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Thursday, 8 Nov 2018

Written Answers Nos. 230-254

Transport Policy

Questions (230)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

230. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Castletownbere transportation plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46155/18]

View answer

Written answers

I understand that the Castletownbere Transportation Study is being prepared by Cork County Council and statutory responsibility for the study does not come within the remit of my Department.

Road Safety

Questions (231)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

231. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request TII to deal with traffic hazards on the N4 route at the Cootehall and Croghan junction between Carrick-on-Shannon and Boyle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46189/18]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads.   This also includes the provision of potential safety improvement works on national roads. 

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply to you.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Rail Services Provision

Questions (232)

Brian Stanley

Question:

232. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has conducted an analysis of improving the train schedule by increasing the number of trains and the possibility of more direct trains from County Laois at train stations in Portlaoise and Ballybrophy in view of the fact that the commuting numbers have increased in recent years with no added services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46200/18]

View answer

Written answers

The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

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

Driver Licensing Exchange Agreements

Questions (233)

Noel Grealish

Question:

233. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the NDLS will not allow a person (details supplied) to transfer a driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46226/18]

View answer

Written answers

The operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I cannot comment on individual cases.

I can however explain the law in regard to driving licence exchange.  Driver licence exchange agreements do not cover 'third party' arrangements.  Where we recognise a licence for exchange from another jurisdiction, we do so on the basis that the person has qualified to drive in that jurisdiction.  If the person originally qualified to drive in a third jurisdiction whose licences are not recognised in Irish law, then they are not eligible for a licence exchange. 

Ireland does not have a driver licence exchange agreement with Zimbabwe.

National Car Test Data

Questions (234)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

234. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of NCTs provided for electric vehicle users from 2014 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46228/18]

View answer

Written answers

This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.  I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

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

Motor Tax Exemptions

Questions (235)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

235. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of a waiver for motor tax on electric cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46229/18]

View answer

Written answers

There is a single annual rate of motor tax of €120 for electric cars.  Based on the number of electric cars under current taxation - some 4,200 - a waiver of motor tax would represent an annual cost of some €0.5m.

Advances in battery technology, increasing competition in the market and financial incentives in place for the purchase of electric cars mean that take-up is likely to increase in coming years, with the effect that the cost of a waiver would increase further over time.  In this regard, it should be noted that the National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland: 2017-2030 has set a target that, from 2030, all new cars sold in Ireland will be zero emission (or zero-emission capable).

Driver Licence Data

Questions (236)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

236. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of driver licences issued to 16 to 24 year olds in each of the years 2011 to 2017. [46244/18]

View answer

Written answers

The operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

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

Rail Network Safety

Questions (237)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

237. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to establish a dedicated public transport police to invigilate all public transport services including DART and commuter rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46251/18]

View answer

Written answers

I refer the Deputy to my response to parliamentary question number 83 answered on 6th November 2018, copied below.

The safety and security of passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are matters first and foremost for the individual public transport companies in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána.

While the vast majority of public transport passenger journeys occur without incident, I am concerned to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff travelling and working on our rail network. 

Therefore, following representations from the National Bus and Rail Union regarding the establishment of a dedicated police force for public transport, my Department wrote to Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Safety Advisory Council (RSAC) to seek their views on the issue of anti-social behaviour on the rail network.

In its response, Iarnród Éireann outlined a number of measures that the company has taken in an effort to safeguard the security of passengers and staff.  These measures have included the allocation of additional security and supervisory operatives, particularly at night and in certain areas, as well as more resources for centralised CCTV monitoring stations. The company also emphasised that it works closely with An Garda Síochána on anti-social behaviour in general and receives the full support of the Gardaí.

More recently, Iarnród Éireann has advised that security and supervisory operatives have been allocated, particularly at night, in certain areas and at sensitive times, such as last week’s mid-term break, Halloween and the forthcoming late-night Christmas services.

In addition, I understand that Iarnród Éireann has now commenced the deployment of on-board customer-service officers on intercity trains. While the primary focus will be on customer service, their presence is intended to deter anti-social behaviour and will enable rapid contact with security and/or An Garda Síochána, should this be required.

The RSAC, in its response, recommended the establishment of a dedicated unit of An Garda Síochána to police our rail network on occasions when the possibility of anti-social behaviour is high.

Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus were also contacted for their views and both companies responded that the level of anti-social behaviour is relatively low and noted a declining trend which is very positive. Both companies also stressed the strong and close working relationships with An Garda Síochána.  

Following engagement with the public transport companies and the RSAC, I wrote to the Minister for Justice and Equality to seek his views as to how we might best address the issue of anti-social behaviour on our transport system, in particular on the Irish Rail network. 

I have asked that the Minister consider this issue in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, given that the allocation of all Garda resources, including the manner in which Garda personnel are deployed, is solely a decision for the Garda Commissioner and his management team.  I will continue to work with the Minister for Justice on this important issue.

Public Procurement Contracts Data

Questions (238, 240)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

238. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of contracts tendered to businesses in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [46266/18]

View answer

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

240. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of contracts tendered to businesses in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018, disaggregated by the value of the contracts awarded. [46268/18]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 240 together.

The information on contracts requested by the Deputy is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services

The information is published on a six monthly basis and the second part of 2018 (July - December) will be published in early 2019.

Public Procurement Contracts Data

Questions (239)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

239. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of contracts tendered to businesses of 50 employees and less in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [46267/18]

View answer

Written answers

My Department supports access to public procurement by Small and Medium Businesses (SME's) in line with Office of Government Procurement (OGP) Guidelines but does not require details from tendering businesses as to employee numbers.

Question No. 240 answered with Question No. 238.

Departmental Staff Data

Questions (241, 242)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

241. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of procurement officers in his Department charged with the responsibility of preparing, tendering and awarding procurement contracts. [46269/18]

View answer

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

242. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the annual cost of procurement officers in his Department charged with the responsibility of preparing, tendering and awarding procurement contracts. [46270/18]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.

The Department do not employ staff who work specifically on procurement. Procurement tasks form an element of the day to day duties undertaken by Department staff. There is no dedicated Procurement Office within the Department, however in line with Circular 40/02 we do have a designated Procurement Officer who is the key point of contact for the Department with the OGP.  It should be noted that this officer performs other duties as well within the Finance Division.  It is not possible to give an annual cost or give a ‘whole time equivalent’ number of staff  working on procurement.

Like all Government Departments, we follow the OGP’s advice and guidance, and we rely on and make use of the procurement frameworks that the OGP have put in place.

Road Traffic Legislation

Questions (243)

Martin Heydon

Question:

243. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which DOE and or NCT testing of light transmission testing of tinted windscreens and front side windows is at variance with legislation relied on by An Garda Síochána in prosecuting drivers of motor vehicles with tinted windscreens and front side windows more particularly under ACT 34(2)(B) of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and use of vehicles) Regulations 1963 as amended without requirements to carry out roadside light transmission testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46351/18]

View answer

Written answers

I have referred this query to the Road Safety Authority for further information.  I will provide a comprehensive reply to this question once I have received a response from their office or within 10 working days.

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

Brexit Issues

Questions (244, 245)

Brendan Smith

Question:

244. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions held to date with the British authorities and at EU level in relation to the adverse impact Brexit may have on cross-Border bus services; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46362/18]

View answer

Brendan Smith

Question:

245. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that there will be no disruption to cross-Border bus services following Brexit; if he and Bus Éireann have had discussions with their counterparts in Northern Ireland and Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46363/18]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together.

While negotiations with the EU are being handled centrally by the Michel Barnier and his team, I have met with Secretary of State Chris Grayling on Brexit concerns generally on a number of occasions and am meeting him again in Dublin on Thursday 8 November.  Officials from my department have also met with their counterparts in London and Belfast in relation to the implications of Brexit including on cross-border public transport services. The most recent of these meetings was last Tuesday, 6 November, with officials from the Department of Infrastructure Northern Ireland. The latter discussions included the implications for cross-border bus services.  These discussions do not, and cannot,  delve into bilateral negotiations on contingency planning, the withdrawal agreement or on the future EU/UK relationship.  

Brexit and its potential implications for Ireland are being managed on a whole-of-government basis. The Department is represented on all relevant cross-Departmental coordination structures, and an internal Departmental Committee on Brexit meets on a monthly basis to oversee the Department's analyses and planning as the negotiations progress.

Contingency planning in relation to Brexit at both a national and an EU level is focused on preparing for a no-deal scenario or so-called “disorderly Brexit” and on  a central case scenario involving a transition period based on the “status quo” and agreement on the future relationship. The Department continues to engage with the European Commission on Brexit concerns impacting on Ireland across all sectors, including public transport cross-border services.   

The Department has continually stressed the importance that stakeholders take all necessary steps within their control to prepare for Brexit, including the importance of undertaking contingency planning to minimise the impact of Brexit on their operations. We have also advised stakeholders to refer to the European Commission’s published Notices to Stakeholders in the field of transport.

Domestic Violence Services Funding

Questions (246)

Brendan Smith

Question:

246. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if funding will be provided in her Department’s Estimates for 2019 for the improvement and the provision of facilities in counties Cavan and Monaghan for victims of domestic abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46355/18]

View answer

Written answers

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, whether in the context of the family or otherwise. Accordingly, Tusla has provided funding for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services since its foundation in 2014. This includes services in Counties Cavan and Monaghan.

In 2018, Tusla is providing €23.8 million in funding to domestic, sexual and gender based violence services, an increase of €1.7m over 2017 funding. This includes funding for some 59 services throughout the country.  

Tusla is aware that there is unevenness in the availability of specialist emergency domestic violence accommodation around the country. Additional requirements for services, in particular in areas where emergency domestic violence accommodation is not currently available, including Cavan and Monaghan, will be considered as part of Tusla’s commissioning processes in 2019. Tusla has engaged with stakeholders in the Cavan/Monaghan area about developments in this regard.

Tearmann Services provide support services to women across Cavan and Monaghan who experience domestic violence. Tusla funding to Tearmann in 2018 was €264,000.

At all times, Tusla’s key priority is to ensure that the needs of victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence are met in the best way possible, with due attention to the quality, accessibility and outcome of services.

The following amended reply was received from the Department on 19 March 2019:

The text of the second-last paragraph in the reply should be amended to read:

"Tearmann Services provide support services to women across Cavan and Monaghan who experience domestic violence. Tusla funding to Tearmann was €192,287."

The previously cited figure of €264,000 was provided by Tusla in error. I have received confirmation that the newly provided figure of €192,287 accurately reflects Tusla funding provided to Tearmann Services in 2018.

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

Questions (247)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

247. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way in which the rural regeneration and development fund which will provide new funding streams for rural towns, villages and outlying rural areas is being delivered in Tipperary town and west County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46358/18]

View answer

Written answers

The first call for applications for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed at the end of September.  €1 billion is committed to this fund over a 10 year period to support rural economic development and help build strong communities. €55 million is allocated to the fund in Budget 2019.

The objective of the Fund is to drive coordinated investment between Departments, Agencies, Local Authorities and other public bodies working together  with local communities and private sector to transform our rural towns and villages and surrounding areas.   

The Fund is intended to support ambitious projects which can support rural regeneration and development and are outside the scope of existing schemes. 

Key outcomes should be supporting community and economic development in rural Ireland.  

The types of activity which can be supported by the fund are varied, and include the following:

- addressing infrastructural deficits to support town centre housing or commercial development

- infrastructure that improves accessibility, supporting walking, cycling and public transport links but also improvements to roads, bridges and car parking facilities that encourage footfall 

- development of areas, sites and buildings for community facilities 

- public amenity facilities

- projects to support job creation

Full details on all types of activities which could potentially be supported by the Fund are in the information booklet published on the Departments web-site - drcd.ie

Information sessions were also hosted by my Department throughout the country for those interested in making applications.  

I am pleased to say that there was a great response to the first call for proposals with 290 applications received. Of these 125 were for category 1 "shovel ready" projects and the other 165 were for category 2 projects - those which need development funding to become potential category 1 applications in future calls for applications. I am informed by my officials that 6 applications for funding have been received from Tipperary.

Assessment criteria are published and the applications are now being assessed by a project advisory board. The board includes representatives from key Government Departments and external experts. 

By the end of this month I am expecting to receive recommendations from the project advisory board on the first group of category 1 projects for funding. 

Further announcements on successful category 1 and category 2 projects will follow.

I am also expecting to announce a further call for proposals in 2019.

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

Questions (248)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

248. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will issue on a project (details supplied) under the scheme for outdoor infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46223/18]

View answer

Written answers

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or the necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in Ireland.

On 28 May last, I launched the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for 2018, under three separate measures:

- Measure 1: Small maintenance/promotion of existing infrastructure (maximum grant €20,000)

- Measure 2: Medium scale repair/upgrade and development of new small/medium infrastructure (maximum grant €200,000), and

- Measure 3: Repair/upgrade and development of larger more strategic projects (grant of between €200,001 and €500,000).

- I recently announced the allocation of €1.8 million in respect of 128 projects under Measure 1.

I can confirm that an application in respect of the project referred to by the Deputy was received from Galway County Council under Measure 2 of the scheme.  Applications under Measure 2 are currently being assessed and I hope to be in a position to announce successful projects shortly.

Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme Funding

Questions (249)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

249. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason a project (details supplied) that was initially granted funding under the SICAP programme was then informed that it was not eligible for the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46224/18]

View answer

Written answers

SICAP is managed locally by 33 Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), with work being completed on the ground by Local Development Companies.  This structure ensures the flexibility to respond to local needs in each area.  When implementing SICAP, Local Development Companies assist individuals and community groups in different ways, including through the provision of some small grants.

In the case in question, I understand that the Local Development Company incorrectly indicated funding approval to the applicant.  I am informed this was due to an administrative error.   I have asked my officials to contact the relevant LCDC to highlight the issue and to ensure that there is clear communication with applicants in the future. 

The applicant in this case can reapply in January 2019, or contact the Social Enterprise officer with the Local Development Company if they wish to avail of other Social Enterprise supports.  Correspondence has issued to the applicant from my office setting out their options in detail.

Clár Forbartha Tuaithe

Questions (250)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

250. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail an raibh aon chomhráite aige lena a chomh-Aire, an tAire Tithíochta, Pleanála agus Rialtais Áitiúil, maidir le síneadh a chur le scéimeanna séarchais tuaithe d’fhonn tuilleadh tithe a cheangal leis na scéimeanna atá ann i láthair na huaire; an raibh aon phlé aige freisin maidir le scéimeanna nua séarachais a chur ar fáil i sráidbhailte tuaithe nach bhfuil a leithéid acu cheana; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [46225/18]

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Written answers

Glacann m’oifigigh páirt i meitheal - a bhfuil an Roinn Tithíochta, Pleanála & Rialtais Aitiúil ag déanamh cathaoirleacht a uirthi - atá ag déanamh athbhreithnithe ar infhéistíocht i seirbhísí uisce tuaithe.

Is eol dom gur thacaigh CLÁR le beartais ar nós grúpscéimeanna uisce agus séarachais san am a chuaigh thart. Tá mé sásta a thuilleadh machnaimh a dhéanamh ar leathnú a dheánamh ar scóip ChLÁR d’fhonn a léithéid de bheartais a chur san áireamh, ag brath ar infhaighteacht airgeadais.

Tá tús curtha agam le hathbhreithniú ar ChLÁR a chabhróidh le bonn eolais a chur faoi chlár oibre ChLÁR in 2019 agus ‘sna blianta amach anseo. Déanfar cinntí maidir le beartais faoi leith a d’fhéadfaí a thacú leo faoi ChLÁR i 2019 go luath an bhliain seo chugainn.

Rural Social Scheme

Questions (251)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the actions he continues to take to address the issue of rural isolation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46428/18]

View answer

Written answers

The response to the issue of rural isolation is delivered across a number of Government Departments and organisations. The Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development includes a range of measures that will significantly contribute to addressing isolation and social inclusion in rural areas. Specific examples of actions in the Plan which will help those who feel isolated or vulnerable in rural areas include:

- Significant investment in the Seniors Alert Scheme, which facilitates valuable community-based support for vulnerable older people living alone. The 2018 spend on the Scheme is expected to be in the region of €6 million. The Scheme had a total of 33,217 participants as of 31 July 2018.

- Continued support for community crime prevention through schemes such as Neighbourhood Watch and Text Alert. 

- Investment of €46 million in Garda fleet to ensure that Gardaí are mobile, visible and responsive to prevent and tackle crime.

- Support for 450 Men’s Sheds across rural Ireland which provide a safe space where men can gather and participate in their communities, develop social networks and potentially gain new skills and access information.  I recently approved funding of €500,000 for Men's Sheds across the country under the Community Enhancement Programme.

- Maintaining the network of senior helplines in operation throughout the country, which offer a listening service for older people to help address issues such as loneliness and isolation in  rural areas.

- Expansion of the Local Link rural transport services, with a funding allocation of €14.9 million for  2018. Local Link facilitated 1.9 million passenger journeys last year, providing a vital service for rural communities. 

The issue of isolation, whether in urban or rural areas, is one which should concern us all and I am committed to continuing my Department’s response to this issue by progressing the measures contained in the Action Plan for Rural Development in collaboration with my Government colleagues.

Town and Village Renewal Scheme

Questions (252)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which he plans to develop the town and village renewal scheme in order to improve and enhance the standard of living for persons in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46429/18]

View answer

Written answers

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a key component in creating vibrant towns and villages at the heart of our rural communities and can play an important role in revitalising rural Ireland. The scheme was initially launched in the second half of 2016.  In 2017, as part of the Action Plan for Rural Development, an enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched, with a focus on projects that can bring a positive economic impact to our rural towns and villages. 

I recently announced details of the 224 project that were approved for €21.3 million of funding under the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.  

To date, almost €53 million has been approved for more than 670 projects across the country under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme since 2016. 

Projects funded under the Scheme are now beginning to come to fruition and the results will have a marked improvement on the lives of the residents of the towns and villages concerned.   

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is part of a range of measures introduced by Government to support the rejuvenation of rural Ireland.  The scheme will remain an integral element of Government’s initiatives and will continue to operate alongside, and be complimentary to, initiatives funded under the Rural Regeneration Fund in the coming years.

Voluntary Sector Funding

Questions (253)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans for support to be provided for voluntary, community groups and projects nationally and in County Kildare in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46430/18]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has lead responsibility for developing the relationship between the State and community and voluntary sector and our vision for this sector is one which actively contributes meaningfully to supporting vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland.

In line with this objective, my Department will shortly be issuing a call for inputs to a paper on key aspects to be included in a National Volunteering Strategy, with a view to obtaining views from the sector in preparation for the development of a volunteering strategy in 2019.

Volunteering supporting infrastructure has already been set up nationwide in the form of Volunteer Centres, Volunteering Information Services and Volunteer Ireland, and the Department hopes to further develop this infrastructure.  Last month, my Department allocated €1.2 million to upgrade eight Volunteer Information Services to full Volunteer Centres in order to provide a consistent level of volunteering service nationwide. 

In 2018, €3.5 million was allocated by my Department to support the work of volunteering organisations. The Department also approved a request from Volunteer Ireland for €115,000 to update the I-VOL database. This upgrade will facilitate public online access to volunteering information and opportunities. 

In addition, the Department also approved funding of €85,000 for Boardmatch Ireland to develop a new national website to support their ongoing growth. 

The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national organisations in the sector, with a focus on organisations that provide supports to those who are disadvantaged. The current three-year scheme runs to 30 June 2019, and all funding has been fully allocated for 2018. 

Our Communities, the Framework Policy for Local and Community Development, sets a high level vision for the State’s support for local development and community development and will underpin all relevant policies, programmes and interventions for local and community development. My Department is developing an implementation plan for the framework policy in partnership with key State and community stakeholders. 

My Department has provided direct supports to projects in Co Kildare and across the country that are developed or administered by community groups and will continue this investment into 2019.

The Community Services Programme (CSP), which had an allocation for 2018 of €46million, supports community-based organisations to provide local social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model for services which are not being met through public or private funding. 

The Community Enhancement Programme provides small capital grants to community groups across the country, including Men's Sheds, and has been allocated a total of €13million in 2018, of which €468,671 has been allocated to groups in Kildare.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is a key intervention for disadvantaged communities, offering supports to both individuals and local community groups.  The current programme commenced at the start of 2018 and runs until 2022 and is delivered locally by Local Development Companies in 51 Lot Areas.  The funding allocation to County Kildare for 2018 was €1,061,036. 

Voluntary and community groups in rural areas may also be able to access funding under the CLÁR Programme, which has allocated €25million to more than 1,200 small scale infrastructural projects since 2016, in the areas of school and community safety, recreational play areas, first response support and mobility and cancer care transport.

Funding may also be available under my Department's LEADER Programme to support community and voluntary groups in rural Ireland. Applications for funding can be made directly to the relevant Local Action Groups. 

The Seniors Alert Scheme provides personal monitored alarms to enable older people, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. The Scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by Pobal, with applicants applying via community organisations operating in their local area. Since Pobal took over the administration of the Scheme in September 2015, 16 community organisations have been approved to operate the Scheme in Co. Kildare.

Further information on all funding programmes and schemes is available on my Department's website.

Voluntary Sector

Questions (254)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which he continues to have discussions with voluntary or statutory bodies nationally with particular reference to the need to identify the best way in which to tackle the issues relevant to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46431/18]

View answer

Written answers

My Department is in ongoing contact with voluntary and statutory bodies under its aegis to identify the most appropriate actions in regard to all issues relevant to the work of the Department.

Submissions are also encouraged from all such bodies, where appropriate, in relation to consultation processes held by my Department.

We will shortly be issuing a call for inputs to a paper on key aspects to be included in a National Volunteering Strategy, with a view to obtaining views from the sector in preparation for the development of a volunteering strategy in 2019.

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