Tuesday, 8 Apr 2014

Written Answers Nos. 55-77

National Reform Programme

Questions (55, 56)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

55. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach the number of organisations that have made a submission to the consultation on the national reform programme 2014 to date. [16263/14]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

56. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach the way in which the consultation process for the national reform programme 2014 was advertised or publicised. [16264/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 56 together.

Stakeholder engagement is regarded as an important part or the National Reform Programme (NRP) process.

In late February, officials in my Department wrote to a number of organisations representative of civil society and regional bodies, requesting submissions in advance of the preparation of the NRP 2014.

Subsequently the Minister of State for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe T.D., wrote to those organisations, enclosing the draft NRP, seeking further observations.

To date eight organisations have made submissions/observations.

A draft of the NRP was circulated to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs at the end of March, and Minister Donohoe appeared before that Committee last week to discuss the draft.

EU Issues

Questions (57)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

57. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Taoiseach the amount the Blue Star programme costs; the percentage of this cost borne by the Irish taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16270/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Blue Star programme is part of the Government’s Communicating Europe Initiative. The aim of the programme is to foster better understanding and knowledge among primary school children of the European Union and how the EU affects our lives.

The invitation to tender for the role of National Coordinator for the Blue Star programme was published on the eTenders Public Procurement website in October 2011. European Movement Ireland was awarded the contract on the basis of most economically advantageous tender. On the basis of the successful implementation of the pilot phase in the school year 2011-12, the programme was renewed for a further two years in accordance with the terms of the contract.

The costs (excluding VAT) of the programme over the term of the contract, which is now in its final year, are set out below:

Year	Amount
2011-2012	€39,785
2012-2013	€48,000
2013-2014	€50,000

In 2012, the costs of the programme transferred to the Vote of my Department from the Vote of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The programme has grown significantly over the period of the contract, from 30 schools in 12 counties in the pilot year, to 106 schools from 24 counties registered for this year's programme. Blue Star programme reports on the first two years are available on my Department's website and the report of the final year will be published in the coming months. A decision on the future approach to the programme will be taken in due course.

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (58)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

58. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Taoiseach if he will ensure that when a communication in relation to wrongdoing is received in his Department that the communication will be deemed to have come to his attention; if he will confirm that, while he is not expected to personally exercise the function of dealing with wrongdoing, he is responsible for ensuring that the function is exercised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16298/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

My Department has procedures in place to ensure that correspondence received here is dealt with appropriately. Correspondence of the nature outlined by the Deputy is brought to the attention of relevant Ministerial offices.

I have seen Deputy Flanagan's recent letter, co-signed by a number of Deputies. The individual correspondence outlined is receiving attention.

Parliamentary Questions Costs

Questions (59)

Joan Collins

Question:

59. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Taoiseach the costs to his Department to process and respond to a priority, an oral and a written Parliamentary Question. [16598/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

Information is not currently available which would make it possible to distinguish the cost to my Department of answering Parliamentary Questions from the overall administrative cost associated with the operation of the Department more generally. The full cost in answering Parliamentary Questions would also need to take account of the costs arising for the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Census of Population Data

Questions (60)

Denis Naughten

Question:

60. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach the proportion of adults aged over 60 years in the 2011 census in each district electoral division (details supplied) in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16702/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table.

Proportion of the population aged 60 and over for selected electoral divisions, Census 2011

Electoral Division	Total population in ED	Total aged 60 years and over	Percentage of total population 60 and over (%)
Constituency of Galway East
Abbeygormacan	416	81	19.5
Aughrim	595	142	23.9
Ballymacward	315	64	20.3
Clonfert	457	91	19.9
Kilconnell	670	169	25.2
Killaan	500	125	25.0
Killallaghtan	436	85	19.5
Killoran	279	55	19.7
Kilmacshane	245	48	19.6
Kiltormer	531	132	24.9
Laurencetown	351	85	24.2
Oatfield	435	85	19.5
Scregg	236	46	19.5
Ardamullivan	587	110	18.7
Ardrahan	540	134	24.8
Ballycahalan	222	39	17.6
Beagh	718	114	15.9
Cahermore	515	68	13.2
Cappard	99	15	15.2
Castletaylor	574	63	11.0
Doorus	748	89	11.9
Drumacoo	1,239	208	16.8
Gort	2,671	440	16.5
Kilbeacanty	318	40	12.6
Killeely	1,596	172	10.8
Killeenavarra	746	93	12.5
Killinny	429	78	18.2
Kiltartan	743	145	19.5
Kilthomas	83	24	28.9
Kinvarra	1,351	214	15.8
Rahasane	329	45	13.7
Skehanagh	477	79	16.6
Aille	389	73	18.8
Athenry	4,828	602	12.5
Ballynagar	195	48	24.6
Bracklagh	460	95	20.7
Bullaun	254	46	18.1
Cappalusk	384	71	18.5
Castleboy	550	88	16.0
Cloonkeen	429	76	17.7
Colmanstown	120	15	12.5
Craughwell	1,640	187	11.4
Derrylaur	108	23	21.3
Drumkeary	573	122	21.3
Graigabbey	393	36	9.2
Grange	739	137	18.5
Greethill	920	156	17.0
Kilchreest	312	67	21.5
Kilconickny	655	100	15.3
Kilconierin	527	83	15.7
Killimor	331	69	20.8
Killogilleen	818	107	13.1
Kilmeen	631	115	18.2
Kilreekill	325	64	19.7
Kilteskill	368	44	12.0
Kiltullagh	702	110	15.7
Lackalea	383	31	8.1
Leitrim	457	71	15.5
Loughrea Rural	873	147	16.8
Loughrea Urban	5,062	917	18.1
Marblehill / Loughatorick	397	103	25.9
Mountain	307	38	12.4
Movode	254	45	17.7
Raford	440	61	13.9
Tiaquin	660	79	12.0
Woodford	493	135	27.4
Annagh	375	87	23.2
Cooloo	542	97	17.9
Derryglassaun	867	163	18.8
Mount Bellew	1,874	304	16.2
Mounthazel	496	104	21.0
Abbeyville	280	70	25.0
Ballyglass	162	39	24.1
Coos	111	28	25.2
Derrew	166	41	24.7
Drummin	369	94	25.5
Eyrecourt	454	128	28.2
Killimor	698	189	27.1
Kilmalinoge	218	54	24.8
Kilquain	318	67	21.1
Meelick	278	62	22.3
Moat	176	32	18.2
Pallas	401	99	24.7
Portumna	2,327	462	19.9
Tiranascragh	174	43	24.7
Tynagh	442	91	20.6
Abbey East	670	159	23.7
Abbey West	710	108	15.2
Addergoole	550	124	22.5
Annaghdown	1,381	184	13.3
Ballinderry	468	60	12.8
Ballinduff	705	108	15.3
Ballynapark	990	159	16.1
Beaghmore	331	48	14.5
Belclare	794	136	17.1
Carrownagur	445	92	20.7
Carrowrevagh	457	89	19.5
Claretuam	1,032	187	18.1
Clonbern	396	72	18.2
Cloonkeen	460	159	34.6
Cummer	1,079	177	16.4
Donaghpatrick	563	88	15.6
Doonbally	580	118	20.3
Dunmore South	812	186	22.9
Foxhall	591	130	22.0
Headford	1,489	258	17.3
Hillsbrook	692	120	17.3
Kilbennan	376	75	19.9
Kilcoona	619	93	15.0
Killeany	610	89	14.6
Killeen	658	111	16.9
Killererin	732	116	15.8
Killower	851	100	11.8
Killursa	1,076	201	18.7
Kilmoylan	1,040	140	13.5
Kilshanvy	394	77	19.5
Levally	360	82	22.8
Milltown	633	133	21.0
Monivea	655	88	13.4
Moyne	678	130	19.2
Ryehill	707	78	11.0
Tuam Rural	5,520	675	12.2
Tuam Urban	3,304	797	24.1

Proportion of the population aged 60 and over for selected electoral divisions, Census 2011

Electoral Division	Total population in ED	Total aged 60 years and over	Percentage of total population 60 and over (%)
Constituency of Roscommon - Galway
Ballinasloe Urban	6,449	1,307	20.3
Ahascragh	637	119	18.7
Ballinasloe Rural	599	123	20.5
Clontuskert	212	62	29.2
Kellysgrove	387	86	22.2
Killure	802	142	17.7
Kylemore	161	46	28.6
Lismanny	239	58	24.3
Ballinastack	324	74	22.8
Ballymoe	399	91	22.8
Ballynakill	419	105	25.1
Boyounagh	257	59	23.0
Creggs	367	84	22.9
Curraghmore	158	31	19.6
Glennamaddy	867	184	21.2
Island	286	56	19.6
Kilcroan	561	110	19.6
Kiltullagh	198	49	24.7
Raheen	492	111	22.6
Shankill	287	77	26.8
Templetogher	393	82	20.9
Toberroe	321	59	18.4
Ballynakill	592	149	25.2
Caltra	365	71	19.5
Castleblakeney	526	110	20.9
Castleffrench	524	112	21.4
Clonbrock	553	108	19.5
Cloonkeen	310	79	25.5
Killeroran	1,289	275	21.3
Killian	340	70	20.6
Taghboy	228	40	17.5
Dunmore North	597	131	21.9
Toberadosh	382	80	20.9
Athlone West Rural	4,450	356	8.0
Ballydangan	702	130	18.5
Ballynamona	538	117	21.7
Caltragh	275	52	18.9
Carnagh	777	101	13.0
Carrowreagh	534	95	17.8
Castlesampson	394	80	20.3
Cloonburren	244	41	16.8
Cloonown	243	44	18.1
Crannagh	1,177	195	16.6
Creagh	1,035	187	18.1
Culliagh	204	34	16.7
Drumlosh	323	63	19.5
Dysart	242	53	21.9
Kilcar	369	54	14.6
Kiltoom	1,656	297	17.9
Lecarrow	314	55	17.5
Moore	310	70	22.6
Rockhill	374	75	20.1
Taghboy	473	92	19.5
Taghmaconnell	276	64	23.2
Thomastown	738	122	16.5
Turrock	347	60	17.3
Aghafin	135	33	24.4
Aughrim East	227	55	24.2
Aughrim West	188	50	26.6
Ballyfarnan	247	51	20.6
Ballyfermoyle	155	34	21.9
Boyle Rural	1,533	349	22.8
Boyle Urban	1,459	398	27.3
Breedoge	239	71	29.7
Cloonteen	291	65	22.3
Creeve	169	40	23.7
Croghan	359	78	21.7
Crossna	207	50	24.2
Danesfort	865	150	17.3
Estersnow	88	21	23.9
Keadew	486	103	21.2
Kilbryan	321	63	19.6
Kilcolagh	126	36	28.6
Killukin	286	47	16.4
Killummod	107	19	17.8
Kilmacumsy	319	66	20.7
Kilmore	184	46	25.0
Lisgarve / Mantua	237	56	23.6
Lough Allen / Altagowlan	312	70	22.4
Oakport	319	51	16.0
Rockingham	345	85	24.6
Rushfield	425	73	17.2
Tivannagh	285	62	21.8
Tumna North	178	39	21.9
Tumna South	204	53	26.0
Artagh North	850	172	20.2
Artagh South	458	118	25.8
Ballaghaderreen	2,768	595	21.5
Ballinlough	1,013	265	26.2
Ballintober	758	174	23.0
Baslick	163	41	25.2
Bellanagare	629	167	26.6
Buckill	374	91	24.3
Carrowduff	203	49	24.1
Castleplunket	512	113	22.1
Castlereagh	3,077	737	24.0
Castleteheen	353	91	25.8
Cloonfower	359	85	23.7
Coolougher	491	117	23.8
Edmondstown	446	101	22.6
Fairymount	359	84	23.4
Frenchpark	860	157	18.3
Kiltullagh	1,134	262	23.1
Loughglinn	727	178	24.5
Annaghmore	325	73	22.5
Athleague East	458	102	22.3
Athleague West	552	117	21.2
Ballygarden	220	64	29.1
Bumlin	408	68	16.7
Cams	494	110	22.3
Cloonfinlough	201	60	29.9
Cloontuskert	1,238	273	22.1
Cloonygormican	451	101	22.4
Cloonyquin	288	56	19.4
Creeve	116	28	24.1
Cregga	164	35	21.3
Drumdaff	434	83	19.1
Dunamon	360	61	16.9
Elia	127	26	20.5
Elphin	794	204	25.7
Fuerty	713	145	20.3
Kilbride North	372	79	21.2
Kilbride South	395	76	19.2
Kilgefin	316	53	16.8
Kilglass North	392	91	23.2
Kilglass South	322	66	20.5
Killavackan	231	47	20.3
Killukin	207	51	24.6
Kilteevan	522	89	17.0
Lackan	388	71	18.3
Lismaha	370	81	21.9
Lissonuffy	164	38	23.2
Mote	902	152	16.9
Ogulla	330	72	21.8
Roosky	707	176	24.9
Roscommon Rural	4,782	903	18.9
Roscommon Urban	1,701	346	20.3
Rosmoylan	162	49	30.2
Rossmore	168	36	21.4
Scregg	488	75	15.4
Strokestown	1,003	241	24.0
Termonbarry	696	96	13.8
Tulsk	279	85	30.5

Motor Tax Exemptions

Questions (61, 62)

Seán Fleming

Question:

61. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of motor vehicles in the possession of his Department or agencies of his Department that are not required to hold motor tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16029/14]

Seán Fleming

Question:

62. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of motor vehicles in the possession of his Department or agencies of his Department that do not hold an insurance policy; the manner in which insurance claims arising in respect of vehicles in the possession of his Department or its agencies are handled; the amount of insurance claims paid on behalf of his Department in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16045/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 62 together.

The Department has three vehicles based at headquarters and 78 vehicles across our mission network abroad.

The three official vehicles at headquarters are covered by State insurance under Section 4(2) of the Road Traffic Act and are exempt from Third Party Insurance.

Any insurance claim arising in respect of these vehicles is referred to the State Claims Agency for processing.

No insurance claims have been paid in the five years to date.

As the vehicles in question are State owned they are exempt from paying Motor Tax. They must, however, display Motor Tax discs; these are issued gratis by the Motor Tax Office.

The official vehicles at missions abroad are required to be registered and insured as appropriate in the countries where they are located; they are not required to be registered for Irish Motor Tax.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (63)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

63. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government's position regarding Rwandan President Paul Kagame and UN allegations regarding his involvement in Congo. [16107/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Democratic Republic of Congo continues to face one of the most complex and enduring humanitarian crises in the world. Ongoing conflict, human rights violations and gender-based violence in the east of the country continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people internally and across borders into neighbouring countries. It is vital to counter and deal with all destabilising forces in the region, that regional Governments, including the Government of Rwanda, cooperate with the United Nations on this and play a positive role in searching for peace and stability. Central to this is the process of reconciliation, justice for the perpetrators of human rights abuses and peace building, so that the myriad development needs of the people in eastern DRC can be met.

The EU pursues a comprehensive approach to the DRC and Great Lakes region encompassing a political, security, development and humanitarian response. The main focus of the EU's political engagement is supporting the implementation of the Framework Agreement for Peace, Security and Cooperation in the Great Lakes Region which was signed in Addis Ababa on 24 February 2013. The signatories of the Framework Agreement are the DRC and its 10 neighbours, including Rwanda.

Former President Mary Robinson was appointed on 18 March 2013 as the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for the Great Lakes region of Africa and her role is to coordinate and assess the implementation of national and regional commitments under the Framework Agreement. Ireland is committed to supporting this work and in December 2013, Ireland contributed €300,000 to the UN Trust Fund in support of the Office of the Special Envoy. We are also actively considering support for the Women’s Platform for the peace process in the Great Lakes Region which is under the guidance of Special Envoy Robinson.

Since 2009, Ireland has provided €44.6 million in response to the crisis in the DRC. In 2013 alone, Ireland provided over €5.5 million in humanitarian funding to the DRC - €3.8 million was provided to the Common Humanitarian Fund for the DRC, while the remaining €1.8 million was allocated to NGO partners.

Costais Aistriúcháin

Questions (64)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

64. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den an Tánaiste agus Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála cén méid airgid a chaitheadh in 2013 ar aistriú doiciméad ó Bhéarla go Gaeilge nó ó Ghaeilge go Béarla, agus ó theangacha eile go Béarla agus ó Bhéarla go teangacha eile, faoi seach; cad ba chaiteachas iomlán riaracháin na Roinne sa bhliain 2013; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16137/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Bhí caiteachas riaracháin de €171.8 milliún in iomlán ag mo Roinn sa bhliain 2013. Tá an t-eolas atá á lorg ag an dTeachta leagtha amach sa tábla a leanas:

Aistriúchán	Costais €
Gaeilge go Béarla	0
Béarla go Gaeilge: - Aistriúchán téacs iomláin suíomh idirlíon na Roinne, costais eisceachtúla a bhaineann le 2013 amháin; - Gnáth Aistriúchán.	79,816 8,612
Béarla go Fraincis	2,468
Béarla go Gearmáinis	1,102
Béarla go hIodáilis	200
Béarla go Gréigis	889
Béarla go Mandairínis	1,012
Béarla go Cóiréis	1,050
Béarla go Polainnis	1,059
Béarla go Tuircis	368
Béarla go Vítneamais	151
Béarla go Seice	483
Béarla go Portaingéilis	344
Araibis go Béarla	1,199
Iomlán	98,753

Passport Application Refusals

Questions (65)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

65. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when a decision will be made on a passport appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this appeal was submitted in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16247/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The person in question applied to replace a stolen passport in February, 2012. In this application he sought a different name for his passport to the one that was stolen. This application is subject to the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008 (the Act). Section 10 of the Act deals with the issue of name changes for passports. It underpins passport policy whereby a person is required to provide documentary evidence of the use of a name over a two year period, by which s/he is normally known and which differs, other than by marriage, from his/her name on the birth certificate or a previous passport. Such evidence establishes the person's new name as his/her legal name.

The required evidence to show the usage of a new name was not provided with the initial application. Accordingly, the Department wrote to him, initially to request the evidence of the use of the name, and, when this could not be provided, to refuse a passport to him in his new name.

This decision was subsequently appealed under the Act by the applicant to the Passport Appeals Officer. The appeals process is independent to the operation of the Passport Service. However, I understand the matter is being considered by the Passport Appeals Officer (PAO) and the Department has submitted observations to the PAO on this case.

Pending the findings of the independent appeals process there are a two options open to the applicant which could secure his passport:

(i) re-apply for a passport in his new name with supporting evidence showing the usage of his new name; or

(ii) apply for a passport in the name in his previous passport.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (66)

Seán Kenny

Question:

66. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he is kept updated by his officials regarding the current situation in Ukraine. [16257/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Officials in my Department report to me on a constant basis in respect of the situation in the Ukraine.

Arms Trade

Questions (67)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

67. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when his Department was made aware that by signing the Arms Trade Treaty in 2013 that they needed an EU decision by the Council in order to ratify it, in view of the fact that the treaty covered an area not within the competence of member states, but rather an exclusive competence of the EU; in view of the fact that the EU approval has been given, when he expects Ireland to be in a position to deposit the ratification instruments with the United Nations in New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16489/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland formally ratified the Arms Trade Treaty on Wednesday, 2 April, in the company of Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The Treaty covers matters which fall within the respective areas of competence of the Member States and the European Union. Accordingly, it was understood from the time of the conclusion of the Treaty's negotiation that an EU Council Decision would be required for EU Member States to ratify it as well completion of their national procedures. I informed the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade of this when I presented the terms of the Arms Trade Treaty to it before the Dáil gave its approval on 6 November 2013.

Irish Communities Abroad

Questions (68)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

68. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he intends to incorporate the recently announced Diaspora policy review by his Department into the review of foreign affairs and external relations; if they will be exclusive of each other when the policy documents and-or White Papers are published in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16490/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

At the Third Global Irish Economic Forum, which took place in October 2013, I announced that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade would undertake a comprehensive review of our Diaspora policy to examine all elements of our engagement with the Irish abroad.

That review is now underway. As part of the review, on 18th March, I launched a public consultation. The consultation paper is available on my Department's website. I would encourage as many individuals and groups as possible who have an interest in the area to submit contributions, in order that we can draw on the public’s views, knowledge and experience in considering future policy.

Ireland's embassies and consulates around the world have circulated the consultation document to Irish communities in their countries and areas of accreditation, to help broaden the base of submissions.

As indicated in the consultation paper, among the issues that will be considered in the review are:

- Identifying the trends in the ongoing development of the Diaspora

- Understanding the needs of different emigrant and Diaspora communities overseas and how to respond to these. These include new emigrants, the undocumented in the US and ageing emigrant communities.

- The role of the Diaspora in social and economic development in Ireland.

- The continued importance and role of the Diaspora for peace on this island.

- The status, rights and entitlements of emigrants and returning emigrants.

- How the Government can best connect with the Irish abroad.

Of course my Department is open to receiving views on all aspects of the Government's engagement and relationship with the Diaspora, beyond what is covered in this list.

It is intended that this review will be complementary to the wider Review of Foreign Policy and External Relations being conducted by my Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It will allow Diaspora issues to be considered in greater depth and in more operational terms. Submissions made under the Foreign Policy Review which reference Diaspora and emigration-related issues will be made available to the Diaspora policy review team as a matter of course and will be taken fully into account.

Parliamentary Questions Costs

Questions (69)

Joan Collins

Question:

69. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the costs to his Department to process and respond to a priority, an oral and a written parliamentary question. [16592/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Parliamentary Questions, priority, oral and written, are dealt with by the staff of the Divisions within my Department with responsibility for the issues raised in individual Questions. The number and level of staff, and the time spent on individual replies, depends on the complexity and urgency of the issues raised, the ease of access to the required information, and the degree of cross-Divisional co-ordination required in preparing the reply. The cost of answering Parliamentary Questions can vary considerably, therefore, and it would be extremely difficult to identify the administrative costs associated with the processing of individual Questions. My Department introduced an electronic system to expedite the processing of Parliamentary Questions in 2013. This has greatly improved the administration process and has reduced the time and cost involved in replying to Parliamentary Questions generally.

Missing Persons

Questions (70)

Brendan Smith

Question:

70. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if further contact will be made with the French authorities in relation to a missing Irish person in France (details supplied); if this request will be given urgent consideration in view of the concerns of the family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16610/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The person referred to by the Deputy first came to the attention of my Department on 08 May 2009 when his mother contacted our Embassy in Madrid seeking assistance in locating him. Officials from my Department have remained in contact with his family since then and provided all possible consular assistance through our Embassies in Madrid and Paris and through the Consular Assistance Section of my Department in Dublin.

The family have met with officers of this Department on a number of occasions and officers of my Department remain available to meet the individual's family. In addition to discussing the case at these meetings my Department’s role in missing person’s cases and its limitations was explained to the family.

The family has expressed a wish to meet with the police officers in charge of the investigation and our Embassy in Paris is in contact with the police authorities to facilitate this. Arrangements are currently being made to find a mutually suitable date for an early meeting. Our Embassy will remain in contact with the police and keep the individual’s family informed.

My Department will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the family. I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal sympathy to the family and to assure them of my full appreciation of the distress the disappearance of their loved one has caused.

Human Rights Issues

Questions (71)

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

71. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if an update is available from the recent assessment team that was in Burma on behalf of his Department; the recommendations the group made; if the recommendations are being followed up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16695/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

From 30 June-6 July 2013 officials from my Department undertook a scoping visit to Myanmar/Burma. The purpose of the mission was to assess developments in the country, and examine how Irish Aid could develop an assistance programme for Myanmar/Burma. The visit encompassed a wide range of meetings with political, business, diplomatic and civil society contacts. The range of meetings allowed a broad assessment of developments in the country, and – in addition to identifying key elements of a possible aid programme – the opportunity to identify potential avenues to improve trade, investment and other links between Ireland and Myanmar/Burma.

The Delegation visited Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw and Kachin, and met three Ministers, the National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Heads of Mission and development specialists from EU and other countries, representatives of multilateral organisations, high-level business contacts, and a wide range of civil society organisations.

On foot of the scoping visit – as well as several visits by Ireland’s Ambassador to Myanmar (based in Hanoi), and suggestions made to me by Aung San Suu Kyi during meetings with her last year including at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in October 2013 – I agreed funding of €500,000 for a bilateral development assistance programme in Myanmar/Burma in 2013. This bilateral programme of support, which will be managed from the Embassy in Hanoi, is aligned with Ireland's new policy for development 'One World – One future' and with the Department’s current country strategy in Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR.

The programme itself is designed to maximise our interventions and resources and will support improved livelihoods for poor rural people; the development of the agriculture sector; the peace process - by developing mine risk education and awareness of unexploded ordnance among local civil society groups; and the development of responsible business practice and transparency. The same level of funding has also been agreed for 2014. I have tasked officials to undertake further work on how Ireland can assist in the area of trade promotion, capacity building and education scholarships with a view to developing a more strategic bilateral programme from 2014.

This programme is in addition to Irish Aid support to civil society organisations for development and humanitarian interventions in Myanmar/Burma which totalled just over €2.9 million between 2011 and 2013. This includes €1.325 million provided to Trócaire in 2013 for development interventions focused on governance, human rights and gender equality, and humanitarian projects, including in Kachin and Shan states. Irish Aid also provided USD 200,000 for the provision of AIDS treatment and a continuum of care to People Living with HIV in Myanmar in 2009-2011 through UNAIDS and implemented by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, Ratana Metta (a local NGO) and the World Food Programme.

I am considering additional support also for humanitarian responses in Myanmar/Burma in 2014 through Irish Aid's humanitarian programme. A humanitarian visit and assessment by Ireland, as part of a wider UNHCR visit in the latter part of 2013, found that the ongoing humanitarian emergency in Rakhine state presents the most pressing humanitarian concern for Myanmar/Burma, its neighbours and its international partners.

Since 2007, over €7m in total has been provided by the Irish Aid Programme to Myanmar/Burma through NGOs and Irish missionaries for both long term development and emergency and recovery responses.

Food Security

Questions (72)

Seán Kyne

Question:

72. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if food security is being examined as part of the review of Ireland's review of foreign policy and if there is further scope for drawing on the expertise and knowledge of Ireland's farming community in assisting less developed countries in surmounting food security challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16764/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The fight against global hunger and under-nutrition is a central priority for Ireland's development programme, and an integral element of our foreign policy. Addressing last week’s EU-Africa summit in Brussels, I emphasised how agriculture, and in particular, small holder agriculture, should contribute to achieving food and nutrition security and inclusive economic growth in Africa.

At present, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is undertaking a review of Ireland's Foreign Policy and external relations. The review will fully reflect the Government's Policy for International Development 'One World, One Future' which was approved in May 2013.

We will continue to prioritise the fight against global hunger and under-nutrition. Support for sustainable growth in the agricultural sector in Sub-Saharan Africa is a critical element of this. We are building on our strong support for empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women, in sub-Saharan Africa and investing in agricultural services that will benefit poor farmers and their communities and reduce hunger and promote economic growth.

Ireland’s international development policy places greater emphasis on a whole-of-government approach to achieving development results.

My Department works closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in developing appropriate policy responses. Through the Africa Agri-food Development Fund we are developing partnerships between the Irish Agri-Food Sector and African countries to support sustainable growth of the local food industry. There is a growing collaboration between the Irish Aid programme and Teagasc to share its expertise with our partner countries in Africa.

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (73)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

73. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will ensure that when a communication in relation to wrongdoing is received in his Department that the communication will be deemed to have come to his attention; if he will confirm that, while he is not expected to personally exercise the function of dealing with wrongdoing, he is responsible for ensuring that the function is exercised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17105/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am satisfied that my Department has appropriate procedures in place to ensure that communications of the nature referred to by the Deputy are acknowledged and acted upon in an appropriate manner having regard to the Department’s role and responsibilities.

Property Tax Exemptions

Questions (74)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

74. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the property tax for houses adapted for use by persons with a disability (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15962/14]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that, while there is no specific exemption from Local Property Tax (LPT) for a person with a disability, or for domestic properties that have been modified to cater for a person with a disability, an exemption may apply in certain limited circumstances.

Section 10B of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) provides that an exemption from the charge to LPT may apply to a residential property purchased, built or adapted to make it suitable for occupation by a permanently and totally incapacitated individual as their sole or main residence, where an award has been made by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board or a Court, or where a trust has been established, specifically for the benefit of such individuals. In the case of adaptations to a property, the exemption will only apply where the cost of the adaptations exceeds 25% of the market value of the property before it is adapted.

Also, where an exemption cannot be claimed under section 10B of the Act, an incapacitated person may qualify for a reduction in the market value of their property under section 15A of the 2012 Act. This section provides for a reduction in the market value of a residential property that has been adapted for occupation by a disabled person where the adaptation has been grant-aided or approved for grant aid, by a local authority, and where the adaptation increases the market value of the property. Furthermore, the person with the disability must occupy the property as his or her sole or main residence after the adaptation is completed. The reduction in value is limited to the lesser of the chargeable value attributable to the adaptation work carried out on the property and the maximum grant payable under the relevant local authority scheme. The relief ends on the sale or transfer of a property unless the person with the disability continues to reside in the property. It should also be noted that the impact of such adaptations on a property may decrease its value which may in turn impact on the LPT liability.

In regard to the specific case to which the Deputy refers I can confirm that there is no provision in the legislation to provide for an exemption from LPT in the circumstances outlined. However, as I recently advised the House in my reply to Question 15021/14, my officials are currently examining the operation of Local Property Tax (LPT) reliefs in respect of disabled and/or incapacitated people and will make recommendations to me on the issue shortly.

Finally, Revenue has advised me that a member of LPT Branch will make contact with the person in question in the coming days to discuss various issues that he has raised in correspondence.

Fuel Rebate Scheme

Questions (75, 93, 106)

Michael Lowry

Question:

75. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to resolve the difficulties being faced by those seeking to avail of the diesel rebate fuel scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the requirement to buy fuel in bulk is placing their businesses and families in danger of robberies and break-ins; if he will allow members of this scheme to buy smaller amounts and provide invoices on a quarterly basis to ensure that the minimum is achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16291/14]

Ciara Conway

Question:

93. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to an issue in respect of bulk purchase of diesel that is of concern to transport operators; if he will consider correspondence, details supplied, and in view of the circumstances outlined if it is possible to amend the rules and offer an alternative whereby members of the transport organisation provide invoices to the Revenue Commissioners on a quarterly basis and as the 2,000 litre minimum is achieved. [16123/14]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

106. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence regarding coach and bus operators (details supplied). [16243/14]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 75, 93 and 106 together.

I introduced this scheme in the Finance Act 2013 in order to provide for a repayment to qualifying road haulage and bus operators of a part of the mineral oil tax paid on their purchases of auto-diesel for use in the course of business.  In order to address the risk of widespread abuse of the scheme, provision was made for certain restrictions on the means by which the auto-diesel concerned may be purchased.  Purchases in bulk must be made from a licensed mineral oil trader, and delivered, in a quantity exceeding 2,000 litres, to a premises or place that is under the control of that qualifying road transport operator.  Bulk purchases from licensed mineral oil traders can be verified by reference to the monthly electronic returns that the oil traders are required to make to Revenue.

Purchases by means of a fuel card, approved by Revenue for that purpose, also qualify for repayment and there is no minimum requirement on purchases made in this way.  A fuel card will be approved where Revenue is satisfied that the fuel card provider will supply it with the information required about purchases of auto-diesel by means of that card.   

The purchasing arrangements under the scheme are necessary to enable Revenue to manage repayments to qualifying operators while controlling the risk of fraud.  Bulk purchases in quantities below the minimum requirement would not be adequate for this purpose and would not, in any case, comply with the statutory provisions governing the scheme. 

As outlined, the scheme is not solely confined to the minimum purchase requirement of 2,000 litres. Purchases by a qualifying coach operator by means of a fuel card approved by Revenue are not subject to a minimum purchase requirement and allow the coach operator concerned to avoid fuel storage while claiming under the scheme, thereby alleviating the security risks identified.  

Fuel cards are widely available and are usable across the road network and there are a number of fuel card providers who can supply suitable fuel cards to road transport operators and fuel retailers. I understand that the Federation of Transport Operators has made representations to Revenue along the lines proposed by the Deputies and Revenue will communicate directly with the Federation on these matters shortly.   

Costais Aistriúcháin

Questions (76)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

76. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Airgeadais an bhfuil aon socrú déanta chun árachas a chur ar fáil do shealbhóirí tithe nach bhfuil in ann árachas tí a fháil ó na cuideachtaí príobháideacha árachais de dheasca damáiste dá gcuid tithe ó thuilte; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16303/14]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Tuigim go maith an t-ábhar seo maidir le hárachas i leith tuilte agus na deacrachtaí atá ann maidir le hárachas tuile a fháil.  Tuigim freisin na deacrachtaí a chothaíonn easpa árachais tuile do theaghlaigh agus do ghnóthaí.  Níl sé de chumhacht agamsa ná ag Banc Ceannais na hÉireann, áfach, treoir a thabhairt do chomhlachtaí árachais árachas tuile a chur ar fáil do dhaoine áirithe. 

Is ceist ghnó do chomhlachtaí árachais é soláthar cumhdach árachais nua nó athnuachan ar chumhdach árachais a bhí ar fáil cheana féin, bunaithe ar mheasúnú ceart ar an riosca go mbeadh siad ag glacadh leis agus ar an méid airgid go mbeadh orthu a chur ar leathtaobh chun an riosca a chlúdach.  Bíonn éilimh ar árachas tuile ard go hiondúil agus, chun cumhdach mar seo a thabhairt, ní mór do chomhlachtaí a bheith sásta gur beag seans go dtarlódh tuile i ngach cás.  Chomh maith leis sin, tá sé de nós ag comhlachtaí árachais athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na rioscaí go bhfuil siad sásta a chlúdú, agus ó am go ham déanann siad cinneadh gan leanúint ag tabhairt cumhdaigh i gcás go measann siad go bhfuil riosca ard i gceist.  Tá tugtha le fios ag Insurance Ireland go bhfuil árachas tí ag 98% de shealbhóirí pholasaí árachais, a bhfuil árachas tuile san áireamh leis. 

Is é atá mar sprioc ag polasaí an Rialtais maidir le tuilte ná dul i ngleic leis an mbun-fhadhb trí oibreacha chuí a thógáil, i gcásanna go bhfuil sé seo indéanta go heacnamúil.   Tá Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí meáite ar dhul i ngleic leis na fadhbanna a chruthaíonn tuilte trí chóir chosanta a chur síos chomh maith le measúnú cuimsitheach a dhéanamh ar na rioscaí a bhaineann le tuilte ar fud na tíre agus pleananna bainistiú riosca a fhorbairt do na ceantair is mó go bhfuil riosca ag baint leo faoin gClár Náisiúnta Measúnú agus Bainistiú Priacal Tuile Abhantraí (MBTFA).  De dheasca an chostais agus an scála a bhaineann leis na cineálacha seo oibreacha chosanta, beidh tairbhe ón gcur chuige seo sa mhéan-téarma agus sa bhfad-théarma.

Chun tacú leis an tiomantas seo, tá clár oibre infheistíochta suntasach curtha i gcrích faoina gcaithfear suas le €225 milliún ar bheartais chosanta in aghaidh tuilte i gcaitheamh na mblianta 2012 go 2016.  Déantar an obair seo ar bhonn tosaíochta.  De dheasca an chostais agus an scála a bhaineann leis na cineálacha seo oibreacha chosanta, beidh tairbhe ón gcur chuige seo sa mhéan-téarma agus sa bhfad-téarma.  Táthar ag súil go mbeidh fáil níos mó ar árachas sna ceantair atá i gceist nuair a bhíonn na hoibreacha seo críochnaithe.

D'aontaigh Oifig na n-Oibreacha Poiblí agus Insurance Ireland Dé Luain, 24 Márta 2014 go gcuirfí córas i bhfeidhm faoina roinnfear eolas maidir le scéimeanna chun cur in aghaidh tuilte atá críochnaithe.  Mar thoradh ar an socrú seo, atá leagtha síos i Meamram Tuisceana, beidh tuiscint i bhfad níos fearr ag lucht árachais maidir leis an méid cosanta a thugann oibreacha cosanta agus mar sin beidh siad in ann é seo a thógáil san áireamh i gcomhthéacs soláthar árachais do theaghlaigh in áiteanna go bhfuil na hoibreacha seo déanta agus críochnaithe. 

Chomh maith leis seo, tá athbhreithniú á dhéanamh ag mo Roinn ar bhealaí chun dul i ngleic le soláthar árachais tuile, ag tógáil san áireamh taithí agus moltaí i dtíortha eile.  Caithfear a bheith cúramach, agus measúnú á dhéanamh orthu seo, nach gcuirfí socraithe i bhfeidhm a dhéanfadh lagú, le himeacht ama, ar soláthar árachais tuile ón margadh a d'fhéadfadh dochar a dhéanamh don eacnamaíocht sa bhfad-téarma

Property Tax Administration

Questions (77)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

77. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence, details supplied, regarding the local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16307/14]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that a dedicated phone number is available specifically for persons living abroad wishing to make enquiries with regard to Local Property Tax (LPT).  

The dedicated number is [phone] and is included alongside the 1890 200255 Helpline number on the various LPT notifications (i.e. the 2013 LPT Return, Form LPT1, and the LPT Booklet, which issued to property owners in March 2013).  

The 2014 Payment Method reminder letters, which issued in October 2013, also included both contact telephone numbers.  

Finally, the [phone] number is also clearly identified, on www.revenue.ie, as available for LPT queries from non-resident property owners wishing to telephone in regard to LPT issues.