Written Answers Nos. 161 - 168
161. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of public servants in his Department who are being paid in excess of the Taoiseach's salary and in excess of the Government's pay cap; the annual cost of these excess payments over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43399/13]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that no civil or public servants employed in my Department or agencies under its aegis are being paid in excess of the Taoiseach's salary or in excess of the Government pay cap.
162. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the number of different contracts of employment that exist within the Defence Force in relation to the terms and conditions and related benefits for personnel and their families; the number of personnel under each type of contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42845/13]
View answerIt has not been possible in the time available to compile all the necessary documentation requested by the Deputy. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
163. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the number of qualified doctors and nurses who are currently serving in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42850/13]
View answerThe military authorities advise that there are 18 Doctors and 8 Nurses currently serving with the Defence Forces. A competition for the appointment of doctors to the Defence Forces Medical Corps remains open with applications being accepted on an ongoing basis. As suitably qualified applicants are identified they will be interviewed with regard to their suitability for service in the Defence Forces. In this regard, a successful applicant was appointed on 30 September 2013, while another 4 applicants are currently progressing through the selection process.
Based on the medical requirement across the Defence Forces as a whole, there is a current requirement for approximately 32 doctors within the Defence Forces Medical Corps.
Against this background, alternative options for the provision of medical services to the Defence Forces are also being considered. In this regard, an integrated model for the provision of the required medical services, involving both the Medical Corps and outsourced service provision is being progressed.
I would like to take this opportunity to assure the Deputy that Defence Forces personnel requiring medical treatment are getting the care they need and that I am committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad.
164. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the number of public servants in his Department that are being paid in excess of the Taoiseach's salary and in excess of the Government's pay cap; the annual cost of these excess payments over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43393/13]
View answerThe Defence Organisation includes civil servants, military personnel and civilian employees. None of these staff have been employed on a salary in excess of €200,000 per annum.
165. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will investigate and expedite a disadvantaged area scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42794/13]
View answerAs processing of the 2013 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application has recently been finalised, payment will shortly issue to the nominated bank account of the person named.
166. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42797/13]
View answerThe person named submitted a Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application on 15 May 2013. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases on-farm inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a ground eligibility/cross compliance inspection. The ground eligibility inspection has been completed and the results are now being finalised. In the event that any queries arise officials of my Department will shortly be in contact with the person named.
During the course of the cross compliance inspection discrepancies were recorded in relation to the tagging and registration of cattle that resulted in a 5% penalty. The person named was notified of this decision on 1 October 2013. The person named was also informed of the right to seek a review of the decision. In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of the review, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office within 3 months.
167. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42801/13]
View answerA 50% advance payment under the Single Farm Payment Scheme will commence on 16 October. EU Regulations governing the administration of the scheme require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases on-farm inspections, be completed before any payments issue. Processing of the 2013 application of the person named has recently been finalised and I expect that payment will issue on that date to the person named.
168. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive an area based payment; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42807/13]
View answerAs processing of the 2013 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application has recently been finalised, payment will shortly issue to the nominated bank account of the person named.
