Written Answers Nos. 383-399
383. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health to outline a person’s options (details supplied) in order that they can access more immediate treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4832/24]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October 2023. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
384. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter in relation to an offer of employment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4897/24]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible.
385. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to his appearance before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 24 January 2024, if he will clarify whether a proposal (details supplied) was made via an organisation or by the individual universities; and if the latter is the case, which universities made this request; the number of vacant or derelict buildings they have; the number of student beds which each university building could house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4677/24]
View answerAs part of the long-term student accommodation policy, my Department is developing a devolved grant to provide assistance to repurpose existing HEI buildings and/or the refurbishment of vacant properties located close to HEI campuses.
Many HEIs are located in regional towns and cities where vacancy rates are high. Government policy in this area, through the “Town Centre First” policy document identifies the need to bring vibrancy back to town centres through residential development. Refurbished properties also benefit from a much lower carbon footprint than new build.
A survey of vacant and derelict properties is being undertaken by local authorities. The Vacant Homes Unit in the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage has provided data on vacancy and facilitated contact between DFHERIS and the Vacant Homes Officers in relevant local authorities, who have knowledge and information on relevant vacant properties. Through this continued engagement with local authorities it is anticipated that suitable vacant properties which could be used for student accommodation will be identified.
There is ongoing engagement and discussions between my Department and the Sector regarding student accommodation and a call for proposals for potential accommodation projects in or adjacent to Technological Universities is to open in the coming weeks.
386. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to his appearance before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 24 January 2024, he stated that a union (details supplied) had endorsed his new Student Housing Policy, can he identify where such an endorsement can be found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4678/24]
View answerOn the 24th of January, at the Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, I informed the Deputy that I had a meeting with the Union of Students in Ireland on the 18th of January, the day before I announced the long-term student accommodation policy.
As I stated, on the record, the USI described the policy as extremely welcome at this meeting. USI and I along with my officials will continue to engage on this policy development and matters of importance to our students as discussed at our meeting.
387. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether spending from the National Training Fund affects expenditure (details supplied); if an explanation can be provided for each, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4679/24]
View answerMy Department has no role in setting the Government’s Expenditure Rule or general Government expenditure. My Department manages the expenditure of the National Training Fund, which is encompassed within the expenditure ceiling set out in the fiscal and expenditure framework by the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, and agreed by Government.
388. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what supports are currently available for part-time post graduate services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4683/24]
View answerThe Student Grant Scheme is currently targeted at full-time students. Courses that are part-time are not currently approved for the Student Grant Scheme. However, the Deputy will be aware that from September 2024, a pilot part-time fee grant will be available to provide support for students who are undertaking eligible undergraduate part-time programmes leading to a major award, both in-person, blended and online.
This is a pilot scheme which will inform future decision making. In terms of other supports available, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The funding available for 2023/2024 academic year is over €19 million. SAF 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.
389. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 224 of 24 January 2023, if those students who did not receive the one-off third level support (details supplied) can be considered for a separate cost-of-living grant in recognition of their higher fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4720/24]
View answerDuring the course of Budget 2024 negotiations, it was a priority for me to secure additional funding to increase supports available for students to help them with the cost of attending third level education.
As the Deputy will be aware, as part of Budget 2024 the Government agreed a range of measures to support households with the cost of living. For my Department I was pleased to secure additional one off funding to increase the allocations available to operate existing student support schemes available through my Department in academic year 2023/24.
These measures included a €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee payable by higher education students that are eligible for the free fees initiative (FFI) in academic year 2023/24. Within the parameters referenced above, where funding was provided increase funding within existing schemes, it is not possible for funding under this cost of living measure to be made available to students that are not eligible for free fees.
While it was not possible to establish new funding supports as part of the cost of living measures, I was conscious that not all students are eligible to avail of free fees or other supports such as student grants. As part of the cost of living measures, I have provided additional funding for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Students who are experiencing financial difficulties may be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund provides financial support to full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Students with a previous higher education qualification at the same NFQ level, or who, in the past, attended higher education without ultimately obtaining a qualification, may be considered for support on a case-by-case basis and subject to available funding. Applications can be made to this Fund through the Access Office in the higher education institution attended.
390. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the latest breakdown, by county of apprenticeship registration levels and total apprenticeship population levels by trade, sector for each of the years from 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [4847/24]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to the breakdown of apprenticeship registration and populations is being compiled by SOLAS. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
391. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total State funding allocated to the new Bettystown library development in County Meath to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4904/24]
View answerThe delivery of public library services, including the provision of library premises, is a matter for each local authority in accordance with the Local Government Act, 2001. Accordingly, the delivery of library services in Bettystown is primarily a matter for Meath County Council.
I understand that Bettystown Library is a seafront building which will also house a lifeguard station and various facilities for beachgoers and the project has been a long-term objective of the local authority. Meath County Council submitted an application to my Department for Libraries Capital Programme funding in 2016 which was unsuccessful at that time. It subsequently submitted an application to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for Urban Regeneration and Development Funding in 2020, but I understand that this application was also unsuccessful.
However, Meath County Council remained fully committed to progressing this project and, following a successful tender competition in December 2021, I am advised that work on Bettystown Library, including lifeguard station and facilities for beachgoers, commenced in July 2022. The total cost of the project is estimated at €6.1m and I understand that this is being fully funded by Meath County Council.
392. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of full-time and part-time dog wardens in each local authority area in the past ten years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4688/24]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development was established in 2017 and has overall policy responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014. This legislation makes provision for dog licensing arrangements and the functions of dog wardens. Local Authorities have responsibility for all operational matters under the Control of Dogs Acts.
Section 15(1) of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 states that every local authority must employ at least one dog warden, it is a matter for each local authority to determine if more than one dog warden is required to carry out the necessary functions of the dog warden service in their local authority area.
My Department publishes annual statistics in respect of a range of the dog control responsibilities of local authorities. Information up to and including 2022, by county and in tabular form, is available on the dog control statistics page on gov.ie. (www.gov.ie/en/collection/879d4c-dog-control-statistics/ ) The 2023 dog control statistics will be published on gov.ie once available.
393. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when CLÁR funding will be available in 2024. [4732/24]
View answerThe CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation over a defined period.
Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures with over €70 million being approved for almost 2,400 projects throughout rural Ireland. This funding is making a real difference in many of our smaller and more remote communities.
In total, funding of almost €13 million was provided for over 300 projects under CLÁR 2023. It included supports for a vast array of projects that will benefit people of all ages and abilities such as playgrounds, sensory gardens, outdoor cinemas, walking tracks, and community gyms.
Every year I review the focus of the scheme and I expect to launch the the 2024 CLÁR programme in Quarter 1 of 2024.
394. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide a list of funding available to women’s sheds. [4733/24]
View answerMy Department provides a range of supports which are available to Women’s Sheds, depending on the works being completed.
In December 2023, I was delighted to launch the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) which replaces my Department’s Community Enhancement Programme, with capital funding of €6 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country. The overall €6 million LEP includes a special ring-fenced capital fund of €1 million to provide support for Women’s Groups (i.e., Sheds, Groups, Clubs, Networks etc…), and builds on the €100,000 ring-fenced for Women’s Sheds under the 2022 Community Support Fund.
In addition to the €1 million ring-fenced fund, Women’s Sheds will also be eligible to apply under the main Local Enhancement Programme funding stream, which will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.
There will be a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding may be used, but is not limited to; improved access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.
The Local Enhancement Programme is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. Each LCDC will be advertising the fund and I would encourage all Women's Sheds to engage with their LCDC directly for details on how to apply.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) also provides supports to Women’s Sheds, for example in facilitating training courses and holding focus groups. This support remains available through SICAP.
Separately, funding under the LEADER programme is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities. It is, rather, focused on a thematic approach to rural development. The budget for the LEADER programme is allocated for the duration of the programme rather than on an annual basis to allow more flexibility to the LAG in the allocation of funding.
Organisations, such as Women’s Sheds, may be eligible for LEADER funding but in the first instance contact should be made with the local implementing partner. Contact details for the Implementing Partners are available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups/ .
I would encourage all groups to check my department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd , and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN) to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
395. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a women’s shed (details supplied) set up in May 2023, that received its PPN number in November 2023, can avail of funding via the local authority. [4734/24]
View answerIn December 2023, I was delighted to launch the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) which replaces my Department’s Community Enhancement Programme, with capital funding of €6 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country. The overall €6 million LEP includes a special ring-fenced capital fund of €1 million to provide support for Women’s Groups (i.e., Sheds, Groups, Clubs, Networks etc…), and builds on the €100,000 ring-fenced for Women’s Sheds under the 2022 Community Support Fund.
In addition to the €1 million ring-fenced fund, Women’s Sheds will also be eligible to apply under the main Local Enhancement Programme funding stream, which will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.
The Local Enhancement Programme is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. The relevant LCDC receive and appraise applications, making determinations on how the funding can best support their communities. I would encourage the Women’s Shed concerned to engage with their LCDC directly for details on how to apply.
396. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to advise of any possible funding to complete the set-up of a facility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4783/24]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development which aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. It supports a broad range of activities which aim to respond to the diversity of the local needs of our rural areas.
It is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) across rural Ireland. A feature of the LEADER programme is that it is based on a community-led, bottom-up approach to rural development.
Funding under the 2023-2027 LEADER programme is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities. It is, rather, focused on a thematic approach to rural development under the headings; Economic Development and Job Creation, Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion, Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. Funding for activities such as that referenced by the Deputy may be available under one of these themes.
In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy in the sub-regional area concerned, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant LAG, through its Implementing Partner, to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. The Implementing Partner in Roscommon is Roscommon LEADER Partnership, and their contact details are as follows - Phone: 090-6630252, Email: reception @ridc.ie
397. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total number of hubs onboarded in each county since the National Hub Network (connectedhubs.ie) was launched; and the total amount of funding in each county towards this, in tabular form. [4833/24]
View answerOur Rural Future recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated national network of 400 remote working hubs by 2025. There are currently 343 remote and co-working facilities across the country on-boarded to the platform. Table 1 attacehd sets out the total number of hubs onboarded in each county.
My department has invested significantly in the establishment and development of hubs through the range of schemes which make up my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme. This has included funding the development of new hubs under schemes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
In 2021 and 2022 I implemented a new targeted scheme support the development of facilities in hubs across Ireland. Almost €14 million in funding to some 200 projects was allcoated via this Connected Hub Calls. Table 2 provides a breakdown for Connected Hubs funding allocations by County. The types of facilities developed under this Fund included the provision of additional desk space, privacy booths, technical equipment, meeting facilities and access control.
Details in relation to projects funded across the schemes operated by my Department are available at www.drcd.gov.ie
TABLE 1 – Connectedhubs.ie - Remote Working Hubs by County
(as of the 29th of January 2024)
|
|
Live on the connectedhubs.ie platform |
|
Carlow |
5 |
|
Cavan |
8 |
|
Clare |
13 |
|
Cork |
33 |
|
Donegal |
18 |
|
Dublin |
49 |
|
Galway |
29 |
|
Kerry |
20 |
|
Kildare |
9 |
|
Kilkenny |
5 |
|
Laois |
5 |
|
Leitrim |
11 |
|
Limerick |
15 |
|
Longford |
5 |
|
Louth |
10 |
|
Mayo |
22 |
|
Meath |
7 |
|
Monaghan |
9 |
|
Offaly |
9 |
|
Roscommon |
8 |
|
Sligo |
6 |
|
Tipperary |
14 |
|
Waterford |
9 |
|
Westmeath |
4 |
|
Wexford |
12 |
|
Wicklow |
8 |
|
Total |
343 |
TABLE 2 – Connected Hubs Funding by County
|
County |
Total Funding |
|
Carlow |
€177,616 |
|
Cavan |
€374,016 |
|
Clare |
€354,623 |
|
Cork |
€941,427 |
|
Donegal |
€723,354 |
|
Dublin |
€1,168,901 |
|
Galway |
€1,049,540 |
|
Kerry |
€1,037,559 |
|
Kildare |
€514,290 |
|
Kilkenny |
€446,058 |
|
Laois |
€199,686 |
|
Leitrim |
€453,605 |
|
Limerick |
€869,219 |
|
Longford |
€354,670 |
|
Louth |
€287,853 |
|
Mayo |
€485,392 |
|
Meath |
€222,354 |
|
Monaghan |
€707,933 |
|
Offaly |
€599,032 |
|
Roscommon |
€518,430 |
|
Sligo |
€363,797 |
|
Tipperary |
€692,039 |
|
Waterford |
€240,890 |
|
Westmeath |
€214,215 |
|
Wexford |
€350,979 |
|
Wicklow |
€204,145 |
|
National Project |
€515,981 |
|
Total |
€14,067,604 |
398. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total number of broadband connection points installed in each county; and the total number have been installed in schools by NBI in each county, in tabular form. [4834/24]
View answerBroadband Connection Points (BCPs) provide onsite connectivity for community use at publicly accessible premises, such as community centres and sports clubs. They are located in rural and isolated areas including on a number of off-shore islands and support remote working, digital skills training and a range of community initiatives. Of the 299 BCP's installed, 294 are live and operational. The county breakdown requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table.
|
County |
Total Number of BCPs |
|
Carlow |
7 |
|
Cavan |
13 |
|
Clare |
8 |
|
Cork |
25 |
|
Donegal |
12 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
7 |
|
South Dublin |
1 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
1 |
|
Galway |
22 |
|
Kerry |
10 |
|
Kildare |
3 |
|
Kilkenny |
8 |
|
Laois |
6 |
|
Leitrim |
12 |
|
Limerick |
16 |
|
Longford |
9 |
|
Louth |
9 |
|
Mayo |
16 |
|
Meath |
16 |
|
Monaghan |
17 |
|
Offaly |
10 |
|
Roscommon |
10 |
|
Sligo |
9 |
|
Tipperary |
21 |
|
Waterford |
4 |
|
Westmeath |
8 |
|
Wexford |
10 |
|
Wicklow |
9 |
The connection of schools Strategic Connection Points is the responsibility of Department of the Environment, Climate and Communication and the Department of Education. Government and National Broadband Ireland (NBI) agreed to accelerate the rollout of high-speed broadband to some 679 schools across the State in the Intervention Area. According to NBI, this acceleration was completed at the end of 2023. This will ensure that all schools across the State will have the necessary infrastructure to carry out their critical day to day educational activities unimpeded by poor broadband. A list of these schools by county are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/ .
399. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if town and village renewal funding will be provided to a project in County Kerry (details supplied); the anticipated timeline for allocations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4944/24]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland.
As committed under Our Rural Future, Ireland's rural development policy, and in line with the Town Centre First Policy, scheme priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities.
The 2023 Scheme has a renewed focus on town centre economic and social vibrancy. This will be achieved through projects focusing on town centre regeneration, enhancing our streetscapes and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use as community multi-purpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation.
The 2023 Scheme is now closed and the competitive assessment process is currently ongoing. I can confirm that an application has been received in relation to the project referred to. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects before the end of Quarter 1 of 2024. However, I would like to emphasise that the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is heavily subscribed, and funding will be allocated based on suitability against scheme criteria, the geographical spread of projects, the quality of the proposed projects, and the available budget.
