Michael Healy-Rae
Question:630. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if hearing aids will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19592/23]
View answerMedical Aids and Appliances
Questions (630)
Written answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (631)
Alan Dillon
Question:631. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for a hip replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19595/23]
View answer
Awaiting reply from Department.
Medicinal Products
Questions (632)
David Cullinane
Question:632. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of applications made for medicine price increases in each quarter of 2022 and in the first quarter of 2023, in tabular form; the number sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19600/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Cybersecurity Policy
Questions (633)
John Lahart
Question:633. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the hacking of the Secretary General of his Department; if the hacking was reported to the Data Protection Commissioner, the National Cyber Security Centre and other relevant officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19602/23]
View answerWritten answers
There is no suggestion that the Secretary General was hacked.
It is the long-standing practice for sound reasons of security not to comment in detail on the arrangements in place with regard to the security of the devices and communications of office holders.
What I can say is that in March 2022 concerns were raised regarding my devices and I was advised by the NCSC not to use my devices for a short period at the time. My devices were examined subsequently by the NCSC and no signs of compromise were found.
Health Services
Questions (634)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:634. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on staffing issues for respite services provided through Ability West in Galway; when these services will be back in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19611/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Third Level Costs
Questions (635)
Seán Sherlock
Question:635. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has engaged with HEIs on the cost of the Professional Masters in Education; and if so, his views on the cost of the PME. [19030/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Education has responsibility for initial teacher education policy including the determination of the number of students admitted to Professional Masters in Education (PME) courses in State-funded higher education institutions each year. My Department allocates recurrent grant funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for direct disbursement to HEA funded institutions. The HEA provides block grant funding to the higher education sector through the Recurrent Grant Allocation Model (RGAM), which is primarily driven by student numbers. The grant is allocated as a block grant towards teaching, research and related costs, and the internal allocation is a matter for each institution.
RGAM core funding is exclusive of fees collected by a higher education institution, including those determined by the institution for the PME. Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies as set out in legislation and in this regard meeting the costs of provision is a matter for the respective institution within the context of its overall budget.
Third Level Fees
Questions (636)
Denise Mitchell
Question:636. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a €1,000 reduction in tuition fees is to be applied for the college academic year beginning 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19067/23]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the cost of living response in Budget 2023, I prioritised the introduction of a significant package of measures to directly support students and their families. These measures included, for the 2022/23 academic year, a once off reduction of €1,000 in the student contribution payable by free fees eligible students.
I have been clear that I want to see the student's contribution towards tuition fees in higher education reduce in a meaningful way over the course of future budgets. In this regard, I was pleased to secure Government agreement to the introduction of a permanent new rate of student contribution support through SUSI from September 2023. For students whose families have incomes between €62,000 and €100,000, there will be a new grant of €500 towards the undergraduate student contribution payable by free fees eligible undergraduate students.
I am also increasing the income limit for students to avail of the 50% student contribution grant. These measures mean that 42,500 to 50,000 extra students may be eligible for additional help towards paying the undergraduate student contribution once these measures come into effect.
In advance of Budget 2024 this autumn, and as I did last year, I will be publishing an options paper which will set out various measures to address the cost of education. I am doing this in order to facilitate public discussion on the various choices available to amend student supports. I will have regard to these options, including any options in respect of tuition fee supports, when making proposals in the context of Budget discussions later in the year.
Education and Training Boards
Questions (637, 638)
Holly Cairns
Question:637. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will ensure that ETB tutors are given full-time contracts including holiday pay cover and pension entitlements. [19075/23]
View answerHolly Cairns
Question:638. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will ensure that the remuneration received by ETB tutors is allotted on an incremental basis comparable with other educational professionals and reflecting experience/years of service. [19076/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 637 and 638 together.
Following discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, approval for an offer to be made to the unions has been agreed. The proposal is that a grade of Adult Educator will be formally established with a standardised payscale aligned with the Youthreach Resource Person Scale. This grade will apply to tutors employed in ETBs to deliver FET programmes, who are currently employed under a variety of terms and conditions. The formal offer has issued to the Unions and both sides are meeting to discuss the details of the offer.
This proposal builds on the progress made in the regularisation of the adult education tutors with the introduction in 2017 of a consistent method for awarding contracts of indefinite duration across ETBs, and the provision in 2019 of access to leave schemes, paid leave and the appropriate public sector pension scheme.
The provision of a pay scale will allow for incremental progression and a career path for tutors in the further education and training sector.
Question No. 638 answered with Question No. 637.
Education and Training Boards
Questions (639)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:639. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) in respect of personal assistants in ETBs and their long-term working conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19103/23]
View answerWritten answers
Where an Education and Training Board (ETB) or PLC college employs personal assistants to provide services under the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD), responsibility for the terms of employment rests with the individual ETB/ Further Education College. The Strategic Performance Agreements for 2022-24 agreed between SOLAS and the individual ETBs provide for the rolling out of the FSD across all FET provision. SOLAS has advised the Department that it will be reviewing the learner supports and associated guidelines and my Department has requested SOLAS to examine the provision of personal assistant services as part of its review.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Questions (640)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:640. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason an apprentice has not yet been called by Solas to complete their block release training; the avenues that are open to someone in such a position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19128/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Further Education and Training Act (2013), SOLAS has statutory responsibility for planning, funding, and co-ordinating Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland.
My officials have referred your query to SOLAS for direct reply on this individual matter. Solas has confirmed the individual will be called for training beginning in September 2023.
The apprentice and their employer will each receive a letter approximately 6 to 8 weeks prior to the course beginning providing them details of location they have been scheduled to.
For future queries on their apprenticeship the apprentice should contact their Training Adviser.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Questions (641)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:641. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide the list of first-year, second-year, third-year and fourth-year apprentices that have completed the requisite on-the-job training for that year, but have yet to be called by Solas to undertake their block release training, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19129/23]
View answerWritten answers
Craft apprenticeship is modelled on a series of on-the-job (Phase 1, 3, 5, & 7 in the workplace) and off-the-job (Phase 2, 4, & 6 in the education or training centre) components. Apprenticeship programmes are standard based, they are not time based, so the question’s assumption of there being “first-year, second-year, third-year and fourth-year apprentices” is erroneous. For craft apprenticeship programmes, there are 7-phases. While 4 years are estimated for completion, it would be incorrect to equivocate this to the typical 4-year degree programme of a college course.
The SBA model requires an element of flexibility for the employer and for the apprentice. This allows for circumstances arising that may affect timelines, in line with employer and apprentice requirements. As a result, the time for completion of a craft apprenticeship may fluctuate throughout the lifespan of their apprenticeship and a typical waiting time between phases of 6 months is considered part of the normal cycle of the SBA apprenticeship model.
For the individual apprentice, the Covid-19 impact lengthened the apprenticeship training duration beyond the normally anticipated 4-years, considerably so in some cases. As each phase is critical to the overall training and skills development of an apprentice, being in one phase for an extended period of time cannot offset for time needed in a later phase of the apprenticeship due to competence assessment requirements.
At its peak in August 2021, there were over 11,000 apprentices waiting for their off-the-job training. Since then, there has been a major response across the craft apprenticeship system to the delays in accessing off-the-job training and significant progress achieved in the numbers waiting over six months. These stood at almost 5,000 in December and are now reduced to 4,647, notwithstanding continued strong growth in registrations throughout the year.
The number of apprentices currently on an on-the-job phase with their employer, in tabular form, is attached.
|
Trade by Phase - End of March 2023 |
|||||
|
Trade |
Phase 1 |
Phase 3 |
Phase 5 |
Phase 7 |
Total |
|
Construction |
2441 |
1250 |
1190 |
620 |
5501 |
|
Brick and Stonelaying |
63 |
74 |
54 |
43 |
234 |
|
Cabinet Making |
0 |
||||
|
Carpentry and Joinery |
938 |
458 |
441 |
277 |
2114 |
|
Painting and Decorating |
31 |
14 |
23 |
10 |
78 |
|
Plastering |
15 |
25 |
37 |
7 |
84 |
|
Plumbing |
1188 |
597 |
569 |
248 |
2602 |
|
Stonecutting and Stonemasonry |
5 |
4 |
2 |
11 |
|
|
Wood Manufacturing and Finishing |
201 |
78 |
66 |
33 |
378 |
|
Electrical |
4958 |
1951 |
2106 |
932 |
9947 |
|
Aircraft Mechanics |
49 |
26 |
53 |
128 |
|
|
Electrical |
4445 |
1579 |
1885 |
759 |
8668 |
|
Electrical Instrumentation |
183 |
112 |
94 |
41 |
430 |
|
Electronic Security Systems |
66 |
66 |
37 |
17 |
186 |
|
Instrumentation |
19 |
11 |
10 |
18 |
58 |
|
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning |
245 |
134 |
54 |
44 |
477 |
|
Engineering |
900 |
603 |
384 |
220 |
2107 |
|
Farriery |
7 |
5 |
12 |
||
|
Industrial Insulation |
8 |
20 |
16 |
44 |
|
|
M.A.M.F. |
280 |
172 |
118 |
80 |
650 |
|
Metal Fabrication |
366 |
233 |
168 |
86 |
853 |
|
Pipefitting |
179 |
77 |
13 |
5 |
274 |
|
Sheet Metalworking |
29 |
40 |
28 |
23 |
120 |
|
Toolmaking |
38 |
54 |
41 |
21 |
154 |
|
Motor |
941 |
599 |
550 |
332 |
2422 |
|
Agricultural Mechanics |
49 |
76 |
43 |
29 |
197 |
|
Construction Plant Fitting |
64 |
68 |
66 |
31 |
229 |
|
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
299 |
120 |
136 |
62 |
617 |
|
Motor Mechanics |
512 |
282 |
285 |
180 |
1259 |
|
Vehicle Body Repairs |
17 |
53 |
20 |
30 |
120 |
|
Printing & Paper |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Print Media |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
Grand Total |
9240 |
4403 |
4231 |
2104 |
19978 |
Education Schemes
Questions (642)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:642. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider expanding eligibility for the SUSI grant scheme to part-time and online courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19153/23]
View answerWritten answers
The main support available to assist students with the cost of attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved full-time course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
At present, the student grant scheme is targeted at full-time students. Courses that are part-time, less than two years in duration, conducted online or as distance courses or which lead to a special purpose or distance award are not currently approved for the purposes of the Student Grant Scheme.
However, I have been consistent in my position that we need to develop our student support system over time to ensure that it supports more flexible forms of learning. This will particularly benefit more disadvantaged learners, as recognised in the National Access Plan.
The issue of potentially expanding part-time delivery of tertiary education in Ireland is a complex one and significant planning will need to be conducted at both national and institution level to manage the significant supply-side impacts on educational institutions. Through the Funding the Future policy, Government has recognised that supporting part-time, blended and postgraduate learning could potentially transform access to learning in the medium term, once existing reform commitments are embedded within the sector.
I have established a steering group to support the implementation of the Funding the Future reform framework. I chair this group alongside Professor Anne Looney and Professor Tom Collins, which is supported by two working groups comprising representatives of institutions, students, trade unions and employers. The working group focused on skills, participation and cost is currently examining the potential to support students to avail of more flexible learning opportunities.
I would expect that this working group will provide their consideration of these issues in the coming months. Having regard to this initial assessment, my Department will then examine whether there are priority areas that can form part of the consideration of Budget 2024, particularly with respect to supporting disadvantaged and under-represented learners.
Students in publicly funded third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial difficulty can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. I have recently announced an additional €4.3 million to be allocated to SAF to assist students with the cost of living. This was in addition to the €8m that was allocated in Budget 2023. This brings the total allocation for the Student Assistance Fund for the 22/23 academic year to over €20 million, which is the highest amount that has ever been provided under this fund. The HEA will distribute funding of over €4.3m to the HEIs in early 2023.
This Fund assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. It is open to both full and part-time registered students on courses of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis. More information on the SAF is available at www.studentfinance.ie.
Education Costs
Questions (643)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:643. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of a 1% increase in the SUSI maintenance grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19154/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government recognises third level education can be a significant cost for families and students.
Following on from improvements made to the Student Grant Scheme in Budget 2022, a range of further measures were announced to enhance the scheme as part of Budget 2023.
Part of the 2023 budget saw all maintenance grants increased effective from January 2023 in order to provide further financial assistance to those students most in need. The special rate and Band 1 rate of maintenance increased by 14% and all other maintenance grant rates increased by 10%. Students in the current academic year saw their grant payments increase proportionately once this measure came effect from January 2023.
Improvements to the student grant scheme have been a priority for me since taking up my Ministerial appointment. In 2022, I published, for the first time, a cost of education paper which focused on Higher Education Supports and in particular student grant scheme changes. Many of the Budget 2023 measures implemented were as a result of the publication of that options paper which in turn fed into the estimates process.
It is my intention, this year, to again publish a cost of education paper which will set out options for further enhancement of student supports for consideration as part of the budgetary process in the Autumn.
To answer the Deputy's question, the estimated cost to the Exchequer of a 1% increase in the SUSI maintenance grant would be €1.85m.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Questions (644, 645, 646, 647)
John Lahart
Question:644. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentice electricians recorded in the State in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19536/23]
View answerJohn Lahart
Question:645. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentice plumbers were recorded in the State in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19537/23]
View answerJohn Lahart
Question:646. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentice plasterers recorded in the State in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19538/23]
View answerJohn Lahart
Question:647. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentice bricklayers recorded in the State in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19539/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 644 to 647, inclusive, together.
The number of apprentice electricians, plumbers, plasterers and bricklayers recorded for each of the years 2019 to 2022 are attached in tabular form.
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
|
Apprentice Electrician |
6202 |
6808 |
8758 |
9652 |
|
Apprentice Plumber |
1890 |
2079 |
2595 |
2892 |
|
Apprentice Plasterer |
92 |
96 |
104 |
96 |
|
Apprentice Bricklayer |
199 |
210 |
291 |
283 |
Question No. 645 answered with Question No. 644.
Question No. 646 answered with Question No. 644.
Question No. 647 answered with Question No. 644.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Questions (648, 649, 650, 651)
John Lahart
Question:648. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentice plumbers recorded in the State in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19540/23]
View answerJohn Lahart
Question:649. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentice bricklayers recorded in the State in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19541/23]
View answerJohn Lahart
Question:650. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentice plasterers recorded in the State in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19542/23]
View answerJohn Lahart
Question:651. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentice electricians recorded in the State in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19543/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 648 to 651, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to number of apprentice electricians, plumbers, plasterers and bricklayers recorded for each of the years 2005-2008 is presently being compiled by Solas. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Question No. 649 answered with Question No. 648.
Question No. 650 answered with Question No. 648.
Question No. 651 answered with Question No. 648.
Education and Training Provision
Questions (652)
Chris Andrews
Question:652. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if an individual support worker will be made available to a person (details supplied) who is profoundly deaf, to allow them to complete their college course. [19552/23]
View answerWritten answers
Officials in my Department are making enquiries with City of Dublin Education and Training Board on this matter and a reply will issue to the Deputy once these enquiries are complete.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (653)
Thomas Pringle
Question:653. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number and total value of contracts his Department has had over the past 12 months with KPMG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20031/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has had no contracts over the past 12 months with KPMG.
Library Services
Questions (654)
Gino Kenny
Question:654. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he is aware that the Local Government Management Agency recently changed library borrowing rules for children and young people borrowing age appropriate books, so that they now require signed consent from a parent to move up an age group for example, to the 12-14 age category when they have reached 12 years of age, and that this change appears to be in response to pressure from anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups; if he will reverse this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19399/23]
View answerWritten answers
The rules for children and young people borrowing age appropriate books from public libraries are primarily a matter for local authorities, in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. However, I am advised that it has always been the case that parental consent is required for library membership for under 18s. The new library management IT system, which is used by all library authorities, includes functionality to reaffirm consent in line with age categories.
I am further advised that the introduction of the new Library IT system has been in process since March 2022 and bears no relationship to the recent campaign against age appropriate LGBTQ+ reading material being made available by local authorities in public libraries.
Library Projects
Questions (655)
Claire Kerrane
Question:655. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide a update on works (details supplied) under the small-scale capital works programme; the timeline for these works; when they are expected to conclude; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18989/23]
View answerWritten answers
The provision of library services, including the provision of library buildings, is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, progress on the works in Ballaghaderreen Library, and the timeline for completing the project are, first and foremost, a matter for Roscommon County Council.
I am advised that Roscommon County Council published a tender in June 2022 seeking the services of a mechanical and electrical consultant for this project, but no responses were received. The council subsequently re- published the tender which resulted in the appointment of consultants in September 2022. The consultants are leading a multidisciplinary team that includes a conservation expert, and are providing expert advice in line with the requirements of the Section 57 Declaration under the Planning and Development Act, 2000.
I am further advised that in their assessment of the project, the consultants have now identified works that are required to the heating system. These works will involve the replacement of the existing heating system, with a new energy-efficient system, and enhancement to the insulation fabric of the building.
I understand that Roscommon County Council has now decided to adopt the recommendations of the consultants, given the age and inefficiency of the existing heating system, and the specification of works is being revised to include this. The revised specification is currently being finalised in preparation for publication of the tender in June 2023, and this will result in a revision to the timelines for delivery.
Roscommon County Council have informed my department that they expect to award the contract in August 2023, and the duration of the revised works including fit-out is now estimated at 28 weeks, which will result in the project being completed in Quarter 1 2024.
Roscommon County Council continues to provide a weekly mobile library service in Ballaghaderreen alongside services to local schools and preschools and attendance at community events. Due to the change in the duration of the works, the Council is exploring options for the provision of a temporary library building in the town while works are ongoing.
My department continues to engage with the Council to ensure that library services are maintained as far as possible in Ballaghaderreen and surrounding areas.
Charitable and Voluntary Organisations
Questions (656)
Noel Grealish
Question:656. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how many applications for charitable status are currently pending decision, where there are no outstanding queries to be submitted by the applicant; the timeframe for a decision on applications for charitable status with no outstanding queries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19026/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Charities Regulatory Authority (the ‘Charities Regulator’) was established in October 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. The Authority is the State organisation responsible for registering and regulating all of Ireland’s charities, with the mandate to promote good governance practice.
My Department has been assigned responsibility for the Charities Regulator. It is important to note however, that the Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions, including the registration of charities.
The criteria for being registered as a charity are set out in the Charities Act 2009 and registration therefore is a robust, legal process to ensure a vibrant, trusted charity sector that is valued for the public benefit that it provides. Each application for registration must be carefully assessed by the Charities Regulator to ensure that the applicant meets the specific requirements set out in the Charities Act 2009.
The Charities Regulator is currently assessing approximately 217 active applications which are at various stages of the registration process. There are no applications for charitable status currently pending decision, where there are no outstanding queries to be submitted by the applicant. This is subject to change on a daily basis as responses to queries are received.
Rural Schemes
Questions (657)
Frankie Feighan
Question:657. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is aware that funding granted under the 2022 Town and Village Programme for former Garda stations in Sligo/Leitrim cannot proceed because of delays at the Office of the Chief State Solicitor following discussions between the OPW and the local authorities; and if she will consider extending the deadline for the drawdown of funding for those projects affected which clearly is not the fault of the local communities who are deeply frustrated by the current delays. [19142/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland making them more attractive places to live, work, and visit.
Since the introduction of the scheme in 2016 over €149 million has been allocated to more than 1,600 projects across Ireland. It has supported a range of activities from improving public realm areas to initiatives such as the development of enterprise hubs and remote working facilities.
Scheme priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year and in line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the 2022 scheme prioritised the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use.
It has been brought to my attention that there are delays in starting TVRS projects in former Garda Stations in Sligo/Leitrim as outlined by the Deputy. The TVRS Team in my Department have been engaging with the relevant local authority and Departments to try and find a solution to the issue, and will be in a position to provide appropriate extensions for these projects.
On 27 March I announced a €13m fund for the 2023 Building Acquisition Measure under TVRS which is again designed to tackle vacancy and dereliction in rural Ireland. This year the measure will provide an increased funding allocation of up to €500,000 to each local authority to purchase up to 3 vacant and derelict buildings for future development as community assets. The call for applications under this measure is now open and local authorities have until 28 April 2023 to submit applications.
Rural Schemes
Questions (658)
Thomas Pringle
Question:658. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when local authorities will be informed of the outcome of their applications for funding from the community recognition fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19157/23]
View answerWritten answers
In January I launched the Community Recognition Fund which aims to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities in recognition of the contribution being made by communities across the country in welcoming and hosting significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.
The funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in communities, towns and villages that are hosting the beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection applicants.
The Fund will support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community. It is separate in its objectives and scope to any other public funding streams which aim to support the development of public service needs arising from the significant number of arrivals from Ukraine.
The Community Recognition Fund is being administered at a local level by the relevant local authority. A funding proposal, comprising of projects selected and prioritised locally, was submitted to my Department by each local authority for final approval.
A key principle of the Fund was the need for local authorities to engage with impacted communities. The funding proposals submitted by each local authority were developed based on direct engagement with impacted communities and in consultation with the Municipal Districts, Local Community Development Committee and the local Community Response Fora.
I am happy to confirm that over 830 proposed projects are included in the funding proposals received from local authorities, with the full €50 million being applied for. I would like to thank all those who were involved in the consultations and the development of these proposals in communities all across Ireland. It was important to me that the projects were developed in consultation with communities so that the best value for money could be achieved in a way that ensures clear impacts and benefits for those communities.
The funding proposals are under consideration in the Department and I expect to make an announcement on them shortly as I am aware that local authorities and communities are anxious to commence work on projects. As part of that announcement all the successful projects will be published on my Department’s website.
Rural Schemes
Questions (659)
Catherine Connolly
Question:659. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 18 of 23 February 2023, if she will provide an update on the development of Caladh Mór on Inis Meáin; if her Department has received the draft business case to date; if she will provide details of any engagement between her Department and representatives of the island community on this matter to date in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19418/23]
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As the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on the Aran Islands. A steering committee consisting of representatives from my Department and Galway County Council meets regularly to monitor progress on the development of the piers on the Aran Islands, and held their most recent meeting last week.
It is my understanding that Galway County Council are preparing an updated draft business case and strategic assessment. This will be based on the findings and data from the model simulation carried out by the National Maritime College of Ireland, along with consideration of the various options.
As the Deputy is aware, the Public Spending Code sets out a number of important steps and decision gates in relation to projects such as this.
Once Galway County Council has completed this phase, the draft business case will be submitted to my Department for review in line with the Public Spending Code.
My officials are available to discuss this project with representatives from the island community.
Island Communities
Questions (660)
Catherine Connolly
Question:660. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 5 of 23 February 2023, the status of the action plan to accompany the new policy for the islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19419/23]
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to publishing an islands policy, in line with the Programme for Government commitment and commitments made in Our Rural Future.
I received the initial draft of the policy before Christmas, and since then officials from my Department have engaged intensively with colleagues across Government Departments and agencies to agree firm commitments for the policy and its accompanying action plan.
I expect to be in a position to present the islands policy and the action plan to Government for approval in the coming weeks.