Tuesday, 25 Oct 2016

Written Answers Nos. 597-618

Ministerial Responsibilities

Questions (598)

Dara Calleary

Question:

598. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the delegated responsibilities she has given to Ministers of State in her Department; when the order of delegated responsibility was signed; if she included her Ministers of State in direct discussions or meetings with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform as part of pre-budget discussions; if so, the dates of such meetings and the attendance at each meeting; if a Minister of State was not included, the reason this was the position, in view of the designated responsibilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31918/16]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

On 28th June 2016, the Government made delegation of function orders to my Department's Ministers of State at my request.

Under S.I. number 333 of 2016, the Minister of State for Employment and Small Business, Mr Pat Breen T.D., was delegated responsibility for legislation relevant to employment rights and industrial relations, workplace health and safety, standards and metrology and certain responsibilities relating to business and small and medium enterprises.

Under S.I. number 334 of 2016, the Minister of State for Training, Skills and Innovation, Mr. John Halligan T.D., was delegated responsibility for legislation relevant to my Department's responsibilities for innovation, research and development and intellectual property.

As regards budgetary discussions, I would advise the Deputy that, in the months preceding Budget 2017, my officials were engaged in detailed discussions with their counterparts in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to all aspects of expenditure under my Department's Vote, including those areas relating to the direct responsibilities of Ministers Halligan and Breen. Together with senior officials of my Department, I met with Minister Donohoe and officials of his Department on 28 September to finalise the details of my Department's current and capital allocations for 2017. Whilst neither Minister Breen nor Minister Halligan were present at the meetings with Minister Donohoe, all aspects of expenditure encompassed by the enterprise, innovation and regulation programmes for which I and Ministers Breen and Halligan are responsible were fully discussed in the course of those meetings. I would point out to the Deputy that arising from these budgetary discussions, a gross total of €858million in funding was secured for use by my Department in 2017. This represents an increase of €58million (i.e. 7%) on the €800m funding allocated to my Department in Budget 2016. This additional funding will help to ensure that I and my colleagues Ministers Breen and Halligan can continue the progress in encouraging the creation of quality and sustainable employment across all regions of the country whilst also supporting a competitive enterprise base and promoting fair and competitive markets.

Competition and Consumer Protection Commission

Questions (599)

Clare Daly

Question:

599. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 664 of 8 June 2016 and 253 of 6 July 2016, if the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has completed its examination; and if she will provide its findings. [31939/16]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), which is statutorily independent in the exercise of its enforcement function, has advised me that the examination of the matter referred to in the Deputy's question is ongoing, along with a number of other consumer issues which have arisen as a result of the introduction of a pay by weight charging structure for household waste. The CCPC has further advised that at this point it cannot comment further or give a time frame for the completion of its examination.

Job Losses

Questions (600)

Robert Troy

Question:

600. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she has met officials from IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland regarding the recent job losses at a factory (details supplied) and the impending job losses at a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31996/16]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

In line with Government Policy on Tobacco, Enterprise Ireland is not in a position to support companies in this sector. In this regard, the tobacco company concerned is not a current client of Enterprise Ireland and therefore I have not met with Enterprise Ireland officials concerning job losses at this company.

In respect of the impending job losses referred to, my Department is in constant touch with IDA Ireland regarding the situation there. That Agency has had extensive engagement with local management of the company and, earlier this month, has also met senior executives at the parent company in the USA, to discuss their Irish operation and to encourage a continued commitment to Ireland. IDA Ireland will also continue its ongoing efforts to secure new investment for the region.

With the advent of the Regional Action Plan for Jobs process, the intention is to put in place a proactive process for job creation, rather than to be reactive. In this context, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, together with the Longford and Westmeath Local Enterprise Offices, will continue to work closely with each other, with other agencies and with local interests, to support an integrated approach to job creation in County Westmeath and County Longford and the wider Midlands Region, in line with the Midlands Action Plan for Jobs.

Youth Work Projects Funding

Questions (601)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

601. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will award funding to a centre (details supplied) to allow it to carry out a range of essential works. [31470/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

In 2016 some €2.6m has been allocated to my Department for a capital funding scheme for youth projects and services. The scheme was open to projects that are funded by the Department under the Special Projects for Youth scheme, Young People's Facilities and Services Fund, Local Drugs Task Force Projects scheme and Youth Information Centres scheme. The scheme was also open to national youth organisations in receipt of funding under the Youth Services Grants Scheme.

The scheme was split into two categories, Type One and Type Two. Type One provided for smaller capital projects including the up-grade or replacement of equipment or the purchase of essential equipment to support the running of the project/organisation in the provision of quality services for young people. Type Two provided for health and safety improvements to premises and/or upgrade or refurbishment of premises, including improvements to enable access for young people with disabilities, including those with physical or sensory disabilities.

The Department was assisted in the administration of the scheme by the network of Education and Training Boards throughout the country.

St John Bosco Youth Centre was unsuccessful in its application for capital funding, under Type Two, on this occasion.

Community Services Programme

Questions (602)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

602. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the decision to discontinue the community mothers scheme in a number of areas in Dublin was taken by her Department or by the local Tusla managers; the rationale for this decision; the number of these programmes that were in place in 2014, 2015 and 2016; the number of women that availed of the services provided by community mothers during these years; the number due to close from January 2017; the funding provided for these services; and if any replacement is to be provided when this service is closed. [31502/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The information sought by the Deputy has been requested from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency and I will respond directly to the Deputy when the information is received.

Community Childcare Subvention Programme

Questions (603)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

603. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will extend the deadline for community child care providers to submit applications to the community child care subvention scheme, in view of the fact that many parents are experiencing delays in receiving their medical cards; the reason community child care providers can only submit applications to this scheme once a year while private providers can submit applications throughout the year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31516/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I would like to inform the Deputy that the deadline for the submission of Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) registrations on the Programmes Implementation Platform (PIP) was extended from 5pm on 21 October 2016 until 6pm on 24 October 2016.

It should be noted that Community services running the CCS programme were informed that children for whom subvention was required had to be in attendance between 19th September 2016 and 14th October 2016. This attendance snapshot window of 4 weeks is an expansion on the one week permitted in previous years. The CCS eligibility window of 12th September 2016 to 14th October 2016 was announced on the Programmes Implementation Platform (PIP) homepage at the time of the launch of the programme for the 2016/17 year.

My Department will contact the Department of Social Protection after the registrations deadline for their assistance with supplying allowance details against the PPSNs supplied in relation to the CCS eligibility timeframe. The PPSNs will also be verified through the Health Service Executive (HSE) database in relation to medical cards and GP Visit cards (6 yrs +). When the Bands have been assigned and approved on the PIP system, the parents, through their childcare service providers, will have a further 4 weeks in which to appeal their Band decision. Therefore a parent or child, who had been approved for a medical card during the eligibility window, but had not physical proof of same, still has time in which to make an appeal.

With regard to the differences in the operation of the CCS programme between the community and private childcare providers, I wish to clarify that the private providers with a Community Childcare Subvention (Private) contract are paid only for the attendance of a child based on their CCS eligibility and may obtain 2 weeks payment if no notice is given for a child leaving their service. However, on the other hand, the community providers running the CCS programme are informed of their annual CCS allocation based on the verification process, which may or may not increase following appeals. The childcare service may then organise their financial planning for the year. Their CCS funding for the year may only decrease if the service manager releases the CCS funding if a child leaves or if they choose to close earlier in the year than planned.

Finally, I would like to add that the Department is currently looking at the possibility of providing more flexibility for community childcare providers with regard to the submission of registrations under the CCS programme in advance of the introduction of the Single Affordable Childcare Programme which should allow for rolling registrations.

Child and Family Agency Funding

Questions (604)

John Curran

Question:

604. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if, in view of the increased funding of 5.5% to €712.9 million to Tusla, she will ensure that funding of €21 million is made available to the family resource centres to cover their programme costs for 2017 as identified by the FRC national forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31519/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

As the Deputy is aware, I recently announced a significant increase in the funding allocation to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency for next year. Tusla will have available to it some €713 million in funding, representing an increase of €37 million over 2016. The precise level of funding to be allocated in 2017 to the Family Resource Centre Programme will be considered by Tusla in preparing its Business Plan for next year, which will be submitted to me for consideration.

There are currently 109 communities supported through the Family Resource Centre Programme which is funded by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Family Resource Centre Programme is a national programme with its own dedicated budget. Tusla provides core funding to Family Resource Centres to cover the employment of two to three members of staff and some overhead costs. In 2016, Tusla provided €13.5m in funding for the Family Resource Centre Programme.

I recognise and value the very positive impact of the work of Family Resource Centres in supporting families and local communities. The Centres provide a holistic service of child, family and community support and advocacy to all children and families in their communities. This universal accessibility allows for early identification of need, provision of appropriate interventions, and timely referrals to appropriate services for more intensive and targeted work as required.

I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to support the work of the Family Resource Centres and the targeting of available resources at those services which make the greatest impact on vulnerable children and families.

Youth Services Funding

Questions (605)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

605. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a breakdown of the €5.5 million increase in youth funding allocated in the budget. [31570/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

My Department administers a range of funding schemes and programmes to support the provision of youth services to young people throughout the country including those from disadvantaged communities. The funding schemes support national and local youth work provision to some 380,000 young people and involve approximately 1,400 youth work staff in 477 projects and 40,000 volunteers working in youth work services and communities throughout the country.

As the Deputy is aware, Budget 2017 has provided an additional €5.5m in current funding to my Department to support the provision of youth services. This additional funding will be used for programmes that target disadvantaged young people and to assist national youth organisations in their work to support local voluntary youth services. Following the Budget 2017 announcement, my Department will soon commence a process with national organisations and local services to identify service development needs for 2017 and to agree the 2017 allocations. Every effort will be made to complete this process as soon as possible.

Children and Young People’s Policy Framework

Questions (606)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

606. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31571/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People (2014-2020), has been ongoing across Government since its launch in April 2014. Two annual reports on the progress of implementing Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, covering the first two years of the framework have been prepared, and are available to the public on my Department's website.

These reports present a positive picture of implementation across government, as well as a high level of engagement from Departments and agencies. The community and voluntary sector is involved in the implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, through the Advisory Council, which is working with Departments on a range of issues including child poverty, prevention and early intervention, mental health and wellbeing and others.

Children and young people are engaged in the implementation process through the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive and the Young Voices group.

Even the most complex issues, such as child poverty, obesity, homelessness and prevention and early intervention are being progressed across government, through engagements occurring within the implementation structures of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures.

The cornerstone of the Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures implementation infrastructure is the Children and Young People's Policy Consortium, which is responsible for having oversight and driving whole of Government implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures. Since being appointed Minister, I have chaired meetings of the Consortium.

My Department has also developed a set of outcome indicators for Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, aligned with the five national outcomes. These will act as a barometer of progress on the five national outcomes, and will influence future policy development. It is expected that these will be published by year's end.

The constituent strategies on Children and Young People's Participation in Decision Making, and the National Youth Strategy are both being implemented, and work is ongoing in my department on developing an Early Years Strategy.

National Youth Work Advisory Committee

Questions (607)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

607. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the national youth work advisory committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31572/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Sections 17 and 18 of the Youth Work Act 2001 provide for the appointment of a National Youth Work Advisory Committee. The Committee has an advisory and consultative role to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in matters to do with youth work, including the coordination of youth work programmes and services. In line with these provisions, a new National Youth Work Advisory Committee was appointed by the then Minister for Children and Youth Affairs with a term of office of one year with effect from 28 January 2013. The Committee continued to work with my Department and assisted with the development of the new National Youth Strategy, in particular in identifying in what ways the youth work sector can contribute to shared policy objectives for young people.

The National Youth Strategy 2015-2020 was published on 8th October, 2015. The strategy sets out Government's aims for young people, aged 10 to 24 years, so that they are active and healthy, achieving their full potential in learning and development, safe and protected from harm, have economic security and opportunity and are connected and contributing to their world. The implementation structures established by my Department under Better Outcomes Brighter Futures (BOBF), the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People will oversee the roll out of the National Youth Strategy. There is no doubt that the youth work services have a significant contribution to make to realise the goals of the National Youth Strategy as part of a cross sectoral, whole of society approach to supporting young people in their everyday lives. For this reason, the key youth sector interests are represented on the structures established by my Department to support the implementation of Better Outcomes Brighter Futures. At national level, representatives of the voluntary youth services have been appointed to the Advisory Council of BOBF. At local level, youth sector representatives participate in the Children and Young People's Services Committees. Key Government departments and agencies that have an interest in children and young people and that had served on the National Youth Work Advisory Committee are represented on the Children and Young People's Policy Consortium and on the Sponsors Group that have been established under Better Outcomes Brighter Futures to drive the effective implementation of the policy framework.

There have been other significant policy and legislative developments that are relevant to the provision of youth services and the role of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee since the 2001 Act was passed. These include the setting up of the North South Education and Training Standards Committee for youth work and the introduction of the Education and Training Boards Act 2013 which, inter alia, provides for a statutory function for Education and Training Boards in supporting the provision and assessment of youth work services at local level. At EU level, the Council of Ministers for Youth has adopted an EU Youth Strategy and has taken a number of policy initiatives to promote quality in the provision of youth work services. The National Strategy on Children and Young People's Participation in Decision-making 2015-2020, which was published by my Department in June, 2015 is particularly relevant. I am deeply committed to ensuring that young people are involved in the preparation, planning and implementation of policies that impact on their lives.

My Department works closely with the youth work sector, the voluntary youth services, the Education and Training Boards, other government departments and agencies and consults with young people themselves in the development and delivery of policies and services for children and young people.

I intend that the role of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee will be kept under consideration in the light of these developments and in relation the implementation arrangements in place to achieve our national strategies' objectives to secure the best possible outcomes for young people.

Youth Work Supports

Questions (608)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

608. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the current policy on the consolidation of youth projects and the duplication of youth services in smaller areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31573/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department provides a range of funding schemes, programmes and supports to the youth sector. Funding of €51m for current expenditure is available from my Department in 2016 to support the provision of youth services and programmes to young people throughout the country including those from disadvantaged communities. The funding schemes support national and local youth work provision to some 380,000 young people. It is estimated that the voluntary youth services involve approximately 1,400 youth work staff in 477 projects and 40,000 volunteers working throughout the country.

The Deputy will be aware that a number of funding schemes supporting youth services were the subject of a Value for Money and Policy Review in 2014. The review involved an in-depth scrutiny of the impact youth service provision has on young people's lives. The review made a number of recommendations for the future operation of the youth schemes and their development in the years ahead.

Work on the development of a new funding scheme has been prioritised by my Department and consultations with youth services are continuing with a view to introducing the new youth funding programme in line with the review over the coming years. My Department has embarked on an exercise, in conjunction with Pobal and each Education and Training Board (ETB) Youth Officer, which will map youth service provision across the State. This mapping exercise will assist my Department and the relevant ETB in developing a detailed socio-demographic profile in terms of both population numbers and deprivation levels. It is my intention that this mapping exercise will inform future development and investment in youth services.

Child Care Services Provision

Questions (609)

Alan Kelly

Question:

609. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when arrangements will be made for equal provision for all forms of child care, with particular reference to stay-at-home parents. [31596/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I am committed to the provision of childcare options for families that respect parental choice and reflect international evidence on how to attain the best outcomes for children. While operational responsibility for these do not fall within my policy remit as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I support the extension of parental leave for parents; particularly in the crucial first year. The Government has provided additional support for stay-at-home parents through the home carer tax credit, which has been increased to €1,100 per year. I support an increase in the earnings threshold for this, and have raised this with the Minister for Finance.

My Department provides a number of childcare schemes available to all families, including the ECCE free pre-school year, which has been extended into a second year from this September - children's eligibility for ECCE has increased from 38 weeks for all children, to an average of 61 weeks (ranging from 51 to 88 weeks depending on date of birth and age starting school). The Department projects that the expanded ECCE scheme will have a peak enrolment of 127,000 children in the April-June session in 2017. This is an increase of 60,000 children from the pre-expansion volume. Registrations for the September intake are on-going. Presently, the Department expects up to 89,000 children to take part in ECCE from September 2016. Over the last number of years, up to 96% of pre-school children have accessed the ECCE Programme, demonstrating both good supply and good take-up across the country. All children can benefit from the learning and socialisation provided through this scheme.

Family Resource Centres

Questions (610)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

610. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if funding for family resource centres will increase in 2017 in line with the increase of 5.5% announced in the budget for Tusla; if she will commit to ring-fencing the FRC national programme budget within the €712.9 million allocated to Tusla; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31652/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

As the Deputy is aware, I recently announced a significant increase in the funding allocation to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency for next year. Tusla will have available to it some €713 million in funding, representing an increase of €37 million over 2016. The precise level of funding to be allocated in 2017 to the Family Resource Centre Programme will be considered by Tusla in preparing its Business Plan for next year, which will be submitted to me for consideration.

There are currently 109 communities supported through the Family Resource Centre Programme which is funded by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Family Resource Centre Programme is a national programme with its own dedicated budget. Tusla provides core funding to Family Resource Centres to cover the employment of two to three members of staff and some overhead costs. In 2016, Tusla provided €13.5m in funding for the Family Resource Centre Programme.

I recognise and value the very positive impact of the work of Family Resource Centres in supporting families and local communities. The Centres provide a holistic service of child, family and community support and advocacy to all children and families in their communities. This universal accessibility allows for early identification of need, provision of appropriate interventions, and timely referrals to appropriate services for more intensive and targeted work as required.

I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to support the work of the Family Resource Centres and the targeting of available resources at those services which make the greatest impact on vulnerable children and families.

Child Care Services Data

Questions (611)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

611. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of child minders who have registered with Tusla since 1 August 2016 to date. [31785/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Child and Family Agency/Tusla to consider the Deputy's request and to respond directly to the Deputy with the information he requests in no later than 10 working days. I have asked my officials to follow up on this and to ensure delivery of the information to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Questions (612)

Dara Calleary

Question:

612. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the delegated responsibilities she has given to Ministers of State in her Department; when the order of delegated responsibility was signed; if she included her Ministers of State in direct discussions or meetings with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform as part of pre-budget discussions; if so, the dates of such meetings and the attendance at each meeting; if a Minister of State was not included, the reason this was the position, in view of the designated responsibilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31910/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

No Ministers of State have been appointed to my Department.

Early Childhood Care and Education Expenditure

Questions (613)

John Curran

Question:

613. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost of extending the early childhood care year hours from three hours a day to five hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31953/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Early childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is currently operated for 15 hours per week, 38 weeks per year. To provide a pro-rata increase in capitation to pay for ten additional hours of ECCE per week, the weekly capitation payable would increase from €64.50 to €107.50 at the standard rate, and from €75 to €125 at the higher capitation rate.

The extra annual cost of such a measure, assuming take-up were to remain constant, would be €187.5 million.

However such an increase would also result in significant additional costs that cannot be accurately calculated without further research - for example it would be required to provide a meal for children in care for 5 hours per day. Significantly also, it would no longer be possible for services to run two ECCE sessions per day, meaning that ECCE capacity would drop substantially. There would likely be capital costs incurred to construct new facilities to cater for children who can no longer be accommodated in 'afternoon' ECCE sessions in such a scenario.

At present, the goals of the ECCE free pre-school year can be fully met within a 15 hour weekly schedule. The extension of this programme on a universal basis, to 25 hours per week is not currently under consideration. Rather it is intended to focus additional funding on ensuring that lower income families can access affordable childcare.

Child and Family Agency Staff

Questions (614)

Eamon Ryan

Question:

614. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social work team leader and principal social worker positions within the Child and Family Agency filled on an acting basis. [32130/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

My officials have requested the information from the Child and Family Agency and I will respond to the Deputy on receipt.

The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.

Defence Forces Strength

Questions (615)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

615. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the retention strategies he is implementing to prevent highly trained officers and soldiers from leaving the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31773/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I wish to advise the Deputy that the Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising 7,519 Army, 887 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as provided for in the current C.S.4 regulations.

There are a number of initiatives in place that address recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces. One of the key policies supporting personnel retention is the opportunity for extensive personal and professional development offered by the Defence Forces through accredited courses, and the unique features of the military environment. But it is also the case that the extensive professional training they receive makes them very attractive within the private sector.

The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. Personnel are posted on the basis of operational needs across the organisation both at home and abroad. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment takes place so as to maintain personnel numbers at or near the agreed strength levels.

All efforts are currently being directed at recruitment in order to return the Defence Forces to their approved establishment. This is not without challenge and we cannot be complacent. However, with the support of the Chief of Staff, I am confident that we shall retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks assigned by Government, both at home and overseas.

Additionally, in terms of remuneration, the new Public Service Pay Commission, recently announced by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been tasked with providing objective analysis and advice on the most appropriate pay levels for the public service, including the Defence Forces.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Questions (616)

Dara Calleary

Question:

616. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the delegated responsibilities he has given to Ministers of State in his Department; when the order of delegated responsibility was signed; if he included his Ministers of State in direct discussions or meetings with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform as part of pre-budget discussions; if so, the dates of such meetings and the attendance at each meeting; if a Minister of State was not included, the reason this was the position, in view of the designated responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31912/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Defence (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order 2016 (S.I. No. 314 of 2016) was approved by Government on 14 June 2016. As specified in the Order, statutory responsibility for a wide range of Defence matters was delegated to the Minister of State at the Department of Defence. The principal responsibilities delegated under the Order include powers to make regulations under various provisions of the Defence Acts 1954 to 2015 and powers relating to personnel-related issues affecting members of the Defence Forces. In accordance with normal practice, decisions on the Budget and Departmental estimates are made by the Government. I was involved in all aspects relating to the Department of Defence.

Civil Defence

Questions (617)

Robert Troy

Question:

617. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will ensure that Westmeath Civil Defence has appropriate housing conditions; the actions he plans to take to ensure that its premises are fit for purpose and meet necessary standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31994/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Civil Defence is a volunteer based organisation which supports the frontline emergency services. It operates in partnership between the Department of Defence and local authorities' through-out Ireland. The Civil Defence Branch of the Department of Defence is charged with the management and development of Civil Defence at national level. The Civil Defence Branch provides policy direction, centralised training, administrative support and guidance and centralised procurement of major items of uniform and equipment in support of local authority Civil Defence efforts.

At local level, Civil Defence is based in each local authority area under the operational control of the relevant local authority. On a day to day basis these Units operate under the control of a Civil Defence Officer, who is an employee of the local authority.

The provision of accommodation of local Civil Defence Units is the responsibility of the relevant local authority. This is a longstanding position which was reaffirmed in the White Paper on Defence (2015). Officials in the Department of Defence have been in contact with Westmeath County Council regarding the issue of accommodation for the Civil Defence Unit. I also met recently with some volunteers from Westmeath Civil Defence. I understand the Council are reviewing the situation and in the interim have provided temporary training facilities for Westmeath Civil Defence.

The Department of Defence will continue to engage with the Westmeath County Council in an effort to ensure that appropriate accommodation is provided for the Civil Defence Unit.

Army Barracks

Questions (618)

Peter Burke

Question:

618. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has considered renting Block O or Block P of Columb Barracks, Mullingar to a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32137/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Mullingar Barracks is no longer required for military purposes. Therefore, the current financial and administrative burden resulting from the retention of the Barracks cannot be sustained. As it is planned to dispose of the property, it would not be appropriate to facilitate any further community groups in using the Barracks. However, in the context of the Barracks' potential future use contributing to the positive development of Mullingar, my Department remains open to viable proposals to these ends. I would suggest that local groups should engage with Westmeath County Council to explore such opportunities. Should no viable local proposals emerge in the near future my Department will proceed to dispose of the property by public auction.