Written Answers Nos. 312-324
312. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the allocation to Cavan County Council for the non-national roads maintenance programme for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2617/18]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each 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.
While there is a reduction of about €8 million in current funding budget for 2018, there is a significant increase in capital funding to approx. €381 million.
I will be notifying local authorities of their grant allocations shortly. As in previous years I will be aiming to allocate funding on as equitable basis as possible taking road lengths within each local authority area into account.
313. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the allocation to Monaghan County Council for the non-national roads maintenance programme for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2618/18]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each 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.
While there is a reduction of about €8 million in current funding budget for 2018, there is a significant increase in capital funding to approx. €381 million.
I will be notifying local authorities of their grant allocations shortly. As in previous years I will be aiming to allocate funding on as equitable basis as possible taking road lengths within each local authority area into account.
314. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the liquidation of a company (details supplied); if he will report on the consequences for public transport contracts it holds here from the point of view of services and jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2711/18]
View answerI am advised there are no consequences regarding jobs and services under public transport contracts for my Department, or any of the agencies or companies under the aegis of my Department who are delivering public transport services, as a result of the liquidation of the company referred to by the Deputy.
315. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Question No. 1678 of 11 September 2017, if each person, who may potentially be named in a fax, signs a document stating that they understand the risks and agree to their details being sent via fax by Tusla; if these consent forms are retained by Tusla; if each person who may be named in a fax, including minors, receives a full explanation in language they can understand of the risks of their data being sent by fax; and if she will provide a copy of Tusla's policy document for front-line workers in regard to their obligations to explain to service users the risks of data being transmitted via fax. [2411/18]
View answer316. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 1678 of 11 September 2017, if a consultancy (details supplied), which recently completed a risk report for Tusla, audited compliance with each of the steps put forward by Tusla to maintain security and confidentiality when transmitting personal information by fax outlined in that reply; and if so, the compliance rates with each step found by the company. [2412/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 315 and 316 together.
I have requested the required information from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, in order to respond to this question. I will forward this information to the Deputy when it has been received.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
317. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Question No. 1678 of 11 September 2017, if the attention of Tusla was drawn to a consultancy's (details supplied) recommendations in regard to its use of fax machines being reduced and kept to a minimum when the response issued; and if so, the reason no reference to same was provided in the response to that question. [2413/18]
View answerThe matter raised by the Deputy relates to the operations of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and its policies in relation to same, I have asked Tusla to supply the relevant information to the Deputy directly.
318. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a report prepared by a company (details supplied) in regard to data protection issues in Tusla is available; and if so, if she will provide a copy of same. [2414/18]
View answerThe matter raised by the Deputy relates to the operations of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and its policies in relation to same, I have asked Tusla to supply the relevant information to the Deputy directly.
319. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding introducing legislation whereby adopted persons can have full access to their adoption files after a reasonable period which may provide information regarding their birth parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2439/18]
View answerThe Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016 provides for the first time a statutory entitlement to identity information for adopted persons. It provides for a structured and regulated access to information and tracing services for those affected by adoption. It sets out the information that can be provided and the circumstances in which it can be provided to adopted persons. A key provision in the Bill provides that an adopted person aged 18 years or over who was adopted prior to commencement of the Bill will be provided with the information required to apply for his or her birth certificate, subject to certain conditions. The Bill also provides for access to relevant records containing the information concerned that are held by the Authority. The Bill passed Second Stage in Seanad Eireann in May 2017. The Bill is a priority and will proceed to Committee Stage in the Seanad as soon as possible.
320. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will provide specific funding to local authorities in 2018 for the local improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2619/18]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme supports improvement works on private, non-public roads, to improve access for people who live or work along those roads.
There has been very little funding available for this scheme in recent years due to constraints on public expenditure. However, I was very conscious of the underlying demand for the scheme in rural areas throughout the country.
I therefore announced the provision of €10 million to Local Authorities for a Local Improvement Scheme last September. Based on demand and the capacity of Local Authorities to complete works before the end of 2017, I allocated an additional €7.4 million to Local Authorities for LIS roads at the end of November.
It is clear that there is a continuing demand for LIS funding in rural communities across Ireland, and I have therefore secured an allocation of €10 million for the scheme in my Department's Estimate for 2018. I intend to announce details of the scheme shortly.
321. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason for the €22 million in capital underspend in his Department as outlined in the fiscal monitor for December 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2498/18]
View answerThe net capital underspend of €22m in respect of my Department in 2017 arose due to a combination of factors:- underspends on a number of capital programmes (including the Town and Village Regeneration Scheme and the LEADER Programme) and also due to greater than anticipated receipts (Appropriations in Aid) from the European Union following the closure of the earlier LEADER 2007-2013 programme.
Expenditure on the Town and Village Regeneration scheme was lower than anticipated in 2017. Projects totalling some €21m were announced in October last year and accordingly accelerated drawdown is anticipated this year under the scheme.
In the case of LEADER, and in line with LEADER programmes in other EU Member States, there has been a lead-in period last year in ramping up and implementing the 2014-2020 programme. However, the level of LEADER activity in Ireland has increased greatly.
My Department will continue to work with key stakeholders including local authorities, community and voluntary groups, and key agencies to support job creation, attract tourism investment and contribute to long term economic development in rural Ireland.
€7.7m in unspent 2017 capital funding will be carried forward to supplement gross capital provision of €87.5m in 2018. My Department will ensure that the full use is obtained from the total capital allocation of €95.2m this year and that value for money is delivered.
322. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to carry out a review of dog control legislation in view of an incident that occurred in 2017 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2568/18]
View answerThe Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2010 set out a range of requirements for all dog owners or any other person in charge of a dog. The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 set out further requirements that owners of specific breeds of dogs have to follow, namely that such dogs must be muzzled and led, on a sufficiently strong leash or chain not exceeding 2 metres in length, by a competent person over 16 years of age when in a public place.
These specific control requirements for restricted breeds provide a balanced and workable arrangement which recognises the rights of dog owners, respects animal welfare to the extent possible, while also taking account of the needs of society to be protected from dogs with a significant capability to inflict very serious injury, or cause death.
However, I am aware that representations have been made expressing concerns regarding the overall approach to the regulation of restricted breeds. There is also the view that further breeds may warrant inclusion on the list of restricted breeds. I have asked my officials to review this matter further in order to ensure an appropriate balanced approach is in place for the protection of society.
I am also aware of the tragic incident referred to by the Deputy. As it is currently the subject of an ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the specific details of the case.
323. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of the local improvement scheme allocations for 2017; and his plans for a similar programme in 2018. [2583/18]
View answerThe Programme for Partnership Government and the Action Plan for Rural Development include a commitment to investment in the Local Improvement Scheme which supports improvement works on private, non-public roads, to improve access for people who live or work along those roads.
There has been very little funding available for this scheme in recent years due to constraints on public expenditure. However, I was very conscious of the underlying demand for the scheme in rural areas throughout the country.
I therefore announced the provision of €10 million for a Local Improvement Scheme in September, and based on demand and the capacity of Local Authorities to complete works before the end of 2017, I allocated an additional €7.4 million to Local Authorities for LIS roads at the end of November. A table is appended, setting out allocations to each county under each round of the scheme in 2017.
It is clear that there is a continuing demand for LIS funding in rural communities across Ireland, and I have therefore secured an allocation of €10 million for the scheme in my Department's Estimate for 2018. I intend to announce details of the scheme shortly.
My Department's funding of Local Improvement Scheme is made in the context of my remit to improve the quality of life for people living in rural areas. Overall responsibility for roads policy remains with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
|
County |
LIS 2017 round 1 Allocations |
LIS 2017 round 2 Allocation |
Total |
|
Carlow |
€250,000 |
€190,460 |
€440,460 |
|
Cavan |
€295,000 |
€40,080 |
€335,080 |
|
Clare |
€482,000 |
€384,774 |
€866,774 |
|
Cork |
€1,000,000 |
€151,985 |
€1,151,985 |
|
Donegal |
€884,000 |
€2,500,000 |
€3,384,000 |
|
Galway |
€942,000 |
€426,651 |
€1,368,651 |
|
Kerry |
€727,000 |
€268,578 |
€995,578 |
|
Kilkenny |
€315,000 |
€290,565 |
€605,565 |
|
Laois |
€264,000 |
€548,270 |
€812,270 |
|
Leitrim |
€250,000 |
€237,947 |
€487,947 |
|
Limerick |
€411,000 |
€0 |
€411,000 |
|
Longford |
€232,000 |
€70,443 |
€302,443 |
|
Louth |
€250,000 |
€0 |
€250,000 |
|
Mayo |
€855,000 |
€417,974 |
€1,272,974 |
|
Meath |
€359,000 |
€115,290 |
€474,290 |
|
Monaghan |
€250,000 |
€116,312 |
€366,312 |
|
Offaly |
€273,000 |
€403,155 |
€676,155 |
|
Roscommon |
€208,000 |
€213,258 |
€421,258 |
|
Sligo |
€282,000 |
€214,158 |
€496,158 |
|
Tipperary |
€237,000 |
€0 |
€237,000 |
|
Waterford |
€282,000 |
€436,689 |
€718,689 |
|
Westmeath |
€282,000 |
€234,324 |
€516,324 |
|
Wexford |
€360,000 |
€134,493 |
€494,493 |
|
Wicklow |
€310,000 |
€0 |
€310,000 |
|
Totals |
€10,000,000 |
€7,395,406 |
€17,395,406 |
324. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the seniors alert scheme; and the changes he plans to improve participation in the service. [2584/18]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages support for vulnerable people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Funding is available under the scheme towards the purchase by a registered community-based organisation of equipment i.e. a personal alarm and/or pendant, which is provided to the elderly person participating. The scheme is operated on my Department's behalf by Pobal.
Following a review, a new version of the scheme was launched on 1st November 2017. A number of important new changes were introduced, including an extension of the eligibility criteria to include elderly people who live on their own for long periods during the day and the introduction of free monitoring for the first year, following which a small charge will apply. In tandem with the new scheme, a nationwide public awareness campaign is being rolled out, in partnership with Pobal, to increase a greater level of awareness, interest and participation in the scheme.
I am pleased to report a very high uptake of the new scheme which I have facilitated through the provision of additional funding. By end December 2017, over 21,000 applications have been approved and some 18,000 installations were made. My Department will continue to review the operation of the scheme, and will continue to encourage elderly people to participate in this scheme.
