Thursday, 7 Jul 2016

Written Answers Nos. 201-215

Leader Programmes Funding

Questions (201)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

201. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the cost of restoring Leader funding to the level that was originally allocated under the 2007 to 2013 rural development programme, by county, in tabular form; the amount of moneys expended to date, by county, under the 2014 to 2020 rural development programme; the 2016 allocation for Leader funding and total expenditure to date, by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20227/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The original allocation for the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 was just short of €400 million (see Table 1). The LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 will provide €250 million in financial resources to support the development of sustainable rural communities (see Table 2).

LEADER funding for the 2007-2013 programming period was not allocated based on county boundaries but to individual Local Action Groups on completion of the Local Development Strategy process. The allocations were revised in 2013 when the EU co-financing rate changed due to the financial downturn, resulting in a decrease in the overall programme allocation.

€35 million had been allocated to the LEADER 2014-2020 programme for this year. The expenditure incurred to date under the programme in 2015 and 2016 relates to funding for Preparatory Support for the preparation of Local Development Strategies (see Table 3).

Table 1 – Local Action Group Allocations 2007 – 2013

Local Action Group	Original Allocation	Revised Allocation
Avondhu Blackwater Partnership Ltd.	€9,057,810	€7,563,093
Ballyhoura Development Ltd.	€11,673,519	€18,832,677
Carlow County Development Partnership Ltd	€8,878,177	€7,619,278
Cavan-Monaghan LEADER	€12,035,118	€10,235,403
Cill Dara Ar Aghaidh Teo	€12,282,448	€10,642,073
Clare Local Development Company Ltd.	€14,028,529	€16,175,841
Co. Kilkenny LEADER Partnership	€11,523,729	€13,587,910
Co. Wicklow Community Partnership	€11,135,560	€9,128,172
Co. Sligo LEADER Partnership Company Ltd	€10,888,673	€9,791,787
Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta	€4,642,415	€7,218,571
Donegal Local Development Company Ltd.	€12,831,901	€12,693,035
Fingal LEADER Partnership Co.	€7,766,780	€6,488,129
FORUM Connemara Ltd.	€9,668,965	€7,925,982
Galway Rural Development Company	€15,257,985	€12,512,676
Inishowen Development Partnership	€8,286,143	€7,410,663
IRD Duhallow Ltd.	€10,315,943	€12,852,160
Laois Community and Enterprise Dev	€10,993,608	€9,564,731
Leitrim Integrated Development Co Ltd	€10,845,497	€10,332,659
Longford Community Resources Ltd	€8,714,110	€7,198,679
Louth LEADER Partnership	€8,839,815	€7,265,162
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Co.	€10,751,894	€9,663,562
Meath Community Rural and Social Dev.	€12,748,771	€15,139,043
North East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teo	€10,558,882	€9,267,641
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership	€9,708,008	€12,917,884
Offaly Integrated Local Dev Co. Ltd.	€11,520,489	€10,856,445
Roscommon Integrated Development Company	€12,838,021	€11,230,957
South and East Cork Area Dev Ltd.	€10,641,494	€10,600,928
South Kerry Development Ltd.	€12,370,667	€10,341,450
South Tipperary Local Development Co Ltd	€11,106,187	€12,515,649
South West Mayo Development Company Ltd	€12,150,007	€10,820,318
Waterford LEADER Partnership Ltd.	€10,558,519	€11,486,013
West Cork Development Partnership Ltd.	€14,601,149	€13,481,280
West Limerick Resources Ltd	€9,997,751	€9,091,221
Westmeath Community Development Ltd	€10,987,060	€9,015,451
Wexford Local Development	€12,515,565	€11,919,814
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta*	€17,278,809	€3,371,751
Overall Total	€399,999,998	€376,758,090

*Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG) went into liquidation in 2012

Table 2 – LEADER Allocations 2014 – 2020

Sub Regional Area	Programme Allocation
Rural Dublin	€6,370,438.43
Kildare	€5,261,600.01
Meath	€6,903,123.57
Wicklow	€6,336,549.00
Carlow	€6,416,803.43
Kilkenny	€7,791,572.91
Wexford	€9,840,140.56
Tipperary	€10,103,443.28
County Waterford	€7,522,796.18
County Cork	€13,938,823.22
Kerry	€10,219,868.29
Clare	€8,920,224.65
County Limerick	€9,276,593.96
County Galway	€12,195,883.61
Mayo	€11,121,431.88
Roscommon	€8,852,659.22
Louth	€6,101,862.01
Leitrim	€5,998,474.74
Sligo	€7,655,647.81
Cavan	€8,522,285.84
Donegal	€12,913,877.86
Monaghan	€7,592,719.51
Laois	€7,124,586.86
Longford	€7,597,623.07
Offaly	€8,036,763.90
Westmeath	€7,384,206.22
Total	€220,000,000.00

Table 3 –Expenditure by County 2015 – 2016

COUNTY	Total Payments 2015-2016
CARLOW	€20,000.00
CAVAN	€50,000.00
CLARE	€83,335.54
CORK	€215,240.20
DONEGAL	€57,594.44
DUBLIN	€55,000.00
GALWAY	€75,000.00
KERRY	€16,343.70
KILDARE	€50,000.00
KILKENNY	€57,295.00
LAOIS	€32,882.38
LEITRIM	€25,000.00
LIMERICK	€22,187.00
LONGFORD	€30,000.00
LOUTH	€28,000.00
MAYO	€119,238.12
MEATH	€40,000.00
MONAGHAN	€58,296.00
OFFALY	€30,000.00
ROSCOMMON	€58,212.61
SLIGO	€15,000.00
TIPPERARY	€20,000.00
WATERFORD	€75,427.28
WESTMEATH	€25,602.22
WEXFORD	€15,000.00
WICKLOW	€35,793.81
TOTAL	€1,310,448.30

Question No. 202 answered with Question No. 185

UK Referendum on EU Membership

Questions (203)

Michael McGrath

Question:

203. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of staff dedicated to managing Ireland's response to the decision of the United Kingdom to exit the European Union; the structure of this team; how it will work with teams in other Departments; who has overall responsibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20296/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Issues relating to how the recent UK referendum could impact on the work of my Department, and on the sectors for which it is responsible, are being managed at a senior level by my Department’s Corporate Division. There are no staff in my Department exclusively dedicated to these matters at present as the volume of work arising does not warrant the assignment of staff on a whole-time exclusive basis.

In parallel with this, an inter-Departmental Group on UK-EU relations has been established, chaired by the Department of An Taoiseach, with members drawn from all Government Departments and a number of other bodies such as the Central Bank. My Department participates fully in the work of that Group.

I can assure the Deputy that I will be keeping these matters under active review, in close consultation with my Department’s Management Board.

Consultancy Contracts Data

Questions (204)

Robert Troy

Question:

204. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide, per annum, all external consultant reports commissioned by her Department since March 2011, in tabular form; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report and the publication date. [20340/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The details requested by the Deputy in respect of the nine reports commissioned by my Department since its establishment in June 2011 are set out in the following table. Contracts for the provision of services are not included.

The "Review of PSO Air Service for the Aran Islands" was published in May 2014. The "Updated Business Case for Restoring the Ulster Canal from Lough Erne to Clones" and the "Cost Benefit Analysis of the National Gallery Redevelopment Project" are published on the Department's website. The remaining reports have not been published.

For completeness, I wish to bring to the Deputy's attention that the University of Birmingham was commissioned in 2010 by the then Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, prior to the establishment of my Department, to undertake a review relating to peatlands. The resulting report, "Review of Archaeological Survey and Mitigation Policy relating to Bord na Móna Peatlands" was published in June 2013 and the associated costs of €34,337 were met by my Department.

I would also point out that my Department also commissions engineering or environmental experts from time to time to provide technical reports on specific issues, as required. While the providers of these services are consultant engineers, environmental consultants or may describe themselves in other such terms, their work is not classified as consultancy services and is not funded from my Department's Administrative Budget.

Commissioned	Company	Title of Report	Cost €
2011	Avia Solutions	Review of financial submissions relating to the Public Service Obligation Air Service for the Aran Islands	6,300
2012	Bonnar Keenlyside	Review of Dublin Contemporary 2011	10,959
2013	Dorgan Associates	Cost Benefit Analysis of National Archives Development Plan	12,669
2013	Dorgan Associates	Cost Benefit Analysis of National Gallery Redevelopment Project	12,731
2013/2014	Dorgan Associates	Examination of capital incentives to promote investment in film studio infrastructure	6,765
2014	EY	Review of PSO Air Service for the Aran Islands	41,795
2014	Fitzpatrick Assocs	Updated Business Case Restoring the Ulster Canal from Lough Erne to Clones	15,191
2014	The VAT Practice	Advisory service on UK VAT	2,963
2015	Public Affairs Ireland (PAI)	Review of Management Structure and Ireland (PAI) Grading of Senior Management Posts within Údarás na Gaeltachta	17,617

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (205)

Robert Troy

Question:

205. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total photography costs per annum for her Department since coming to office, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance, in tabular form; 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 her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20370/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Details of annual photography costs incurred by my Department since my appointment in July 2014 are set out in the following table. The total costs involved were €1,168 for that period in 2014, €15,489 for 2015 and €9,473 to date in 2016.

The hiring of photographers for Ministerial or Departmental events is dependent on a number of factors, including the nature of the engagement, the expected level of media interest and the national/regional scope of the subject. At all times, value for money is a critical consideration in the context of the booking of photographers.

Occasion	Photographer	Cost €
2014
Photocall with winner of Herald Archangel Edinburgh Festival 2014	Maxwell Photography	486
Launch of Ireland 2016 commemorative programme at G.P.O.	Maxwell Photography	482
Photographs of Minister and two Ministers of State for official Departmental use	Philip Fitzpatrick Photography	200
2015
European Heritage Heads Forum 10th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Dublin Castle	Con Brogan	200
Launch of the High Island Monograph	Con Brogan	150
Visit to Cartoon Saloon in Kilkenny	Dylan Vaughan Photography	271
Event to commemorate the funeral of O'Donovan Rossa, Glasnevin Cemetry	Lensmen	554
Launch of Culture Ireland supported artists attending Edinburgh International Festivals	Lensmen	258
Launch of Culture Ireland I AM IRELAND 2016 programme	Maxwell Photography	503
John Redmond commemoration	Maxwell Photography	138
Launch of Ireland 2016 Commemorative Programme	Maxwell Photography	861
10th Anniversary of Culture Ireland	Maxwell Photography	103
Dublin launch of Venice Artist Biennale 2015	Maxwell Photography	637
Moore Street – meeting with Lord Mayor and traders	Maxwell Photography	362
Photography for WhoDoesWhat Website	Maxwell Photography	327
Annual Famine Commemoration and related events	Paul Faith	781
Spanish Armada Find Sligo	Picsell8 Ltd	450
Teach an Phiarsaigh Cultural and Exhibition centre, Rosmuc, Connemara / Global and Diaspora Programme (2 separate events)	Reg Gordon	960
Photography for WhoDoesWhat Website	Tain Bo Media Teo	148
Launch of the High Island Monograph	Con Brogan	150
Local Authorities CEOs and Ireland 2016 Coordinators meeting Royal College of Surgeons	Lensmen	689
Launch of the High Island Centenary Programme, Collins Barracks	Big O	300
2016 Children's Consultations	Maxwell Photography	258
2016 Community Participation video And Photography, Thurles	Big O	615
Local Authorities Ireland 2016 County Plans	Big O	1,920
2016 events: Announcement of Arts Council Bursaries, Áras an Úachtaráin, Delivery of first Flags for Schools, Launch of Youth Imagination Programme Strand, Schools Supplement launch, Local Authority Co-ordinators, Monaghan, Photography for Ireland Launch of An Teanga Beo Programme Strand IMMA	Big O	4,379
Additional funding support for 2016 by IPB	Big O	475
2016
Launch of design phase for archives storage in National Archives	Conor McCabe	431
Launch of website of compensation claims for property losses during 1916 Rising	Conor McCabe	431
Commemorating Women of 1916	Conor McCabe	431
2016 Post Primary Schools Flag Ceremony	Robbie Reynolds	553
Launch of Action Plan for Historic Houses	Lorraine Teevan	310
EU Language Jobs Announcements, RHA Gallery	Maxwell Photography	395
Centre of Excellence for EU Irish Language Careers meeting with Minister of State	Andrew Downes	250
Moneen Cave Excavation	Thorsten Kahlert	1,300
Ireland 2016 Peace Proms	Big O	400
Wreath Laying at South Dublin Union, Easter Monday	Big O	212
State Ceremonial for Women of 1916	Maxwell Photography	775
2016 - Last Flag for School Delivery, Tallaght Hospital	Maxwell Photography	689
2016 - images for Participating Children and Staff	Maxwell Photography	499
2016 - Liberty Hall (additional images)	Maxwell Photography	138
Opening screening of 1916 Documentary, National Concert Hall	Maxwell Photography	590
Synchronised Wreath Layings in three locations, Easter Monday	Maxwell Photography	691
State Ceremonial for Irish Citizen Army	Maxwell Photography	1,378

Public Relations Contracts Data

Questions (206)

Robert Troy

Question:

206. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide, broken down per annum, the use of external public relations firms employed by her Department since coming into office, in tabular form; the external public relations firm used; to outline the internal departmental policy with regard to employing external groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20385/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

No external public relations firms have been employed by my Department since my appointment in July 2014.

Health Services Provision

Questions (207)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

207. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding diabetes sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20108/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Questions (208)

Alan Kelly

Question:

208. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive has plans to ensure an Ehlers-Danlos syndrome specialist is in place in any hospital here. [20112/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Health Services Provision

Questions (209)

John McGuinness

Question:

209. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health to provide funding for the care of a person (details supplied); if he will accept the opinion of the person's professional care team and make an immediate decision to support the person as there is no other option in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20127/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Medicinal Products Availability

Questions (210)

John Halligan

Question:

210. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Health why certain required medical items are no longer available on prescription under the medical card scheme (details supplied); if he will consider providing these items once again through prescriptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20324/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the particular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to you. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Medicinal Products Prices

Questions (211)

Tom Neville

Question:

211. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health his proposals to deal with the cost of medicines for persons under the medical card scheme at the point when the medication is dispensed, that is, charges due for them at the point of purchasing the medication; if he will address the issue of the cost of prescription medications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20333/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the General Medical Services scheme, medical card holders are entitled to free approved prescribed medicines, subject to a prescription charge of €2.50 per item, with a monthly cap of €25 for each person or family.

The prescription charge is a matter which I intend to consider in the context of the implementation of the Health commitments in the Programme for Government and having regard to the funding available to facilitate such measures.

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Questions (212)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

212. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when the Health Service Executive will fill a post (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20410/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Health Services

Questions (213)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

213. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the range and level of services and treatment in the County Dublin area for adults with dyspraxia. [20411/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, the Deputy can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

Health Services Provision

Questions (214)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

214. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the status of the appointment of a person (details supplied) in Louth and Meath disability services; and if he will renew the contract. [20413/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (215)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

215. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment. [20414/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.