licence contractors in the Door Supervisor (Licensed Premises), Security Guard (Static), Security Guard (Monitoring Centre), Installer (Intruder Alarm) and Cash In Transit sectors. Individuals working in the Door Supervisor (Licensed Premises) and Security Guard (Static) sectors, whether employed by a licensed contractor or directly by a business as in house security personnel, also require a licence.
Last month, I consented to the making of Regulations by the PSA to extend licensing, from 1st October 2012, to contractors installing CCTV and Access Control systems. This completes the Authority's licensing of contractors in the electronic security sector.
I am informed by the Authority that it is currently planning to introduce the licensing of certain individuals working in the Cash In Transit sector later on this year, as well as the licensing of contractors in the CCTV Monitoring and Event Security sectors in 2013. It is not possible to give a precise date, at this stage, for the regulation of the remaining sectors.
644 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 [26207/12]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in May, 2012. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. Considerable resources are deployed to process applications and these resources, together with the necessary administrative arrangements, are kept under review.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
645 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding streams available for organisations that provide supports for victims of the conflict in the North who are living south of the Border. [26215/12]
My Department provided significant funding over a number of years through the Remembrance Commission which operated a Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance and Assistance for victims in this jurisdiction of the conflict in Northern Ireland. The term of appointment of the Remembrance Commission ended in October 2008 at which point funding under the Scheme came to an end. However, one organisation working with victims in this jurisdiction continued to receive additional funding for a period to enable it to continue to operate while seeking to put alternative funding options in place.
My Department does not currently provide funding to organisations that provide support solely for victims of the conflict in the North who are living south of the border. As I said in reply to the Deputy's party colleague in a recent adjournment debate, I regret that I am not in a position in the current financial circumstances to create funding that is not available.
646 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will issue on a naturalisation application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26230/12]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in October 2008. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. Considerable resources are deployed to process applications and these resources together with the necessary administrative arrangements are kept under review.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
648 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the appointment of a Property Regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26260/12]
I can inform the Deputy that the Property Services Regulatory Authority was formally established on 3 April 2012 pursuant to the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011. The authority consists of a chairperson and ten ordinary members. One of the main statutory functions of the Property Services Regulatory Authority is the licensing of property service providers, i.e. auctioneers, letting agents and property management agents. It will take over the licensing of auctioneers and letting agents from the courts and the Revenue Commissioners and also licence, for the first time, property management agents with effect from 6 July, 2012.
649 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding policing cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26278/12]
I have received correspondence in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy and replies have been issued to the parties concerned.
The overall position is that section 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides a statutory basis for the Garda Commissioner to charge for police services for certain events, including sporting events. Therefore, a decision to charge for policing services, or the cost, is entirely a matter for the Commissioner. In that regard I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they have been in contact with the organisers of the event referred to by the Deputy.
650 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the case of a missing person (details supplied); the efforts to find them. [26324/12]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the person in question was reported missing to the Spanish Police in January 2008 and that their disappearance is being investigated by the Guardia Civil in Spain. An Garda Síochána is liaising with the Spanish authorities in providing whatever assistance is required to progress the investigation in that jurisdiction. I am further informed that the Gardaí recently held a meeting with the family of the person concerned and will continue to do whatever it can to assist them.
651 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will delay the deportation of a person (details supplied) in County Cork while an application for leave to remain on humanitarian grounds is lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26333/12]
The person concerned arrived in the State in June 2005 on a work visa and was permitted to remain in the State until September 2005. After the expiration of his permission, he remained in the State illegally until he applied for asylum on 10 January 2008. Later that month, he was informed that the Refugee Applications Commissioner was recommending that he not be declared a refugee. He appealed this decision but subsequently withdrew his appeal in May 2008.
In August 2008 he was informed that the Minister was refusing his refugee status and was proposing to deport him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Following consideration of his case under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, a Deportation Order was made by the Minister on 12 February 2009 in respect of the person concerned. His legal representatives lodged papers applying for a judicial review of this decision in April 2009. However, the Court dismissed his application.
Representations were received in October 2011 on behalf of the person concerned requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked on the basis of the person's medical condition. Following consideration of his case under Articles 3 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), it was determined that there were no exceptional circumstances that would be a breach of Article 3 or 8 of the ECHR.
The making of the Deportation Order placed a legal requirement on the person concerned to remove himself from the State. His continuing presence in the State is in breach of the Deportation Order against him. The enforcement of the Deportation Order remains an operational matter for the GNIB.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited
652 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter regarding free legal aid (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26359/12]
It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the particular circumstances referred to by the Deputy. Under the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962, free legal aid may be granted, in certain circumstances, for the defence of any person of insufficient means in criminal proceedings. An applicant for legal aid must establish to the satisfaction of the court that his/her means are insufficient to enable him/her to pay for legal aid and the court must also be satisfied that by reason of the "gravity of the charge" or "exceptional circumstances", it is essential in the interests of justice that the applicant should have legal aid. The Supreme Court judgment in the 1976 case State (Healy) v. Donoghue established that an accused person has, in certain circumstances which are quite wide in practice, a constitutional right to legal aid.
Under the Act, the decision to grant free legal aid is a matter for each court. However, an applicant may be required by the court to complete a statement of means. The Act also provides for certain sanctions in cases where an applicant knowingly makes a false statement or false representation for the purpose of obtaining free legal aid.
A Bill is currently being drafted to update the legislation governing criminal legal aid which dates from 1962. In that context, a range of matters are being considered including provisions on eligibility for criminal legal aid, criteria for the determination of the means of applicants and recouping of monies where appropriate.
653 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider lifting working visa restrictions for skilled non-EU nationals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26366/12]
The Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006 provided for the establishment of the "Green Card" employment permit for occupations where high level strategic skills shortages exist. This Green Card Scheme replaces the work visa/work authorisation scheme which has been discontinued. The Deputy will be aware that the issuing of Green Cards and employment permits to non-EEA nationals is, along with labour market policy generally, a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
A person who has obtained a Green Card permit will then have little difficulty in obtaining an Irish visa if they are coming from a visa required country such as China.
In addition to the opportunities available to non-EEA migrants to avail of a "Green Card" employment permit the Government this year approved two new schemes, proposed by myself, which are designed to stimulate investment and enterprise in Ireland by suitably qualified foreign nationals. The Immigrant Investor Programme and the Start up Entrepreneur Programme were formally launched on 30 March and the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service has been open to accept applications since 16 April. The Programmes capitalise on the opportunities that exist for our immigration system to tap into the entrepreneurial capacity of current and future migrants and also to bring investment into Ireland.
654 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the recent rise in calls to the crime helpline, most notably about burglary (details supplied). [26424/12]
I am of course concerned at the increase in number of burglaries in 2011, while noting that for most crime groups, including robbery, the most recent statistics indicate a decline in recorded crime.
All crime trends are monitored closely by Garda management, with intelligence-led initiatives put in place to target burglary and other criminality. The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner has recently announced the introduction of a wide range of measures as part of a new operation aimed at tackling gangs involved in burglaries.
These measures are encompassed inOperation Fiacla, which is particularly focused on identifying and targeting mobile gangs involved in burglaries around the country so as to disrupt their activities and bring them before the Courts. Specific burglary related initiatives are being implemented in each Garda Region in support of Operation Fiacla.
In terms of prevention, the National Crime Prevention Unit (NCPU) and Crime Prevention Officers at divisional level provide advice, information and support to organisations, businesses and individuals aimed at reducing burglary crime and the opportunity to commit burglary. These specially trained officers are skilled at identifying environmental design risks and advise on ways to reduce opportunities to commit burglary and other property crime. The NCPU has designed a number of crime prevention advice leaflets including advice on home security and burglary prevention through a step by step checklist. These leaflets and the checklist are available on the Garda websitewww.garda.ie.
During 2012, the national Garda Supporting Safer Communities Campaign will continue to highlight key issues, in particular burglary prevention. The primary objective of this Garda Community Safety Campaign is to engage with, and raise awareness within communities of initiatives aimed at preventing crime, reducing the fear of crime and promoting community safety. The first campaign was launched last month by the Garda Commissioner and the second will take place in September.
In addition, the Crime Victims Helpline, to which the Deputy refers, is funded by my Department through the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime and acts as a central point of contact for all victims of crime. The Helpline is a confidential national helpline which offers support and an initial contact point for victims and their families. It also provides them with information on other organisations that offer victim services and information on all aspects of the criminal justice system.
Insofar as the closure of Garda stations is concerned, when preparing the Policing Plan for 2011 the Garda Commissioner reviewed all aspects of An Garda Síochána's policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations, both in terms of opening hours and possible closures. In addition, all Divisional Officers were asked to assess the level of activity in each Garda station in their area. It must be stressed that the key objective of the station closures is to promote the more efficient and effective deployment of resources rather than secure modest cash savings. In this context, the Commissioner has concluded that Garda resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the frontline if a particular station no longer had to be staffed and maintained.
I am conscious of the deep distress which burglary can cause to householders and of the broader impact it can have in terms of fear of crime in our communities and therefore welcome the fact that the Garda Commissioner is deploying the substantial resources available to him in a targeted and strategic approach to confronting those who are engaging in this form of criminality.
655 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the situation facing a person (details supplied) whose student visa expired earlier this month; the steps they can take to extend their visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26422/12]
As the Deputy will be aware the new immigration regime for full time non-EEA students has been in operation since 1 January 2011. Under this regime I have introduced maximum periods of residence in the State on foot of a student permission and introduced a differentiated approach as between "Degree Programme" courses and those at the "Language or Non Degree Programme" level.
In relation to the case referred to by the Deputy, it is not possible to give a definitive answer because each student's options can depend on their immigration history (for instance the number of years they have been in Ireland and the courses they have pursued). It will be necessary for my officials to look in more detail at what course was pursued by this person before a decision can be made with regard to extending her student permission in the State.
I have been informed that an application was received in General Immigration Division on 10 April 2012 from the person mentioned by the Deputy requesting permission to remain in the State as the Defacto partner of an Irish citizen. Correspondence issued to the applicant on 15 May 2012 seeking documentary evidence to support this application. To date no reply has been received. When the documents are received, this application will be processed and a decision will issue shortly thereafter.
Queries in relation to general immigration matters 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.
656 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on correspondence regarding speeding offences (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26436/12]
As the Deputy will appreciate, speeding is a significant contributory factor in road traffic collisions. As part of the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 and in accordance with the strategic goals of the Garda Síochána Policing Plan, a targeted approach to speed enforcement is being undertaken in order to reduce the incidence of fatal and serious injuries on our roads and improve road safety. Insofar as the proposals contained in the details supplied by the Deputy are concerned, the position is that road traffic legislation is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the question of any amendments to the legislation is a matter for consideration by him.
657 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26513/12]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in October 2009. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. Considerable resources are deployed to process applications and these resources together with the necessary administrative arrangements are kept under review.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
658 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current average processing time for applications for long-term residency; if certain categories of case are expedited; if so, the type and the average processing time for these and the options open to a person with Stamp 4 status whose application is currently being processed and who wishes to travel to Britain for a wedding with their spouse and two children, including one Irish-born; if there is any facility for them to avoid having to pay for re-entry visas in view of the fact that these add significant expense to the cost of a short trip. [26516/12]
I think it is important to point out that even if a person was granted long term residence in advance of his trip, he would still be required to obtain a re-entry visa and to pay the necessary fees for that visa on top of the €500 he would be required to pay for long-term residence.
An application for long term residency generally takes about six months to process. For instance, if a person submitted a valid application in May 2012, that application should be finalised by the end of November 2012. However, for a variety of reasons, some applications may take longer. Applications for long-term residency would not be expedited for the sole reason of circumventing other elements of the immigration process.
Without any personal information or reference numbers, I cannot give the Deputy an indication of when the application of the person concerned will be finalised. However, the Deputy can, if he so wishes, ascertain this information by using the Oireachtas Mail facility. 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.
659 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures available to a citizen affected by court orders to ensure that all such orders are recorded and available for inspection by all affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26517/12]
As the Deputy is aware, the Courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. Practice and procedure relating to the operation of the courts is determined either by relevant legislation or by Rules of Court defined by the Rules Committees of the various court jurisdictions. Any person being a party to civil proceedings would be entitled to inspect an order made in the case. In addition, any person being a party may, upon payment of an appropriate fee, obtain a copy of any order made by the court.
Court offices also maintain a number of registers which are open to inspection by the public on payment of an appropriate fee. Examples include the Judgments Register maintained in the Central Office of the High Court and the Licensing Register in the District Court. In addition, the result of every High Court application, including the nature of the order made, can be viewed on-line for all cases, other than those required by law to be heard otherwise than in public e.g. family law cases.
660 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that An Garda Síochána is discharging its duty to take proper heed or proper notice of concerns expressed in the courts as to abuse of the summary summons or special summons process by the filing of affidavits containing untrue or unfounded averments of fact and law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26520/12]
The summary summons procedure is one whereby civil proceedings can be commenced in the High Court and those proceedings are heard on affidavit without pleadings and with or without oral evidence. The special summons procedure is one that may be adopted where there is no other procedure prescribed by the Rules of the Superior Courts and the proceeding is one which is required or authorised by law.
Where people knowingly file affidavits containing falsehoods they may be guilty of committing the offence of perjury. One of the functions of the Garda Síochána is to bring criminals to justice by detecting and investigating alleged crimes and if the Deputy is aware of any particular instance where the offence of perjury may have been committed he should bring this to the attention of the Garda authorities so that the matter can be investigated.
661 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a naturalisation application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26577/12]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in January, 2012.
The application is at an advanced stage of processing and the person concerned will be informed of the outcome in due course.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. Considerable resources are deployed to process applications and these resources together with the necessary administrative arrangements are kept under review.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
662 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the change in Garda numbers, if any, at a station (details supplied) in County Donegal; the current staffing numbers; if there are retirements likely to happen in the near future; the impact of any such retirement on staffing numbers and the long-term plans for the station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26580/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in the matter. 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.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, I have been informed by the Commissioner that the strength of Moville Garda station on 30 April 2009 and on 30 April 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 8 and 6 respectively. Moville Garda Station forms part of the Buncrana Garda District in the Donegal Garda Division. The personnel strength of Buncrana Garda District and Donegal Garda Division on 30 April 2012 was 73 and 434 respectively. There are also 24 Garda Reserves and 29 Civilians attached to the Donegal Garda Division. These resources are augmented, when appropriate, by Gardaí from national units. Members of the Garda Síochána may retire at any time once they have reached 50 years of age and have 30 years of service and they must retire at 60 years of age. One member attached to Moville has applied to retire from An Garda Síochána before December, 2012.
Any changes in the opening or closing of Garda stations must be highlighted by the Commissioner in his annual policing plan which is submitted to me before November of each year.
663 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline in tabular form the total number of drug arrests in respect of the illegal sale of prescription drugs and their location annually from 2005 to 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26599/12]
664 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline in tabular form the total number of drug arrests in respect of the illegal sale of prescription drugs and their locations to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26600/12]
667 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline in tabular form the total number and location of arrests for drug dealing of non-prescription drugs from 2005 to 2011. [26607/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 663, 664 and 667 together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that it has not been possible to provide the information required in the time available. The data sought is currently being collated by An Garda Síochána and all available information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is to hand.
665 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the volume, estimated value and type of prescription drugs seized during the arrests of persons engaged in the illegal sale of prescription drugs in 2012. [26601/12]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the following table provides the available data relating to the type, quantity and value of prescription drugs seized by An Garda Síochána during the arrest of persons engaged in the illegal sale of prescription drugs for the first quarter of 2012 (January 1 to 31 March inclusive).
|
Drug |
Volume in Grams |
Tablets/Capsules |
Value |
|
Alprazolam |
1,388 |
€2,776 |
|
|
Bromazepam |
1 |
€1 |
|
|
Clonazepam |
627 |
€627 |
|
|
Diazepam |
263 |
95,831 |
€101,091 |
|
Flunitrazepam |
1,667 |
€3,334 |
|
|
Fluoxetine |
1 |
€1 |
|
|
Flurazepam |
134 |
€268 |
|
|
Lormetazepam |
10 |
€20 |
|
|
Morphine |
40 |
€40 |
|
|
Oxycodone |
1 |
€1 |
|
|
Phenacetin |
2,737 |
0 |
€2,737 |
|
Temazepam |
4 |
€4 |
|
|
Triazolam |
143 |
€143 |
|
|
Amylobarbitone |
35 |
€35 |
|
|
Tramadol |
10 |
€10 |
|
|
Sildenafil |
59 |
€59 |
|
|
Zolpidem |
151 |
€302 |
|
|
Zopiclone |
3,124 |
€6,248 |
*This table was prepared from information provided by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and is based on prescription drugs analysed at the FSL valid up to 15 May 2012.
666 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda personnel stationed in Howth Garda station, County Dublin; the number that were stationed there in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26604/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Howth Garda Station on 31 December 2009, 2010, 2011 and on 30 April 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 44, 38, 39 and 40 respectively.
Howth Garda Station forms part of the Raheny Garda District. The personnel strength of Raheny Garda District on 30 April 2012 was 182. There are also 12 Garda Reserves and 8 Civilians attached to the Raheny Garda District. These resources are augmented, when appropriate, by Gardaí from national units.
668 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he expects new legislation to be proposed in the near future on the right of way on private land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26617/12]
The position is that Part 8 (Chapter 1) of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 updated the law concerning the acquisition of easements, including rights of way other than public rights of way. Parts 12 and 13 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 contain amendments to the 2009 Act and the Registration of Title Act 1964 respectively which simplify the procedures for registering easements set out in the 2009 Act. The amendments permit the Property Registration Authority (PRA) to register such easements without a court order where there is no disagreement between the parties concerned. Rules applicable to the new arrangements are set out in the Land Registration Rules 2011 (S.I. No. 559 of 2011).
As regards public rights of way, the position is that such rights may arise under common law where the landowner is held to have dedicated the way to the public and the public has accepted the dedication. They may also arise where a local authority has exercised its statutory powers under the Local Government Acts.
669 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of funding committed to in his Department for capital projects; if he will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26635/12]
There are currently no capital projects being undertaken by my Department. Additionally, it is not currently envisaged that any such capital projects will be undertaken by my Department in the immediate future.
However, with regard to the agencies under my remit, a total of €56 million is available for capital projects in 2012. Given that much of this funding is currently subject to, or will be subject to public tender process it would not be prudent on the grounds of commercial sensitivity and achieving best value for the State to disclose any further detail of estimates at this point.
670 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress that has been made on the Garda investigation into the financial collapse of the bank formerly known as Anglo Irish Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26639/12]
The Garda Commissioner has advised me that the Garda investigations in relation to Anglo Irish Bank are substantially complete. A number of Garda investigation files have been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions and her independent directions are awaited. A full investigation team remains employed at the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation to conduct necessary follow up enquiries. The Garda Commissioner has assured me that this work is receiving absolute priority.
671 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he will publish his proposed amendments to the Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011; if a regulatory impact statement will be published with the amendments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26648/12]
As the Deputy will be aware the Legal Services Regulation Bill completed Second Stage in the Dáil on 23rd February, 2012. In closing the Second Stage debate I have outlined the approaches being taken to enhancing the Bill in preparation for Committee Stage. On the 14th of April I delivered a statement on the Bill and its programme of reform at the annual conference of the Law Society of Ireland which further outlined the scope of the amendments to the Bill that are under consideration — the full text is available on the Department website,www.justice.ie, for ease of reference. Work on the details of the proposed amendments to the Bill is ongoing at my Department including in conjunction with the Offices of the Attorney General and of Parliamentary Counsel and the amendments will, as I have previously explained, be made available in advance of Committee Stage as will the relevant Regulatory Impact Analysis. It remains my objective, notwithstanding the competing legislative demands of our EU/IMF/ECB Programme commitments, that Committee Stage of the Legal Services Regulation Bill should commence as soon as possible after the summer recess.
672 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected position in respect of an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26650/12]
Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 30th May, 2007, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and, following consideration of this application, it was determined that the person concerned was not eligible for Subsidiary Protection in the State. The person concerned was notified of this decision by letter dated 30 September 2011.
The case of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before a final decision is made. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
673 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline in tabular form the total number of offences recorded annually under section 18 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, relating to the forging of prescriptions that have occurred from 2005 to 2011, and to date in 2012 by location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26654/12]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.
674 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda cars in the Laois-Offaly division on the 1 January 2011 and the number of cars currently in the division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26697/12]
The provision and deployment of Garda resources, including transport, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified operational requirements.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that on 1 January 2011 there were 57 vehicles allocated to the Laois/Offaly Division of which 43 were Garda cars. I am further informed that as at 31 May 2012 there were 49 vehicles allocated to the Laois/Offaly Division of which 35 were Garda cars.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that the policing requirements of the Laois/Offaly Garda Division are subject to ongoing review and that a comprehensive policing service continues to be delivered within the Division. In addition, the future needs of the Division will be considered in the light of An Garda Síochána's identified policing priorities and the availability of financial resources.
675 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a Garda station (details supplied) in County Mayo will have broadband installed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26708/12]
The provision of Garda information technology resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the stations referred to by the Deputy are connected to the Garda Data Network which provides them with broadband facilities.
676 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the mechanisms in place to police the actual number of hours worked per week by students who have permission to work here under the language and non-degree student and the degree student programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26753/12]
Non-EEA students who are permitted to reside in the State on a stamp 2 are allowed to avail of a work concession. Under this concession a student may work in Ireland without a work permit for a maximum of 20 hours per week during academic terms and a maximum of 40 hours per week during holiday period. Any employment which exceeds these limits will be in breach of the Employment Permits Acts. The National Employment Rights Authority, a body under the aegis of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, is responsible for securing compliance with these Acts.
677 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications and renewals that were granted for each of the past ten years to non-EEA applicants who sought permission to study and work here under the degree students programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26754/12]
678 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications and renewals that were granted for each of the past ten years for non-EEA applicants who sought permission to study and work here under the language and non-degree programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26755/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 677 and 678 together.
Statistics on non-EEA student registration are available from 2006. The total number of registrations on student immigration permission was 32,876 in 2006; 39,720 in 2007; 44,942 in 2008; 45,518 in 2009; 45,460 in 2010; and 46,509 in 2011. It should be noted that these figures cover both existing permissions carried over from the previous year. Students on visits of less than 90 days, however, are not included as such persons are not required to register.
At present, it is not possible to accurately differentiate between the different education sectors and levels. The Deputy will be aware that the new immigration regime for full-time non-EEA students was introduced in January 2011 and that before this date, the Internationalisation Register of courses was not categorised into Degree courses and Language or Non-Degree Courses.
However, an analysis of the student records carried out in March 2012 provides a breakdown of non-EEA students with reference to the type of course students are registered as attending. Approximately 28% of students are undertaking English language courses, 20% non-degree programmes; and 40% degree programmes. The remaining 11% includes students at secondary level, students on Graduate Schemes and those on Timed Out student permission.
679 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in each of the past ten years, the number of students under the language and non-degree student and the degree student programmes who have been found to be working more than the permitted hours per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26759/12]
The information sought by the Deputy is not available in my Department.
Since 2001, Non-EEA students who are permitted to reside in the State on a stamp 2 have been allowed to avail of a work concession. Under this concession a student may work in Ireland without a work permit for a maximum of 20 hours per week during academic terms and a maximum of 40 hours per week during holiday period. Any employment which exceeds these limits will be in breach of employment permits legislation. Since 2007, the National Employment Rights Authority, a body under the aegis of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, has been responsible for securing compliance with employment rights law.
680 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures to be followed in respect of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26775/12]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in April, 2011.
The application is at an advanced stage of processing and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. Considerable resources are deployed to process applications and these resources together with the necessary administrative arrangements are kept under review.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
681 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures to be followed in respect of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26776/12]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in August, 2011.
The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. Considerable resources are deployed to process applications and these resources together with the necessary administrative arrangements are kept under review.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
682 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on correspondence regarding amending the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill. [26780/12]
The Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 was presented to the Seanad on 2 May 2012, and will be debated at Second Stage on 13 June 2012.
The purpose of the Bill is to assist with the rehabilitation of offenders and to remove some of the obstacles that they face when seeking to access employment. It allows offenders to withhold details of certain qualifying convictions once certain conditions have been met and an appropriate conviction-free period has elapsed.
The Bill provides for a self-administered system of non-disclosure that excludes three categories of sentence:
a sentence of imprisonment of 12 months or more (irrespective of whether the sentence is suspended in whole or in part);
a sentence for an offence that is reserved to be tried by the Central Criminal Court; and
a sentence imposed in respect of a sexual offence.
In arriving at the range and type of sentences that should be covered by the Bill, I had to balance the legitimate aim of ensuring that the measure is of benefit to those offenders who want to move on and leave their pasts behind, with the need to ensure that those convicted of serious offences should not benefit from the Bill. In drawing the line at a sentence of 12 months, compared to the 6 months recommended in the Law Reform Commission Report, I believe that this balance has been largely achieved, and while I will be open to considering amendments that improve the Bill during its passage through the Oireachtas, these will have to respect the core principles of the Bill.
683 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a residency application in respect of a person (details supplied). [26808/12]
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 30 January 2009, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection on the 20 February 2009. This application was later withdrawn on 2 August 2011.
The person concerned has since submitted correspondence dated 24 October 2011 to state that he gave false information when he arrived in this country. The person concerned now claims he is not a national of Sudan but is in fact a national of Nigeria. The case of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted, including those relating to the Zambrano judgment will be considered before a final decision is made. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
684 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the expansion of the community Garda scheme in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26812/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in the matter. 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.
While all Gardaí have responsibility,inter alia, to deal with Community Policing issues as and when they arise, I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the total number of dedicated Community Gardaí in the Meath Garda Division on 30 April 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 14. The personnel strength of the Meath Garda Division, on the same date, was 296. There are also 29 Garda Reserves and 26 Civilians attached to the Meath Garda Division. These resources are augmented, when appropriate, by Gardaí from national units.
685 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated number of cases affected by the Supreme Court in its judgment in the case of Ali Charaf Damache v. the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ireland and the Attorney General; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26835/12]
The Deputy will appreciate that neither I nor my Department are involved in the prosecution of cases.
Following the judgment by the Supreme Court in the case of Ali Charaf Damachev. the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ireland and the Attorney General, there has been extensive contact between An Garda Síochána and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
An examination of cases that might be affected by the above judgement is ongoing at present. In cases where prosecutions are being considered it will be a matter for the DPP to decide whether to proceed or not. Where convictions have already occurred, it will be a matter for the Courts, in the event of a challenge to such convictions, to consider whether they should still stand. In those circumstances the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be possible or appropriate at this stage to give a reliable estimate of the number of cases that will ultimately be affected by this judgment.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Government approved my proposals for a Bill on 27 March, 2012. The Bill will replace Section 29 of the Offences against the State Act 1939 with a search warrant provision which takes account of the Supreme Court judgement. The Bill will be published shortly and it is planned to have it enacted before the Summer recess.
686 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for legislation to update the search warrant provision in section 29 of the Offences against The State Act 1939; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26836/12]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I obtained Government approval of the text of the Criminal Justice (Search Warrants) Bill 2012 yesterday. Subject to the completion of the printing process I expect that the Bill will be available to Members this Friday.
The Bill will restore, in updated form, the search warrant provision in section 29 of the Offences against the State Act 1939 which was struck down by the Supreme Court in the case ofAli Charaf Damache v The Director of Public Prosecutions, Ireland and the Attorney General (23 February 2012). I hope to have this Bill enacted before the Summer recess in order to ensure that An Garda Síochána has all the legislative back-up it requires to investigate subversive and other serious crimes.
687 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline all staff appointments he has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their positions; their salaries; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26959/12]
I can confirm that I have made no staff appointments since March 2012.
688 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason an application for citizenship which was submitted in 2007 is still outstanding in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford, with the last correspondence received by the applicant being in 2011 and stating that the matter would be resolved expediently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26967/12]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in August, 2007.
The application is at an advanced stage of processing and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. Considerable resources are deployed to process applications and these resources together with the necessary administrative arrangements are kept under review.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is a statutory requirement that, inter alia, applicants for naturalisation be of good character. In some instances that can be established relatively quickly and in other cases completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
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.
689 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána has any policy on the retention of Garda station logbooks; if logbooks have been retained by the State for Garda stations in divisions which contained Magdalene Laundries; if so, if they will be made publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26973/12]
690 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if it is his position that gardaí who took women and girls to the Magdalene Laundries or assisted in returning women and girls who had escaped from the laundries were acting entirely outside their authority as gardaí and without orders; if so, his explanation for the witness and documentary evidence that gardaí in different geographical divisions consistently took women and girls back to the laundries over a period of several decades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26974/12]
691 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in view of the witness and documentary evidence that gardaí in different geographical divisions consistently took women and girls back to the Magdalene Laundries over a period of several decades, he will encourage serving and retired gardaí with relevant information to share it with Senator McAleese’s interdepartmental committee, including in particular any information as to whether they were acting under orders in taking and returning women and girls to the laundries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26975/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 689 to 691, inclusive, together.
I am advised that records are maintained by An Garda Síochána in compliance with the Criminal Procedures Act 1993, the National Archives Act 1986 and the Data Protection Acts 1988/2003 with appropriate instructions issued for the information and strict compliance of all members of An Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána is also working with the Inter-Departmental Committee, independently chaired by Senator Martin McAleese, to assist in the matters under examination by it. The Deputy will be aware that the Committee was set up by Government to establish the facts of State involvement relating to the Magdalen Laundries. Its interim progress report was published on the 25th October 2011 and is available on my Department's website atwww.justice.ie.
The Committee's final report is expected to be presented in mid 2012 and will be made public.
692 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a prisoner (details supplied) in Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, has refused visits recently; the number of visits the prisoner has refused; if the prisoner is still in the medical unit of the prison; and the length of time the prisoner will remain there. [27002/12]
I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the person referred to has declined 5 visits booked by family members between the dates of 20 April, 2012 to 4 June, 2012. He is currently accommodated in the High Support Unit part of the Medical Unit in Mountjoy Prison and is under the care of the medical professionals attached to that area. The length of time that he will remain there will be guided by any future recommendation made by the medical team and the Governor.
The Governor and the Complex Nurse Officer in Mountjoy Prison have both indicated that they are willing to discuss this man's case with his family if they wish.
693 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties entailed in trying to contact Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, to arrange visits by telephone; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that persons are being left on hold for lengthy periods before being cut off; if he will intervene to ensure that staff in Mountjoy answer telephone queries efficiently and in a manner that allows family members and friends of prisoners to arrange visits without undue delay. [27003/12]
I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the phone lines referred to are manned every day, during the hours 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m., with the exception of Sundays. The staff detailed on this work arrange for close to 1,000 booked family visits each week in addition to a considerable number of professional visits.
The Deputy will appreciate that there is a significant demand on available resources at this time which are further constrained by the security needs in a prison setting. This issue has nevertheless been highlighted with the Governor who has given an undertaking to prioritise resources in this area where possible.
694 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the lack of Internet or intranet in Cloverhill Prison, Dublin, makes it difficult for prisoners to complete ECDL courses; his plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27004/12]
I am informed by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that he is aware of the difficulties encountered by prisoners in completing course work where internet access is required. The Irish Prison Service is piloting a system which allows prisoners to complete course work on-line but at the same time complies with the necessary security parameters that pertain to the prison environment. This system will provide internet access for prisoners in designated areas of prisons in a very secure and safe manner. Access will be to approved sites only and all sessions will be overseen by education or prison staff.
This system is currently being piloted in Portlaoise Prison and, pending the outcome, it is expected to be rolled out to other prisons in the near future.
695 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ensure that there are post-release measures in place to ensure that prisoners can complete education or training courses that they began while in prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27005/12]
The Irish Prison Service places a strong emphasis on the provision of vocational training and educational activities for prisoners. Training activities are chosen to give as much employment as possible in prison and to give opportunities to acquire skills which help secure employment on release.
With regard to employability and placement programmes, the Irish Association for the Social Integration of Offenders (IASIO), formerly known as Business in the Community Ireland (BITC), is the main provider of support in this area. Since 2007, another IASIO programme, the GATE Service, has been operating in six institutions; Mountjoy, Dóchas, St. Patrick's Institution, the Training Unit, Midlands and Portlaoise Prisons. The service was introduced to Wheatfield Prison in 2011. Funded by the Irish Prison Service, four GATE Service Training and Employment Officers work on a full-time basis in the prisons concerned and provide a training, education and employment placement service.
IASIO personnel interact with all national and local services to maximise the opportunities for prisoners on release from prison. At national level, the Gate and Linkage Services, the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service and FÁS have agreed a protocol to facilitate the smooth and effective referral of prisoners and ex-prisoners to FÁS courses and their successful completion of the identified programme. IASIO's social inclusion programmes also interact with the Department of Social Protection, in particular with the Jobs Facilitators, and, where appropriate, with the Community Welfare Officers.
Training and Employment Officers working with the Gate or Linkage Services also interact with local partnerships to access the full range of services that may be available.
The development of prisoner programmes forms a central part of the Prison Service's Three Year Strategic Plan with a clear commitment to enhance sentence planning including Integrated Sentence Management and the delivery of prison based rehabilitative programmes. The Irish Prison Service will engage with other statutory agencies, including the Probation Service, and the community and voluntary sector to enhance sentence management from pre to post imprisonment in a way which will facilitate improved prisoner outcomes.
696 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when stamp 4 will be updated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27070/12]
I am advised by officials in the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy was granted permission to reside in the State in 2003 and has a valid stamp 4 permission at present.
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.
697 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected position in respect of the determination of eligibility for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27071/12]
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 24 August, 2009, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before a final decision is made. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
698 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in progressing an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27072/12]
I can inform the Deputy that the application has entered the final stage of processing and I intend to grant citizenship. A letter informing her of the position was issued to the person concerned on 28 May, 2012.
Once the prescribed fee and requested documents have been submitted, an invitation to a citizenship ceremony will issue to her at which she will make a declaration of fidelity to the Irish Nation and loyalty to the State and receive her certificate of naturalisation.
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.
699 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected position with regard to the determination of application for residency-citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27073/12]
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 30 September 2005, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. Representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned at that time. He was subsequently invited to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted, including those relating to the Zambrano judgment will be considered before a final decision is made. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
700 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected position with regard to an application for residency-naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27074/12]
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 18 February, 2002, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. Representations have been received from and on behalf of the person concerned.
The person concerned applied for permission to remain in the State on the basis of being a parent of an Irish born citizen child, born before 1 January, 2005, in accordance with the revised arrangements announced by the then Minister on 15 January, 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. His application was refused as he did not meet the Scheme's good character requirements. He was notified of this decision by letter dated 8 September, 2005.
By letter dated 26 January, 2010, the person concerned was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before a final decision is made. In advance of a final decision being made, the case of the person concerned will be examined to determine what, if any, impact the European Court of Justice judgment in the Zambrano case may have on his case. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
701 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will indicate what is required to facilitate an update of stamp 4 in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27075/12]
The person concerned was granted Leave to Remain in the State for a period up to 22 March 2012. This decision was conveyed by letter dated 1 June 2011. The person concerned was advised in this letter that he should attend his local Garda Registration Office to renew this permission. The person concerned was again advised by this Department in a letter dated 21 May 2012, that he should attend his local Garda Registration office to renew his permission. Give that the person concerned does not appear to have renewed his leave to remain he should attend his local Garda Registration Office without further delay.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
702 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27076/12]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in September, 2011.
The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. Considerable resources are deployed to process applications and these resources together with the necessary administrative arrangements are kept under review.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
703 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27077/12]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in March, 2008.
The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. Considerable resources are deployed to process applications and these resources together with the necessary administrative arrangements are kept under review.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
704 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will advise on a matter (details supplied) [27122/12]
I wish to inform the Deputy that it would not be appropriate for me to provide advice on private legal matters.
705 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average waiting time in County Mayo for civil legal aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27171/12]
The Legal Aid Board is a statutory, independent body in accordance with the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995. The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for the Board. However, in order to be helpful to the Deputy I have had enquiries made with the Board. I am informed by the Board that the maximum waiting time for an initial appointment with a solicitor in the Castlebar law centre at the end of April 2012 was 6 months.
I can further inform the Deputy that, as set out in a number of recent replies to Deputies, there has been a significant increase in demand for legal services provided by the Board in recent years. However, a number of measures have been taken to alleviate the impact of the increased demand. Firstly, I have ensured that the Board’s grant-in-aid for general civil matters, which accounts for the vast majority of its funding, has effectively been maintained for 2012 at its 2011 level. I have also now incorporated the grant for asylum services into the grant-in-aid which should give the Board greater flexibility in using its resources.
Secondly, as indicated in recent replies to Deputies, there are a number of additional measures, taken or being taken, which I believe will have a positive impact on persons seeking services from the Board:
The Board has outsourced to private solicitors significantly more work in recent years than it did a number of years ago. There is of course a budgetary constraint on what can be referred and it is not possible to accommodate all of the additional demand through private referral;
As of 1 November 2011, the Board assumed responsibility for the Family Mediation Service (following the enactment of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011). The Board is currently reviewing the operation of the State funded mediation service with a view to achieving synergies with its legal services and better options in terms of resolving family disputes;
The arrangements on foot of which barristers are retained have been in place since 1998 and are currently under review. There will be a level of restructuring of the current arrangements;
The Board is working with individual law centres with a view to trying to deliver greater efficiencies in a number of its centres. It is assisted in this regard by the preparation of a Value for Money Review Report prepared by my Department and the Department of Finance (now the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform); and
The Board has commenced piloting a "triage" service. The objective of the pilot is to ensure that every applicant for services gets to see a solicitor for the purpose of getting early legal advice within a period of one month. It is recognised that those seeking further services will experience a wait, however it is anticipated that an early consultation will benefit the client in terms of signposting actions the client can take themselves and signposting other support service. The pilot has commenced in five of the Board's law centres — Sligo, Nenagh, Cavan, Wicklow and Athlone. It is anticipated that the pilot will commence in the remaining centres shortly.
706 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will support the Turn Off the Red Light campaign to end prostitution and sex trafficking in Ireland. [27174/12]
The "Turn off the Red Light" campaign calls on the Government to introduce legislation criminalising the purchase of sexual services, based on the legislative model in Sweden for combating prostitution.
Our prostitution legislation is currently under review. As part of that review, I have announced a public consultation process to inform the future direction of legislation in this area. A detailed discussion document to facilitate and get the public consultation underway will be published shortly.
The Deputy will appreciate that until the consultation exercise and review are completed, it would not be proper to commit to any particular legislative approach. There are differing and genuinely held views on the appropriate legislative response to prostitution. The consultation process must be and be seen to be objective, transparent, open-minded and fair. It is important that I facilitate the expression of all views on this subject and that those views are examined in due course.
707 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide maximum support to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 [27175/12]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the business referred to is located within Store Street Garda District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by the owner of the business. Local Gardaí have been in contact with the person referred to and arrangements are being made for crime prevention and personal protection advice to be provided by the Divisional Crime Prevention Officer.
I am further informed that the area concerned is patrolled by foot and mobile patrols, including mountain bike personnel, who have been directed by local Garda management to pay particular attention to the business referred to.
Current policing policy is predicated on the prevention of public order offences and the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property. Community Policing within this area is a central feature and a core value in policing policy. The Community Policing Unit has developed a good partnership with the community in the area concerned in addressing any problems arising.
708 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a matter (details supplied); the timeframe for when it will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27178/12]
The matters to which the Deputy refers are covered by the Government's proposals introduced in the Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011 which deals with the reform of the legal sector and of legal costs. The Bill completed Second Stage in the Dáil on 23 February and I very much appreciate the considered contribution made by Deputy O'Donovan to the Second Stage debate in support of the Bill's reform agenda.
That agenda is laid out in the Government's commitment under the Programme for National Recovery 2011-2011 to "establish independent regulation of the legal professions to improve access and competition, make legal costs more transparent and ensure adequate procedures for addressing consumer complaints". The Legal Services Regulation Bill provides the statutory framework for meeting all of these commitments. By the same token, the Bill supports the urgent objectives of structural reform, national competitiveness and economic recovery contained in the EU/IMF/ECB Memorandum of Understanding while taking account of the relevant recommendations for reform made by the Legal Costs Working Group and by the Competition Authority.
The Legal Services Regulation Bill has 3 pillars of reform—
a new, independent, Legal Services Regulatory Authority with responsibility for oversight of both solicitors and barristers supported by appropriate statutory powers and objectives. The Authority will have a lay majority and a lay chair;
an independent complaints system to deal with complaints about professional misconduct. This will provide a first port of call for the public independent of the professional bodies. There will also be an independent Legal Practitioners' Disciplinary Tribunal to deal with both professions which will be independent of both the new Regulatory Authority and the professional bodies. In response to the Deputy's query I can confirm that Section 2 of the Bill, as it currently stands, defines an admissible complaint as a complaint which is received by the Authority not later than 3 years after the occurrence of the act or omission which it is alleged constitutes misconduct — unless, for example, it relates to fraud or dishonesty by a legal practitioner;
an Office of the Legal Costs Adjudicator that will assume the role of the existing Office of the Taxing-Master which will be conferred with enhanced transparency in its functions. The determination of disputed legal costs by the Adjudicator is being bolstered by new Legal Costs Principles, the publication of the Adjudicator's decisions and the issue of legal costs guidelines.
In my comprehensive statement to the Annual Conference of the Law Society on the 14 of April I have elaborated on the scope of the amendments to the Bill that are under consideration. The full text of the statement is available on the Department website,www.justice.ie, for ease of reference. This approach to the development of the Bill reflects the substantial progress already made in realising the desired balance between the Government’s stated policy objective of independent regulation and the independence of the legal professions to the benefit of all concerned. Work on the details of the proposed amendments to the Bill is ongoing at my Department including in conjunction with the Offices of the Attorney General and of Parliamentary Counsel and the amendments will be made available in advance of Committee Stage along with the relevant Regulatory Impact Analysis. It remains my objective, notwithstanding the competing legislative demands of our EU/IMF/ECB Programme commitments, that Committee Stage of the Legal Services Regulation Bill should commence as soon as possible after the summer recess so that the Bill can be given the necessary consideration by Members and thereafter brought to Final Stage for timely enactment and implementation.
709 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the position in respect of An Garda Síochána's provision in an area (details supplied) in County Cork; if there are plans to reinstate the vacated post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27206/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that Ballydehob Garda Station forms part of the Bantry Garda District in the Cork West Garda Division. The personnel strength of Bantry Garda District and Cork West Garda Division on 30 April 2012 was 48 and 308 respectively. There are also 25 Garda Reserves and 22 Civilians attached to the Cork West Garda Division. These resources are augmented, when appropriate, by Gardaí from national units.
710 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the short stay visa in respect of a person (details supplied); the reason in some cases the visa is issued for six months and the person is only allowed to stay for three months; if there is any procedure for family re-unions for foreign nationals who are resident here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27252/12]
The visa referred to by the Deputy is a short stay multiple entry visa which is valid for a period of six months. This allows the holder to travel to Ireland on a number of occasions during the dates shown on the visa for short stays with each stay not exceeding a period of 90 days.
Regarding family reunification on a more permanent basis, it is open to the person concerned to apply for a 'join spouse' visa in order to reside with his spouse. Each visa application is considered on its individual merits with the onus resting on the applicant to satisfy the visa officer as to why the visa sought should be granted.
Guidelines on the visa application process, including details of the required supporting documents, are available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie).
Queries in relation to general immigration matters 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.
711 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a recent judgment of the Supreme Court. [27256/12]
I am pleased to informed the Deputy that I obtained Government approval of the text of the Criminal Justice (Search Warrants) Bill 2012 yesterday. Subject to the completion of the printing process I expect that the Bill will be available to Members this Friday.
The purpose of the Bill is to replace, in updated form, section 29 of the Offences against the State Act 1939 which was found to be repugnant to the Constitution by the Supreme Court because it allowed a person who was not independent of the investigation concerned to issue a search warrant in relation to a dwelling(Ali Charaf Damache v. The Director of Prosecutions, Ireland and the Attorney General; 23 February 2012).
The Bill will meet the requirement for independence by providing that an application for a warrant may be made to a District Court judge, or in circumstances of urgency requiring the immediate issue of a warrant that would render it impracticable to apply to a District Court judge, to a senior member of An Garda Síochána who is neither involved in, nor in charge of, the investigation concerned.
In the circumstances, it is not my intention to expand the role of peace commissioners in the issuing of search warrants at this time. The matter will instead be examined in the context of a review of search warrants generally which I have instructed my officials to undertake and which will be informed by the report of the Law Reform Commission on the subject, which is due to be published in July.
712 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been refused a long stay visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27284/12]
I can advise the Deputy that an appeal seeking to overturn the decision to refuse the granting of a visa was received on the 21 May 2012. A visa appeals officer has considered the appeal and is satisfied that a visa should be granted.
Queries in relation to general immigration matters 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.
713 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a minor immigrant (details supplied) in County Galway was given a stamp 2 visa and not a stamp 3 visa when he arrived in the State in July 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27292/12]
I am advised by officials in the Irish Naturalisation Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy was first registered with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on the 3 April, 2007. He was not registered with GNIB prior to April 2007 as there is no legal requirement to register under the age of 16. He was granted a Stamp 2 student permission upon registering with GNIB. This particular type of permission allows an individual to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and 40 hours a week in holiday time without the need for a work permit. A Stamp 3 residency permission would not allow the person referred to by the Deputy any access to the employment market.
Generally a Non-EEA minor who reaches the age of 16 would attend to the GNIB and have an stamp placed in their passport in line with their activities in the State.
It is open to the person referred to by the Deputy to make an application to the General Immigration Division, INIS, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 seeking a change of status in their immigration permission.
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.
714 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on correspondence regarding the personal insolvency legislation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27344/12]
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. I can assure the Deputy that the Bill remains a legislative priority for the Government and it is expected that the Bill will be published at the end of this month 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.
715 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm if and when a decision will be made on an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27368/12]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in November, 2009.
The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. Considerable resources are deployed to process applications and these resources together with the necessary administrative arrangements are kept under review.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
716 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average waiting time for the processing of naturalisation applications; when he expects that the changes introduced in June 2011 will allow for applications to be completed within a six month timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27406/12]
I refer the Deputy to my recent reply, appended below, to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 8 May 2012:
Reply to PQ No. 72 of 8 May 2012
When I came into office just over a year ago one of my first objectives was to address the length of time taken to process applications for naturalisation and to significantly reduce the number of cases on hand. At that time there were over 22,000 cases on hand and applications were taking an average time of over two years to process and many were waiting 3 to 4 years. I regarded this as unacceptable. In June 2011, I announced a series of measures to address this issue including improved application forms, which are currently available online with an associated online residence checker, re-engineering of processes that were a barrier to achieving maximum efficiency plus streamlined and accelerated procedures for certain types of application.
Through these and other measures enormous progress has been made, notwithstanding a substantial increase in the volume of valid applications received in 2011, during which a total of 18,500 valid applications were received compared to 12,500 in 2010. In the period 9 March 2011 to 8 March this year, a total of 17,500 valid applications were determined. By contrast, in 2010, a decision was reached in just under 7,800 cases. So far this year I have made decisions on some 9,200 applications and I expect to have made a decision on a further 3,500 applications by the end of May and on around another 12,000 applications between June and the year end. Thus this year will see approximately 24,000 cases dealt with, which represents a more than three fold increase in the number of cases dealt with over 2010 levels. I think the House will agree that by any standards of reasonable measurement this represents a major achievement.
I also undertook to get to the stage by the second quarter of this year, that in the generality of cases i.e. around 70%, that persons applying for a certificate of naturalisation will be given a decision on their application within six months. In this regard, a major effort has and continues to be made in reducing the time taken to process applications. It is expected that the six month timeframe for the generality of new applications received from this month onwards will be achieved.
Under the new Job-Bridge Programme announced by the Government a total of sixteen individuals have been engaged by the Citizenship Division of my Department to date. The primary purpose of the scheme is to provide work experience for those involved and to improve their prospects of getting back into the workforce. I am advised that the scheme is extremely successful and mutually beneficial in addressing the backlog and enabling the individuals in question to gain good experience in the workplace.
Last Summer I also decided to in introduce citizenship ceremonies for the first time since the foundation of the State. This allows candidates for citizenship make their declaration of fidelity to the Irish nation and loyalty to the State and receive their certificate of naturalisation in a meaningful and dignified manner which befits the importance and solemnity of the occasion. To date, 47 such ceremonies have been held at which almost 11,000 candidates have become Irish citizens under the new procedures. These ceremonies are an unqualified success.
The nature of the naturalisation process is such that for a broad range of reasons some cases will take longer than others to process. It is a statutory requirement that, inter alia, applicants for naturalisation be of good character. In some instances that can be established relatively quickly and in other cases completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time. The primary aim over the past year has been to reduce the large volume of cases on hand as swiftly as possible and this has been achieved in the generality of cases. I am also confident that significant inroads will also be made with the remaining cases by year end. In such a fast moving environment where large volumes of cases are processed quickly, the calculation of averages for processing times has little meaning and the priority of the Immigration Service has been to deal with the cases on hand rather than divert resources to other activities.
717 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if reports regarding anti-social behaviour at an estate (details supplied) in County Kerry will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27409/12]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within Cahirciveen Garda District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by local residents.
I am further informed that An Garda Síochána liaise with the residents' association in the area referred to and regularly attend meetings with local residents, with a Garda Liaison Officer appointed under the District Estate Management Plan.
The area referred to is the subject of regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes units, including the Community Policing Unit, the Garda Mountain Bike Unit personnel and the local Detective and Drugs Units.
Local Garda management closely monitors the situation, including complaints and patrols being conducted in the area, in conjunction with other policing needs of the residents to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. Local Garda management is satisfied with the level of policing provided to the area, which will continue to receive adequate Garda attention.
Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences. Community policing is a central feature and core value of our policing policy and current policing strategies are predicated on the prevention of crime, public order offences and anti-social behaviour. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question. I am further informed that the situation is being kept under review.
718 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of warrants currently outstanding for more than one month, three months, six months, 12 months and 24 months on the PULSE system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27443/12]
I expect to receive a detailed report shortly from the Garda authorities which I have sought in relation to outstanding warrants. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.
719 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on Garda Operation Delivery; the number of persons arrested and charged to date; the number of successful convictions secured to date; the amount of cash seized; the number of vehicles recovered to date; the amount of stolen property recovered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27444/12]
I have asked the Garda authorities for the information sought in the Deputy's question. I will communicate with the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.
720 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of mobile telephones seized at each prison here for the years 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27445/12]
Section 36 of the Prisons Act 2007, which was brought into operation on 1 May, 2007, makes it an offence for prisoners to have unauthorised possession of or use of mobile telecommunication devices. Under the Act it is also an offence to supply such a device to a prisoner. The penalties for such an offence, on summary conviction, include a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both, and on conviction or indictment, to a fine not exceeding €10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both. It is Irish Prison Service policy to report and hand over seizures of mobile phones to the Gardaí.
Cell and area searches for contraband such as mobile phones take place in all prisons on a daily basis. These include random, targeted and intelligence-led searches. These searches have been particularly effective and local intelligence indicates that the availability of mobile phones has decreased across the prison system. Details of mobile seizures as requested are set out in the table below. It is important to note that not all of the phones were confiscated directly from prisoners but were instead retrieved at entry point or before they got to the prisoner population. This is as a direct consequence of security measures currently in place including airport style scanners and x-ray machines, which are in operation at the entrances of all the relevant closed prisons.
|
Establishment |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 to 13.05.12 |
|
Arbour Hill |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Castlerea |
43 |
42 |
9 |
|
Cloverhill |
16 |
20 |
18 |
|
Cork |
13 |
30 |
6 |
|
Dóchas |
12 |
42 |
8 |
|
Limerick |
133 |
100 |
78 |
|
Loughan House |
155 |
104 |
33 |
|
Midlands |
92 |
123 |
26 |
|
Mountjoy Male |
742 |
420 |
119 |
|
Portlaoise |
18 |
27 |
2 |
|
Shelton Abbey |
88 |
77 |
30 |
|
St. Patrick’s Institution |
138 |
220 |
119 |
|
Training Unit |
191 |
113 |
36 |
|
Wheatfield |
76 |
48 |
6 |
|
Total |
1,718 |
1,368 |
490 |
Figures for 2011/2012 are provisional pending the publications of their respective annual reports.
721 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of mountain bikes purchased in each of the past four years to date in 2012; the number of these bikes that have been stolen; the cost of repairing these bikes in each of the past four years; if the bikes are insured for theft or damaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27446/12]
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy further in relation to this matter.
722 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda command and control vans currently in use; if this number will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27447/12]
The provision and allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified operational priorities.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are five Incident Command Vehicles attached to the Garda fleet and they are satisfied that this is sufficient to meet their current policing requirements. In addition, the Garda authorities have indicated that the situation will be kept under on-going review.
723 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that he intends to undertake a review of the redress of wrongs process within the Defence Forces; the likely timescale for this review; the processes he intends to put in place for the review; the persons who will be involved in consultation around the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26525/12]
724 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Defence the reason he has decided to conduct a review of the redress of wrongs process within the Defence Forces; if such a review has been sought by the Defence Forces, their representative bodies or other associated organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26526/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 723 and 724 together.
A review of the internal redress system and procedures of the Defence Forces as provided for in Section 114 of the Defence Act 1954, is scheduled to commence during 2012. A review of the redress of wrongs process was a recommendation contained in the second report of the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG) and is being progressed on this basis. The IMG report included many recommendations to chart the way ahead in continuing to meet the demands for dignity and equality in the military workplace. The 2008 IMG report contains in excess of forty (40) specific recommendations and this is one of the last few recommendations remaining to be implemented.
A Working Group will be set up shortly to draft terms of reference and progress the review of the redress of wrongs process. It is envisaged that the Working Group will consult with all stakeholders and carry out a full review of primary and secondary legislation underpinning the system, including the Defence Acts, Regulations, Administrative Instructions and other relevant documentation. It is anticipated that the review will be significantly advanced by the year-end.
725 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the reason the provision of security on Kickham Barracks, Clonmel, County Tipperary was not put out to tender; the way the company chosen to provide the security was selected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26229/12]
Following the closure of Kickham Barracks Clonmel a company was contracted on a temporary basis to provide security at the barracks. These arrangements were put in place pending the installation of additional security measures in the barracks. These additional measures will be completed shortly and the situation will be reviewed at that stage. If it is decided that a more permanent security arrangement is required a tender competition for the provision of such services will be held. Security fencing being installed in the barracks is being done following a tender competition.
726 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding travel warrants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26233/12]
In respect of the situation regarding the granting of free travel passes to which the Deputy refers, Defence Force Regulations Q10 Part 4 Paragraph 35(1) provides that members of the Permanent Defence Force and members of the Army Nursing Service may be issued with free travelling warrants when proceeding on leave with pay, other than sick leave, to their home addresses in Ireland, provided that not more than two free travelling warrants are granted to any such soldier or member for this purpose within any one leave year. I have no plans to increase the number of warrants at this time.
727 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence if he will reaffirm his commitment to the future of Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; if he will commit to ensuring that the barracks will remain as a headquarters for any new brigade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26476/12]
In response to the revised strength ceiling of 9,500 Permanent Defence Force personnel, a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces, including the Reserve Defence Force, has been initiated and will encompass a reduction in the number of Army Brigades from the current three to two. The primary focus of the re-organisation is to free up the maximum number of military personnel from administrative and support tasks. It is the Government's intention that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to fulfil all of the assigned roles, to the greatest extent possible.
I have asked the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence to bring forward detailed proposals for my consideration. This will include proposals regarding territorial areas of responsibility and the location of Brigade Headquarters. It will also include proposals relating to the Reserve Defence Force, which is currently organised along similar lines to the Permanent Defence Force. This task is a significant undertaking and there are a range of issues that must be considered. However, the primary focus will be the maintenance of operational outputs and capabilities. This work is underway and I am being kept informed of progress.
You will appreciate that in advance of receipt and consideration of proposals from the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff, I will not be in a position to comment on any speculation relating to the re-organisation. I do not intend to pre-empt the work of the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General and limit their scope to bring forward recommendations.
728 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence the amount of funding committed to in his Department for capital projects; if he will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26628/12]
The Department is engaged in an ongoing capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. The programme provides for new projects and the continuation of capital building work already underway. An overall capital provision of €9m has been allocated to the Department for 2012. Some €2.8m of this overall amount has been allocated for IT hardware and associated licensing support costs and €6.2 million has been allocated for capital works projects at military installations. A further €500k is also available for capital works projects as capital carryover from 2011.
Approximately €2.7m of the 2012 capital works allocation is being expended on a range of capital building projects which were already in progress from 2011 and which are at various stages of completion across a number of military locations. These include the installation of an Automated Marking System at the firing range at Kilworth Camp and the renovation of facilities for military personnel at Aiken Barracks, Dundalk.
The balance of the provision for capital works will facilitate new starts in 2012. Principal new projects proposed for 2012 include the construction of a replacement Hangar at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel and the provision of further Automated Marking facilities. They also include the development of proposals for the upgrade of the Ammunition Depot Buildings at the Defence Forces Training Centre at the Curragh.
The Capital funding for 2012 is reduced from the previous year's allocation, following the trend of recent years, and this is reflected in the number of new start projects to be undertaken in the current year.
729 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to have an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of an Irish soldier (details supplied) while on duty in Lebanon and the response of the Army to the disappearance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26893/12]
Private Hugh Doherty and Private Kevin Joyce were serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), when on 27 April 1981, an observation post manned by them came under attack. Private Doherty was later found dead from gunshot wounds and Private Joyce was missing. Two inquiries have already been conducted into this incident, one by the United Nations in 1981 and the second by the Defence Forces in 1982.
The incident and the disappearance of Private Joyce have also been the subject of ongoing investigation by successive Irish units in UNIFIL, including a Military Police investigation (1985) and an intensive investigation by 88th Battalion in 2000/2001, assisted by diplomatic efforts at the highest level, to endeavour to locate the whereabouts of Private Joyce. To date, no information has been elicited to lead to the recovery of Private Joyce.
Unless new information becomes available, I do not consider that there is a basis for setting up another inquiry into the circumstances of this tragic incident.
730 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline all staff appointments he has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their positions; their salaries; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26952/12]
Four new staff have been appointed by me since last March. None of these appointees is a former retired public servant.
731 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding that has been allocated to Horse Sport Ireland through the national lottery; the criteria used by the national lottery and his Department in recognising a good cause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27163/12]
My Department is not responsible for the disbursement of assistance from national lottery funds and in any event, my Department understands from Horse Sport Ireland that it has not received funding from the National Lottery.
732 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide information on the additional milk quota allocation provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; the rationale behind the allocation of this amount; the factors taken into account in determining same; if the amount is in line with other allocations in which there was a similar quota and lock-down period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26198/12]
In order to mitigate some of the difficulty experienced by milk producers whose animal are locked up for disease reasons, my Department operates an Animal Disease Scheme whereby an allocation of additional quota is allocated under certain circumstances. The size of the allocation is dependent on both the number of applications received and the availability of quota from the National Reserve. The allocations are made on the basis of recommendations received from an independent Assessment Panel, who objectively examine each of the applications submitted. The Panel take factors like past production records; length of restrictions and nature of disease into account when making their recommendation. Demand for this quota significantly exceeds supply and this means that in general allocations are significantly less than that sought by the individuals concerned.
I understand the Tribunal recommended an allocation of 56,667 litres for the benefit of the named person.
733 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a bheidh feirmeoir (sonraí tugtha) ag fáil a chuid íocaíochtaí faoin Scéim AEOS; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [26240/12]
Cuireadh in iúl don duine ainmnithe go ndearnadh é a fhormheasadh le bheith rannpháirteach sa Scéim um Roghanna Comhshaoil Talmhaíochta a tháinig i bhfeidhm ón 01 Meán Fómhair 2011.
Faoi Rialacháin an AE a rialaíonn an Scéim um Roghanna Comhshaoil Talmhaíochta agus scéimeanna íocaíochta bunaithe sa cheantar, ní mór seiceáil riaracháin chuimsitheach, tras-sheiceáil leis an gCóras Aitheanta Dáileachtaí Talún ina measc, a chur i gcrích ar gach iarratas sular féidir íocaíocht ar bith a eisiúint. Tarlaíonn na seiceálacha seo i bhfad roimh ré agus táim ag súil leo a bheith curtha i gcrích go luath amach anseo agus go dtosófar ag déanamh íocaíochtaí a luaithe agus is féidir. Má eascraíonn aon fhiosruithe as na seiceálacha seo beidh mo Roinn i dteagmháil go díreach leis an duine ainmnithe.
734 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of the number of times that the Natura 2000 steering committee met in the past six months; the dates and the issues discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26352/12]
The Steering Group on Natura Compliance in Sea Fisheries and Aquaculture was an informal co-ordination group established by and co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, which has responsibility for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), together with the relevant State Agencies.
The main purpose of this informal co-ordination group was to put in place structures, procedures and arrangements which would enable progressive delivery by Ireland, in a multi-year plan, of its obligations for compliance in respect to sea fisheries and aquaculture under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives. The arrangements or road map drawn up by this co-ordination group and approved by Ministers was laid before the EU Commission in the context of the European Court of Justice Judgement against Ireland in this matter. The informal co-ordination steering group put in place arrangements for the progressive collection of necessary benthic, ornithological and other data in relevant marine Natura sites, the progressive development of conservation objectives in those sites, the progressive completion of Appropriate Assessments and the establishment of fisheries Natura plans and other arrangements so as to enable a progressive role out of consent determination in line with the Natura obligations once all the requested preconditions are met.
The informal Steering Group was established a number of years ago and met very frequently at the point where it was establishing the structures, procedures and arrangements for delivering compliance with the obligations under the Natura Directives. The programmes and arrangements put in place under the Steering Group are now being implemented by the relevant Departments and Agencies who are and have been driving this process forward. There are regular inter-agency and interdepartmental contacts and meetings on specific issues arising. The primary functions of the informal Steering Committee in establishing the arrangements is to an extent met and the informal Steering Group last met on 26th of October 2011.
There are now regular inter Agency and inter Departmental meetings and close operational contacts on specific aspects of this matter. For example, an all day meeting took in Galway on 23rd May on Aquaculture Natura related issues. That meeting was between the two Departments and their Agencies and discussed specific aquaculture licensing aspects arising from the Natura Directives. Further such meetings are anticipated. In the event that broader difficulties or issues arise in the implementation of the arrangements put in place, or there is any other useful purpose which can be contributed to, the Steering Committee it can be re-convened at short notice whenever necessary.
735 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers may declare riparian zone as they did in the past as other and in claimed area for SPS managed as in the past not topped, having no such specification as to top in REPS 1, 2, 3; declare riparian zone as they did in the past as other and in claimed area for SPS topping as topping is very difficult due to topography of grassland zone; graze the riparian zone as they did pre-REPS, change designation from other to forage in SPS and manage grassland in GAEC; do any of the above or are they limited in their choice to retain land eligibility for SPS; if landscaping around the farmyard option 8a REPS 3 — trees planted eligible for SPS in 2012. [26360/12]
Applicants under the Single Payment Scheme, who are former participants in REPS, who wish to continue to maintain Riparian Zones, will continue to benefit on these areas under SPS, provided they are maintained as heretofore, in accordance with REPS requirements. With regard to the landscaping issue as described, such areas are not eligible under the Single Payment Scheme.
736 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the year in which the Irish Land Commission last collected annual bog rents for turbary on a bog (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26365/12]
From records to hand for the former Irish Land Commission it appears that annual bog rents on the bog mentioned in the details supplied were last collected in 1987.
737 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his policy regarding the acquisition of prescriptive rights of turbary on land vested in his Department; if his Department in general, dispute or acquiesce to such claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26369/12]
My Department does not acquiesce to such prescriptive claims for turbary rights on land vested in the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine as successor in title to the former Irish Land Commission.
738 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26531/12]
The person named has not applied under the Single Payment Scheme until this year. An application under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from him on 15 May 2012. The processing of over 130,000 applications received by my Department under the Single Payment Scheme and other area based schemes is on-going.
As stated on page 45 of the Terms and Conditions which govern the Single Payment Scheme for 2012 "Under EU Regulations, payments under the Single Payment Scheme are due to commence on 01 December 2012". In order to receive payment under the Single Payment scheme it is a requirement to hold entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme and to declare one eligible hectare of land for each Single Payment entitlement held. As of the time of application the person named has no Single Payment entitlements registered against his herd number. An official from my Department will contact the person named to explain in detail the procedures involved in making a claim under the Single Payment Scheme.
739 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm, as per the sea lice monitoring protocol for offshore fin fish farms, if a notice to treat was issued to the salmon farm operator (details supplied) in County Galway following a sea lice inspection in 11 April 2012 in view of the fact that the trigger level on this particular licence is set at 0.3 egg-bearing lice per fish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26540/12]
The protocols operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State for the control of sea lice are in accordance with the "Strategy for improved pest control on Irish salmon farms", May 2008. In relation to the site referred to by the Deputy, the slight increase in sea lice levels observed at the April inspection by the Marine Institute was addressed by the operator on 24 April, in accordance with the conditions of the Aquaculture Licence, without the need for the Marine Institute to issue a Notice to Treat.
740 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in issuing a forestry grant to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when the grant will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26609/12]
The 2012 forestry premium is currently being withheld until the plantation is deemed by the Forest Service to be up to the required standard. When the standard is achieved the second instalment or "maintenance" portion of the grant will also be paid. Following a site inspection in 2010, the applicant was notified that remedial works were required on the plantation. The Forest Service received a letter on 28th May 2012 from the applicant's forestry company confirming that the works have now been completed and, on this basis, a re-inspection will be carried out in the near future.
741 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in issuing a grant to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when the grant will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26610/12]
The holding in question was restricted under the TB scheme on 5 April 2012 following the disclosure of 15 reactor animals in the herd. These animals were valued under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme on 16 April and removed from the herd on 25 April. Compensation of €10,551.01 payable under this scheme has been certified by the Regional Office and it is expected that payment will reach the herd owners account by the end of this week or early next week at the latest.
742 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding committed to in his Department for capital projects; if he will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26624/12]
The total capital budget for my Department in 2012 is €194.9m of which €97m has been spent up to the end of May 2012. The latest forecast indicates that the full capital allocation will be spent in 2012. The capital allocation of the breaks down into the following broad categories:
|
Allocation |
Jan-May |
|
|
(i) Administrative Budget |
€2.7m |
€0.4m |
|
(ii) Demand led schemes. |
€153.7m |
€87.2m |
|
(iii) Grants to the food processing sector |
€18.5m |
€2.7m |
|
(iv) Non commercial State sponsored bodies |
€14.5m |
€4.1m |
|
(v) Horse and Greyhound Fund |
€5.5m |
€2.6m |
|
Total 2012 capital budget |
€194.9m |
€97m |
The demand led scheme category of capital expenditure comprises capital schemes which are currently open to receiving new applications and other schemes which are closed to new applicants but for which the Department must continue to provide funding to enable outstanding grants be drawn down. In the case of demand led schemes, expenditure in any one year is driven by a number of factors, such as by external economic factor, future expectations as well as the number and value of claims for payment received, processed and approved for payment during the year.
The following is a detailed breakdown of the above headings:
|
Capital Project |
Budget 2012€m |
ExpenditureJan-May 2012€m |
Balance of Expenditure 2012€m |
|
Office Machinery (incl IT) |
1.1 |
.20 |
0.9 |
|
Laboratories Backweston |
1.5 |
.16 |
1.34 |
|
Installation Aid — 2000/06 scheme |
.10 |
.03 |
.07 |
|
Installation Aid — 2007/13 scheme |
.05 |
.12 |
-.007 |
|
Farm Improvement Scheme |
.30 |
1.88 |
-1.58 |
|
Waste Processing Facilities Scheme |
.30 |
0.00 |
.30 |
|
Dairy Hygiene Scheme |
.05 |
.006 |
.044 |
|
Alternative Enterprises |
.05 |
0.00 |
.05 |
|
Animal Welfare (pig welfare) Scheme |
.20 |
.12 |
.08 |
|
Horticulture Grants Scheme |
3.3 |
.07 |
3.23 |
|
Organic Sector Grants Scheme |
1.0 |
.25 |
0.75 |
|
Farm Waste Management Scheme |
.20 |
.30 |
-0.1 |
|
Livestock Breeding (incl sheep breeding) |
1.4 |
.25 |
1.15 |
|
Equine Infrastrucutues (Breeding/Quality) |
.90 |
.04 |
0.86 |
|
Food Industry; Marketing and Processing grants |
18.5 |
2.66 |
15.84 |
|
On Farm investment Schemes (Pre — 2000 NDP) |
.019 |
0.00 |
.019 |
|
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) |
20.0 |
4.91 |
15.09 |
|
Afforestation — capital |
104.5 |
76.49 |
28.01 |
|
NDP support schemes (forestry) |
5.5 |
1.97 |
3.53 |
|
Other forestry support schemes |
.03 |
0.00 |
.03 |
|
IFORIS/forest inventory |
.07 |
0.00 |
.07 |
|
Bio energy — Miscanthus/Willow |
1.6 |
.07 |
1.53 |
|
Haulbowline |
1.5 |
0.00 |
1.5 |
|
Environmental compliance |
.75 |
0.00 |
.75 |
|
Fish processing |
1.5 |
0.00 |
1.5 |
|
Aquaculture |
4.5 |
0.00 |
4.5 |
|
Fisheries Harbours |
6.0 |
1.08 |
4.92 |
|
Teagasc |
.75 |
0.00 |
.75 |
|
Marine Institute |
8.0 |
3.30 |
4.7 |
|
BIM |
4.0 |
.35 |
3.65 |
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
1.8 |
.44 |
1.36 |
|
Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund |
5.5 |
2.60 |
2.9 |
|
Total |
194.9 |
97.3 |
97.6 |
743 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the agri-environment options scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry and when payment will issue [26651/12]
The person named has been informed in writing that he was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st September 2011. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check of all applications, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. This process is under way with a view to commencing payments as soon as possible. In the event of any queries arising from these checks my Department will be in direct contact with the person named.
744 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered the provision of a new office building in Portlaoise, County Laois, for his Department staff in view of the large number of staff who have transferred to the town and are located in several different locations throughout Portlaoise, as such a proposal would make economic sense; if he will discuss this matter with the Office of Public Works and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26671/12]
My Department, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, has engaged in a review of the Department's accommodation needs in Portlaoise with a view to consolidating our accommodation footprint in the town. Following on from this review, the Office of Public Works recently submitted proposals to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform setting out options for consolidation. These options are now being considered by that Department.
In reviewing our accommodation needs my Department's overriding objective is the redeployment of staff so as to reintegrate business areas that have been split between different locations and, in so far as possible, to co-locate different business areas that have cross-over functions or can exploit any existing operational synergies from such co-location. This makes for much greater flexibility and efficiency if we use our own resources. In addition, significantly reducing the number of my Department's locations in Portlaoise will accrue substantial savings to the Exchequer.
745 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the report into the special investigation unit investigation of animal pharmacy, Kilkenny has now been completed; if the report will be made available in full to the business concerned; if he will specify what the process will be after the report is completed and submitted to the concerned parties; the persons who will receive the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26692/12]
The report referred to by the deputy has now been completed. It is being considered at present and the parties involved will be contacted directly by my Department within the next two weeks.
746 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding milk quotas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26711/12]
The primary means of acquiring milk quota is through the Milk Quota Trading Scheme. The Trading Scheme is run twice annually in respect of each Co-op collection area. I expect to announce details of the first stage of the 2013/2014 Trading Scheme in the autumn, and this will be followed by a second stage, which I intend to announce in early 2013. Quota traded under each stage will transfer with effect from 1 April 2013.
The Scheme for the Allocation of Milk Quota to New Entrants, which I introduced in 2009, provides an opportunity for new entrants to dairying to acquire a milk quota. Under this scheme 50 successful applicants will each receive an allocation of 200,000 litres. My Department is currently processing applications to the fourth of five schemes. The final scheme will be announced in early 2013. Other means by which milk quota may be acquired are through the purchase of land and quota on the open market, the purchase of quota only from a qualified relative or through the leasing of land and quota from a qualified relative. Full details of all options referred to above can be obtained by contacting the Milk Quota Section in my Department.
747 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if under the provisions of the Greyhound Industry Act 1958, the regulation of coursing is chiefly a matter for the Irish Coursing Club subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the improvement and development of the greyhound industry, greyhound racing and coursing. [26723/12]
Under the provisions of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 the regulation of coursing is chiefly a matter for the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the improvement and development of the greyhound industry, greyhound racing and coursing.
A Monitoring Committee on Coursing was established in 1993/94 comprising of officials from my Department and representatives from both the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the ICC to monitor developments in coursing and in that regard the situation is kept under constant review to ensure that coursing is run in a well controlled and responsible manner in the interest of animal welfare both for hares and greyhounds alike. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, under section 34 of the Wildlife Act 1976, has responsibility for the issue of an annual licence to the Irish Coursing Club, ICC, and its affiliated clubs to capture live hares.
748 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the exemptions on fishing, hunting and hare coursing underlined in section 12(12) of the animal welfare Bill will be retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26765/12]
It is my intention to maintain these exemptions and I do not intend to interfere with legitimate field sports which are carried out in a proper manner.
749 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the possible return of a sugar industry to Ireland following on from the two feasibility studies prepared last year. [26811/12]
The EU Sugar Regime underwent a radical reform in 2005 and Greencore, the holder of the entire Irish sugar quota availed of the sugar restructuring scheme, dismantled its facilities and ceased production in 2006. Post reform production is now concentrated in 18 Member States. The present regime runs from 1 September 2006 to the 30 September 2015. There is no mechanism under the present EU Regulations which would allow for the re-instatement of the sugar quota for the growing of sugar beet in Ireland for the production of sugar.
I have strongly supported the full abolition of sugar quotas from September 2015 as part of the CAP reform discussions which are currently underway in the Council of Ministers, and which, if agreed, would replace the existing quota regime. I also raised the issue with Commissioner Ciolos during his visit to Ireland in January 2012.
In 2011 I met with two separate groups who have conducted feasibility studies, into the possibility of establishing a sugar/bioethanol facility here. At both meetings, I stated that any venture to develop a combined sugar/bioethanol production facility would have to be a commercial proposition, financed in total by investors and interested parties and make sound economic sense in order to be viable. I also further suggested to both groups the desirability of there being only one single proposition in play, as both studies had indicated a potential for only one such viable project and both groups had appeared to accept the reasonableness of this position at the time.
751 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a timeframe for when an agri-environment options scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26867/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and full payment totalling €472.28 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.
Payment in respect of the 2011 Scheme year is subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. During these checks queries were identified in relation to the capital expenditure claim of the person named. My Department is currently investigating this issue and once satisfactorily resolved the application will be further processed. Payment will issue at the earliest opportunity once all validations have been successfully completed.
752 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26895/12]
The person named submitted an application in 2008 to participate in the Suckler Welfare Scheme. The Terms and Conditions of this scheme require that applicants must undertake the prescribed measures on all beef breed cows and the calves they are suckling on the holding for the full term of the five year period of the Scheme and notify these measures to the Department.
No information has been received for any of the animals born in 2009 and as the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme were not complied with the person named was excluded from the scheme for 2009 and subsequent years. A review of this decision was sought by the herd owner by letter dated 6th March 2012 and following this review the decision to exclude the person named was upheld. A letter issued to the applicant on 31 May 2012 notifying him of the position and advising him of his right to appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
753 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify all of the circumstances in which landowners are entitled to stack their entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26920/12]
In Member States, like Ireland, who adopted the Historical model for implementing the Single Payment Scheme, applicants are obliged to declare one eligible hectare of land for each payment entitlement held. The number of payment entitlements held is equal to the average number of hectares of eligible land declared during the 2000-2002 reference period.
Farmers in Member States who are applying the Historical Model would have encountered difficulties if, in 2005 and subsequent years, they were not farming the same number of hectares that they had during the reference period. It was for this reason that the concept of Consolidation of Entitlements was introduced under Article 7 of Commission Regulation 795/2004.
Farmers, who, for specific reasons, were farming less lands in 2005 or in subsequent years than the average number of hectares farmed during the reference period may apply to consolidate their entitlements. In Ireland the following categories of farmers were deemed eligible to participate in the programme:
Farmers, who were farming a reduced number of hectares when compared to the reference period for one of the following reasons;
(i) the sale of lands under a Compulsory Purchase Order to a Public Authority for non-agricultural purposes;
(ii) the afforestation of lands (no longer applicable to forestry planted from 1 January 2009)
(iii) the loss of leased/rented land on expiry of a lease or rental agreement
In all cases applicants for consolidation must retain at least 50% of the average number of hectares declared during the reference period.
Applicants are entitled to apply for consolidation in more than one year provided all the conditions are met, however, land farmed during the reference period and not available when the applicant previously consolidated cannot be used again as a reason to further consolidate. The closing date for receipt of applications under the Consolidation measure of the 2012 Single Payment Scheme was 15th May 2012. My Department to date has received a total of 1,357 applications in respect of the 2012 Scheme year.
754 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of expenditure by his Department on outside consultants for each year since 2007. [26931/12]
755 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the top five paid consultancy companies contracted by his Department since 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26932/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 754 and 755 together.
My Department uses private contractors, consultants and agencies to provide certain services when such proves to be more cost effective and Department staff are not available. This can include services such as specialised laboratory services, computer services, legal advice or independent auditing services. The information requested can be found in the following table:
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
1,378,502 |
2,890,638 |
2,778,490 |
1,882,866 |
1,531,181 |
|
Consultant/Consultancy Company |
Nature of Work |
Expenditure in 2007 € |
|
|
1 |
Deloitte |
Certifying Body, providing independent certification of the Department’s EAGF/EAFRD annual accounts and compliance with EU accreditation criteria, as required under EU Council Regulation 1290/05. |
481,118.75 |
|
2 |
Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers,5 Eastgate Avenue,Little Island,Cork |
Various Harbour Developments |
259,581.22 |
|
3 |
Jacobs Engineering UK Ltd.,Jacobs House,427 London Road,Reading,Berkshire RG6 1BL,UK |
Castletownbere Harbour Development — Site Works supervision |
233,525.00 |
|
4 |
RPS Consulting Engineers,Elmwood House,74 Boucher Road,Belfast BT12 6RZNorthern Ireland |
Various Harbour Developments |
130,255.72 |
|
5 |
Mazars |
Provision of IT audit expertise to the Internal Audit Unit |
58,147 |
|
Consultant/Consultancy Company |
Nature of Work |
Expenditure in 2008 € |
|
|
1 |
Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers, 5 Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork |
Various Harbour Developments |
704,560.40 |
|
2 |
Deloitte |
Certifying Body, providing independent certification of the Department’s EAGF/EAFRD annual accounts and compliance with EU accreditation criteria, as required under EU Council Regulation 1290/05. |
519,168.15 |
|
3 |
Haskoning Consulting Engineers |
Engineering Services in relation to Greencastle Harbour Development |
443,274 |
|
4 |
Jacobs UK, Consulting Engineers, 95 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7HX, U.K. |
Castletownbere Harbour Development — Site Works supervision |
390,939.88 |
|
5 |
RPS Consulting Engineers, Elmwood House, 74 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6RZ |
Various Harbour Developments |
210,132 |
|
Consultant/Consultancy Company |
Nature of Work |
Expenditure in 2009 € |
|
|
1 |
Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers, 5 Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork |
Various Harbour Developments |
1,091,818.53 |
|
2 |
Deloitte |
Certifying Body, providingindependent certification of the Department’s EAGF/EAFRD annual accounts and compliance with EU accreditation criteria, as required under EU Council Regulation 1290/05. |
€556,652.88 |
|
3 |
Jacobs UK, Consulting Engineers, 95 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7HX, U.K. |
Castletownbere Harbour Development — Site Works supervision |
338,902.38 |
|
4 |
Lisney |
Property Valuations |
€132,457.14 |
|
5 |
RPS Consulting EngineersElmwood House, 74 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6RZ |
Various Harbour Developments |
117,651.00 |
|
Consultant/Consultancy Company |
Nature of Work |
Expenditure in 2010 € |
|
|
1 |
Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers, 5 Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork |
Various Harbour Developments |
727,694.73 |
|
2 |
Deloitte |
Certifying Body, providingindependent certification of the Department’s EAGF/EAFRD annual accounts and compliance with EU accreditation criteria, as required under EU Council Regulation 1290/05. |
€438,689.27 |
|
3 |
Jacobs UK, Consulting Engineers, 95 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7HX, U.K. |
Castletownbere Harbour Development — Site Works supervision |
139,210.21 |
|
4 |
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
Independent mid-term evaluation of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 as required by the EU |
110,903 |
|
5 |
Haskoning Consulting Engineers |
Engineering Services in relation to various Harbour Developments |
105,411 |
|
Consultant/Consultancy Company |
Nature of Work |
Expenditure in 2011 € |
|
|
1 |
Deloitte |
Certifying Body, providing independent certification of the Department’s EAGF/EAFRD annual accounts and compliance with EU accreditation criteria, as required under EU Council Regulation 1290/05. |
509,830 |
|
2 |
Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers, 5 Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork |
Various Harbour Developments |
265,030.63 |
|
3 |
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd, Innishmore, Ballincollig, Co. Cork |
Various Harbour Developments |
255,463.86 |
|
4 |
White Young Green Consulting Engineers |
Engineering Services in relation to Electrical Upgrading at Howth Harbour |
72,408 |
|
5 |
Mazars |
Provision of IT audit expertise to the Internal Audit Unit |
56,634 |
756 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average payment in each of the EU farm schemes (details supplied) per farmer in each county for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. [26935/12]
757 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount paid under each of the EU farm schemes (details supplied) to each county for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. [26936/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 756 and 757 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tables. Where negative amounts are shown, they represent overpayments recovered under the Scheme from other payments due to applicants.
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
||||||
|
Scheme Description |
County |
Average Payment |
Total Paid |
Average Payment |
Total Paid |
Average Payment |
Total Paid |
Average Payment |
Total Paid |
|
Agri-Environment Programme |
Cork |
€6,753.23 |
€23,096,042.05 |
€6,822.13 |
€29,512,520.79 |
€7,034.41 |
€31,739,244.38 |
€8,714.27 |
€33,044,505.13 |
|
Clare |
€6,442.33 |
€14,675,620.65 |
€6,568.29 |
€19,560,380.29 |
€6,113.21 |
€14,561,664.41 |
€8,167.00 |
€12,707,855.66 |
|
|
Cavan |
€5,873.52 |
€10,977,604.49 |
€5,001.86 |
€10,013,715.61 |
€5,846.81 |
€10,138,373.04 |
€7,060.34 |
€8,726,585.71 |
|
|
Carlow |
€7,096.06 |
€4,335,693.70 |
€6,725.07 |
€4,579,770.14 |
€7,127.32 |
€4,105,335.10 |
€7,915.43 |
€2,730,823.57 |
|
|
Dublin |
€6,636.60 |
€1,114,948.71 |
€5,290.28 |
€804,123.04 |
€6,618.27 |
€853,757.26 |
€7,396.96 |
€747,093.06 |
|
|
Donegal |
€6,670.18 |
€24,199,421.16 |
€6,550.61 |
€28,829,227.39 |
€6,356.59 |
€24,485,581.00 |
€6,593.41 |
€13,345,052.91 |
|
|
Galway |
€6,278.71 |
€33,697,854.16 |
€5,780.99 |
€35,038,609.11 |
€6,264.45 |
€34,861,673.79 |
€6,501.86 |
€22,567,954.32 |
|
|
Kildare |
€6,558.64 |
€3,961,416.47 |
€6,113.13 |
€4,456,470.86 |
€6,122.38 |
€3,642,818.81 |
€7,701.05 |
€3,873,627.95 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
€7,088.82 |
€10,222,074.86 |
€6,618.71 |
€10,007,495.97 |
€7,047.59 |
€8,999,768.41 |
€8,747.03 |
€8,265,941.87 |
|
|
Kerry |
€7,388.33 |
€20,576,501.03 |
€7,118.36 |
€24,003,110.37 |
€8,195.95 |
€27,284,328.64 |
€7,754.63 |
€15,679,858.59 |
|
|
Longford |
€6,078.27 |
€5,579,852.40 |
€4,998.03 |
€5,957,657.52 |
€5,994.66 |
€5,928,718.49 |
€7,236.37 |
€5,289,783.28 |
|
|
Louth |
€5,977.13 |
€2,002,338.80 |
€5,578.96 |
€2,131,161.78 |
€5,996.13 |
€1,942,746.57 |
€8,886.37 |
€2,346,000.65 |
|
|
Limerick |
€6,725.64 |
€10,559,249.33 |
€6,322.80 |
€12,221,974.60 |
€6,985.29 |
€13,195,209.24 |
€8,109.44 |
€11,628,934.13 |
|
|
Leitrim |
€5,788.28 |
€8,311,969.79 |
€6,163.21 |
€11,950,455.02 |
€5,894.15 |
€9,076,997.17 |
€6,487.82 |
€6,474,839.81 |
|
|
Laois |
€7,138.83 |
€7,153,112.36 |
€5,496.68 |
€5,974,888.67 |
€6,865.95 |
€6,309,812.06 |
€7,831.38 |
€6,272,935.90 |
|
|
Meath |
€6,502.42 |
€6,541,432.70 |
€5,788.61 |
€6,002,785.16 |
€6,100.20 |
€5,557,279.68 |
€7,775.99 |
€5,692,022.21 |
|
|
Monaghan |
€5,015.81 |
€7,894,881.86 |
€4,690.96 |
€7,979,319.82 |
€4,830.88 |
€6,207,684.52 |
€6,693.59 |
€7,055,041.95 |
|
|
Mayo |
€5,951.26 |
€30,666,852.33 |
€5,578.47 |
€31,211,535.96 |
€6,025.02 |
€29,215,342.81 |
€6,905.08 |
€20,190,462.21 |
|
|
Offaly |
€7,083.17 |
€8,117,308.05 |
€6,043.54 |
€7,826,382.16 |
€6,671.27 |
€7,658,617.37 |
€8,598.51 |
€7,128,167.66 |
|
|
Roscommon |
€5,870.37 |
€12,991,123.21 |
€5,632.06 |
€15,871,132.01 |
€5,914.39 |
€14,507,989.94 |
€6,195.28 |
€9,912,442.01 |
|
|
Sligo |
€5,924.21 |
€9,135,131.33 |
€6,073.90 |
€11,607,217.30 |
€5,969.74 |
€9,330,702.51 |
€6,916.83 |
€7,165,831.71 |
|
|
Tipperary |
€7,415.41 |
€19,880,721.35 |
€6,605.47 |
€19,763,558.06 |
€7,170.79 |
€19,561,921.46 |
€9,415.55 |
€19,847,986.75 |
|
|
Waterford |
€7,190.87 |
€6,989,523.42 |
€6,537.16 |
€6,497,937.66 |
€7,247.37 |
€7,486,536.92 |
€9,409.57 |
€6,774,891.50 |
|
|
Westmeath |
€6,632.89 |
€8,755,417.11 |
€5,757.42 |
€8,503,715.01 |
€6,586.44 |
€7,706,136.53 |
€7,546.91 |
€6,807,314.66 |
|
|
Wicklow |
€7,585.85 |
€5,173,548.64 |
€6,690.44 |
€4,442,455.31 |
€7,364.49 |
€4,919,478.19 |
€8,551.46 |
€4,019,184.12 |
|
|
Wexford |
€7,600.66 |
€9,607,232.38 |
€6,500.31 |
€10,439,502.66 |
€7,184.67 |
€8,901,800.72 |
€8,139.65 |
€8,538,496.50 |
|
|
Agri-Environment Options Scheme |
Cork |
€2,219.93 |
€772,536.21 |
||||||
|
Clare |
€2,842.83 |
€830,106.31 |
|||||||
|
Cavan |
€2,650.79 |
€482,443.97 |
|||||||
|
Carlow |
€2,331.20 |
€205,145.70 |
|||||||
|
Dublin |
€1,371.07 |
€20,566.09 |
|||||||
|
Donegal |
€2,544.58 |
€1,279,923.60 |
|||||||
|
Galway |
€2,609.23 |
€1,502,919.34 |
|||||||
|
Kildare |
€1,957.66 |
€148,781.95 |
|||||||
|
Kilkenny |
€2,048.08 |
€419,856.79 |
|||||||
|
Kerry |
€2,686.25 |
€636,640.33 |
|||||||
|
Longford |
€2,328.98 |
€190,976.09 |
|||||||
|
Louth |
€2,103.43 |
€94,654.19 |
|||||||
|
Limerick |
€1,719.53 |
€345,626.29 |
|||||||
|
Leitrim |
€2,919.61 |
€931,355.98 |
|||||||
|
Laois |
€2,056.82 |
€232,420.68 |
|||||||
|
Meath |
€2,466.50 |
€350,243.46 |
|||||||
|
Monaghan |
€2,425.76 |
€470,597.04 |
|||||||
|
Mayo |
€2,480.75 |
€1,515,741.14 |
|||||||
|
Offaly |
€2,419.00 |
€224,967.15 |
|||||||
|
Roscommon |
€3,008.54 |
€845,400.61 |
|||||||
|
Sligo |
€2,789.46 |
€663,891.72 |
|||||||
|
Tipperary |
€2,565.22 |
€731,088.49 |
|||||||
|
Waterford |
€1,779.01 |
€169,005.48 |
|||||||
|
Westmeath |
€2,716.97 |
€584,148.85 |
|||||||
|
Wicklow |
€2,087.44 |
€135,683.34 |
|||||||
|
Wexford |
€2,366.11 |
€279,200.83 |
|||||||
|
Agri-monetary aid 1st tranche — Cereals Laois |
Carlow |
€393.25 |
€393.25 |
||||||
|
Arable Aid |
Cork |
-€11,038.52 |
-€22,077.04 |
-€1.82 |
-€1.82 |
||||
|
Donegal |
€834.29 |
€834.29 |
€5,068.71 |
€5,068.71 |
|||||
|
Kilkenny |
€5,441.99 |
€5,441.99 |
-€1,045.70 |
-€1,045.70 |
|||||
|
Meath |
€14,176.30 |
€14,176.30 |
|||||||
|
Tipperary |
€1,912.79 |
€3,825.58 |
|||||||
|
Wicklow |
€2,106.33 |
€2,106.33 |
€954.87 |
€3,819.46 |
|||||
|
Wexford |
-€2.30 |
-€2.30 |
€1,650.69 |
€3,301.37 |
|||||
|
Area Aid — General Scheme — Cereals Laois |
Dublin |
-€55.70 |
-€55.70 |
||||||
|
Kildare |
€371.68 |
€371.68 |
|||||||
|
Kilkenny |
-€3,478.35 |
-€3,478.35 |
|||||||
|
Louth |
-€118.32 |
-€118.32 |
|||||||
|
Meath |
€147.16 |
€147.16 |
|||||||
|
Mayo |
-€239.05 |
-€239.05 |
|||||||
|
Wexford |
-€647.47 |
-€1,942.42 |
|||||||
|
Area Aid — Simplified Scheme — Cereals Laois |
Cork |
-€422.10 |
-€844.20 |
-€6,403.21 |
-€19,209.64 |
-€1,391.94 |
-€1,391.94 |
||
|
Dublin |
-€840.39 |
-€1,680.78 |
|||||||
|
Donegal |
-€9,854.92 |
-€9,854.92 |
|||||||
|
Galway |
-€7,934.04 |
-€7,934.04 |
|||||||
|
Kildare |
-€516.94 |
-€1,033.88 |
-€1,002.81 |
-€1,002.81 |
|||||
|
Kilkenny |
-€5,804.38 |
-€5,804.38 |
-€336.98 |
-€336.98 |
|||||
|
Kerry |
-€68.22 |
-€68.22 |
|||||||
|
Louth |
-€1,189.06 |
-€1,189.06 |
|||||||
|
Meath |
-€170.42 |
-€170.42 |
|||||||
|
Wexford |
€142.32 |
€426.96 |
-€5,118.84 |
-€10,237.68 |
|||||
|
Area Based Compensatory Allowance Scheme |
Cork |
€2,773.54 |
€19,681,025.74 |
€2,423.11 |
€17,153,191.94 |
€2,236.34 |
€15,432,970.25 |
€2,571.70 |
758 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been paid all of his or her entitlements under the 2011 single farm payment; if the person is entitled to stack all of his or her entitlements on his or her eligible land holding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26941/12]
An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 3 May 2011. The person named planted forestry on part of their holding in 2011 which required clarification from Forestry Division before this land could be deemed eligible for Single Payment purposes.
I am pleased to say that all of these matters have been resolved thereby allowing the balancing payment to issue shortly under the next 2011 Scheme payment run.
759 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline all staff appointments he has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their positions; their salaries; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26948/12]
I have detailed below all staff appointments I made in my Department since March 2012 and can confirm that none of the appointed staff are former retired public servants.
|
Position Held |
Salary |
|
Laboratory Analyst |
€34,463 |
|
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Administrator |
€65,675 |
|
Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspector |
€102,890 |
|
Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspector |
€108,173 |
|
Principal Officer |
€88,379 |
In the same period, my Department has re-engaged three former veterinary staff as part-time Temporary Veterinary Inspectors on a contractor basis for a limited period, primarily to provide cover for essential functions in the Department. These contracts are due to expire later this year.
760 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the statistics of hare deaths and injuries during hare coursing sporting events around the country in 2011 provided by an organisation (details supplied); if his further attention has been drawn to death of hares during the sport event, days after the sporting event, death through euthanasia and reports of hares being tossed and mauled during the event leading to injuries or death; if he notes there are discrepancies in the veterinary reports monitored by this organisation; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that muzzling does not prevent death or injury or necessarily reduce the circumstances by which hares may encounter suffering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26993/12]
Under the provisions of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 the regulation of coursing is chiefly a matter for the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the improvement and development of the greyhound industry, greyhound racing and coursing.
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, under section 34 of the Wildlife Act 1976, has responsibility for the issue of an annual licence to the Irish Coursing Club, ICC, and its affiliated clubs to capture live hares.
The ICC has also informed me that 98.32% of hares netted for coursing in the past season were released back to the wild and that injury to hares by muzzled greyhounds is a very rare occurrence. The ICC has a robust system of regulation in place to underpin the maintenance of standards in the sport.
Bord na gCon has demonstrated its commitment to animal welfare and in this regard has a number of initiatives in place to ensure consistent and appropriate welfare standards are met. A Monitoring Committee on Coursing was established in 1993/94 comprising of officials from my Department and representatives from both the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the ICC to monitor developments in coursing and in that regard the situation is kept under constant review to ensure that coursing is run in a well controlled and responsible manner in the interest of animal welfare both for hares and greyhounds alike.
761 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 618 of 24 April 2012, if the review has been completed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27023/12]
As indicated in response to a previous question from the Deputy on 24th April 2012, this case has been the subject of a review. This review is now completed and a decision will be forwarded to the person named in the coming days. If the person named is not satisfied with the outcome of the review he can have the case referred to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office.
762 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri-environment options scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when the remainder of the payment will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27047/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and full payment totalling €628.28 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.
Payment in respect of the 2011 Scheme year is subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. During these checks an issue was identified in relation to claimed areas on the Traditional Hay Meadow action. My Department is currently investigating this issue and once satisfactorily resolved the application will be further processed. Payment will issue at the earliest opportunity once all validations have been successfully completed.
763 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the records available from his Department of graduates from the Munster Institute in the Diploma in Farm Home Management; if specifically records are available regarding subjects-methodology-pedagogics for teaching practice which was undertaken during the course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27060/12]
The Munster Institute closed in 1983 and I understand the remaining courses continued to be delivered by ACOT, the forerunner to Teagasc, the Agriculture Food and Development Authority. I am advised that the only available records relating to the Diploma in Farm Home Management are held by Teagasc and consist of copies of the Syllabus and the Register confirming participation in the Diploma.
764 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details provided) in County Tipperary under the single farm scheme 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27123/12]
An application under the 2009 Single Payment application was received on 1 May 2009.This application was subject to a Ground Eligibility Inspection which has now been completed and his application has been fully processed. Payment will issue to the nominated bank account of the person named in the near future.
765 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if feral cats are included in the Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 in view of the fact that part of the Bill’s intention is to include all animals and not just farm animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27133/12]
In the Animal Health and Welfare Bill the term "Animal" is defined as "a member of the kingdomanimalae other than a human being”. This definition includes all cats. Therefore the protection of Section 12 which prohibits cruelty to animals will apply to feral cats.
766 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 17 May 2012, if he will review his answer in view of correspondence (details supplied) which contradicts earlier assertions by his Department. [27140/12]
My Department has reviewed my reply to Parliamentary Question 168 in light of the attached correspondence.
With regard to the Brucellosis test in May 1977, the information available to my Department is that 26 cows were tested and 3 cows were disclosed as reactor on foot of this test. However, the herd owner refused to accept a restriction notice issued by my Department under the Brucellosis Order and no animals were removed as reactor until December 1977. According to the Department's files, compensation amounting to £17,000 was paid to the herd owner in May 1978 in respect of reactors removed between October 1977 and March 1978.
With regard to the number of cattle in the herd of the herd owner in question, the Department has had considerable difficulty in establishing the precise number of cows in his herd because of the illegal movement of animals into and out of the herd during the period in question and the failure of the herd owner to present all of his animals at any one test, with the exception of the test carried out on 30 September 1978, when he presented 107 animals for test. The Department's reference to 107 animals as constituting his herd merely refers to the number of animals in his herd which were presented for the last test carried out on his herd on 30 September 1978 before it was depopulated.
I would like to emphasise that these events happened about 34 years ago and were disposed of by the Courts in 1982. Approximately €66,000 was paid as compensation to the herd owner in respect of disease breakdowns in his herd during the period 1977 and 1978. He also received considerable sums of money from meat factories for the meat value of the cattle, including reactors, in his herd during that period. Any further claim for compensation he is now making is long since statute barred, which Statute the Department fully relies on. Finally, I should point out that the State was awarded costs amounting to approximately €51,400 against the person in question arising from his unsuccessful High Court challenge in 1998 against the Department's decision to withdraw his herd number in November 1978. The person has continually refused to pay these costs. The Chief State Solicitors Office is currently seeking to recover these costs from him on behalf of the State.
767 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there is a delay in making a payment under the agri-environment options scheme 2011 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; when payment will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27141/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and full payment totalling €1,257.69 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. These checks have been completed and 75% payment in respect of 2011 will issue to the person named shortly.
The application was selected for a Cross Compliance inspection which resulted in an AEOS penalty being imposed. The cross compliance penalty, in this case 1%, will be deducted from the balancing payment which will issue at the earliest opportunity to the person named.
769 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the payment of compensation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27211/12]
My Department has withheld payment of compensation in respect of animals removed from this person's herd under the Bovine TB Eradication Schemefollowing the outcome of investigations which disclosed clear evidence of interference with a TB test.
I should point out that my Department takes a most serious view of any attempt to interfere with the test process, which is an offence under Article 7 of the Bovine Tuberculosis (Attestation of the State and General Provisions) Order, 1989 which prohibits interference with the test and, more particularly, Article 7(2) which obliges the owner or person in charge of an animal to take such care as to ensure that any substance could be not be introduced into the body of an animal for the purpose of affecting the accuracy of the test.
An appeal subsequently lodged by the person concerned to the Regional Assistant Principal Officer was unsuccessful and the person was informed of her right of appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office. I understand that whilst an appeal was initially lodged to the Agriculture Appeals Office, it was subsequently withdrawn.
770 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a group of workers (details supplied) in County Cork are classified as public or private sector workers; the reason they did not qualify for any pay increase under either sector for a number of years yet qualified under the financial emergency measures in the public sector which meant a deduction of 16% to their wages to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27254/12]
Moorepark Technology Ltd (MTL) is a subsidiary of Teagasc, the Agriculture, Food and Development Authority, with 57% of the shares owned by Teagasc and the remainder by a number of dairy processing companies. It was established in 1993 to facilitate and promote research and development in the Irish dairy industry and to enable Teagasc to fulfil its statutory function in conducting public good research on behalf of the agri- food sector.
MTL is deemed to be a "public service body" under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 by virtue of the fact that they have a public service pension scheme. MTL was therefore legally obliged to make deductions in pay from MTL staff in accordance with the explicit provisions in the Act and is legally precluded from awarding any increase in pay rates to staff. However, staff in MTL were granted an exemption from the pay cut for the period between 1 January 2010 and 14 February 2011 under the discretion conferred in Section 6 of the Act.
771 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a matter will be expedited regarding an organic farming application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27291/12]
The person named submitted an application for the Organic Framing Scheme on 16 May 2012. During the initial processing of the application discrepancies were discovered regarding the status of land parcels listed on the application form. These discrepancies have now been rectified. However, a further query has arisen in relation to the issue of the organic licence which is a condition of participation in the scheme. The Department is awaiting confirmation from the Organic Control Body, with whom the person named is registered, that his organic licence is now in order. Once resolved, the application of the person named will be processed without further delay.
772 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare has not been facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27293/12]
The application for the person named has been refused on the grounds that there are cumulative landscape impacts of placing additional forestry in this area and further afforestation is not considered appropriate. In addition the area suffers from significant wind exposure. The person named has been informed of the decision.
773 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an agri-environment options scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27336/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st November 2010 and 75% payment totalling €546.41 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. The application was selected for a Cross Compliance inspection which resulted in a penalty being imposed. The cross compliance penalty, in this case 5%, will be deducted from the balancing payment which will issue shortly.
Payments in respect of the 2011 scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process. Following the payment of year 1, the administrative checking process in respect of year 2 will be completed.
774 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an organic farming scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27352/12]
The person named submitted an application for the Organic Framing Scheme on 16 May 2012. During the initial processing of the application discrepancies were discovered regarding the status of land parcels listed on the application form. These discrepancies have now been rectified. However, a further query has arisen in relation to the issue of the organic licence which is a condition of participation in the scheme. The Department is awaiting confirmation from the Organic Control Body, with whom the person named is registered, that his organic licence is now in order. Once resolved, the application of the person named will be processed without further delay.
775 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department will issue a response to a person (details supplied) in County Cork regarding an AEOS 2 application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27360/12]
The person named submitted an application form for the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme on 16th May 2011 having completed the Form N option.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. During this checking process it was discovered that the person named was an active participant in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme and were accordingly ineligible for the AEOS scheme. Officials in my Department rejected the application as the scheme Terms and Conditions had not been complied with. A letter issued to the person named on 12th March 2012 setting out this decision and providing the person named with an option to submit an appeal. An appeal was received in AEOS Section on 10th April 2012. This appeal is currently under review and once a decision has been made the person named will be notified of the outcome.
776 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of the annual value of the horticulture industry; the numbers of persons employed in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27385/12]
The horticulture industry, including non-food crops and potatoes, was valued at approximately €400 million in 2011 or 6.4% of total agricultural output.
Whilst there are no detailed statistics of the number of persons employed in horticulture, the industry is labour intensive and it is estimated that as many as 8,500 are employed across the food and non-food areas.
The general state of the economy and the availability of credit from banks are the two main factors impacting on the industry. As horticulture consists of a number of sectors, different factors can influence its well being, e.g. weather can very much influence both the growth of plants and demand for plants as is evidenced by the recent bad weather which depressed demand for nursery stock. Other factors include the role of the supermarkets, exchange rates particularly in the mushroom sector and energy costs. Whilst the industry is under some pressure, the outlook is generally positive.
777 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the horticultural industry will be required to conform to new specification and standards in relation to the use of chemical by 2014; his plans for assisting the industry in preparation for the introduction of any new standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27387/12]
I have recently introduced legislation (S.I. No. 155 of 2012) to give effect to EU Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides. My Department issued a proposal for public consultation in July 2011 and comments received were taken into account when drafting the legislation. The legislation sets down deadline dates by which its various provisions must be met.Inter alia, the legislation requires professional users of pesticides to hold a certificate confirming that he/she has been trained to a standard listed in Annex I to the Directive, by 26th November 2015. In addition, professional users are required to apply the general principles of Integrated Pest Management by 1st January 2014 as set out in Annex III to the Directive. Appropriate training will be made available. The Sustainable Use Directive aims to reduce the risk from pesticide usage on human health and the environment and is designed to further enhance the high level of protection for man, animals and the environment achieved through the regulatory system for pesticides.
778 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount allocated by his Department and-or An Bord Bia for the purposes of television gardening shows; if he is satisfied that the programmes concerned emphasise the skill of planting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27388/12]
780 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount his Department and An Bord Bia allocated to an exhibition (detail supplied); the proportion of that allocation has been spent with Irish suppliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27392/12]
781 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the interests of the Irish horticulture industry are properly represented in An Bord Bia; his plans for a branding label for plants that are grown here and support Irish jobs as part of an initiative to support the industry similar to the Love Irish Food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27393/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 778, 780 and 781 together.
The Bord Bia horticulture activities and programmes, which are developed in co-operation with the horticulture sector, are essentially matters for Bord Bia and the sector and I would refer the Deputy to Bord Bia in relation to operational details.
The impact of some of this activity was on display last weekend when nearly 80,000 people attended the Bord Bia 2012 Bloom Show, which showcased the benefits of gardening and the horticulture and food sectors. The cost of Bloom is around €3 million of which Bord Bia contributes €450,000 and the balance is borne by stakeholders, ticket sales etc. Bloom is a major promotional vehicle for the horticulture sector that delivers significant outcomes including advertising equivalent, direct sales at the event for participants, post event purchases and new product listings. Bord Bia also provides finance to pay for the reconstruction at Bloom of the winning garden on a TV gardening programme.
EU state aid rules do not allow Bord Bia to fund labels on the lines of private sector initiatives such as Love Irish Food, which emphasise origin. The rules allow origin to be shown in a secondary capacity and Bord Bia horticulture Quality Assurance schemes do so.
779 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the external examiner assigned to agricultural colleges is required to liaise with the horticulture industry in terms of establishing current best practices and approaches when assessing the course content examination methods and certification standards for trainees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27390/12]
This is an operational matter for Teagasc, the Agriculture, Food and Development Authority who operate as a separate non-commercial state body under the aegis of the Department.
The Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act 1988, confers on Teagasc statutory responsibility for the provision of education, advisory and training services to the agriculture sector. It is a matter for Teagasc and its Board to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act and the Minister does not interfere in the day-to-day operations of Teagasc.
I understand that FETAC is the awarding authority for horticultural awards in the further education sector and is responsible for the development of award standards for all accredited education programmes including those for the horticultural sector. FETAC validate the programmes of all FETAC registered providers of horticultural education including Teagasc.
To ensure comprehensive consultation across the horticultural sector in the redevelopment of horticultural awards, FETAC established a Horticultural Standards Development Group which was chaired by Teagasc and included representatives from a wide range of stakeholders including the organic sector, fruit and vegetable growers, state agencies and others.
I am advised by Teagasc that the external examination verifier assigned to agricultural colleges reviews both student records for practical training periods and the student reports issued by horticultural growers who host horticultural students on placements. Evaluations of host grower ratings of students have indicated satisfactory performance by students on placement.
782 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is access to an entomology service for nurseries and other sectors of the horticulture industry provided by his Department; his views on whether such a service is important for the development and security of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27394/12]
My Department employs an entomologist in its Plant Health Laboratory. The role of the entomologist is to supply a diagnostic capability for the Department in relation to the statutory surveys which my Department is obliged to undertake, to identify samples submitted by my officials in carrying out their import inspections and to participate in plant health research. This work is critical to ensuring that Ireland maintains its status as being free of quarantine pests. The officer is not available to provide a routine service to nurseries and other sectors of the horticulture industry.
783 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a suckler welfare scheme payment in respect of a person (details person) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27429/12]
The person named registered twenty two animals under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme and seventeen under the 2010 Scheme. Payment issued for thirteen of the 2009 born animals and six of the 2010 born animals. Errors were identified with the remaining animals for each year and letters issued in this regard on 16 February and 22 November 2011. No replies have been received to these letters.
The person named registered seventeen animals under the 2011 Scheme and no payment has issued as details of the prescribed measures have not been received by my Department.
All errors letters and pre and post-weaning forms have been re-issued to the person named. Payment cannot be considered until all of the issues raised in the letters have been addressed and any outstanding information received.
784 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a payment for lease entitlements under the disadvantaged areas aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27493/12]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 17 May 2010. Various issues arose in relation to the processing of the application for payment. All of these matters have now been resolved and a supplementary payment will issue to the person named in the near future.
785 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans, if any, to conduct an inquiry into the diocese of Raphoe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26351/12]
The HSE, which has statutory responsibility for child welfare and protection, has been conducting a national audit of all Catholic dioceses and Religious Orders. I have indicated previously that I am awaiting receipt of the HSE's diocesan report before responding to any calls for the establishment of further State or other inquiries into any dioceses. The HSE expects to be in a position shortly to furnish this report to me, which I expect will provide a fuller basis on which to determine the most appropriate next steps and will inform the Government's decisions in relation to this matter. It is my intention to publish the HSE's diocesan report.
The Government is committed to strengthening the arrangements for the reporting of concerns of abuse by putting the Children First National Guidance on a statutory basis. The necessary legislation is being worked on by my Department as a priority. This legislation will not only bring forward statutory requirements on organisations and individuals to report, but it will also support all of civil society in understanding what to do when they have concerns about a child. The roll out of Children First will require all sectors and organisations working with children, including the faith sector, to put in place and demonstrate that they have robust safeguarding arrangements. In this context I very much welcome the work undertaken to date by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in seeking to strengthen child protection practices in the Catholic Church. The National Board continues to engage directly with the HSE's National Director for Children and Family Services on a programme of action designed to ensure that the Catholic Church is responding properly and comprehensively to all child protection concerns, and that it has in place the necessary safeguarding structures and practices to fully protect children who come into contact with the church.
786 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will reconsider the decision to take away the 50-week option on the early childhood care and education scheme, which was providing full day care, part-time day care and after-school services at a centre (details supplied) in County Meath and impose a five-day compulsory attendance to avail of the full value of the scheme which discriminates against the working parent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26382/12]
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, which provides one free pre-school year to each eligible child, is implemented by my Department.
The ECCE programme was introduced in January 2010, and a number of transitional measures were included to make it more acceptable to the childcare sector. One of these measures related to the number of weeks over which the free pre-school year could be provided. At that time, approximately 30% of children in the relevant age-cohort were in full daycare. Therefore, in order to facilitate full daycare services in the early years of the programme, services were permitted to choose between providing a 38 week or a 50 week model.
I should emphasise that the ECCE programme is designed as an educational programme for children. It was always intended, once the programme had bedded-down, to introduce a standard 38 week model. This is primarily because this is the optimal model in terms of ensuring a high-quality early years experience for pre-school children. The Síolta and Aistear frameworks were developed to support this objective. The ECCE programme is designed to be delivered across 38 weeks. It is difficult to see how the curriculum can be delivered across a 50 week period when the children spend less time (generally 2 hours 15 minutes per day) availing of it.
My focus is on improving the quality of childcare services. For this reason, therefore, from September 2012, services participating in the ECCE programme will be required to provide the programme on the basis of 3 hours per day, 5 days per week, over 38 weeks. It will not be mandatory that children attend every day but, where they do not, the capitation fee will be reduced accordingly.
787 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 170 of 19 April 2012, regarding the payment of a section 39 grant for 2011 to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite payment [26581/12]
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
788 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a child takes up a free preschool year and cannot continue after a month because it turns out that the child is not yet ready for preschool, will that child’s free year be deferred until the following preschool year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26681/12]
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme was introduced in January 2010 and provides a free pre-school year to all eligible children in the year before commencing primary school. About 65,000 children, that is, approximately 95% of children in the year before school, are availing of the free pre-school provision at this time.
Children qualify for the free pre-school year where they are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September in the relevant year. This means, for example, that children born between 2 February 2008 and 30 June 2009 will qualify for the free pre-school year in September 2012 and children born between 2 February 2009 and 30 June 2010 will qualify in September 2013.
The implementation of these age limits means that a proportion of eligible children, for example, children born between 2 February 2009 and 30 June 2009 can avail of the free preschool year in either September 2012 or September 2013. All other eligible children, with the exception of special needs children who can opt for a pro-rata arrangement over two years, have only one school year in which to avail of the programme.
Where a parent, having enrolled a child in the ECCE programme, subsequently decides that it would be more beneficial for the child to defer the pre-school year until the following year, s/he may apply for a deferral. Such applications require completion and submission of a Deferral form, and can only be made where the child will still fulfil the eligibility criteria for admission to the programme in September of the following year.
If the application to defer the pre-school place is approved, any capitation fees already paid to the service provider in respect of that child will be recouped from the service provider by the Department. It is necessary, therefore, for the parent to come to an arrangement with the service provider to repay the capitation fee in respect of any weeks in which the child has received the ECCE service. For this reason, the deferral application form must be signed by the service provider as well as the parent.
789 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding funding in respect of a centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26800/12]
The Family Support Agency (FSA), under my Department, operates the Family Resource Centre Programme. The aim of the Family Resource Centre Programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit. There are 107 family resource centres throughout the country funded under the programme. The programme emphasises involving local communities in tackling the problems they face, and creating successful partnerships between voluntary and statutory agencies at community level.
Family Resource Centres have an important role to play, in harnessing local community efforts, in support of improved outcomes for children and young people which is a key objective of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
In 2012 an allocation of €26.465m has been made available to the Family Support Agency to fund its services for families. This includes funding of over €15m for the Family Resource Centre Programme.
My Department has asked the FSA to furnish information on the specific centre identified by the Deputy and I will forward this information to the Deputy when it is to hand.
790 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties that prospective adoptive parents now find themselves in relating to the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the Health Service Executive’s handling of the renewals of declarations; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that information and forms are not being sent out by the HSE; the reason prospective adoptive parents have to undergo another Garda clearance process as well more meetings with social workers; if this will slow the adoption process for those parents whose names are high on the waiting list for adoption from Thailand in October-November; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26190/12]
799 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on the proposals for full assessment of couples who applied some years ago to adopt a second child from Vietnam; and if he will confirm if this is the case. [26555/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 790 and 799 together.
The Adoption Authority launched an online notification and application system on the Authority's website on 13 April 2012 to allow prospective adoptive parents to apply to the Authority for an extension to their valid Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability in sufficient time before the expiry date of 31 October 2012. The Adoption Authority forwards applications made to this system to the HSE in order that an updated assessment of the applicants may be undertaken. The Authority has advised that it is a matter for the HSE to determine the criteria for these updated assessments. The Authority has asked the HSE to deal with the applications based on the original declaration date.
The HSE has advised that the process for renewals of adoption declarations under previous adoption legislation included the updating of documentation and visits from social workers to update assessments. In keeping with this previous practice, and given the length of time since original declarations were granted, the HSE has advised that all documentation needs to be updated to ensure that it accurately reflects the applicants current circumstances. Furthermore, the HSE notes that as the children likely to be available for adoption will be of an older age group (in compliance with the Hague Convention) and given that many applicants currently have declarations for the adoption of younger children, the older age group of children likely to be available for adoption will need to be taken account of in the renewal process. The HSE has advised that applications will be kept under review to ensure that those high on waiting lists will be accommodated.
In relation to the individuals referred to in the details supplied, the HSE has confirmed that information and the necessary documentation has been posted to them.
791 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the aims and objectives behind the children’s service committees; the composition of the committees; whether each county is served by a dedicated committee; if these committees fall under the remit of the new Child and Family Support Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26257/12]
My Department is leading an initiative to develop and implement a planning model for local interagency working to improve outcomes for children. This is known as theWorking Together for Children initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to work towards better developmental outcomes for children through more effective integration of policies and services, in particular through the Children’s Services Committees at local level.
Children's Services Committees bring together a diverse group of agencies in local county areas to engage in joint planning of services for children. These include representatives from the HSE, local authorities, An Garda Síochána, VECs, National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, Irish Primary Principals Network, NEWB, and other organisations who provide services to children and young people. There are 10 in place with an additional 6 in the preparatory stage of set up.
My Department has developed a number of guidance supports for the Children's Services Committees to assist in their development. These include a toolkit which provides advice on the composition of a committee, membership, roles and information and guidance on how to develop a children and young people's plan for their area. A Governance Framework deals with matters such as national and local governance structures and reporting arrangements. The initiative is overseen by the National Children's Strategy Implementation Group which is responsible for developing Children's Services Committees as a national initiative and for providing guidance to the committees on issues that arise in relation to effective collaborative working at local level in support of children and young people's better outcomes. Information on the toolkit and other supports for the committees and the work of the National Children's Strategy Implementation Group is available on my department's website,www.dcya.gov.ie.
The nature of the relationship between the Children's Services Committees and the new Child and Family Support Agency is among the issues being considered by the Task Force on the Child and Family Support Agency.
I established the Task Force in September 2011 and it will advise my Department in regard to the necessary transition programme to establish a Child and Family Support Agency, and will base its work on best practice in child welfare, family support and public administration; consistent with the Government's public sector reform agenda. I look forward to receiving the report of their work, which will inform preparations for the new Agency, including the relationship between it and the Children's Services Committees.
792 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will consider correspondence (details supplied) regarding inter country adoptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26302/12]
804 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views regarding a submission on adoption (details supplied); the actions proposed or taken to address the concerns raised; if she or her Department has sought or is planning formal meetings with the State involved; if such has taken place, the results or agreements reached; if any visits to the country involved has occurred or is planned; the reasons Ireland was not invited to the meeting arranged by the country as stated on the 11 of May 2012; if she or her Department followed up on this meeting, through direct contact or through our Embassy in Moscow, to express an Irish interest in the interaction with the country in regard to adoption; if so, the results of such; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26649/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 792 and 804 together.
With effect from 1 November 2010, intercountry adoptions can be effected with other countries which have ratified the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Hague Adoption Convention) or with countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement. Kazakhstan has ratified the Convention.
Over the past 18 months the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) has written to its counterpart Central Authority in Kazakhstan on three separate occasions to begin the process of developing an administrative agreement for intercountry adoption. To date there has been no reply from the Kazakhstani authorities to any of the contacts made by the AAI. The Authority continues to indicate that it is open to discussing the issue of intercountry adoptions with its Kazakhstani counterparts at any time, and the most recent correspondence from the AAI was in March of this year. I understand that an official of the Irish Embassy in Moscow has now presented the copy correspondence to, and raised the issue of intercountry adoption with, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kazakhstan. I understand the Kazakhstani authorities hosted a meeting on intercountry adoption on the 11th of May. I would like to point out that at no stage were the AAI, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs or the Embassy contacted by the Kazakhstani authorities regarding the meeting. While it is, of course, a matter for each country to decide with whom it co-operates, as soon as the issue came to the attention of my Department, official contact was made with the Embassy in Moscow in this regard. The Embassy officials in Moscow are endeavouring to secure feedback from this meeting to assess its relevance for progress towards an administrative agreement on intercountry adoption between Ireland and Kazakhstan
The Embassy has been asked to request information from the relevant authorities on the position for Irish couples hoping to adopt from Kazakhstan as soon as possible. In the interim the AAI is currently completing a review of Kazakhstan's adoption legislation.
793 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of the country’s 4,871 registered crèches that were inspected in 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26389/12]
795 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the percentage of early childhood care and education funded crèches with at least two windows to child level and outside play spaces with gardens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26413/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 793 and 795 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
794 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when crèche inspection reports will go online in the same way as school and nursing home inspections are published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26409/12]
796 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when crèche inspection reports will go online; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26479/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 794 and 796 together.
Pre-school services, including childminding services, are currently regulated under the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No. 2) Regulations 2006, as provided for under Part VII of the Child Care Act,1991.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including the inspection of childcare facilities, was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. I understand that the HSE is committed to working towards the on-line publication of the Standardised Inspection Reports of pre-school facilities. In the meantime the HSE is encouraging childcare providers to share the information in the Reports with parents, when requested.
797 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the negative impact of the cumulative budget cuts over the past number of years, along with the additional reduction of 5% for the current year, on a residential child care service (details supplied) which will mean closing the service for between 39 and 52 days during 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26515/12]
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
798 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding an application under the childcare capital funding programme in respect of a creche and montessori (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26527/12]
I secured €6m capital funding in Budget 2012 to fund a maintenance programme for childcare facilities. The funding will provide for urgent and essential repairs to childcare facilities to ensure that they are in a position to remain open and continue to provide the three childcare programmes implemented by my Department.
The maximum grant available to individual services under the programme is €50,000 (including VAT).
Pobal is administering the capital programme on behalf of my Department, and I understand that the appraisal process in now complete. In appraising applications, particular consideration and priority has been given to:
Applications that were accompanied by a Health Service Executive pre-school inspection report supporting the need for the proposed works in terms of compliance with the Pre-School Regulations;
Applications that best demonstrated the need for the proposed works in terms, for example, of quality improvement to the childcare service;
Services previously funded under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, or the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010;
Services located in or servicing areas of disadvantage;
The service's previous record in relation to adherence to contractual obligations under previous capital and current funding programmes.
I understand that Pobal has contacted Members of the Oireachtas with a view to providing an update on the outcome of the appraisal process. Furthermore a relevant contact point on the Pobal website, to which current and future queries should be directed, has also been provided.
800 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when a decision will issue on the accreditation for the Helping Hand Group who assist persons in their efforts to adopt from Vietnam or other areas.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26556/12]
The Adoption Authority of Ireland is an independent statutory body established under the Adoption Act 2010. The Authority has responsibility for the operational implementation of enacted legislation and Government policy. As the issue of accreditation of bodies is solely a matter for the Adoption Authority, I have forwarded the request to the Authority for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
801 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 447 of 7 February 2012, if the information promised is now available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26568/12]
The information requested by the Deputy is now available. I can advise that funding provided by the HSE to Right of Place since 2005 is as follows:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2005 |
€303,333.00 |
|
2006 |
€594,056.29 |
|
2007 |
€355,024.00 |
|
2008 |
€340,500.00 |
|
2009 |
€337,500.00 |
|
2010 |
€367,013.14 |
|
2011 |
€240,000.00 |
|
2012 |
€173,854.00 |
The HSE receives audited accounts each year which are closely scrutinised in order that it can be assured the funding is used for the purpose intended. The HSE continues to work closely with Right of Place to monitor and support the organisation in its delivery of services.
I understand that the HSE wrote directly to the Deputy on 30 April, 2012 in this regard.
802 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an assessment has been carried out of the cost of introducing a mandatory aftercare policy for children in the care of the State once they turn 18 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26579/12]
Section 45 of the Child Care Act 1991 places a statutory duty on the HSE to form a view in relation to each person leaving care as to whether there is a "need for assistance" and if it forms such a view, to provide services in accordance with the legislation and subject to resources.
All young people who have had a care history with the HSE, be it foster care, residential care or high support, are entitled to an aftercare service based on their assessed needs. The core eligible age range for aftercare is 18 years to 21 years. This can be extended until the completion of a course of education in which he/she is engaged up to the age of 23 years of age. The HSE has advised me that there were 1,310 young people were in receipt of aftercare at the end of May 2012.
The basis of an aftercare service is an individual assessment of each young person's need. This varies from advice to accommodation , further education, employment or training and social support. The most vulnerable group of young people leaving care are those that have dropped out of education and training and those that have left residential care. Some of these young people have mental health problems or a disability. Aftercare provision incorporates advice, guidance and practical support. An individual holistic needs assessment identifies a young person's need for accommodation, financial support, social network support and training and education in the months before their 18th birthday. The level of support required will vary for each individual. It is essential that all young people leaving care are provided with the type of transitional support that their individual situation requires. The provision of an appropriate aftercare service has been highlighted as a key element to achieving positive outcomes for young people leaving care.
Some 90% of children in care are in foster care and a large number of these remain living with their foster families, supported financially by the HSE, on reaching 18 years of age. These young people continue in education and training as planned. This remains a key component of aftercare for young people when they leave care.
The HSE National Aftercare Service is underpinned by a National Policy and Procedures Document which has been developed in cooperation with the key stakeholders, including the voluntary sector agencies involved in aftercare provision and my Department. The policy which was finalised in April 2011, commits to promoting and achieving the best outcomes for young people leaving care and in ensuring consistency of support to these young people. The HSE has established an intra-agency National Aftercare Implementation Group to monitor progress in implementing the national policy and their work is ongoing. The implementation of the policy and the ongoing provision of aftercare services is being kept under review and I will continue to engage with the HSE on this matter over the course of the year.
803 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of funding committed to in her Department for capital projects; if she will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26626/12]
Details of the capital resource allocations made available to my Department in 2012 and related fund disbursements over the period January — May are set out in the following table:
|
Subhead |
Title |
Estimate Allocation €000 |
Amount paid to date €000 |
Balance to drawdown €000 |
|
A.7 |
Youth Justice — Children’s Detention Centres |
350 |
9 |
341 |
|
B.4 |
Childcare Programmes |
6,500 |
0 |
6,500 |
|
B.5 |
Youth Organisations and Services (part funded by the National lottery) |
1,500 |
0 |
1,500 |
|
Total |
8,350 |
9 |
8,341 |
Particulars relating to the funding provisions under each Subhead are as follows:
Youth Justice — Children's Detention Centres
A sum of €350,000 has been made available to the Irish Youth Justice Service for 2012 to fund capital projects within the Children Detention Schools, in a series of improvements to fire safety measures. It is expected that the capital commitment will be fully expended before the year end.
In addition to this, funding for a capital project to construct children detention facilities of €50 m approximately was announced in April 2012 and it is expected that this will be spent over the period to 2015.
Childcare Programmes
Capital funding of €6 million has been made available in 2012 to fund a maintenance programme for childcare facilities. The maximum grant available to individual services under the programme is €50,000 (including VAT). The programme is being administered on behalf of my Department by Pobal. The appraisal process has been completed and recommendations have been made to the Department. Successful applicants will be notified shortly. Subsequent arrangements regarding contract, payment, reporting and audit will be dealt with by Pobal on behalf of my Department. This capital funding is specific to 2012, and the funding must be spent within this year.
In addition, capital funding of €500,000 has been provided in 2012 for grants under the Parent and Toddler Initiative and the Childminder Development Grant Scheme. Under the Parent and Toddler Initiative, an amount of €250,000 has been provided to support grants to parent and toddler groups with a particular focus on disadvantaged areas. This initiative is administered by the City and County Childcare Committees. A sum of €250,000 has also been provided for the Childminder Development Grant Scheme under which capital grants of up to €1,000 can be applied for to purchase safety equipment or toys or to make minor adjustments to the childminder's home in order to establish or enhance a childminding service. This funding is also administered by the City and County Childcare Committees.
Youth Organisations and Services
As part of the Government's Capital Review published in November 2011, capital funding of €1.5 million has been secured for youth projects in 2012. It is anticipated that a significant portion of this funding will be specifically allocated to youth cafés. My Department is currently examining options for the most effective distribution of this funding and an announcement will be made in due course in relation to how the funds will be distributed. The priority will be to ensure that the maximum impact and cost effectiveness is achieved.
805 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if all of the appropriate agreements have been put in place to allow Irish families adopt children from Russia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26691/12]
Adoptions from Russia, effected under the transitional arrangements provided for in the Adoption Act 2010, are ongoing and are currently being examined, and recognised, by the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI). Under the provisions of the legislation, such adoptions may take place up to the end of October 2013.
As regards adoptions thereafter, Russia has not ratified the Hague Convention and there appears to be no immediate prospect that this will happen. Therefore, future adoptions from Russia, beyond those provided for under the transitional arrangements, may only be possible under a bi-lateral agreement. The negotiation of bilateral agreements on intercountry adoption with states who have not ratified the Hague Convention is governed by Section 73 of the Adoption Act 2010 which states that "the Authority, with the prior consent of the Minister, may enter into discussions with any non-contracting state concerning the possibility of the Government entering into a bilateral agreement with that State.” Any bilateral arrangements which might be entered into would be required by law to meet the minimum standards set out in the Hague Convention.
A delegation comprised of representatives of the Adoption Authority and officials from my Department held exploratory meetings with the Russian authorities in December of last year. The delegation visited Russia in relation to preliminary discussions around the potential for a bilateral on intercountry adoption. This was a follow up to previous discussions which took place earlier in the year, on the initiative of the Russian authorities. I have received an initial assessment from the Adoption Authority. My Department is in discussions with the Adoption Authority on this assessment and other issues which will inform the next steps to be taken in relation to this matter. I am aware of the need to bring clarity to the situation in respect of Russia and I hope to be in a position to do so as quickly as possible.
806 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 61 of 24 April 2012, if the Adoption Authority of Ireland has completed its report into the assessment of the Ethiopian adoption situation following a visit by an AAI delegation to Addis Ababa recently; her views on the report; the next steps in the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26825/12]
808 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 671 of 24 April 2012, if the Adoption Authority of Ireland has completed its report on its assessment of the situation in Ethiopia regarding inter-country adoptions; the next steps that are to be taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26884/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 806 and 808 together.
Adoptions from Ethiopia, effected under the transitional arrangements provided for in the Adoption Act 2010, are ongoing and are currently being examined, and recognised, by the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI). These transitional arrangements may lead to adoptions from Ethiopia taking place up to the end of October 2012. The Adoption Act 2010 also contains provision for a one year extension to declarations of eligibility and suitability to adopt which may lead to a one year extension to this date.
Ethiopia is not a signatory of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. In these circumstances, adoptions from Ethiopia which are not covered by the transitional arrangements referred to above would require a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Ethiopia. The negotiation of bilateral agreements on intercountry adoption with states who have not ratified the Hague Convention is governed by Section 73 of the Adoption Act 2010 which states that "the Authority, with the prior consent of the Minister, may enter into discussions with any non-contracting state concerning the possibility of the Government entering into a bilateral agreement with that State.” Any bilateral arrangements which might be entered into would be required by law to meet the minimum standards set out in the Hague Convention.
A delegation from the Adoption Authority visited Ethiopia in April and held exploratory meetings with the Ethiopian authorities regarding the system of adoption which operates in that country. The delegation, in the course of its visit, held preliminary discussions with the Ethiopian authorities around the potential for a bilateral agreement on intercountry adoption. The Authority submitted its initial report which summarises the conclusions and recommendations of the delegation's visit on the 21st of May. In addition, the Embassy in Ethiopia recently submitted a detailed background note on intercountry adoption in Ethiopia, which officials in my Department are considering in conjunction with the AAI report. The AAI has stated that it is seeking further legal advice in Ethiopia on whether adoptions there are full or simple adoptions. The Authority indicated that it will contact me again once it has received this legal advice and has completed its consideration of the matter.
807 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 587 of 14 January 2012 and 234 of 28 April 2012, when a response will issue from the Adoption Authority of Ireland; the reason for the delay in the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26826/12]
I have arranged that correspondence, in relation to the issues raised, will issue to the Deputy in the coming days.
809 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide details in tabular form of the number of children in the care of the State and details of the number and percentage of same with an allocated social worker for each month since January 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26909/12]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) compiles monthly performance reports which include statistics in relation to children in care. These reports are published on the HSE website atwww.hse.ie. The HSE has provided the following information:
|
Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
April |
May |
June |
Jul |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Overall Total |
5,907 |
6,015 |
6,083 |
6,131 |
6,152 |
6,175 |
6,208 |
6,215 |
6,210 |
6,210 |
6,242 |
6,160 |
|
Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
April |
May |
June |
Jul |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Overall total % |
93.7% |
94.6% |
93.7% |
94.5% |
93.9% |
93.4% |
93.4% |
93.1% |
92.3% |
92.3% |
92.6% |
92.6% |
|
Month |
Jan |
Feb |
|
Overall Total |
6,163 |
6,168 |
|
Month |
Jan |
Feb |
|
Overall total % |
92.0% |
91.9% |
810 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide details in tabular form of any annual figures she has of the number of children in the care of the State for each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26910/12]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) compiles and publishes monthly performance reports which include statistics in relation to children in care. The HSE reported the following information regarding the annual number of children in the care of the State for each of the past ten years:
|
Year |
Number of Children in Care on 31st December |
|
2002 |
4,921 |
|
2003 |
4,984 |
|
2004 |
5,060 |
|
2005 |
5,220 |
|
2006 |
5,336 |
|
2007 |
5,324 |
|
2008 |
5,347 |
|
2009 |
5,689 |
|
2010 |
5,964 |
|
2011 |
6,160 |
|
2012 (at the end of Feb ) |
6,168 |
811 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide details in tabular form the whole time equivalent number of social workers employed in the area of child and family services for each month since 1 January 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26911/12]
My Department has sought the information requested by the Deputy from the HSE and I will provide the Deputy with the information when it becomes available.
812 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide details in tabular form the number of temporary social worker posts in the area of child and family services for each month since 1 January 2011; if these posts are included in her figures for total whole time equivalent social worker posts for each of these months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26912/12]
Details of the number of temporary social worker posts in the area of child and family services for each month since 1 January 2011 are listed below in tabular form. The HSE has confirmed that these posts are included in the total whole time equivalent social worker posts for each of these months.
|
Date |
Number of Temporary Social Workers |
|
31/01/2011 |
36.18 |
|
28/02/2011 |
37.41 |
|
31/03/2011 |
40.24 |
|
30/04/2011 |
42.54 |
|
31/05/2011 |
42.54 |
|
30/06/2011 |
46.42 |
|
31/07/2011 |
47.29 |
|
31/08/2011 |
46.25 |
|
30/09/2011 |
43.52 |
|
31/10/2011 |
39.34 |
|
30/11/2011 |
40.66 |
|
31/12/2011 |
59.39 |
|
31/01/2012 |
53.20 |
|
29/02/2012 |
51.49 |
|
31/03/2012 |
50.75 |
|
30/04/2012 |
49.37 |
813 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide details on the number of social workers employed in the area of child and family services currently on maternity or temporary leave from their employment and the number of these temporarily vacant posts have temporary replacements employed to cover the responsibilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26913/12]
I have requested from the HSE the information requested by the Deputy and I will revert to the Deputy when this information is to hand.
814 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the Health Service Executive includes social workers currently on maternity or temporary leave from their employment in HSE figures given in response to Parliamentary Question replies seeking the number of whole time equivalent social workers employed in child and family services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26914/12]
The HSE compiles a monthly census of employment in the public health and social care sector. The census provides a snapshot of staff who are on the payroll on the day that the census is compiled. Therefore any staff who are on the payroll on that date are included in the census returns. This would include staff on paid maternity and other leave.
815 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline all staff appointments she has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their positions; their salaries; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26950/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that I have made no staff appointments to my Department since last March.
816 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of convicted sex offenders under the age of 18 housed by the Health Service Executive with vulnerable children and minors, if she will clarify if the HSE keeps a record of the information, and her views on whether it should; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27121/12]
Under the Child Care Act 1991 the Health Service Executive (HSE) has a statutory duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. If a child is in need of care and protection and is unlikely to receive it at home, the HSE has a duty to ensure they receive appropriate care. In such circumstances children can be taken into care on a voluntary basis (on agreement with the parents) or under various Court Orders as provided for under the Child Care Act 1991.
The HSE has a legal obligation and a duty of care to all children in care regardless of whether they have a criminal conviction, or are engaged in sexually harmful behaviour. Each child must be cared for in a safe and caring environment. When a child is coming into care they are allocated a social worker who undertakes a full assessment of need and on this basis a statutory care plan is developed. This assessment will call on a full range of professionals, where required, to set out a comprehensive statement of the child's needs. A risk assessment is also carried out that takes into consideration the risk to others. A care plan is then developed which includes safeguards that need to be put in place to ensure that the risks are kept to minimum. The care plan also determines the support and interventions needed with regard to the family situation where it is planned that a child will return home. The care plan directs the placement most appropriate to the needs of the child.
I am advised by the HSE that there were 6,168 children in the care of the state in February 2012. However data collected at national does not currently include information on the number of children in care with criminal convictions. I have previously asked the HSE to examine inclusion of appropriate national data on criminal charges or convictions in the National Child Care Information System.
Young people who have committed offences, or have caused harm, need to be given an opportunity to understand the consequences of their behaviour in as positive an environment as possible. This is achieved through therapeutic interventions, ongoing assessment of risk and the inclusion of safeguards. On the rare occasion where a child in care my commit a crime the matter is deal with by local services in the context of the child or young person's care plan.
817 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an application for funding from an organisation (details supplied) has been received regarding funding for the Missing Children Hotline 116000; the funding that will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27249/12]
Under EU telecoms rules agreed in 2009, the 116000 number is reserved in all EU member states for a missing children hotline. My Department established, and is leading, a cross-sectoral Project Team, including representatives of my own Department, the Department of Justice and Equality, ComReg and An Garda Síochána to advance this matter.
The position is that Comreg, who have responsibility for allocation of this number in Ireland, received an application to operate the Hotline from the ISPCC. Following cross departmental consultation and an examination of the issues involved by the Project team, Comreg has now allocated the number to the ISPCC. The operation of the Hotline is now a matter for the ISPCC who have made a successful application for funding to the European Commission. The ISPCC are currently finalising the project plan for the Hotline. To date no application for Exchequer funding has been received by my Department from the ISPCC. In the event that such an application is forthcoming it will be considered in the context of the ongoing work of the Project Team which has met with the ISPCC and is working to ensure that the Hotline becomes operational as soon as possible and operates in a way that supports and augments existing arrangements to secure child protection.
In the interim, a holding response is currently heard if an individual rings the 116000 number. The number advises callers wishing to report a missing child to contact An Garda Síochána and advises children seeking assistance to contact the ISPCC.
818 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of funding being allocated to the CCS Scheme for 2012; the criteria that will be used to decide those that will be excluded from the scheme in the event that the funding cap is reached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27435/12]
819 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children that have benefitted annually from the community child care subvention scheme since it was established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27436/12]
820 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the annual spend on the community child care subvention scheme since it was first set up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27437/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 818 to 820, inclusive, together.
The Community Childcare Subvention scheme (CCSS), which provided funding to community child care services to enable them to charge reduced child care rates to low income and disadvantaged families, was introduced in January 2008 and was implemented under the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP).
In Budget 2010, the Minister for Finance announced that the CCSS programme would be succeeded by a follow-on programme, the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme, with effect from September 2010. This new programme continued to support community child care services and some 1,000 services throughout the State are currently participating in the CCS programme and receive funding which is passed on to qualifying parents in the form of reduced child care fees.
Funding allocated to provide for these subvention programmes amounted to €52.175m in 2008; €60.778m in 2009; €54.506m in 2010 and €42.5m in 2011. €42m has been allocated for the programme in 2012. The programme would at any given time support in the region of 25,000 children with some children benefiting from the programme over a number of years.
Community child care services qualify for grant aid on the basis of the level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. The amount of annual funding provided for child care services participating in the CCS programme is determined early in the school year and follows submission to my Department, by the child care provider, of the profile of eligible parents who have children enrolled in its service. Because of the current budgetary situation no new places are available to service providers seeking to enter this programme in 2012. However, in exceptional circumstances where a participating service closes or opts out of the programme, a new applicant may be considered to take up the vacated place in the programme if they are in a position to meet the child care need arising.
821 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding medical card applications in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Limerick. [26374/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
822 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he amended or withdrew relevant licences to prohibit the animal LD50 assays for testing of botulinum neurotoxins, potency and stability determinations for which the new non-animal cell based test method has been approved by the Irish Medicines Board as a replacement; the date such prohibitions came into force, as required by Section 2(2)(b) of S.I. No. 555 (2002); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26514/12]
I take it that the Deputy is referring to Section 2(2)(b) of the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876 which was inserted by Regulation 2(c) of the European Communities (Amendment of Cruelty to Animals Act 1876) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 566 of 2002). This sub-section states that “an experiment shall not be performed if another scientifically satisfactory method of obtaining the result sought, not entailing the use of an animal, is reasonably and practicably available”.
As you will be aware a new non-animal cell based test method has been approved by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) for the testing of Botox. The IMB advised us that the data submitted by the applicant is confidential and that if another company proposed a similar change, it would need to submit its own variation application with supporting data.
As the new non-animal cell based test method is not available to other companies, the issue of withdrawing current licences involving LD50 tests does not arise. We have informed other companies in this area, however, that such a test exists and encouraged them to develop other similar models.
823 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health if measures are to be introduced to prevent the heavily discounted and below cost selling of alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26590/12]
In its report on alcohol, the National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group recommended — among other things — the introduction of a legislative basis for minimum pricing per gram of alcohol. As minimum pricing is a mechanism of imposing a statutory floor in price levels for alcohol products that must be legally observed by retailers, its primary function would be thus to discourage at risk levels of alcohol consumption. This recommendation is being actively considered as part of the development of an Action Plan in advance of proposals being drafted for Government.
824 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if the sale of prescription drugs by a person other than a pharmacist is a crime; the specific legislation involved; if he is considering additional legislation in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26597/12]
828 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health in view of plans for forthcoming legislation on the sale of prescription pills, if he will consider looking at the selling of harmful substances through internet sites; and if there is an E.U. Statutory Instrument to allow for cross country co-operation on this matter. [27342/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 824 and 828 together.
Under the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations, it is prohibited for a person to supply a prescription medicine except in accordance with a prescription and the supply must be made from a registered pharmacy by or under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist. A person who contravenes these Regulations is guilty of an offence. The Regulations also make it illegal for prescription medicines to be supplied by mail order. The definition of mail order includes reference to electronic custom solicitation and order for supply. This includes ordering prescription medicines through internet sites.
Furthermore, a person who has in his possession a prescription medicine containing a substance controlled under the Misuse of Drugs legislation for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying it, is guilty of an offence under that legislation.
My Department is reviewing the Misuse of Drugs Regulations with a view to introducing additional controls on certain prescription drugs being traded illicitly, for example benzodiazepine medicines. These additional controls include introducing import and export controls as well as an offence of possession, thereby assisting the law enforcement roles of Customs and of the Garda Síochána.
My Department will consult with key stakeholders in relation to the proposed amendments.
825 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if the two Certificate Gs listed in the 2010 statistics for the number of animals used in experimental and other scientific purposes are the same ones as recorded in the 2009 Statistics; if the G Certificates cover all LD50/LC50 procedures as enumerated at column 7.2.1 of the Statistics in 2009 and/or 2010; if other types of procedures are permitted under these G certificates; in relation to approving the Certificate Gs listed in the 2009/2010 statistics, what was the argument accepted by his Department as to the reason the object of any such experiment will be necessarily frustrated unless the animal may experience pain that is likely to be prolonged; will Certificate G procedures, which are defined as potentially causing animals severe and prolonged pain, be prohibited as a result of the transposition of Article 15(2) of Directive 2010/63/EU which forbids procedures that involve severe pain, suffering or distress that is likely to be long-lasting and cannot be ameliorated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26779/12]
I can confirm that the two "G" certificates referred to in the 2010 statistics are the same ones listed in the 2009 statistics. Typically, licences are held for 5 years so these certificates will also be recorded in subsequent years.
"G" certificates are issued on a case-by-case basis and are issued only in exceptional circumstances where the project is of sufficient importance for meeting the essential needs of human beings or animals.
All LD50/LC50 tests would not necessarily require a "G" certificate. The two certificates that have been issued relate to two current licences in respect of the same project. The aim of this project is to develop substances to improve neuromuscular transmission for therapeutic purposes.
Directive 2010/63/EU will be transposed into Irish law by the end of 2012 and from that date onwards, the existing certification process will no longer operate. Article 15 of the 2010 Directive, as you have pointed out, forbids procedures that involve severe pain, suffering or distress that is likely to be long-lasting and cannot be ameliorated. In addition, under the new national legislation, the National Competent Authority will perform a project evaluation including a harm/benefit analysis of the project, to assess whether the harm to the animal in terms of suffering, pain and distress is justified by the expected outcome taking into account ethical considerations and may ultimately benefit human beings, animals or the environment.
I would like to advise the Deputy that I have informed the Chairman of the Irish Medicines Board of my intention to designate the Board as the National Competent Authority for Directive 2010/63/EU and to have responsibility for those other functions of the Directive necessary for its implementation.
826 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health if he will review the policy of adding flouride to the public drinking water supply here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26810/12]
827 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his plans to reform mandatory policy on water fluoridation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27203/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 826 and 827 together.
The Forum on Fluoridation, which was established by the Minister for Health and Children in 2000, advised in 2002 that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure. The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, which was established in 2004, monitors new and emerging issues on fluoride and its effects on health and related matters. The Expert Body advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and continues to be safe and effective in protecting the oral health of all age groups. I have no plans to discontinue the policy of fluoridation of public water supplies, which continues to make an effective contribution to oral health in Ireland.
829 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 604 of 21 March 2012, if he will review this issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27546/12]
Further to my reply on 21st March, the Deputy may wish to note that the National Consent Advisory Group recently made its Draft National Consent Policy available for public consultation. The consultation process runs until the 28th June. Following that all comments and submissions will be reviewed and considered in the development of a final policy which is due for completion by September 2012.
830 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to ensure the availability of Gilenya and Tysabri drugs to persons with Multiple Sclerosis; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that they are available in the UK, Portugal and Greece; if he will support MS Ireland’s Access to Treatments Campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26137/12]
885 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Health his views on the availability of the drug Gilenya here for multiple sclerosis patients; the reason it is not available even though it has been approved in the EU; if he envisages it being made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26571/12]
892 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason Tysabri and Gilenya, two licensed approved treatments for multiple sclerosis which are available in many other countries, are not currently available here; the reason these treatments are not available here; his plans to introduce these treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26611/12]
968 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health when the Health Service Executive expects to make available to multiple sclerosis sufferers here, the licensed and cost-effective drug, Gilenya, in view of the fact that it has been deemed cost-effective since September 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27290/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 830, 885, 892 and 968 together.
The manufacturer of Fingolimod (Gilenya®) has submitted an application to the HSE for the product to be reimbursed through community pharmacies under the High-Tech Drug Scheme. The list of medicinal products provided under the High-Tech Drug Scheme is reviewed on a regular basis. The application in respect of the product in question is currently under consideration.
Tysabri must be administered in specialist centres under the supervision of experienced medical staff. This requires significant ancillary support including timely access to MRI, nursing support, educational guidance and ongoing follow up with the patient to ensure its safe and appropriate use. This presents challenges for hospitals and the HSE. There is significant international discussion about the exact role of Tysabri and how to ensure the most appropriate safe, efficacious and cost effective use of this new technology in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis patients. In the current climate, the increasing use of high cost medical technologies represents a significant challenge to the health system and society at large. The HSE is committed to ensuring that the maximum possible benefit is provided to patients from within the resources which the HSE has available to it.
831 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the numbers of ambulances being held up for significant lengths of time that is greater than half an hour at each of the Dublin hospitals (details supplied) because the ambulances are waiting for their trolleys to be returned; the figures for the first three months of 2012; and the length of time each ambulance has been delayed [26172/12]
The period spent by an emergency ambulance at an emergency department varies for a number of reasons, including the presenting patient's condition and the complexity of the clinical handover. The National Ambulance Service (NAS), as part of ongoing work to minimise delays in releasing ambulances from EDs, has introduced named officers to liaise with relevant hospital staff and management with regard to this.
The HSE Emergency Medical Programme has also developed a set of performance indicators for measurement of ED performance, which includes an indicator for maximum time an ambulance should be held at an ED. Measurement of this performance indicator will be implemented over the coming months.
Set out below in tabular form is a copy of information collected by the NAS for ambulances at EDs for January, February and March 2012. This information is broken down as follows:
the number of calls that were clear from EDs in less than 20, 30 and 60 minutes respectively;
the total amount of time spent by ambulances at EDs;
the average amount of time spent by ambulances at EDs.
|
Total AS1 Ambulance to Emergency Department Time from At Hospital to Clear |
% |
Total No of Calls January 2012 |
Average Time at Hospital |
|
AS1 and AS2 Calls for January 2012 |
|||
|
St. James Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
67% |
812 |
00:18:04 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
86% |
1,042 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
99% |
1,198 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
1% |
16 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
1,214 |
365:39:17 |
|
Tallaght Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
60% |
472 |
00:19:52 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
82% |
639 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
98% |
767 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
2% |
15 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
782 |
258:59:53 |
|
St. Vincent’s Hospital Elm Park |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
52% |
242 |
00:35:44 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
79% |
367 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
99% |
459 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
1% |
6 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
465 |
276:59:03 |
|
Beaumont Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
36% |
363 |
00:36:19 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
57% |
573 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
87% |
878 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
13% |
135 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
1,013 |
613:02:08 |
|
Mater Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
60% |
665 |
00:23:55 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
78% |
864 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
93% |
1,038 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
7% |
74 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
1,112 |
443:07:45 |
|
Connolly Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
59% |
583 |
00:27:21 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
79% |
777 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
96% |
938 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
4% |
42 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
980 |
446:37:52 |
|
Total AS1 Ambulance to Emergency Department Time from At Hospital to Clear |
% |
Total No of Calls February 2012 |
Average Time at Hospital |
|
AS1 and AS2 Calls for February 2012 |
|||
|
St. James Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
64% |
742 |
00:19:12 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
85% |
985 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
98% |
1,146 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
2% |
19 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
1,165 |
372:46:38 |
|
Tallaght Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
56% |
455 |
00:20:41 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
82% |
663 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
98% |
798 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
2% |
14 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
812 |
279:57:12 |
|
St. Vincent’s Hospital Elm Park |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
53% |
257 |
00:35:28 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
80% |
386 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
99% |
477 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
1% |
6 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
483 |
285:30:20 |
|
Beaumont Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
31% |
304 |
00:44:58 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
51% |
493 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
77% |
746 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
23% |
222 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
968 |
725:23:49 |
|
Mater Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
55% |
612 |
00:29:01 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
72% |
794 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
90% |
992 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
10% |
106 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
1,104 |
533:56:31 |
|
Connolly Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
62% |
592 |
00:28:54 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
82% |
778 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
97% |
923 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
3% |
26 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
949 |
457:01:06 |
|
Total AS1 Ambulance to Emergency Department Time from At Hospital to Clear |
% |
Total No of Calls March 2012 |
Average Time at Hospital |
|
AS1 and AS2 Calls for March 2012 |
|||
|
St. James Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
65% |
769 |
00:19:03 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
87% |
1,030 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
98% |
1,160 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
2% |
22 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
1,182 |
375:13:28 |
|
Tallaght Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
60% |
471 |
00:20:03 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
84% |
657 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
98% |
765 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
2% |
14 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
779 |
260:24:43 |
|
St. Vincent’s Hospital Elm Park |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
55% |
261 |
00:35:56 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
86% |
406 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
99% |
470 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
1% |
3 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
473 |
283:19:51 |
|
Beaumont Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
30% |
291 |
00:36:28 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
52% |
499 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
86% |
832 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
14% |
136 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
968 |
588:22:18 |
|
Mater Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
54% |
614 |
00:28:42 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
73% |
830 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
90% |
1,022 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
10% |
119 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
1,141 |
545:45:34 |
|
Connolly Hospital |
|||
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 20 minutes or less |
65% |
616 |
00:27:27 |
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 30 minutes or less |
84% |
803 |
|
|
Cleared at Hospitals in 60 minutes or less |
97% |
924 |
|
|
At Hospital 1-14 hours |
3% |
27 |
Total time at hospital |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
951 |
435:05:08 |
832 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay of 18 months in providing speech and language therapy in respect of a child (details supplied) in County wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26193/12]
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.
833 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding respite beds and day care facilities (details supplied) in Dublin 3 [26199/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
834 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a home care package in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 [26200/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
835 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 [26201/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
836 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. [26242/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
837 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the number of hospital consultants who are in breach of their 2008 contract for each of 80:20 mix, weekend cover, and rostering; if these consultants have been notified of the consequences of breaches; his plans to address these breaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26248/12]
838 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his powers to enforce the 2008 consultants contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26249/12]
877 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will outline in full what he hopes to achieve from the current discussions with the consultant groups; the way this will differ to what was already agreed in the Croke Park Agreement in 2010 and also as part of the 2008 consultant contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26551/12]
878 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he is committed to ensuring that consultants are rostered on a seven day week as opposed to a five day week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26552/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 837, 838, 877 and 878 together.
While there have been increases in productivity on foot of the Programme for Government and the 2008 Consultant Contract, one of my immediate priorities is to achieve more effective implementation of the 2008 Contract so that patients get faster access to services and achieve better outcomes within the budgets available to hospitals. I believe there is plenty of scope under the existing contract and the Croke Park agreement to achieve greater productivity increases from consultants than have been achieved to date.
Bilateral discussions with the consultant representative bodies commenced on 16 May 2012. This process is to be focussed on the achievement of worthwhile and measurable change and must be concluded within a reasonable period, in line with the provisions of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014. Consultants' hours, times of duty and public/private mix are among the matters on which health service management have tabled proposals.
Consultant Contract 2008 limits private practice for newly-appointed consultants on a Type B or C contract to 20% of activity. The upper limit for consultants who held a contract prior to 2008 is 30%.
The HSE has put in place arrangements to measure consultants' private practice and has engaged with the medical unions and individual consultants to pursue the issue of compliance, with a particular focus on consultants who are significantly in breach of their permitted ratio. Currently 49 consultants have been identified as being in excess of the ratio specified in their contract and hospital management are engaged with the consultants, in line with the terms of the contract, to secure compliance.
839 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the level of weekend discharges; the same number for last year; the same number for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26250/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
840 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he will explain the variance between the difference of 2.2% between the allocation for disability services in 2011 and 2012 as contained in the Health Service Executive National Service Plan; and the reduction of 3.7% in the allocation, of which service providers have been advised [26263/12]
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.
841 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when he expects to introduce reference pricing and generic substitution; the likely savings in a full year; the work completed on the legislation up to February 2011; the rate of generic prescribing here now and the likely increase once the legislation is introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26265/12]
The Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012 is on the list of Bills to be published in this session of Dail Eireann. This legislation will introduce a system of reference pricing and generic substitution for prescribed drugs and medicines. These reforms will promote price competition among suppliers and ensure that lower prices are paid for these medicines resulting in savings for taxpayers and patients. The rate of generic prescribing in Ireland is approximately 18%. It is envisaged that the proposed legislation will contribute to an increase in this rate. It is not possible, at this juncture, to provide accurate figures regarding potential savings resulting from reference pricing, as these depend on various factors including prevailing prices, number of competitors, availability of substitute products, and market dynamics.
842 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will details in tabular form of the number of staff in receipt of top up pay in excess of €10,000, €50,000, €100,000, and €200,000 per hospital; the average amounts of payments; the basis for the payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26266/12]
It is essential that organisations funded by the HSE to provide services on its behalf comply in full with Government policy on public service pay.
Following publication of the recent HIQA report on Tallaght Hospital, which identified the issue of additional payments being made to a small number of executives, the Secretary General of my Department wrote to the CEO of the HSE, asking him to inform him of the measures he proposed to take to ensure that such practices are not extant in other hospitals funded by the HSE. The HSE is at present undertaking a detailed review of the remuneration arrangements for senior staff in all organisations funded under section 38 of the Health Act 2004. When this has been completed, a report on the matter will be considered by the Board of the HSE in the first instance.
843 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of home care packages provided by county; the average cost of packages per county; the number of home care packages per thousand population over 65 per county; the average number on waiting lists by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26267/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
844 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the composition and all changes to the Interim Health Service Executive board since April 2011; the roles of those on the board within his Department or Health Service Executive; the corporate governance structure currently in place; when he expects HSE governance legislation to be passed; when he expects a new board to be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26268/12]
The interim HSE Board which I established in May 2011 was designed to facilitate greater coordination and integration and less duplication between the senior management teams in my Department and the HSE. The interim Board has provided a basis on which to make early progress on the health reform agenda, facilitating a greater unity of purpose. It also streamlines reporting relationships to ensure that decisions are implemented quickly and as a result, better services are delivered for patients with greater emphasis on service delivery. Table 1 below sets out the current composition of the interim Board, the roles of those on the Board within the Department and the HSE and all changes since it was established.
On 29 May, the Government approved the drafting of legislation to abolish the Board of the HSE and to provide for a Directorate to be the new governing body for the HSE in place of the Board. The intention is that the Bill will be drafted as a matter of urgency so that it can be considered by the Oireachtas as soon as possible. In tandem with the proposed new governance structures, new administrative structures will be put in place in the HSE, to reflect the need for a greater operational management focus on the delivery of key services and greater transparency about funding, service delivery and accountability.
|
Name of Board Member |
Term of Office |
|
Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin (Chair), Secretary General, Department of HealthDr. McLoughlin filled the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Michael Scanlan, former Secretary General of the Department of Health, on 25 April 2012.Mr. Scanlan had served as Chairman from 1 January 2012 (replaced Dr. Frank Dolphin who resigned as Chairman on 31 December 2011). Prior to his appointment as Chair, Mr. Scanlan served as an ordinary Board member from 20 May 2011 to 31 December 2011. |
26/04/2012-14/08/2015 |
|
Mr. Cathal Magee, Chief Executive Officer, HSE |
Aug 2010-Aug 2015 |
|
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health |
20/05/2011-07/02/2015 |
|
Mr. Paul Barron, Assistant Secretary, Primary Care and Eligibility, Department of Health |
20/05/2011-07/02/2015 |
|
Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa, Assistant Secretary, Finance, Reform, Information, EU/International, Research, Department of Health |
20/05/2011-07/02/2015 |
|
Ms Frances Spillane, Assistant Secretary, National HR, Department of HealthFilled the vacancy occasioned by Mr. Michael Scanlan’s appointment as Chairperson 1 January 2012. |
9/03/2012-07/02/2015 |
|
Mr. Tony O’Brien, Chief Operating Officer, Special Delivery Unit, Department of HealthFilled the vacancy occasioned by Dr. Martin Connor’s resignation on 8 March 2012. Dr Connor was appointed to the Board on 6 June 2011. |
9/03/2012-07/02/2015 |
|
Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General, Department of Children and Youth AffairsFilled the vacancy occasioned by Mr. Pat Farrell’s resignation on 19 May 2011. |
9/03/2012-31/12/2012 |
|
Dr. Barry White, HSE National Director, Clinical Strategy and Programmes |
20/05/2011-31/12/2012 |
|
Dr. Philip Crowley, HSE National Director, Quality, Risk and Clinical Care |
20/05/2011-31/12/2012 |
|
Ms. Laverne McGuinness, HSE National Director, Integrated Services-Performance and Financial Management |
20/05/2011-31/12/2012 |
|
Mr. Brian Gilroy, formerly HSE National Director, Integrated Services - ReconfigurationNote: Mr. Gilroy is no longer employed by the HSE but has agreed to remain as a Board member pro tem. |
20/05/2011-31/12/2012 |
845 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of customers who have left the private health insurance market by county; the average change in premiums over the last year and since Budget 2012; the maximum increase in premiums over those time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26269/12]
While there has been a decrease in the numbers with private health insurance, by 76,000 in the year to end-March 2012, it is important to note that the decline in private health insurance coverage is modest to-date, at less than 4% of the overall market. This leaves some 2.139 million, or 46.6% of the population, covered by private health insurance. Even in the current difficult financial climate, the vast majority of consumers with private health insurance are retaining some level of health insurance cover.
The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) is the statutory regulator of the private health insurance market in Ireland and provides information to consumers regarding their rights and health insurance plans and benefits. With regard to the number of customers who have left the private health insurance market by county, the HIA has advised that it does not compile figures on the geographical profile of the health insurance market. In relation to the average change in premiums, the HIA has estimated that the average premium increase per customer is 12 per cent, when comparing the first quarter of 2011 to the first quarter of 2012. The highest increases were 49% for VHI Healthcare's PMI 0611 Plan (€711 to €1060); 37% for Laya Healthcare's Company Care Choice (€713 to €974) and 37% for Aviva Health's Level 2 Hospital (€941 to €1291), although it is important to note that a relatively small number of consumers hold these specific health insurance plans and are affected by these increases. The HIA has informed my Department that any figures calculated for time periods of less than one year (i.e. since Budget 2012) would be distorted, as this is usually the time of the year that insurers normally apply price changes.
I would strongly advise consumers to shop around for the health insurance plan that best suits their needs. Consumers have a legal right to switch between or within insurers to get better value and to reduce their premium costs. All customers should carefully consider the full range of plans and levels of cover available within the market, so that their own needs are fully met. Where customers wish to switch products, the relevant health insurance legislation ensures that switching is as easy and seamless as possible for customers. In addition to the choices available to consumers in the health insurance market, the Government's clear objective is for the health insurance market to remain as competitive and affordable as possible, as we move towards a new system of Universal Health Insurance.
846 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason he will not take up the offer of the Ireland Air Ambulance for a trial period to operate the service at a location of his choice in the country and then carry out an assessment of the service after that trial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26270/12]
Last year, I received a number of unsolicited submissions about the provision, by the private sector, of dedicated aeromedical support services in the west of Ireland. I also considered the possibility of provision from within existing state resources.
The absence of data for aeromedical support in the Irish context indicated the need for a pilot project, in order to assess the type and extent of service, if any, that might be required to support the National Ambulance Service (NAS) in the west.
I am pleased to announce that, in co-operation with my colleague Alan Shatter, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, a pilot has now been put in place to gather this information and it will run for 12 months. The pilot service, which has just begun, will allow the HSE to determine how best to provide support to the NAS emergency ambulance service in the region in the longer term and how we can, realistically, improve response and transit times, and improve outcomes, for seriously ill people.
In current conditions, it is prudent to maximise the use of state resources wherever possible. Accordingly, the pilot project is being operated from within existing resources. The Air Corps is providing an EC135 helicopter at Custume Barracks, Athlone, along with personnel to fly and maintain the craft. The NAS is responsible for patient care, which will be provided by Advanced Paramedics.
847 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health his views on the procedures followed and those responsible for the issuing of taxi travel expenses for those that qualify in relation to hospital appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26271/12]
The HSE has no statutory obligation to provide patient transport, other than emergency transport. The cost to the health service of providing non-emergency patient transport, in particular for outpatient (OPD) appointments, has been escalating in recent years and non-essential provision has been identified as an area suitable for budgetary control. Accordingly, criteria have been restricted considerably in recent times and a uniform approach is being rolled out across the health regions.
In general, patients are expected to make their own way to and from hospital and OPD appointments, using private or scheduled public transport. e exceptions are for dialysis, cancer (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) and post-operative transplant patients. In these cases, the patient's appointment should be directly related to the treatment. Transport may also be provided where, in the clinician's view, the patient would be unable to make the journey without clinical assistance or where the patient must be transported on a stretcher.
Where transport has been withdrawn, having previously been provided, this may be as a result of the Local Health Office (LHO) beginning to implement the national criteria. If a patient feels there is a genuine case for provision, then they should approach the LHO. If they feel there is a genuine clinical reason for transport to be provided, their clinician should make a case for it.
848 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 11; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26294/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
849 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health if it is proposed to provide for the care of 21 persons with disabilities in County Galway, eight of whom have profound intellectual disabilities, when they leave school this year; in view of the absence of demographic funding and a lack of capacity within the organisation currently providing for their care (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26318/12]
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
850 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the action he is taking to alleviate the shortfall of speech and language therapists in Carlow/Kilkenny in view of the fact that there are more than 650 young persons waiting, average waiting time 19.5 months and one case waiting 39 months.. [26327/12]
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.
851 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the number of physiotherapists hired by the Health Service Executive Southern Area in the past twelve months; and the number who retired in February this year that have been re-hired.. [26328/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
852 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health when the Director of mental health as announced in December 2011 will be appointed; if he will set up an independent complaints mechanism for mental health service users; the progress, if any, that has been made on mental health reform’s agenda for action.. [26332/12]
The Government has recently approved the drafting of legislation to abolish the Board of the Health Service Executive and to provide for a Directorate to be the new governing body for the HSE in place of the Board. The intention is that the Bill will be drafted as a matter of urgency so that it can be considered by the Oireachtas as soon as possible. In tandem with the proposed new legal structures, new administrative structures will be put in place within the HSE which will reflect the need for a greater operational management focus on the delivery of key services and greater transparency about funding, service delivery and accountability. The new arrangements will include a separate Directorate for Mental Health. Consideration is currently being given to how best to give effect to the new administrative structures, including the selection and appointment of new directors at national level.
The mental health sector is protected by the Mental Health Commission which is an independent statutory body established under the Mental Health Act 2001 to promote, encourage and foster the establishment and maintenance of high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services. Concerns about specific mental health services can be notified to the Commission and these are taken into account on inspections of services. The issue of a complaints mechanism will be looked at in the context of the current review of the Mental Health Act 2001.
Since taking office, this Government has prioritised the reform of our mental health services in line with A Vision for Change and is committed in particular to the delivery of more and better quality care in the community. A special allocation of €35m for mental health was announced in Budget 2012 in line with the Programme for Government commitments. Funding from this special allocation will be used primarily to further strengthen Community Mental Health Teams in both Adult and Children's mental health services which will ensure, at a minimum, that at least one of each mental health professional discipline is represented on every team. It is intended that the additional resources will be rolled out in conjunction with a scheme of appropriate clinical care programmes. Some of the funding will also be used to advance activities in the area of suicide prevention and to initiate the provision of psychological and counselling services in primary care, specifically for people with mental health problems.
853 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the budget allocation for home help services for 2011 and 2012; the cuts to the home help budget for 2010, 2011 and 2012; if he will give a commitment to continue funding these important services into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26334/12]
Government policy is to support older people to live at home and in their communities for as long as possible. This is realised through a range of community based services such as mainstream Home Help, enhanced provision via Home Care Packages, or through other service elements such as Meals-on-Wheels, Day Care or Respite Care.
While the recently agreed HSE Service Plan for 2012 involves a reduction of around 3.5% in Home Help hours nationally, from just over 11m hours in 2011 to 10.7m hours this year, the corresponding reduction proposed in the actual number of people receiving Home Help drops by just under 2% or, in other words, from around 51,000 recipients last year to 50,000 in 2012. This reflects an increased focus by the HSE towards more personalised care for the most vulnerable older people.
I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that the HSE Service Plan 2012 maintains Home Care Packages for this year at 2011 levels. Such Packages usually contain a significant Home Help element. This again indicates the commitment of the Government to provide the best possible services to the most vulnerable older people, in the light of evolving resources and competing demands in respect of the years in question.
854 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card application will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26335/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
855 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if ambulance cover is available for Navan Town and including Cortown, County Meath, on a 24 hour seven day a week basis; his views on the accepted Ambulance waiting times for emergencies in Navan town and Cortown.. [26338/12]
874 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the ambulance cover in County Meath including clarifying the number of ambulances in operation during the day; the number available through the night; the number available over the weekend and the location at which each ambulance is stationed.. [26548/12]
875 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the accepted waiting time for ambulance services in County Meath.. [26549/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 855, 874 and 875 together.
As these are service issues, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
856 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the efforts he has made to ensure that appropriate diagnostic and support services are available for all women who received defective PIP breast implants; if he will confirm that MRI scans are readily available to these women in both the public and private health systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26339/12]
857 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) was refused an MRI scan at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin; if he will review this and similar cases immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26340/12]
858 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the measures he has taken to ensure that all appropriate medical staff, including general practitioners, are aware of the latest developments in the management of patients who received defective PIP implants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26341/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 856 to 858, inclusive, together.
My Department's priority at all times has been that the three treating clinics involved in the PIP breast implant issue provide professional and appropriate care to their affected clients. The Chief Medical Officer has met with and continues to engage with the clinics to ensure that best practice and patient support is paramount in the service provided to concerned recipients of these implants. It has been impressed on the treating clinics that an appropriate care programme must be in place and that clinical care should be provided to each client as considered appropriate by their treating surgeon. The provision of an improved care package by one of the treating clinics has been the subject of intense discussions between my officials and the provider concerned and the CMO continues to liaise with the provider in this regard.
In relation to the particular concern raised regarding an MRI scan it is noted that an explanatory response from the relevant HSE Area Manager issued to the Deputy on 31st May 2012.
The Department's website and the website of the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) continue to provide regular updates and information on the ongoing EU and international scientific investigation of PIP implants. The advice of both my Department and the IMB has remained constant and readily available to all interested parties, i.e.:
there is no evidence of increased risk of cancer for women with this brand of implant;
the risk of rupture is within expected norms and routine explantation is not recommended;
anyone with a concern about their breast implants should discuss the matter with their GP or surgeon.
In addition, the Chief Medical Officer appeared before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health on 3rd May last to fully brief and answer members' questions.
The resolution of the implants issue has to be between provider and client and an appropriate solution found between the parties; my Department will continue to encourage all parties to reach an acceptable solution for all concerned.
859 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the Exchequer funding provided to private hospitals generally; if any such funding is directed towards particular services or facilities in those hospitals; if so, if he will provide details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26345/12]
I have no role to play in the day to day running and commercial decisions relating to private hospitals.
860 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26348/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
861 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health the number of patients awaiting beds in the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dublin, having had a brain injury that requires rehabilitative treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26349/12]
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.
862 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Galway may expect to receive a decision on the review of their medical card entitlements in view of the fact that this family were issued with full medical cards which only carry an entitlement equal to a general practitioner visit only cards.. [26364/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
863 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence regarding fluoridation of drinking water (details supplied). [26370/12]
The correspondence to which the Deputy refers concerns a questionnaire on water fluoridation and a recently published report. Allegations of ill health and potential damaging effects of fluoridation are contained in the report and are reflected in many of the assumptions in the questionnaire. The Expert Body on Fluorides and Health has concluded that the report is not reliable. The Expert Body's Appraisal and an Executive Summary of the Appraisal are available on the Expert Body's website,www.fluoridesandhealth.ie.
Fundamentally the Expert Body maintains that there continues to be overwhelming evidence that water fluoridation significantly benefits dental health and through this, benefits overall health. The Expert Body is satisfied having studied current peer reviewed scientific evidence worldwide that water fluoridation causes no ill effects to the health of adults or children. There are no plans to discontinue the policy of fluoridation of public water supplies, which continues to make an effective contribution to oral health in Ireland.
864 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is acceptable to wait up to six months to be issued with a report on the cause of death (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26383/12]
When a person dies, it is the duty of a relative of the deceased to act as qualified informant. This means that the relative must give to a registrar of births, deaths and marriages the information necessary to register the death, including a medical certificate of the cause of death, which is obtainable from the medical practitioner who attended the deceased, and sign the register of deaths.
In certain circumstances, a death is referred to the Coroner. There is a legal responsibility on doctors, registrars, undertakers, Gardai, hospitals and nursing homes to inform the Coroner where a death occurs suddenly or unexpectedly, or from a cause unknown, unclear or unnatural, or where the deceased was not seen or treated by a registered medical practitioner within one month prior to death.
In such cases, the Coroner may request a post-mortem examination. If the post-mortem shows that a death was due to natural causes, the Coroner may issue a certificate to the Registrar, who can then proceed to register the death and issue a death certificate. If the post-mortem shows that a death was due to unnatural causes, the Coroner may cause an inquest to be held. In such cases, the Registrar must await the outcome of the inquest and the issue by the Coroner of a coroner's certificate before the death can be registered.
In relation to the specific raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
865 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his views on the cost of agency nursing staff, the hours worked and the whole time staff equivalents in relation to this for the first three months of 2012 in respect of the Midland Regional Hospitals in Portlaoise, Tullamore and Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26388/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
866 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health when he intends to publish the National Carers Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26399/12]
The development of a National Carers Strategy to support carers and to address issues of concern is a key commitment in the current Programme for Government.
The Strategy will address the needs of informal and family carers. It will be conceptual and visionary and will establish a number of high-level principles, goals and objectives and a road map to implementation.
The State already faces challenges in maintaining existing levels of services from within limited resources and the Strategy is being developed in that context. The Strategy will not be an operational plan but will set the strategic direction for future services and supports for carers in recognition of their role and contribution to maintaining children, adults and older people with physical or mental health difficulties in their own homes.
While issues relating to carers span a number of different Departments, the Taoiseach has allocated responsibility for co-ordination of the preparation of the Strategy to me with the support of the Minister for Social Protection.
Work on developing the Strategy is on-going and a consultation process with other Departments took place in early 2012. A draft was completed at the end of March as a basis for final consultations with other Departments and with national organisations representing carers. Carers organisations made formal observations at the end of May. It is hoped that a draft will be completed for submission to Government during the Summer.
867 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the position regarding future plans for hospitals (details supplied) in County Louth [26401/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
868 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need to source suitable alternative interim accommodation, which would ensure that the specific needs of the current residents of a hospital (details supplied) in County Kerry are appropriately met until such time as the new replacement facilitates are completed in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26410/12]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
869 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when children in sixth class in primary schools in County Laois will receive their first dental check; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26416/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
870 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Galway who underwent pre-operative tests in March 2012 will be given an appointment at Merlin Park Hospital, Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26430/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.
871 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the closure of a premises (details supplied) in County Kerry [26433/12]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
872 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his plans for persons suffering from acquired brain injury; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26434/12]
Current health services available to persons with acquired brain injury include: Acute Hospital Services; the National Rehabilitation Hospital; multi-disciplinary community services; long term assisted living supports and rehabilitative training services. These services are provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and a number of non-statutory organisations. Within Disability Services, the two main organisations that are funded to meet the needs of service users with acquired brain injury nationally are Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and Headway Ireland.
On Tuesday 22nd May, 2012, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Health announced a significant development at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, replacing the existing 120 bed compliment and therapy accommodation, which demonstrates this Government's commitment to the delivery of healthcare infrastructure as set out in our Programme for Government.
The HSE is committed to the implementation of the recommendations of the report published in December 2011 —The National Policy and Strategy for the Provision of Neuro-rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015 — and to achieve the objectives of the Rehabilitation Medicine Programme. The HSE National Service Plan for 2012 outlines the focus for service development as follows: The development of Regional Networks and local rehabilitation teams:
Development of regional in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation facilities;
Integration of services;
Development of protocols that will have mandatory compliance across the delivery system;
Reconfiguration of existing resources;
Achieving greater cost-effectiveness through the development of greater competencies by those tasked with delivering services;
Increased teamwork and using interdisciplinary approaches; and
More inter-agency collaborative working.
There is now a clear policy with a recommended service framework, that, when implemented, will ensure that Neuro-Rehabilitation services are developed for those we serve in the most appropriate, effective and efficient way. I know that with the commitment of the Health Service Executive and service providers to the implementation process, we can achieve improved rehabilitation services for those persons with a neurological illness or injury, including those with acquired brain injury, or with a significant physical disability.
873 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the closure of wards at a hospital (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26437/12]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
876 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the total number of closed operating theatres in public hospitals around the country; if he will provide a breakdown of the hospitals affected; the number of theatres that are closed in each hospital and the length of time each theatre has been closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26550/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF. I have referred this question to the HSE so that the information can be provided directly to the Deputy.
879 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he intends reopening closed beds following recent figures which show waiting lists have increased by 24% over the past year; the number of closed beds that he intends reopening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26553/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
In July 2011, I introduced a strict policy of chronological management of inpatient waiting lists so that after urgent and cancer patients are treated those waiting longest are treated first. This policy is working in the interests of fairness. I acknowledge that there has been an increase in the numbers waiting over 6 months. It was anticipated that this would happen as a result of the significant decreases in the numbers waiting in the over 9 month and 12 month categories. So while it has been reported that there was a 24% increase in number waiting over 6 months there has been a 77% drop in the numbers of adults waiting over 12 months to just 474 people and an 84% drop in the numbers of children waiting over 12 months to just 48. These figures continue to decrease.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that 95% of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
Throughout 2012 hospitals will open and close beds on various wards in order to deliver the planned level of activity. These beds may be closed for a number of reasons, including cost containment, infection control and refurbishment. It is not possible at this time to determine what beds in which wards will be closed and what length of time they will be closed for. The decision to open and close beds is made at hospital management level and approved by the Regional Director of Operations.
880 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he has carried out any research or intends to carry out any research into the impact of increased numbers of patients presenting themselves in public hospitals as a result of private patients giving up their private health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26554/12]
My Department has no plans to carry out research into the impact of patients presenting in public hospitals who previously held private health insurance. In respect of access to public hospitals, the work of the Special Delivery Unit is focussed on improving wait times for access to both scheduled and unscheduled treatments and to maximise the capacity of existing facilities to manage patient flow.
While there has been a decrease in the numbers with private health insurance, by 76,000 in the year to end-March 2012, it is important to note that the decline in private health insurance coverage is modest to-date, at less than 4% of the overall market. This leaves some 2.139 million, or 46.6% of the population, covered by private health insurance. Even in the current difficult financial climate, the vast majority of consumers with private health insurance are retaining some level of health insurance cover. In this context, I would strongly advise consumers to shop around for the health insurance plan that best suits their needs. Consumers have a legal right to switch between or within insurers to get better value and to reduce their premium costs. All customers should carefully consider the full range of plans and levels of cover available within the market, so that their own needs are fully met. Where customers wish to switch products, the relevant health insurance legislation ensures that switching is as easy and seamless as possible for customers.
In addition to the choices available to consumers in the health insurance market, the Government's clear objective is for the health insurance market to remain as competitive and affordable as possible, as we move towards a new system of Universal Health Insurance.
881 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of bed days lost through delayed discharges in each hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26561/12]
The HSE Business Information Unit centrally collates statistics on delayed discharges. These statistics are a representation of the percentage of beds days lost with respect to the total number of available bed days, due to their occupancy by patients who have been deemed as being medically fit for discharge home with additional support, or awaiting transfer to rehabilitation off site, or a non-acute residential care setting. The figures indicated will not necessarily reflect those patients who may have been assessed for suitability for a nursing home place.
Many of the SDU initiatives to date have been targeted at the patients remaining in acute beds post medical discharge and these have involved increased access to home supports and transitional care. A specific project aimed at improving the quality of care delivery to the frail older person is being finalised and a group will be set up to oversee implementation of this national initiative on care of the frail older person. The project aim is to support the frail older person at home, create direct access pathways in the acute setting, rehabilitation and transitional care settings.
The year to date figures for bed days lost due to delayed discharges at 14th May 2012 are detailed in the following table:
|
Total Bed Days Lost as at 14th May 2012 Due To Delayed Discharges |
Total Bed Days Lost |
|
Bantry General Hospital |
805 |
|
Beaumont Hospital |
12,646 |
|
Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital |
361 |
|
Cavan General Hospital |
1,388 |
|
Connolly Hospital — Blanchardstown |
5,329 |
|
Cork University Hospital |
3,755 |
|
Kerry General Hospital |
281 |
|
Letterkenny General Hospital |
348 |
|
Mallow General Hospital |
413 |
|
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital |
10,461 |
|
Mayo General Hospital |
722 |
|
Mercy University Hospital Cork |
930 |
|
Mid Western Regional Hospital Dooradoyle |
1,635 |
|
Mid Western Regional Hospital Ennis |
650 |
|
Mid Western Regional Hospital Nenagh |
502 |
|
Midland Regional Hospital — Portlaoise |
779 |
|
Midland Regional Hospital — Tullamore |
1,589 |
|
Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar |
1,393 |
|
Naas General Hospital |
931 |
|
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda |
1,956 |
|
Our Ladys Hospital — Navan |
1,319 |
|
Portiuncula Hospital General and Maternity Balinasloe |
720 |
|
Roscommon County Hospital |
1,026 |
|
Sligo General Hospital |
956 |
|
South Infirmary University Hospital Cork |
822 |
|
South Tipperary General Hospital |
1,024 |
|
St. Columcille’s Hospital Loughlinstown |
2,478 |
|
St. James’s Hospital |
12,871 |
|
St. John’s Hospital Limerick |
622 |
|
St. Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny |
1,906 |
|
St. Michael’s Hospital Dun Laoghaire |
1,774 |
|
St. Vincent’s University Hospital Elm Park |
8,015 |
|
Tallaght Hospital |
6,096 |
|
University Hospital Galway |
824 |
|
Waterford Regional Hospital |
3,487 |
|
Wexford General Hospital |
2,884 |
|
Total Bed Days Lost |
93,698 |
882 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant beds in public and private nursing homes in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26562/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
883 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive a decision regarding their eligibility to a full medical card [26563/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
884 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be issued immediately in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny [26566/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
886 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. [26576/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
887 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for the long term illness scheme 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. [26578/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
888 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 445 of 17 January 2012, if she will arrange an appointment at the ear, nose and throat clinic in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny [26582/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. This year I have set a target that, by year end, no adult will be waiting longer than 9 months and no child longer than 20 weeks for in-patient or daycase treatment. Currently the NTPF/SDU is intensely engaged with public hospitals supporting their planning processes that will underpin the delivery of these targets.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.
889 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the accepted ambulance waiting times for emergencies in Navan town and Cortown, County Meath [26589/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
890 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 496 of 17 January 2012, the result of the outcome of his discussions regarding reviews of medical cards for those with life-long conditions; if he accepts that there is need to reform the frequency of the review of such cards; the plans, if any, that are in place to change this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26591/12]
The recent review of the medical card operation conducted by the HSE indicated that there is significant scope for the simplification and standardisation of the assessment process, while providing appropriate levels of control.
The new self-assessment process which is streamlined and user friendly has already been implemented for many clients with lifelong illnesses. In addition the HSE is putting further processes in place which will immediately identify medical card applicants with particular lifelong or long term medical conditions. The aim of this process is to ensure that the review process around renewal of the medical card is streamlined for such clients to be as patient friendly, and only as frequent, as is necessary. I am confident that these initiatives will alleviate some of the concerns raised by patients with lifelong illnesses.
891 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health when an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the fair deal scheme will be processed in order that a long term care bed can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26602/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
893 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical procedure in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26615/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.
894 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding committed to in his Department for capital projects; if he will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26633/12]
My Department's capital allocation for 2012 is €17.5m of which €0.473m is allocated to support the Department ICT and office equipment needs. Following the transfer of functions between Government Departments in 2011, responsibility for the Drugs Strategy was transferred to the Department of Health. In this regard €1m of the Department's allocation is allocated to the Drugs Initiative. The remaining €16.027m is allocated to support directly funded agencies in fulfilling their functions.
To date, expenditure in respect of ICT and office equipment to support the Department's ICT network amounts to €0.075m. My Department is working with the HSE with regard to addiction service related projects. The commitments of €13.922m shown in the table below relate to the Health Research Board (HRB). This funding supports inter alia, equipment, clinical scientist awards, translational research awards, PhD scholars' programme, Food and Health Research and provision for the HRB's contribution to the construction of a clinical research facility at University College Hospital Galway. The remaining funding has been indented for ICT, office equipment and furniture to support the directly funded agencies in delivering their functions. Provision has also been made for contingency to support applications made by the agencies during the course of the year.
|
Department of Health |
2012 Commitments €m |
2012 Capital Allocation €m |
Expenditure — year to date €m |
Balance Remaining €m |
|
Department’s Admin Budget |
0.000 |
0.473 |
0.075 |
0.398 |
|
Drugs Strategy |
0.000 |
1.000 |
0.000 |
1.000 |
|
Directly Funded Agencies |
13.922 |
16.027 |
0.000 |
16.027 |
|
Total |
13.922 |
17.500 |
0.075 |
17.425 |
The bulk of the Department's capital allocation is profiled for draw down in the second half of the year. It is expected that the balance will be drawn down before the year end.
895 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will consult with the Bioethics Unit in his Department regarding the transposition of EU Directives regarding animal experimentation policy; and the reason this has not already taken place [26643/12]
The Bioethics Unit advises on a number of issues across various policy areas in my Department, including the protection of animals for scientific purposes. The Bioethics Unit has engaged with and will continue to engage with officials in my Department who have been assigned the task of transposing Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of such animals. Directive 2010/63/EU will be transposed into Irish law by the end of the year and the improved protections for animals set out in the Directive will take effect from 1 January 2013.
896 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views regarding the issuing of licences for certificate G experiments and if he will respond to an organisation (details supplied) who have raised a number of serious concerns with him on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26644/12]
Before I address the specific question tabled by the Deputy, I should at the outset advise the House that my Department will, before the end of the year, transpose Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. The new Directive will, when transposed in Ireland and other Members States, ensure that Europe will have the highest standards of experimental animal welfare in the world.
The new Directive strongly promotes the principles of the three Rs (replacement of the use of animals to the greatest extent possible with alternative testing methods, refinement of scientific procedures to improve animal welfare and reduction in numbers of animals used). The provisions of the new Directive also strengthen the protection of animals still needed for research and safety testing. Significant changes in this regard are requirements to perform ethical evaluations prior to authorisation of projects using animals and higher standards of care and accommodation. These new measures will apply from 2013 and , from that date onwards, the existing certification process will no longer operate.
On the specific matter raised by the Deputy, it is the case that that in a very limited number of occasions, it has been necessary to issue "G" certificates on that basis that the project was of sufficient importance for meeting the essential needs of human beings or animals. In this context,t here are two current licences with "G" certificates. They relate to the same project and the aim of that project is to develop substances to improve neuromuscular transmission for therapeutic purposes.
897 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a general practitioner (details supplied) in County Meath who retired late 2011 will be replaced with a full time GP rather than a locum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26672/12]
903 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health when he expects a general practitioner service to be in place in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26736/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 897 and 903 together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
898 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health his views on whether tobacco smuggling is a public health threat; if he plans to address illegal tobacco selling in his Tobacco Policy Review; if he will provide a time-frame for the publication of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26676/12]
All tobacco products, whether legally produced, illicit or counterfeit are injurious to health and are therefore a threat to public health. I am concerned about the level and it remains my objective that Ireland becomes a tobacco free society.
The Revenue Commissioners are responsible for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products. My Department and the HSE support Revenue'sStrategy On Combating the Illicit Tobacco Trade (2011-2013). The Revenue Commissioners attach a high priority to this area, and they continuously review their response to the problem and their effectiveness in tackling the illicit tobacco trade. The strategy employed by Revenue to tackle the illicit tobacco products trade is multi-faceted. It includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, ongoing review of operational policies, development of analytics and detection technologies, and optimum deployment of resources at point of importation and inland, in order to intercept the contraband product and to prosecute those involved. I understand from the Revenue Commissioners that in 2011, a total of 109.08m cigarettes with a retail value of €45.95m and 11,158 kgs of tobacco with a retail value of €4.00 m were been seized by Revenue. In 2012 to date a total of 56.2m cigarettes with a retail value of €24.5m and 2,077kgs of tobacco with a retail value of €6.87m have been seized by Revenue.
The Report of the Tobacco Policy Review Group (TPRG ) will consider ways to denormalise smoking in society such as extending tobacco control legislation in particular for situations where children are present. It will also consider social marketing and educational programmes as well as smoking cessation services. The Report includes a section on the illicit trade of tobacco, including the work of the Revenue Commissioners. I anticipate that the report of the TPRG will be completed in the coming months and that this will be brought to Government for decision.
899 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26678/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
900 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 225 on the 25 April 2012, the further steps his Department has taken in engaging with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and the European Union Commission to resolve issues around the recognition of UK Pharmacy qualifications; the steps he has taken to ensure that the affected persons will be registered as pharmacists in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26689/12]
The situation is as previously stated and legal advice is awaited from the Attorney General's Office.
901 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when the consultation process will commence in relation to examining the future of a hospital (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26698/12]
902 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hospital (details supplied) in County Laois; if there is a consultation process underway in relation to the earlier announcement to close this hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26701/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 901 and 902 together.
On 24 May the Health Service Executive launched a public consultation process on the planning and provision of services for older people in the Midland counties of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath with a view to ensuring the most efficient and effective delivery of its services within available resources. Part of this process includes a review of the 9 public long stay residential units in the Midlands in order to consolidate services. This will involve engaging with residents, relatives, staff, public representatives and other stakeholders. The process will be completed within a period of three months from commencement. Should the HSE conclude that full closure of any unit is necessary, a recommendation to this effect will be made.
904 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the fate of decommissioned defibrillators, decommissioned green bags and decommissioned hospital equipment in general; if there is a policy to pass decommissioned equipment on to charity medical organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26739/12]
905 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the fate of decommissioned ambulances; if there is a policy to pass decommissioned equipment on to charity medical organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26740/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 904 and 905 together.
As these are service issues, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
906 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health when he intends to publish in full the National Narcolepsy Steering Committee Report; his views on the key findings and recommendations of the report and the resulting mechanisms his Department intends to put in place for children, teenagers, young adults who were vaccinated with the pandemrix swine flu vaccine in 2009 and 2010 and as a result have subsequently received a narcolepsy diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26743/12]
The report of the National Narcolepsy Steering Committee was published on 19 April and is available on my Department's website. My Department is working closely with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Education and Skills to address the needs of those affected by narcolepsy.
The HSE has provided a range of services and supports to those affected including access to rapid diagnosis, clear care pathways, temporary medical cards and reimbursement of expenses incurred.
Multi-disciplinary assessments which will allow for the appropriate individualised health and educational supports to be put in place have commenced. The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is currently engaging with the HSE and with the individual schools and parents of children concerned to identify and provide educational supports for the children and adolescents affected. In addition, reasonable accommodations have been put in place for students with narcolepsy starting state exams today.
My Department is considering all other possible supports which may need to be put in place for those affected. A Memorandum for Government setting out the full response to this issue is being prepared for submission in the coming weeks.
I would like to assure the Deputy that this matter continues to be a priority for my Department.
907 Deputy Alex White asked the Minister for Health in vew of the fact that one-fifth of eight year olds and half of all 12 year olds have experienced decay in their permanent teeth and the geographical variation in the prevalence and severity of dental caries, if he will move to ensure consistent practices are applied and standards delivered by the school dental services, as specified by the Health Dental Services for Children Regulations, 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26746/12]
The HSE currently provides a dental service to schoolchildren aged up to 16 years. The service is targeted at children in key classes at key stages in their development. Children are given dental examinations and any follow up treatment required at these stages. When required, emergency dental treatment is available to all children up to 16 years. There may be differences across the country in how the HSE Dental Service currently provides these services.
A re-organisation of the Service is underway. As part of the reorganisation four inspectors have been appointed whose role is to ensure appropriate services are provided within the Dental Service. The reorganisation will also involve the restructuring of service areas in the near future. This will support a unified approach with fewer service areas and maximization of resources within each area. Five Assistant National Oral Health Leads will be appointed. Their focus will be on the development of standards and consistent practices across the HSE Dental Services.
908 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26758/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
909 Deputy Alex White asked the Minister for Health the number of personal assistant hours that were provided by the Health Service Executive to disabled persons in 2011; of those hours, the number that were provided by directly employed HSE employees and the number that were provided by third party agreed service providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26761/12]
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.
910 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 523 of 15 May 2012, if he will confirm that an application for National Lottery funding via the Health Service Executive to support the Irish Performing Arts Festival which will be hosted by the Cope Foundation and take place in Cork city and county between 27 and 30 June 2012 was received and rejected by him or the HSE; the reasons for this rejection; the support that has been given to the festival in recent years; his views on whether the festival has been of benefit to persons with intellectual disabilities and autism in recent years in view of the fact that art and drama have a hugely beneficial therapeutic element in caring for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26771/12]
My Department still has no record of an application from the Group referred to by the Deputy. If the organisation wishes to make an application for National Lottery Funding they should send in a formal application. Detailed procedures, along with the application form are set out on my Department's website —www.doh.ie.
I am not aware if the Health Service Executive is in receipt of an application for National Lottery Funding from its 2012 allocation. However, I have referred the matter to the Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
911 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not been paid their full entitlements in regard to their retirement pension; when this matter will be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26796/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
912 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding mental health services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26799/12]
The Irish Public Health System provides for two categories of eligibility for persons ordinarily resident in the country, i.e. full eligibility (medical cardholders) and limited eligibility (all others). Full eligibility is determined mainly by reference to income limits. Determination of an individual's eligibility status is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive.
Persons with full eligibility are entitled to a range of services including general practitioner services, prescribed drugs and medicines, all in-patient public hospital services in public wards including, inter alia, mental health services and all out-patient public hospital services including inter alia, mental health services. Such mental health services are available from a day hospital operated by the HSE in the area concerned.
The mental health service referred to by the Deputy is a private service and therefore is outside the scope of the Health Acts. Any person opting to obtain mental health services as a private patient is liable for any private fees involved.
913 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the result of an application for a review in regard to the fair deal agreement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26805/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
914 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that patients (details supplied) in County Laois requiring a spinal stimulator are being refused treatment in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, because they do not live in the catchment area; the action he proposes to take on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26809/12]
Hospitals have built up informal catchment areas over a number of years and any individual hospital often has a number of "catchment areas" reflecting the different geographic areas from which it normally accepts referrals of different types. Issues with catchment areas are typically cyclical and often reflect, amongst other things, the economic cycle.
The growing budgetary and activity performance pressures on hospitals has led to some hospitals enforcing a more strict adherence to what they view as their catchment areas for different aspects of their service. It has also been legitimately queried why, in some cases, patients are bypassing recently developed suitable services in hospitals closer to the patient requiring that patient to travel longer distances to a larger tertiary hospital which is under greater pressure and may have longer outpatient waiting times.
It has been agreed however, that an inconsistent approach is not in the best interest of patients and therefore it has been agreed in the interim that any planned and agreed changes in referrals/catchment areas should not impact on patients who are already on a waiting list in a particular hospital or are patients in long term care/treatment.
Where, by exception, it is agreed that existing patients on a waiting list should be considered for transfer to another hospital waiting list this should be on the basis that they will be able to access their service in the new hospital earlier or at a minimum no later than had they remained on the original waiting list.
Patients should be informed of any proposed changes in advance and any concerns they may raise dealt with appropriately. In relation to the particular patient query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
915 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hearing aid in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26817/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
916 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to reduce waiting lists for dental treatment in view of the very long waiting lists in County Galway for dental treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26819/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
917 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the amount spent on agency staff in each of the years 2008 to 2011; the number of staff involved in each year; the amount forecast to be spent this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26822/12]
In the health service, agency staff have traditionally been used to meet a short-term service need or where some flexibility in staffing a service is required. In 2011, although the HSE had negotiated new agency contracts which involve lower unit costs, the use of agency staff accounted for approximately €177 million, as outlined in the table below. This was accounted for in part by the usage of agency staffing to cover longer-term staffing needs. When locum staff, who are employed by the HSE, are added, the total amounts to over €200 million.
This is not a sustainable approach and the HSE's National Service Plan 2012 commits to significantly lowering the volume of agency usage across all staff functions, with a target reduction of up to 50% in 2012. The Plan also notes that the transposition into Irish law of the Temporary Agency Work Directive will increase the unit cost of agency staffing.
Agency staff are the employees of the agencies concerned rather than the HSE and as such the number of individuals engaged in such work is not reported.
A table outlines HSE agency costs from 2008-2011:
|
Agency Costs |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Clinical |
68,655 |
67,176 |
109,389 |
125,443 |
|
Non Clinical |
16,294 |
15,094 |
22,682 |
17,453 |
|
Other Client/Patient Services |
32,112 |
26,061 |
21,306 |
33,674 |
|
Total |
117,061 |
108,331 |
153,377 |
176,570 |
918 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding health issues in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 [26824/12]
The Deputy's concerns for the person (details supplied) have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
919 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding proposals for changes in respect of an orthodontic service at locations (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26831/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
920 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the level of funding and support available through his Department or the Health Service Executive for homosexual and transgender individuals or groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26837/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
921 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding occupational therapy in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26868/12]
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.
922 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if any cost benefit analysis has been performed in the past five years on the estimated €3 to €4 million annual cost of water fluoridation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26874/12]
955 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the evidence upon which he bases the decision that fluoridation of water is healthy for human consumption; if he has carried out studies monitoring the overall oral health benefits for the Irish population from use of fluorides in water; if his attention has been drawn to the recent studies published by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology which links fluoride with brain damage; the reason Ireland is one of the only countries in the EU to administer fluoride in public water supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27164/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 922 and 955 together.
My Department has not conducted a cost benefit analysis on the policy of fluoridation. Policy on this issue is guided by international studies, which indicate that the cost of water fluoridation is a small fraction of the savings in dental treatment costs.
The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health confirms that, based on the review of all previous and current international and national scientific data, the balance of this scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and continues to be effective for protecting the oral health of all age groups. These issues have also been addressed by other recognised authorities such as the World Health Organisation. The EU Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER), published its ‘Opinion on critical review of any new evidence on the hazard profile, health effects, and human exposure to fluoride and the fluoridating agents of drinking water' in May 2011. +The main conclusions of the SCHER report are that there are no known health implications from fluoridating water at levels used in the EU. There is also extensive evidence in Ireland from a series of national, regional and cross-border studies conducted between 1984 and 2006 that fluoridated drinking water substantially improves the dental health of children and adults.
The Irish Expert Body does not agree with the views expressed by the organisation referred to by the Deputy. This group does not appear to have formal accreditation as an academy and is not recognised as the representative voice for the fields of oral medicine and toxicology.
923 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive intend to include on the HSE website, information in relation to applying for emergency medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26926/12]
924 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive has recently carried out an informative campaign to alert general practitioners and consultants in order that the correct information in relation to applying for a emergency medical card may be given to patients who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness or a serious medical issue. [26927/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 923 and 924 together.
The HSE has stated that work is under way to develop an integrated and comprehensive communications programme for PCRS. This programme is being designed to ensure that all stakeholders including patients, patient advocacy groups, public representatives, primary care contractors and the general media are regularly informed of developments within the Medical Card Scheme. A senior communications manager has been assigned to support this process.
The HSE wrote to all GPs on 27 February 2012 to advise them that the centralised medical card registration unit has an emergency medical card issue process, which operates in concert with Local Health Offices and that a person can at any time seek assistance from, or direct their emergency application to their local health office. They also advised GPs that if a GP had such a case he/she should contact their Local Health Office, who can request an emergency medical card from the central office if they are satisfied that an emergency situation obtains. Furthermore, in April 2012 the HSE reiterated the position to the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee, the Public Accounts Committee and across the health system, that an Emergency application can be initiated through the Local Health Office whose manager has access to dedicated contacts in PCRS. The HSE have also provided functionality to GPs to extend eligibility in some sensitive cases where a patient may lose eligibility because he/she cannot engage or complete his/her review due to a medical condition or social circumstances.
925 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 545 of 27 March 2012, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the average waiting time for sanctioning of prosthetic limbs for persons on a medical card is about seven months; the actions he will take to rectify the waiting time in view of the problems facing patients whose prosthetic limbs no longer fit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26928/12]
926 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 545 of 27 March 2012, his views on whether it is acceptable that a person (details supplied) in County Kerry faces the possibility of being confined to a wheel chair in view of the fact that the average waiting time for sanctioning of prosthetic limbs for persons on a medical card is about seven months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26929/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 925 and 926 together.
It is not acceptable that anyone should be confined to a wheelchair because of delays in being fitted for a follow up prosthetic limb. I understand that there has been significant pressure on prosthetic services in the Cork and Kerry region and that €80k has been allocated to remedy this situation.
The HSE South has advised that it is focusing on clearing the waiting list and work has already commenced in this regard. It is envisaged that the full list will be cleared over the next few weeks.
I have forwarded the question to the HSE who will contact the Deputy directly in relation to his constituent's query.
927 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will outline all staff appointments he has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their positions; their salaries; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26957/12]
Since taking up office I have appointed two advisers, Mr. Mark Costigan as Press Adviser and Mr. Sean Faughnan as Special Adviser, both on the Principal Officer (Standard) salary level.
Mr. Faughnan has indicated to me his intention to reduce his work commitment from full time to one-third time. It is my intention to appoint Ms Maureen Windle, ex-Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Area Health Board on a two-thirds time basis, and one salary will accordingly be divided between the two individuals pro-rata in line with the time worked. Pending her formal appointment, Ms Windle has been based in the Department's offices in Hawkins House since the 21st February. Ms Windle is in receipt of a Public Service pension from her previous employment. Upon taking up appointment as my Adviser, she will be subject to standard public service pension abatement rules.
Additionally, I have appointed a Personal Assistant, the payscale for which starts at €43,715 rising to €56,060, and two Civilian Drivers each on an annual salary of €32,965.
My Constituency Office is being managed by a Personal Secretary who was appointed in February this year, at a salary ranging from €23,820 to €47,755.
None of the aforementioned appointees, with the exception of Ms Windle, are retired former Public Servants in receipt of a pension.
I established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) in my Department in mid-2011. A number of personnel have been seconded to this unit from the HSE. Additional expertise is being provided on a contract for services basis.
928 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health the current ambulance service serving Dublin 15; if he will supply a breakdown, in tabular form, of the number of call outs for each month this year; the response times; the ambulance base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26964/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
929 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding home help hours in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry [26965/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
930 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the position regarding costs of care, subvention payments and the management of pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway [26970/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
931 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for a hospital appointment for admission to be brought forward in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly [26980/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.
932 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26983/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
933 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his plans to review the long term illness scheme; if he will include sufferers of Wegener’s Granulomatosis in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26987/12]
970 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if he will review the long term illness scheme in order to include Fibomyalgia as a long term chronic illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27345/12]
979 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the changes to the long term illness scheme medical card plan; when persons with MS and Epilepsy to be eligible to apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27420/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 933, 970 and 979 together.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €132 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultation.
The Programme for Government commits to reforming the current public health system by introducing Universal Health Insurance with equal access to care for all. As part of this, the Government is committed to introducing Universal GP Care within its first term of office.
Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. The Department of Health is currently drafting legislation to provide for the phased introduction of a universal GP service without fees in line with the commitment set out in the Programme for Government. Initially it is intended to extend GP cover without fees to persons with certain long-term illnesses. It is my intention to have the Bill published and enacted before the summer recess.
934 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the estimated cost to the State of the upkeep and maintenance of an elderly patient with severe dementia at Tallaght Hospital and the cost for keeping a patient in St. Brigid’s Nursing Home,Crooksling, County Dublin. [26989/12]
935 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of patients in Tallaght Hospital, who were suitable to use step-down beds in St. Brigid’s Nursing Home, Crooksling, County Dublin, were affected by the reported embargo following the announcement of the proposed closure of the nursing home [26990/12]
936 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if an estimate has been made or if he can give an approximate cost to the State for keeping elderly patients in Tallaght Hospital during the reported embargo and on filling available beds in St. Brigid’s Nursing Home, Crooksling, County Dublin from the time of announcement of its closure and the lifting of that same embargo [26991/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 934 to 936, inclusive, together.
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service executive for direct reply.
937 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive an orthodontic appointment to have braces fitted; if a date will be given for when treatment will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26996/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
938 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cards and general practitioner visit cards issued to applicants in County Kerry in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27006/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
939 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if it is intended to facilitate, and include in the planning process, provision of family accommodation at the new children’s hospital by Ronald McDonald House who currently provide this service for Crumlin Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27007/12]
As you will be aware, I have established an independent Review Group to consider the implications of the decision of An Bórd Pleanála, received on 23 February 2012, to reject the planning application for the proposed construction of a national paediatric hospital on the site of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. The aim of the Review is to consider all the possible options for the earliest possible delivery of a new children's hospital and the Group will present its findings on each of the possible options for my consideration.
I can confirm that the plans for the hospital at the Mater site provided for parental accommodation to be available within the hospital for parents of children in the neonatal intensive care unit and children admitted to the other critical care units. This accommodation was to be provided within a family overnight unit which would provide en-suite bedrooms with suitable support accommodation. This feature will no doubt be an important part of any children's hospital, wherever sited.
I will await the completion of the Group's work before making any further comment on the matter.
940 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of new medical cards and general practitioner visit card applications were received in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 from applicants in County Kerry; the number granted and refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27008/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
941 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of medical card and general practitioner visit card renewals new applications are currently being processed nationally; the number being processed in respect of County Kerry applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27009/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
942 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27010/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
943 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health when will free general practitioner care be made available to persons with long term illnesses as announced in Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27011/12]
The Programme for Government commits to reforming the current public health system by introducing Universal Health Insurance with equal access to care for all. As part of this, the Government is committed to introducing Universal GP Care within its first term of office.
Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. The Department of Health is currently drafting legislation to provide for the phased introduction of a universal GP service without fees in line with the commitment set out in the Programme for Government. Initially it is intended to extend GP cover without fees to persons with certain long-term illnesses. It is my intention to have the Bill published and enacted as soon as possible.
944 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27014/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
945 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary will receive a hospital appointment [27017/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.
946 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding home help (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27020/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
947 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health if his Department or the Health Service Executive have any plans for basic grade speech language therapists recruitment; if he will confirm the number of person currently on the panel awaiting a placement; if his attention has been to the fact that in many areas within the HSE there have been vacancies for a considerable length of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27036/12]
The Government has determined that, in line with its commitment to reduce the size of the public service, health sector employment numbers must be reduced to approximately 102,000 by the end of 2012.
The National Service Plan 2012 provides for steps to minimise the effect of staffing reductions on services. These include pursuing to the maximum the flexibility and reform agenda provided for in the Public Service Agreement. While the HSE has some flexibility in relation to filling posts in order to protect frontline services in so far as possible, it must still achieve the required budget and employment targets set out in the National Service Plan.
In regard to Speech and Language therapists, the HSE's National Recruitment Service (NRS) currently has a panel for this grade. Currently, there are 217 active qualified applicants on the panel, and a further 99 applicants who are dormant.
The HSE envisages that this panel will be sufficient to satisfy its needs in the short to medium term. The NRS is currently in the process of filling 13 posts at Speech and Language Therapist and a small number of developments are expected.
948 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if he will outline any vacant buildings owned by the Health Service Executive in Ballyshannon, County Donegal [27048/12]
949 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the details of any buildings rented by the Health Service Executive in Ballyshannon, County Donegal [27049/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 948 and 949 together.
Management of the Health Service Executive property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.
950 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27068/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
951 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding mental health facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27084/12]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
952 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who has experienced severe medical complications following surgery in 2011; if surgical error resulted in the complications arising; if a full chronology of events surrounding their treatment will be provided in writing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27145/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
953 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding reduced home help hours in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry [27147/12]
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.
954 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the measures that have been taken to ensure compliance with the upcoming Bavaria Beer sponsored Formula 1 racing event proposed to take place over the June Bank Holiday weekend; if there is compliance with the code of practice on alcohol marketing, communications and sponsorship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27162/12]
The code of practice on Alcohol Marketing, Communications and Sponsorship places restrictions on alcohol sponsorship of sport; unlike statutory measures, these provisions are voluntary and are therefore not binding.
I am concerned that the code may not be fit for purpose. The recent report of the National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group recommended that drinks industry sponsorship of sport in Ireland should be phased out through legislation; and with regard to its recommendations, the Minister envisages an Action Plan being developed in advance of proposals being drafted for Government very soon.
956 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [27176/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
957 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made by Primary Care Reimbursement Service on whether further information requested of clients was actually considered when a decision was made on the medical card application in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27193/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
958 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that the turnaround for a completed medical card application to be processed is 15 days, if he will explain the reason an application (details supplied) that was sent in six weeks ago still has not been uploaded on to the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27196/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
959 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the percentage of persons that must reapply for medical cards due to their applications being lost or mislaid by client registration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27200/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
960 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the number of sections medical card applications go through before they are completely processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27201/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
961 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide for ambulance transportation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no public transport or private transport operator in the area can physically provide transport facilities for this person in view of their confinement; if he will forward details in relation to the Health Service Executive West’s plans to provide for transport to and from hospital appointments in view of this person’s chronic confinement [27257/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
962 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of beds that have been closed in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, each year since 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27270/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
963 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of patients in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, that are currently waiting for step down care beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27271/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
964 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health his views on the filter product macrolane that has been found to interfere with the diagnosis of breast cancer; if all the women treated with this product have been contacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27275/12]
Macrolane (containing hyaluronic acid) is a product which is administered by injection in medical and aesthetic procedures to augment body contours and correct body defects.
Breast augmentation procedures, including those involving Macrolane, may interfere with breast diagnostic imaging, particularly mammography. This interference is widely published and known by the relevant healthcare professionals. Women who previously underwent a procedure with Macrolane would have been advised by clinics before their procedure as part of the consent process of the potential for the product to interfere with the reading of mammograms.
Macrolane was withdrawn from use in breast augmentation by the manufacturer, Q-Med in April 2012 due to a lack of consensus among radiologists regarding examination of breasts treated with injectable products. The Irish Medicines Board has written to Irish clinics using the product and to Irish radiologists via the Royal College of Surgeons, Faculty of Radiology. In addition, clinics have been asked by the Irish Medicines Board to remind women of the potential problems which may arise with the interpretation of mammogram images and the importance of informing healthcare professionals of previous Macrolane treatment before they have any breast assessment carried out. Clinics are in the process of advising women in writing or reminding them of this issue at their next consultation.
965 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a CT scanner (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27277/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
966 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene in a matter (details supplied) regarding medicine availability in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27279/12]
Shortages of essential medicines are currently a cause of concern not just in Ireland but throughout Europe and the rest of the world. It is a global problem affecting health systems in all countries and impacting on patients world-wide. Medicines shortages can be the result of one, several or any combination of factors throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain such as manufacturing difficulties, industry consolidation, and commercial decisions by manufacturers to withdraw unprofitable lines.
Irish Medicines Regulations place an obligation on both manufacturers and pharmaceutical wholesalers within the limits of their respective responsibilities, to ensure the adequate availability and supply of medicines on the Irish market in order to meet patient needs.
Eltroxin, which contains the active substance levothyroxine, is a long-established medicine that is used to control hypothyroidism, congenital hypothyroidism and juvenile myxoedema. It is marketed in tablets containing 25, 50 and 100 micrograms and is the subject of a marketing authorisation in Ireland.
Before anyone is allowed to market a medicine in Ireland they are required to apply for a marketing authorisation from either the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The IMB and EMA examine the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines. The marketing authorisation holder for Eltroxin is the Mercury Pharma Group of which Goldshield Pharmaceuticals is a part. The product is manufactured under contract in the United Kingdom.
The current shortage of Eltroxin emerged in February 2012 when the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency suspended the authorisation of an alternative levothyroxine 100 microgram tablet product, not on the Irish market, with the effect that the overall supply of levothyroxine on the Irish and UK markets was reduced. The HSE and the IMB have been managing the shortage of Eltroxin and issued a joint communication (26th April 2012) via the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) updating pharmacists on management of the shortage. The HSE put in place special arrangements to reimburse suitable UK licensed product stock and this was notified to community pharmacists on 1st May 2012. The HSE and IMB continue to closely monitor this issue to ensure ongoing access to this important medicine. In addition, the PSI has recently published guidance to registered pharmacists on managing medicines shortages.
My Department has been engaging with the IMB, the HSE and the PSI to identify ways in which the Irish system can manage medicines shortages as effectively as possible in order to minimise the impact on patients. International efforts to effectively manage medicines shortages are also being considered.
967 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on a medical card transfer in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27286/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
969 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding residential care in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27294/12]
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.
971 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the method by which a person (details supplied) may increase the number of hours of care at home that they currently receive per week through a charity-funded community employment scheme which is due to cease; the way they can be properly reassessed in terms of their needs and the needs of their family to ensure that they are receiving adequate hours of care as their condition progresses, bearing in mind that they are too young to claim any older persons’ benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27349/12]
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.
972 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will address the waiting lists for prosthetics in counties Kerry and Cork in which up to 120 persons are currently on the waiting list, some of whom are waiting up to six or seven months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27361/12]
It is not acceptable that anyone should be confined to a wheelchair because of delays in being fitted for a follow up prosthetic limb. I understand that there has been significant pressure on prosthetic services in the Cork and Kerry region and that €80k has been allocated to remedy this situation.
The HSE South has advised that it is focusing on clearing the waiting list and work has already commenced in this regard. It is envisaged that the full list will be cleared over the next few weeks.
973 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of applications received for medical cards; the number of applications approved; the number of applications where a request for additional information was sought, on a month-by-month basis over the past 14 months. [27363/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
974 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of applications for medical cards that have been outstanding for one to three months, three to six months, six to nine months, nine to 12 months and in excess of 12 months. [27364/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
975 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the amount of additional revenue generated by increasing charges on private patients in public hospitals; the amount projected in budget 2012; the average charges before the change and the average charge after the change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27370/12]
Since 1 January 2012 the charges for patients who chose to be treated on a private basis in public hospitals have increased by between 3% and 5% depending on the category of hospital. The increase in charges is in keeping with the long-standing policy of moving towards recovering the full economic cost of providing treatment to private patients in public hospitals. It is anticipated that the increased charges will yield additional revenue in the region of €18 million in 2012. The current 2012 charges and the 2011 charges are set out in the following table:
|
Hospital Category |
Private Accommodation |
Semi-Private Accommodation |
Day-care |
||||
|
2012 |
2011 |
2012 |
2011 |
2012 |
2011 |
||
|
1 |
HSE Regional Hospitals, Voluntary and Joint Board Teaching Hospitals |
€1,046 |
€1,017 |
€933 |
€889 |
€753 |
€732 |
|
2 |
HSE County Hospitals, Voluntary Non-Teaching Hospitals |
€819 |
€789 |
€730 |
€693 |
€586 |
€564 |
|
3 |
HSE District Hospitals |
€260 |
€260 |
€222 |
€222 |
€193 |
€193 |
976 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the long-term illness scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27396/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
977 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for surgery in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [27402/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.
978 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding hospital visiting. [27419/12]
With regard to specific complaints in relation to experiences of individuals in our hospitals, there is a formal complaints policy, details of which are on the HSE website, atwww.hse.ie/eng/services/ysys/Complaint. In addition, advice and instructions for making complaints about a service or an individual may be found at www.healthcomplaints.ie.
In accordance with this procedure, a complaint must be made, in the first instance, to the hospital in which the incident causing the complaint occurred. In the case of the Rotunda Hospital, the complaint can be addressed to:
The Complaint's Officer,
Rotunda Hospital,
Parnell Square,
Dublin 1,
email:foi@rotunda.ie.
If an individual is not satisfied with the response from the hospital, a review can be sought from the HSE Director of Advocacy and the Ombudsman, whose details are set out below:
HSE Director of Advocacy,
Oak House,
Millennium Park,
Naas,
Co. Kildare.
Tel 1890 424 555.
Office of the Ombudsman,
18 Lower Leeson Street,
Dublin 2.
Tel 1890 223 030 Email:ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.ie.
I have asked the HSE to answer the specific queries you have raised and to reply to you directly.
980 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an outpatients appointment as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 attending Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27434/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.
981 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide information regarding community mental health teams in community care area eight, including the catchment areas covered by each team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27450/12]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
982 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to resolve ongoing issues at the National Aeromedical Co-ordination Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27458/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
983 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be provided with an appointment to have a procedure carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27472/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.
984 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health if an appointment date will be brought forward in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27484/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.
985 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Health if he will direct the Health Service Executive to respond to the query as to whether it is HSE policy that the palliative care beds in Monaghan General Hospital are managed and controlled from Cavan General Hospital (details supplied). [27485/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
986 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Health the reason the new health care centre in Rockcorry, County Monaghan is not being used; the reason the Health Service Executive is continuing to rent the old premises when the new premises are now available (details supplied). [27486/12]
Management of the Health Service Executive property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.
987 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health when he plans to end the two-tier system in this country by putting in place a system of universal health insurance, thus ensuring access for all patients on the basis of need rather than means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27489/12]
The Government is committed to fundamental reform of the healthcare system that will deliver a single tier health system, supported by universal health insurance, where access is based on need, not income. Every citizen will have a choice of insurer and will have equal access to a comprehensive range of curative services.
There are a number of key stepping stones that will play a critical role in paving the way for the introduction of universal health insurance. Significant work has already been undertaken to progress these. They include:
the strengthening of the primary care sector to deliver universal primary care with the removal of cost as a barrier. The Government has established a Universal Primary Care Project Team to oversee the introduction of universal primary care. In addition, 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 will provide for the extension of access to GP services without fees to persons with prescribed long term illnesses or disabilities under the new legislation.
reform of the acute hospital sector, including the establishment of the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) which has been tasked with unblocking access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system. An important part of the Programme for Government is the establishment of independent not-for-profit trusts. As a first step, non-statutory hospital groups will be set up which will have a single clinical governance model, one budget and one employment ceiling. The hospital groups will be established on the clear understanding that the groupings and their governance arrangements will be reviewed prior to 2015 to ensure an appropriate environment for the introduction of UHI.
the introduction of the more transparent and efficient "Money Follows the Patient" funding mechanism for acute hospitals. A number of initiatives are already underway including a patient level costing project and a pilot initiative in relation to prospective funding of certain elective orthopaedic procedures, at selected sites.
In February, I established an Implementation Group on Universal Health Insurance. The Group will assist in developing detailed implementation plans for universal health insurance and driving implementation of various elements of the health reform programme. A project team comprised of senior Department of Health officials has also been established to support the work of the Implementation Group. The initial work of the Group will focus on assisting in developing work plans and overseeing reform work in relation to each of the following key work streams: hospital financing; hospital structures; regulation of the hospital sector; the private health insurance market and the overarching UHI design.
The reform programme is a complex and major undertaking that requires careful sequencing over a number of years. The Implementation Group will continue in existence throughout the health reform process and will oversee different elements of the reforms as they are being put in place. It is also intended that it will consult widely as part of the reform implementation process.
988 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 217 of 9 May 2012, if he will clarify the status of Air Ambulance Ireland with regard to him providing paramedics to be assigned from his Department to enable this organisation to provide the comprehensive service it has proposed. [27492/12]
Last year, I received a number of unsolicited submissions about the provision, by the private sector, of dedicated aeromedical support services in the west of Ireland. I also considered the possibility of provision from within existing state resources. The absence of data for aeromedical support in the Irish context indicated the need for a pilot project, in order to assess the type and extent of service, if any, that might be required to support the National Ambulance Service (NAS) in the west.
I am pleased to announce that, in co-operation with my colleague Alan Shatter, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, a pilot has now been put in place to gather this information and it will run for 12 months. The pilot service, which has just begun, will allow the HSE to determine how best to provide support to the NAS emergency ambulance service in the region in the longer term and how we can, realistically, improve response and transit times, and improve outcomes, for seriously ill people. In current conditions, it is prudent to maximise the use of state resources wherever possible. Accordingly, the pilot project is being operated from within existing resources. The Air Corps is providing an EC135 helicopter at Custume Barracks, Athlone, along with personnel to fly and maintain the craft. The NAS is responsible for patient care, which will be provided by Advanced Paramedics.
989 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will urgently investigate the reduction of home help hours in County Kerry to the elderly and some who are severely disabled in view of the fact that these measures are putting patients and their families in a state of distress. [27497/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
990 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the grants, if any, that have been given to gun clubs, hunting and coursing clubs; the criteria used by the national lottery and his Department in recognising a good cause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27163/12]
The Sports Capital Programme is the Government's primary vehicle for supporting the development of sports facilities and the purchase of sports equipment. The goal of the Programme is to increase participation in sport and to improve standards of performance by assisting in the development of sports facilities at national, regional and local level, thereby contributing to healthier lifestyles and an improved overall quality of life.
Applications received under the SCP programme are assessed on an individual basis by the Department in accordance with a detailed set of assessment criteria. These include such criteria as impact on participation, financial viability of the project and its technical merits. Special priority is also given to projects in designated disadvantaged areas. These projects are permitted to have lower levels of own funding and are given extra marks at assessment. Details of all allocations made under the Programme are available on the Department's websitewww.dttas.ie.
991 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a stretch of national road passing through a village (details supplied) in County Cork that is in need of urgent attention for the safety of locals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26155/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within is capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
992 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to amend the regulations regarding road closures to facilitate sports events (details supplied) to ensure that the residents of such roads are notified in advance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26188/12]
Regulation 12 of the Roads Regulations 1994 (S.I. No. 119 of 1994) specifies the requirements as to public notice and other procedures relating to the temporary closing of roads. I have no proposal to change these regulations at present. However, as a matter of best practice I would expect that rally groups and other bodies who are seeking the temporary closure of public roads would notify on those who reside on the route to inform them of such.
993 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposals he has to increase the amount of tourists visiting County Kerry over the next number of years; the programme of work he has in mind to promote the county as the tourism capital of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26253/12]
The matter raised is an operational matter for the tourism agencies — Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies from the agencies within ten working days.
994 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the maximum load permitted for the purposes of timber haulage; his plans to review this weight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26303/12]
Maximum weight limits and dimensions of goods vehicles in the European Union (EU) are set at 40 tonnes over 5 axles by EC Directive 96/53/EC and incorporated into Irish law by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, S.I. No. 5 of 2003. While Directive 96/53/EC sets maximum limits for vehicles moving between jurisdictions within the EU it does not impose an absolute weight limit for national vehicle movement. This allows Ireland to set its own internal gross vehicle weight (GVW) limits.
The maximum weights apply regardless of what type of load is carried but are dependent on several factors including vehicle design, number of axles, braking systems and type of suspension. The current maximum weight that a six-axle articulated HGV or a six-axle rigid HGV towing a trailer can operate at in Ireland is 44 tonnes GVW. A review was recently completed to assess the appropriateness of existing weight limits and investigate possible weight changes. The review identified and assessed the technical, legal, safety and commercial considerations for changing GVWs of goods vehicles in Ireland. Freight trends here were investigated along with international best practice for the movement of goods. A detailed consultation process was carried out with sectoral representatives, interest groups and major stakeholders. A report containing recommendations was submitted to my Department. I am currently considering the outcome of this review and expect to make regulations on this matter shortly.
995 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the amount of grants and funding sports clubs in the Dublin North Central area received in 2011/2012. [26313/12]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to allocations under the Sports Capital Programme. The Department does not compile such information on a constituency basis. Such information is only held on a county basis. Information on all allocations to organisations in Dublin are available on the Department's websitewww.dttas.ie. No new allocations have been made to organisations in Dublin in 2012. The following table sets out all the payments to clubs and sports organisations in Dublin under the Sports Capital Programme in 2011 and in 2012 (processed up to Friday 1 June 2012):
|
Organisation |
Amount |
|
Alexandra College-Old Alexandra Hockey Club |
€380,000 |
|
Athletic Association of Ireland |
€123,840 |
|
Baldoyle Utd AFC |
€20,000 |
|
Ballyboden St. Enda’s GAA |
€17,500 |
|
Ballymun Kickhams |
€6,000 |
|
Bective Rangers RFC |
€114,086 |
|
Blackrock College RFC |
€6,245 |
|
Brickfield Park |
€102,478 |
|
BRL Cumann Baire Setanta |
€541,500 |
|
BRL Poppintree Poppintree Sports Centre |
€470,461 |
|
Catholic Youth Care |
€800 |
|
Clondalkin Sports and Leisure |
€300,000 |
|
Co. Dublin Vec Collinstown Park |
€204,230 |
|
Corduff Community Facilities |
€380,000 |
|
Cricket Ireland |
€24,000 |
|
Cycling Ireland |
€117,255 |
|
Darndale Raheny and Finglas |
€28,024 |
|
DCC AFC Belgrave Schoolboys |
€15,083 |
|
DCC Ballymun Leisure Centre |
€30,239 |
|
DCC Darndale Belcamp |
€11,440 |
|
DCC Edenmore Pitch and Putt |
€55,157 |
|
DCC Finglas Leisure Centre |
€77,122 |
|
DCC Irishtown Stadium |
€34,353 |
|
DCC Kildonan Park |
€126,733 |
|
DCC Longmeadows Pitch and Putt |
€12,350 |
|
DCC Martin Savage Park |
€30,582 |
|
DCC NWIC |
€29,485 |
|
DCC Phibsboro ABC |
€66,910 |
|
DCC St. Saviours ABC |
€133,828 |
|
DCC Trinity Donaghmede FC |
€60,541 |
|
De La Salle Palmerstown FC |
€10,000 |
|
DLRCC Balawley |
€24,962 |
|
DLRCC Balawley MUGA |
€22,578 |
|
DLRCC Ballybrack FC |
€142,500 |
|
DLRCC Blackrock Park |
€18,699 |
|
DLRCC Cluny Park Tennis Club |
€4,751 |
|
DLRCC Coolevin MUGA |
€8,308 |
|
DLRCC Deerpark Tennis Club |
€15,000 |
|
DLRCC Kilbogget Park Pitch |
€7,587 |
|
DLRCC Newtownsmith |
€24,590 |
|
DLRCC Park Tennis Club |
€4,624 |
|
DLRCC Shanaghan Park |
€5,058 |
|
DLRCC Stillorgan Grove |
€969 |
|
DLRCC Stonebridge Road Pitch |
€12,750 |
|
DLRCC The Gallops MUGA |
€19,874 |
|
DLRCC The Gallops Tennis Club |
€8,441 |
|
DLRCC The Maples Tennis Club |
€11,801 |
|
Dub Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
€50,000 |
|
Dublin Bay Sailing Club |
€17,293 |
|
Dublin City Council — Mini Pitch (Coolock) |
€25,000 |
|
Dublin City Council St. Saviours |
€104,987 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Archery Club |
€302 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (Moreen Park mini-pitch) |
€50,000 |
|
Dundrum Table Tennis Club |
€2,320 |
|
FCC Corduff Comm Centre |
€20,000 |
|
FCC St. Peregrines GAA |
€5,030 |
|
Fingal County Council — Mini Pitches |
€50,000 |
|
Fingal County Council — Morton Stadium |
€66,218 |
|
Fingallians Gaa Club |
€9,000 |
|
Glasnevin LTC |
€3,250 |
|
Irish Amateur Boxing Association |
€361,338 |
|
Irish Amateur Rowing Union |
€36,097 |
|
Irish Canoe Union |
€60,000 |
|
Irish Hockey Association |
€2,806 |
|
Irish Orienteering Association |
€19,058 |
|
Irish Sailing Association |
€7,764 |
|
Irish Sports Council (Irish Institute of Sport) |
€337,069 |
|
Irish Underwater Council |
€6,300 |
|
Larkin Sports and Leisure Complex |
€22,000 |
|
Leinster Rugby IRFU |
€210,659 |
|
Lucan Sarsfields GAA |
€23,288 |
|
Neptune Rowing Club |
€54,468 |
|
O’Loughlin Gaels |
€45,792 |
|
Outhouse |
€11,311 |
|
Palmerstown United FC |
€10,000 |
|
Pembroke Wanderers Hockey Club |
€11,112 |
|
Rathcoole Boys FC |
€8,899 |
|
Ronnie Delaney Comm |
€26,779 |
|
Round Towers Clondalkin |
€127,410 |
|
Sean O’Casey Community Centre |
€617,500 |
|
Shankill Tennis Club |
€95,368 |
|
Ski Club of Ireland |
€866,358 |
|
South Dublin Football League |
€143,831 |
|
Special Olympics Leinster |
€4,220 |
|
St. Helena’s Rivermount Boys FC |
€3,840 |
|
St. Joseph’s AFC |
€50,000 |
996 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider reducing the cost of tolls for persons who are regular users, for instance, persons who use the West Link twice daily going to and from work, in these times when the cost of motoring is very expensive. [26330/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2007, in conjunction with the relevant local authorities concerned. In particular, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007). Toll charges on national roads are set in accordance with toll bye-laws made by the NRA under Section 61 of the Roads Act.
997 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of all grant approvals for sports capital grants to County Laois in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26415/12]
Information on all sports capital allocations to County Laois in 2011 are available on the Department's websitewww.dttas.ie.
998 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding his Department’s investigation into Basketball Ireland and capital sports grants. [26390/12]
The Department takes seriously any instances of non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the Sports Capital Programme. The Internal Audit Unit of the Department has concluded a report into this matter. Departmental officials have met with officials from Basketball Ireland to discuss the findings of the report. The Department is now considering what actions to take on foot of the report. As soon as these deliberations have been concluded, the Department will write to Basketball Ireland informing them of the outcome of these deliberations.
999 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if improvement works will be carried out on a bridge (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26570/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
1000 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding committed to in his Department for capital projects; if he will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26664/12]
The capital allocation for my Department for 2012 is €1,245.038 million. The breakdown of the funding between the various programmes and the outturn to date is shown in the following table. I expect that the balance of the funding will be drawn down by year-end.
|
2012 Allocation |
Expenditure to 28 May 2012 |
|
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
A — Civil Aviation |
||
|
A2 Admin-Non pay |
0.075 |
0 |
|
A3 Regional Airports |
6.100 |
0.460 |
|
A4 Miscellaneous Services |
0.333 |
0 |
|
B — Land Transport |
||
|
B2 Admin-Non pay |
0.278 |
0 |
|
B3 Road Improvement/Maintenance |
885.000 |
204.595 |
|
B4 Road Safety Agencies and Expenses |
0.500 |
0 |
|
B5 Vehicle and Driver Licensing Expenses |
1.500 |
0.009 |
|
B6 Smarter Travel and Carbon Reduction |
17.400 |
0.149 |
|
B8 Public Transport Investment Programme |
257.203 |
56.070 |
|
B10 Miscellaneous Services |
3.667 |
3.655 |
|
C — Maritime Transport and Safety |
||
|
C2 Admin-Non pay |
0.315 |
0 |
|
C3 Maritime Admin and Irish Coast Guard |
18.200 |
0.762 |
|
D — Sport |
||
|
D2 Admin-Non pay |
0.045 |
0 |
|
D3 Grants for Sporting Bodies |
21.200 |
5.441 |
|
D4 Grants for Swimming Pools |
6.900 |
0.898 |
|
D6 National Sports Campus |
4.300 |
1.100 |
|
E — Tourism Services |
||
|
E2 Admin-Non pay |
0.022 |
0 |
|
E3 Fáilte Ireland |
0.800 |
0.800 |
|
E7 Tourism Product Development |
21.200 |
5.700 |
|
Total |
1,245.038 |
279.639 |
1001 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm the progress made by the National Transport Authority in issuing policy to manage the location, selection and use of bus shelters by local authorities where one shelter would serve multiple operators both public and private; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26642/12]
The National Transport Authority (NTA) was established on 1 December 2009. In accordance with the Dublin Transport Authority (DTA) Act 2008, the functions of the NTA include securing the provision of public transport infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). Among the functions of the NTA with respect to the GDA transport infrastructure is the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. In this regard and in accordance with section 62 of the DTA Act 2008, the Authority may designate any bus stop, bus stand, bus or railway station in the GDA to be a shared facility. In light of the NTA's responsibility in this matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
1002 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of any bonuses granted to employees of his Department since 2011 and any bonuses planned for 2012. [26679/12]
No bonuses have been paid to employees of my Department in 2011 and none are planned for 2012.
1003 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of bonuses paid to employees of any agency under his Department since 2011 and any bonuses planned for 2012. [26680/12]
The payment of performance related pay is a matter for the Boards of the State agencies concerned. However, the operation of performance-related award schemes for Chief Executive Officers in the public bodies is currently being reviewed by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Pending the outcome of the Review, the Government has made its policy clear that such bonuses should not be paid to Chief Executive Officers. Full details of all CEO remuneration is available from the annual report of the relevant agency. My Department does not have the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the other staff in these agencies. I have, however, forwarded your request to the agencies under the remit of my Department for direct reply to you. If you do not hear within ten working days please contact my private office.
1004 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers of persons in his Department earning over €100,000 per annum and the positions for which they receive these wages. [26682/12]
The following staff in my Department earn over €100,000 per annum in the positions indicated:
|
Position |
Number |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
5 |
|
Chief Surveyor |
1 |
|
Deputy Chief Surveyor |
1 |
|
Chief Aeronautical Officer |
1 |
|
Aeronautical Officer |
2 |
|
Chief Engineer |
1 |
|
Principal Adviser — Engineer |
1 |
|
Special Advisor to Minister |
1 |
|
Principal Officer |
4 |
This is gross income, before pension levy, tax and other statutory deductions. When these are taken into account, no member of staff earns over €100,000.
1005 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers of persons employed by agencies under his Department earning more than €100,000 per annum, the positions for which they receive these wages and the sections they work in. [26684/12]
My Department does not hold the information requested by the Deputy. I have, however, forwarded your request to all agencies under the remit of my Department for direct reply to you. If you do not hear within ten working days please contact my private office.
1006 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of the current salaries of chief executive officers of commercial semi-State port companies; the date on which each salary was agreed and, furthermore, when each CEO’s contract will conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26710/12]
Details of CEO remuneration and commencement of service are available from the relevant annual reports of the port companies. Contracts with CEOs are normally concluded on the basis of an initial term and a maximum duration (usually 7 years). The total term served depends on the Board of the company and on the CEO meeting performance standards which are set and evaluated by the Board.
1007 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the funds from taxi licence sales are still with the National Transport Agency; if not, if he will clarify where the money from these sales is; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26725/12]
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the regulation of the taxi sector and the setting of relevant fees. The use of licence fee income is a matter, for the NTA in the first instance, subject to the requirements of section 50 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003.
1008 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken to establish a steering group to implement his decision in relation to the State airports; the proposed composition of this group and its terms of reference; when he expects to be in a position to implement proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26744/12]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that following the Government decision in principle to separate Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority and to merge it with a restructured Shannon Development, the Steering Group that is charged with bringing forward proposals for the implementation of the decision has now been established and held its first meeting yesterday.
The Steering Group is jointly chaired by Mr. Tom O'Mahony, Secretary General at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and Mr. John Murphy, Secretary General at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and includes senior officials from those Departments as well as the Departments of Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Environment, Community and Local Government. The Steering Group, which will be assisted by two task forces, is due to complete its work by the end of November this year. Proposals will then be brought to Government and resulting Government decision implemented as soon as possible thereafter. However, I would not rule out some changes being made in the interim should that be beneficial.
1009 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are taking to facilitate and encourage parking areas for motor-caravans here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26757/12]
The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply from the agency within ten working days.
1010 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received any requests to support financially the Irish Performing Arts Festival which will be hosted by the Cope Foundation and tale place in Cork city and county between 27 June and 30 June 2012; if any funding, including national lottery funding, has been allocated to the festival; the support that has been given to the festival in recent years; his views on whether the festival has been of benefit to persons with intellectual disabilities and autism in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26769/12]
The funding of festivals and events is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. However, I understand that Failte Ireland have no record of receiving an application in respect of the Irish Performing Arts Festival.
1011 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the original function and role of the National Roads Authority as per the relevant legislation; if he will plot the way its responsibilities have evolved to the present day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26853/12]
1013 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the separation of powers and functions between the National Roads Authority and local authorities as regards the road network here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26860/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1011 and 1013 together.
The role and functions of the National Roads Authority (NRA) are as set out under the Roads Act 1993 as amended which is to secure the provision of a safe and efficient network of national roads. For this purpose, it has overall responsibility for planning and supervision of construction and maintenance works on these roads. Historically, the NRA has discharged these functions through the relevant local road authorities. However, it is empowered, where it considers it would be more convenient, expeditious, effective or economical to do so to carry out such functions directly. The NRA also has a general power to direct a road authority in regard to the construction or maintenance of a national road.
Additionally, in September 2009, at the request of the then Minister the NRA undertook to administer the provision of grants to local authorities for the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads on foot of funds transferred from the Department.
1012 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the National Roads Authority's expenditure on projects and personnel from the period 2005 to 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26857/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1014 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount Dublin Bus has spent thus far on developing a Wi-Fi service on its fleet; the projected final cost; if there will be a charge for passengers to access the Wi-Fi service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26878/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) such as the renewal of the bus fleet and the provision of Wi-Fi. I understand that Dublin Bus is currently running a trial of Wi-Fi on 10 buses, funded from their own resources, and for which there is no charge to customers. The trial will be extended to the 80 new buses which are due to be introduced to service in the second half of 2012. The purchase of these buses for PSO routes is being funded by the NTA. Noting this, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1015 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to include Gormanston, County Meath, in the all-in-one commuter DART and Luas ticket in view of the high numbers of commuters who live in the Stamullen-Gormanston area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26881/12]
1016 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to segment the Luas green and red lines for tax saver tickets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26882/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1015 and 1016 together.
In accordance with the Dublin Transport Authority Act, 2008 the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility at national level for securing the provision of public passenger land transport services and for the regulation of public transport fares. Responsibility for implementation of the integrated ticketing system in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) also became a function of the NTA with effect from 30 September 2010. Noting this, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
1017 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if assistance is available to an organisation (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26939/12]
I understand that discussions are taking place between the operators and Kerry County Council in relation to this matter. I would point out that the facility in question has already received capital funding of €3.8m from the Department. The Department does not however have any current funding available for such purposes.
1018 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline all staff appointments he has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their positions; their salaries; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26962/12]
The following table outlines the staff that I have appointed to my office since March 2011:
|
Name |
Position |
Salary |
Former retired Public Servant |
in Receipt of Pension |
|
Dominic Miller |
Press Advisor |
€83,337 |
No |
No |
|
Brian Murphy |
Special Advisor |
€105,837 |
No |
No |
|
Mary Donohue |
Personal Secretary |
€45,939 |
No |
No |
|
John Carroll |
Policy Advisor in lieu of Personal Assistant |
€49,790 |
No |
No |
|
John O’Shea |
Civilian Driver |
€32,965 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
James O’Grady |
Civilian Driver |
€32,965 |
Yes |
Yes |
1019 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of rail projects which he has submitted to the Department of Finance and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for consideration in advance of their recent discussions with representatives of the European Investment Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26997/12]
My officials and I keep the relevant Ministers and Departments informed on priority, affordable and viable transport projects ready to proceed to construction over the medium term should additional funding for capital investment become available either from the Exchequer or other sources.
Given this, in relation to the specific meeting referred to by the Deputy, there was no additional information sought by either the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform or the Department of Finance.
1020 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a bus shelter will be provided in a town (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27040/12]
The issue of bus stop improvement is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the relevant transport provider. I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1021 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the recommendations that have been issued by him in relation to national policy on urban roundabouts; if local authorities have been advised to phase out urban roundabouts; if such advice has been given, the basis and reasoning behind same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27050/12]
The traffic management guidelines which were prepared in conjunction with the then Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, issued in 2003. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide guidance on a variety of issues including traffic planning, traffic calming and traffic management. In particular, chapter 8 of these guidelines deal with selecting the appropriate type of junction. These guidelines are available on my Department's website atwww.dttas.ie.
1022 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to stop the practice of illegal plying for hire of taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27137/12]
It is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1961 as amended for a taxi to stand for hire other than at an appointed stand.
The enforcement of the taxi regulations, including the illegal plying for hire of taxis, is a matter in the first instance for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. In addition to the enforcement officers of the NTA, under Section 49 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 members of An Garda Síochána are also authorised persons for the purpose of enforcement of the taxi regulations.
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.
1023 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the development of angling tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27142/12]
The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1024 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for new toilets and shower facilities at a club (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27248/12]
Last year a special once-off allocation of €1.25 million was made to the Irish Amateur Boxing Association to be used to improve basic facilities in boxing clubs and, in particular, with a view to accommodating female boxers in more clubs. This grant is centrally managed by the IABA. The club in question was allocated the maximum grant of €25,000 for substantial improvement works including the provision of a new bathroom and changing room.
On Friday 1 June the Department was informed by the IABA that the works have been completed and have been signed off by the IABA architect. The IABA also confirmed that it had received the final invoice and expected to make a payment to the contractor this week.
1025 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 535 of 15 May 2012, if he will clarify and advise the budget allocated for the Nenagh-Limerick M7; the name of the contractor and engineering company responsible and the costs involved in rectifying the problems associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27272/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within is capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within ten working days.
1026 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the impact of deregulation of the taxi sector on a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27289/12]
The regulation of the taxi industry, including issues pertaining to the transfer of vehicle licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009.
As set out in the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011, it was considered by the review group that it was necessary to move away from a system whereby a licence will have value in itself — a licence should determine a person's suitability to carry out a function and it should not have monetary value or be traded on the open market. Action 14 of the review report proposes the introduction of a prohibition on the transferability of taxi vehicle licences such that all taxi vehicle licences will be unique to the person to whom the licence has been issued and cannot be transferred or sold to another individual.
I have arranged for your question to be forwarded to the NTA for a direct response in relation to this particular case. If you do not receive a response within ten working days, please notify my private office.
1027 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when allocations under the sports capital grants scheme will be made following the closing date for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27383/12]
The 2012 sports capital programme is now closed. The closing date for on-line applications was 5 p.m. on Friday, 1 June 2012. Any organisation that applied under the programme should receive an acknowledgement of its application before the end of July 2012.
Departmental officials will start evaluating all applications as soon as possible. This process will take some time, due to the volume of applications and the detailed information contained in each one. As a result, I do not expect to be able to announce the list of successful applicants before the late autumn or early winter 2012.
1028 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when Hansfield railway station, Dublin 15, will be fully open and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27384/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) on December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the greater Dublin area (GDA), such as Hansfield train station, comes under the remit of the NTA. Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Notwithstanding the above, I understand that agreements on the various land issues have now been concluded between Iarnród Éireann, Fingal County Council and the relevant developers/their representatives which will facilitate the construction of the access road. Subject to the successful award of the tender for construction of the access road by Iarnród Éireann and funding being provided by the NTA I would expect that construction will commence before the end of this year which will facilitate the opening of the station.
1029 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are any rules in relation to the sports capital programme to ensure that grants are allocated in a transparent way and on objective grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27399/12]
The 2012 sports capital programme is now closed. The closing date for on-line applications was 5 p.m. on Friday, 1 June 2012. Any organisation that applied under the programme should receive an acknowledgement of its application before the end of July 2012.
Departmental officials will start evaluating all applications as soon as possible. All applications received under the programme are assessed on an individual basis by the Department in accordance with a detailed set of assessment criteria.
Every effort is made to achieve a balanced geographical spread of funds throughout the country, while also affording priority to projects in areas of social and economic disadvantage, and facilitating investment in facilities of regional and national strategic importance. In this regard, the assessment process takes into account factors such as the number and quality of the applications received, the amount of funding being sought by each applicant as well as the most recent census of population figures.
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport will make the final decision on the allocation of funding.
1030 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the proposed plans for the M20-N21 Cork to Limerick road incorporating the Adare bypass; if the projects have been fully withdrawn from planning; if the county councils have been communicated with regarding the release of constrained lands for planning permission applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27400/12]
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads is a statutory matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
The M20 project has been withdrawn from An Bord Pleanála but the project has not been abandoned as it may be re-initiated in the future. Had An Bord Pleanála approved the M20 project, the NRA/local authorities concerned would have been required to exercise the CPO authorisation within 18 months or the approval would have lapsed. Without a facility in place to advance the construction stage of the project it would not be appropriate to incur significant land costs on the project at this time. It should be noted that the N21 Adare bypass remains with An Bord Pleanála for decision.
In cases such as the M20 project, planning authorities have been requested to make all reasonable efforts to protect identified preferred route corridors. Within these parameters, however, there may be scope for planning authorities to accommodate some development within the route corridors.
1031 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the taxi regulation Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27449/12]
A Government decision was taken at the end of last month to approve the drafting, as a matter of priority, of the Taxi Regulation Bill 2012, which will address key enforcement recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011. Drafting is currently underway in the Office of the Attorney General and I hope to publish the Bill by the end of June 2012.
1032 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of requests to carry munitions of war or dangerous goods on civilian aircraft under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders in the first four months of 2012, January to April; the number of these requests made; the number granted; and the number of these that passed through Shannon Airport. [27468/12]
The number of requests to carry munitions of war or dangerous goods on civilian aircraft under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders in the first four months of 2012, January to April was 316. The number granted was 306. The number of these flights which landed at Shannon was 239.
1033 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the exact number of US troops who passed through Shannon Airport in the first four months of 2012, January to April; and if a change is expected in the overall numbers for 2012. [27469/12]
My Department deals with requests to carry munitions of war on civilian aircraft through Irish airports or in Irish controlled airspace under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973 as amended. My Department does not collate information with regard to the number of troops carried on board civilian aircraft. However, Shannon Airport has informed me that the number of US troops that passed through Shannon Airport from January to April 2012 was approximately 45,000.
1034 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide funding for the upgrading of 300 m of the final stretch of public access road L8007 to a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry. [27495/12]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
I announced the 2012 regional and local road grant allocations earlier this year. A total of €376 million is being provided to local authorities under this investment programme this year. From this allocation, Kerry County Council is being provided with a total of €16.1 million. My Department has not received an application from Kerry County Council for funding this section of the L8007. In any event, the 2012 regional and local road grants have now been fully allocated and there are no further funds available from which an additional allocation could be made. However, it is open to Kerry County Council to fund these works from their own resources or to include the section of road in their Restoration Improvement programme in future years.
1035 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the development of Loop Head Lighthouse, County Clare, his plans to develop lighthouses as tourist visitor centres whereby they would be a source of education, tourism and marine heritage and if he will also ensure that the architectural integrity of these structures is protected. [27496/12]
The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply from the agency within ten working days.
1036 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a capital sports grant application in respect of an organisation (details supplied). [27511/12]
The 2012 sports capital programme is now closed. The closing date for on-line applications was 5 p.m. on Friday 1 June 2012. Any organisation that applied under the programme should receive an acknowledgement of its application before the end of July 2012.
Departmental officials will start evaluating all applications as soon as possible. This process will take some time, due to the volume of applications and the detailed information contained in each one. As a result, I do not expect to be able to announce the list of successful applicants before the late autumn or early winter 2012.
1037 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will indicate whether apart from the capital sports programme, there are any other avenues by which sports clubs which are just starting off and which cater for needs across the community can receive grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27552/12]
My Department operates the sports capital programme. The application period for the 2012 SCP is now closed. Organisations seeking funding outside of the SCP might contact their national governing body of sport, local authority or local sports partnership.
