Tuesday, 20 Jan 2015

Written Answers Nos 137-153

Children in Care

Questions (137)

Robert Troy

Question:

137. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on a Health Information and Quality Authority report indicating that children at a care centre in the southern region routinely engage in illegal drug use and criminal activity during frequent absences from the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2206/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has a statutory responsibility to inspect the Child and Family Agency's children residential centres under Section 69 of the Child Care Act 1991. I view these independent inspection reports as an essential component of quality improvement for children's residential centres, which work alongside internal processes within the Agency. Residential care accounts for a very small proportion - less than 5% - of children in care (316 of 6,454). During 2014, HIQA focused its inspections of residential centres on how staff manage children - usually older teenagers - who have behaviour described as challenging and difficult.

Last week there were concerning reports in the media regarding a children's residential care unit in the southern region following the publication of an inspection report on 12th January 2015. HIQA's inspection found that the three teenagers living in the centre at the time were taking risks primarily in the form of taking illegal substances when outside the centre. The inspection report notes that the staff and managers tried to make sure that these young people were safe but weren't able to prevent them from leaving the centre without permission or taking drugs. I am advised by my officials that Ireland is somewhat unusual in that we have quite a number of 16 and 17 year olds coming into care. Latest figures from the Agency indicate that 14% that is, 258 of young people received into care in 2013 were over the age of 16. Some of these young people had very difficult lives before coming into care including histories of emotional and behavioural difficulties and substance misuse. Agency staff and those working in HSE mental health and addiction services engage with these young people to try and help them overcome their problems - but helping young people with such complex backgrounds is challenging work.

I take the care and safety of all children and young people in care very seriously indeed, as do the Agency's staff, and I recognise that the job of helping troubled young people to resolve their difficulties is key to keeping them safe. This includes referring young people to specialist addiction counsellors in the HSE when required.

The Agency has advised me there is one young person living in the centre now - he is doing well and has a good relationship with the staff. Another young person was discharged home and the third is in a private residential centre (following a period of detention in the criminal justice system). Since the inspection, the Agency has advised that it is carrying out a management review of the centre and that no further children are to be admitted pending its outcome. I have asked the Agency to keep my Department appraised and look forward to learning the outcome of the review.

Social Workers Recruitment

Questions (138)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

138. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding his Department's plan to recruit more social workers for Tusla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2195/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Staffing vacancies arise for a variety of reasons, including retirements, career breaks, paid and unpaid leave (including maternity and other family related leave) and resignations. The Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) has advised that there were 1,403.46 whole time equivalent social workers employed at the end of November 2014 and that they are currently recruiting an additional 193 social workers to meet existing vacancies. They have also advised that 155 social workers have already been recruited during 2014.

In addition to the above, there are currently 84 social workers on maternity leave and in order to address priority gaps in service resulting from maternity leave, a pilot Maternity Leave Cover scheme has been introduced whereby maternity related vacancies in each region can be filled by way of a temporary contracts. The Pilot Scheme involves the allocation of 100 posts between each region, 80 of which relate specifically to social workers.

The impact of vacancies on service provision is risk-assessed on an ongoing basis to ensure that social work team members are never allowed to fall below what is considered necessary to provide a safe service. Such risk-assessments take account of issues such as case loads and referral numbers. Where necessary, temporary staff are brought in immediately to cover vacancies until such vacancies are filled on a permanent basis.

Children First Guidelines

Questions (139)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

139. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on the introduction of protocols that would require political parties to put in place child protection policies in line with other voluntary organisations that have a youth element; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2126/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children [2011] is the current national policy which sets out the non-statutory child protection requirements which are in place for all sectors of society. This would include the youth element of political parties. Any person, or persons, who run an organisation which provides services to children and young people should be aware of, and comply with, their child protection obligations as set out in Children First. Section 4.7.2 of the Guidance provides that all statutory, voluntary and community organisations working with and in direct contact with children should have procedures and guidelines derived from and consistent with the current Children First: National Guidance. Our Duty to Care: The Principles of Good Practice for the Protection of Children and Young People, published in 2002, offers specific guidance to the community and voluntary sectors on the promotion of child protection and welfare practices.

The Children First Bill, 2014, which is currently progressing through the Oireachtas, will place key elements of the Children First National Guidance on a statutory basis once it is enacted and commenced. In effect, this means that providers of relevant services will acquire a number of statutory obligations. Under the Bill, providers of relevant services are defined as organisations which employ one or more persons. Relevant services are listed in Schedule 1 of the Children First Bill and include educational, research, training, cultural, recreational, leisure, social and physical activities. Once the Bill is commenced, a provider of relevant services will be required to undertake a risk assessment of the potential harm which could come to a child while availing of the services, and to then prepare a Child Safeguarding Statement which outlines the policies and procedures which are in place to mitigate the risks identified. Furthermore, certain persons who are mandated persons under the Bill, will be required by the legislation to report child welfare and protection concerns. These would include persons employed as safeguarding or child protection officers in organisations providing services to children.

In parallel to the legislative process, my officials are currently revising and updating the existing Children First National Guidance. This is to ensure that the Guidance, which will continue as the basis for all citizens to report concerns, reflects the new legislative obligations and provides, in one place, a complete reference resource for individuals and organisations. This will provide clarity and ensure consistency between the proposed legislation and the existing non-statutory obligations which will continue to operate administratively for all sectors of society.

Requirements in relation to the vetting of persons who work with children are a matter for the Department of Justice and Equality. The Deputy should refer to the website of that Department for further information, including in relation to the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act, 2012.

Child Detention Centres

Questions (140)

Mick Wallace

Question:

140. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he has had any discussion with the Health Information and Quality Authority regarding the next report on child detention conditions in view of the fact these reports are supposed to be carried out on an annual basis but the most recent one was published in November 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2193/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

In accordance with section 185 of the Children Act 2001, the Health Information and Quality Authority have been authorised to undertaken inspections of the children detention schools, which are required to be undertaken at least once every 12 months. HIQA is independent in the exercise of its functions.

I can confirm to the Deputy that HIQA conducted their last inspection of the children detention schools in Oberstown between 28 October and 3 November 2014. Following on from these inspections, HIQA will issue a report in accordance with the agreed protocol entitled “Protocol for Health Information and Quality Authority Inspections of Children Detention Schools". The protocol is outlined in Appendix A of the Standards and Criteria for Children Detention Schools, which is available on the Irish Youth Justice Service website and I have asked my officials to forward this material to the Deputy. I am advised that the HIQA report on this recent inspection is expected in the near future.

Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 136.

Child Detention Centres

Questions (142)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

142. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of the 16 boys reportedly being held in adult prisons; when these boys will be placed in more age-appropriate settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2196/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

On 16 January 2015, there were a total of 16 boys aged 17 years detained in the adult prison system, comprising 6 boys remanded in custody in St Patrick’s Institution and 10 boys serving a sentence of detention in Wheatfield Place of Detention.

There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to end the practice of detaining children in adult prison facilities and significant progress has been made in this area. Responsibility for 16 year old boys was transferred from the adult prison system to the Oberstown campus in May 2012 and this commitment will be fully met when the extension of the Oberstown campus results in the transfer of responsibility for 17 year old boys from the adult prison system to the children detention schools. The Oberstown capital development project, which commenced on site in September 2013, will enable the extension of the child care model of detention, which focuses on education and rehabilitation in order to minimize re-offending, to all under 18 year olds ordered to be detained by the courts on criminal justice charges.

The first 3 units of residential accommodation, which will prioritise the transfer of responsibility for 17 year old boys from adult prison facilities, were formally handed over to the Oberstown campus on 27 November 2014, following the required inspection of works and technical approval of the Office of Public Works, managing the project on behalf of my Department. I am advised that, in order to ensure safe and secure custody of children in the new buildings and that the appropriate health and safety standards are met, a further period of training and orientation for staff and for the fitting out of the new units with furniture and equipment is required. This process is ongoing at present and will be completed in the first quarter of 2015.

Other issues impacting on the operational date for the transfer of responsibility for 17 year old boys are the recruitment of the required complement of new care staff to work in the expanded facilities, and the passage of necessary legislation to ensure that all legal issues relating to the detention of children up to the age of 18 are fully addressed. Following a recruitment programme carried out in 2014, 38 new care staff have commenced employment on the Oberstown campus and completed the training and orientation process. However, the recruitment programme had a target of 60 additional care staff and an additional process for a further phase of recruitment is currently under way. It is intended that the required staff complement will be reached in the second quarter of 2015 for the operation of all of the new residential units.

My Department is also progressing the necessary legal changes required in order to transfer responsibility for 17 year old boys from adult prison facilities. Heads of a Bill to amend the Children Act, 2001 were approved by Government in September 2014 and it is intended that the Bill will be published this quarter and enacted as soon as possible thereafter.

My Department is reviewing these matters on an ongoing basis and it is my intention that the practice of detaining children in adult prison facilities will cease as early as possible this year.

Employment Data

Questions (143)

Pat Deering

Question:

143. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a breakdown in tabular form on a county basis of the number of persons at work between February 2012 and December 2014. [2295/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available. The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State. Estimates of employment are produced by NUTS2 and NUTS3 regions.

Due to methodology and sample size it is not possible to produce reliable county level estimates from the QNHS. In addition, data is only available from the QNHS on a quarterly basis.The latest figures available from the QNHS are for Quarter 3 of 2014. The table below shows the number of persons aged 15 years and over in employment classified by NUTS2 and NUTS3 regions in each quarter from Q1 2012 to Q3 2014.

Table 1 Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by NUTS2 and NUTS3 regions, Q1 2012 to Q3 2014

'000

-	Q1 12	Q2 12	Q3 12	Q4 12	Q1 13	Q2 13	Q3 13	Q4 13	Q1 14	Q2 14	Q3 14
Border, Midland and Western	456.4	459.3	459.7	458.1	467.8	476.5	478.6	482.9	476.4	476.8	485.4
Border	174.5	174.6	172.4	171.5	176.8	183.1	181.8	185.8	183.8	185.00	190.7
Midland	104.8	105.2	105.3	105.7	106.9	109.7	111.2	111.1	110.2	113.5	112.8
West	177.1	179.5	181.9	180.9	184.0	183.7	185.6	185.9	182.4	178.3	181.9
Southern and Eastern	1,368.7	1,376.9	1,381.6	1,390.8	1,377.8	1,393.4	1,420.7	1,427.0	1,411.9	1,424.8	1,441.5
Dublin	541.5	547.4	548.4	556.3	547.1	555.1	570.1	572.1	572.9	576.4	576.5
Mid-East	228.8	222.7	223.5	225.5	220.6	219.0	216.7	225.9	225.1	228.5	229.6
Mid-West	150.4	150.1	150.9	150.1	146.5	150.9	153.1	151.3	144.5	148.0	155.6
South-East	181.3	186.0	183.8	181.8	186.5	187.7	193.8	197.1	195.8	198.5	202.6
South-West	266.6	270.7	274.9	277.0	277.1	280.7	287.1	280.6	273.5	273.3	277.2
State	1,825.0	1,836.2	1,841.3	1,848.9	1,845.6	1,869.9	1,899.3	1,909.8	1,888.2	1,901.6	1,926.9

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

Reference period: q1=Jan-Mar, q2=Apr-Jun, q3=Jul-Sep, q4=Oct-Dec.

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.

Job Creation Data

Questions (144)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

144. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form the total number of jobs created and lost in County Limerick in the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48526/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available. The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State. The most recent figures available are for Q3 2014. Estimates of employment are produced by NUTS 3 Regions. The NUTS 3 Mid-West region includes Clare, Limerick City, Limerick County and North Tipperary. Due to methodology and sample size it is not possible to produce reliable Limerick City estimates from the QNHS.

Table 1a below shows the number of persons aged 15 years and over in employment classified by NUTS3 Mid-West region in Q3 of each year from 2011 to 2014.

Table 1b shows the annual change in the numbers of persons aged 15 years and over in employment classified by NUTS3 Mid-West region in Q3 of each year from 2011 to 2014.

As Table 1a shows the overall stock of persons employed at given points in time, the annual changes which are calculated using these stock figures depend both on the number of jobs lost and jobs created over the period in question.

The QNHS does not record whether a job is newly created.

Table 1a Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by NUTS3 Mid-West region, Q3 2011 - Q3 2014

'000

	Q3 11	Q3 12	Q3 13	Q3 14
In employment	154.0	150.9	153.1	155.6

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

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.

Table 1b Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by NUTS3 Mid-West region, Q3 2012 - Q3 2014 - Annual change

'000

	Q3 12	Q3 13	Q3 14
In employment	-3.1	2.2	2.6

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

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.

Employment Data

Questions (145)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the total number of jobs lost in the services sectors in each of the past five years to date; the number of new jobs created in the same period; the degree to which a positive trend has been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48693/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State. The latest figures available from the QNHS are for Quarter 3 of 2014.

Table 1a below shows the number of persons aged 15 years and over in employment in the Services sectors, classified by NACE Rev. 2. in Quarter 3 of each year from 2010 to 2014.

Table 1b shows the annual change in the number of persons aged 15 years and over in employment in the Services sectors, classified by NACE Rev. 2, in Quarter 3 of each year from 2011 to 2014.

As Table 1a shows the overall stock of persons employed at given points in time, the annual changes which are calculated using these stock figures depend both on the number of jobs lost and jobs created over the period in question. The QNHS does not record whether a job is newly created.

Table 1a Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by NACE Rev. 2 Economic Sector, Q3 2010-Q3 2014.

'000

	Q3 10	Q3 11	Q3 12	Q3 13	Q3 14
Total Services	1,426.9	1,412.1	1,420.8	1,439.2	1,460.2
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles
and motorcycles	278.1	276.5	272.7	273.3	275.2
Transportation and storage	92.8	96.7	90.3	88.2	87.5
Accommodation and food service activities	128.9	121.1	123.1	137.7	139.8
Information and communication	75.8	77.1	78.2	82.0	79.3
Financial, insurance and real estate activities	100.6	99.1	102.3	101.5	103.1
Professional, scientific and technical activities	97.4	96.6	100.4	111.3	116.9
Administrative and support service activities	62.3	69.4	66.6	64.7	65.2
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security	104.0	99.3	99.7	96.1	98.1
Education	149.0	137.2	140.6	140.8	144.1
Human health and social work activities	240.3	243.5	245.0	243.6	249.5
Other NACE activities	97.7	95.5	101.9	99.9	101.6

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

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.

Table 1b Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by NACE Rev. 2 Economic Sector, Q3 2011-Q3 2014 - Annual change

'000

	Q3 11	Q3 12	Q3 13	Q3 14
Total Services	-14.8	8.7	18.4	21.1
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles
and motorcycles	-1.6	-3.8	0.6	1.9
Transportation and storage	3.8	-6.3	-2.1	-0.8
Accommodation and food service activities	-7.8	2.0	14.7	2.1
Information and communication	1.3	1.1	3.8	-2.7
Financial, insurance and real estate activities	-1.5	3.1	-0.7	1.6
Professional, scientific and technical activities	-0.7	3.8	10.9	5.6
Administrative and support service activities	7.1	-2.9	-1.9	0.5
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security	-4.7	0.5	-3.7	2.0
Education	-11.8	3.4	0.2	3.4
Human health and social work activities	3.2	1.5	-1.4	5.9
Other NACE activities	-2.2	6.4	-1.9	1.7

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

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) compiles information on jobs created and jobs lost by linking P35L returns from the Revenue Commissioners with the CSO Business Register. The most recent data available is for the reference year 2013.

Job creation for an enterprise in a given reference year is measured as the positive difference in the number of paid employees recorded with non-zero reckonable pay in the reference year compared with the previous year. Job creation in the business economy as a whole is the sum of all enterprise job creation.

Jobs lost for an enterprise in a given reference year is measured as the negative difference in the number of paid employees recorded with non-zero reckonable pay in the reference year compared with the previous year. Jobs lost in the services sectors as a whole is the sum of all enterprise jobs lost. It should be noted that when interpreting figures, jobs lost for a particular year means that these jobs were identified in the previous year but not in the reference year, that is some of these jobs may have disappeared sometime during the previous year. Net job creation is calculated as the difference between job creation and jobs lost.

The calculation of rates for a given year is based on the average number of jobs counted in the given year and the year previous to the given year.

Considering the services sectors as Business Economy services excluding activities of holding companies (G to N,-642), jobs lost rates fell from 27% in 2009 before stabilizing at 12% from 2011 onwards. Job Creation rates rose from 8% in 2009 to fluctuate between 11% and 14% in the years 2010 to 2013.

Table 2 Employment records, job creation, jobs lost and net job creation for the Business Economy services excluding activities of holding companies (G to N,-642), 2009 – 2013

Job Churn Components by Activity NACE Rev 2, statistical indicator and Year
	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013
Business economy services excluding activities of holding companies (G to N,-642)
Employment records (Number)	1,218,442	1,172,340	1,195,482	1,215,787	1,222,122
Job creation rate	8%	12%	14%	13%	11%
Jobs lost rate	27%	17%	12%	12%	12%
Job creation (Number)	113,490	148,285	165,909	157,789	133,473
Jobs lost (Number)	358,036	203,000	144,848	138,816	146,152
Net job creation (Number)	-244,546	-54,715	21,061	18,973	-12,679
Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G)
Employment records (Number)	402,920	386,564	388,272	387,260	390,911
Job creation rate	7%	10%	11%	11%	9%
Jobs lost rate	28%	14%	11%	11%	13%
Job creation (Number)	29,632	37,881	43,355	42,066	37,561
Jobs lost (Number)	125,393	54,480	42,172	43,341	52,924
Net job creation (Number)	-95,761	-16,599	1,183	-1,275	-15,363
Transportation and storage (H)
Employment records (Number)	94,177	88,505	88,532	85,394	84,658
Job creation rate	5%	9%	9%	9%	8%
Jobs lost rate	16%	14%	11%	10%	9%
Job creation (Number)	4,988	8,078	8,162	7,400	6,953
Jobs lost (Number)	16,398	12,247	9,393	8,948	7,689
Net job creation (Number)	-11,410	-4,169	-1,231	-1,548	-736
Accommodation and food service activities (I)
Employment records (Number)	220,305	210,140	217,271	226,839	227,663
Job creation rate	10%	14%	17%	17%	13%
Jobs lost rate	30%	19%	14%	13%	13%
Job creation (Number)	25,015	30,385	36,298	37,268	30,399
Jobs lost (Number)	73,859	39,898	29,561	27,967	29,575
Net job creation (Number)	-48,844	-9,513	6,737	9,301	824
Information and communication (J)
Employment records (Number)	85,098	85,612	85,627	92,200	92,358
Job creation rate	13%	18%	16%	19%	14%
Jobs lost rate	25%	19%	15%	12%	14%
Job creation (Number)	12,033	15,367	13,723	16,940	13,371
Jobs lost (Number)	22,680	16,050	12,943	10,435	13,213
Net job creation (Number)	-10,647	-683	780	6,505	158
Financial and insurance activities excluding activities of holding companies (K-642)
Employment records (Number)	103,374	110,741	114,568	116,665	114,828
Job creation rate	4%	12%	13%	9%	7%
Jobs lost rate	14%	6%	9%	8%	8%
Job creation (Number)	4,015	12,828	14,213	10,894	7,974
Jobs lost (Number)	15,668	6,877	10,375	9,408	9,811
Net job creation (Number)	-11,653	5,951	3,838	1,486	-1,837
Real estate activities (L)
Employment records (Number)	17,090	15,620	17,906	18,164	18,610
Job creation rate	14%	19%	30%	18%	16%
Jobs lost rate	36%	28%	17%	13%	13%
Job creation (Number)	2,693	3,096	4,964	3,191	2,903
Jobs lost (Number)	6,963	4,542	2,797	2,379	2,457
Net job creation (Number)	-4,270	-1,446	2,167	812	446
Professional, scientific and technical activities (M)
Employment records (Number)	117,607	114,531	118,859	120,599	122,160
Job creation rate	8%	13%	17%	15%	12%
Jobs lost rate	26%	21%	14%	15%	11%
Job creation (Number)	10,927	15,305	20,240	18,532	15,038
Jobs lost (Number)	33,804	25,534	16,073	18,295	13,477
Net job creation (Number)	-22,877	-10,229	4,167	237	1,561
Administrative and support service activities (N)
Employment records (Number)	177,871	160,627	164,447	168,666	170,934
Job creation rate	12%	15%	15%	13%	11%
Jobs lost rate	32%	26%	13%	11%	10%
Job creation (Number)	24,187	25,345	24,954	21,498	19,274
Jobs lost (Number)	63,271	43,372	21,534	18,043	17,006
Net job creation (Number)	-39,084	-18,027	3,420	3,455	2,268

Commissions of Investigation

Questions (146, 147, 148)

Niall Collins

Question:

146. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach when the Fennelly commission of investigation will be completed; when he will publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49355/14]

Niall Collins

Question:

147. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach if he or his Department has been requested to extend the terms of reference of the Fennelly commission to include illegal eavesdropping through illegal devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49511/14]

Niall Collins

Question:

148. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach if he is satisfied that the terms of reference for the Fennelly commission are broad enough to take into consideration all concerns regarding bugging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49512/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 to 148, inclusive, together.

Following a formal request from the Fennelly Commission of Investigation under section 6 (6) of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, I have extended the timeframe for the Fennelly Commission of Investigation to report until 31 December 2015.

Under its terms of reference the Commission had been due to report by the end of 2014, subject to section 6(6) of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, which provides for an extension of the timeframe for reporting at the Commission's request.

Following consultation with the Commission, I have also published on my Department's website the Interim Report submitted by the Commission requesting an extension of its timeframe for reporting. Submission of such an Interim Report is a requirement under Section 33(3) of the Act when an extension of the timeframe for its final report is being requested. It outlines the work completed to date by the Commission since its establishment and the work that remains to be done with a view to identifying as accurately as possible the time required to complete its task.

As I previously informed the Dáil, I have also requested the Commission to submit a separate Interim Report in respect of paragraphs 1 (n) and (o) of its terms of reference provided it is satisfied it is feasible and appropriate to do so.

When the Commission's final report is received it is my intention to publish it as soon as possible afterwards, subject to the relevant provisions in the Commission of Investigation Act.

The Commission's terms of reference were appended to the Order that provides for its establishment, the Commission of Investigation (Certain matters relative to An Garda Síochána and other persons) Order 2014, Statutory Instrument Number 192 of 2014, which was debated and approved by the Dail and Seanad in April 2014. I am not aware of any requirement to extend the Commission's terms of reference.

Emigrant Support Services

Questions (149)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

149. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the €1 million fund announced in the budget for diaspora projects; the criteria for funding under the scheme; when the scheme will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1605/15]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

Mr Jimmy Deenihan TD was appointed as Minister for Diaspora Affairs in the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in July, 2014. In Budget 2015 €1 million was allocated for new diaspora projects and initiatives in the Vote of the Department of the Taoiseach - this is additional to the €11.595 million allocated to the Emigrant Support Programme in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for 2015.

The Minister for Diaspora Affairs is working to finalise a new Diaspora Policy that will build on the important work that has been done to support emigrants and with the additional funding will invest in new projects and initiatives designed to further broaden and deepen Ireland’s engagement with its global Diaspora. This funding will have a particular focus on supporting local communities to develop relationships with their diasporas.

Departmental Meetings

Questions (150)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

150. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 108 and 109 of 16 December 2014, the number of meetings with the MAC for the years 2011 to 2014, inclusive, which were attended by him, special advisers, a Minister of State at his Department or their special advisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2461/15]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

There are frequent meetings in many different formats attended by me, Ministers of State in my Department, special advisors and members of the MAC on an ongoing basis. These meetings include Cabinet Committees, the Economic Management Council and briefings on matters related to the work of my Department.

The details of attendance at each meeting of my Department's Management Advisory Committee (MAC) in 2011, 2012, 2013 and in 2014 were given in the written question number 132 on 2nd December 2014.

Departmental Staff Career Breaks

Questions (151)

Barry Cowen

Question:

151. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical or career break, broken down by zero to six months, six to 12 months, one to two years, two to three years, four to five years and more than five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2480/15]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

There are 10 staff from my Department currently on career break. The information sought is set out in the following table.

Number of staff on career break for 0-6 months	Number of staff on career break for 6-12 months	Number of staff on career break for 1-2 years	Number of staff on career break for 2-3 years	Number of staff on career break for 4-5 years	Number of staff on career break for 5 years plus
1	1	1	2	2	3

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (152)

Barry Cowen

Question:

152. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach if he will provide, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since he came to office, including costs incurred from the use of the ministerial allowance; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2481/15]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The total expenditure by my Department on photography from 9th March 2011 to 16th January 2015 is provided in the following table:

Year	Amount spent on photography
2011 (9th March to December )	€28,069
2012	€13,449
2013	Department €6,778.00 EU Presidency €38,172.26
2014	€12,749.90
1 - 16 January 2015	€124.85

Photography costs in my Department have reduced by 85% from €83,398 in 2008 to €12,749.90 in 2014.

The use of local photographers on international trade missions is required to distribute images to the domestic media to accompany the coverage of domestic journalists who are travelling on behalf of their organisations. Utilising local agencies is cost efficient and costs are kept to a minimum. Increasingly my Department utilises its own staff to take photographs in-house, thereby reducing costs.

In relation to the EU Presidency costs - as is standard for all Presidencies there is a host photographer to capture the images for the Presidency and to distribute them around the world.

The table below lists the occasions for which photographers were used and costs associated with each occasion:

Photography Costs from 9th March 2011 to 16th January 2015:

2011

Vendor Name	Description	Cost
The Press Association	The Press Association, Nottingham	€ 139.30
Hackett's Reprographics	Visa photos for 1 of the Taoiseach's delegation for USA Mar 2011, 10 Mar 2011	€ 20.25
Maxwell Photography	1916 Commemoration 24/04/2011	€ 502.45
Maxwell Photography	SDLP 14/04/2011	€ 371.17
Maxwell Photography	Launch of Census 10/3/2011	€ 357.25
Maxwell Photography	Newly appointed Ministers 15/03/2011	€ 478.25
Maxwell Photography	Visit of Jesse Jackson 21/03/2011	€ 409.58
Maxwell Photography	Book of Condolence - Japan 22/03/2011	€ 401.42
Maxwell Photography	US Ambassador Dan Rooney 28/03/2011	€ 401.42
Maxwell Photography	Jpegs 1916 Commemoration 04/04/2011	€ 60.50
Maxwell Photography	Mass New Dail 09/03/2011	€ 508.50
Maxwell Photography	Taoiseach Office Photo Call 09/03/2011	€ 538.75
Maxwell Photography	Reception New Ministers 09/03/2011	€ 391.13
Maxwell Photography	New Cabinet Meeting 10/03/2011	€ 492.17
Maxwell Photography	New Ministers Appointments 09/03/2011	€ 780.75
Maxwell Photography	The Late Dr. Garret Fitzgerald's Funeral 21-22 May 2011	€ 2,359.50
My Photobook.ie	27 May 2011 - My PhotoBook.ie	€ 140.80
Maxwell Photography	President Obama Visit 23 May 2011	€ 4,537.50
Maxwell Photography	Taoiseach Enda Kenny & Church Leaders on 19 May 2011 at Government Buildings	€ 409.58
Maxwell Photography	British PM Visit to Gov. Buildings on 18 May 2011.	€ 629.50
Maxwell Photography	US Congressman on 16 May 2011. assignment covering attendance, taking colour, processing, digital contact sheet.	€ 280.42
Maxwell Photography	Hungarian Prime Minister 01-06-11	€ 409.58
Maxwell Photography	Excellence Awards 09/06/2011	€ 857.59
Maxwell Photography	North South Ministerial Council 10-6-11	€ 812.21
Maxwell Photography	President of European Council 17/6/11	€ 562.04
Maxwell Photography	President Obama Visit 23 May 2011	€ 260.15
Maxwell Photography	Obama and Cabinet Ministers 23 May 2011	€ 740.52
Maxwell Photography	New Ambassadors 30-6-11	€ 332.75
Maxwell Photography	Chinese Delegation	€ 357.25
Maxwell Photography	Saudi Minister 14 June 2011	€ 280.42
Maxwell Photography	Richard Haass meets Taoiseach Enda Kenny on 01/04/2011	€ 371.17
LK Photo	Costs relating to St. Patricks Day Visit to Washington 2011	€ 2,106.14
Maxwell Photography	New Sec Gen and Ian Paisley on 26/07/2011.	€ 318.84
Maxwell Photography	Meeting EU Parliament President 12 July 2011.	€ 696.05
Maxwell Photography	Strategy for International Services Industry 14-7-2011	€ 349.08
Hackett's Reprographics	7x5 Digital Prints	€ 30.76
J. Higgins Photos	Photos Taoiseach 4/5 May 2011 visit to New York	€ 303.30
Maxwell Photography	Arvato meeting with Taoiseach 21 Sept 2011.	€ 560.84
BANK OF IRELAND	19 November 2011 - www.gettyimages.com	€ 212.96
Maxwell Photography	Photocall TAOISEACH & New SDLP Leader 09/11/2011.	€ 340.92
Maxwell Photography	Presidential Inauguration on 11/11/2011.	€ 3,956.70

2012

Maxwell Photography	Taoiseach signs Book of condolence 20 Dec 2011.	€ 371.17
Maxwell Photography	Taoiseach - Christmas Media Meeting 22 Dec 2011.	€ 296.75
The Press Association	12 January 2012 - Photos of Prime Minister David Cameron with Taoiseach Enda Kenny 10 Downing Street.	€ 122.01
Maxwell Photography	British Irish Council 13/01/12	€ 531.05
Maxwell Photography	Taoiseach meeting with Deputy PM Nick Clegg	€ 377.30
Maxwell Photography	Blue Star Programmes on 07/02/2012.	€ 539.36
Maxwell Photography	EU Presidency Job winning logo on 02/02/2012.	€ 687.26
Maxwell Photography	Taoiseach & Tánaiste attend 'Progress to date' launch 07/03/2012.	€ 195.57
Frank Fennell Photography Ltd	Launch of the Stability Treaty Website, 19 April 2012.	€ 409.63
Frank Fennell Photography Ltd	Olympic Torch Photocall at Govt Buildings on 06/06/2012.	€ 268.45
QiLai	Photographer for Taoiseach's visit to China 25/28 March 2012	2,817.49
Maxwell Photography	Carers Strategy Launch in the Italian Room on 19th July 2012.	€ 439.11
LK Photos	Taoiseach's visit to US 19-21 March 2012.	€ 1,774.78
Lafayette Photography Ltd	NSMC in Farmleigh on 15/06/2012	€ 174.24
Lafayette Photography Ltd	National Day of Commemoration 08/07/2012	€ 555.75
Lafayette Photography Ltd	Olympic Reception at Farmleigh 15/08/2012 - CD of photographs	€ 330.16
Lafayette Photography Ltd	Official Photography services for visit of Secretary of State Northern Ireland on 01 Oct 2012.	€ 87.66
Michael Hudson Photos	Taoiseach's Visit to Chicago, 17 March 2012	€ 302.35
Lafayette Photography Ltd	18hrs of photography over 4 days for the JPEGs for Whos Who on the Irish Presidency Website	€ 3,168.51

2013

Frank Fennell Photography Ltd	EU Conference of Presidents, Dublin Castle on 31 December 2012	€ 116.85
Frank Fennell Photography Ltd	Presidency meeting of European Parliament Leaders, Dublin Castle 29th Nov 2012	€ 430.51
Maxwell Photography	Photography Prints for Constitutional Convention Inaugural Meeting on 1st Dec 2012.	€ 1,763.46
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Family photo shot, post production touch up + prints (36 copies) for the EU Directors General Informal meeting (13-14/1/2013)	€ 512.62
Maxwell Photography	2 JPEG images of the Taoiseach/Cyprus President Nov 2005 - 28 Jan 2013.	€ 34.44
Lafayette Photography Ltd	Eucharistic Congress Reception Dublin Castle 1st July 2012	€ 171.01
Lafayette Photography Ltd	Visit of Secretary of State Northern Ireland on 01 Oct 2012, 18 images sent to media	€ 19.43
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Photocall for 40 years in the EU, Art Exhibition, 25 February 2013.	€ 318.54
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal Justice and Home Affairs meeting, Dublin Castle, 18/01/13	€ 1,471.99
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy visit, Dublin Castle, 9/1/2013	€ 1,645.47
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal Justice and Home Affairs meeting, session 2, Dublin Castle, 17/1/2013	€ 1,449.89
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal EU Affairs meeting, Dublin Castle 21/01/13.	€ 1,564.62
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal meeting of Employment 8th Feb. 2013 Dublin Castle.	€ 817.91
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal meeting of Employment 7th Feb. 2013 Dublin Castle.	€ 1,573.31
Levon Biss Photography Ltd	Prints of Taoiseach's Time Magazine cover 26/11/2012	€ 111.95
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	31st Dec 2012 for EU Flag Raising Ceremony attended by Taoiseach at Dublin Castle.	€ 669.09
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Visit of Presidents Barroso & Schulz at Government Buildings on 28/2/2013. - Post Production Fee	€ 257.43
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal meeting of Defence Ministers 13/2/2013, Dublin Castle.	€ 817.91
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal meeting of Development & Co-operation Ministers 12/2/2013, Dublin Castle.	€ 1,559.45
M McNally Photographer	Taoiseach's visit to Downing Street on 11 March 2013.	€ 335.03
E Hill Photography	Taoiseach's visit to Enniskillen, 11 November 2012.	€ 700.60
Peter Cavanagh Photography	Whos Who for Presidency. 27/28 Sept. 2012 & 16 Oct 2012.	€ 1,600.00
Magnum Computers	Photos of Taoiseach's visit to Cleveland, Ohio. October 2012.	€ 192.41
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Gymnich meeting - 23rd March 2013.	€ 484.58
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Energy Ministers at Dublin Castle 24 April, 2013	€ 1,181.62
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Environment Ministers at Dublin Castle 23 April, 2013	€ 1,307.04
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal Meeting of Environment Ministers at Dublin Castle on 22nd April 2013	€ 821.57
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Ministers for Trade at Dublin Castle 18 April, 2013	€ 1,535.67
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Hunger-Nutrition Conference at Dublin Castle 15 April,2013	€ 968.41
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	ECOFIN Ministerial Informal meeting on 13/4/2013	€ 1,870.49
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of ECOFIN Ministerial Informal 12 April 2013.	€ 4,126.55
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Hunger-Nutrition & Climate Change at Dublin Castle on 16th April 2013.	€ 817.91
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Commission College meeting Dublin Castle on 10 Jan 2013 - Prints & Digital Imaging	€ 2,042.61
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Health Informal Ministerial Meeting 4th March, Dublin Castle attendance	€ 276.75
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	EU Presidency Team Group Shot on 01 May 2013.	€ 302.58
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Health Informal Ministerial Meeting 5th March 2013- Dublin Castle.	€ 1,134.33
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Gymich meeting 22nd March 2013, Photography & high resolution imaging	€ 1,570.00
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Ministerial Informal, Agriculture Ministers on 27th & 28th May 2013	€ 2,453.74
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Ministerial Informal - Competitiveness [Dept. DJEI ] 2nd May 2013	€ 817.91
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal meeting of Competitiveness - Council day on 03 May 2013.	€ 1,134.34
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Family photos of Presidency team at Government Buildings on 01 May 2013.	€ 31.38
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Presidency Liaison Officers Photos at Dublin Castle on 27 May 2013.	€ 162.01
Marty Katz Photography & James Higgins Photography	St Patrick's Day Visit, New York - 16-17 March 2013	€ 2,235.66
Maxwell Photography	North South Ministerial Meeting on 05/07/2013 at Dublin Castle Sundays F.T.P. images to Media outlets	€ 706.02
Maxwell Photography	EU Presidency staff event on 05/07/2013 at Dublin Castle - Upload of images to online gallery	€ 292.74
Maxwell Photography	Round table discussion with the Taoiseach and on Online Retailers on 06 Sept 2013.	€ 292.74
Maxwell Photography	Taoiseach's meeting with Bill Clinton at Government Buildings - 09/10/2013	€ 249.69

2014

Maxwell Photography	Extra copies of prints of the Queen & President Obama's visit, May 2011	77.18
Maxwell Photography	Photography assignment, Taoiseach's Address of the Nation, 15th December 2014	956.94
Maxwell Photography	Photography Services for the Convention on the Constitution final plenary meeting 22nd & 23rd February 2014	511.68
DNP Service	Taoiseach's visit to Japan, 3-4 December 2013.	244.23
Maxwell Photography	Photography assignment for the visit of the Spanish Prime Minister on the 6th March 2014	519.06
Maxwell Photography	Photography assignment for the visit of the German Prime Minister on the 7th March 2014	396.06
Maria Photography	Taoiseach's visit to Abu Dhabi & Dubai, January 2014.	2695.8
Dan Hallissey Photography	Taoiseach's visit to Boston, 16 March 2014.	506.77
Marty Katz Photography	Photography for Taoiseach's visit to Washington DC on 13 & 14 March 2014	1740.64
Maxwell Photography	Official Photography at State Funeral of the late Albert Reynolds 23rd Aug 2014 at Mansion House and Donnybrook Church	2841.3
James Higgins Photography	Photographs of the Taoiseach's visit to New York on 17 March 2014.	252.71
Dowlings Pharmacy	Passport photos for Official 04 Sep 2014	6
Boots Chemist	Photo's for Official 13 July 2014	2.1
Getty Images International	EU, All About Jobs campaign, purchase of iStock photo subscription for 3 months, 7th Oct 2014	207.87
Maxwell Photography	Photography for North South Ministerial Council on 3rd Oct 2014, Dublin Castle.	547.35
CreativeShot Photography	United Irish Cultural Center - San Francisco 4 June 2014.	753.07
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	#AllAboutJobs: photography of key local industries and visit by Minister Nash to Carlow, 26 November 2014'	491.14
1 January to 16 January 2015
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	EU - 10 Low Resolution images from Minister Ged Nash events in Carlow 26th November 2014	124.85

Consultancy Contracts Data

Questions (153)

Barry Cowen

Question:

153. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach if he will provide, in tabular form, the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department since he came to office; the list of uses of the external public relations firms; the internal departmental policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2482/15]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The following table provides details of external public relations firms employed by my Department since 9 March 2011:

Name of Firm	Purpose
Caroline Erskine, Media and Public Affairs Consultant	To assist in the implementation of the communications plan for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and Associated Projects
Q4 Public Relations	Support for the Convention on the Constitution

My Department ensures that it gets best value for money in the procurement of all goods and services and keeps to a minimum the engagement of public relations firms. In the cases set out above, the use of external public relations firms was limited to work carried out for Ireland's EU Presidency in 2013 and the Constitutional Convention.