Michael Moynihan
Question:312. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [27320/14]
View answerDisability Allowance Appeals
Questions (312)
Written answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 23 May 2014, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
Social Insurance
Questions (313)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:313. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 18 June 2014, the total amount of money that has been recouped from employers for the social insurance fund on foot of payments made under the insolvency payments scheme for each year between 2003 and 2013. [27336/14]
View answerWritten answers
Information in relation to the total amount of money recouped to the Social Insurance Fund from employers on foot of payments made under the Insolvency Payments Scheme for each year from 2003 to 2013 is being compiled at present and will be forwarded to the Deputy in writing as soon as possible.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (314)
Seán Kyne
Question:314. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Social Protection when the contract for provision of social welfare payments was awarded to An Post; the duration of this contract; if there is an option to renew; if there is any legislation before the Houses of the Oireachtas that would alter this contract in any way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27341/14]
View answerWritten answers
I was very pleased to sign a contract with An Post for over the counter cash payment services for welfare clients at the end of last year. This was, for the first time, signed on foot of a detailed specification of services and was openly and publicly advertised in a procurement competition for the delivery of these services. It was essential that the procurement competition was fully compliant with European procurement law given the previous challenge adjudicated on by the European Court of Justice in relation to the cash payment services delivered through An Post. The contract has been awarded for two years commencing on 2 January this year. The contract may be reviewed annually for to four years thereafter – an accumulated period of up to six years in total up to December 2019.
I am confident that the contract for the delivery of payments to welfare clients is now robust. My next step was to ensure that the legislation backing the contract was equally robust. The objective behind the proposed legislation currently being considered by the Houses of the Oireachtas is to achieve that new strength in law. The legal provisions being considered do not interfere with the contract. They do, however provide a basis for a new resilience in law to fully recognise that these services are being delivered under formal contractual arrangements, which was not the case heretofore. That contract is between me, as Minister, and an external payment service provider, An Post. The proposed amendments, as set out in the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2014 reflect the services that An Post is providing to us to deliver welfare payments to properly authenticated clients.
The measures contained in the Bill update the legal framework behind the new contract with An Post so as to ensure that its activity on behalf of the Department on a week-to-week basis has the backing required to ensure our fraud and control regime remains robust and resilient. I place a very high value on protecting the integrity of expenditure from public funds. Key to this is tackling the risk of fraud and abuse within the social welfare system. The proposed amendments enhance the Department’s opportunities in tackling fraud and abuse within the aspects of the system that directly relate to the payments to clients and allows An Post to work with the Department in implementing these controls.
I am keenly aware of the excellent work carried out by postmasters. I am also aware of the concerns and many debates that have been held over the past few months in relation to the future of An Post. As Minister I need to ensure that the legislation can stand up to scrutiny and that neither I as Minister, nor An Post are exposed in any manner to any risk to the existing contract.
Social Welfare Code
Questions (315)
Seán Kyne
Question:315. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Social Protection the ways in which a person with a jobseeker's claim can contact her Department if that person has secured very temporary employment; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that persons who secure temporary employment are experiencing difficulties in informing her Department in order that the jobseeker's claim may be suspended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27342/14]
View answerWritten answers
Where a person states that they have found work, it is normal practice for a jobseeker claim to be closed. However, in cases where the customer informs the Department in advance that they are taking up a short period of temporary work or training (up to 8 weeks), arrangements are now in place to simplify the process of returning to the live register at the end of this period.
There are a number of ways that a person can contact their Intreo Centre/Local or Branch Office regarding their jobseeker’s claim and there should be no difficulty with making contact with the Department in order to provide notification of a return to employment. Jobseekers should contact their Intreo Centre/Local or Branch Office in person or by telephone or, in writing by letter, e-mail or fax at the earliest opportunity. There is also a facility on the Department’s website www.welfare.ie under online services to notify the office that they have found work. This is currently being updated to also allow notification of a period of temporary work.
Irish Language
Questions (316, 319)
Dominic Hannigan
Question:316. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will inform the Council of the European Union by the end of the year that the Government intends to propose the ending of the derogation of the Irish language at a formal meeting in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26566/14]
View answer
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:319. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the official languages of the European Union and the request for An Taoiseach to end the derogation on the status of Irish in Europe immediately, and for the language to receive full status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27256/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 319 together.
A decision on whether or not to extend the derogation for the use of Irish in EU institutions for a further period of time is required by December 2015 at the latest. In this context, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of the Taoiseach, is engaged in discussions with various stakeholders, including the EU institutions, in order to formulate specific proposals on the optimal approach to the derogation. This matter will be brought forward for consideration by Government in due course.
It should also be noted that, as part of the Government's strategy to ensure that a sufficient number of qualified personnel are available to meet the needs arising from the recognition of Irish as an official and working language of the EU, my Department continues to provide substantial funding for a range of specialised third level courses and for the development of Irish language terminology for the EU terminology database, InterActive Terminology for Europe (IATE).
Inland Waterways Development
Questions (317, 327)
James Bannon
Question:317. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when will Government funding be provided to assist in the reopening of the old harbour at Market Square, Longford, in order to promote tourism in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26808/14]
View answerJames Bannon
Question:327. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if sources of funding will be available in the 2014-15 budget for the development of the Longford spur of the Royal Canal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26932/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 327 together.
I am informed by Waterways Ireland that there are no proposals in its works programme for 2015 for the Longford Branch of the Royal Canal. However, Waterways Ireland is currently progressing the development of a Greenway along the tow path of the Longford Branch of the Royal Canal, in partnership with Longford County Council. I am advised this will secure the canal property for future years. Funding for this is provided in 2014. With regard to the possibility of re-opening the old harbour at Market Square Longford, I understand that this property was sold by CIE to Longford Urban District Council on 7 November 1956. Its future is a matter for its current owners and neither my Department nor Waterways Ireland have any function in that regard.
Commemorative Events
Questions (318)
Micheál Martin
Question:318. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the involvement officials in his Department have in planning the 1916 commemorations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27124/14]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has been charged with the co-ordination of commemorative events constituting the centenary programme, which is a comprehensive exploration of the period from 1912 keeping pace with the centenary timeline. This involves consultation and collaboration with key Government Departments, offices and agencies, including, in particular, the Department of An Taoiseach, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence, the Department of Education and Skills, and the Office of Public Works. Local authorities, broadcast and print media, Glasnevin Trust, the Congress of Trade Unions, as well as community groups, cultural and academic institutions, regimental associations and other organisations have also contributed to the programme to date. It is envisaged that such co-operation will continue into the future.
Question No. 319 answered with Question 316.
Arts Council Funding
Questions (320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326)
Timmy Dooley
Question:320. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has received a report in relation to a staff member of the Arts Council awarding a grant of money to a family member as part of the DEIS scheme 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26899/14]
View answerTimmy Dooley
Question:321. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide assurance that safeguards have been put in place to prevent a member of staff of the Arts Council awarding a grant of money to a family member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26914/14]
View answerTimmy Dooley
Question:322. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he retains confidence in the administration of State funds by the Arts Council in view of the controversy relating to the granting of a sum of money to a family member by a staff member of the Arts Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26915/14]
View answerTimmy Dooley
Question:323. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he is satisfied with the information received in regard to the granting of a sum of money by a staff member of the Arts Council to a family member as part of the DEIS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26917/14]
View answerTimmy Dooley
Question:324. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has spoken with the chairperson of the Arts Council in regard to the granting of a sum of money by a staff member of the Arts Council to a family member as part of the DEIS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26918/14]
View answerTimmy Dooley
Question:325. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if any disciplinary action has been taken against a staff member of the Arts Council who awarded a sum of money to a family member as part of the DEIS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26919/14]
View answerTimmy Dooley
Question:326. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a person who awarded a family member a sum of money under the DEIS scheme is still employed by the Arts Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26920/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 320 to 326, inclusive, together.
Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations and I have no role to play in its executive or funding decisions. The particular matter to which the Deputy refers was discussed by the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht with the Chair of the Arts Council in February last. At the hearing, the Chair undertook to review issues of conflict of interest to ensure that there would not be a recurrence. I understand that such a review has been carried out by the Arts Council. I am also advised that:
- no grant was awarded by the Arts Council in the case to which the Deputy is referring;
- a disciplinary investigation was conducted and concluded; and
- appropriate action was taken by the Council taken in line with employment legislation and guidelines.
At the time, the Arts Council kept my Department informed appropriately of the relevant aspects of the case, which is now concluded.
Question No. 327 answered with Question No. 317.
Roads Maintenance
Questions (328)
Brendan Griffin
Question:328. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 136 of 12 June 2014 if the works referred to could be carried out immediately due to the poor condition of the roads involved and the high volume of persons expected to use them in the coming months; if this could be done without too much disruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27016/14]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, I have allocated some €100,000 this year for the purpose of continuing the programme of road maintenance works referred to. The works will be carried out as soon as is reasonably possible, having regard to necessary procurement procedures and the need to carefully arrange the works in order to minimise disruption to the many visitors to this location at this time of year.
Arts Funding
Questions (329)
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:329. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of members of Aosdána; the amount paid by member by way of stipend; the number of assembly meetings held in 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27238/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised that the information sought by the Deputy is available on the Aosdána website at http://aosdana.artscouncil.ie/.
Special Areas of Conservation Appeals
Questions (330)
Seán Kyne
Question:330. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a decision has been made on an appeal against the boundaries of a special protection area in Inishbofin Island, County Galway; if so, the results of the appeal; and if not, when a decision is expected. [27324/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised that the Designation Areas Appeals Advisory Board has heard the appeal in this case and I expect to be in a position to make a decision on this matter shortly.
Energy Resources
Questions (331, 332)
Martin Ferris
Question:331. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department is considering an alternative energy supply for the north Kerry area outside of the LNG project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26635/14]
View answerMartin Ferris
Question:332. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has entered negotiations with Shannon LNG and the energy regulator regarding advancing the LNG project in north Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26636/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 332 together.
The Irish energy market is a liberalised, commercial, regulated market operating in accordance with EU and national legislation. While as Minister I have responsibility for the legislative and policy frameworks, I have no role or function in determining energy market matters, including matters relating to energy supply for the north Kerry area. The development and expansion of the natural gas network is in the first instance a commercial matter for Gaslink, which is mandated by legislation to develop and maintain a national system for the supply of natural gas that is both economical and efficient. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is statutorily responsible for all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002.
The CER’s network connections policy provides that in order for any town to be connected to the gas network, certain economic criteria need to be met as a prerequisite. The policy framework provides that, over a certain period, the costs of connecting the town to the network are recouped through the actual consumption of gas and the associated tariffs. This is designed to obviate against uneconomic projects which would increase costs for all gas consumers.
The progression of electricity generation infrastructure projects is, in the first instance, a matter between the project developer and the relevant planning authority, having regard to the overarching policy and regulatory framework.
Concerning the Shannon LNG proposal, since 2002, the regulation of the gas market has been the responsibility of the CER which is independent in the performance of its functions. I and Government colleagues have consistently been supportive of the proposal by Shannon LNG to construct a LNG terminal near Ballylongford, County Kerry. This LNG facility would bring connectivity for the first time to the global LNG market. The prospect of such a facility is therefore a potentially positive step for the island of Ireland. While neither I nor my Department have any direct role in regard to the project, my officials and I have met with representatives of Shannon LNG to discuss project and EU related issues. The timing of an investment decision by Shannon LNG is a commercial decision for the company.
Wind Energy Generation
Questions (333)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:333. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the proportion contributed by wind energy towards overall energy and electricity bills for the country on an annual basis since 2000; the total savings to the Exchequer in terms of savings on imports and fines Ireland would have otherwise had to pay in terms of carbon emissions over the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26791/14]
View answerWritten answers
The primary support mechanisms for renewables, including wind farms, are the Alternative Energy Requirement schemes and the Renewable Energy Feed-In-Tariff (REFIT) schemes. These schemes were introduced to incentivise the development of renewable electricity generation capacity necessary to allow Ireland to meet its target of meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable generation by 2020. This target must be achieved in order for Ireland to meet its binding obligation of 16% of total energy demand to be met from renewable sources by 2020.
The Alternative Energy Requirement (AER) was a series of 6 competitive tender schemes to support new renewable generation that were run to the mid 2000s. REFIT is based around 15 year Power Purchase Agreements between generators and suppliers which provide developers with the necessary certainty required to finance their projects. Both AER and REFIT are funded from the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy. The PSO levy is charged to all electricity customers. It is designed to support the national policy objectives of security of energy supply, including through the use of indigenous fuels (i.e. peat), and the use of renewable energy sources in electricity generation. The proceeds of the levy are used to recoup the additional costs incurred by suppliers in sourcing a proportion of their electricity supplies from such generators.
The estimates for how much subsidy is funded by way of the PSO levy for each year since 2003 are published in the annual PSO decision by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). While the bulk of subsidies for renewable electricity generation paid under these schemes have been for wind, the CER has initiated a project to generate a report on the annual and cumulative costs to date in relation to AER and REFIT support schemes for each technology supported. The table presents the costs for both AER and REFIT since 2003 (the 2003 figure for AER is cumulative from the year 2000):
|
Year |
AER |
REFIT |
|
- |
€m |
€m |
|
2013/14 |
-8.0 |
51.1 |
|
2012/13 |
7.1 |
47.5 |
|
2011/12 |
0.7 |
35.8 |
|
2010/11 |
13.5 |
29.7 |
|
2009/10 |
24.3 |
39.8 |
|
2008/9 |
-58.4 |
24.4 |
|
2008 |
0.4 |
- |
|
2007 |
-29.9 |
- |
|
2006 |
0.2 |
- |
|
2005 |
12.3 |
- |
|
2004 |
16.1 |
- |
|
2003 |
6.6 |
- |
In Decision CER/13/168 of 31 July 2013, the CER has calculated the payment by customer category for the levy period 2013 - 2014. This is approximately 1.25% of a typical domestic electricity bill ex. VAT. This Decision is available on the CER website.
Analysis is being undertaken by my Department, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, EirGrid and the CER to further assess the costs and benefits associated with achieving 40% renewable electricity generation in 2020, compared to a scenario where renewable electricity remains at 2013 levels. This ongoing analysis will inform a report to be published shortly, and builds on existing work in this area such as the recently published SEAI report on Quantifying Ireland’s Fuel and CO2 Emissions Savings from Renewable Electricity in 2012, which found that the value of the fossil fuels not consumed in the Republic of Ireland in 2012 as a result of renewable electricity generation is estimated at €245 million, with the value of avoided CO2 emissions being a further €15 million.