asked the Minister for Education the steps his Department are taking to introduce computer studies in second-level schools.
Written Answers. - Computer Studies.
194.
I would refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions Nos. 8 and 10 of 12 December 1978. Since 1971, my Department have made funds available towards the cost of Summer Courses in Computer Education for teachers. My Department are at present considering the possibility of introducing computer education in schools.
195.
asked the Minister for Finance the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
There are no such reviews or inquiries in progress in my Department at present.
196.
asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will outline the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
The following are the particulars requested.
1. Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector—This was set up in May 1969 with the following general terms of reference: "To act as a standing body whose primary function will be to advise from time to time on the general level of remuneration of (a) civil servants and local authority officers outside the scope of conciliation and arbitration schemes, and (b) chief executives of State-sponsored bodies. In addition to advise the Government specially on other specific issues which the Government may refer to it".
Last June, I asked the review body to report to me in accordance with the following terms of reference:
Reference A:“(1) To examine and report on the general levels of remuneration appropriate to (a) civil servants, local authority officers and health board officers outside the scope of conciliation and arbitration schemes; (b) the ranks of Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner and Surgeon in the Garda Siochana; (c) the Comptroller and Auditor General; (d) the chief executives of State-sponsored bodies; (e) the chief officers of the Dublin Port and Docks Board and the Cork, Waterford and Limerick Harbour Commissioners.
(2) To examine and report on the levels of remuneration of civil service departmental and professional grades outside the scope of the civil service conciliation and arbitration scheme in so far as considerations not covered in (1) (a) above arise in relation to their remuneration".
Reference B:“To examine and report on the levels of: (a) remuneration of members of the Government, Ministers of State, the Attorney General and the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann and (b) allowances of Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas”.
Reference C: "To examine and report on the levels of remuneration of the judiciary".
The Review Body is not expected to report before late 1979.
2. Public Service Advisory Council—This was established under the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 1973.
The functions of the Council, as set out in the Act, are: (a) to advise the Minister (for the Public Service) on the organisation of the public service and on matters relating to or affecting personnel in the public service, (b) whenever the Minister so requests, to advise the Minister—(i) in relation to such aspect of, or matter relating to or affecting, the organisation of the public service, or personnel in the public service as the Minister may specify in the request, and (ii) in relation to designation by the Minister of bodies under Section 1 of the Act as coming within the scope of the Council's functions, and (c) to report annually to the Minister on the organisation of the public service and on personnel practices in the public service; copies of such reports are to be laid by the Minister before each House of the Oireachtas.
To date, the Council has produced four reports: for the years ended 31 October 1974, 31 October 1975, 31 October 1976 and 31 October 1977.
3. Inter-departmental Committees —(a) Staff Support Functions: An Inter-Departmental Committee is developing the technical aspects of the functions of finance, planning, organisation and personnel in the civil service. The Departments of Public Service, Finance and Economic Planning and Development are represented on the Committee which is expected to complete its deliberations in the near future; (b) Internal Audit: An Inter-Departmental Committee on Internal Audit has been considering the question of the establishment of an institutional internal control procedure within Departments for the review of financial and accounting procedures.
It is not intended that the Committee will produce a formal report; it is expected, however, that it will continue its deliberations in the light of progress made in the establishment of internal audit sections in Departments.
(c) Functions of Government at Sub-National Level: The Inter-Departmental Committee on the organisation of the functions of Government at sub-national levels was reconstituted on 2 May 1978 with the following mandate:
"To examine and report on the appropriate organisation and structures for the planning, co-ordination and discharge of the functions of Government at sub-national levels."
and as an interim step:
"to consider specially and make an interim report within two months on the appropriate organisational arrangements for the co-ordination of regional planning and development by the Department of Economic Planning and Development."
The Committee submitted a report on its interim remit and this is now being considered. Meanwhile, the Committee is addressing itself to the remainder of its remit.
4. Administrative Research Committee—An Administrative Research Committee comprising representatives of the Department of the Public Service, the Institute of Public Administration, the Economic and Social Research Institute and the Universities assists the Department in drawing up its programme of administrative research, in approving research projects and in monitoring progress. The Committee does not produce a report but reports on projects produced for this Department are published from time to time.
5. Task Forces—Task Forces comprising representatives of the Department of the Public Service and the other Departments concerned are studying the steps necessary to apply the aireacht/executive unit and related concepts in the Departments of the Environment, Defence and Industry, Commerce and Energy. It is expected that their deliberations will be concluded in the near future.
6. Selection of Administrative Officers etc—An expert group, which includes some non-civil servants, has been studying the method of selection of Administrative Officers and certain other grades. The group has already furnished an interim report and a final report is expected very soon.
197.
asked the Minister for Health the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of enquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
The only formal body so established in so far as the Department of Health is concerned is the Task Force on Child Care Services. Its terms of reference are as follows: (i) to make recommendations on the extension and improvement of services for deprived children and children at risk; (ii) to prepare a new Children's Bill, updating and modernising the law in relation to children; (iii) to make recommendations on the administrative reforms which may be necessary to give effect to proposals at (i) and (ii) above.
The task force is expected to report in about mid 1979.
198.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department; and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
The only formal body operating at present so far as the Department of Social Welfare is concerned is the National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty.
The committee were established by my predecessor in May 1974 to design and implement a programme of experimental pilot schemes. The purpose of the programme is to bring about practical interventions in areas of deprivation, to increase public awareness of the poverty problem and to contribute to the evolution of effective long-term policies against poverty. An interim report entitled Pilot Schemes 78 was published by the committee in November 1978.
199.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will outline the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
There are none such under the aegis of my Department.
200.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department; and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
There is one such body active in the Department of Tourism and Transport at present, that is, the Transport Consultative Commission.
The terms of reference of the Transport Consultative Commission are to examine and report on the measures necessary to achieve the most efficient and economical transport system for goods and passengers having regard to the need to maintain a flexible competitive transport system—thereby ensuring the facilities necessary for industrial development through the country as a whole.
The commission held its first meeting on 21 September 1978. No specific time limit has been set on the reporting period but the commission is aware of my anxiety to have the benefit of its advice and recommendations as rapidly as possible. Interim reports may be submitted on particular aspects.
201.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department; and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
So far as my Department is concerned there is one such body—the Posts and Telegraphs Review Group. It is expected that the group will report in the first half of 1979.
202.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
It is assumed that the question does not extend to standing or permanent consultative or advisory bodies. On this basis the only body of the type referred to is a Study Group on Milk Recording. This group is considering a more flexible milk recording system for this country and is expected to report early in 1979.
203.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department; and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
An inter-departmental committee is investigating the best uses of Bord na Móna cutaway bogs, and is expected to furnish an interim report shortly; an inter-departmental committee is reviewing the town gas industry, and will furnish an interim report shortly; the final report is expected to be furnished early in 1979; a working party is examining ESB accounting procedures and expects to report early in 1979.
204.
asked the Minister for Defence the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department; and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
There are no review bodies or committees of inquiry as such at present functioning in the Department. As regards "processes of considerations" there are various ad hoc groups set up in the Department to facilitate internal administration. Apart from these, however, there is a working party engaged on a study of the restructuring of the Department and it is understood that information regarding it is contained in a reply to a similar question addressed to the Minister for the Public Service.
205.
asked the Minister for Justice the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department; and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
I assume the Deputy is referring to temporary groups set up with specific terms of reference to report on specific matters: As far as my Department is concerned, there are seven such groups as follows:
|
Group |
Terms of Reference |
Report expected |
|
Landlord and Tenant Commission |
(1) to inquire into the working of the law relating to landlord and tenant (other than the Rent Restrictions Acts, 1960 and 1967) and to recommend such amendments in the law as the Commission thinks proper;(2) to furnish an Interim Report on the provisions relating to the grant of new tenancies under Part III of the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1931, and on any other aspects of the law which in the opinion of the Commission should be given priority;(3) to investigate and report on the following questions:—(a) Whether any persons, other than those given a right to a reversionary lease by the Landlord and Tenant (Reversionary Leases) Act, 1958, should be given such right, and(b) whether any persons, other than those given the right to purchase thé fee simple by the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act, 1967, should be given such right; (4) to investigate and report on whether lessees holding their dwellings from local authorities under tenant purchase schemes should be given the right to purchase the fee simple of their dwellings. |
The Commission has so far furnished two Reports, both of which have been published viz. “Report on Occupational Tenancies under the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1931” and “Report on Certain Questions arising under the Landlord and Tenant Acts, 1958 and 1967”. The former dealt with the second term of reference of the Commission while the latter dealt with the third and fourth terms. It is not possible to say when the final report of the Commission, to deal with the first of its terms of reference, will be furnished. |
|
Committee on Court Practice and Procedure |
(1) to inquire into the operation of the courts and to consider whether the cost of litigation could be reduced and the convenience of the public and the efficient despatch of civil and criminal business more effectively secured by amending the law in relation to the jurisdiction of the various courts and by making changes, by legislation or otherwise in practice and procedure;(2) to consider whether, and if so to what extent, the existing right to jury trial in civil actions should be abolished or modified;(3) to make interim reports on any matter or matters arising out of the Committee's terms of reference as may from time to time appear to the Committee to merit immediate attention or to warrant separate treatment;(4) to make recommendations on such matters (including matters of substantive law) as the Minister for Justice may from time to time request the Committee to examine. |
The Committee has already furnished twenty interim reports, nineteen of which have been published. |
|
Garda Siochána Committee of Inquiry |
To consider, report and make recommendations to me on:—(1) the appropriate rates of pay for ranks of the Garda Siochána up to and including the rank of Chief Superintendent;(2) problems in regard to differentials and earnings for different ranks and for particular groups within ranks arising from earnings or differences in earnings on overtime and during unsocial hours;(3) the extent to which types of work at present performed by members of the Force could appropriately and with advantage be undertaken by civilians, and the way in which changes in this regard should be implemented;(4) a scheme of accelerated promotion for selected and specially trained members;(5) whether there should be a scheme to supplement the standard recruitment arrangements for the Force by the recruitment through special competitions of a limited number of persons with higher qualifications, and, if so, the conditions on which such persons should be recruited, the rate of pay which should apply to them, and the arrangements which should be made for their subsequent assimilation to the rank structure of the Force. |
The Committee was established only very recently. They have indicated that they will report as soon as possible. |
|
Irish National Council on Alcoholism |
(1) to provide assistance in determining the incidence of alcoholism among prisoners;(2) to make recommendations as to how such prisoners might be treated. |
It is understood that a report has been prepared for presentation to me. |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on Mentally ill and Maladjusted persons |
To examine and report on the provisions legislative, administrative and otherwise, which the committee considers to be necessary or desirable in relation to persons (including drug abusers, psychopaths and emotionally disturbed and malajusted children and adolescents) who have come, or appear likely to come, in conflict with the law and who may be in need of psychiatric treatment. |
The Committee furnished two interim reports both of which have been published. A third interim report has recently been furnished to me. |
|
Review Committee on Criminal Legal Aid |
To review the operation of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme under the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act, 1962, and to make recommendations as to the manner in which the scheme might be improved. |
The Committee furnished two interim reports. A further report is expected by the end of 1979. |
|
Committee on Court Accomodation |
To consider and make recommendations as to the immediate and future court accommodation needs of the Dublin Courts. |
The Committee have already made some recommendations which have been acted on. It is expected that they will make further recommendations from time to time. |
206.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
I have not established any review body or committee of inquiry in my Department. My Department, of course, consult with other Departments of Government, as appropriate, on a regular basis on ongoing business involving other Departments as well as my own. This process of co-ordination is carried out through inter-departmental committees.
207.
asked the Minister for the Environment the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department; and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
It is difficult to guage what precisely the Deputy's question is intended to cover, but the only bodies that seem to be of relevance to it are: (a) the task force which was set up to investigate and report on the steps necessary to apply on an experimental basis in my Department the aireacht/executive unit and related concepts recommended in the report of the Public Services Organisation Review Group. The task force consists of representatives of my Department and the Department of the Public Service and is continuing its examination of the restructuring of my Department. It is intended that their work will be finalised as quickly as possible; (b) the Working Party on Local Authority Superannuation which consists of officers of the Department of the Environment, Public Service and Health and persons nominated by the County and City Managers' Association, the Health Boards Chief Executive Officers Group, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and the Local Government Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme Staff Panel. The working party's task is to carry out a general review of the local authority superannuation code. It submitted an interim report in June 1977.
208.
asked the Minister for Labour the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department; and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
The information which the Deputy has requested is set out in the following statement:
1. Commission of Inquiry on Industrial Relations
Nature: The commission was established to consider and report on industrial relations generally and to make recommendations.
Membership comprises representatives of employers and trade unions, and independent members nominated by me.
Reporting Date: In my address to the commission prior to its inaugural meeting in May last, I expressed the hope that it would be possible for the commission to present its final report inside two years.
I also indicated that I wished to receive an interim report on the Industrial Relations Institutions, particularly the Labour Court, established under Acts of the Oireachtas as soon as the commission had had the opportunity of examining the matter. I also pointed out that it was open to the commission to submit interim reports on other issues of pressing concern if it so desires.
2. Inter-Departmental Committee for the Employment of Disabled Persons in the Public Sector
Nature: (1) To deal with problems arising from the quota scheme for the employment of disabled persons in the public sector. (2) To monitor progress towards the achievement of the target of 3 per cent set by the Government to be achieved gradually over a period of five years.
The committee is composed of representatives of Government Departments.
Reporting Date: It is too early at this stage to say when the committee will be in a position to make a report.
3. Manpower Consultative Committee
Nature: The function of this committee is to advise on the role of manpower policy in economic and social development.
I am Chairman of the committee which includes representatives from both sides of industry, and interested Government Departments and State bodies.
Reporting Date: This committee will not be making formal reports.
4. Employment Action Team
Nature: To draw up a list of schemes to stimulate youth employment.
Reporting Date: The team made its first submission to me in November, 1977. I am expecting a second submission within the next week.
There are other working groups and committees in my Department which have ongoing advisory or co-ordinating functions. As they are not charged with making formal reports they are not included in the above list.
209.
asked the Minister for the Gaeltacht the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department; and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
Níl comhlachtaí ná coistí den saghas sin ag gníomhúi mo Roinnse.
210.
asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, of processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
Apart from normal processes of consideration, for example, under schemes of conciliation and arbitration, I would instance the following: (i) A committee set up in June 1978 with the following terms of reference was established. "To report on the problems of transition from child-centred primary to subject-centred post-primary schools and to make recommendation as to changes which may be necessary in primary and post-primary curricula in order to alleviate these problems".
The committee has been requested to report as soon as possible (ii) A committee set up in May 1978 "to report on the nature and effectiveness of the programmes being carried out by the youth organisations (non-uniformed) in receipt of grants, direct or indirect, from the Department of Education and to make any recommendations deemed appropriate for the improvement and development of the youth services."
An interim report has been furnished and further reports are expected in 1979.
211.
asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development the number and nature of any and all review bodies, committees of inquiry, and processes of consideration presently being undertaken in his Department; and when it is expected that such processes, committees and review bodies will make reports.
1. An inter-Departmental committee chaired by my Department is examining the problems of the Dublin inner-city area. It is not possible to state at this stage precisely when this committee will report, but this is likely to occur in the early part of 1979.
2. In the field of science and technology, there are a number of inter-departmental committees chaired by my Department to advise on such matters as the aeronautical sector, data processing, and science policy in the EEC context. Also, the National Board for Science and Technology has on hands various studies on science policy and related matters.
3. Two other bodies might be mentioned. The National Economic and Social Council (NESC), while not "in my Department", is charged with advising the Government on the principles relating to the efficient development of the national economy and the achievement of social justice, and reports to the Government through the Minister for Economic Planning and Development. The NESC at all times have a number of studies in the area of economic and social development on hands and they submit reports on these from time to time.
Second, there is the Central Development Committee which reports to my Department. It co-ordinates the work of the County Development Teams in the 13 Western counties and considers proposals and policy issues of relevance to development. It is not at present preparing any specific reports at my request.
4. In addition to the foregoing, the Green Paper "Development for Full Employment" published by the Government earlier this year raised issues for consideration and invited views. The forthcoming White Paper will set out the Government's decisions.
5. Of course, part of the day-to-day work of my Department under statute involves consideration of various issues and consultations with interested parties on these issues.