Written Answers Nos. 371-391
371. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the previously agreed upgrade of Civil Service staff officers to executive officers; if this upgrade took place on 2 January 2017; if not, the reason it has not taken place; the future plans for this upgrade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2979/17]
View answerThe matter of the amalgamation of the Civil Service Staff Officer grade with the Executive Officer grade is currently under deliberation between the management and union side parties concerned. As this deliberative process has yet to be concluded it is considered that it would not be appropriate in the circumstances to comment on any issues that may arise between the parties concerned.
372. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the position for conservation ranger advertised in autumn 2016 closed before midnight on the last day for accepting applications when this was not specified on the application form; the reason an application from a person (details supplied) who went to lodge an application in the late afternoon on the last day for accepting applications was rejected by the system and could not be lodged; the steps he will take to ensure that this application is now accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3082/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is the centralised recruiter for the Civil Service. It is an independent, statutory body which provides professional recruitment and selection services.
I am informed by the PAS that the closing date and time for the competition in question, i.e. Conservation Ranger, was 3pm on Thursday 1 December, 2016. This was clearly stated on Page One of the Candidates information Booklet, which candidates are advised to read carefully. That booklet also states under the Section entitled "The Selection Process" that "Completed applications should be made online through www.publicjobs.ie no later than 3.00pm on Thursday 1st December, 2016. Applications will not be accepted after that date".
The PAS has informed me that they are not in a position to accept a late application for the competition at this stage.
373. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he is taking to ensure that third level colleges and education centres are compliant with tendering procedures and national procurement guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3105/17]
View answerEU Directives and national regulations impose legal obligations on public bodies in regard to advertising and the use of objective tendering procedures for awarding contracts above certain value thresholds. The basic principle is that competitive tendering should be used other than in justifiably exceptional circumstances. Even in the case of procurement which might not be subject to the full scope of EU Directives, the EU Commission and European Court of Justice have ruled that EU Treaty principles must be observed. The essential Treaty principles include non discrimination, equal treatment, transparency, mutual recognition, proportionality, freedom to provide service and freedom of establishment. There is also a requirement to publicise contracts of significant value to a degree which allows parties in other Member States the opportunity to express an interest or to submit tenders.
Individual contracting authorities are responsible for establishing arrangements for ensuring the proper conduct of their affairs, including conformance to standards of good governance and accountability with regard to procurement. Contracting Authorities cannot favour or discriminate against particular candidates and there are legal remedies which may be used against any public body infringing these rules. It is the responsibility of contracting authorities to satisfy themselves that the requirements for public procurement are adhered to and to be fully conversant with the current value thresholds for the application of EU and national procurement rules.
In relation to compliance, public bodies are subject, at the Comptroller and Auditor General's discretion, to examination regarding the economy and efficiency of their operations and the adequacy of the management systems that they have in place to appraise the effectiveness of their operations. This includes their adherence to EU and National rules on public procurement.
374. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the revised pay scales for Secretaries General from 1 April 2017 following pay restoration measures under the Lansdowne Road Agreement. [3129/17]
View answerA circular setting out the revised salary rates applicable from 1 April 2017 to general Civil Service grades, including Secretaries General, is currently in preparation and will be issued by my Department in due course.
As the Deputy may be aware, under the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2015 (FEMPI Act 2015), those on salaries in excess of €110,000 shall have the salary reductions imposed under the FEMPI Act 2013 restored in three equal phases on 1 April 2017, 1 April 2018 and 1 April 2019.
375. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Office of Public Works will finalise the purchase of a property which is necessary to ensure the delivery of public services in proper accommodation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3181/17]
View answerThe OPW is progressing the legal matters relating to the acquisition of the site as a matter of high priority. This process will be completed as soon as possible.
376. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to re-introduce the gaeltacht housing grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2536/17]
View answerThe scheme of housing grants under the Housing (Gaeltacht) Acts was suspended with effect from 7 April 2009. There are no plans to restore the scheme at present.
The priority within my Department at present is to implement the various measures laid out in the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.
377. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of all projects for which funding and business supports have been approved by Údarás na Gaeltachta, including details of the business type and activities carried out with respect to each; the details of the funding type and headings under which funding was granted with respect to each, for each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2685/17]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is published by Údarás na Gaeltachta in its Annual Report and Accounts which are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas each year. The body’s 2014 and 2015 Annual Report and Accounts have already been laid before the Houses and those in respect of 2016 and 2017 will be laid in due course.
378. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason the budget for Foras na Gaeilge was cut despite an increase of 12% for her Department. [2707/17]
View answerThe annual budget for Foras na Gaeilge is subject to approval by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), given its status as an agency of An Foras Teanga, a North South Implementation Body co-funded by my Department and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland.
Once discussions between the Finance Departments in both jurisdictions on the budgetary position for 2017 have been finalised, Foras na Gaeilge’s draft business plan and budget for 2017 will be brought before the NSMC for approval.
In the interim, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that an indicative provision of €13.989m has been provided within my Department’s Vote for 2017 in respect of An Foras Teanga, representing an increase of €0.788m or a 6% increase over 2016.
379. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if all State services and State-sponsored bodies are covered under the remit of the language commissioner. [2708/17]
View answerDetails are available on the website of the Office of An Coimisinéir Teanga on all public bodies covered by the Official Languages Act 2003. The Official Languages Act 2003 (Public Bodies) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 150 of 2006) came into effect on 1 May 2006. The purpose of these Regulations was to update the list of public bodies in the First Schedule to the Official Languages Act, having regard to changes in the public sector since the commencement of the Act in 2003.
The matter of drafting new Regulations further updating the Schedule is currently being progressed by my Department.
380. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the level of Údarás na Gaeltachta supported jobs at 1 January 2016 and at 31 December 2016, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2722/17]
View answerThe information requested by the deputy in respect of the years ending 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2016 is outlined in tabular format.
|
County |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Dún na nGall |
2,058 |
2,081 |
|
Maigh Eo |
665 |
640 |
|
Gaillimh |
2,879 |
2,941 |
|
An Mhí |
239 |
211 |
|
Ciarraí |
665 |
671 |
|
Corcaigh |
614 |
675 |
|
Port Láirge |
148 |
129 |
|
Total |
7,268 |
7,348 |
381. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of Secretaries General in her Department; the annual pay of each Secretary General within her Department at 1 Jan 2017; the expected change in that pay as a consequence of the provisions of the Lansdowne Road agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2902/17]
View answer382. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of assistant secretaries general in her Department; the annual pay of each assistant secretary general within her Department at 1 January 2017; the expected change in that pay as a consequence of the provisions of the Lansdowne Road agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2918/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 381 and 382 together.
There is one Secretary General in my Department. I am advised that the rate of pay for the Secretary General is €167,300.
There are four Assistant Secretaries in my Department. The pay scale for Assistant Secretary is €119,572 - €124,917 - €130,706 - €136,496.
Under the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2015 for those on salaries in excess of €110,000 the salary reductions imposed under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013 will be restored in three equal phases on 1 April 2017, 1 April 2018 and 1 April 2019.
A circular setting out the revised salary rates applicable from 1 April 2017 to general Civil Service grades, including Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries General, is currently in preparation and will be issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in due course.
383. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the supports available to Irish artists, from her Department and other organisations that receive Government funding, that have been invited to exhibit their work abroad in prestigious venues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2952/17]
View answerMy Department’s Culture Ireland programme promotes Irish arts worldwide by creating and supporting opportunities for professional Irish artists and companies to present and promote their work at strategic international festivals and venues. Culture Ireland operates three major grant rounds throughout the year according to the following timeframe:
|
Grant Round |
Grant Deadline |
Timing of Projects |
|
Spring |
15 February 2016 |
May 2016 onwards |
|
Summer |
15 June 2016 |
September 2016 onwards |
|
Autumn |
16 October 2016 |
January 2017 onwards |
Applications are accepted from Irish artists and art organisations as well as international presenters for funding for all forms of the arts as defined in the Arts Act 2003 for consideration under these regular grant rounds. Applications must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:
1. Applications must be in respect of Irish professional artists or arts organisations.
2. Applications must be in respect of an art form defined under the Arts Act 2003.
3. Only international events are supported (i.e. outside the island of Ireland).
4. The event must be accessible to an open public audience and fees must be payable to the artists or arts organisations.
5. Funding support is limited to travel and travel related costs.
Further information on funding and eligibility criteria can be found on the Culture Ireland website by using the following link, http://www.cultureireland.ie/funding. In addition, information regarding some of the artists that Culture Ireland has supported is available on http://applications.cultureireland.ie/index.php?r=reports/outcomeGrants.
384. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an n-iarrfaidh sí ar Údarás Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an gcinneadh gan líofacht sa Ghaeilge a bheith riachtanach don phost mar Uachtarán na hOllscoile as seo amach; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3025/17]
View answerIs ceist d’Údarás Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh na riachtanais do post Uachtarán na hOllscoile a leagan amach. Tuigfidh an Teachta, dá réir, nach bhfuil aon ról agam maidir leis an saincheist seo.
385. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil athbhreithniú déanta ag a Roinn nó ag dream atá coimisiúnaithe ag a Roinn ar dhul chun cinn fheidhmiú na Straitéise Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge; má tá, cén uair a fhoilseofar é; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3078/17]
View answerMar a luaigh mé sa bhfreagra a thug mé ar Cheisteanna Dála 760, 761 agus 762 le gairid, is í an Straitéis 20-Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010 – 2030 bunchloch pholasaí an Rialtais maidir leis an nGaeilge. Ós rud é go raibh an Straitéis cúig bliana ar an bhfód ag deireadh 2015, eagraíodh díospóireacht oscailte ina leith i mí na Nollag 2015 ar mhaithe le breathnú siar ar an méid a bhí déanta go dtí sin maidir lena cur i bhfeidhm chomh maith le breathnú chun cinn ar na tosaíochtaí ina leith don tréimhse cúig bliana atá romhainn. Mar chuid den phróiseas, reáchtáladh sraith cruinnithe poiblí ag an tráth sin agus lorgaíodh aighneachtaí scríofa ón bpobal agus ó pháirtithe leasmhara araon.
Ceapadh Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh ag an am ar mhaithe le tuairisc maidir leis an díospóireacht oscailte agus na príomhthosaíochtaí straitéiseacha don tréimhse amach romhainn a chur i dtoll a chéile. Tá tuairisc an Acadaimh á breithniú faoi láthair ag mo Roinn i dtreo í chur faoi bhráid an Choiste Chomhairligh a ceapadh ag tús 2014 le comhairle a chur ar fáil maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise go luath. Agus tuairimí agus moltaí an Choiste a bheith faighte ina leith, tá sé i gceist agam na príomhthosaíochtaí straitéiseacha don tréimhse cúig bliana go deireadh 2021 a fhoilsiú.
386. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén scéim a cuireadh in áit Scéim Labhartha na Gaeilge; cén líon daoine atá cláraithe sa scéim ar fud na tíre (briste síos de réir contae); cén chaoi a n-oibríonn an scéim; an bhfuil measúnú á dhéanamh ar na teaghlaigh atá páirteach sa scéim lena chinntiú gur teaghlaigh iad a labhraíonn Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3079/17]
View answerCuireadh deireadh le Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge agus seoladh an Clár Tacaíochta Teaghlaigh ina háit i mí Aibreáin 2012. Is í aidhm an Chláir seo, a ceapadh mar bheart faoi leith le cúram a dhéanamh de réimsí na Gaeltachta agus an Teaghlaigh de chuid na Straitéise 20-Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030, tacú ar bhealach ilghnéitheach le treisiú na Gaeilge i dteaghlaigh Gaeltachta. Faoin gClár, cuirtear cúnamh ar fáil trí scéimeanna agus tionscnaimh faoi leith de chuid mo Roinne ar leasa theaghlaigh na Gaeltachta atá ag tógáil clainne le Gaeilge nó a dteastaíonn uathu é sin a dhéanamh. Mar léargas ar chuid de na bearta atá curtha i bhfeidhm nó idir lámha faoin gClár Tacaíochta Teaghlaigh, luafainn go sonrach:
- an tionscnamh faoin bhfuil pacáiste teanga á chur ar fáil do theaghlaigh óga atá ag tógáil clainne le Gaeilge - lena n-áirítear teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta ar ndóigh. Tá an pacáiste teanga comhdhéanta de leabhair, dlúthdhioscaí agus DVDanna chomh maith le leabhrán le comhairle phraiticiúil faoin ábhar. Ina theannta sin, ar mhaithe le feasacht a chothú gur ann don phacáiste teanga agus faoi na buntáistí a bhaineann le clann a thógáil le Gaeilge, scaiptear leathán eolais faoin tionscnamh trí sheirbhísí máithreachais Fheidhmeannas na Seirbhísí Sláinte a dhéanann freastal ar na mórcheantair Ghaeltachta. Tugtar sonraí maidir le dáileadh tíreolaíoch an phacáiste sa tábla ag Aguisín 1 thíos.
- Scéim Seirbhísí Réamhscoile agus Iarscoil e - ar cuireadh tús léi in 2014. Faoin scéim seo, cuirtear cúnamh ar fáil do sheirbhísí áirithe réamhscoile sa Ghaeltacht le cumasú dóibh gníomhaíochtaí faoi leith a chur ar bun ar mhaithe le cabhrú tuilleadh le teaghlaigh óga na Gaeltachta ó thaobh na Gaeilge de.
- an maoiniú suntasach atá á chur ar fáil ar bhonn bhliantúil don eagraíocht Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta ar mhaithe le cabhrú lena gníomhaíochtaí ar son theaghlaigh na Gaeltachta atá ag tógáil clainne le Gaeilge.
- na forbairtí éagsúla atá déanta le tamall de bhlianta anuas faoi scáth an Chláir chun barr feabhais a chur ar Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga de chuid mo Roinne. I measc na bhforbairtí sin tá tacaíochtaí breise teagaisc curtha ar fáil do na cúntóirí teanga chomh maith le deiseanna breise saibhrithe teanga á gcur ar fáil le cuidiú le cainteoirí líofa Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.
- an cúnamh reatha a chuirtear ar fáil ar bhonn leanúnach le cumasú d’eagraíochtaí Gaeltachta sraith leathan gníomhaíochtaí a reáchtáil ar leasa na Gaeilge ar bhonn teaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht, lena n-áirítear Muintearas, An Crann Óg, Fíbín, CLG – Comhairle Chonnacht agus Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne.
Mar gheall ar an leithdháileadh breise atá curtha ar fáil i mbliana do scéimeanna Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta, gan trácht ar an gcistíocht bhreise atá ar fáil go sonrach le cabhrú tuilleadh le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20-Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 agus an chóras phleanála teanga, is féidir leis an Teachta a bheith cinnte de go leanfar ar aghaidh ag tacú mar is cuí le staid reatha na Gaeilge mar theanga pobail agus teaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht i gcomhréir le haidhmeanna na Straitéise.
Aguisín 1
|
- |
Sonraí faoi dháileadh an phacáiste teanga |
|
Co An Chabháin |
29 |
|
Co an Chláir |
142 |
|
Co an Dúin |
49 |
|
Co an Longfoirt |
5 |
|
Co Aontroma |
254 |
|
Co Ard Mhacha |
33 |
|
Co Átha Cliath |
1,222 |
|
Co Cheatharlach |
26 |
|
Co Chiarraí |
317 (97 ón nGaeltacht) |
|
Co Chill Chainnigh |
27 |
|
Co Chill Dara |
182 |
|
Co Chill Mhantáin |
169 |
|
Co Chorcaí |
368 (24 ón nGaeltacht) |
|
Co Dhoire |
129 |
|
Co Dhún na nGall |
297 (124 ón nGaeltacht) |
|
Co Fhear Manach |
8 |
|
Co Laoise |
19 |
|
Co Liatroma |
5 |
|
Co Loch Garman |
66 |
|
Co Lú |
78 |
|
Co Luimnigh |
127 |
|
Co Mhaigh Eo |
191 (15 ón nGaeltacht) |
|
Co Mhuineacháin |
28 |
|
Co na Gaillimhe |
638 (227 ón nGaeltacht) |
|
Co na Iarmhí |
34 |
|
Co na Mí |
186 (5 ón nGaeltacht) |
|
Co Phort Láirge |
74 (11 ón nGaeltacht) |
|
Co Ros Comáin |
25 |
|
Co Shligigh |
29 |
|
Co Thiobraid Árann |
45 |
|
Co Thír Eoghan |
54 |
|
Co Uíbh Fhailí |
27 |
|
lasmuigh d’Éirinn |
93 |
|
Gan fios |
9 |
|
Iomlán |
4,985 |
387. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the potential of three-phase electric power; if her attention has been further drawn to its potential in assisting the rural economy; and if there is any intention to restore grants for its installation. [3126/17]
View answerI understand that the former Farm Electrification Grant Scheme for Disadvantaged Areas included a grant for Three-Phase electricity supply on farms. This scheme was administered and funded through the former Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, and subsequently by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government up to 2011. The Farm Electrification Grant Scheme ceased operation towards the end of 2011.
Previously the CLÁR scheme, a targeted investment programme for small scale infrastructure in disadvantaged rural areas, provided funding to support micro enterprise to convert from single phase to three phase electricity. However, the scheme was closed for new applications in 2009.
I have recently reopened the CLÁR programme, and have secured a budget of €5M for CLÁR in 2017. While I currently have no plans to introduce a grant scheme for Three-Phase electricity, I will keep the matter under consideration in the context of the development of new schemes that can support rural economies.
388. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 780 of 17 January 2017, the position regarding a specific case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3173/17]
View answerAn application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question.
I am advised that a payment of €1,500 in respect of Year 1 of 15 (2012), a payment of €1,518 in respect of Year 2 of 15 (2013) and a payment of €1,521 in respect of Year 4 of 15 (2015) have been made to this applicant. In addition, a once-off payment of €500 has been made to the applicant in respect of the signing of a legal agreement under this scheme.
The qualifying criteria for the scheme as it refers to special areas of conservation are that:
- The claimant must have a legal interest in one of the 53 raised bog special areas of conservation – ownership or turbary right;
- The claimant must have been the owner or entitled to exercise turbary rights on the land in question on 25 May 2010;
- The turbary on the site must not be exhausted;
- The claimant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period; and
- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.
An onsite inspection of the bog plot in question is required, as part of my Department’s verification procedures. My officials have been in contact with the representative of the applicant to arrange same.
Following this inspection, my Department will be in a position to examine the application further.
389. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health when sections 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2575/17]
View answerIt was indicated upon the enactment of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 that an appropriate transition period would be required in order to carry out significant preparatory work to facilitate a seamless transition to the new regulatory framework laid out in the Act. That work is underway, involving officials from my Department. It is intended that Parts 2 and 3 will be commenced later this year.
390. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in receipt of the blind welfare allowance; if all current recipients of the blind welfare allowance had their eligibility assessed using the same means test; if he will publish details of the blind welfare allowance means test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2686/17]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
391. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be issued with a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3103/17]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
