Written Answers Nos. 924 to 951
924. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if additional revenue will be available to supplement the fiscal space from live register savings in 2016; when he will announce any such additional space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26017/16]
View answerThe Social Protection Vote Group's gross voted expenditure estimate of €19.6 billion for 2016 takes into account anticipated reductions in expenditure compared to 2015 arising from changes in the Live Register. On a monthly basis, my Department monitors voted expenditure versus profile. The analysis of gross voted expenditure published with the end-August Exchequer Statement, shows that overall Social Protection gross voted expenditure of €12.97 billion was €25 million or 0.2% below profile. Spending associated with the Live Register is largely on profile at the end of August. This expenditure will continue to be monitored over the coming months.
The Mid-Year Expenditure Report published in July, sets out the Pre-Budget Ceiling for the Department of Social Protection. The amount included in this ceiling reflects certain demographic pressures primarily relating to the State Pension and anticipated savings from reductions in expenditure on the Live Register. As part of the Budget Estimates process, the forecast of changes in Live Register related expenditure and changes in other Social Protection scheme expenditure is subject to reassessment. This assessment is ongoing and will be considered in the context of the preparation of the Estimates for 2017.
925. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe of the Public Service Pay Commission, with particular reference to addressing the pay inequality issue for teachers, some of whom have effectively lost €20,000 over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26019/16]
View answerOn the 19th July last, the Government approved the estalishment of a Public Service Pay Commission, which was a commitment in the Programme for Partnership Government. A public consultation was commenced over the summer months in relation to the role and methodology of the Commission. In addition, officials within my Department will be meeting with key stakeholders in the coming weeks, to further discuss these matters, in accordance with the terms of the Lansdowne Road Agreement. I will be reverting to Government with more detailed proposals when these processes have concluded.
In relation to the Deputy's reference to new entrant teachers, as I previously advised the issue of addressing the difference in incremental salary scales between public servants, who entered public service employment since 2011 and those who entered before that date has already been addressed with the relevant union interests under the provisions of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013 - 2018 (Haddington Road and Lansdowne Road Agreements). The Programme for Government commits the Government to fully implementing the Agreement.
The Programme also states that the Pay Commission will examine pay levels across the public service, including entry levels of pay. It is important to emphasise that it is only within the terms of the Lansdowne Road Agreement that any further consideration of remuneration adjustment for any group of public servants, including issues relating to more recently recruited public servants, will fall to be examined. Any measures taken will also have to comply with the terms of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009 - 2015 (FEMPI) as well as delivering the necessary productivity and other workplace change that will underpin their affordability. The issue of the incremental salary scales for those New Entrant Teachers who entered employment since February 2012 is currently being progressed in discussions with those Teacher Unions who are signed up to the Lansdowne Road Agreement.
926. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the list of all vacancies that existed on 26 February 2016 and all positions that have arisen since including the date it became vacant for State boards or governing bodies under his control; the names of those appointed since the Government was formed; if the position was advertised and a short-list provided to him by the Public Appointments Service; if the appointments were approved by the Cabinet; the positions under his control which are not subject to the PAS system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26088/16]
View answerWith regard to the Board of PAS, there were no vacancies on or since 26 February 2016.
The board members of the IPA are appointed by way of ex-officio position (e.g. one member must be a Secretary General of a Government Department) or are membership nominees so the positions do not involve the Minister in any way and as such cannot be advertised.
927. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a staffing issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26092/16]
View answerI am advised that the matter contained in the Deputy's enquiry relates to a staff management issue in another Department and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on it. All posts filled in the Payroll Shared Service Centre complied fully with Government recruitment policy.
928. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if consideration is being given to further performance management measures for local authorities in areas such as social housing, traffic management, planning, environment and drainage; if sanctions are required for poor performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26125/16]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, my responsibility regarding performance budgeting relates to enhancing the quality and use of performance measurement measures across the civil and public service. This role does not extend to identifying and selecting specific indicators for individual sectors, such as the local authority sector. It is, of course, intended that the performance budgeting initiative currently ongoing in my Department will assist in promoting and supporting the development and use of improved performance information for local authorities.
In this context, local authority operational and policy performance is subject to review by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) which was established by the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government under the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and reports to the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government on performance issues including making recommendations on performance indicators to that Minister.
929. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the policy in relation to persons at a senior level in the public service taking early retirement in different strands of the public service receiving added years in terms of their pension entitlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26205/16]
View answerThe only added years awarded in the Civil and Public Service to persons before reaching the standard retirement age are to Secretaries General, County Managers, CEOs of non-commercial State Bodies, and to staff in any grade who retire on health grounds before normal retirement age.
Following a government decision on 25 October 2011, no Secretary General appointed after that date now receives added years as part of their terms. Similarly the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government removed these terms for newly appointed City/County managers from 26 July 2012. Delegated authority to award added years to CEOs was withdrawn by my Department on 4th February 2010
Added years for superannuation purposes are no longer available for new entrant public servants since the introduction of the Single Pension Scheme for Public Servants in January 2013.
930. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he expects Annesgrove Gardens in north Cork will officially open to the public. [26230/16]
View answerIt is hoped that public access, albeit limited initially, can be facilitated in mid-2017.
931. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the recent concerns expressed by the Finance Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the provision of EU funds for Peace IV and INTERREG, in view of the suggested cut off date of November 2016 by the British Treasury for such projects; if he can provide an assurance that these programmes will continue in operation up to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26272/16]
View answerI am aware of the statement issued by the UK Treasury on 13 August 2016 in relation to the uncertainty surrounding a range of EU funding in the UK as a result of the UK referendum on EU membership. I am also aware of the concerns expressed by the Minister of Finance in Northern Ireland.
Following the result of the UK referendum on EU membership I had an opportunity to meet the Northern Ireland Finance Minister, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, both at the Plenary meeting of North South Ministerial Council in Dublin Castle and at the NSMC Sectoral meeting for the Special EU Programmes Body in Iveagh House, and we have been in correspondence since. We are both committed to the successful implementation of the PEACE and INTERREG programmes for the period up to 2020 and are working to ensure that outcome.
932. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the names of the holders of the position of Government Chief Information Officer, their dates of employment and vacancy periods from 2010 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26394/16]
View answerThe position of Government Chief Information Officer was established in June 2013. Following this appointment the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was established in July 2013. The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) replaced the previous Centre for Management and Organisation Development (CMOD). Tim Duggan occupied the post of Head of CMOD/Chief Information Officer with CMOD up to 6 June 2013.
The following are the names of the holders of Government Chief Information Officer with OGCIO since June 2013, including dates of employment and the dates the position was vacant.
|
Name |
Dates of Employment |
|
McCluggage, William |
10/06/2013 - 15/02/2014 |
|
Position Vacant |
16/02/2014 - 23/03/2014 |
|
McGrath, Michael |
24/03/2014 - 23/05/2015 |
|
Position Vacant |
24/05/2015 - 10/04/2016 |
|
Lowry, Barry |
11/04/2016 to date |
933. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he has taken to develop behavioural economic insights analysis in his Department; if his Department has met with the ERSI on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26401/16]
View answerIn January 2016, it was agreed that the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform, in its remit as the lead Department for the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), would take the policy lead in bringing a more coherent, planned and informed approach to the application of Behavioural Economics in the Irish public service.
My Department is progressing work on Behavioural Economics in a number of areas. The DPER IGEES Unit has been working on carrying out a small number of pilot trials using Behavioural Economics, such as an ongoing randomised control trial with the Department of Social Protection to improve attendance rates at jobseekers' meetings. The results of this trial will be published early next year. The DPER IGEES Unit has also been providing assistance and guidance to other Departments considering projects using Behavioural Economic insights. The IGEES Unit has also been working on developing toolkits and templates to help Departments apply Behavioural Economics in their own policy areas. The Climate Change Evaluation Unit in my Department has also been exploring sectoral behavioural insights to help inform climate policy.
It is intended to publish a paper later this year which will provide further details on my Department's work on Behavioural Economics. The paper will also set out how Behavioural Economics fits into the existing policy framework in Ireland. This builds on previous publications by my Department, which published a paper on Behavioural Economics in 2014, setting out an introduction to behavioural insights and the potential applications in Irish policy. The 2014 paper is available on the website of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation.
My Department has met with a wide range of stakeholders, including the ERSI, to discuss the application of Behavioural Economics in Irish policy-making.
934. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flood insurance models report developed by the OPW; when the report will be published; the timeline for actions arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26403/16]
View answerIn March 2014, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Insurance Ireland (II), the representative body for the insurance industry in Ireland, and the Office of Public Works (OPW). This Memorandum sets out principles of how the two organisations will work together to ensure that appropriate and relevant information on completed OPW flood defence schemes is provided to insurers to facilitate, to the greatest extent possible, the availability to the public of insurance against the risk of flooding. II members have committed to take into account all information provided by OPW when assessing exposure to flood risk within these areas.
The Memorandum came into effect on 1 June, 2014 with an initial tranche of data provided by the OPW to II in respect of 12 completed flood defence schemes and showing the design, extent and nature of the protection offered by these works. A further tranche of data was provided to II in January 2015 covering a further 4 completed flood defence schemes. OPW will continue to provide data to II as flood defence schemes are completed.
Insurance Ireland estimates that flood cover is included as standard in 98% of household insurance policies throughout the country. II has carried out a number of surveys among its members to ascertain the extent to which flood insurance cover is available in the areas for which OPW has provided data on completed flood defence schemes. The results of the most recent survey were provided in January of this year; they indicate that 83% of property insurance policies in these areas include cover against flood risk. Where the defences are permanent in nature the percentage is 89%; where demountable defences are used the percentage is 78%.
I met recently with Insurance Ireland to stress the need for flood victims to have the best possible chances to be able to obtain insurance cover at reasonable cost. I highlighted that OPW schemes using demountable defences are built to the required standard and to provide robust levels of flood protection to properties. I welcome a commitment given to me by II to assess the risk from the deployment protocols, warning systems and emergency response systems in place.
Following that meeting, II has recently written to me setting out the range of data its members require to be able to assess the risk associated with these defences. II has sought detailed data in relation to adequacy and resourcing of flood warning systems; and mobilization, efficacy, maintenance and development of demountable defences. My officials will be providing the data sought over the coming weeks.
935. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the timeline given for the rapid threat response plan to be finished for the hen harrier and the exact date given; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24667/16]
View answer969. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of meetings that have been held to date of the inter-departmental steering group established to draw up a threat response plan for the hen harrier; the frequency with which the group intends to meet; the progress made by the group to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25385/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 935 and 969 together.
The Inter-Departmental Steering Group working on the development of the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan was established in July 2014 and has now met on eight occasions.
The main issues of land uses and the recovery of the hen harrier population have been investigated and discussed by the Steering Group and with the stakeholder consultative committee. The report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has also been taken into account.
My officials will meet bilaterally and as a group with the key Departments over the coming weeks to finalise a draft of the plan prior to a public consultation and screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment.
There has been substantial work carried out in setting out the issues around managing for the recovery of the hen harrier population, and the concerns and knowledge of landowners and other stakeholders.
936. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the total funding allocated to the walks scheme over the past three years; her proposals to increase funding in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24686/16]
View answerThe Walks Scheme is a scheme under which private landholders receive modest payments to maintain sections of National Way Marked Ways and other priority walks that traverse their lands. Payments totalling €1,779,410 and €1,769,698 were made to participants in 2014 and 2015 respectively, and it is anticipated that in the region of €1,770,000 will be made in payments to participants during 2016. The number of participants on the scheme currently stands at 1,908 and covers 39 trails. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to doubling the amount of funding available for the Walks Scheme and to double the number of walks covered.
The Walks Scheme forms part of the Government’s programme for rural development. In recent weeks, I also approved funding for a new round of Rural Recreation projects totalling €4.455 million to facilitate the development of new recreational facilities and the maintenance of existing recreational infrastructure across 75 projects throughout Ireland.
937. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to address the challenges associated with managing the wild deer population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24689/16]
View answerWild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. There is an annual open season during which deer can be legally shot under licence. The open season for deer operates generally from 1 September to the last day of February, depending on the species and gender of deer.
My Department carries out localised annual deer counts on State lands such as National Parks and I am aware that deer species are increasing in range and numbers. Where appropriate, and depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats, especially woodland, culls may be carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.
Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of landowners who may apply to my Department for a permission under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to cull deer where this is necessary outside the annual open seasons. These permissions offer a facility whereby a person can obtain a permit, on a case by case basis, to prevent serious damage caused by individual deer on specific lands. Permissions are only issued where there is evidence of such damage.
In relation to deer policy in general, my Department, together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, published Deer Management in Ireland – A Framework for Action in 2015 which recommends a series of actions on deer management and conservation in a number of areas including addressing the impact of deer in places where they are widespread. An Irish Deer Management Forum has been established to implement the various actions listed in the Report. The Forum itself comprises representatives from the main stakeholder areas such as landowners, forestry, hunting and conservation organisations as well as representatives from both Departments.
938. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of Leader funding granted within each electoral area, since 2011 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24722/16]
View answerFunding under the LEADER programme is not allocated on the basis of electoral areas. LEADER funding for the 2007-2013 programming period was provided through individual Local Action Groups for the areas identified in their local development strategies. Funding under the LEADER 2014-2020 programme is allocated to sub-regional areas.
Table 1 below details the funding provided from 2011 to 2015 under the 2007-2013 LEADER programme, broken down by Local Action Group.
Table 2 provides details of payments made to each of the 28 sub-regional areas for the period 2015 and 2016 under the 2014-2020 LEADER programme in respect of preparatory support.
Table 1 – 2007-2013 LEADER Programme Expenditure
|
Local Action Group |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
Total |
|
Avondhu/ Blackwater Partnership Limited |
1,452,701 |
1,212,830 |
1,264,468 |
1,276,918 |
278,848 |
5,485,764 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Limited |
2,130,312 |
2,397,676 |
3,994,223 |
6,291,798 |
909,392 |
15,723,402 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership Limited |
1,337,408 |
904,679 |
1,262,834 |
2,138,103 |
388,320 |
6,031,345 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan Area Partnership Ltd. |
1,395,631 |
1,641,645 |
3,210,954 |
2,336,530 |
511,142 |
9,095,901 |
|
Clare Local Development Company Limited |
2,119,277 |
2,411,543 |
3,261,700 |
4,302,221 |
993,413 |
13,088,154 |
|
Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta |
518,677 |
1,105,149 |
2,176,183 |
1,894,353 |
363,794 |
6,058,156 |
|
Donegal Local Development Company Limited |
1,796,013 |
2,463,354 |
3,622,211 |
3,095,607 |
257,315 |
11,234,500 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership |
447,811 |
412,008 |
698,117 |
1,781,702 |
1,059,578 |
4,399,216 |
|
FORUM Connemara |
513,962 |
1,233,017 |
981,342 |
2,296,315 |
501,546 |
5,526,181 |
|
Galway Rural Development Company Limited |
1,659,797 |
2,057,692 |
2,507,388 |
2,870,759 |
712,342 |
9,807,979 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
1,151,797 |
1,586,557 |
2,344,668 |
907,789 |
190,514 |
6,181,325 |
|
I.R.D. Duhallow |
1,158,308 |
2,069,346 |
2,365,060 |
3,904,446 |
1,016,139 |
10,513,297 |
|
Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta |
1,369,674 |
1,277,935 |
3,172,878 |
2,914,130 |
1,209,469 |
9,944,086 |
|
Co Kilkenny LEADER Partnership Co Ltd |
1,693,199 |
1,841,995 |
2,185,466 |
3,458,619 |
1,631,965 |
10,811,245 |
|
Laois Community & Enterprise Development Co Ltd |
1,146,117 |
1,217,298 |
1,598,280 |
3,534,320 |
553,125 |
8,049,139 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company |
1,051,690 |
1,559,626 |
3,050,354 |
2,000,812 |
946,430 |
8,608,911 |
|
Longford Community Resources Limited |
999,436 |
992,794 |
1,274,336 |
1,819,201 |
703,871 |
5,789,637 |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership |
984,538 |
799,034 |
1,374,132 |
2,344,695 |
306,762 |
5,809,161 |
|
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Co Teo |
748,616 |
995,506 |
644,759 |
669,066 |
2,977,773 |
6,035,721 |
|
Meath Community Rural & Social Devel P/ship Ltd |
1,405,591 |
1,248,705 |
3,231,141 |
2,002,163 |
2,439,207 |
10,326,807 |
|
M.F.G. (Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta) |
1,215,939 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1,215,939 |
|
North & East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teoranta |
1,028,322 |
1,210,065 |
2,073,775 |
2,433,845 |
720,170 |
7,466,178 |
|
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership Company |
1,763,802 |
2,158,895 |
2,607,127 |
3,942,779 |
756,203 |
11,228,807 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company |
1,340,573 |
1,620,240 |
3,154,442 |
1,936,490 |
439,295 |
8,491,040 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Company |
1,625,844 |
1,491,173 |
2,110,898 |
3,370,058 |
589,969 |
9,187,942 |
|
Sligo LEADER Partnership Co |
1,525,708 |
1,401,569 |
2,023,554 |
1,449,318 |
430,272 |
6,830,421 |
|
South & East Cork Area Development Limited |
1,713,705 |
1,365,379 |
2,206,684 |
2,248,514 |
1,062,633 |
8,596,914 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership Limited |
1,167,358 |
1,226,912 |
2,352,913 |
3,618,477 |
354,064 |
8,719,723 |
|
South Tipperary Local Development Company Limited |
1,441,884 |
2,295,621 |
3,964,018 |
2,207,193 |
855,583 |
10,764,299 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company Limited |
1,570,841 |
1,359,056 |
2,203,010 |
2,445,241 |
768,727 |
8,346,875 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership Limited |
1,936,376 |
1,797,104 |
3,401,348 |
2,502,935 |
416,750 |
10,054,513 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership Ltd |
1,742,280 |
2,030,581 |
3,351,990 |
3,596,658 |
661,730 |
11,383,238 |
|
West Limerick Resources Ltd |
900,345 |
1,606,005 |
2,407,972 |
2,368,258 |
437,824 |
7,720,405 |
|
Westmeath Community Development Ltd |
766,212 |
1,452,864 |
1,653,038 |
2,461,645 |
1,059,784 |
7,393,543 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
1,543,582 |
1,454,707 |
2,818,354 |
3,018,030 |
438,762 |
9,273,436 |
|
Co Wicklow Community Partnership |
1,098,431 |
1,118,600 |
2,048,376 |
2,538,640 |
697,308 |
7,501,355 |
|
Total |
47,461,759 |
53,017,160 |
82,597,993 |
91,977,627 |
27,640,016 |
302,694,555 |
Table 2: Expenditure on LEADER 2014 – 2020 Programme
|
Sub-regional area |
Payments 2015 |
Payments 2016 |
Total Payments |
|
Carlow |
20,000.00 |
0.00 |
20,000.00 |
|
Cavan |
50,000.00 |
0.00 |
50,000.00 |
|
Clare |
71,000.00 |
112,335.54 |
183,335.54 |
|
North Cork |
15,000.00 |
0 |
15,000.00 |
|
West Cork |
135,240.20 |
0 |
135,240.20 |
|
South Cork |
65,000.00 |
0 |
65,000.00 |
|
Donegal |
57,594.44 |
0.00 |
57,594.44 |
|
Rural Dublin |
55,000.00 |
0.00 |
55,000.00 |
|
County Galway |
75,000.00 |
0.00 |
75,000.00 |
|
Kerry |
15,000.00 |
1,343.70 |
16,343.70 |
|
Kildare |
50,000.00 |
0.00 |
50,000.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
54,725.00 |
92,570.00 |
147,295.00 |
|
Laois |
25,000.00 |
7,882.38 |
32,882.38 |
|
Leitrim |
25,000.00 |
0.00 |
25,000.00 |
|
County Limerick |
22,187.00 |
0.00 |
22,187.00 |
|
Longford |
30,000.00 |
0.00 |
30,000.00 |
|
Louth |
28,000.00 |
0.00 |
28,000.00 |
|
Mayo |
107,000.00 |
12,238.12 |
119,238.12 |
|
Meath |
40,000.00 |
0.00 |
40,000.00 |
|
Monaghan |
58,296.00 |
0.00 |
58,296.00 |
|
Offaly |
30,000.00 |
0.00 |
30,000.00 |
|
Roscommon |
58,212.61 |
0.00 |
58,212.61 |
|
Sligo |
15,000.00 |
0.00 |
15,000.00 |
|
Tipperary |
20,000.00 |
0 |
20,000.00 |
|
County Waterford |
63,430.00 |
11,997.28 |
75,427.28 |
|
Westmeath |
25,500.00 |
102.22 |
25,602.22 |
|
Wexford |
15,000.00 |
0 |
15,000.00 |
|
Wicklow |
25,000.00 |
10,793.81 |
35,793.81 |
|
TOTALS |
1,251,185.25 |
249,263.05 |
1,500,448.30 |
939. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Question Number 253 of 25 June 2015, her views on the issue raised (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24823/16]
View answerMy Department is aware of the matter referred to and will keep it under review within the context of the limited funding resources available for the management of National Parks and Nature Reserves across the country.
940. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the avenues available to local community development associations to apply for funding to develop a harbour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25151/16]
View answerHarbour development projects may be eligible for funding under the LEADER 2014-2020 Programme, depending on the nature of the investment concerned. Applications for support for LEADER funding must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy in the LEADER areas concerned, and comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
As a first step, local community development associations should submit an Expression of Interest outlining their proposal to the relevant LEADER Local Action Group. The Local Action Group will then be able to advise, based on a more detailed consideration of the project, whether it is eligible for LEADER funding
941. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the case of a person (details supplied) who has an issue with trees overgrowing into their property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25199/16]
View answerI thank the Deputy for bringing this to my attention and will have officials from my Department look into this matter.
942. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for the centralisation of An Post sorting offices from rural post offices to central locations; if a detailed study was carried out to justify these changes; her views on the impact of these changes on other post offices in the areas affected; if these implications were taken into account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25467/16]
View answerThe issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post, which is a State company with commercial remit, and not one in which I have a role.
However, I have asked the company to provide the Deputy with further information on the matter.
943. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the case of a person (details supplied) regarding an incident that took place in September 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25725/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will agree, the safety of the public at location referred to is of paramount importance.
The person referred to in the ‘details supplied’ operates in the location in question with the permission of my Department. Following the incident referred to, my Department withdrew permission to operate until such a time as an investigation into the incident referred is completed. Upon completion of that review, my Department will give further consideration to the restoration of the permission to operate.
944. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which a group could apply for a licence to carry out a seal cull in an area where the population may be out of control; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24675/16]
View answerThere are two species of seals in Irish waters - the Harbour or Common Seal and the more numerous Grey Seal. Both are included in a list of species protected under the EU Habitats Directive. Consequently, Ireland is obliged to monitor and report on their status, including in relation to their population, every six years. The most recent such report was completed in 2013 and can be accessed on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department at https://www.npws.ie/article-17-reports-0
That report indicated a modest increase in the grey seal population nationally, while the data for harbour seal suggested that its numbers were stable.
The next national report is due in 2019 and my Department is undertaking a number of surveys, including aerial surveys, to provide up to date assessments for the populations of both the common and grey seals around the Irish coast. All data arising from these surveys will be analysed in advance of the next report to the European Commission.
While seals are protected under the EU Habitats Directive and the Wildlife Acts, licences may be obtained under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to hunt seals where significant damage is being caused. Licences are issued in response to specific applications and each application is considered on its merits. This redress is available, for example, to individual fishermen to control damage to fisheries by seals at particular locations.
945. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the additional funding that will be made available by the Government to assist Galway to prepare for its role as European City of Culture 2020; the form that funding might take and the extent to which funding is available for any substantial capital projects considered necessary to make the year a success; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24692/16]
View answerFollowing a Government decision in December 2014, it was agreed that Ireland would submit a nomination for the European Capital of Culture 2020. On 15th July 2016 Galway was selected as the successful city by an independent expert European panel.
As part of that Government decision of December 2014, it was noted that indicative Government support of the order of €15m, subject to such funding not exceeding 50% of the overall financial cost of the event, would be provided to fund the year-long activities.
The impetus of the European Capital of Culture event should in the main come from city itself and, in the bidding process, the candidate cities were required by the European Union to demonstrate the capacity to put together a strong funding package, at local level. Indeed, the final report by the expert panellists (published on the website of my Department) applauded the proposed local funding proposals.
It is expected that a substantial percentage of funding required will need to be made available the year in advance of the designation (2019) and that the funding would be directed primarily at programming to ensure the success of the year.
Now that the Galway has been selected as European City of Culture 2020, my Department will engage with the City of Culture team to consider how best the project can be supported in the run up to 2020.
In the meantime, my Department’s Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016, which is focussed on enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country, is open for applications until 16th September.
946. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money spent on Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas projects, by county, in each year from 2014 to 2016 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24695/16]
View answerThe Report of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) was published in April 2014. Initiatives that have emerged to date that can be directly related to the recommendations contained in the CEDRA report include the Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) pilot initiative in 2015, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme which I launched recently, and other smaller schemes administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine during 2015.
Table 1 below details the funding allocated by county under the REDZ pilot initiative in 2015. Due to the success of the pilot scheme in 2015, I will shortly announce details of a follow-up REDZ scheme to facilitate the initiation of new REDZ projects. The REDZ funding will focus on initiatives that support economic development in the relevant areas.
On 9th August this year, I launched the Town and Village Renewal Scheme as part of the Government’s programme to support rural development. I have allocated €10 million for the scheme this year. A sum of €380,000 has been made available to each of the 26 counties under this initial phase of this scheme. Local Authorities, in conjunction with local communities and businesses, have been invited to submit proposals to my Department by the end of September for approval under the scheme.
There are a number of smaller schemes administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine which relate to recommendations in the CEDRA report, including a North/South Social Farming initiative (SoFAB), a local artisan food markets initiative, and an initiative to support rural female entrepreneurs (ACORN). I understand that these schemes were allocated in the region of €1 million between them in 2015.
Table 1: REDZ Pilot allocations by county, 2015
|
County |
2015 |
|
Carlow |
€50,000 |
|
Clare |
€184,500 |
|
Cork |
€119,000 |
|
Donegal |
€250,000 |
|
Galway |
€207,500 |
|
Kerry |
€217,600 |
|
Kildare |
€112,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
€142,500 |
|
Laois |
€50,000 |
|
Leitrim* |
€250,379 |
|
Limerick |
€192,000 |
|
Longford |
€150,000 |
|
Louth |
€300,000 |
|
Mayo |
€225,000 |
|
Meath |
€75,000 |
|
Monaghan |
€75,000 |
|
Offaly |
€172,500 |
|
Roscommon |
€75,000 |
|
Sligo |
€150,000 |
|
Tipperary |
€375,000 |
|
Waterford |
€209,688 |
|
Westmeath |
€125,000 |
|
Wexford/Carlow |
€50,000 |
|
Wicklow |
€56,000 |
|
TOTAL |
€3,813,667 |
* Figure includes a cross-county project (Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford & Cavan)
947. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 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. [24697/16]
View answerThe original allocation for the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 was approximately €400m. The LEADER budget for the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme is €250m.
LEADER funding for the 2007-2013 programming period was provided through individual Local Action Groups for the areas identified in their local development strategies and therefore was not allocated on a county basis. Funding under the 2014-2020 LEADER programme is allocated to sub-regional areas.
The original allocation to each Local Action Group under the last programming period is provided on Table 1 below. These allocations were revised when the EU co-financing rate changed due to the financial crisis and this resulted in a decrease in the overall programme allocation. The revised allocation is provided in Table 2.
€40 million has been allocated in my Department’s Vote for payments under LEADER in 2016. This includes a provision for expenditure under the 2014-2020 programme, as well as outstanding commitments under the 2007-2013 programme. It also covers transitional funding for Local Action Groups and other programme delivery costs.
My Department has paid out €1,500,448 directly to Local Action Groups to-date under the LEADER 2014-2020 programme. Table 3 provides a breakdown of this expenditure on a sub-regional basis in 2015 and 2016.
Table 1: Original LEADER 2007 – 2013 LAG Allocations
|
LAG |
Original Programme Allocation |
|
Avondhu Blackwater Partnership Ltd. |
9,057,810 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Ltd. |
11,673,519 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership Ltd |
8,878,177 |
|
Cavan-Monaghan LEADER |
12,035,118 |
|
Cill Dara Ar Aghaidh Teo |
12,282,448 |
|
Clare Local Development Company Ltd. |
14,028,529 |
|
Co Kilkenny LEADER Partnership |
11,523,729 |
|
Co Wicklow Community Partnership |
11,135,560 |
|
Co. Sligo LEADER Partnership Company Ltd |
10,888,673 |
|
Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta |
4,642,415 |
|
Donegal Local Development Company Ltd. |
12,831,901 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership Co. |
7,766,780 |
|
FORUM Connemara Ltd. |
9,668,965 |
|
Galway Rural Development Company |
15,257,985 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
8,286,143 |
|
IRD Duhallow Ltd. |
10,315,943 |
|
Laois Community and Enterprise Dev |
10,993,608 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Co Ltd |
10,845,497 |
|
Longford Community Resources Ltd |
8,714,110 |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership |
8,839,815 |
|
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Co. |
10,751,894 |
|
Meath Community Rural and Social Dev. |
12,748,771 |
|
North East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teo |
10,558,882 |
|
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership |
9,708,008 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Dev Co. Ltd. |
11,520,489 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Company |
12,838,021 |
|
South and East Cork Area Dev Ltd. |
10,641,494 |
|
South Kerry Development Ltd. |
12,370,667 |
|
South Tipperary Local Development Co Ltd |
11,106,187 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company Ltd |
12,150,007 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership Ltd. |
10,558,519 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership Ltd. |
14,601,149 |
|
West Limerick Resources Ltd |
9,997,751 |
|
Westmeath Community Development Ltd |
10,987,060 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
12,515,565 |
|
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta |
17,278,809 |
|
Overall Total |
399,999,998 |
Table 2: Revised LEADER 2007 – 2013 LAG allocations
|
LAG |
Revised Allocation |
|
Avondhu/ Blackwater Partnership Limited |
7,563,093 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Limited |
18,832,677 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership |
7,619,278 |
|
Cavan Partnership Ltd. & County Monaghan |
10,235,403 |
|
Clare Local Development Company Limited |
16,175,841 |
|
Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta |
7,218,571 |
|
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership Limited |
13,587,910 |
|
County Sligo LEADER Partnership Company |
9,791,787 |
|
Donegal Local Development Company Limited |
12,693,035 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership |
6,488,129 |
|
FORUM Connemara |
7,925,982 |
|
Galway Rural Development Company Limited |
12,512,676 |
|
I.R.D. Duhallow |
12,852,160 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
7,410,663 |
|
Kildare (Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta) |
10,642,073 |
|
Laois Community & Enterprise Development |
9,564,731 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company |
10,332,659 |
|
Longford Community Resources Limited |
7,198,679 |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership |
7,265,162 |
|
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company |
9,663,562 |
|
Meath Partnership |
15,139,043 |
|
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta |
3,371,751 |
|
North & East Kerry LEADER Partnership |
9,267,641 |
|
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership Company |
12,917,884 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company |
10,856,445 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development |
11,230,957 |
|
South East Cork Area Development Limited |
10,600,928 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership Limited |
10,341,450 |
|
South Tipperary Local Development Company |
12,515,649 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company |
10,820,318 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership Limited |
11,486,013 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership |
13,481,280 |
|
West Limerick Resources |
9,091,221 |
|
Westmeath Community Development |
9,015,451 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
11,919,814 |
|
Wicklow Partnership |
9,128,172 |
|
Total |
376,758,090 |
Table 3: Expenditure on LEADER 2014 – 2020 Programme
|
Sub-regional area |
Payments 2015 |
Payments 2016 |
Total Payments |
|
Carlow |
20,000.00 |
0.00 |
20,000.00 |
|
Cavan |
50,000.00 |
0.00 |
50,000.00 |
|
Clare |
71,000.00 |
112,335.54 |
183,335.54 |
|
North Cork |
15,000.00 |
0 |
15,000.00 |
|
West Cork |
135,240.20 |
0 |
135,240.20 |
|
South Cork |
65,000.00 |
0 |
65,000.00 |
|
Donegal |
57,594.44 |
0.00 |
57,594.44 |
|
Rural Dublin |
55,000.00 |
0.00 |
55,000.00 |
|
County Galway |
75,000.00 |
0.00 |
75,000.00 |
|
Kerry |
15,000.00 |
1,343.70 |
16,343.70 |
|
Kildare |
50,000.00 |
0.00 |
50,000.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
54,725.00 |
92,570.00 |
147,295.00 |
|
Laois |
25,000.00 |
7,882.38 |
32,882.38 |
|
Leitrim |
25,000.00 |
0.00 |
25,000.00 |
|
County Limerick |
22,187.00 |
0.00 |
22,187.00 |
|
Longford |
30,000.00 |
0.00 |
30,000.00 |
|
Louth |
28,000.00 |
0.00 |
28,000.00 |
|
Mayo |
107,000.00 |
12,238.12 |
119,238.12 |
|
Meath |
40,000.00 |
0.00 |
40,000.00 |
|
Monaghan |
58,296.00 |
0.00 |
58,296.00 |
|
Offaly |
30,000.00 |
0.00 |
30,000.00 |
|
Roscommon |
58,212.61 |
0.00 |
58,212.61 |
|
Sligo |
15,000.00 |
0.00 |
15,000.00 |
|
Tipperary |
20,000.00 |
0 |
20,000.00 |
|
County Waterford |
63,430.00 |
11,997.28 |
75,427.28 |
|
Westmeath |
25,500.00 |
102.22 |
25,602.22 |
|
Wexford |
15,000.00 |
0 |
15,000.00 |
|
Wicklow |
25,000.00 |
10,793.81 |
35,793.81 |
|
TOTAL |
1,251,185.25 |
249,263.05 |
1,500,448.30 |
948. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the basis for the hooded grey crow and the magpie being individually identified as a threat to public health as declared under Regulations (1)(A) of the European Communities (Wildlife Act, 1976) (Amendment) Regulations 1986, SI Number 254 of 1986; her views on this derogation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24700/16]
View answerThe Birds Directive is implemented in Ireland under the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. Under the terms of the Directive, all Member States of the EU are bound to take measures to protect all wild birds and their habitats. Under Article 9(a), Member States may derogate in the interests of public health and safety; air safety; to prevent serious damage to crops, livestock, forests, fisheries and water; and for the protection of flora and fauna.
These derogations are achieved by way of declarations, which are made on an annual basis, under the European Communities (Wildlife Act, 1976) (Amendment) Regulations 1986, as amended, which allows the capturing and killing of some listed bird species in certain situations.
Both hooded crow and magpie were included in the derogations in the 1980s arising from concerns at the time. A review of the derogations is scheduled for 2018, as advised to the EU Commission, and this will take account of all relevant factors, including perceived threats, distribution and population data available on the bird species in the derogations. The review will include a public/stakeholder consultation element. In the meantime, species can be added to or dropped from the derogations list depending on new information available at the time of making annual derogations.
949. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in her Department; the amount spent on credit cards by her Department in 2014 and in 2015; the amount of bank interest paid on credit cards in 2014 and 2015; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work related expenses; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24736/16]
View answer950. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of credit cards issued to staff working in each State agency funded by her Department, in tabular form; the number of cards per funded agency; the amount spent by credit card in 2014 and 2015 by each agency; the amount of bank interest paid on credit cards in 2014 and 2015; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work related expenses; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24751/16]
View answer951. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of credit cards issued to staff working in any third party agency funded by her Department, in tabular form; the number of cards per funded agency; the amount spent by credit card in 2014 and 2015 by each agency; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work related expense; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 949 to 951, inclusive, together.
No credit cards were issued to Ministers or Ministers of State in my Department in the period in question.
Details regarding the number of credit cards held by officials in my Department and the amounts spent in 2014 and 2015 are set out in the following table. No interest was paid in either year. The controls in place to monitor the issuing of, and the expenditure on, these cards are kept under review in my Department. All expenditure on Departmental credit cards is actively monitored and all bill payments are authorised independently of the cardholder.
|
Year |
Number of credit cards |
Amount spent on credit cards |
Amount of bank interest paid on credit cards |
|
2014 |
2 |
€5,156.85 |
€0 |
|
2015 |
3 |
€3,953.55 |
€0 |
Issues relating to the controls in place in each State agency funded by my Department to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work related expenses and to the review of such controls are, in the first instance, day-to-day operational matters for the executive and boards of each such body or agency.
The same principle applies in the case of third party agencies, whether funded directly by my Department or through State agencies. My Department is making arrangements for the information requested in respect of both State and third party agencies to be collated and forwarded to the Deputy in line with the timelines set out in Standing Orders.
For the information of the Deputy, a list of the State agencies funded by my Department can be accessed at:
http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/about/organisation-structure/agencies-bodies-under-the-departments-aegis/.
