Written Answers Nos. 390-404
390. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health the total number of Irish quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisations that his Department either created or which fall under his Department's responsibility and were in existence when he became Minister and continue to exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55146/13]
View answerThe table sets out the statutory bodies operating under the aegis of my Department. No new statutory bodies have been established since the formation of this Government. Three bodies, the National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery, National Social Workers Qualifications Board and the Children Acts Advisory Board have been dissolved since March 2011.
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Non Commercial Agencies |
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The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland |
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Dental Council |
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Food Safety Authority of Ireland |
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Food Safety Promotions Board |
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Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
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Health Information and Quality Authority |
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Health Insurance Authority |
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Health Research Board |
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Irish Blood Transfusion Service |
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Irish Medicines Board |
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Medical Council |
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Mental Health Commission |
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National Cancer Registry Board |
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National Paediatric Hospital Development Board |
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National Treatment Purchase Fund |
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Opticians Board |
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Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland |
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Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council |
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Commercial Agency |
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VHI |
391. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health the total number of chairpersons of State boards, agencies and regulators that fall under his Department’s responsibility that were chairpersons when he became Minister and continue to be chairpersons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55162/13]
View answerThere are currently 14 Chairpersons of State boards that fall under the responsibility of my Department, who were appointed prior to my appointment as Minister for Health and are currently in that role. The state boards are; Irish Medicines Board, Opticians Board, Dublin Dental Hospital Board, Health and Social Care Professionals Council, Health Insurance Authority, Leopardstown Park Hospital Board, National Treatment Purchase Fund Board, Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council, Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Social Workers Registration Board and St James's Hospital Board.
392. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a list of driving licence centres in the State, broken down by the number of licences issued in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date 2013; if his attention has been drawn to delays in the issuance of new licences in any particular locations; if he will provide a list of average waiting times for the issuance of new licences by issuing location in respect of the same years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54928/13]
View answerI am aware of the difficulties being experienced at present in relation to the driver licences. I have met with the interim Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) who, since the end of October, have taken over full responsibility for the operation of the national driver licensing service. I am assured that measures have been taken to deal with the difficulties and that the backlogs that have arisen will be eliminated in the coming weeks.
The specific information requested by the Deputy can be provided by the RSA. I therefore have forwarded the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
393. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any discussions with the Department of Education and Skills regarding joint initiatives that could be taken between the two Departments to improve the level of physical education classes here, particularly in view of the findings by Eurydice, the EU’s education information network, that in both absolute and proportionate terms, Ireland has fewer hours of compulsory PE classes than any other EU member; his views on whether children in Ireland are spending enough time participating in physical education, both in schools, and outside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54580/13]
View answerThere has been improved coordination and partnership between Government Departments in the area of sport and physical activity in recent years. One of the commitments in Healthy Ireland - the Government Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025, is to develop a plan to promote increased physical activity levels across the population. A cross-sectoral working group, co-chaired by the Department of Health and my Department, has been established to develop this plan. The group also includes a representative of the Department of Education and Skills. The plan will provide a strong focus for modifying unhealthy life habits and promoting awareness of the benefits of physical activity, not just for health, but also in a wider socioeconomic context. The group has agreed that the Plan will focus on operational issues to encourage greater participation in, and greater recognition of the importance of, physical activity.
In addition, when I complete existing policy reviews in other Divisions of my Department, I will engage with other Government Departments, including the Department of Education and Skills, to develop a Masterplan for Irish Sport. The draft National Sports Facilities Strategy, which was published as a discussion document last year, will be incorporated into a broader policy document for Irish Sport which will take account of the wider role of sport in areas such as health, education and the economy.
394. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his concerns in relation to the EirGrid's Grid25 proposals and their impact on tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54707/13]
View answerI understand that, as part of "Grid 25 - a Strategy for the Development of Ireland's Electricity Grid for a Sustainable and Competitive Future", a number of regional electricity transmission schemes are currently being planned around the country by Eirgrid. Clearly, the electricity grid is a critical part of our infrastructure and is vital to ensuring that the country as a whole has access to electricity and to the quality of life and the job opportunities it presents - including in providing the services demanded by tourists.
At the same time, any large infrastructural development needs to be carefully assessed for its impact, including its potential impact on tourism. In that regard, Fáilte Ireland has a statutory consultation role under planning and development legislation, to ensure that when developments are proposed the tourism impacts can be considered. The agency has the necessary expertise and knowledge to carry out such assesments and I understand it is currently working on a number of these schemes. Consequently, the consideration of such impacts are an operational matter for Failte Ireland and it would be inappropriate for me to interfere with such functions. I am referring the Deputy's question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
395. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a sports capital grant in respect of a club (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54799/13]
View answer396. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a grant for a GAA club (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54800/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 395 and 396 together.
The Sports Capital Programme is the Government’s primary vehicle for supporting the development of sports facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment. It is open to any sports club or organisation with a suitable project to apply for funding under the next round of the Programme which I hope to announce shortly. The club referred to by the Deputy has two fully outstanding Sports Capital grants with a total value of €135,000. It may be possible for the club to use some this funding towards the proposed works and I would recommend that the club contact the Sports Capital Unit of my Department as soon as possible to discuss the drawdown of these grants. My Department has developed a new portal on the Department's website which must be used by organisations to register, to apply for funding (when the 2014 Programme is open for applications) and to manage the drawdown of any new grants allocated after 2013. Any interested organisation should register on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie .
397. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the recently introduced height restrictions with particular reference to the vital transportation of fodder and animal feed stocks across the State. [54893/13]
View answerStatutory Instrument 366 of 2008 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations, 2008 sets the maximum vehicle height limit at 4.65 metres. Following a public consultation undertaken prior to the completion of the Regulations, it was agreed that a five year derogation from that limit would apply to vehicles registered, licensed or in use prior to 1 November 2008. The derogation, which expired on the 31st October last, was introduced in order to allow a five year period within which vehicles operating at heights in excess of the new statutory limit could be withdrawn from use in Ireland. Following the expiry of the derogation, specific concerns were raised with me by the agri sector in relation to the effect that the 4.65 metre maximum vehicle height restriction would have on the cost of transporting fodder. This is an issue to which I will give further consideration.
398. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide funding for a cycle lane in Mountrath, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54919/13]
View answerMy Department is supportive of the development of cycle infrastructure and provides funding to local authorities under the Smarter Travel Initiative. This is a five year €65million Initiative which was launched in 2012 to support increased cycling, walking and use of public transport. The main programmes under this funding stream are the Active Travel Towns, Smarter Travel Areas and National Cycle Network Programmes. In respect of the Active Travel Towns and National Cycle Network Programmes, a second tranche of funding was announced in August this year. All local authorities were invited to apply for funding under those programmes and it is hoped to announce the successful projects in early 2014. In general, it is a matter for relevant local authorities to progress and submit proposals for the development of cycle lanes, if funding is required, to the Department under the appropriate Programme.
399. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he has taken to investigate the collapse of the pilot training college in July 2012, with particular reference to the knowledge of the IAA with regard to financial problems in the college and the steps taken to assist the students complete their training. [54927/13]
View answerThe Pilot Training College Waterford (PTC) was a privately owned and operated flight training organisation that reneged on its contractual obligations and failed its students. On 28 September 2012 the High Court ordered the liquidation of PTC. Neither the IAA nor the taxpayer are liable for the failure of this private sector company. The IAA's responsibility for flight training organisations cover the oversight of the safety, quality and standard of the training being delivered, the conduct of examinations and flight tests to the appropriate EU standard. In the circumstances that arose, the IAA made every effort to assist students of PTC to complete their training. Any alleged breach of company law is a matter for the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
400. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the resources being made available from his Department to address serious problems at level crossings at each point on the Connolly to Maynooth railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54933/13]
View answerI understand that this matter is about the elimination of rights of way at some level crossings on this line. As this issue is a matter for Iarnród Éireann, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
401. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to encourage owners to set up car garages providing repairs for second hand cars as there is a shortage of such garages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54972/13]
View answerI have no such plans. If there is a demand as described by the Deputy, I am confident the general marketplace will address it without a need for a government intervention.
402. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce an NCT test for motorcycles; and if he is satisfied that there are sufficient numbers of motorcycle mechanics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54979/13]
View answerRoadworthiness testing in Ireland is carried out in conformity with Directive 2009/40/EC which does not currently include a mandatory requirement for the roadworthiness testing of motorcycles and other L class vehicles. My position is that any proposal to do so would require extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders in advance of reaching a decision on the matter. The introduction of roadworthiness testing for motorcycles is part of wider roadworthiness proposals currently under discussion at EU level between the EU Commission, EU Council and the European Parliament. The present proposals provide for the mandatory testing of motorcycles in excess of 125cc by 1st of January 2022, unless already provided for in EU Member States national legislation. I have every confidence that the motorcycle maintenance industry will be able to meet any demands placed upon it by this development.
403. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding will be provided to ensure that the Narrow Water Bridge project proceeds; his views on whether this project has the potential to increase cross-Border economic activity particularly in the tourist sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54990/13]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for each local authority. The Irish Government supported the original decision by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) to approve the allocation of EU funding to the Narrow Water bridge project and committed an upfront funding contribution of €3.9 million in January this year. The funding which was to be provided by my Department for the Narrow Water Bridge Project represented a significant commitment given the current financial circumstances. This funding contribution was due to be matched with a contribution from the Northern Ireland authorities in line with the agreed funding ratios for the Programme.
The Government was disappointed that the tender process resulted in a doubling of the initial estimated cost budgeted for by the project partners for the construction of the bridge. The Government has indicated on many occasions that it would be willing to help to address the shortfall in funding for the Narrow Water Bridge, but this depended entirely on matching contributions from the other parties, including the Northern Ireland Executive. Also, we could not agree to be solely responsible for any further overruns.
As the Deputy will be aware, as part of the recovery programme that this Government has had to pursue to put the country back on its feet, unfortunately, there will be a further reduction in regional and local roads spending in 2014 of over €60 million. Ultimately it is from this budget that any additional funding from this State would have had to come and we would not have been in a position to provide a further €10 million towards this project as well as to underwrite any potential further overspend. The estimated figure of a requirement from my Department of €10 million was based on correspondence received from SEPUB and Louth County Council. Given the significant difference between the initial estimates and the returned tender prices, the Deputy will appreciate the need to take a conservative approach to the funding requests.
The progression and importance of this project has been discussed with my government colleagues and on a number of occasions at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) most recently on the 8th of November. The priority is to avoid the loss of the EU funding involved.
It is important to note that there are time constraints with regard to the INTERREG funding. It has to be spent by 2015. SEUPB has now decided to withdraw the letter of offer and has indicated that it proposes to re-allocate the funding to eligible projects capable of being delivered before the end of 2015. I know that officials in my Department and the Department for Regional Development have identified possible replacement projects, that will benefit cross-border communication in the transport sector and are working up proposals for consideration by SEUPB.
404. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department in 2012 and to date in 2013; the number of requests for which a search and retrieval fee was sought; the maximum fee sought by his Department in respect of a request received; the number of requests not proceeded with following the non-payment of the search and retrieval fee sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55008/13]
View answer123 FOI requests were received in my Department in 2012 with a further 84 requests being received to date in 2013. Fees were sought for search and retrieval in 13 cases in 2012 and 4 in the current year. Of the above cases involving search and retrieval, 3 requests were deemed to be withdrawn as deposits were not paid. These related to 2012. One of these was a multi-faceted request, and only that part associated with the search and retrieval fee was withdrawn, with decisions issuing for remaining parts of the request. The maximum amount paid in respect of search and retrieval was €424.97 and was paid by a corporate body.
