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Tuesday, 11 Feb 2014

Written Answers Nos. 323 - 340

Household Benefits Scheme

Questions (323)

Seán Fleming

Question:

323. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reverse the decision to remove the telephone allowance from persons in receipt of the State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6809/14]

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Written answers

The overall concern of the Government in recent budgets has been to protect the primary weekly social welfare rates. Maintaining the rate of the State pension and other core payments is critical in relation to protecting people from poverty. To allow us to protect these core payments, we have had to look very carefully at other additional payments.

The cost of the telephone allowance scheme had risen each year with the number of eligible customers also increasing significantly. In 2007 there were some 316,000 people receiving the telephone allowance compared to almost 396,000 at the end of September 2013, an increase of 25%. Each year almost 10,000 extra customers became eligible for the allowance because of the increased number of pension recipients.

The telephone allowance was abolished from 1 January 2014. I am not in a position to reinstate the allowance.

I am keenly aware of the impact on the Department’s customers and particularly those who are living alone. In Budget 2014, I was able to maintain the rate of the living alone allowance at €7.70 per week. While the decision to the telephone allowance was a difficult one it allowed my Department to fully maintain the other elements of the household benefits package, such as the free electricity/gas allowance and the free television licence. These are very valuable supports for customers. We have also maintained the value of the fuel allowance and free travel.

The monthly allowances under the household benefits package are a contribution towards the cost of services; they are not intended to meet those costs in full. The telephone allowance was introduced at a time when telephones were expensive and uncommon and a landline service was the only option available to the customer. The market has changed enormously since the introduction of the allowance, with several companies providing a range of services and rates with bundled services including television, telephone and broadband and pay-as-you-go mobiles.

Official Engagements

Questions (324)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

324. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of all official engagements by her or the Ministers of State in her Department that have taken place in Northern Ireland since she took office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6824/14]

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Written answers

Since taking office I have attended two plenary meetings of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) held in Armagh on 18 November 2011 and 2 November 2012. Social welfare is not one of the sectoral areas of co-operation under NSMC. However, the Council is looking at the possibilities in this area with particular regard to youth employment.

Jobseeker's Allowance Applications

Questions (325)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

325. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection how far recipients of jobseeker's allowance have to be willing to travel to attend courses under the job placement programmes in order to retain their eligibility for full jobseeker's allowance; if travel expenses are paid to attend such courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6877/14]

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Written answers

To qualify for a jobseeker payment, a person must meet certain conditions, including the requirement to be available for, capable of and genuinely seeking full-time work.

Major activation reforms have been introduced in my Department to help people back to work. Pathways to Work is the strategy driving these reforms. Activation measures include the requirement to attend group or individual meetings, and/or avail of suitable education, training or development opportunities, or specified employment programmes, which are considered appropriate to a person’s circumstances and which have been agreed with the client as part of a personal progression plan. There is no specified distance which must be travelled to attend such engagements or programmes.

While my Department does not pay travel expenses to attend programmes, travel subsidies are available directly from some training course providers.

Domiciliary Care Allowance Eligibility

Questions (326)

Finian McGrath

Question:

326. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [6895/14]

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Written answers

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on the 16th December 2013. The application was not allowed as it was considered that the child does not meet the eligibility criteria for the allowance. A decision letter issued to the customer on the 29th January 2014 advising of this decision.

In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the decision to be reviewed or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within twenty one days.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of One-Parent Family Payment at the maximum rate for herself and two qualified children plus National Fuel Allowance.

Carer's Allowance Eligibility

Questions (327)

Robert Troy

Question:

327. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection the procedure her Department follows regarding the habitual residence condition in circumstances where a family member has to return home from abroad to care for a sick relative. [6908/14]

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Written answers

The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes (including Carer’s Allowance) and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004. The term ‘habitually resident’ conveys a degree of permanence and implies a close association between the applicant and the country from which payment is claimed, which relies heavily on fact.

In deciding on a person's habitual residence, it must first be established whether the person has a legal right to reside in the State. All Irish nationals have a right of residence in Ireland. At that stage five factors are examined to determine whether a person satisfies the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC) i.e. a) the length and continuity of living in Ireland, b) length and reasons for any absence, c) nature and pattern of the person’s employment, d) person’s main centre of interest and e) future intentions of the person applying for the social welfare scheme.

The guidelines for assessing HRC are published and available to customers on the Department’s website. In addition to the HRC guidelines there is further information for customers including;

- HRC information leaflet SW108 available on the website.

- A HRC supplement with example cases published on the website.

Each case is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on the application of the legislation and guidelines to the particular circumstances of the case.

Examples of documentation required is outlined on the HRC guideline, on the HRC information leaflet and on the Citizens Information website, including:

- Proof to show applicant has given up accommodation abroad

- Proof applicant has cancelled or applied to cancel any non-transferable benefits

- Proof to show measures put in place to open a bank account here

- Proof to show applicant has a tenancy in Ireland

- Proof of travel documents and evidence of transportation of personal possessions etc.

Any information that customers provide to establish their claim will be considered and it may be necessary in some cases to submit further documentary evidence in support of a claim.

If claimants are not satisfied with a decision they have the right to have the decision reviewed internally in the Department and/or appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Departmental Contracts Data

Questions (328)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

328. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will name each company awarded a contract for the provision of professional services by his Department and agencies under his aegis since May 2011; the value and purpose of the contract; if a competitive tendering process was undertaken in line with public procurement best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6449/14]

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Written answers

The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Special Areas of Conservation Designation

Questions (329)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

329. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the areas of special conservation are being reviewed; if he will investigate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6475/14]

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Written answers

I have no plans currently to review Ireland’s existing network of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

Special Protection Areas Appeals

Questions (330, 331)

Dara Calleary

Question:

330. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will set out the list of all lands, including the landowner or user, removed from the Falcarragh to Meenlaragh special area of conservation, 004149 designation, since the initial commencement of the designation; the exact dates of the de-designation of these lands and the reasons for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6480/14]

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Dara Calleary

Question:

331. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will set out the details in respect of the total number of site visits undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, whereby NPWS representatives met personally with landowners or users on their lands in the Falcarragh to Meenlaragh special area of conservation, 004149; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6481/14]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 331 together.

Four appeals to the inclusion of land within this Special Protection Area were fully successful at Stage 1 of the appeals process and a further 5 were partly successful. Lands were removed from the site where appeals identified mapping errors or inappropriate inclusions.

While it is not possible to disclose information on individual appellants for data protection reasons, I can advise that these decisions were notified to the appellants by letter from my Department on dates between 19 September, 2012 and 13 March, 2013. A number of appeals that were unsuccessful at Stage 1 will proceed to Stage 2 and fall to be considered by the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board.

While I understand that my officials have had direct contact, including at meetings and through site-visits, with several landowners and others in relation to the proposed designation of this Special Protection Area, the exact number of such encounters has not been recorded.

Departmental Advertising Expenditure

Questions (332)

Damien English

Question:

332. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total amount spent on advertising by his Department and each agency under his aegis in 2013; if he will provide a breakdown on the amount spent on each of TV, radio, print, outdoor, Internet and social media platform advertising; the amount spent on advertising agencies; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6576/14]

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Written answers

The total expenditure by my Department on advertising in 2013 was €100,423 with €79,137 of this amount paid to advertising agencies. The information requested is set out in the following table.

Medium

Expenditure in 2013 - €

Print

85,837

TV

10,316

Radio

4,270

The Deputy should note that, in relation to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, my Department is statutorily obliged, under the Birds and Natural Habitats Regulations, to advertise nature conservation designations in at least one newspaper circulating in the area covered by the designation and may also broadcast it on local radio. National media are also used occasionally in relation to heritage sites of national importance.

With regard to bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, the Deputy will appreciate that the matters raised are 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.

Departmental Consultations

Questions (333)

Damien English

Question:

333. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his Department currently engages in real-time reporting of online conversations on issues relating to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6592/14]

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Written answers

While my Department is fully committed to making information relating to its activities available online, it does not currently engage in the practice referred to in the Deputy's Question. The Press Office of my Department will shortly be setting up a Twitter account for my Department, which is expected to cover some or all of the following: press releases on my Department’s activities and Ministerial speeches; event information; alerts about new content on my Department's website; and other practical information on services available through my Department.

However, if the Deputy has any specific queries as to how he might find information on a matter relating to my Department, I would be glad to seek to assist him in that regard.

Heritage Management Scheme Applications

Questions (334)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

334. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding is available to mark an anniversary (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6721/14]

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Written answers

My Department’s funding for the built heritage in 2014 is concentrated on assisting conservation works to the fabric of structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012 and it does not operate a scheme for events as referred to in the Deputy's Question. I also understand that the closing date has passed for applications to the Heritage Council for grant aid under its Heritage Management Grants 2014.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Expenditure

Questions (335, 336, 337)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

335. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a breakdown of the current and capital allocation in the 2014 budget for national parks; and the amount allocated to each national park. [6742/14]

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Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

336. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an evidence-based breakdown of visitor numbers for each individual national park; and the estimated value of these visitors to the local economy. [6743/14]

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Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

337. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if any services have been outsourced in any of the national parks since 2010; and the plans under consideration for the outsourcing of services within any of the national parks in 2014. [6744/14]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 to 337, inclusive, together.

Current funding is allocated within the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department on the basis of functional regions, rather than to specific National Parks. These regions operate a parks management programme, including the operation of key visitor attractions, on this basis. My Department is at present finalising arrangements for the allocation of its 2014 current provision.

A programme of capital works is also undertaken in National Parks each year, subject to available resources, in order to secure the conservation of our natural heritage and to provide for its enjoyment by the visiting public. Funding allocations in respect of 2014, which are being finalised at present, will include provision to enhance access to the parks and to improve facilities, such as walking and cycling routes, enhanced signage and interpretation, at these properties so that they can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

In recent years, my Department has provided modern visitor centres at Ballycroy National Park, Co. Mayo, and Clara Bog Nature Reserve, Co. Offaly, as well as a visitor information point for the Burren National Park in Corofin, Co. Clare.

Killarney House in Killarney National Park is currently undergoing major refurbishment to transform it into the main visitor and interpretative centre for the park with a focus on interpreting the park’s natural wealth. This is a major project for my Department and involves collaboration with OPW, as project managers, and Fáilte Ireland, which has committed funding of €5.2 million towards the project under its Tourism Investment Programme.

In general, my Department seeks to support the greater use of our National Parks in a manner which is compatible with conservation and protection of their biodiversity while supporting economic renewal through sustainable tourism. While it can be difficult to give an exact number of visitors to National Parks as there are many, often remote, access points to the parks, overall visitor numbers have been estimated to be in excess of 2 million per annum. My Department installed a number of visitor counters in the National Parks in 2013 and it is hoped that these will assist in providing enhanced information on visitor numbers in future years.

While core services in the National Parks have not been outsourced by my Department to date, I am currently reviewing this issue in light of the pressures on the funding available to me in recent years. I recognise, however, that my Department’s network of National Parks and Nature Reserves is a major element of Ireland’s tourism attraction. I will be taking all possible steps, therefore, to ensure that the unique qualities of our natural heritage continue to play a significant role in enhancing and projecting Ireland’s image abroad, and in supporting economic renewal through cultural and heritage tourism and in downstream opportunities, such as in the retail, catering and accommodation sectors.

National Monuments

Questions (338)

Robert Troy

Question:

338. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding a request by Granard Town Council to match the 50% part-funding supplied by the council to purchase the Granard motte, which is a protected structure of cultural and historical significance to Granard and the surrounding area (details supplied). [6763/14]

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Written answers

Although in private ownership, Granard motte and bailey is a national monument in the guardianship of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004. As such, it enjoys the full range of protections afforded by those Acts, including a requirement that any works at, or in proximity to it, are subject to my prior written consent. While the scope for acquiring ownership of such monuments is extremely limited in the prevailing budgetary circumstances, discussions are taking place between my Department and Granard Town Council regarding the options for this monument.

Official Engagements

Questions (339)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

339. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide details of all official engagements by him or the Ministers of State in his Department that have taken place in Northern Ireland since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6812/14]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, I and the Minister of State at my Department, Mr. Dinny McGinley, T.D., are both committed to deepening and enhancing North/South cooperation across the various areas of our remit. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department funds two of the six North South Implementation Bodies established under the 1999 British-Irish Agreement. These are Waterways Ireland and An Foras Teanga (which comprises two agencies - Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency/Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch). These Implementation Bodies carry out a range of activities in line with their statutory remits. They operate under the policy direction of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and are supported by funding from their two sponsor Departments, my own Department and Northern Ireland's Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. I, along with the Minister of State at my Department, Mr. Dinny McGinley, T.D., participate regularly in meetings of the NSMC, in both the Waterways and Language sectoral formats. I also participate at the highest level when the NSMC meets in Plenary format.

My Department is committed to supporting North/South co-operation particularly in the context of the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement. Other areas of cross border co-operation include work on the planning of commemorations, collaborations between museums on either side of the border, participation by a number of projects in Northern Ireland in Culture Night, as well as engagement on built and natural heritage, and environmental matters. Both I and my colleague, Minister of State McGinley, have also taken the opportunity of attending other cross-border cultural functions. This has included my attendance at the recent Belfast Féile, the William Kennedy Piping Festival in Armagh, the Ulster Museum Commemoration lecture and an event on the Ulster Covenant, the launch of Buntings' Ancient Irish Music in the Linenhall Library, an event at Teac Mallon Creative Arts Centre, an event in the Ulster Hall to celebrate the twinning of Downpatrick and Listowel and the launch of Gaeilge Gan Stró in 2012. I addressed the European Walled Towns Network and invited guests in Derry and attended many cultural events organised as part of the Derry City of Culture programme in 2013. My colleague Minister McGinley has also attended both cultural and heritage events in Northern Ireland, including Robbie Burns concerts and the launch of the Ulster-Scots Foundation Certificate in Highland Piping at Stormont.

In 2011, there were two NSMC sectoral meetings held in Northern Ireland and attended by both myself and the Minister of State at my Department, Mr. Dinny McGinley, T.D. In 2012 and 2013, there were 4 such meetings held each of these years in Northern Ireland. In addition, I attended 3 NSMC Plenary meetings in Northern Ireland, on 18 November 2011, 2 November 2012 and 8 November 2013.

Waterways Ireland Expenditure

Questions (340)

Brendan Smith

Question:

340. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the level of expenditure incurred to date in relation to the feasibility study and any other studies undertaken in respect of the proposed extension of the Erne Navigation from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra; if his Department proposes to review the decision not to proceed with this project any further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6857/14]

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Written answers

I am informed by Waterways Ireland that expenditure incurred to date in relation on this project, the Lough Oughter project, on the Erne Navigation from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra is €84,647. I am also advised that, on reviewing the environmental information from this process, Waterways Ireland considers that the environmental designations of this lake complex make the feasibility of the proposed navigation extension highly unviable.

I understand that Waterways Ireland does not, therefore, propose to pursue this project any further at this time.

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