Written Answers Nos. 254-273
254. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to his most recent appearance at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport at which he undertook to provide an update on school transport, if he will do so. [30651/17]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for my colleague, Mr. Richard Bruton, T.D., Minister for Education & Skills, as his Department administers the School Transport scheme. Therefore I have forwarded the Deputy's question to him for direct reply.
255. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce multi-annual budgets for the CIÉ group to help better investment planning. [30656/17]
View answerMulti-annual funding for public transport is provided under the Government's Capital Plan. Funding of €3.6 billion has been allocated for public transport in the Plan over a seven year period from 2016-2022. Within this allocation, my Department provides capital funding to the CIÉ companies both directly and through the National Transport Authority (NTA).
In accordance with the requirements of EU law, my Department provides capital funding to Iarnród Éireann for the maintenance and renewal of the heavy rail network under the Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract (IMMAC). The current IMMAC covers the five-year period 2014-2018. Iarnród Éireann also receives capital funding, via the NTA, for heavy rail projects in the Greater Dublin Area as well as funding under the Accessibility Grants and Regional Cities Programmes.
My Department provides capital funding to the NTA for a rolling programme of bus replacement and refurbishment of the Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann PSO fleets. Funding is also provided to these two companies for accessibility projects and funding for Bus Éireann under the Regional Cities Programme.
In relation to services, the Deputy is aware that compensation is provided to PSO operators in accordance with their public service contracts entered into with the NTA. These current contracts relate to 5 year periods in relation to the CIÉ bus operators and a 10 year period in relation to Iarnród Éireann. Compensation is calculated in accordance with EU Regulation 1370/2007 and the relevant schedules to each public service contract.
256. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the 10% tendering of bus routes will be complete; and when the new services will commence. [30657/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, it is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to determine the appropriate mix of directly awarded and competitively tendered PSO services.
In line with its statutory functions, the NTA is currently managing three procurement competitions in relation to approximately 10% of current PSO routes operated by Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann. These competitions are known as Dublin Metropolitan (currently Bus Átha Cliath), Dublin Commuter and Waterford (both currently Bus Éireann).
The procurement processes in respect of all three competitions are now nearing completion and I am informed that the NTA expects to announce preferred bidder status in relation to the Dublin Metropolitan competition during the summer, with the other two competitions reaching that stage by late summer/early autumn. Subject to the timing of the provision of depot facilities and other mobilisation activities the NTA expects services to commence in 2018.
As the Deputy knows, the PSO programme is represents a signficant expenditure of taxpayers' money and this year almost €263million has been allocated to the the NTA in relation to the programme. The tendering processes underway should allow us to capture potential benefits as regards value for money in terms of the use of taxpayers' money in securing the provision of public services, and I look forward to the NTA's successful progression of all three competitions.
257. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the percentage of routes out to tender. [30658/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, it is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and EU Regulation 1370/2007, to determine the appropriate mix of directly awarded and competitively tendered PSO services.
In line with its statutory functions, the NTA is currently managing three procurement competitions in relation to approximately 10% of current PSO routes operated by Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann. These competitions are known as Dublin Metropolitan (currently Bus Átha Cliath), Dublin Commuter and Waterford (both currently Bus Éireann). I understand the NTA expects to announce preferred bidder status in respect of all three competitions over the summer and early autumn.
As I stated at the outset, decisions relating to the manner in which PSO services are awarded are a statutory function of the NTA under both Irish and EU legislation. I believe that the tendering processes underway should allow us to capture potential benefits as regards value for money in terms of the use of taxpayers' money in securing the provision of public services and I look forward to the NTA's successful progression of all three current competitions.
258. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will publish his submission to the mid-term capital review. [30659/17]
View answerI understand all Departmental submissions conveyed to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as part of the Mid Term Review of the Capital Plan will be published by that Department once the deliberative process has been completed. Final decisions on funding will be taken in the context of 2018 Budget in October.
259. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to commence the roll-out of the Dublin Bus strategy, Bus Connects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30660/17]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) recently launched the BusConnects initiative which proposes a radical transformation of the bus system in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) that will involve, inter alia, the development of a network of 'next generation' bus corridors and a complete redesign of the network to be accompanied by a network of bus-based park and ride sites at strategic locations.
I am seeking additional funding for public transport investment in the mid-term review of the Capital Plan to support this initiative.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
260. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to allocate additional funding in 2017 to Cavan and Monaghan councils for the non-national road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30716/17]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in counties Cavan and Monaghan is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
I announced the 2017 regional and local road allocations to local authorities on 24 January 2017 of which Cavan County Council was allocated €9.1m and Monaghan County Council was allocated €7.6m.
All grant funding for 2017 has now been allocated.
261. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1873 of 20 June 2017, the reason for the breach of the restrictions laid down by the Government and by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with regard to respecting the Government’s policies on neutrality, in breach of customary international laws on neutrality, in breach of the prohibition on the transport of weapons, munitions and explosives on aircraft through Irish airspace and through Irish airports and on the restrictions that such aircraft should not be engaged in military operations or exercises (details supplied). [30736/17]
View answerQuestions related to Ireland's neutrality and customary international laws on neutrality are a matter for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is consulted in relation to foreign policy issues on all applications from civil airlines for exemptions to carry munitions in Irish airspace under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973.
262. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that anti-bullying policies are in place in his Department and in each State body and agency under his aegis; if such policies are being implemented effectively; the amount paid in compensation for bullying claims in each of the past five years in his Department and in each State body and agency under his aegis in tabular form; the action that has been taken to ensure such cases do not arise in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30758/17]
View answerMy Department is strongly committed to the Civil Service Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy - Dignity at Work. Every staff member is made aware that all forms of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment are unacceptable and every member of staff has a duty to behave in an acceptable and respectful manner towards their work colleagues.
On appointment, all staff receive a copy of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, which sets the standards for their behaviour at work and towards colleagues. The Code also includes a commitment for staff to observe and support the Dignity at Work Policy.
Staff receive guidance on the Dignity at Work Policy as part of induction training. All relevant policy documentation, including supports available to staff, can be accessed by staff on the Department's intranet system. My Department's Human Resources Division also provides advice and support to staff in relation to this policy.
My Department has not made any compensation payments to staff under this policy in the past five years.
I have asked the state agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the information requested by the Deputy. If you do not receive a reply from the agencies within ten working days please advise my private office.
The referred replies under Standing Order 42A were forwarded to the Deputy.
263. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a family resource centre. [30619/17]
View answerI have requested information from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency in relation to this matter. I will revert to the Deputy once I have been furnished with a response by Tusla.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 30619 tabled for answer on 29 June, 2017 in relation to a matter regarding a Family Resource Centre. I apologise for the delay in responding.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency fully recognises a need for community-based services serving the areas concerned. Family Resource Centres are governed by voluntary management committees and operate autonomously from Tusla. Tusla works closely with management committees of all centres in order to ensure good governance and practice.#
Outreach low-cost counselling services are in development for neighbouring areas, and funding has been secured. Tusla will continue to work with the Centre In question, along with representatives from local communities, to ensure funding is appropriately directed to services operating at their full potential.
There has been ongoing engagement between Tusla and the relevant party, and the Issues cited have been under discussion between both parties for a considerable time. Tusla has advised that further correspondence will Issue shortly on this matter to the party concerned.
I trust that this information is of assistance.
264. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is satisfied that anti-bullying policies are in place in her Department and in each State body and agency under her aegis; if such policies are being implemented effectively; the amount paid in compensation for bullying claims in each of the past five years in her Department and in each State body and agency under her aegis in tabular form; the action which has been taken to ensure such cases do not arise in future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30746/17]
View answerIt is a central policy of my Department to ensure that managers and staff encourage and maintain good employee relations in order to ensure a motivated workforce and an efficient service. The Dignity at Work - Civil Service anti–bullying, harassment and sexual harassment policy is the civil service policy for dealing with harassment, sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace. It applies to all staff working in this Department, including staff on contract.
Under this policy, every officer has a right to carry out her/his duties free of any form of harassment, sexual harassment or bullying. All complaints or queries raised in relation to bullying, harassment and sexual harassment will be treated seriously, fairly and in the strictest of confidence. Complaints are dealt with through informal resolution, or if that is not successful, through mediation or formal investigation. Staff who are found to have harassed, sexually harassed or bullied other staff may be subject to disciplinary action. No claims of bullying have resulted in the payment of compensation in this Department.
With regard to the four agencies within my remit, I can confirm that the Oberstown Children Detention Campus and the Adoption Authority of Ireland have effective anti-bullying policies in place and these policies are available to all staff. No payments have been made by either agency in compensation for bullying claims.
As the Office of the Ombudsman for Children is independent in its function and reports to the Oireachtas on matters within its remit, as required by the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002, I have forwarded the question to the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and asked that they reply directly to you.
I have also forwarded the question to Tusla and asked that they reply directly to the Deputy on this matter.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
265. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the principle in the confidence and supply agreement to seek to introduce a PRSI scheme for the self employed. [30765/17]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government commits to seeking “to introduce a PRSI scheme for the self-employed and provide a supportive tax regime for entrepreneurs and the self-employed” . Significant progress has been made in the last Budget on extending the level of cover available to self-employed PRSI contributors. Self-employed contributors now have access to treatment benefits since last March and will have access to invalidity pension next December. This is a real advance in the level of cover available to the self-employed.
It is planned to continue extending cover for other benefits to the self-employed on a phased basis in future Budgets. This year, my Department will examine the extension of social insurance to cover new risks and contingencies.
An Actuarial Review of Social Insurance Fund as at 31 December 2015 is currently underway. One of the issues being examined by the independent consultants undertaking the Review is the potential costs in future years of extending cover for a range of social insurance benefits to self-employed contributors including the projected PRSI contribution rates which would be required to extend such cover on a revenue neutral basis. It is planned to publish the completed review next August.
The outcome of the review, including the potential costs associated with further extensions of benefits to the self-employed, will feed into the examination being carried out by my Department.
266. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an illness benefit application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30519/17]
View answerThis man has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 1 March 2017. The first payment will be made by his chosen payment method on 12 July 2017.
Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments or in respect of outstanding overpayments (if applicable).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
267. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated annual cost of increasing the disability allowance by €5.50 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30524/17]
View answer268. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated annual cost of increasing the blind pension by €5.50 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30525/17]
View answer269. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated annual cost of increasing the living alone allowance by €9.50 per month; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30526/17]
View answer270. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated annual cost of increasing the fuel allowance by three weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30527/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 267 to 270, inclusive, together.
The full year cost of increasing the weekly rate of Disability Allowance, from €193 to €198.50 per week, is estimated at €41.2 million in 2018.
There is an analogous social insurance payment, Invalidity Pension (€198.50 per week), which is paid to people who are permanently incapable of work (subject to satisfying the relevant medical criteria and a minimum number of paid qualifying PRSI contributions). Each €1 increase in the weekly rate of Invalidity Pension would cost €3.2 million in a full year.
The full year cost of increasing the weekly rate of Blind Pension, from €193 to €198.50 per week, is estimated at €0.4 million in 2018.
The full year cost of increasing the weekly Living Alone Allowance payment by €2.20 (the equivalent of a monthly increase of €9.50), from €9 to €11.20 per week, is estimated at €22.7 million in 2018.
The full year cost of increasing the duration of the Fuel Allowance season by an additional three weeks, from 26 weeks to 29 weeks, is estimated at €26.9 million in 2018.
It should be noted that the costings listed above include proportionate increases for qualified adults where relevant. It should also be noted that these costings are subject to change over the coming months in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2018.
271. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the process in place once fraud is reported to her Department in determining if it is a case of fraud; the estimated timeframe for this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30538/17]
View answerThe majority of people who are supported by the social welfare system claim and receive their legitimate entitlement. Following referral of any report of concern that fraud or wrongful claiming may have occurred, an investigation is undertaken. A determination of fraud can only be made after a detailed investigation by a social welfare inspector and the making of a revised decision under the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 by a deciding officer. The decision is communicated to the person concerned, including the value of any overpayment assessed, and that person is also advised of their right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeal Office if they dispute the outcome.
Decisions of this nature follow an investigation and where is has been determined to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that the person concerned made false or misleading statements in a material respect or wilfully concealed material facts that impacted on their eligibility for an entitlement or the rate of payment due to them.
It is difficult to give precise time scales for the conduct of investigations as they relate to the complexity of each particular case, the co-operation, or lack thereof, of the person concerned and the time taken to access evidence and other information. Following a decision by a deciding officer, the person concerned has up to 21 days to make an appeal. Appeals can take several months to conclude and may include oral hearings to resolved disputed evidence or other matters.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
272. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a limit has been set in respect of exceptional needs payments in cases in which the person has had no income for a period of several weeks; if payments available can be of a more realistic nature or the award of basic payment in lieu thereof; the number of such payments in respect of which applications were received in each of the past four years to date; the number granted; the number refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30550/17]
View answerUnder the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off and unforeseen expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. There is no automatic entitlement to a payment or pre-determined amounts under the scheme. ENPs are payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case. Government has provided €31.5 for the ENP scheme in 2017.
Basic weekly SWA may be paid to customers awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment. In certain circumstances if a person is not eligible for other social welfare payments and their weekly income is below the SWA rate for their family size, a payment may be made to bring their income up to the appropriate SWA rate. Apart from a number of excluded categories, anyone in the State who satisfies a habitual residence condition and a means test, has registered for employment (unless they have a physical or mental disability) and can prove unemployment may qualify for SWA. ENPs are not subject to the habitual residence condition and may be considered in exceptional circumstances to meet essential needs of people who do not qualify for other social welfare payments as they do not meet this condition.
Statistics are not maintained on the numbers of ENPs made in cases where a person has no other source of income. If the Deputy has concerns in respect of a particular case he should bring the details to the attention of the Department.
Any persons who consider that they have an entitlement to a basic weekly SWA payment or an ENP scheme should contact the Community Welfare Service of the Department at their local Intreo centre.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
273. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30575/17]
View answerI can confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance from this lady on 24 April 2017.
On 27 June 2017 the person concerned was requested to supply supporting documentation required by the deciding officer in order to make a decision on her eligibility. On receipt of this information a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
