Written Answers Nos 114-133
114. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for rent supplement in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6290/13]
View answerThere is no record of a rent supplement application in respect of the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to apply for rent supplement he should complete an application form and return it to the Kildare Rents Unit, PO Box 11758, Dublin 24.
115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct entitlement to jobseeker's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who also received a half rate one-parent family payment; if she will clarify the amount, if any, of stamps received for the one-parent family payment and the subsequent effect on his or her eligibility for jobseeker's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6319/13]
View answerAccording to the records of this Department there is no jobseeker’s allowance claim currently registered in respect of the person concerned. The one parent family claim of the person concerned is currently under review and she will be informed of the outcome of the review on its completion.
116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6320/13]
View answerThe person concerned attended his local community welfare clinic on 31st January 2013 and made an enquiry about the availability of support this year with communion and confirmation costs.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off, exceptional and unforeseen expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. There is no automatic entitlement to a payment.
Following a review of the guidelines on exceptional needs payments the Department has recommended that for 2013 exceptional needs payments specifically in respect of religious ceremonies will cease. Applications can continue to be made under the scheme for assistance with child clothing. This measure will ensure that the ENP scheme will continue to respond to specific financial need and not to the occasion.
This recommendation does not affect the discretion available to officers administering the scheme in issuing an ENP to assist an individual or household in any particular hardship situation which may arise.
117. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for a domiciliary care allowance appeal will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6326/13]
View answerThe 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 on 18th February 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.
118. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of money held on deposit or in short-term bank investments by each Government or State agency or body under her Department's remit; the rate of interest at which the deposits are held; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6341/13]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection has two short term interest earning bank accounts which are used to hold PRSI receipts and voted state subvention, pending distribution and payment to customers. As at 31 December 2012, the balance held in the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) Investment Account with the Central Bank was €68,281,655. The balance in the other commercial Demand Interest Deposit Account was €4,083,206.
The interest rate applicable on the short term SIF Investment Account is the Euro Over Night Index Average (EONIA) rate and is currently 0.081%.
The interest rate applicable on the commercial Demand Interest Deposit Account is the European Central Bank (ECB) rate and is currently 0.75%.
The Pensions Board, operating under the aegis of the Department, has five interest earning accounts and as at 31 December 2012 the combined balance of the accounts was €6.8million. The rate of interest applicable varies depending on the sum invested, term and level of access to the funds that are applicable to the particular account. The rate of interest is in the range 4.8% for longer term investments to 0.75% in the case of instant access accounts, the applicable DIRT rate is payable on interest earned. The purpose of these accounts is to maintain and invest monthly surplus cash.
119. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when an invalidity pension appeal will be decided in respect of a person (details supplied). [6346/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 12th December 2012, 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.
121. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of leases with upward only rent clauses, that were in place by agencies under his Department at the start of 2011; and the number of such leases currently in operation. [6168/13]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to leases where the bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group are tenants as opposed to landlords.
The details requested by the Deputy are contained in the table below:
|
Name of Agency |
The number of leases with upward only rent clauses in place at start 2011 |
Number of these leases currently in operation |
|
Waterways Ireland |
1 |
1 |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
0 |
1 |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
3 |
2 |
|
Arts Council* |
6 |
6 |
|
Irish Film Board |
2 |
2 |
* Six separate leases in two buildings as a result of leases taken out per floor in one of the buildings.
122. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there are any retired public sector workers from his Department, or any other part of the public sector, currently on his Department's payroll, for example, for sitting on a committee or preparing a report, but not exclusively these two areas; the number on the payroll; the cost to his Department; the services being delivered for this money; and the way that the positions were originally advertised. [6259/13]
View answerAs I have previously advised the House, I appointed Mr. James Kenny as a special advisor with effect from 7 June 2011.
The current salary for that position would ordinarily be €83,337 at present. However, as Mr. Kenny is in receipt of a public service pension, he does not receive that full salary in addition to his pension. Instead, his salary has been abated to €41,502 i.e. he receives €41,502 in addition to his pension, rather than the full salary for the post. No other public sector workers are currently on the payroll of my Department.
123. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount of money held on deposit or in short-term bank investments by each Government or State agency or body under his Department's remit; the rate of interest at which the deposits are held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6329/13]
View answerMy Department has two commercial bank accounts. The aggregate balance of these accounts on 4 February 2013 was €4,401. There is no interest rate attaching to these accounts.
With regard to bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, the Deputy will appreciate that management of bank accounts is part of the day-to-day operational responsibilities of the bodies in question. I am arranging, therefore, for the terms of the Deputy’s Question to be transmitted to the heads of relevant bodies with a request that they provide information, to the extent feasible, directly to the Deputy.
124. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline a roadmap detailing necessary steps to migrate from REFIT 1 to REFIT 2 where, in the view of the developer, the deadline for connection under REFIT 1 cannot be met; and if he will deal, therein, with the complications arising with the CER where the project has been included in the CER Annual PSO Decision Paper, and included in the statutory instrument as published by the Department; if he will also outline the latest date that such a migration may be allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6114/13]
View answerIn the event of a project in REFIT 1 not being in a position to meet the date to which it has been granted an extension in time to, the project can apply to transfer into REFIT 2. Provided the developers submit a fully completed application and can meet the terms and conditions of REFIT 2 and there is sufficient capacity in the scheme available, then the project would be entitled to a REFIT 2 letter of offer.
By way of information, there is over 3,500MW of capacity currently available in the REFIT 2 scheme. A copy of the REFIT 2 Application and Terms & Conditions can be found on the Department’s website (www.dcenr.gov.ie), including a form for those projects transferring from REFIT 1 into REFIT 2. Projects may only remain in the REFIT 1 scheme up to the date to which they have been granted an extension in time. They may apply to transfer into REFIT 2 at any time, but should be aware that the timing for the processing of applications will depend on the completeness and accuracy of the application submitted.
As regards projects having been included in the CER PSO Decision that are subsequently not developed in that period, there is a Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) Decision (CER 08/236), which provides a mechanism, known as the “R” factor to deal with corrections required to the amounts included in the Public Service Obligation (PSO). The supplier who has entered a REFIT Power Purchase Agreement with a generator and who notified the project to CER for inclusion in the PSO Decision should advise the CER of the situation and they will undertake the necessary R factor correction and make any necessary arrangements.
As regards the statutory instrument published by the Department, an annual statutory instrument is introduced to provide for updated information on the projects being included in the annual PSO Decision taken by the CER. Any required modification to the Order will be made at that time.
125. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on proposals regarding employment in clean energy generation (details supplied). [6137/13]
View answerA 2009 report entitled “Jobs and Investment in Irish Wind Energy” undertaken by Deloitte and commissioned by the Irish Wind Energy Association noted that their analysis has shown that the wind energy sector can support 1.5 jobs per MW to be installed on the island. Further employment opportunities may arise to the extent that turbine components can be manufactured in Ireland.
The Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation that UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey and I signed on 24 January is a signal of political intent and an agreement on a programme of work to be undertaken in the coming year to determine whether it is mutually beneficial for both countries to enter into an Inter-Governmental agreement under the Renewable Energy Directive to provide for renewable energy trading.
If an Inter-Governmental Agreement is entered into, additional employment opportunities could arise if turbines or components were to be manufactured in Ireland. All relevant State agencies, particularly in the enterprise area, would have to co-ordinate their activities early in the process to ensure the employment potential of export projects could be maximised. This opportunity has already been identified by the Industrial Development Authority and Enterprise Ireland in their clean technology growth strategies.
126. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the waiting times for the warmer homes scheme, in view of the fact that an applicant (details supplied) has been informed that the process will take nine months. [6138/13]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme under the Better Energy Programme. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is delivered through a combination of SEAI appointed Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage and via an area based approach. Measures available include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation and are free of charge to the customer.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes programme is an important element of the Affordable Energy Strategy that was launched in November 2011. The energy efficiency measures are targeted at low income families and will make a lasting impact on households experiencing energy poverty. Exchequer funding of over €101 million has been allocated to the programme since 2000, which has successfully delivered energy efficiency measures to 92,563 homes. In 2012 the programme delivered energy saving measures to 12,175 homes. Despite the current economic challenges, the Government is committed to continuing to deliver energy efficiency measures to vulnerable households. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme has been allocated Exchequer funding of €20 million for 2013, and according to the most up to date analysis available to date, it is anticipated that the scheme will deliver upgrades to approximately 12,000 homes this year.
The SEAI currently has 7,700 applications on hand which predate the application referred to by the Deputy. The SEAI anticipates that it will take 9 months to clear the existing waiting list and address the property in question. Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for the SEAI and a dedicated hotline can be reached at 1800 250 204. In addition, the SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, which can be sent to oireachtas@seai.ie and will be dealt with promptly.
127. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are any retired public sector workers from his Department, or any other part of the public sector, currently on his Department's payroll, for example, for sitting on a committee or preparing a report, but not exclusively these two areas; the number on the payroll; the cost to his Department; the services being delivered for this money; and the way that the positions were originally advertised. [6261/13]
View answerI can confirm that a retired member of the Garda Síochána is employed by me as Civilian Driver at an annual salary of €32,965.
I can also confirm that there are currently two retired public servants who, whilst not on the payroll of my Department, are engaged in specific projects under the aegis of my Department; one as Chairman of a VFM Review Group at a cost of €1,200 and the other as a Process Auditor for the procurement of a National Postcode System at a cost of €9,840. These were Departmental appointments.
In addition to the above one retired public servant sitting on an Audit Committee for the Department on a pro bono basis.
Retired public and civil servants are engaged from time to time by my Department in areas where specific expertise is required for a short fixed period, and these staff provide a level of knowledge, experience and background compatible with such requirements.
The abatement principle, which ensures that the fee paid plus pension does not exceed the rate of pay the pensioner would receive if he/she had continued service in their former post, applies to payments as appropriate.
128. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when will postcodes be introduced here. [6318/13]
View answerIt is Government policy to introduce postcodes. The procurement process to select a postcode management licence holder to implement a National Postcode System began in 2011 with the publication of a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire on www.etenders.gov.ie. That process is still ongoing, and it is expected to conclude in the first half of 2013. The final decision to proceed with implementation of a national postcode will be one for Government and will be based on appropriate financial, technical and operational considerations.
129. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of money held on deposit or in short-term bank investments by each Government or State agency or body under his Department's remit; the rate of interest at which the deposits are held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6331/13]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that details of monies held in banks by agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the individual agency in the first instance and I have no function in this regard.
130. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is considering the introduction of a standardised private rental contract for residential property and a deposit scheme whereby deposits paid by renters are held in a neutral account. [6279/13]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies Act 2004 regulates the tenant-landlord relationship in the private rented residential sector. Under the Act a tenancy includes any periodic or fixed term tenancy whether oral, written or implied and a tenancy agreement includes an oral tenancy agreement. It is a matter for the tenant and landlord to agree the terms and conditions of a lease or tenancy agreement consistent with the Act and I do not propose to vary this arrangement.
On foot of the commitment in the Programme for Government 2011 to introduce a tenancy deposit protection scheme I asked the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) to commission research on such a scheme and to report back to me with recommendations. The final report and recommendations were submitted to me on 12 November 2012 and I am examining the report with a view to providing for the establishment of tenancy deposit protection in the context of the Oireachtas consideration of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012.
131. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6526/13]
View answer139. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) relating to the Building Control Act. [6248/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 139 together.
The register of persons entitled to use the title of architect was introduced as a consumer protection measure and is designed to prevent persons who fail to demonstrate the required level of competence from passing themselves off as architects. There can be no question of allowing any person to use the title of architect unless he/she is registered to do so.
The arrangements for the registration of Architects are addressed under Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007. The Act provides routes to registration that are open, transparent and fair for potential candidates from a variety of backgrounds including those who are practically trained and have limited or no academic training or qualifications.
Section 22 of the Act 2007 already provides a route towards registration for longstanding practitioners who had been providing architectural services in Ireland , commensurate with those understood as being provided by Architects for the purposes of the Act , for a period of ten years at the time the Act became law. This provision is transitional in nature and enables this category of persons who may not have any formal academic training, qualifications or certification to become registered once they have been assessed as eligible for registration by the Technical Assessment Board in accordance with the practical experience assessment procedure.
In addition, Section 14(f) provides a permanent route to registration for practically trained persons who have 7 years appropriate practical experience and who have passed the prescribed register examination. I am satisfied that the statutory arrangements for registration that are currently in place are appropriate and there are no proposals to amend the Act under consideration by my Department. I would encourage all practically trained persons to pursue the routes to registration which are currently open to them with a view to joining the small but growing numbers of practically trained architects already on the register.
132. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on his plans and funding for the proposed and urgently needed new fire station for Lanesboro, County Longford. [6106/13]
View answerThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003.
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 equipment.
Under the 2008 fire service capital programme, a proposal by Longford County Council to construct a new fire station at Lanesboro was approved in principle. Following approval to proceed to tender stage during 2011, the Council has very recently been approved to accept a tender in relation to the project, with total grant-aid set at €8 48,000.
133. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider an exemption for Oakwood Estate, Old Singland Road, County Limerick, from the annual local property tax in view of the fact that it is an unfinished estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6134/13]
View answerIn the context of Budget 2013, the Government announced the introduction of a local property tax which will replace the annual household charge. It was also decided that a waiver will apply in certain circumstances; a prescribed list of unfinished estates, subject to certain criteria and identified as part of the National Housing Development Survey 2012, in respect of which the property tax for 2013 will be waived in accordance with the Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012, will be prepared. I anticipate that this list will be published shortly.
