Written Answers Nos. 336-349
336. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if all properties on vacant IDA Ireland land received site visits in 2015 and to date in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34331/16]
View answerIDA Ireland maintains data on the number of visits by investors on a county, rather than individual site, basis. The breakdown by county of such visits in 2015 and 2016 is set out in the following table. Where clients inspect more than one site within a county during a visit, this is reflected in the statistics as one site visit only. Information on the precise number of visits to individual sites is not currently available.
To date in 2016, each county in the State has received at least one site visit. This regional spread demonstrates IDA’s ongoing work to increase investment in regions outside of Dublin by 30-40% by 2019, a goal that is set out in the Agency’s strategy for the 2015-2019 period.
Statistics demonstrate that progress is being made towards this goal. For example, in 2015, 53% of all jobs created by IDA Ireland clients were based outside of Dublin, compared to 49% in 2014.
Site Visits by County 2015 and to End of Quarter 3 2016
|
County |
2015 |
To Date (end Q3 2016) |
|
Carlow |
1 |
8 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
1 |
|
Clare |
12 |
13 |
|
Cork |
48 |
43 |
|
Donegal |
5 |
6 |
|
Dublin |
242 |
204 |
|
Galway |
41 |
33 |
|
Kerry |
6 |
3 |
|
Kildare |
7 |
7 |
|
Kilkenny |
10 |
10 |
|
Laois |
4 |
6 |
|
Leitrim |
8 |
6 |
|
Limerick |
40 |
39 |
|
Longford |
2 |
5 |
|
Louth |
20 |
17 |
|
Mayo |
3 |
4 |
|
Meath |
7 |
7 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
2 |
|
Offaly |
8 |
4 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
15 |
13 |
|
Tipperary |
12 |
8 |
|
Waterford |
31 |
15 |
|
Westmeath |
28 |
24 |
|
Wexford |
4 |
6 |
|
Wicklow |
7 |
4 |
|
TOTAL |
565 |
489 |
337. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department has considered a recent UK employment tribunal on the employment status of workers with a company (details supplied); the impact it will have on considerations of the status of such companies here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34362/16]
View answerI understand that the enterprise, to which the Deputy refers, operates in the UK as a substitute for taxi and limousine services. The company signs up drivers to an online platform which allows them to accept bookings via an app to carry passengers. Drivers use their own cars, without being licensed taxi drivers. The taxi and small public service vehicle sector is regulated in a different way in this jurisdiction. Irish law requires that anyone carrying passengers for money must have a taxi licence. Policy responsibility for this sector comes within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
In the particular case referred to by the Deputy, a Division of the Employment Tribunal in the UK found that the drivers (who did not hold a taxi licence) were employees of the enterprise in question. I understand that the decision is under appeal to the Superior Courts in the UK.
In Ireland, a mechanism exists for the determination of the employment status of individuals or groups. Where an issue arises in relation to the employment status of an individual cases are forwarded to the Revenue Commissioners and/or the Scope Section of the Department of Social Protection for investigation either solely by the recipient, or jointly with the Labour Inspectorate of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
In most cases it will be clear whether an individual is employed or self-employed. Where there is doubt in relation to the employment status of an individual the relevant Departments and Agencies will have regard to the Code of Practice for Determining Employment or Self-Employment Status of Individuals. This Code was drawn up and agreed in 2007 by the relevant Government Departments with ICTU and IBEC.
Where an individual believes they are being deprived of employment rights applicable to employees they may refer a complaint to the WRC where the matter can be dealt with by way of mediation or adjudication leading to a decision that is enforceable through the District Court. WRC inspectors can also be asked to investigate certain breaches. Complaints can be made on a single complaint form available at the WRC’s website www.workplacerelations.ie. The WRC’s Customer Service Section, which provides information to both employers and employees in relation to employment, equality and industrial relations rights and obligations, can be contacted at Lo-call: 1890 80 80 90 or 059-9178990.
338. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by UNICEF regarding the suitability for children of refugee reception centres in France; if this will impact on the Government's approach on child refugees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34142/16]
View answerAs Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I remain concerned about the children who were in the unofficial camp near Calais. I am also mindful of our commitments to unaccompanied children in camps in Greece and Italy, some of whom are living in poor conditions. I have asked Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to review its ability to provide safety and protection to greater numbers of unaccompanied children, and to assess the additional resources that may be needed. It is important to emphasise that we provide significant assistance to unaccompanied minors who arrive in Ireland on an unplanned basis. I am eager to expand our ability to make a greater commitment to these most vulnerable of children.
My colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised me that some concerns have been expressed by UNICEF regarding the suitability for children of refugee reception centres in France and that UNICEF is working on the ground to ensure the programmes and policies in response to the crisis put the rights and needs of all children first. UNICEF is one of Ireland’s key development partner agencies and we are a strong supporter of their work in development and humanitarian aid.
339. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the timeframe for the development of a new school completion strategy as promised in the programme for Government; the details on the consultation process leading to such a strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34183/16]
View answerThe School Completion Programme aims to retain young people in the formal education system to completion of senior cycle and to generally improve the school attendance, participation and retention of young people who are at risk of educational disadvantage. The programme is a targeted intervention aimed at school communities identified through the Department of Education and Skills’ DEIS Action Plan for Educational Inclusion. It provides targeted supports annually to approximately 37,000 children.
Since 1st January 2014, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, under the remit of my Department, has operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme, including the allocation of funds to local projects. A review of the programme was undertaken by the Economic and Social Research Institute on behalf of Tusla and published in October 2015. Tusla has taken a number of actions to address the findings in the review and to strengthen the operation of the programme for the future.
Improving attendance and participation in education, particularly for vulnerable children, is an important priority for me as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. The Programme for Government commits to publishing a new School Completion Strategy to further improve school completion rates, particularly in disadvantaged areas. My Department will work closely with the Minister for Education and Skills, in developing the new Strategy and in the context of the Government programme commitment to a new Action Plan for Educational Inclusion to secure good educational outcomes for all children, especially those at risk of educational disadvantage.
340. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 610 of 25 October 2016 and notwithstanding the forthcoming 2017 Tusla business plan, her plans with regard to increasing funding to support the day-to-day running costs of family resource centres in line with the 5.5% increase in funding for the agency that was announced in budget 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34157/16]
View answerArising from Budget 2017, I will shortly be issuing Tusla with its 2017 Performance Statement in line with the provisions of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013. Tusla will, in response to the Performance Statement, prepare a Business Plan for 2017 which will be submitted to me for consideration.
The precise level of funding to be allocated to the Family Resource Centre Programme will be considered by Tusla, in preparing its Business Plan, having regard to the overall level of funding available in 2017, which will exceed €700m, including the additional Budget 2017 provision.
It is not my intention to prescribe the overall level of funding to be allocated by Tusla to family support services, including the Family Resource Centre Programme. It is more appropriate, in my view, that Tusla first sets out its proposals for this important service area, having regard to its statutory remit and taking account of the totality of funding available next year.
341. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff assigned to Tusla or the separated children team in each of the years 2000 to date in 2016. [34173/16]
View answerThe information requested is not readily available in my Department. My officials have requested the information from Tusla and I will forward the reply to the Deputy once I have been furnished with it.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to your written Parliamentary Question, Ref: 34173/16 of 10 November 2016, requesting information in respect of the number of staff assigned to Tusla for the separated children team in each of the years 2000 to September, 2016.
As previously advised by me in my response of 10 November, the information was being compiled and was not available at that time. I have now received the information requested and the number of staff assigned to the Unaccompanied Minors Asylum Seekers Teams since the establishment of Tusla on 1 January 2014 is set out in the table.
|
Year |
Number of Staff |
|
December 2014 |
WTE 12.33 |
|
December 2015 |
WTE 12.79 |
|
September 2016 |
WTE 12.82 |
342. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when youth organisations in receipt of funding from her Department will be informed of their 2017 funding allocations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34178/16]
View answerMy 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.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that 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 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.
343. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the youth employability initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34179/16]
View answerEarlier this year, I announced details of the €600,000 Youth Employability Initiative which is funded under the Dormant Accounts scheme. Under the Initiative 28 youth projects will receive grants to support innovative programmes that target disadvantaged young people who are most at risk of unemployment and who are not in education, employment or training. The programmes will aim to build skills that will enhance their employability and over 1000 young people aged 15 to 24 years across the country will benefit.
My Department has set up a Forum with the successful projects to share experiences and knowledge and to gather and share the lessons from this initiative to inform future policy in this area. Two events have taken place to date in this regard. The Initiative is being evaluated by the Centre for Effective Services.
344. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the timeframe for implementation of the legislative commitment in the programme for Government to increase the mandatory school leaving age to 17 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34180/16]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to increase the mandatory school leaving age to 17. The Education (Welfare) Act 2000, which is the relevant legislation in relation to this commitment, comes under the remit of my Department. I will work closely with the Minister for Education and Skills in the development of the legislative proposals and in the context of Government commitments for a new School Completion Strategy and an Action Plan for Educational Inclusion. The proposals for the legislation will be brought forward having regard to requirements of the deliberative process and the priorities in the Government programme to secure improved educational outcomes for vulnerable children.
The proposal that children stay longer in education is in keeping with a high level policy goal in Better Outcomes Brighter Future: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014-2020. "Achieving full potential in all areas of learning and development" is a high priority outcome in the strategy so that all children are supported to reach their maximum potential now and in the future.
345. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a breakdown of the funding in each of the years from 2011 to date in 2016 for schemes (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34181/16]
View answerMy 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.
The funding allocated by my Department in respect of the schemes indicated in the Deputy's question is set out in the following table:
|
- |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Youth Service Grant Scheme |
€11.444m |
€11.051m |
€10.337m |
€9.949m |
€9.901m |
€10.149m |
|
Special Projects for Youth |
€18.156m |
€17.042m |
€14.968m |
€14.4m |
€14.4m |
€14.762m |
|
Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund (Round 1 and 2) |
€22.755m |
€21.332m |
€19.114m |
€18.397m |
€18.397m |
€18.857m |
|
Local Youth Club Grant Scheme |
€1.035m |
€1.035m |
€1.035m |
€1.035m |
€1.035m |
€1.065m |
|
Youth Information Centres |
€1.862m |
€1.425m |
€1.282m |
€1.234m |
€1.234m |
€1.265m |
|
Local Drug Task Force projects |
€1.433m |
€1.34m |
€1.196m |
€1.151m |
€1.151m |
€1.180m |
346. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the timeframe for the development of the LGBT youth strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34182/16]
View answerThe Programme for Government (2016) gives a commitment to develop a Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Youth Strategy. This is a key commitment for my Department in the Programme for Government and also makes a contribution towards the Government’s broader commitment to continue to strive for full inclusion of LGBT people in Ireland. The development of this Strategy will be led by my Department.
Shortly I will be announcing a high profile Chair and an oversight group. It is my intention to ensure that the consultation process and completion of the strategy are progressed in a timely fashion throughout 2017. In Budget 2017 I have secured a specific allocation of 400,000 Euro to support the strategy development process and commence implementation.
A specific focus on LGBT Youth will aim to ensure that appropriate measures are taken so that young people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender are not in any way prevented from achieving their full potential.
The National Youth Strategy published in 2015 identifies Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender young people as a specific group to be considered in the context of focused provision for marginalised young people. The concerns relating to lives of LGBT young people as documented in the National Youth Strategy were further illuminated in recent months by in-depth research commissioned by BeLonGTo and GLEN and undertaken by Prof Higgins TCD.
The LGBT Youth Strategy will build on the National Youth Strategy (2015) which aims to enable all young people to realise their maximum potential by respecting their rights, hearing their voices and addressing their concerns.
It is important to me that the voices and the experiences of young people are front and centre in forming the strategy – and a consultation will be a key part of the work. The strategy will be informed by youth and stakeholder consultation, situation analysis to include review of current policy, strategy and service provision and relevant existing data.
347. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the most up to date figures for the strength of the Permanent Defence Force with regard to all three services and all ranks; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34297/16]
View answerThe Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 30 September 2016, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,044. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment continues to take place so as to maintain the agreed strength levels. The current General Service recruitment campaign commenced in April 2016.
The following tabular statements indicate the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 30th September 2016 across all three services and ranks, broken down by gender. The figures provided are for whole time equivalent posts.
With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, it is intended to retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.
Army
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Lieutenant General |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Major General |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Brigadier General |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Colonel |
32 |
1 |
33 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
104 |
2 |
106 |
|
Commandant |
226 |
31 |
257 |
|
Captain |
218 |
42 |
260 |
|
Lieutenant |
133 |
20 |
153 |
|
Sergeant Major |
29 |
0 |
29 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
32 |
0 |
32 |
|
Company Sergeant |
101 |
1 |
102 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
159 |
2 |
161 |
|
Sergeant |
823 |
57 |
880 |
|
Corporal |
1170 |
114 |
1284 |
|
Private |
3661 |
175 |
3836 |
|
Cadets |
96 |
9 |
105 |
|
Total |
6793 |
454 |
7247 |
Air Corps
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Brigadier General |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Colonel |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
12 |
0 |
12 |
|
Commandant |
31 |
2 |
33 |
|
Captain |
45 |
5 |
50 |
|
Lieutenant |
22 |
0 |
22 |
|
Sergeant Major |
7 |
1 |
8 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Company Sergeant |
55 |
0 |
55 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
12 |
1 |
13 |
|
Sergeant |
110 |
5 |
115 |
|
Corporal |
138 |
11 |
149 |
|
Private |
218 |
10 |
228 |
|
Cadets |
25 |
1 |
26 |
|
Total |
682 |
36 |
718 |
Naval Service
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Brigadier General |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Colonel |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
13 |
0 |
13 |
|
Commandant |
42 |
9 |
51 |
|
Captain |
36 |
13 |
49 |
|
Lieutenant |
32 |
2 |
34 |
|
Sergeant Major |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
7 |
0 |
7 |
|
Company Sergeant |
74 |
0 |
74 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
15 |
0 |
15 |
|
Sergeant |
170 |
7 |
177 |
|
Corporal |
123 |
8 |
131 |
|
Private |
472 |
18 |
490 |
|
Cadets |
25 |
4 |
29 |
|
Total |
1018 |
61 |
1079 |
348. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the most up to date figures for the strength of the Reserve Defence Forces; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34298/16]
View answerAs of 30 September 2016, the latest date for which figures are available, the effective strength of the Reserve Defence Force was 2,095, of which 279 are female personnel. Of the 2,095 personnel, 1,971 (256 females) are Army Reservists and 124 (23 females) are Naval Service Reservists.
The White Paper on Defence (2015) sets out an overall establishment figure of 4,169 for the RDF. Following the reorganisation of the Defence Forces in 2013 into a new ‘Single Force’ structure, ongoing monitoring of the implementation process has indicated that the establishment of the Naval Service Reserve should be revised to 300 which will bring the overarching establishment figure of the entire RDF to 4,169 personnel.
Recruitment campaigns are conducted on an annual ongoing basis. The current campaign which commenced in September 2015, was paused for a time to administer recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force and has since recommenced. As of 21st October 2016, a total of 4,686 applications have been received (of which 583 are female).
The White Paper confirms that the primary role of the Reserve is to augment the PDF in times of crisis and to participate in ceremonial events. The implementation of measures set out in the 2015 White Paper will provide opportunities for certain members of the RDF to undertake new duties. I am sure that this and other White Paper initiatives will be a motivating factor in encouraging more people to join the Reserve.
I believe that the Reserve Defence Force is an important asset to the State. I value the contribution of all of its members who volunteer their time and service so willingly and I am fully committed to its ongoing and future development.
349. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits the Defence Forces have taken on to date in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34299/16]
View answerThe Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 30 September 2016, was 9,044, comprising 7,247 Army, 718 Air Corps and 1,079 Naval Service. These figures exclude 68 personnel who are on secondment/career break.
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 and not on a regional basis. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment has been and is currently taking place so as to maintain the agreed strength levels.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that, to date in 2016, a total of 518 additional recruits have been inducted into the Defence Forces. This includes 372 General Service Recruits that have been enlisted into the Army and 47 General Service Recruits that have been enlisted into the Naval Service, to date in 2016. This year some 99 Cadets have been inducted into the Defence Forces. It is envisaged that there will be a total intake of circa 700 inductees to the Defence Forces, consisting of General Service Recruits and Cadets, in 2016.
I am further advised that 56 Reserve Defence Force Recruits have been enlisted to date in 2016. A recruitment campaign for the Reserve Defence Force is currently underway and further details are available on www.military.ie.
With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, it is intended to retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.
