Tuesday, 30 Sep 2014

Written Answers Nos. 113-130

Abortion Services

Questions (113)

Clare Daly

Question:

113. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the way he will ensure that psychiatrists are screened to work within the new legislation in view of the fact that over 100 psychiatrists have signed an open letter opposing the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act with many stating they would participate in the carrying out of assessments in effect to prevent a woman accessing her legal right to an abortion where her life is in danger from suicide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36498/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Deputy may wish to note that the Guidance Document to assist health professionals in the implementation of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act identifies clear referral pathways for assessment under Section 9 of the Act.

For example, if a GP considers a pregnant woman’s life to be at real and substantial risk from suicide, he/she should refer her urgently to the local consultant psychiatrist, or a consultant obstetrician in an appropriate institution or through the appropriate emergency pathway depending on her condition and how critical her situation is. If a GP experiences difficulty in accessing the local consultant psychiatrist, he/she can refer to the relevant Executive Clinical Director (Mental Health) to organise an appropriate assessment. The Document clarifies that women may also present to a variety of care providers such as crisis pregnancy services, public health nurses, counsellors, social workers or other members of the primary care team. Such services can either refer the woman to her GP or advise the woman to present as an emergency at a hospital where appropriate.

Provision for conscientious objections is made in Section 17 of the Act. Section 17(3) states that a person who has a conscientious objection shall arrange for the transfer of care of the pregnant woman concerned as may be necessary to enable the woman to avail of the medical procedure concerned.

Misuse of Drugs

Questions (114)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

114. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the current status of the amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act proposing changes to prescribing practice and scheduling regulation of benzodiazepine and Z-drugs which have been in a lengthy consultation phase since 2012; when it is planned to enforce the changes which it is hoped will assist in reducing the high levels of open street dealing. [36487/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

My Department is reviewing the Misuse of Drugs Regulations with a view to introducing substantial additional controls on certain prescription drugs being traded illicitly, such as benzodiazepines and z-drugs medicines. The planned measures include introducing import and export controls, tighter prescribing and dispensing controls as well as an offence of possession, thereby assisting the law enforcement roles of Customs and An Garda Síochána.

Draft amendment Regulations have been prepared following extensive consultation with key stakeholders. Some further work is required and the objective is to finalise the text of the Regulations later this year. Once the Regulations are ready, they are subject to a 3 month EU notification period under the Technical Standards Directive, because of the implications of the proposed regulatory changes on trade in pharmaceutical products.

HSE Expenditure

Questions (115)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

115. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the Health Service Executive's financial position; the latest projection for the deficit in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36528/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In Vote terms the Health Service Executive Vote 39 is showing a net current deficit of €260m against profile at the end of September. However, receipts from the UK which were profiled for November were actually received in September; when this is excluded, a net current deficit of €432m emerges.

In income and expenditure terms the HSE is reporting a year to date net expenditure of €7.039 billion to the end of July against a budget of €6.754 billion, leading to a variance of €285 million. The acute hospital sector accounts for €160m or 57% of the overall deficit. Employment agency costs were €194m, up €63m on last year, a significant element of which was incurred in acute hospital services. The Primary Care Division had an overall deficit of €54m with local demand-led schemes a key area experiencing excess expenditure.

Undoubtedly, 2014 is proving to be a financially challenging year for the health services. While the budgetary targets this year are particularly constrained, it is important to recognise that very demanding financial and resource constraints have applied in each of the last number of years as a direct consequence of the crisis in the public finances. The cumulative impact of this unprecedented period of financial and resource restraint has resulted in reductions in the health service budget of the order of €1.5 billion since 2008 with numbers employed reduced by over 14,000 over this period.

These challenges come at a time when the demand for health services is increasing each year which, in turn, is driving costs upwards. Despite these resource reductions the HSE has managed to support growing demand for its services arising from such factors as population growth, increased levels of chronic disease, the ageing of the population, increased demand for prescription drugs, and new costly medical technologies and treatments.

Currently it is anticipated that a supplementary estimate above €500 million will be required to support services in 2014. This is based on costs to the end of July and takes account of the HSE’s best estimate of likely expenditure to year end, mitigated by ongoing cost containment plans and income generation. It is important to stress that, as with any forecast, there is some degree of uncertainty particularly given the scale of the overall HSE cost base, the complexity of the services and the lack of a national financial system. This forecast deficit excludes any overrun on the State Claims Agency.

The HSE continues to work closely with my Department to mitigate the projected deficit to the greatest degree possible.

Water Charges Exemptions

Questions (116)

Colm Keaveney

Question:

116. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health the discussions his Department has had with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government with regard to water charges and persons with mental health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36534/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The water charges plan submitted by Irish Water, in line with the Commission for Energy Regulation’s (CER) requirements, reflects both metered charges and unmetered or “assessed” charges which are to be as close as possible a proxy for metered usage under normal consumption circumstances. The policy direction issued to the CER requires that special provision be made in the water charges plan for customers of Irish Water who have specific medical conditions, including mental health issues, which require increased water consumption, involving capping of charges at the relevant assessed charges.

The policy also indicates that the conditions to be covered will be set out following consultations between the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Minister for Health.  It is hoped to conclude the necessary consultations shortly.

Maternity Services

Questions (117)

Clare Daly

Question:

117. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the steps he proposes to take to overhaul Irish maternity policy which shows increasing reliance on caesarean sections, which is expensive, wasteful, damaging to maternal and foetal outcomes and not in accordance with international best practice. [36500/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

My Department is currently developing a new National Maternity Strategy in conjunction with the HSE. This Strategy will determine the future model of services to ensure that women have access to safe, high quality maternity care in a setting most appropriate to their needs. As part of the development of the Strategy, it is proposed to review and evaluate current maternity services. The issue of Caesarian section rates will be considered in that context.

Abortion Legislation

Questions (118)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

118. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health his views on the results of a recent opinion poll (details supplied) in which legislation for abortion here is now widely supported and deemed urgent by the majority in society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36440/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Article 40.3.3 of the Irish Constitution states that:

'The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right.'

The interpretation of Article 40.3.3 was considered by the Supreme Court in Attorney General v X (the X case [1992] 2 IR 1.). Further, in December 2009, the European Court of Human Rights heard a case brought by three women in respect of the alleged breach of their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights in regard to abortion in Ireland (the A,B, and C v Ireland case [2010] ECHR 2032.).

The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 was enacted in July 2013 and commenced in January 2014. The purpose of this Act is to restate the general prohibition on abortion in Ireland while regulating access to lawful termination of pregnancy in accordance with the X case and the judgement in the European Court of Human Rights in the A, B and C v Ireland case.

I do not intend to propose any amendments to the Act or the 8th Amendment of the Constitution at present.

Health Services

Questions (119)

Robert Troy

Question:

119. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the action he will take to ensure better co-operation and engagement between primary and community carers and the acute sector regarding services such as home help; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36486/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

In line with Government policy, the Health Service Executive provides a range of community-based services aimed at ensuring older people receive safe, timely and appropriate care and treatment at the lowest level of complexity, and as close to home as possible.

The establishment of the HSE’s Social Care Division to support the ongoing service requirements of older people and people with disabilities is a fundamental step in moving forward with the design and implementation of models of care across both these Care Groups.

Older people with care needs must be provided with a continuum of services such as home care, day care community support and/or intermediate care beds to avoid unnecessary acute hospital admissions and have their required treatments and supports delivered within their local community at primary care level in as far as possible.

In this context, all Divisions are working collaboratively to ensure that people receive appropriate care as they move through the care pathway across hospital and community services.

Symphysiotomy Reports

Questions (120)

Mick Wallace

Question:

120. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health his plans for a new redress scheme for survivors of symphysiotomy in view of the fact that the ex gratia compensation scheme designed by Judge Yvonne Murphy has been rejected by survivors and criticised by the UN Human Rights Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36504/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In July this year the Government announced a comprehensive response to the long standing and sensitive issue for around 350 women who have undergone surgical symphysiotomy. The key response is the establishment of an ex-gratia payment scheme, which will cost around €34 million. In addition, there is a commitment to the continued provision of medical services, including medical cards for the women.

This followed Government’s examination of a report carried out by Professor Oonagh Walsh, on Practice of Symphysiotomy in Ireland, between 1944 and 1984 and an Independent Review of Issues relating to Symphysiotomy by Judge Yvonne Murphy which advised Government, inter alia, on the relative liabilities of insurers, indemnifiers and/or other parties in relation to symphysiotomy and on the merits and costs of proceeding with an ex gratia scheme relative to allowing the court process to proceed.

Judge Murphy outlined the case for a scheme in her report and her recommendations on levels of awards were accepted by Government. Subsequently, I asked Judge Murphy to draw up a detailed draft scheme. I have consulted through the summer with the Judge and have also been speaking to relevant parties about the proposed scheme. Judge Murphy submitted her more detailed proposal to me on 11 September, setting out how the scheme should operate. In this context I met the support groups representing women who have undergone symphysiotomy on 19 September. I wanted to hear from the support groups how they hope the scheme will operate, and to confirm to them that the scheme will be established as quickly as possible. Two of the groups (Patient Focus and Survivors of Symphysiotomy Limited) have welcomed the establishment of an ex-gratia scheme. The third group (Survivors of Symphysiotomy) has advised women to reject the scheme. I hope that when the women see the details of the scheme and the efforts made to ensure it is person-centred, simple and non-adversarial many of them will opt to join the scheme.

Key aspects of the proposed scheme include:

- Women who had a surgical symphysiotomy in the State between the years 1940 and 1990 may apply in accordance with, and subject to the terms of the scheme.

- The scheme will be run by an independent Assessor. If women have questions on any aspect of the scheme, the Assessor or secretariat, will be available to assist.

- The scheme will be simple, straightforward and non-adversarial. It will allow women to have legal and other advice available to them in preparing to submit an application. It will result in awards of between €50,000 and €150,000 for the women.

- Women who have had a surgical symphysiotomy and have medical evidence to prove it may accept an award of €50,000 without further assessment. If no medical records are available a medical assessment will be carried out.

- For those who wish to apply for higher awards (€100,000 or €150,000) a medical assessment may be necessary if up to date medical records are not available, or if the Assessor decides this is needed for final determination of the award.

- Women will not waive their rights to take their cases to court as a pre-condition to participating in the scheme. Women may opt out at any stage in application and assessment process, up to the time of accepting their awards. However, on accepting the offer of the award under the Scheme, women will have to agree to discontinue their legal proceedings against any party arising out of their symphysiotomy.

- The details concerning the scheme and its commencement date will be advertised in national and other media, as decided by the Assessor.

I intend to finalise the details of the scheme shortly and will bring a Memorandum to Government requesting approval to appoint an Assessor for the scheme instead of it being administered by the State Claims Agency and to a small number of other amendments to the Government decision of last July.

While I am aware of the comments made by the UN Human Rights Committee, the Government believes that the establishment of this scheme is a fair and appropriate response. In agreeing to the ex-gratia scheme, the Government has demonstrated its commitment to trying to bring a resolution for the women concerned. The Government has acknowledged the pain and suffering which the procedure caused to many of the women and is aware also of the uphill battle many of them will face in the courts with uncertainty about the outcome of that process.

Ambulance Service Provision

Questions (121)

Dara Calleary

Question:

121. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the way he will improve the ambulance service, especially in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36535/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) is continuing to modernise and reconfigure its services to ensure emergency pre-hospital care is delivered in an appropriate and timely manner. A significant reform programme is underway, which will provide a clinically driven, nationally co-ordinated system, supported by improved technology. The National Service Plan 2014 provided additional funding of €3.6 million and 43 staff for this process and the NAS has a Performance Improvement Plan in place, focussing on areas such as:

- processes for call taking, allocation and dispatch;

- crew mobilisation times;

- ED turnaround times;

- engagement with and development of community first responder schemes.

Other ongoing performance improvement projects include:

- the single national control and dispatch system, due to be completed in 2015;

- continuing development of the Intermediate Care Service, for routine and non-emergency transfers, allowing emergency vehicles to focus on responding to emergencies;

- the move to on-duty rostering and the development of a national rostering system.

The Deputy will be aware that three separate reviews of ambulance services are underway. HIQA is examining the governance arrangements for pre-hospital emergency services; the HSE and Dublin City Council have commissioned a joint review of Dublin ambulance services to determine the best and most cost-effective model of ambulance services for the city; and the UK Association of Ambulance Chief Executives is undertaking a comprehensive capacity review of the NAS, to determine what level of resourcing, in terms of staff, vehicles, skills and distribution, is required to deliver a safe and effective service, now and into the future.

I am confident that these reviews will inform the development of a modern, clinically driven system, properly resourced, for appropriate and timely provision of services to the benefit of patients.

Cancer Screening Programmes

Questions (122)

Brendan Smith

Question:

122. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if the commitment to extend BreastCheck to women in the 65-69 age group will be honoured in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36539/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As indicated in previous replies, I fully support the proposed extension of the Breastcheck screening programme to the 65-69 year age cohort. The timing of the implementation of this extension of the service will depend on the availability of resources and is being considered in the context of the Estimates process for 2015.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (123)

James Bannon

Question:

123. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36547/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Under the provisions of the Health Acts, medical cards are provided to persons who are, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive, unable without undue hardship to arrange GP services for themselves and their dependants. Under the legislation, medical card entitlement is not granted on the basis of a particular disease or illness. However, if an applicant’s means are above the financial limits as set out in the national guidelines, the HSE routinely examines for indications of medical or social circumstances which might result in undue financial hardship in arranging medical services and, exercising discretion, may grant eligibility for a medical card on this basis.

I am advised by the HSE that the person concerned sent in an application which was received in the office of PCRS on 24 April 2014. The application was incomplete as the person did not provide the necessary documentation to support their application. A letter, outlining the documentation required, issued to the person concerned on 28 May 2014 which was subsequently received by the HSE on 23 June 2014.

The medical card application was assessed under the National Assessment Guidelines but the persons' income was found to be over the income limits to qualify for a medical card under this scheme. In light of medical reports received on the 2 July 2014, the application was also reviewed by a Medical Officer. Having given due consideration to all aspects of the application, the outcome of the assessment process was a decision not to grant the applicant a medical card or GP visit card.

A letter to this effect issued on the 18 September 2014 notifying the applicant of the outcome. An income assessment was provided with the letter, along with details of the reassessment and appeals processes, should they wish to avail of these services.

The person concerned holds eligibility to the Long Term Illness Scheme. The Long Term Illness Scheme entitles the holder to receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their long term illness, free of charge.

Medicinal Products Prices

Questions (124)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

124. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the review of the agreement with the pharmaceutical companies concluded in late 2012; his expectations for further savings in view of the continuing serious price differences across EU member states; when the review will conclude; if its report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36545/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The 2012 agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) provided for a mid-term review in 2014. As the outcome of this review is dependent on negotiations with IPHA further comment at this stage would not be appropriate.

Medicinal Products Availability

Questions (125)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

125. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health in view of the improvement in the symptoms of multiple sclerosis sufferers in the Irish health care setting who have been taking the drug Fampyra, if he will consider making the drug available at no cost to all those who need it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36439/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

The HSE received an application for the inclusion of Fampridine (Fampyra®) in the GMS and community drugs schemes. The application was considered in line with the procedures and timescales agreed by the Department of Health and the HSE with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association for the assessment of new medicines. In accordance with these procedures, the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) conducted a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of Fampridine and concluded that, as the manufacturer was unable to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of Fampridine in the Irish healthcare setting, it was unable to recommend the reimbursement of the product. The report is available on the NCPE's website (www.ncpe.ie).

The HSE assessment process is intended to arrive at a decision on the funding of new medicines that is clinically appropriate, fair, consistent and sustainable. Due to the very difficult and challenging economic environment in which the Government targeted additional savings in health expenditure of €619 million in 2014, which must be achieved while protecting front line services to the most vulnerable to the greatest extent possible, the HSE decided it was not in a position to add the drug to the List of Reimbursable Items supplied under the GMS and other community drug schemes.

It is open to the supplier, at any time, to submit a new application to the HSE incorporating new evidence which demonstrates the cost effectiveness of Fampridine. Biogen Idec's Irish management indicated to the HSE in November 2013 that it intended to re-submit an application in April 2014. The HSE has advised it received a revised application from Biogen Idec on Friday 25th July. This application is currently being assessed in line with the agreed procedures and timescales. No further comment is possible at this time as the HSE decision making process is ongoing.

Unemployment Data

Questions (126)

Brian Stanley

Question:

126. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Taoiseach the number of people deemed to be economically inactive, that is either not working, not being able to work, or otherwise unavailable for work; and if he will provide a breakdown of the different categories such as students, those with disabilities and so on. [36626/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment, unemployment and persons not in the labour force in the State. The table shows a breakdown of persons aged 15 years and over by ILO economic status, showing those in the labour force broken down by employed and unemployed, and a more detailed breakdown of those not in the labour force. The exact information requested by the Deputy on a breakdown of those not in the labour force into categories such as students, those with disabilities and so on, is not available. However, additional sub-categories on the reasons persons are not in the labour force are included in this table. The table is based on information published by the CSO as Table S5 of the QNHS Release (Supplementary Tables) time series, which is available on the CSO website www.cso.ie.

Persons aged 15 years and over classified by ILO Economic Status ('000)

	Q2 - 13	Q3 - 13	Q4 - 13	Q1 - 14	Q2 - 14
In labour force	2,170.7	2,182.1	2,163.1	2,146.3	2,156.1
In employment	1,869.9	1,899.3	1,909.8	1,888.2	1,901.6
Unemployed	300.7	282.9	253.2	258.1	254.5
Not in labour force	1,415.6	1,410.7	1,434.3	1,450.2	1,437.7
Potential additional labour force	60.0	56.6	49.3	46.0	51.8
Seeking work not immediately available	16.4	18.7	16.6	17.2	16.9
of which: Actively seeking work not available	7.2	[4.7]	5.4	5.8	8.5
Passive job-seekers	6.9	10.7	9.5	9.6	5.8
Job starting in less than 3 months not available / Job starting in more than 3 months	*	[3.3]	*	*	[2.6]
Available not seeking work	43.5	37.9	32.6	28.7	34.9
of which: Discouraged workers	23.6	20.6	19.0	18.2	18.1
Others	19.9	17.3	13.7	10.6	16.8
Others	1,355.6	1,354.1	1,385.0	1,404.2	1,386.0
Wants job, not available and not seeking work	87.7	94.8	96.4	84.5	84.1
of which: Not seeking work because is in education or training	32.4	31.4	34.6	33.7	32.5
Not seeking work because of own illness or disability	26.2	31.2	27.9	23.6	23.4
Not seeking work because of looking after children, looking after incapacitated adults, or other personal or family reasons	22.1	22.5	23.5	21.5	21.4
Not seeking work because of other reasons	7.0	9.8	10.4	5.8	6.9
Does not want job	1,035.4	1,025.8	1,052.6	1,082.8	1,064.4
Persons aged 75 or over	232.5	233.5	236.0	236.9	237.5
Total Persons aged 15 years and over	3,586.3	3,592.8	3,597.4	3,596.5	3,593.9

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.

* Estimates for numbers of persons or averages where there are less than 30 persons in a cell are not produced as estimates.

Parentheses [ ] indicate where there are 30-49 persons in a cell, estimates are considered to have a wider margin of error and should be treated with caution;

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.

Office of the Parliamentary Counsel

Questions (127, 128)

Denis Naughten

Question:

127. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form the number of vacancies for parliamentary counsel at any grade which were sanctioned but remained unfilled at the end of 2011, 2012, 2013, and which were sanctioned but remain unfilled as of 18 September 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36711/14]

Denis Naughten

Question:

128. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form, the number of parliamentary counsel who were engaged by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in the years 2011, 2012, 2013, and are currently engaged as of 18 September 2014; if he will provide the fees which were paid in respect of each year mentioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36712/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.

The figures requested by the Deputy are set out in the following tables.

Permanent Parliamentary Counsel (Employees)

Year	Sanctioned Vacancies
2011	1
2012	3
2013	3
As at 18 September 2014	4

Consultant Drafters (On contract)

Year	WTE Engaged	Actual number of contractors engaged over the year	Fees
2011	2.5	4	€342,529.85
2012	1.5	3	€271,538.25
2013	1.5	2	€156,740.46
As at 18 September 2014	0.5	2	€131,105.33

Different contract drafters work different numbers of days during a given year.  All of the contract drafters are paid the same daily rate.  The 2014 figure includes fees paid to a second contract drafter who ceased to work for the Office in August 2014.  As of 18 September 2014 there is one contract drafter working on a half-time basis for the Office.

The Office of the Attorney General of which the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government is a constituent part, constantly keeps its staffing levels under review to ensure that there are sufficient resources available to carry out the essential functions of the Office. As necessary, it seeks the sanction of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and undertakes recruitment competitions to maintain appropriate staffing levels. A competition took place this year and one candidate took up duty on 29 September. It is expected that all vacancies will be filled before the end of the year. It should be noted that the figure of 3 vacancies at the end of 2012 and 2013 and the figure of 4 vacancies earlier this month are not the same vacancies. Throughout that period there have been two retirements and an increase of six in the sanctioned staffing figures.

The requests for an increase in sanctioned numbers was based on the increase in the volume, urgency and complexity of drafting work being sought from the Office.

In order to maintain its capacity to meet demands for urgent legislation the Office supplements its permanent staff with skilled drafters who are engaged on a contract basis. As permanent staff numbers have risen and their skills developed, the reliance on contract staff has been reduced. These engagements are temporary and can be terminated as the level of work coming into the Office reduces.

Departmental Agencies

Questions (129)

Seán Kyne

Question:

129. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form all of the State agencies, bodies, organisations and working groups under his Department's remit; the core duties and functions of same; the number of staff at same; the budget of each for 2013 and proposed budget for 2014; the date of establishment of the agencies or organisations; and the legislation, primary or otherwise, from which they derive their powers. [37212/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

Name	Core duties and functions	Number of Staff	Budget in 2013	Proposed Budget in 2014	Date of Establishment	Legislation from which powers are derived
Senior Officials Group on Justice Reform	Support the work of the Cabinet Committee on Justice Reform	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2014	N/A
Senior Officials Group on European Affairs	Working group of senior officials from across Government Departments. It meets regularly to discuss EU issues and to promote a coherent, whole-of- Government approach in relation to such issues.	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2003	N/A
China Follow-up Group	An inter-Departmental/ Agency group of officials, established to ensure a coordinated approach to the follow-up to the Taoiseach’s visit to China in 2012	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2012	N/A
The Senior Officials Group on Economic Recovery and Jobs	Supports the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs, which is tasked with ensuring that cross-cutting issues which affect competitiveness, employment and enterprise are effectively managed. Key Departments are represented on the Group.	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2011	N/A
The Senior Officials Group on Labour Market Issues	Supported the Cabinet sub-Committee on Pathways to Work which dealt with labour market issues. Key Departments are represented on the Group.	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2011	N/A
The Monitoring Committee on the Action Plan for Jobs	Meets regularly to monitor the delivery of the actions identified in the Action Plan, and reports progress to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs. It also provides quarterly reports on the implementation and targets for each quarter. It is made up of officials from my Department, the Office of the Tánaiste, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2012	N/A
International Financial Service Strategic Group	10 members of the International Financial Service Strategic Group which is chaired by Minister of State Simon Harris T.D. provides strategic advice to the IFSC Clearing House Group.	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2013	N/A
IFSC Clearing House Group (CHG)	24 members of the IFSC Clearing House Group (CHG) is made up of representatives of the public and the private sectors and industry representative bodies. It is chaired by the Secretary-General of the Department of the Taoiseach with the objective of ensuring a co-ordinated approach to the development of the international financial services sector in Ireland and to maximise employment opportunities.	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	1987	N/A
Senior Officials Group on Climate Change and the Green Economy	An interdepartmental group of senior officials that Supports the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and the Green Economy.	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2012	N/A
Senior Officials Group on Economic Infrastructure	An interdepartmental group of senior officials that Supports the Cabinet Committee on Economic Infrastructure	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2012	N/A
Strategic Communications Working Group	Chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, includes officials from a range of departments and agencies and meets to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach across Government to improving Ireland's reputation as a location for trade, investment, job creation and tourism.	None	N/A	N/A	2012	N/A
National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) / National Economic and Social Council (NESC)	NESDO is the corporate body of NESC. The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) provides research and analysis to the Taoiseach on strategic policy relating to sustainable economic, social and environmental developments in Ireland.	The total staffing complement of NESDO and NESC is 18.6 (WTE)	Its allocation in 2013 was €2,012,000.	Its allocation is €1,990,000 in 2014.	NESC was established non-statutorily in 1973, statutorily under the National Economic and Social Development Act, 2006.	The National Economic and Social Development Act, 2006.
Senior Officials Group on Social Policy and Public Service	Support the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	Part of the ongoing work of the Department	N/A
Senior Officials Group on Health	Support the Cabinet Committee on Health	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	Part of the ongoing work of the Department	N/A
Working Group on Regulating Sponsorship by Alcohol Companies of Major Sporting Events	To consider the value, evidence, feasibility and implications of regulating sponsorship by alcohol companies of major sporting events	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2013	N/A
Priory Hall Framework Agreement Implementation Oversight Group	To ensure that the Priory Hall Resolution Framework is fully implemented	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2013	N/A
Steering Group on Smart Ageing	To agree the approach to be taken in relation to Smart Ageing in Ireland	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2013	N/A
Steering Group of the National Risk Assessment	The Steering Group for the National Risk Assessment is responsible for overseeing the process and ensuring its continuous development and refinement.	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2014	N/A
Construction Strategy Implementation Group	Implementation of the Government's Construction 2020 Strategy is being overseen by an inter-departmental group chaired by my Department, meeting regularly	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2014	N/A
Europe 2020 / European Semester	My Department convenes and chairs meetings of Departments as required to ensure coherence and consistency in Ireland's approach to the European Semester, including inputs to the Europe 2020 Strategy and preparation of Ireland's National Reform Programme.	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2010	N/A
Pensions	My Department convenes and chairs meetings of Departments as required to ensure a coherent and consistent approach on pensions policy.	Supported from within existing resources of my Department	N/A	N/A	2011	N/A
Government Legislation Committee	To assist the Government in fixing legislative priorities for the forthcoming parliamentary session and to oversee the implementation of the Government legislation programme	None	N/A	N/A		N/A
eLegislation Group	To examine ways to improve the eISB (electronic Irish Statute Book) in the short-to-medium term, without having to commit significant staff or financial resources	None	N/A	N/A	2008	N/A
Inter-Departmental Committee on Security for Government Buildings and Leinster House Complex	To ensure that the security needs for Government Buildings/Leinster House Complex are adequate, to make recommendations as necessary, and to liaise with the appropriate bodies in order to carry out any security changes/ improvements.	None	N/A	N/A	1970s	N/A

Unemployment Levels

Questions (130)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

130. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the recent assessment she has made regarding the level of unemployment here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37112/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

Official figures from the CSO show that unemployment is falling and is now approaching 11% compared to a peak of over 15% in mid 2012.

In fact, according to the most recent information available from the Live Register the standardised unemployment rate (SUR) in August 2014 was 11.2%, down from 11.3% in July 2014. This equates to a monthly decrease of 2,900 (-0.1%) in the number of persons that are signing on (on a seasonally adjusted basis) between July and August 2014, bringing the total number on the Live Register (on a seasonally adjusted basis) to 380,100.

The Government’s primary strategy to reduce unemployment has been through policies to create the environment for a strong economic recovery by promoting competitiveness and productivity. Economic recovery will underpin jobs growth.

Despite the progress that has been made, the Government acknowledges that both youth unemployment and long-term unemployment remain unacceptably high. Hence, the Government also recognises the need for additional activation measures in the interim while the economy recovers. This is the rationale behind the Government’s Pathways to Work strategy and the Youth Guarantee.

Pathways to Work includes a wide range of programmes and services to help jobseekers back to employment. These include programmes such as JobBridge, JobsPlus and Momentum introduced by this Government and schemes such as Community Employment and TÚS where we have significantly increased the number of places available.

The Statement of Government Priorities 2014 – 2016 commits to the continued roll-out of the Youth Guarantee. The Youth Guarantee offer of training, education or work experience for those aged 18-24 years after a four month period will be implemented on a phased basis. Its implementation will be facilitated by changes included in recent social welfare legislation.

Written Answers Nos. 131-148 ^

Rent Supplement Scheme Administration

Questions (131, 150, 180)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

131. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide in tabular form the number of persons in County Meath whose rent supplement payment has been withdrawn from 2011 to date; the number of instances where the withdrawal of the payment was as a result of a recipient paying a cash balance higher than the supplement threshold amount towards their rent; the number of recipients the Department has sought a prosecution against in such circumstances; the number of recipients the Department has secured a prosecution against in such circumstances; and the actions that the Department has taken against the offending landlords in such circumstances. [36451/14]

John Browne

Question:

150. Deputy John Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason the views of landlords are not represented in her departmental review examining maximum rent limits for rent supplement on the same basis as tenants' views are taken account of through certain representative bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36763/14]

Michael Creed

Question:

180. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on targeted rent allowance increases in view of the upward pressure on rents in certain locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37185/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 131, 150 and 180 together.

The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible people living in private rented accommodation who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently approximately 73,500 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €344 million for 2014.

Maximum rent limits are generally reviewed every 18 months. The most recent review was completed in June 2013 with revised rent limits introduced on 17 June 2013. Despite pressures on the social protection budget, the last review saw rent limits increase in line with market rents in some areas, including Dublin and Galway, with Dublin limits increasing by a weighted average of 9%.

A new rent limit review has commenced within the Department and involves a comprehensive analysis of information from a range of sources including rental tenancies registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), the Central Statistics Office rental indices, websites advertising rental properties, relevant Departments and Agencies and non-Government organisations. Submissions have also been received from the Residential Landlords Association of Ireland and the Irish Property Owners Association representing the views of landlords. Any changes to social welfare supports have to be considered as part of the forthcoming budgetary process.

The current difficulties in the rental market and the difficulties faced by prospective tenants, including those seeking access to rent supplement, is a shortage of supply of suitable properties in areas of high demand. I would be concerned that raising rent limits is not the solution to the problem as it is likely to add to further rental inflation and impact, not alone on rent supplement recipients, but also on many lower income workers and students. The Government has recently launched its Construction Strategy with the aim of increasing housing supply generally.

I can assure the Deputies that officers administering rent supplement throughout the country have considerable experience in dealing with customers and make every effort to ensure that their accommodation needs are met. Discretionary powers are available to staff to award a supplement for rental purposes in exceptional cases where it appears that the circumstances of the case so warrant. A notice reminding staff of their statutory discretionary power to award a supplement for rental purposes in exceptional cases, for example, when dealing with applicants who are at risk of losing their tenancy was circulated in July 2014.

In view of the current supply difficulties, the Department has agreed a protocol with the Dublin local authorities and voluntary organisations so that families on rent supplement who are at risk of losing their accommodation can have more timely and appropriate interventions made on their behalf. Since the launch of this initiative in mid-June 2014, approximately 120 families have had their rent supplement claims revised by the Department.

The following tabular statement provides details of the number of rent supplement recipients in County Meath since 2011 onwards. Statistics in relation to the numbers of rent supplement claims withdrawn are not available.

Rent supplement is calculated to ensure that an eligible person, after the payment of rent, has a minimum income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) appropriate to their family circumstances, less a minimum weekly contribution of €30 for a single person or €40 for a couple. Where a person has an additional income above the rate of SWA they are, in certain circumstances, required to top up their rent. It is very difficult for the Department to identify under the counter top ups when both the tenant and landlord are in collusion and if the top up payment is being made in cash.

In such cases the Department’s representative will discuss the circumstances of the case with the tenant before making any decision in relation to ongoing entitlement. The primary concern in dealing with such cases is to protect the tenant. The Department has not sought any prosecutions in relation to false declarations of rent payable to the landlord and does not maintain statistics on the number of rent supplement payments terminated due to this reason.

The Department’s strategic policy direction is to transfer responsibility for recipients of rent supplement with a long-term housing need to local authorities under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). Officials are working closely with those in the lead Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, in introducing HAP on a phased basis, initially in Cork County, Limerick City and County and Waterford City and County from 15th September 2014.

Tabular Statement

Rent Supplement Recipients in Meath 2011 to present

Period	Recipients
December 2011	2,723
December 2012	2,143
December 2013	1,941
End September 2014	1,777

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Questions (132)

Noel Coonan

Question:

132. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer's allowance appeal will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36454/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10 July 2014. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal 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.

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Questions (133)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

133. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36455/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.

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.

Domiciliary Care Allowance Applications

Questions (134)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

134. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36462/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received from the person concerned on the 23rd May 2014. This application was referred to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors who did not consider that the child met the medical criteria for the allowance. A letter issued on the 26th August 2014 outlining the decision of the deciding officer to refuse the allowance.

The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision. As part of the appeal process, the case has been forwarded to another of the Department’s Medical Assessors for further consideration, including a review of any new information supplied.

Upon receipt of the Medical Assessor’s opinion, the case will be further examined by a deciding officer, who will revise the original decision if warranted or alternatively, forward the case for consideration by the Appeals Office.

Supplementary Welfare Allowance Appeals

Questions (135)

Pat Breen

Question:

135. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a supplementary welfare allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36468/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a supplementary welfare allowance appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 24 September 2014, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

An invalidity pension appeal was also made by the person concerned and was registered in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 26 June 2014. I am advised that following the submission of additional medical evidence and the review of that evidence by a Medical Assessor, the Department has decided to revise the decision to disallow invalidity pension in the case of the person concerned and confirmation of this revised decision will issue shortly from the Invalidity Pension Section. Consequently the invalidity pension appeal will be deemed to have been withdrawn.

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.

One-Parent Family Payment Payments

Questions (136)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the outcome of the review in respect of a one-parent family payment in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36476/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The entitlement to the one parent family payment of the person concerned ceased on 2 July 2014 as her youngest child was over the age of 10 years. A review of this decision has been undertaken and it is confirmed that there is no entitlement to the one parent family payment. The person concerned is working and also in receipt of family income supplement. The FIS weekly rate of payment has increased following the closure of the one parent family payment.

Youth Guarantee

Questions (137)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

137. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the roll-out of the Youth Guarantee; if she will provide in tabular form a list of programmes and the corresponding numbers of places to date that have been filled on each programme; and if the targeted 28,000 places for 2014 will be filled by year end. [36552/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan was published in January. It provides for over 28,000 programme opportunities for unemployed young people in 2014, as set out in the table which follows as an appendix to this statement. This figure excludes some 24,000 places provided for young people through PLC courses and apprenticeships. These PLC and apprenticeship places, together with the wide range of vocational third-level courses provided for the young, although not reserved for unemployed jobseekers, nevertheless contribute to the spirit of the guarantee.

In relation to the 28,500 places for unemployed young people, approximately 9,115 of these have been taken up year-to-date. This is actually an extremely conservative estimate given that up-to-date figures are not currently available for a number of schemes (as outlined in the table provided). Some programmes such as the student intake on programmes such as the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) and Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme (VTOS) are concentrated in September/October in line with the academic calendar. A new intake of young people to the second iteration of the Momentum programme for long-term unemployed jobseekers is also scheduled for later in the year. The table displays the total number of under 25s who have started across the various programmes outlined in the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan up to the first seven months of 2014.

In addition, it is important to note that some of the initiatives planned under the guarantee required primary legislation to allow positive discrimination on age grounds in the provision of employment services and supports. This legislation was enacted as part of the Social Welfare Bill over the summer. Two employment schemes in particular, the Youth Guarantee developmental internship programme and the JobsPlus variant for young people, were dependent on this legislation being passed. These schemes will be in place no later than October. The legislation also permits the introduction of earlier and more intensive engagement by INTREO with the young unemployed which should also translate increased placement on schemes covered by the Youth Guarantee.

Programme	2014 YTD	Note
Youthreach/CTC	809	Only CTC starters (end July 2014)– Youthreach figures not available for 2014
JobBridge (including planned reserve)	1848	End July 2014
Tús	1,223	Year to Date
JobsPlus	250	As of 31st July 2014
Momentum	13	As of 31st August 2014
BTEA (excl Momentum)	Not available	-
BTWEA	139	Including 5 persons on STEA
VTOS	Not available	-
FAS/Solas	4341	Based on SST, Traineeship, Bridging and LTI starters YTD (end July 2014)
CEB youth Entrepreneurship Training and Mentoring supports	-	Not yet commenced
CEB/MFI micro-loans for young people	2	-
International Work Experience and Training	-	Not yet commenced
Gateway	122	26th September 2014
Community Employment	375	31st August 2014
RSS	8	26th September 2014
Total	9,115	Excluding where figures are not available

Question No. 138 withdrawn.

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Questions (139)

Pat Breen

Question:

139. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a carer's allowance appeal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36598/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 14 July 2014. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal 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.

Departmental Investigations

Questions (140)

Michael Colreavy

Question:

140. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason the ESB continues to treat meter readers as self-employed, with all the consequent loss of employment rights despite its loss in a High Court appeal on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36601/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

This matter is the subject of ongoing investigation in my Department. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the likely outcome of these investigations at this stage.

Question No. 141 withdrawn.

Disability Allowance Appeals

Questions (142)

Noel Coonan

Question:

142. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a disability allowance appeal will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36615/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 1 September 2014. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal 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.

Disability Allowance Appeals

Questions (143)

Noel Coonan

Question:

143. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a disability allowance appeal will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36616/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24 July 2014. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal 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.

Questions Nos. 144 to 146, inclusive, withdrawn.

Disability Allowance Appeals

Questions (147)

John McGuinness

Question:

147. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for disability benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited. [36726/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to convene an oral hearing in this case.

Every effort will be made to hear the case as quickly as possible and the appellant will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing have been made.

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.

Departmental Properties

Questions (148)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

148. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if staff from her Department are working in a building (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this is a permanent arrangement; if rent is being paid on the premises and the value of this rent. [36733/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

There are currently no Departmental staff members working in the building identified. However, as part of the roll-out of INTREO services across the country, the Office of Public Works has identified this building as being suitable for this purpose. The OPW are negotiating a potential purchase/lease of the building, with the Court appointed liquidator, with a view to the Department’s occupation in 2015.

In the meantime, the OPW is progressing plans to adapt the building for future use as an Intreo Centre.