Written Answers Nos. 114-21
114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is likely to be offered a FÁS training course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39027/13]
View answerThe person concerned attended a guidance interview at Maynooth Employment Service’s office on 13 August 2013. During the course of the interview she expressed an interest in pursuing English language classes and she was advised to contact Co. Kildare Adult Education in this regard. Accordingly the person concerned was not put forward by the Employment Services for a FÁS training course.
115. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39045/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 15th July 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
116. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will ensure that repairs are carried out a protected structure which was damaged by floods (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38886/13]
View answerWhile the famine graveyard in Abbeystrewry is protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004, it is not in my ownership or guardianship, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and, therefore, neither my Department nor the Office of Public Works is responsible for its conservation, repair or maintenance.
I understand, however, that Cork County Council is currently examining the flood damage and has prepared an archaeological assessment and specification for necessary remedial works. Any such works would require my approval under the National Monuments Acts and any related proposal that may be submitted by the Council will be dealt with as speedily as possible by my Department.
117. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount by which the art budget is being cut in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38944/13]
View answerDetails of this funding for 2013 for my Department's (Votes 34 and 35) and the previous years are available in the Revised Estimates for Public Services published on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform at www.per.gov.ie. My Department's expenditure in the current year was also debated extensively at the Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht on 9th of July last.
118. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to remove a households automatic right to a physical copy of a phonebook under the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services)(Universal Service and Users' Rights) Regulations 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38872/13]
View answerRegulation 4 (1) of the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and Users’ Rights) Regulations 2011 requires that “a comprehensive directory of subscribers is made available to all end-users in a form approved of by the Regulator, whether printed or electronic or both, and is updated at least once in each year”. ComReg undertook a public consultation last year which concluded with the designation of Eircom as universal service provider (USP) for the provision of access to the public telephone network for a two-year period to 30 June 2014. As designated USP, Eircom must ensure that a comprehensive printed directory or directories of subscribers, is made available to all end-users and is updated at least once in each year. I understand that ComReg will undertake a further Public Consultation process later this year and that the directory will be considered as part of this process.
119. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the proposed broadcasting charge will affect those previously eligible for the free TV licence scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38908/13]
View answerI refer the Deputy to Question No. 819 of 18 September 2013
120. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount that has been collected to date in property tax in County Kerry; the way this compare to other counties; the amount expected to be collected in 2014; the implications this additional revenue will have for Kerry County Council's budget; if there will be additional funding available for the housing programme, roads programme, water services programme and so on; the implications this funding will have on future Government grant aid to Kerry County Council; if this additional funding will lead to a reduction in commercials rates in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38862/13]
View answerQueries concerning Local Property Tax yields in 2013 and anticipated yields in 2014 should be directed to my colleague, the Minister for Finance, who has responsibility for the Local Property Tax. The local government funding model will change considerably in 2014. Under the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012, commencing in 2014 the Minister for Finance will pay into the Local Government Fund an amount equivalent to the Local Property Tax paid into the Central Fund during that year; this revenue will be allocated to local authorities from the Fund. In addition, the establishment of Irish Water and its financial relationship with the local government sector will have a considerable impact on local authority financing.
The general issue of local government sector funding in 2014 will be decided in the context of Budget 2014. In advance of the Budget it is not possible to comment in detail on the funding situation of the sector as a whole, or on the 2014 position of specific local authorities, such as Kerry County Council. The setting of commercial rates in 2014 is a matter for the relevant local authority.
The Government has indicated an intention to move, from 2014, to 80% retention of all Local Property Tax receipts within the local authority area where the Tax is raised. The remaining 20% of the Tax collected nationally will be re-distributed on an equalised basis to local authorities within the context of the annual allocations of General Purpose Grants. The approach used to allocate the 20% of Local Property Tax revenue available for equalisation will depend on factors such as overall yield and yields at individual local authority level. The priority will be to support those local authorities with weaker funding bases.
I expect the Local Property Tax to have multiple benefits, including a more sustainable and resilient system of funding for local authorities and therefore a sounder financial footing for the provision of essential local services; greater local scope for financial decision-making concerning service provision - in particular, the inclusion of the local variation mechanism from 2015 will further increase the autonomy of local authorities; and a strengthening of democracy at local level with a more active relationship between local authorities and local electorates. A stronger democratic relationship and clearer lines of accountability can only have a beneficial impact on service provision from the perspective of the service user.
Placing the local government sector on a more sustainable financial footing is an important objective of the changes to the funding of local authorities. I am satisfied that the changes which are currently underway will deliver a model of funding which is sustainable in the broadest sense into the long-term.
121. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any flexibility will be afforded in relation to stipulated deadlines to have Leader-funded projects completed in the event of unforeseen challenges that have caused unexpected delays to completing the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38888/13]
View answerThe Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will close for funding applications at the end of December 2013. However, under EU rules expenditure in relation to funding approved up to the end of 2013 can be made up to the end of 2015. In order to facilitate the efficient closure of the current programme my Department ha s informed all Local Development Companies contracted to deliver the LEADER elements of the RDP that final expenditure under the current programme must be registered by the end of December 2014 at the latest. I believe that these deadlines give ample time to complete approvals and expenditure. My Department will however, monitor progress closely and review the position on an on-going basis.
