Michael Healy-Rae
Question:734. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department will carry out tests in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [5542/13]
View answerAnimal Disease Controls
Questions (734)
Written answers
A Gamma Interferon Blood test was carried out today on all animals aged 12 months or over in the herd concerned. The results of the test should be available on the afternoon of 8 February.
Single Payment Scheme Payments
Questions (735)
Pat Breen
Question:735. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will issue on a single farm payment to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5548/13]
View answerWritten answers
Following an appeal to the independent Agriculture Appeals office on the 20th of August 2012, a letter, upholding the decision in this case, issued on the 27th of November 2012. This letter detailed the reasons and set out the further avenue available to the applicant, involving reference to the Office of the Ombudsman.
Suckler Welfare Scheme Payments
Questions (736)
Pat Breen
Question:736. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of suckler calf premium will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5603/13]
View answerWritten answers
The person named registered 18 animals for the 2012 Suckler Welfare Scheme.
Under the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme, for herds of more than ten cows, animals must be weaned in at least two groups with an interval of at least five days between the removal of the first and last group. While payments generally for 2012 born animals commenced in December 2012, insufficient data was received in this case to enable payment to issue. Further data have now been received which, if found to address the outstanding issues, will enable the claim to be progressed and facilitate payment.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (737)
Thomas Pringle
Question:737. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline in tabular form the total cost of all conferences and seminars attended by his Department in 2012; the purpose of each conference/seminar; the location; the number of delegates that attended from his Department/agencies or otherwise that were represented; the total cost of each conference/seminar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5630/13]
View answerWritten answers
It is not possible to provide this information in the required time. I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Limistéar faoi Mhíbhuntáiste
Questions (738)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:738. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a dhéanfar íocaíocht faoi Scéim na Limistéar faoi Mhíbhuntáiste (Disadvantaged Area Based Scheme) do 2012 le feirmeoir (sonraí leis seo); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [5670/13]
View answerWritten answers
Ós rud é gur cuireadh próiseáil iarratas Scéim Limistéar faoi Mhíbhuntáiste 2012 an duine ainmnithe i gcrích le déanaí, eiseofar íocaíocht ar an gcuntas bainc ainmnithe go luath.
Níor eisíodh an íocaíocht roimhe seo ós rud é nár dearbhaíodh go dtí le déanaí gur chomhlíon an gabháltas i gceist riachtanais íosdlúis stocála na scéime. Dhearbhaigh gníomh a chuireann sonraí mhí na Nollag 2012 san áireamh, a rinneadh le déanaí, suíomh cinntitheach an ghabháltais.
Rural Development Programme Funding
Questions (739)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:739. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will commit to 50% co-financing of the rural development programme with national funding top-ups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5828/13]
View answerWritten answers
The objectives and priorities for funding rural development in the period 2014-2020 are set out in the Rural Development legislative proposal which forms part of the overall CAP reform. Negotiations of the CAP reform package have not yet been finalised.
EU funding for the Programme will depend on the outcome of the Multi-annual Financial Framework [MFF] negotiation process which resumes on 7 February. Co-financing rates will also be determined under the MFF negotiations. I will not be in a position to commit to a particular co-financing rate until these negotiations have been finalised. National funding for the programme will be a priority but will be subject to prevailing budgetary constraints.
Common Agricultural Policy Reform
Questions (740)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:740. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that in the future there will be major simplifications of the payment and cross-compliance system for farmers in view of the fact that the vast majority of farmers do their best to comply, in every way possible, with all rules and regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5829/13]
View answerWritten answers
The European Commission proposals on CAP post 2013, published in October 2011, form a comprehensive package to address various different policy objectives, including simplification for both farmers and national authorities. The aim of the package is to propose measures and instruments that are as simple as possible, while still being effective tools to achieve overall policy objectives.
Negotiations on the proposals are ongoing and it is not yet possible to predict what the finer details of the agreement will be, including any elements of simplification.
Single Payment Scheme Payments
Questions (741)
Tom Fleming
Question:741. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will award a single farm payment appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5865/13]
View answerWritten answers
A request for a review of the decision on the penalty in this case has been received and is currently being examined. Correspondence has also been received from Kerry County Council on the matter and will be taken into consideration in the review process.
The person named will be notified of the outcome of this review as soon as possible, which can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office within 3 months of the date of the review.
Public Sector Pensions Data
Questions (742)
Willie O'Dea
Question:742. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of former public servants recruited before 6 April 1995 who receive public sector pensions, including both pensions funded by the Exchequer and through the Local Government Fund, and those pension schemes for which he has responsibility; the age profile of the public servants; if he will provide in tabular form the numbers of public sector pensioners in the following parameters, between €1,000 intervals up to €20,000 and those on more than €20,000. [5884/13]
View answerWritten answers
The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform is providing the information on the numbers of retired civil servants in receipt of the various ranges of pension, as sought by the Deputy.
The parallel information in respect of the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the Bodies themselves.
My Department is responsible for the payment of pensions to a small number of former employees of bodies under the aegis of this Department which are no longer in operation. The position in respect of these pensions is set out in the attached Appendix.
Appendix
|
Pension amounts range - € |
Bord na gCapall |
Cork & Dublin District Milk Boards |
|
0 – 1,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
1,001 – 2,000 |
1 |
0 |
|
2,001 – 3,000 |
0 |
2 |
|
3,001 – 4,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
4,001 – 5,000 |
1 |
1 |
|
5,001 – 6,000 |
1 |
0 |
|
6,001 – 7,000 |
2 |
1 |
|
7,001 – 8,000 |
1 |
8 |
|
8,001 – 9,000 |
0 |
2 |
|
9,001 – 10,000 |
2 |
1 |
|
10,001 – 11,000 |
1 |
6 |
|
11,001 – 12,000 |
1 |
6 |
|
12,001 – 13,000 |
0 |
3 |
|
13,001 – 14,000 |
0 |
4 |
|
14,001 – 15,000 |
0 |
6 |
|
15,001 – 16,000 |
0 |
5 |
|
16,001 – 17,000 |
0 |
10 |
|
17,001 – 18,000 |
0 |
7 |
|
18,001 – 19,000 |
0 |
5 |
|
19,001 – 20,000 |
0 |
4 |
|
20,001 and more |
3 |
31 |
|
Totals |
13 |
102 |
|
Age profile |
60-84 |
46-88 |
Suckler Welfare Scheme Applications
Questions (743)
Pat Breen
Question:743. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 30 January 2013, the position regarding a review of a suckler welfare scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5953/13]
View answerWritten answers
As stated in my earlier reply, the information supplied to my Department by the applicant indicated that the requisite 5-day interval between the removal of groups of animals had not, in fact, occurred. A letter received from the applicant on 18 January did not address this particular issue. However, it is still open to the person named to request a review and provide the relevant information on this case.
Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments
Questions (744)
Martin Ferris
Question:744. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive an agri-environment options scheme payment for 2012. [6066/13]
View answerWritten answers
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and full payments totalling €608.11 and €4,195.14 issued in respect of 2010 and 2011 respectively.
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 also selected for a Cross Compliance inspection which resulted in a penalty of 20% being imposed. Officials in my Department are finalising the application of the person named on this basis with the intention of issuing payment for the 2012 scheme year as soon as possible.
Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations
Questions (745)
Tom Fleming
Question:745. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the common agricultural policy negotiations regarding maintenance of the CAP budget and his efforts to secure a fully funded CAP budget for Pillars I and II; his further views on each of the following priority issues (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6071/13]
View answerWritten answers
The overall funding of the CAP, including the amounts to be made available for direct payments (Pillar 1) and rural development (Pillar 2), are decided in the context of the negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2014 to 2020. As the Deputy may be aware, EU Heads of State and Government tried unsuccessfully at the European Council last November to agree the MFF, and a further attempt will be made later this week. From an Irish perspective, the CAP remains our over-riding financial priority. The Government is therefore determined to protect the CAP to the maximum extent possible, and to defend Ireland’s share of direct payments and rural development funding.
The priority issues supplied by the Deputy relate more particularly to the reform of the CAP for the period post-2013. As President of the European Council of Agriculture Ministers, my objective is to negotiate a Council position on the reform package by the end of March, with a view to securing an interinstitutional political agreement with the European Parliament and the Commission by the end of June. Bearing this in mind, the position is broadly as follows:
Two of the most difficult issues in the negotiations arise in relation to the administration of the single farm payment. These are internal convergence and greening. As regards internal convergence, the Commission’s proposal to move to a system of flat-rate national or regional payments would, in the case of several Member States (including Ireland), result in significant transfers between farmers. These Member States are seeking a solution that will mitigate this impact and this is an issue on which Ireland too played a leading role. Other Member States - such as the newer Member States who already implement an area-based system - are seeking alternative solutions, while still others are happy with the flat rate system. I hope to be able to navigate a course through these diverging positions in the coming weeks and settle on a compromise acceptable to all Member States.
As regards greening, all Member States (including Ireland), support further greening of the CAP, as it is consistent with the need to develop the agriculture sector in a sustainable manner. However, there are concerns about the separate and distinct nature of the greening payment, and the fact that it is to be paid on a flat-rate basis. Member States also have issues with the three greening criteria (crop diversification, maintenance of permanent grassland and ecological focus areas) and favour flexibility to implement these in a simpler manner that is also more relevant to local conditions. Again, I hope to bring forward proposals on these issues in the coming weeks that will strike a balance between the different approaches favoured by Member States.
On the other direct payments issues raised by the Deputy, the main point outstanding, according to the Cyprus Presidency’s Progress Report, is the question of the young farmers’ scheme, and whether it will be voluntary or mandatory for Member States. I have stated my preference for a mandatory scheme, but can live with a voluntary scheme in the interests of securing agreement with my colleagues around the Council table. I would also like to see eligibility criteria applied in order to avoid potential abuse.
On rural development, apart from the question of funding, the main issues in the context of the CAP reform package are the effect of the greening of direct payments on the baseline for rural development payments, the delimitation of areas with natural constraints and the structure of risk management and income stabilisation tools. In addition, the Commission is pressing for greater coherence between the different EU funds and to ensure that all objectives are consistent with EU 2020 strategy priorities, which raises administrative difficulties for Member States. Some of these issues will again prove difficult to resolve, but I hope to make rapid progress over the coming weeks,
As regards the common organisation of the market, I agree that adequate funding is an important prerequisite for the effective functioning of the various elements of the safety net mechanism. Particularly difficult issues in this dossier will be control measures in the form of sugar quotas and vine planting rights. Member States are pretty evenly divided on the question of whether sugar quotas should be abolished or extended, although the European Parliament generally favours extension. On vine planting rights, the report of the High Level Group will inform the next phase of the discussions, but again the question will be whether to extend the regime or allow the planned expiry in 2015 to proceed. Compensation for reduced milk supply, as proposed by the European Parliament, will also be a difficult issue as it too touches on the organisation of the market, on which there are contrasting views. On producer organisations, some progress has been achieved, with the Special Agriculture Committee this week reaching agreement on the issue of recognition. On exceptional measures and the crisis reserve, the key requirement is that funding is available to deal with whatever emergency situations might arise.
Child Care Services Provision
Questions (746)
Paudie Coffey
Question:746. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 1477 of 18 September 2012, if capital funding will be made available from her Department for 2013 to fund a maintenance programme for childcare facilities, the aim of which is to provide support to childcare settings to address medial, maintenance and renovation work or to purchase equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5257/13]
View answerWritten answers
In Budget 2012 the Government provided €6 million for remedial, maintenance, and renovation work in established childcare facilities and to assist these facilities to purchase equipment for early education and childcare services. This funding has been allocated. A capital allocation of €3.25m for childcare facilities is available to my Department in 2013, and I am currently considering how this allocation can best be utilised for the benefit of the childcare sector.
Capital Expenditure Programme
Questions (747)
Seán Fleming
Question:747. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of her Department’s €26 million capital spending for 2013 that will go towards construction projects; the projects involved; the details of these projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5270/13]
View answerWritten answers
The €25.76m in capital funding for my Department in 2013 involves a number of specific projects. The largest project involves the development of new National Children Detention Facilities at Oberstown, Lusk, Co Dublin and includes the provision of six new detention units and associated education and training facilities. This project accounts for 80% (€20.40m) of my total capital funding and is a major construction project. Time-lines for the project indicate that the first new residential units, to provide sufficient capacity to enable the transfer of responsibility for 17 year old boys from St. Patrick’s Institution, will be available for use by mid-2014. The completion of the full scheme is expected in 2015 and will include the replacement of some existing accommodation on the campus which has reached the end of its useful life. The full development will deliver all detention services for children in a single location which will maximise the scope for ensuring best practice standards using the children detention school model and operational efficiency.
Capital funding of €3.25m is also being provided to support childcare facilities and I am currently considering how this allocation can best be utilised for the benefit of the childcare sector. In addition, capital funding of €1.75m is being provided for Youth Programmes and Services which includes €1.00m towards Youth Cafes, €0.50m for Youth Projects and €0.25m for Play and Recreation Initiatives. Criteria for the schemes are being developed at present and my Department will be announcing details regarding the application process for 2013 shortly.
Community Development Projects
Questions (748)
Damien English
Question:748. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide details of all funding programmes in her Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if she will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates of each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for [5378/13]
View answerWritten answers
Community Childcare providers can apply to participate in a number of Government targeted childcare programmes where they satisfy the entry criteria.
These programmes are:-
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a universal programme that provides a free pre-school year to all eligible children in the year before commencing primary school. A standard capitation of €62.50 per week for each child enrolled is paid to participating childcare services over a period of 38 weeks in each school year. A higher capitation of €73 per week is paid to services that employ staff who have higher qualifications. Services wishing to enter this programme should contact their local City or County Childcare Committee (CCC) early in the calendar year for details of the application process.
The Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme provides funding to community childcare services to enable them to deliver quality childcare at reduced rates to disadvantaged and low income working parents. Parents who are entitled to the full rate of subvention can receive up to €95 per week towards the cost of childcare. There are in excess of 900 community services participating in this programme which is closed to new entrants at present except where the new service can replace an existing service which has opted out of the programme. The CCCs will be in a position to advise new services if there is an opportunity to apply for entry to the programme.
The Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme provides funding towards the cost of childcare places to qualifying FÁS or Vocational Education Committee (VEC) trainees or students for the duration of their courses. Under the programme €145 per week is paid to the childcare provider towards the cost of a full day childcare place. The CCCs will also provide details of the entry criteria for this programme.
A new After School childcare programme, which is a joint collaboration with the Department of Social Protection, is being introduced this year and is expected to receive full year funding of €14 million to provide over 6,000 quality after-school places for children attending primary school. It is expected that this programme will be open to community childcare providers and details of the application process for providers wishing to deliver the programme will be available shortly.
The total annual funding allocated to these programmes is in the region of €260 million. In addition to the above support programmes a new Capital Grant fund of €3.25 million for childcare services is being made available in 2013. I am currently considering how the allocation can best be utilised for the benefit of the childcare sector.
My Department also supports the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people by the voluntary youth sector, including those from disadvantaged communities.
These schemes include the Youth Service Grant Scheme, the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund (Rounds 1 and 2) and certain other provisions including the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, Youth Information Centres and Local Drug Task Force projects.
Details of funding allocated to these schemes in 2012 are outlined hereunder:
Youth Service Grant Scheme – funding is provided to 31 national and major regional voluntary organisations to support their work in the provision of youth programmes and activities.
€11.051m in 2012.
Special Projects for Youth – grant-aid is provided in respect of out-of-school projects (181 in 2012) for disadvantaged young people. Priority is given to projects in the spheres of special youth work initiatives, young homeless people, young substance abusers and young travellers.
€17.042m in 2012.
Youth Information Centres – resources are provided for the network of Youth Information Centres. The purpose of these Centres is to provide young people with easy access to information on rights, opportunities, benefits, health, welfare and other matters.
€1.4m in 2012.
Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund (Rounds 1 and 2) – this fund supports youth facilities, including sports and recreational facilities, and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop.
€21.332m in 2012.
Local Drug Task Force projects – These 21 youth related projects target young people under the various pillars of the National Drugs Strategy, and provide a range of supports for young people by way of targeted drug prevention and awareness programmes as well as referral.
€1.34m in 2012.
The above schemes have not been opened to new applications for funding in recent years.
Funding of €53.173m has been provided to my Department for the provision of youth services in 2013 and my Department is currently finalising the allocations for organisations and projects in 2013. In light of budgetary constraints, the emphasis in 2013 will be on supporting existing youth programmes and services for young people including those with fewer opportunities.
The funding budget of €53.173m for 2013 includes €1.75m for a new capital funding programme for 2013. This will include €1.5m for youth cafés and youth projects. Criteria for the schemes are being developed at present and my Department will be announcing details regarding the application process for 2013 shortly.
My Department also provides funding for a Local Youth Club Grant Scheme which supports youth work activities at a local level (€1.035m in 2012). These grants are made available to all youth clubs and groups through local Vocational Education Committees. The allocation for this scheme will be notified to the VECs over the coming month and applications for funding will be subsequently invited by the VECs from local groups in their areas.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (749)
Thomas Pringle
Question:749. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline in tabular form the total cost of all conferences and seminars attended by her Department in 2012; the purpose of each conference/seminar; the location; the number of delegates that attended from her Department/agencies or otherwise that were represented; the total cost of each conference/seminar; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5632/13]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested is being collated by my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as it is finalised.
Health Services Staff
Questions (750)
Robert Troy
Question:750. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide in tabular form the number of social workers for children in County Meath in March 2011, in March 2012 and in January 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5708/13]
View answerWritten answers
Information received from the HSE indicates that in County Meath the approved complement of whole time equivalent social workers in the Children and Families care group on the dates indicated by the Deputy was as follows:
|
Approved Complement/Social Workers/Meath |
- |
- |
|
March 2011 |
March 2012 |
January 2013 |
|
41.4 |
41.4 |
42.4 |
The HSE has today confirmed to me that the HSE National Recruitment Service in Manorhamilton is currently in the process of filling current vacancies in Co Meath including 'permanent' vacancies and vacancies arising as a result of maternity leave.
Child Care Services Provision
Questions (751, 752, 753)
Robert Troy
Question:751. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide in tabular form the details of child care providers in County Meath in receipt of State funding in 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5709/13]
View answerRobert Troy
Question:752. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of childcare places in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5710/13]
View answerRobert Troy
Question:753. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in County Meath who avail of the free preschool year; the number who have availed of it each year since 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5711/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 751 to 753, inclusive, together.
As the information sought in these Parliamentary Questions is not readily available, I am arranging for the data to be collated and provided directly to the Deputy.
Child Poverty
Questions (754)
Nicky McFadden
Question:754. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way the further €2.5 million allocated to her Department for the area-based child poverty initiative will be utilised; if areas in the midlands will be included in the initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5813/13]
View answerWritten answers
The new ‘Area Based Approach to Child Poverty’ initiative has €2.5 million provided for in the 2013 Estimates. This investment supports a key Programme for Government objective and demonstrates this Government’s commitment to early intervention to support childhood development and tackle child poverty. I know that early intervention improves life chances for children and families. This is even truer in communities with high levels of disadvantage and joblessness. This new initiative will draw upon existing community strengths and efforts already underway.
This initiative will build on and continue the work of the Prevention and Early Intervention Programme (PEIP) which supports projects in Tallaght, Ballymun and Darndale. These projects involve a range of pilot programmes to improve outcomes in areas such as literacy, speech and language, parenting, health and pro-social behaviour. These programmes are currently being evaluated by national and international experts. I believe that it is important that we mainstream the learning from these pilot projects so that proven and effective supports for children and families could be delivered right through the country, including through the range of services to be provided by the new Child & Family Support Agency.
The new initiative reflects the Programme for Government commitment to adopt an area based approach to child poverty in co-operation with philanthropic partners, drawing upon best international practice and existing services, to break the cycle of child poverty where it is most deeply entrenched. In line with this commitment, my Department in conjunction with the Office of the Tánaiste and the Departments of Social Protection, Environment, Community and Local Government, and Education and Skills will work in 2013 to expand the number of project sites from 3 to 6. The new initiative will not simply be a continuation of the PEIP scheme but will instead seek to implement programmes which have already been evaluated and proven to work in improving outcomes for children and families at risk of disadvantage.
It is envisaged that this initiative will be co-funded by a philanthropic organisation and discussions are ongoing to this end. It will not be possible in advance of the completion of these talks to know the final total funding levels including the co-funding component.
The initiative will be overseen by a Project Team, chaired by my Department, with participation of the relevant Departments and Agencies. This Project Team will agree criteria for selection of proposals to attract support under the programme and, in due course, will recommend participating consortia to Government.
The applications process is still in the planning stage, but it is not anticipated that additional sites will be selected before the Summer.
Health Services
Questions (755)
Finian McGrath
Question:755. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [5869/13]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Public Sector Pensions Data
Questions (756)
Willie O'Dea
Question:756. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of former public servants recruited before 6 April 1995 who receive public sector pensions, including both pensions funded by the Exchequer and through the Local Government Fund, and those pension schemes for which she has responsibility; the age profile of the public servants; if she will provide in tabular form the numbers of public sector pensioners in the following parameters, between €1,000 intervals up to €20,000 and those on more than €20,000. [5886/13]
View answerWritten answers
I have been advised that there are 133 retired public servants of agencies under the remit of my Department who were recruited prior to 6 April 1995 and are currently in receipt of a public service pension. Fifty six (42%) of these are under age 65 years and seventy seven (58%) are over 65 years old. The information requested by the Deputy in respect specific pension bands is as follows:
|
RANGE FROM |
RANGE TO |
NO. OF PENSIONERS |
|
€1 |
€1,000 |
17 |
|
€1,001 |
€2,000 |
13 |
|
€2,001 |
€3,000 |
14 |
|
€3,001 |
€4,000 |
11 |
|
€4,001 |
€5,000 |
4 |
|
€5,001 |
€6,000 |
11 |
|
€6,001 |
€7,000 |
8 |
|
€7,001 |
€8,000 |
8 |
|
€8,001 |
€9,000 |
3 |
|
€9,001 |
€10,000 |
4 |
|
€10,001 |
€11,000 |
3 |
|
€11,001 |
€12,000 |
5 |
|
€12,001 |
€13,000 |
1 |
|
€13,001 |
€14,000 |
3 |
|
€14,001 |
€15,000 |
1 |
|
€15,001 |
€16,000 |
1 |
|
€16,001 |
€17,000 |
2 |
|
€17,001 |
€18,000 |
1 |
|
€18,001 |
€19,000 |
2 |
|
€19,001 |
€20,000 |
1 |
|
Over €20,000 |
- |
20 |
Departmental Funding
Questions (757)
Micheál Martin
Question:757. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm the arrangements in place to provide full funding for the estate management projects in Fettercairn and Killinarden, Tallaght, Dublin 24; if he appreciates the importance to the local communities of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5903/13]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has allocated €50,000 to support community safety fora in the Tallaght Local Drugs Task Force area and a further €50,000 to community safety fora in the Clondalkin Local Drugs Task Force area this year.
This funding will help to secure the long term sustainability of community safety initiatives developed by estate management groups in Killinarden and Fettercairn in Tallaght, and by community safety fora in North Clondalkin and South West Clondalkin.
South Dublin County Council, the channel of funding for the initiatives, is in the process of putting accountability arrangements in place at a local level in relation to governance of the expenditure.
Health Care Infrastructure
Questions (758)
Pearse Doherty
Question:758. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health further to the publication by RTÉ of a letter (details supplied) which includes a statement that he requested that two projects be accelerated in the Health Service Executive's capital programme, the reasons he accelerated the two projects. [5066/13]
View answerWritten answers
As you are aware the method and timescale for the delivery of health care infrastructure is a dynamic process which is constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances, including the feasibility of implementation. There will always be more construction projects than can be funded by the Exchequer and the Health Service Executive must prioritise infrastructure projects within its overall capital envelope.
I requested that the HSE accelerate the projects in both Wexford and in Kilkenny and for very good reasons. At Wexford General Hospital the admissions lounge is in a portakabin-style building, as is the medical assessment unit at St. Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny.
The new Wexford project comprises an emergency department, a maternity delivery suite and theatre and the necessary equipping. A main entrance/new concourse will also be provided. The project is under construction and is making good progress. It is expected to be completed and operational in mid to late 2014.
The new Kilkenny project comprises an emergency department, a medical assessment unit and a day services unit including endoscopy. Construction commenced in 2012 and the project is expected to be completed and operational in mid to late 2014.
Both projects were approved for inclusion in the HSE capital programme in 2008 and have been included in all of the HSE’s multi-annual Capital Plans since then.
My decisions fully supported the Government priority which is to improve conditions for patients and reduce overcrowding in Emergency Departments through the delivery of improved accommodation including medical assessment units.
As you will be aware, one of the concerns over many years has been capacity issues in the Emergency Departments. Since 2006 capital funding has been made available for an A&E Initiative to provide a series of admission lounges and medical assessment units in order to relieve pressure on A&E departments. Continuing to address these capacity issues has always been a fundamental aspect of HSE’s Capital Plans. The 2008 Capital Plan contained funding to complete developments underway, deliver new A&Es and to upgrade and extend existing departments. The Wexford and Kilkenny projects were part of this initiative to address capacity.
Following the 2009 Budget and Supplementary Budget the HSE’s capital allocation was reduced by about 32%. As a consequence, certain projects were paused or deferred. Those projects which were in construction or at the equipping stage were completed, whereas those which were at earlier stages of development such as appraisal or design were paused/deferred once those stages were completed. The projects deferred included the Wexford and St. Luke’s Kilkenny projects.
Both projects had advanced sufficiently by 2011 which enabled me to make my decision to accelerate them. Planning permission was in place and both had undergone the design phase. No projects were delayed, held or omitted from the capital programme to accommodate these projects.
I was delighted to receive an additional €12 million from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in order to expedite the sorely needed facility in Wexford General Hospital. Given that savings were achieved in the construction area due to reduced costs associated with the economic downturn it was also possible to expedite the St. Luke’s project.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform sanctioned the 2011 Capital Plan which included these much needed projects.