Wednesday, 8 Oct 2014

Written Answers Nos 221-243

Departmental Schemes

Questions (221)

Michael Creed

Question:

221. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to concerns being expressed regarding a governance issue at an organisation (details supplied) which is funded by his Department; if he is satisfied that the public funds which he provides to this organisation are properly accounted for; if he is further satisfied that the community alert service which is administered by this organisation but funded separately by the Health Service Executive and the Department of Justice and Equality is secure; if he will work with the HSE and the Department of Justice and Equality to secure continuing operation of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38403/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I am not aware of any concerns expressed in relation to the organisation referred to in the Question, which was funded by my Department under the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) in the Community and Voluntary Sector until the end of June 2014.

Applications for a new round of funding under the SSNO, which commenced on 1 July 2014, were subject to an appraisal process, for which the organisation in question was unsuccessful. I announced, on 18 July 2014, the allocation of bridging funding of €1.4m to a number of previously funded health, disability and other organisations for a twelve month period, including the organisation in question. This bridging funding in 2014/2015 is a once-off transitional arrangement and will enable organisations to plan for their future, whether with or without State support, such as that provided under the SSNO

I am satisfied that appropriate financial and other checks are carried out in the context of the provision of funding by my Department.

The administration of the Community Alert Scheme is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Election Management System

Questions (222)

Shane Ross

Question:

222. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a schedule of fees and expenses paid to all returning officers for the 2014 local elections; and if these fees are liable to taxation. [38413/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department. The Local Elections Regulations 1995 make provision in Part 4 for the appointment, duties and expenses of returning officers for local elections. Regulation 8 provides that the expenses of the returning officer shall be met by the local authority.

Irish Water Administration

Questions (223)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

223. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding an Irish Water online application form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38427/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The online application form concerned is a matter for Irish Water in the first instance. Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email at [e-mail] or by telephone on 1890 278 278.

However, clarification was sought from Irish Water and I have been informed that the online application is designed to accept the details for up to 10 occupants at the same address. The householder is required to scroll down to see the extra fields as this cannot be accommodated within the same screen view.

Any household with occupancy in excess of 10 is being asked to apply to Irish Water by phone so that the exact details can be captured for the household in question.

Water Charges Administration

Questions (224)

Finian McGrath

Question:

224. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38499/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.

The proposed approach to charging was outlined by Irish Water in a water charges plan which it submitted to the CER in line with the provisions of the Act. The CER recently held a public consultation on this plan which covered a range of issues relating to water charges and allowances. The CER issued a determination on the water charges plan on 30 September 2014 and details are available on the CER website (www.cer.ie).

In making its determination on the water charges plan, the CER had to take account of the decisions made by the Government on the funding model for Irish Water and a direction made under Section 42 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 in July 2014. This policy direction addressed a number of matters relating to domestic water charges including the provision of a free allowance of 30,000 litres of water supplied and waste water treated per annum for a primary residence on a public supply and a free allowance to cover the normal usage of water services by every child in their primary residence based on the same qualifying conditions as for child benefit. These annual free allowances can be carried over between billing periods but not beyond the annual period. As the assessed charge is based on occupancy, Irish Water require information on the number of people residing at that address.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email at [e-mail] or by telephone on 1890 278 278.

Water Charges Exemptions

Questions (225)

Finian McGrath

Question:

225. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding water charge exemptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38500/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Since 2001, national water pricing policy has required local authorities to recover the costs of providing water services from all non-domestic users of these services, including nursing homes which operate on a commercial basis. This policy provided for charges based on actual metered consumption and is consistent with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive.

With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.

The proposed approach to charging was outlined by Irish Water in a water charges plan which it submitted to the CER in line with the provisions of the Act. The CER recently held a public consultation on this plan which covered a range of issues relating to water charges. Last week, the CER issued a determination on the water charges plan. Full details and associated documentation are available on the CER website (www.cer.ie).

It should be noted that the existing arrangements for all non-domestic customers are remaining in place with no changes for the time being. On this basis, the local authorities will continue to bill for non-domestic water services as agents of Irish Water. The CER will be reviewing all aspects of non-domestic water tariffs under a series of public consultations and will publish the time-line for this process before the end of 2014.

Water Charges Exemptions

Questions (226)

Finian McGrath

Question:

226. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38501/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.

The proposed approach to charging was outlined by Irish Water in a water charges plan which it submitted to the CER in line with the provisions of the Act. The CER recently held a public consultation on this plan which covered a range of issues relating to water charges and allowances. The CER issued a determination on the water charges plan on 30 September 2014 and details are available on the CER website, (www.cer.ie)

In making its determination on the water charges plan, the CER had to take account of the decisions made by the Government on the funding model for Irish Water and a direction made under Section 42 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 in July 2014. This policy direction addressed a number of matters relating to domestic water charges including the provision of a free allowance of 30,000 litres of water supplied and waste water treated per annum for a primary residence on a public supply.

In addition to the above, the Government agreed to put in place further affordability measures to assist pensioners, persons with disabilities, and carers who receive the Household Benefits Package administered by the Department of Social Protection. From January 2015, Household Benefits Package recipients will receive a quarterly €25 ‘Water Support’ payment. The exceptional needs payment system will also continue to be available to people experiencing severe financial difficulties.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email at [e-mail] or by telephone on 1890 278 278.

Planning Issues

Questions (227)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

227. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider issuing a statutory recommendation under section 202 of the Planning Act 2000 to South Dublin County Council to extend the Liffey Valley special amenity area order, SAAO. [38506/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

A planning authority has power, under section 202(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, to make an order declaring an area to be an area of special amenity, where it considers that this should be done by reason of:

(a) its outstanding natural beauty, or

(b) its special recreational value, and having regard to any benefits for nature conservation.

As Minister, I have power under section 202(3) of the Act to direct a planning authority to make such a special amenity area order. The order must be made by resolution i.e. it is a reserved function of the Council, and must be confirmed by An Bord Pleanála. In March 1987, the then Minister directed Dublin County Council to make a Special Amenity Area Order for the Liffey Valley and the order was confirmed on 8 March 1990.

I am fully supportive of the protection and further enhancement of the Liffey Valley as an amenity. In 2009, the then Minister requested the relevant authorities (South Dublin County Council, Fingal County Council, Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council) to consider the evaluation of lands to be the subject of a further Special Amenity Area Order for the purpose of extending the existing area to possibly include the Guinness/ Farmleigh Bridge. Responses were received from these authorities and considered by my Department.

In general, the responses received in 2009 indicated that there were insufficient grounds or funds for extending the Order beyond its existing area. Accordingly, I do not propose to issue any directions on this matter to the planning authorities concerned at this time.

In 2006, the Office of Public Works commissioned a strategy document “ Towards a Liffey Valley Park ”, which set out recommendations for the creation of a process towards the establishment of a park with a management framework for the Liffey Valley area. The implementation of these recommendations, or similar steps, is a matter for the local authorities concerned.

Fuel Laundering

Questions (228)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

228. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost of cleaning up the countryside as a direct result of diesel laundering and dumping of the waste in local authorities areas, particularly in the Border counties, for each of the past three years; the action taken to curb same; the numbers prosecuted; the result of increased co-operation between State agencies north and south of the Border to fight this crime; when the new marker resistant to all known fuel laundering will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38511/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Enforcement in relation to illegal diesel laundering activities is primarily a matter for the Revenue Commissioners from the point of view of avoiding loss of revenue to the Exchequer. My Department assists local authorities in carrying out their role as competent authorities under waste legislation, which involves the taking of necessary measures, on behalf of the State, to ensure that any waste generated and left abandoned by diesel launderers is disposed of without endangering human health and without harming the environment.

The illegal deposition of the waste material arising from diesel laundering activities presents the local authorities with major difficulties as the task of cleaning up the material needs to be dealt with to avoid threats to the environment. The laundering process requires the use of chemicals such as sulphuric acid and bleaching agents and results in a waste by-product, a tar-like chemical compound or sludge, with the potential for environmental pollution, particularly in relation to watercourses.

Approximately 900 incidents of diesel laundering waste dumping have been dealt with by local authorities to date and my Department has up to now reimbursed the costs associated with such disposal on a case by case basis. The majority of the clean-up operations have taken place in Louth and Monaghan, with 490 and 406 sites respectively. Further diesel laundering facilities have been identified in Counties Cavan, Donegal, Offaly, Meath and Waterford.

Details of the amounts provided by my Department since 2008 on a per county basis are set out in the following table.

Year	Louth County Council	Monaghan County Council	Offaly County Council	Cavan County Council	Donegal County Council	Total
2008	€448,460	€109,615	-	-	-	€558,075
2009	€314,678	€45,632	-	-	-	€360,310
2010	€246,211	€28,414	€29,270	-	-	€303,895
2011	€939,315	€89,588	-	-	-	€1,028,903
2012	€1,452,267	€347,350	-	€23,458	-	€1,823,075
2013	€693,048	€150,946	-		€40,753	€884,747
Total	€4,093,979	€771,545	€29,270	€23,458	€40,753	€4,959,005

This is a significant expenditure borne at present by the Environment Fund. As part of ongoing cooperation with the Northern Ireland authorities on repatriation of illegally deposited waste in Northern Ireland, discussions have taken place on the need to develop a mechanism for dealing with waste from cross-border diesel washings which would be factored into the overall discussions on waste repatriation. These discussions are ongoing.

I believe that a complete solution to this problem must necessarily involve effective and co-ordinated enforcement of the law from both a revenue and waste management perspective. In that context, my Department continues to liaise with representatives of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the local authorities concerned and the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement to seek to identify more effective enforcement solutions and these engagements will continue.

The use of identifying markers as a means of tackling fuel fraud is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.

Water Services Provision

Questions (229)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

229. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Irish Water will not charge any householders connected to the mid-Kerry water supply which is continually cut off due to breakages in the pipe network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38519/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from each customer in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.

The CER published its final decision on Irish Water’s water charges plan on 30 September 2014. This decision does not include any discounts or rebates as a result of a temporary loss of water supply.

Irish Water’s Capital Investment Plan 2014-2016, which the CER also approved on 30th September, includes a number of capital projects for the mid-Kerry region that will address the issues of the breakages in this pipe network.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email at [e-mail] or by telephone on 1890 278 278.

Commissions of Investigation

Questions (230)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

230. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of the commissions of investigation, inquiries and similar investigations established under his Department during the past 12 months or being considered for establishment during the next 12 months, and in each case the person or persons conducting the inquiry and the timeframe, including start and end date envisaged. [38330/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

There have been no commissions of investigation, inquiries and similar investigations established by my Department during the past 12 months and it is not proposed to establish any at this time.

Broadband Service Provision

Questions (231, 232)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

231. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details on surveys of broadband services and performances of broadband in Newtown, Kilcock, County Kildare and the timeframe for the upgrade of broadband in the area; the consultation that will occur with residents or businesses in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38348/14]

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

232. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when fibre broadband will be available in Newtown, County Kildare, an area which has been identified by the strategy announced earlier this year for the delivery of quality high-speed broadband to rural areas; if he will provide an update on the mapping process being undertaken by his Department to improve the broadband fibre network in rural communities; when this and the detailed implementation strategy for public consultation will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38494/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.

I am unaware of any surveys of broadband services and performance as outlined in the Deputy's question.

The Government’s Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to delivering a State-led broadband intervention in rural areas. Through the National Broadband Plan (NBP) the Government aims to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses in Ireland. This is being achieved through measures designed to accelerate commercial investment and the development of a State-led intervention for non-commercial areas.

Under EU State Aid Guidelines Member States cannot intervene where commercial investors have plans to roll out services. A comprehensive mapping exercise is underway in my Department to identify those areas that require a State intervention. An initial list of areas has already identified and includes 18 areas in County Kildare, including Newtown. I am also aware of extensive rollout of high speed broadband services in County Kildare by at least one commercial operator.

As part of the mapping process, an initial stakeholder consultation on certain technical aspects of the proposed Plan was launched in June with a deadline of 15th September last. 31 submissions were received as part of this process and non-commercially sensitive versions of these responses will be published by my Department over the coming weeks.

I expect to publish the maps for public consultation later this year. These will include details of the areas requiring State intervention. The maps will be dynamic and will be subject to change if new commercial investments are announced in the future.

A further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015.

EU State Aid clearance will be required for the State intervention. My Department will be working closely with the European Commission on this important aspect of the programme.

Finally, a detailed procurement process will have to be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) prior to commencing the roll out of high speed broadband services.

This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government and for my Department. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in a sustainable and meaningful way. Our goal is to ensure that quality broadband services are available to all citizens regardless of where they are located.

Wind Energy Generation

Questions (233)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

233. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form the expected installed wind capacity here over then next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38507/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020, to be achieved through 40% renewables in electricity, 12% in heat and 10% in transport. To date, wind energy has been the largest driver of growth in renewable electricity, contributing most towards the achievement of the 2020 target. Provisional figures for 2013 indicate that 16.4% of electricity demand was met by wind generation. There is now over 2,000 MW of wind generation connected to the grid in Ireland. It is estimated that a total of between 3,500 and 4,000 MW of onshore renewable generation capacity will be required to allow Ireland to meet its 40% renewable electricity target. Under the Gate 3 grid connection programme over 3,000 MW of renewable generation has taken up connection offers, much of which is onshore wind.

The Transmission System Operators in Ireland and Northern Ireland, EirGrid and SONI, publish the All Island Generation Capacity Statement on an annual basis. The Statement outlines the levels of electricity demand, and generation capacity, expected to be available in both jurisdictions for the coming decade. This includes the expected rate of connections for wind generation, which is set out in detail at Appendix 2 of the report. Information on the connection of new generation is also available on an ongoing basis on the EirGrid and ESB Networks websites.

Road Projects Expenditure

Questions (234)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

234. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding funding (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38510/14]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects such as the N71 is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.

Rail Network

Questions (235)

Derek Nolan

Question:

235. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a detailed update on plans for the redevelopment of Ceannt Station in County Galway including the stage the planning is at; his Department's vision for the station and the timeframe in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38306/14]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is managing the Regional Cities Programme on behalf of my Department. Under this programme capital funding is provided for investment in public transport measures in the regional cities, including improvement works at Ceannt Rail Station in Galway.

Noting this, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Local Improvement Scheme

Questions (236)

Brendan Smith

Question:

236. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide specific funding to local authorities in 2015 to reinstate local improvement schemes which are essential for rural dwellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38308/14]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides funding for roads and laneways that Councils have not taken in charge.  However, the maintenance and improvement of these is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant landowner. There is no separate allocation for the LIS.  Instead, local authorities may use up to 15% (increased from 7% in 2013) of their initial Discretionary Grant towards local improvement schemes should they wish to do so. The local contribution for these schemes remains at 20% of the total cost of the project.

Details of the 2014 regional and local roads grants were communicated to local authorities on 24 January this year.

Furthermore, it is open to local authorities to supplement the percentage of their Discretionary Grant that they can use for the LIS with their own resources.

The above position is likely to extend into 2015. Some local authorities want the LIS while others prefer to put the funding into public roads. I think this decision is best made at a local level.

Commissions of Investigation

Questions (237)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

237. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a list of the commissions of investigation, inquiries and similar investigations established under his Department during the past 12 months or being considered for establishment during the next 12 months, and in each case the person or persons conducting the inquiry and the timeframe, including start and end date envisaged. [38341/14]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

My Department has not commissioned any investigations or inquiries during the past 12 months and at present is not considering establishing any investigations or inquiries during the next 12 months.

Light Rail Projects Status

Questions (238)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

238. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the stalled metro north project; his plans for this project in the build up to the next capital investment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38488/14]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) such as metro, light and heavy rail projects.  

Following the comprehensive review of capital expenditure carried out in 2011 a decision was taken to defer Metro North and a number of other major projects, including  DART Underground, due to the financial situation. It was made clear at the time that these projects would be reviewed again in preparation for the next capital plan post-2016.  The priorities under the current capital plan are to protect investment made to date, to maintain safety standards and to progress affordable projects such as Luas Cross City which add value to the existing network.

The NTA is currently undertaking a technical consultancy (Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study) to assess the long-term rail transport requirements of the North Dublin/Fingal corridor, extending from Finglas to Malahide and including Dublin Airport and Swords.  This review is examining existing proposals including Metro North as well as other options for a rail-based transport solution to meet the area's needs in the long term. I expect to receive a report from the NTA on the outcome of the review by early 2015.

I also expect at that time to receive the updated DART Underground business case and the preliminary business case for the Swords/Airport Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme from the NTA.

I will then consider the options for addressing key public transport deficits in the GDA having regard to the costs and benefits of each project and  to available Exchequer funding as well as other possible sources of funds. I expect to finalise  this review  by mid-2015.

Significant Exchequer resources will be required to advance any major project irrespective of the availability of private or EU funds. New projects cannot be funded within the existing level of resources available to my Department. The key priority over the coming years is to protect investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. If additional funds are available, which is not certain, there will be many competing projects from all transport modes in all regions.  I will prioritise any additional funds for projects for which there is a clear need, which are affordable, have a sound business case and add value to existing infrastructure.

Driver Licence Renewals

Questions (239)

Billy Timmins

Question:

239. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding persons who have had to emigrate for employment and need to have their driving licence renewed and have now been informed that they need to travel home to Ireland from Australia, Canada and so on to apply in person to the National Drivers Licence Service in order to get an international licence they need to have a valid driving licence; the steps in place to facilitate such applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38529/14]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Firstly, I would point out that Regulations, signed by my predecessor this Summer, mean that people who are abroad for a fixed period for work or study do not need to appear in person to renew their driving licences.  When people emigrate on a permanent or long-term basis, it should be the norm that they would acquire a driving licence in their new country of residence.  Where Ireland has an agreement on mutual exchange of driving licences – as we do with Australia, one of the countries mentioned by the Deputy – then the individual can exchange their Irish driving licence for a licence in that country.  The Deputy also mentioned Canada.  We now have an agreement on mutual exchange of driving licences with Ontario, and are working to put in place similar agreements with the other Canadian provinces.

Where there is no reciprocal agreement on mutual exchange of driving licences, a person may still drive, under international agreements, in another jurisdiction on a visitor basis on their Irish licence for up to a year.  Ultimately, if a person is taking up residence in another country they should get a driving licence in that country, and the procedures required will be a matter for the relevant authorities in that country.  As a person no longer resident in Ireland, they would not be entitled to renew their Irish licence.

Commissions of Investigation

Questions (240)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

240. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide a list of the commissions of investigation, inquiries and similar investigations established under her Department during the past 12 months or being considered for establishment during the next 12 months, and in each case the person or persons conducting the inquiry and the timeframe, including start and end date envisaged. [38328/14]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

There have been no commissions of investigation, inquiries or similar investigations established under my Department in the past 12 months or being considered for establishment during the next 12 months.

Student Grant Scheme Administration

Questions (241)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

241. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding advice available to a student who wants to pursue a qualification in dance; if there is any establishment in the country providing such courses under the student grant scheme; if any assistance is available from any other agency to a student; if grant assistance is available if the student attends a course in a private college here or publicly in the UK and the reason do we not assist students wishing to pursue a career in dance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38518/14]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Funding decisions, including bursaries, are a matter for the Arts Council. Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council is a statutorily independent body, funded by my Department and independent in its day-to-day operations, and I have no role to play in relation to its funding decisions.

My Department does not provide student grants for the pursuit of qualifications, as described by the Deputy. Matters relating to student grants and educational establishments fall into the remit of the Higher Education Authority and are ultimately a matter for my colleague, Ms Jan O'Sullivan, TD, Minister for Education and Skills.

National Monuments

Questions (242)

Seamus Kirk

Question:

242. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if St. Michael's Monastic Grange, Duleek, County Meath, is listed as a national monument; if so, the plans the National Monuments Service has to ensure it fulfils its obligation to protect and preserve the site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38528/14]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

St. Michael’s Grange in Abbeyland, Duleek, Co. Meath, is privately owned. As it is not a national monument in my ownership or guardianship, as Minister, the State is not responsible for its management or maintenance.

The monument is, however, included on the Record of Monuments and Places established under Section 12 of the National Monuments Acts 1930, as amended. As a consequence, any proposal to carry works at or in relation to the monument is required to be notified to me not less than 2 months before the works commence.

Heritage Fund

Questions (243)

Anne Ferris

Question:

243. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the level of funds available to her through the Heritage Fund Act; the level of funds in the heritage fund; the amounts and benefactors of the fund in the past 24 months; her plans to develop the fund, both in terms of its level and remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38530/14]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Heritage Fund was established under the Heritage Fund Act 2001. The purpose of the fund is to provide resources for use by the principal State collecting cultural institutions in acquiring, for the national collections, items of moveable heritage such as artefacts, manuscripts, books and works of art that

- are both rare and of national importance,

- are outstanding examples of their type,

- are pre-eminent in their class, and

- otherwise could not be acquired.

The Act provided for a total fund of €12.697m over a five-year period, broken down between an allocation of €3,809,214 in the financial year 2001, €2,539,476 in each of the financial years 2002, 2003, 2004, and finally a sum of €1,269,738 in the financial year 2005. Funding for the Heritage Fund is held in the Heritage Fund Public Investment Account, an interest-bearing account.

The five eligible institutions that may benefit from the Heritage Fund are:

- The National Archives,

- The National Gallery of Ireland,

- The National Library of Ireland,

- The National Museum of Ireland, and

- The Irish Museum of Modern Art.

The Heritage Fund remains in place and currently contains €217,826.11 in funding. This amount is, however, below the amount laid down in the legislation for an individual acquisition, each of which must be valued above €317,435. As the existing legislation does not allow for the replenishment of the fund, the balance of the fund is currently in an interest-bearing account and cannot be used for acquisitions. Consequently, no acquisitions have been made using the fund since 2007. The matter is being kept under review.