Written Answers Nos. 398-420
398. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the launch of a €10 million ocean energy competition by the Scottish Government for the development of marine energy devices, that is the Saltire Prize which aims to accelerate the commercial development of wave and tidal energy technology, if such a competition would be feasible here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46146/12]
View answerThe ocean energy sector in Ireland is currently supported in a variety of ways. The Ocean Energy Development Unit in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland was specifically established to advance the sector and has been administering grants through a prototype development fund, carrying out a strategic environmental assessment on our potential for ocean energy development, developing a grid connected wave test site off Annagh Head, County Mayo and working with other State bodies to advance the sector. Work has been ongoing by the Marine Institute in the ocean energy area for many years, including through the development of the SmartBay project and the Galway Bay wave test site. The INFOMAR project being taken forward by the Geological Survey of Ireland is also collecting valuable data that assists the sector.
Most universities in Ireland have researchers involved in the ocean energy area, including Galway, Maynooth and Dublin. The Coastal and Marine Research Centre in University College Cork has long had researchers engaged in ocean area along with the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre in UCC, which has been supporting the sector’s development, including through protocols for technology testing and scaling and with its wave tank facility, which was recently upgraded. The strands of research in the Cork area will be brought together in a new campus in Ringaskiddy (currently under construction) through the iMERC project, which aims to unlock our maritime and energy potential and promote Ireland as a world-renowned research and development location, with an initial focus on ocean energy.
There are no plans at present to introduce an ocean energy competition similar to the Saltire Prize mentioned, given the budgetary constraints within which we are operating.
399. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has granted a foreshore licence to a company (details supplied) to investigate and drill an exploration well off the coast of Dalkey, County Dublin; the tax rates that the company will be obliged to pay on any profits made; the way this compares to tax rates in other EU states; if the company is entitled to write off 100% of their tax obligations against the costs of their Irish exploration over the past 25 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46397/12]
View answerStandard Exploration Licence 2/11 which was granted last year is held by a consortium comprising Providence Resources Plc (operator) and PSE Seven Heads Ltd over an area of approximately 380 square kilometres in the Kish Bank Basin off the Dublin/Wicklow coast. The licence, which is a follow-on authorisation to Licensing Option 08/2, is for a six year period with an obligation to drill an exploration well by August 2014. The licensees have not as yet submitted their detailed proposals for drilling to my Department for approval.
I am aware that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government recently granted the company a foreshore licence in respect of works related to the drilling of a well on the acreage. A foreshore licence is required as the location for the exploration well is within the twelve nautical miles foreshore area.
In the event that the exploration activity was successful and resulted in a commercial discovery, profits would be subject to a tax rate of between 25% and 40% depending on the profitability of the field. Ireland’s tax rate for oil and gas production is similar to EU Member States such as France 34.4%, Portugal 27.5% and Spain 30%, who, like Ireland, have limited petroleum production and with whom we compete for investment. Ireland’s tax rate is lower than that of the UK which has a tax rate of 62%, which reflects the fact that the UK has had significant success as a petroleum producer.
In the event of a commercial discovery, petroleum exploration capital expenditures incurred in Ireland in the 25-year period prior to the commencement of field production would be 100% deductible against corporation tax at the start of production. This includes capital expenditure on exploration activities outside the lease production area but excludes expenditure incurred in other countries.
400. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the progress being made on the second study undertaken by his Department in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency on identifying best practice for the use of hydraulic fracturing techniques; when such a study will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46535/12]
View answerThe terms of reference for this second and more extensive research are currently being drawn up. It is the intention of the Environmental Protection Agency, assisted by a steering committee comprising, amongst others, my Department, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, together with the Commission for Energy Regulation, to launch the research call later in 2012. It is anticipated that following the engagement of relevant experts, the conduct of the study could take in excess of 12 months, leading to a potential publication date in 2014. Until there has been time to consider the findings of this further research, I have confirmed the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration drilling will not be authorised.
401. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in a tabular form a list of quasi-governmental organisations and agencies that have been created since 9 March 2011;the date on which the body was created; the name of the body; the 2012 budget for the body; the number of employees of the body and if the body engages manpower resources from outside the body. [47122/12]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that I have not set up any State Bodies since taking office on 9th March 2011.
402. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to apply a further extension to the deadline for slurry spreading in view of the fact that there has been no break in the bad weather for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45741/12]
View answer405. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider future extending the dates for slurry spreading in view of the fact that the ongoing wet weather in October has increased the risk of environmental damage from the run off as farmers try to get spreading completed by month end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46292/12]
View answer406. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will extend the slurry spreading season by a further four weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46404/12]
View answer407. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce a more flexible system in relation to the farm slurry spreading period, having regard to the erratic weather over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46552/12]
View answer408. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to extend the deadline for the spreading of slurry and fertilisers past the 31 of October, in view of the seriously wet weather that the country has experienced since he announced the extension of the deadline in September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46649/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 405 to 408, inclusive, together.
In September 2012 I announced extensions to the periods for the application of chemical fertiliser and organic manures produced on farms, in direct response to the challenges farmers were facing as a result of the very difficult weather conditions this summer. I moved quickly to give certainty to farmers in advance of the deadlines. However, set closed periods for the spreading of fertilisers, including slurry, are a requirement of the Nitrates Directive and mandatory in every Member State. The purpose of closed periods is to protect ground and surface water bodies, including drinking water sources, by prohibiting the application of fertilisers when such application poses an unacceptable risk to water courses. The closed periods in Ireland were decided following extensive consultation and were discussed with farming bodies and the European Commission at the time.
Good agricultural practice involves the application of fertilisers as early as practicable in the growing season in order to maximise the uptake of nutrients by crops and to minimise pollution risks to water. The application of fertilisers in the months of November and December is not considered good farming practice and this has been the case long before the Nitrates Regulations came into force in Ireland. Farmers have until 31 October to spread organic manures in accordance with the extension I announced in September. The situation on the ground continues to be monitored closely.
403. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of revenue collected through road tax in the following years, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45774/12]
View answerMotor tax receipts are paid into the Local Government Fund. The following table contains net income figures from motor tax to the Fund in 2010 and 2011.
|
YEAR |
NET MOTOR TAX RECEIPTS € |
|
2010 |
1,021,366,254 |
|
2011 |
1,011,640,768 |
404. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the estimated cost of the construction of a road from Woodhazel Terrace to Ballymun via Coultry Road, Dublin 9; and the estimated penalty costs if the contract is cancelled. [45880/12]
View answerIn August 2012 , my Department approved the tender submitted by Ballymun Regeneration Limited for the construction of 25 houses and ancillary works, costing an estimated €4.4 87 million, at Coultry, Ballymun. Works being undertaken under the contract include the extension of Coultry Terrace into Woodhazel Terrace together with the provision of necessary paths and pavements at a cost of around €300,000. It is a matter for Ballymun Regeneration Limited, as the client, to manage the contract and put forward proposals for any variations or amendments to it . My Department is not aware of any proposal by Ballymun Regeneration Limited to amend the terms of the contract.
409. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether the Putting People First document is primarily aspirational in a number of sections; if he will specify the additional functions that will be given to local authorities under Putting People First; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46305/12]
View answer410. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline the precise reserved functions of local councillors which are to be strengthened as part of his wider programme of reform; if he will outline the role that is envisaged for councillors in terms of fostering community engagement at the municipal level in the absence of town councils; if he will further confirm if the review process on councillors' representation payments will take into account the fact that payments under the current system when applied to a possible maximum of 40 members per council as is proposed, no significant savings in this area could be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46408/12]
View answer444. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an estimate for a 12 month period of the amount of money that he believes will be saved by the abolition of our town councils in tabular form, that is for counties Kerry, Cork and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46471/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 409, 410 and 444 together.
I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 56, 61, 64, 80, 91, 92 and 98 on today’s order paper, which sets out the position in relation to the Action Programme for Effective Local Government, which was published on 16 October 2012, including action proposed to strengthen the functions of local authorities and their members and sub-county governance.
The Action Programme provides for additional local government functions with particular regard to three key areas:
- the operation of the local micro-enterprise support service through Local Enterprise Offices;
- local authority oversight and planning of local and community development programmes; and
- an enhanced and clearer role in economic development.
In addition, a number of functions that are potentially suitable for devolution were identified by relevant Departments. Initial proposals in this regard are detailed in the Action Programme, including, for example:
- responsibility for tourist information offices;
- involvement in the delivery of local and rural transport;
- responsibility relating to local sports partnerships;
- responsibility for managing property on behalf of the National Parks and Wildlife Service;
- responsibility in relation to transport and other infrastructure on offshore islands;
- administration of community development programmes.
The primary objective of the new sub-county local government arrangements is to strengthen municipal governance. However, overall cost savings in the range €15 to €20 million per annum under the new arrangements are projected in the Programme. Estimates of likely savings arising from changes in sub-county governance are not available in respect of individual counties. More detailed information in that regard will emerge during implementation. In relation to representational payments, it is estimated that their cost amounts currently to some €17.2m per annum and, at existing rates, that figure would decrease to €15.9m per annum from mid - 2014 onwards in respect of the anticipated overall councillor membership figure of 950.
The Action Programme addresses the issue of citizen engagement and public participation in local government and indicates that mechanisms to promote greater community/citizen engagement with local government will be considered, including possible participative democracy arrangements.
411. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide information on an application for funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Tipperary, when a decision will issue on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45649/12]
View answerFunding of €314 m is available under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 for allocation to qualifying projects up to the end of 2013. There are 35 Local Action Groups contracted, on my Department’s behalf, to deliver the RDP throughout the country and these groups are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with Departmental operating rules and EU regulations.
Projects that request funding of €150,000 or more are required to seek final approval from my Department. The assessment of higher value projects (projects with a grant approval of €150,000 or more) usually involves detailed consultations between my Department and the relevant local development company. It frequently necessitates the provision of further documentation or clarifications, as was the case for this project. It may also, in some instances, result in modifications to the project proposed to ensure best value for money and compliance with all the necessary regulations, both national and European, governing the activities funded under the programme. These assessments also consider whether the project as proposed addresses the needs of the local community in the best possible way. A full and detailed assessment of all projects is essential; currently, the LEADER activities are co-financed by the European Union at a rate of 85% and, accordingly, come within the remit of a strict regulatory regime which requires that each project must be compliant before any funding is awarded by the LEADER companies.
My Department is in the process of assessing this project and a decision will shortly be made on the matter. North Tipperary LEADER Partnership will be notified of the outcome and will in turn notify the project promoter.
412. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update with regard to the detailed site investigation underway at a location (details supplied); when he expects the detailed design of the full remediation works programme to be completed; if funding will be made available to implement the recommendations of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45686/12]
View answerMy Department continues to support the interim works at the facility. In 2011, I provided a total of €5.56m in funding, while to date in 2012, a further €1.60m from the Environment Fund has been provided in support of the costs arising in supporting the work of the Agency at this facility. The funding is supporting a detailed site investigation at the facility. Following completion in 2013 of the investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency, recommended options for the full remediation of the facility will be carefully considered. It is not possible, at this point, to quantify precisely the further funding requirements that will arise, as the costs involved will depend on the action chosen including, inter alia, the approach to remediation required and the results of any tendering process.
413. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are any vacancies at present in heritage and culture centres in the south-west region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45712/12]
View answerMy Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for implementation of the moratorium in relation to local authorities, and any exceptions to the moratorium in local authorities require sanction from my Department. In this regard , my Department has not received a request to sanction posts at heritage and culture centres in the South-West Region.
414. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of unfinished housing estates in County Carlow; the progress made to date in all categories; the amount of money spent in County Carlow so far on unfinished estates and the outstanding money available to finish those still unfinished. [45721/12]
View answerI presume the question refers to the Unfinished Housing Developments Public Safety Initiative put in place. This initiative was intended to remedy those estates where there were public safety issues for residents and members of the public but where the responsible party could not be pursued in the short term.
Under the initiative unfinished housing developments fall within four categories:
- 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.
A total funding allocation of €5 million was made available by my Department for these works and local authorities submitted claims where estates fell into category 4 under the scheme. The types of works that have been approved to date include fencing off unsecured and hazardous areas, capping of pipes, installation of street lighting and other works to secure sites beyond those carried out during the normal taking in charge process.
Carlow County Council applied for funding in respect of 10 such developments and funding of €210,228 was approved by my Department. To date €105,114 has been drawn down with the remaining balance due to be paid on receipt of claims. Details in respect of unfinished housing developments in the Carlow area can be found in the National Housing Development Survey 2011, which may be accessed on my Department’s website, www.environ.ie.
415. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of waivers granted so far for the household charge. [45722/12]
View answer416. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of housing units that have been registered to multiple accounts for the household charge. [45723/12]
View answer417. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of accounts to which more than one unit has been registered for the household charge. [45724/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 415 to 417, inclusive, together.
The Local Government Management Agency 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 Agency, that as of 18 October 2012 the number of Household Charge waivers which have been registered is 21,140. As the Household Charge system records one owner entry per property, which may in some cases be joint names, definitive information is not available concerning the number of housing units which have been registered to multiple accounts. I understand, again from data provided by the Agency, that as of 18 October 2012 the number of accounts to which more than one unit has been registered for the Household Charge is 744.
418. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Private Residential Tenancy Board has received complaints of anti-social behaviour in an area (details supplied) relating to the recent and ongoing travellers feud in Ennis, County Clare; when a hearing relating to those complaints will be heard; and the action being taken to expedite the matter. [45765/12]
View answerI have no function in the operational matters of the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), an independent statutory body established under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, and cannot therefore comment on the specifics of any individual case.
419. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form all appointments to State boards under his ambit since the Government took office; when the person was appointed; if the position entitles the holder to remuneration and if so the amount in each case; if the appointment was made in accordance with new procedures whereby Departments has to invite expressions of interest from the public in vacancies on the boards under their aegis. [45803/12]
View answer420. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of chairs of State boards that have been appointed since the Government came into office; if there is a remuneration for the position and if so the amount of same; if the appointee was required to go before Oireachtas Committees to discuss what they have to offer to the particular Board or Committee to which they are being appointed. [45819/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 419 and 420 together.
Up to 30 September 2012, the latest date for which information is available, the position is as follows:
|
Agency / Board |
Name of Appointee (Chairperson highlighted) |
Date of Appointment |
Remuneration |
Position advertised |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Dr. Mary Kelly (Chairperson) |
29/08/2011 |
PPC Rate €189,474 (non-PPC Rate €180,000) |
Yes |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Mr. Conall Boland (Deputy Chairperson) |
01/01/2012 |
PPC Rate €138,387 (non PPC Rate €126,718) |
No |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Ms. Mary MacMahon |
27/11/2011 |
PPC Rate €116,935 to €127,588 (non PPC Rate €111,214 to €121,208) |
No |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Mr. Michael Leary |
14/05/2012 |
No |
|
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Mr. Nicholas Mulcahy |
21/05/2012 |
No |
|
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Mr. Gabriel Dennison |
21/05/2012 |
No |
|
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Mr. Paddy Keogh |
21/05/2012 |
No |
|
|
Building Regulation Advisory Board |
Mr. Aidan O'Connor (Departmental representative) |
19/04/2011 |
Nil |
No |
|
Building Regulation Advisory Board |
Mr. Paul Kelly |
19/04/2011 |
Nil |
No |
|
Building Regulation Advisory Board |
Mr. Conor Taaffe |
16/06/2011 |
Nil |
No |
|
Dormant Accounts Board |
Mr. Michael Morley (Chairperson) |
04/01/2012 |
€8,978.00 |
No (reappointed) |
|
Dormant Accounts Board |
Mr. Des Gunning |
01/01/2012 |
€5,985.00 |
No (reappointed) |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Dr. Niamh Brennan |
01/05/2012 |
Nil |
No (reappointed) |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Mr. Niall Coveney |
01/05/2012 |
€11,970.00 |
No (reappointed) |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Mr. Dónall Curtin |
01/05/2012 |
€11,970.00 |
No (reappointed) |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Ms. Yvonne Farrell |
01/05/2012 |
€11,970.00 |
No (reappointed) |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Mr. Mark Griffin (Departmental Representative) |
01/05/2012 |
Nil |
No (reappointed) |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Mr. Brendan Malone |
01/05/2012 |
€11,970.00 |
No (reappointed) |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Ms. Catherine Mullarkey |
01/05/2012 |
€11,970.00 |
No (reappointed) |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Mr. John Tierney (Chairperson) |
01/06/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Mr. Gerry Grimes |
01/06/2012 |
€11,970.00 |
No |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Dr. Philip Matthews |
01/06/2012 |
€11,970.00 |
No |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Ms. Lucy McCaffery |
01/06/2012 |
€11,970.00 |
No |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Mr. Charlie Murphy |
01/06/2012 |
€11,970.00 |
No |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Ms. Imelda Reynolds |
01/06/2012 |
€11,970.00 |
No |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Mr. Michael Stubbs |
01/06/2012 |
€11,970.00 |
No |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority* |
Mr. Frank Walsh |
01/06/2012 |
€11,970.00 |
No |
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
Ms. Laura Burke (Director General) |
08/11/2011 |
PPC Rate €164,464 (non-PPC Rate €156,240) |
Yes |
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
Mr. Dara Lynott |
12/07/2012 |
Salary Scale PPC Rate €127,588 - €145,952, Non - PPC Rate €121,208 - €138,655 |
No (reappointed) |
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
Mr. Gerard O'Leary |
08/05/2012 |
Yes |
|
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Dr. Michelle Norris (Chairperson) |
22/02/2012 |
€11,970.00 |
Yes |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Mr. John Hogan (Department of Finance nominee) |
22/02/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Mr. Phillip Nugent (Departmental representative) |
22/02/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Ms. Jackie Maguire (CCMA Representative) |
13/03/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Mr. Colm Brophy |
13/03/2012 |
€7,695.00 |
Yes |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Mr. Michael Murray |
13/03/2012 |
€7,695.00 |
Yes |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Mr. Padraic Cafferty |
21/03/2012 |
€7,695.00 |
Yes |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Dr. Mary Lee Rhodes |
21/03/2012 |
€7,695.00 |
Yes |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Mr. Jim Miley |
30/04/2012 |
€7,695.00 |
Yes |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Ms. Michelle Murphy Lawless |
30/04/2012 |
€7,695.00 |
Yes |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Mr. Gerry Leahy |
30/04/2012 |
€7,695.00 |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Ms. Breda Collins (Chairperson) |
21/11/2011 |
€8,978.00 |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. John Considine |
21/11/2011 |
Nil |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Michael Cuddihy |
21/11/2011 |
Nil |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Tom Doyle |
21/11/2011 |
Nil |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Brendan McGrath |
21/11/2011 |
Nil |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Paul Murphy |
21/11/2011 |
Nil |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Seamus O'Neill |
21/11/2011 |
Nil |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Martin O'Sullivan |
21/11/2011 |
Nil |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Ms. Anne Ryan |
21/11/2011 |
Nil |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Ms. Lola O'Sullivan |
21/11/2011 |
Nil |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Christy McDonagh |
21/11/2011 |
Nil |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Tim O'Sullivan (Departmental representative) |
21/11/2011 |
Nil |
No |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Odran Reid |
27/06/2012 |
Nil |
Yes |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Mr. Rich Howlin (Chairperson) |
21/12/2011 |
€11,970.00 |
No |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Mr. Eddie Lewis (Departmental representative) |
21/12/2011 |
Nil |
No |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Ms. Marie McLaughlin (Department of Public Expenditure & Reform Representative) |
21/12/2011 |
Nil |
No |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Mr. Peter Carey County Manager Laois County Council |
21/12/2011 |
Nil |
No |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Ms. Ann McGuinness |
21/12/2011 |
€7,695.00 |
No |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
Mr. Eddie Breen (Chairperson) County Manager Wexford County Council |
01/01/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
Mr. Michael Malone County Manager Kildare County Council |
01/11/2011 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
Mr. Barry Quinlan (Departmental representative) |
23/11/2011 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
Mr. Enda Holland (Department of Public Expenditure & Reform Representative) |
22/02/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
Mr. Eddie Breen (Chairperson) County Manager Wexford County Council |
01/01/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
Mr. Donal Enright (Departmental representative) |
01/11/2011 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
Mr. Michael Malone County Manager Kildare County Council |
01/11/2011 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
Mr. Barry Quinlan (Departmental representative) |
23/11/2011 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Management Agency*** |
Mr. Barry Quinlan (Departmental representative) |
24/09/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Management Agency*** |
Mr. Donal Enright (Departmental representative) |
24/09/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Management Agency*** |
Mr. Paul McDonald (Departmental representative) |
24/09/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Management Agency*** |
Mr. Eddie Breen (Chairperson) County Manager Wexford County Council |
20/09/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Management Agency*** |
Mr. Peter Carey County Manager Laois County Council |
20/09/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Management Agency*** |
Mr. Hubert Kearns County Manager Sligo County Council |
20/09/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Management Agency*** |
Mr. Michael Malone County Manager Kildare County Council |
20/09/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Management Agency*** |
Mr. Eddie Sheehy County Manager Wicklow County Council |
20/09/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Local Government Management Agency*** |
Mr. John Tierney City Manager Dublin City Council |
20/09/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
Mr. Tom Coughlan County Manager Clare County Council |
21/12/2011 |
Nil |
No |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
Ms. Colette Spears |
26/06/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
Mr. Tim Ryan |
17/02/2012 |
** |
Yes |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
Ms. Tricia Sheehy Skeffington |
17/02/2012 |
** |
Yes |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
Ms. Paula O’Reilly (Departmental representative) |
22/03/2012 |
Nil |
No |
|
Radiological Protection Institute Ireland |
Professor William Reville (Chairperson) |
16/01/2012 |
€11,970.00 |
Yes |
|
Radiological Protection Institute Ireland |
Dr. Paraic James |
16/01/2012 |
€7,695.00 |
Yes |
|
Radiological Protection Institute Ireland |
Dr. Maurice Fitzgerald Dental Council |
19/10/2011 |
€7,695.00 |
No |
|
Radiological Protection Institute Ireland |
Dr. Patricia Cunningham |
20/02/2012 |
Nil |
No |
* The board of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority was reappointed from 1 May 2012 and replaced by a new board from 1 June 2012 which will continue in place until 31 December 2013.
** Those members of the PRTB Board who are entitled to fees are paid such fees on an attendance basis only. Details regarding the scale of fees and the amounts paid are published in the annual reports of the PRTB.
*** The Local Government Management Agency was established on 1st August 2012 which replaces the Local Government Computer Services Board and the Local Government Management Services Board.
Reference to remuneration to chairs and members of Boards is to the level of fee to which they are entitled. Where public servants are appointed to Boards, no fees are payable.
A notice was placed on my Department’s website on 19 July, 2011 seeking expressions of interest, from suitably qualified and experienced persons, for consideration as members or chairpersons of the boards of state bodies under the aegis of my Department. The notice is updated regularly as specific vacancies arise.
Vacancies on the boards of other bodies under the Department’s aegis will be notified on the website as they arise. However, expressions of interest can be made at any time and will be kept on file in my Department for consideration as vacancies occur.
All appointments are made in accordance with the appropriate legislation governing appointments to each body. In considering applications due regard is had to Government policy regarding gender balance on State Boards.
A number of different statutory processes are involved in appointments to State boards. In some cases statutory selection procedures must be followed or nominations must be sought from independent nominating panels before appointments are made by the Government or by the Minister. In a number of situations, only some appointments to the body concerned are made by the Minister, or appointments are made with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Boards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and An Bord Pleanála are executive in nature and members are employed on a full time salaried basis. The appointments as Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála and Director General of the EPA were made by Government following competitions held by the Public Appointments Service.
The Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (HSCA) was formally established on 1 August 2012 under the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (Establishment) Order 2012. I am considering the appointment of the Board of the HSCA, and it is anticipated that this process will be concluded in the near future.
The Dormant Accounts Board will be dissolved by the end of 2012 when the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act, 2012 is commenced.
The following members were appointed to the Board of Pobal, a not-for-profit company under the aegis of my Department, by Government:
- Mr. Séamus Boland (Chair)
- Mr. Thomas Maguire
- Mr. Liam Keane
- Ms. Siobhan McLoughlin
- Ms. Jennifer McHugh
- Ms. Marie Hurley
Article 3 of the Articles of Association of Pobal requires the Minister to consider nominations received from a list of stakeholders and the Social Partners defined by Government in 2005. The list comprises:
National Social Partners
- Social Partners party to the Sustaining Progress Agreement; and
Stakeholders
- Area and Community Partnership,
- County Childcare Committees, and
- County and City Managers Association.
A consultation process was conducted and 22 nominations received from the Stakeholders and the National Social Partners were considered for purposes of the Government appointments to the vacant positions on the board.
My Department has put in place procedures whereby the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht will be notified of nominations as Chairperson of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department prior to their appointment.
Chairs of State bodies are in general available to appear before the relevant Oireachtas Committees when so requested.
