Written Answers Nos 121-140
121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when disability benefit will be paid, including any arrears, in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28936/14]
View answerAs part of the Department’s ongoing review of payments a continuing eligibility (CE) certificate was posted to the person concerned on 28 May 2014 to complete and return. This form was returned marked “unknown at address”. There is an obligation on persons in receipt of a social welfare payment to inform the Department if they change their address and of any other change in circumstances that may affect their payment. As the Department was unaware of the whereabouts of the person concerned, his payment was suspended. The person subsequently notified the Department of his new address and a CE cert was re-issued on 2 July 2014 which the person should complete and return to the Department. In the meantime the suspension on his payment has been lifted and payment plus arrears due will be in his post office on 9 July 2014. In addition if the person concerned wishes to change his PO of payment he should inform the Department.
122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in restoration of rent allowance in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28937/14]
View answerA request for further information was sent to the client concerned on 27 May 2014. When outstanding information is provided, a decision can be made in full.
123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when rent allowance will be paid in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare, whose rent is two months overdue at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28939/14]
View answerA request for further information was sent to the clients concerned on 15 May 2014. When all outstanding information is provided, a decision can be made in full.
124. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a claim for disability allowance will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [28945/14]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10 April 2014. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 28 May 2014 and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.
126. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide, in tabular form, the details of the names and occupations of each member of the board of Waterways Ireland from 2010 to 2014; the dates on which each member was appointed to the board; if he will provide a list, in tabular form, of all expenses paid to individual members of the board on an annual basis for each of the years since their respective appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28812/14]
View answerWaterways Ireland was established without a Board. The functions of the Body are exercised by a Chief Executive under the direction of the North South Ministerial Council.
127. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide, in tabular form, the details of the names and occupations of each member of the board of Foras na Gaeilge from 2010 to 2014; the dates on which each member was appointed to the board; if he will provide a list, in tabular form, of all expenses paid to individual members of the board for each of the years since the date of their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28807/14]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy, as advised to my Department by Foras na Gaeilge, is set out in the tables below – one table referring to board members serving as at 1 January 2010 and the other to members serving on the successor board appointed with effect from 13 December 2011. It may be noted that appointments to the board of Foras na Gaeilge, being an agency of An Foras Teanga, a North South Implementation Body, are made by the North South Ministerial Council, arising from nominations on a 50:50 basis from each jurisdiction.
TABLES:
|
Previous Board |
Expenses paid (€) |
||||
|
From 1/1/2010 to: |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
||
|
Liam Ó Maolmhichíl |
Retiree |
12/12/2011 |
3,990.43 |
4,438.30 |
- |
|
Eoghan Mac Cormaic |
Development Officer |
11/10/2011 |
6,177.24 |
3,722.20 |
- |
|
Áine Andrews |
Principal Teacher |
12/12/2011 |
1,068.22 |
2,014.28 |
84.78 |
|
Liam Kennedy |
Professor |
12/12/2011 |
310.68 |
113.25 |
- |
|
Marcus Mac Ruairí |
Development Officer |
12/12/2011 |
2,378.85 |
2,163.33 |
- |
|
Lucilita Bhreatnach |
Project Co-ordinator |
12/12/2011 |
127.00 |
173.98 |
- |
|
Séanna Breathnach |
Assistant to a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in the Northern Ireland Assembly |
12/12/2011 |
2,088.44 |
1,704.92 |
- |
|
Peadar Ó Gallchóir |
Retiree |
12/12/2011 |
4,900.44 |
2,966.41 |
- |
|
Adelaide Nic Chárthaigh |
Consultant |
12/12/2011 |
1,213.64 |
1,404.98 |
- |
|
Mairéad Nic Ghiolla Mhichíl |
Lecturer |
12/12/2011 |
583.91 |
730.13 |
- |
|
Éamonn Kinch |
Retiree |
12/12/2011 |
5,999.33 |
5,693.80 |
- |
|
Dónal Ó Béarra |
Teacher |
12/12/2011 |
3,760.98 |
3,139.35 |
- |
|
Pádhraic Ó Biadha |
Manager |
11/10/2011 |
8,025.63 |
6,310.52 |
- |
|
Diarmuid Ó Murchú |
Retiree |
12/12/2011 |
12,595.21 |
8,253.82 |
- |
|
Caoilfhionn Nic Pháidín |
Lecturer |
12/12/2011 |
773.32 |
986.98 |
- |
|
Norman Henry |
Farmer |
25/05/2010 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Current Board |
Expenses paid (€) |
||||
|
From 13/12/2011 to: |
2012 |
2013 |
1/1/14 - 31/5/14 |
||
|
Liam Ó Maolmhichíl |
Retiree |
12/12/2015 |
3,250.60 |
4,436.40 |
1,384.96 |
|
Eoghan Mac Cormaic |
Development Officer |
12/12/2015 |
4,526.21 |
4,104.23 |
1,660.85 |
|
Pól Callaghan |
Head of Information & Policy |
12/12/2015 |
57.10 |
366.42 |
- |
|
Liam Kennedy |
Retiree |
25/03/2014 |
286.64 |
- |
- |
|
Marcus Mac Ruairí |
Development Officer |
12/12/2015 |
1,789.83 |
3,150.22 |
451.66 |
|
Therese Ruane |
Director |
12/12/2015 |
2,207.47 |
1,946.89 |
1,310.60 |
|
Tomás Sharkey |
Teacher |
18/09/2013 |
1,009.91 |
765.24 |
- |
|
Colm Cavanagh |
Lecturer |
12/12/2015 |
- |
194.00 |
- |
|
Áine Ní Chiaráin |
Journalist |
12/12/2015 |
3,812.64 |
4,150.72 |
1,672.09 |
|
Bríd Ní Chonghóile |
Senior Executive |
12/12/2015 |
1,008.16 |
1,002.99 |
131.90 |
|
Seosamh Mac Donnchadha |
Chief Executive |
12/12/2015 |
3,750.38 |
3,650.07 |
89.00 |
|
Tomás Mac Eochagáin |
Engineer/Director |
12/12/2015 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Seán Micheal Ó Dómhnaill |
Retiree |
12/12/2015 |
4,769.61 |
2,891.06 |
1,295.32 |
|
Dónal Ó hAiniféin |
Principal Teacher |
12/12/2015 |
4,906.69 |
4,196.87 |
267.00 |
|
Caitríona Ní Shúilleabháin |
Teacher |
12/12/2015 |
864.44 |
325.39 |
- |
|
Éamonn Ó Gribín* |
Retiree |
12/12/2015 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire** |
Law Graduate |
12/12/2015 |
192.99 |
* ó 20/04/2012
**ó 10/01/2014
128. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline in tabular form the total number of sick days taken by staff in his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014, further broken down by uncertified, certified and long-term absence leave. [28823/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established on 2 June 2011. The requested totals in respect of the period 2 June - 31 December 2011 and for the full years of 2012, 2013 and this year up to 30 June 2014 are set out in the table below.
|
2011 2/6 -31/12 |
2012 1/1/-31/12 |
2013 1/1/-31/12 |
2014 1/1/-30/6 |
|
|
Total Sick Days |
3,978 |
4,711 |
5,511 |
2,364 |
|
Total Certified |
3,736 |
4,378 |
5,213 |
2,272 |
|
Certified – short term |
1,928 |
1,759 |
2,167 |
730 |
|
Certified – Long Term (Instances) |
1,808 (29) |
2,619 (49) |
3,046 (41) |
1,542 (24) |
|
Uncertified |
242 |
333 |
298 |
92 |
129. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide in tabular form per annum all external consultant reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report and the publication date. [28838/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established on 2 June 2011 and therefore the available information is being provided from that date. I am advised that €125,556 was spent by my Department on external reports from consultants since its establishment. The details requested in relation to this expenditure are set out in the table below. Contracts for the provision of services are not included.
|
Year Report Commissioned |
Company |
Report |
Status |
Amount paid from 2 June 2011 to date |
|
2010 |
University of Birmingham |
Review of Archaeological Survey and Mitigation Policy relating to Bord na Móna Peatlands |
Published June 2013 |
€34,337 |
|
2011 |
Avia Solutions |
Review of financial submissions relating to the Public Service Obligation Air Service for the Aran Islands |
Completed, not published |
€6,300 |
|
2013 |
Dorgan Associates |
Cost Benefit Analysis of National Gallery Redevelopment Project |
Completed, not published |
€12,731 |
|
2013 and 2014 |
Dorgan Associates |
Examination of capital incentives to promote investment in film studio infrastructure |
Completed, not published |
€6,765 |
|
2012 |
Bonnar Keenlyside |
Review of Dublin Contemporary 2011 |
Completed, not published |
€10,959 |
|
2013 |
Dorgan Associates |
Cost Benefit Analysis of National Archives Development Plan |
Completed, not published |
€12,669 |
|
2014 |
EY |
Review of PSO Air Service for the Aran Islands |
Published May 2014 |
€41,795 |
For completeness, I wish to bring to the Deputy's attention that from time to time my Department also commissions engineering or environmental experts to provide technical reports on specific issues, as required. While the providers of these services are consultant engineers, environmental consultants or may describe themselves in other such terms, their work is not classified as consultancy services and is not funded from my Department's Administrative Budget.
130. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form the details of the names and occupations of each member of the board of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission from 2010 to 2014; the dates on which each member was appointed to the board; if he will provide a list, in tabular form of all expenses paid to individual members of the Board on an annual basis for each of the years since their respective appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28811/14]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that information in respect of the members of the Board of the Loughs Agency from 2010 to 2014 can be found on the eGovernance website www.egovernance.ie or by contacting the Body directly. For the convenience of the Deputy, a list of the membership of the Board is set out in tabular form below.
Expenses arrangements are an operational matter for the Agency but I will bring the question to the attention of the Agency and ask that they respond directly to the Deputy on this matter. I am advised that the profession or occupation of board members is not recorded in the Department and I have asked the Agency to liaise with the Deputy directly in respect of this request. However if there is a particular issue in relation to skill sets that the Deputy wishes to raise, I would be happy to hear further from the Deputy.
|
Full Name |
First Appointment |
Reappointment |
Finish Date |
|
Mr Brendan Byrne |
13/12/2007 |
12/12/2011 |
|
|
Mr Denis Haughey |
13/12/2007 |
12/12/2011 |
|
|
Mr Enda Bonner |
13/12/2007 |
12/12/2011 |
|
|
Mr John Byrne |
13/12/2007 |
12/12/2011 |
|
|
Mr John Mulcahy |
13/12/2007 |
12/12/2011 |
|
|
Ms Jacqui McConville |
13/12/2002 |
13/12/2007 |
12/12/2011 |
|
Mr Tarlach O'Crosain |
13/12/2002 |
13/12/2011 |
12/12/2012 |
|
Mr Thomas Sloan |
13/12/2007 |
13/12/2011 |
21/01/2013 |
|
Mr Alan McCulla |
13/12/2011 |
12/12/2014 |
|
|
Mr Andrew Duncan |
13/12/2011 |
12/12/2014 |
|
|
Mr Donal Tipping |
13/12/2011 |
12/12/2014 |
|
|
Mr Jim Wilson |
13/12/2011 |
12/12/2014 |
|
|
Mr Joe Miller |
13/12/2007 |
13/12/2011 |
12/12/2014 |
|
Mr Michael McCormick |
13/12/2011 |
12/12/2014 |
|
|
Mr Seamus Rodgers |
13/12/2011 |
12/12/2014 |
|
|
Mr Winston Patterson |
13/12/2007 |
13/12/2011 |
12/12/2014 |
|
Ms Phil Mahon |
13/12/2011 |
12/12/2014 |
|
|
Ms Theresa McLaverty |
13/12/2011 |
12/12/2014 |
|
|
Mr Laurence Arbuckle |
13/12/2012 |
12/12/2015 |
|
|
Mr Mick Murphy |
13/11/2013 |
12/12/2015 |
131. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will make funding available to support local sub-aqua clubs that had a significant financial outlay as part of the recent large scale and prolonged search and recovery operation on Lough Ree; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28766/14]
View answerI refer to my reply to Question No. 129 of 27 March 2014. The position is unchanged.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is and always has been prepared to assist search and rescue or recovery operations in practicable ways insofar that it can. The provision of funding to clubs as suggested in the question is not within it's statutory remit.
132. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if funding will be made available for a project (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28767/14]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that earlier this year I launched three development funds from IFI, totaling €410,000, aimed at supporting angling development and promoting conservation works. Each of the three funds has specific eligibility criteria attached and were generated from the angling community. The Salmon Conservation Fund, derived from the conservation stamp portion of the salmon and sea trout licence, is restricted to projects which benefit salmon conservation and is focused on Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s) and on salmon rivers that require most development. The Midlands Fisheries Fund is derived from the midland permits charge paid by anglers and beneficiaries are restricted to the geographic area which this permit charge covers. The Co-op fund is the redistribution of residual funds from the Trout and Coarse Fish Development Societies accounts at the time of their dissolution. It was agreed that Co-op funds would be ring fenced and returned to the areas from which they were generated. I am advised that the application for funding for the Ballyleague Development Project is being considered from this fund. However I am further advised that, currently, the assessment process has not been completed. The assessment process will be completed in the coming weeks and I will advise the Deputy of the outcome in due course.
133. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline in tabular form the total number of sick days taken by staff in his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 and further broken down by uncertified, certified and long-term absence leave. [28825/14]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the tables below:
Total Sick Days Taken
|
- |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 (Q1) |
|
Sick Days Taken |
2,383 |
2,365 |
1,948 |
465 |
Total Uncertified Sick Days Taken
|
- |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 (Q1) |
|
Uncertified Sick Days Taken |
274 |
184 |
147 |
48 |
Total Certified Sick Days Taken
|
- |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 (Q1) |
|
Certified Sick Days Taken |
2,109 |
2,181 |
1,801 |
417 |
Long Term Sick Leave Absences
|
- |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 (Q1) |
|
No of Intstances (four weeks or greater) |
23 |
20 |
15 |
9 |
Since 2011 there has been a reduction of 18% in the total number of sick days taken in my Department and a 34% reduction in cost. This is due to the implementation of an Attendance Management Policy in my Department in 2011 which incorporates a stronger approach to the management and reduction of sick leave in the Department.
134. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form per annum all external consultant reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report and the publication date. [28840/14]
View answerDetails of the external reports commissioned by my Department are set out in tabular form below. The bulk of the studies referred to below are technical and specialist in nature and were necessary to enable the Department to discharge its policy and project responsibilities in the areas concerned.
|
Consultancy Name |
Purpose of Consultancy |
Cost - € |
Date of commission |
Date or expected date of publication |
|
Environ UK Ltd |
Corrib gasfield project – monitoring compliance with the Conditions of the Department’s Letter of Consent dated 25 February 2011. |
*€604,306 |
June 2011 |
Expected to be published Q3 2015. |
|
PA Consulting Group |
National Digital Research Centre |
29,040 |
July 2011 |
This report was not published. The report is commercially sensitive as it is a Strategic Review of the NDRC to inform decisions about the future of the NDRC after the Concession Agreement expired in 2013. |
|
Camp Dresser McKee CDM |
Sampling of Gortmore and Silvermines Vegetation |
13,890 |
July 2011 |
This Report will not be published until completion of land purchase. |
|
OHH Energy Ltd |
Independent Commission on Meath Tyrone Power Line |
41,120 |
July 2011 |
Published January 2012. |
|
Elimark |
Independent Commission on Meath Tyrone Power Line |
38,786 |
July 2011 |
Published January 2012. |
|
2B Energy |
Independent Commission on Meath Tyrone Power Line |
32,284 |
July 2011 |
Published January 2012. |
|
Purvin and Gertz |
Strategic Case for Oil Refining requirements |
193,997 |
August 2011 |
Published July 2013. |
|
Dr Michael Johnson |
Silvermines Vegetation Study |
5,848 |
August 2011 |
This Report will not be published until completion of land purchase. |
|
Jenny Deakin |
Preparation for the Graigue Group Water Scheme Report |
1,750 |
April 2011 – Sept 2011 |
Published September 2011. |
|
SLR Consulting |
Core Library Holdings Review |
39,688 |
Sept 2011 – Dec 2011 |
Published January 2012. |
|
Neary Marketing and Communications |
Review of Irish Geoscience Sector |
€10,000 |
Dec 2011 – Feb 2012 |
This Report will not be published as it is commercially sensitive. |
|
Indecon Economic Consultants |
Economic/Socio-Economic Analysis of options for rollout of next generation broadband |
28,167 |
May 2012 |
This Report will not be published as it is commercially sensitive and may impact on Government procurement in Broadband provision. |
|
Analysys Mason |
Analysis of options for potential State intervention in the rollout of next generation broadband |
30,522 |
May 2012 |
This Report will not be published as it is commercially sensitive and may impact on Government procurement in Broadband provision. |
|
Thornton’s Chartered Surveyors |
Provision of land valuation and negotiation services |
3,690 |
July 2012 |
This Report will not be published until completion of land purchase. |
|
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
Assessment of Economic Contribution of Mineral Exploration and Mining in Ireland |
53,690 |
October 2012 |
Published September 2013. |
|
Indecon (Ireland) |
Provision of a Macro-Economic Research Exercise under the National Digital Strategy to Determine the Value of Internet/Digital to the Irish Economy |
€72,474 |
November 2012 |
Published July 2013 |
|
CDM Smith Ireland Limited |
Environmental Monitoring at former mining areas of Silvermines, Co. Tipperary and Avoca, Co. Wicklow |
€226,142 |
December 2012 |
On completion of scheduled reports |
|
AMEC Earth and Environmental (UK) Ltd |
Expert Services to Monitor Mining Activities and Compliance with terms of State Mining Leases/Licences. |
€55,087 |
December 2012 |
This Report will not be published as it is commercially sensitive |
|
Pricewaterhouse Coopers Ltd |
Scheduled review of INFOMAR Project |
€59,505 |
Dec 2012 – May 2013 |
Published September 2013 |
|
BEC consultants |
Assistance with statutory assessment of Environmental Statements and Natura Impact Statements accompanying applications for (1) a 2D regional seismic survey and (2) an offshore exploration well (Dunquin) (2 reports received) |
€11,211 |
February 2013 |
Reports published on the Department’s website |
|
Det Norske Veritas |
Expert technical advice to the Department in connection with offshore drilling |
€52,088 |
March 2013 |
Not published. Commercially sensitive |
|
Neary Marketing and Communications |
Review of Irish Geoscience Sector |
€10,000 |
March 2013 – June 2013 |
This Report will not be published as it is commercially sensitive. |
|
BEC consultants |
Assistance with statutory assessment of Environmental Statements and Natura Impact Statements accompanying applications for geophysical surveys including 2D/3D offshore Seismic Surveys and exploration drilling applications (six reports completed in 2013) |
€18,266 (€3,044 fee payable for each report received) |
April 2013 |
Reports published on the Department’s website |
|
Norcontel (Ireland) Ltd |
Market analysis of backhaul infrastructure in Mayo and Galway |
€10,500 |
May 2013 |
Published June 2013 |
|
Selgovia Limited |
Offshore exploration well technical assessment |
€4,429 |
July 2013 |
Not published. Commercially sensitive |
|
Environ UK Ltd |
Establishment of an Administrative Framework for the Conduct of an Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment |
€23,247 |
November 2013 |
Not published. Commercially sensitive |
|
Environ UK Ltd |
Establishment of an Administrative Framework for the Acquisition of Baseline Information on Marine Species |
€21,973 |
November 2013 |
Not published. Commercially sensitive |
|
AECOM Ltd. |
Economics and Financial Consultancy |
52, 988 |
November 2013 |
This Report will not be published as it remains confidential. |
|
Indecon (Ireland) |
Economic Analysis of the Advertising Market in Ireland |
€71,438 |
December 2013 |
Ongoing |
|
BEC consultants |
Assistance with statutory assessment of Environmental Statements and Natura Impact Statements accompanying applications for geophysical surveys including 2D/3D offshore Seismic Surveys and exploration drilling applications (five reports completed to date in 2014). |
€18,266 (€3,653 fee payable for each report received) |
February 2014 |
Reports published on the Department’s website |
|
Wood Mackenzie |
Review of Ireland’s Oil and Gas Fiscal System |
€212,873 |
12/3/2014 |
Published June 2014 |
|
Neary Marketing and Communications |
Review of Geoscience Ireland Business Cluster |
€5,000 |
March 2014 – July 2014 |
This Report will not be published as it is commercially sensitive. |
|
PA Consulting |
Post Project Evaluation of the Tellus Border project |
€24,750 |
March 2014-July 2014 |
Expected to be published late July 2014 |
* These costs are recouped from the Operator of the Corrib gasfield project.
135. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to dry rot problems emerging in attics of homes insulated by approved Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland contractors where there was inadequate cross ventilation; and the way he proposes to deal with the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28865/14]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Programme on behalf of my Department. This includes the Better Energy Homes scheme, the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme and the Better Energy Communities scheme. Through these schemes grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades and solar thermal panels.
I am informed by the SEAI that any works carried out under these programmes are required to meet a specific technical standard. All products used by SEAI’s contractors meet appropriate national and international standards and have been tested to the highest standards. The technical specification sets out the materials to be used and the manner by which they are installed by the contractor. It deals extensively with the provision of ventilation in rooms and attic spaces to mitigate the known risks arising during energy upgrades. Further to this SEAI provides technical support to contractors through technical bulletins, on-line and on-site training.
The SEAI operates an inspection programme to ensure that any energy efficient measures installed meet the appropriate technical requirements including ventilation, construction methods and the construction material used. Through this programme a sample of work carried out by registered contractors is routinely inspected. The inspection programme has not shown up any widespread issue of dry rot. When an inspection does show up any specific issues these are dealt with directly with the homeowner and contractor. If any homeowner has a specific concern related to dry rot or any other issue they can contact the SEAI at 1850 927 000 who will examine the matter.
136. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he proposes to bring the climate action and low carbon development Bill before Dáil Éireann. [28785/14]
View answer138. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the publication of the climate action and low carbon development Bill; and the anticipated date of publication. [28796/14]
View answer145. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he expects the climate action and low carbon development Bill to come before the Houses of the Oireachtas and be approved by Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28879/14]
View answer146. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the climate action and low carbon development Bill will be brought before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28882/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 138, 145 and 146 together.
I refer to the repl y to Question No. 120 on Wednesday, 2 July 2014.
137. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when local authorities will take charge of an Industrial Development Agency Industrial Estate; the person responsible for the maintenance of estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28786/14]
View answerI have no function in relation to the matter raised in the Question which is a matter for the local authority concerned.
139. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the proposal that in order to reduce the amount of graffiti, and cost to local authorities of removing it, the law should be changed to prohibit the sale of spray paints to persons aged under 18 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28815/14]
View answerThe Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009 provide significant powers to local authorities to deal with the defacement of structures by writing or other marks. In addition to the legislative provisions for penalties for committing graffiti-related offences under section 19 of the 1997 Act and in order to provide support to local communities, my Department has provided funding for the Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme, whereby local authorities are invited to submit proposed eligible projects to combat graffiti in their functional areas. It is open to local community groups to approach the local authority for assistance with funding for anti-graffiti projects.
The Department of Justice and Equality also has a role in the control of graffiti through the Criminal Damage Act 1991, which provides for the offences of damaging or defacing property.
The introduction of age-related restrictions on the purchase of spray paint to limit the availability of the product or discourage its inappropriate purchase could have an unfair impact on consumers who use the product for legally permitted purposes. Moreover, the administrative and regulatory burden arising from the introduction of such restrictions – for the public sector, industry and consumers – might well be disproportionate to any potential gains.
140. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline in tabular form the total consultancy costs paid to date in the establishment and ongoing operations of Irish Water broken down by company; and the total estimated cost by 2015 and 2016. [28821/14]
View answerI understand from Irish Water that some €64.6 million has been expended on external service providers in relation to the establishment of the company. Decisions on specific operational expenditure are a matter for the company and I have no role in that regard. However, costs incurred by Irish Water will be examined by the Commission for Energy Regulation as an integral element of the independent economic regulation of Irish Water.
Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that it has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via an email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
