Vol. 586 No. 4
10 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the contents of a report from independent consultants on the cost of privatising Bus Éireann; if the report states that Bus Éireann may face an additional cost of €24 million if competitive tendering is introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15906/04]
33 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a copy of a report prepared for Bus Éireann on the effects of opening the bus market in the greater Dublin area to a competitive tendering process under a new transport authority; his views on the report’s findings that Bus Éireann faces insolvency should it be privatised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15897/04]
41 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport his plans for bus deregulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15807/04]
45 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the state of negotiations between his Department and unions on the future of CIE; when he realistically expects agreement to be reached by both sides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15905/04]
65 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport if he has received a copy of the report prepared for CIE suggesting that private operators might enter the bus market by subcontracting routes from Dublin Bus, rather than via the franchise model proposed by him; the status of his plans for private companies tendering to run various routes operated by Dublin Bus in view of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15899/04]
85 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Transport his plans for bus deregulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15799/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 33, 41, 45, 65 and 85 together.
As I stated in my reply to Priority Question No. 3, I am firmly of the view that franchising is the most effective means of achieving genuine market opening in the Dublin market. International experience in cities such as London, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki is that franchising brings cost savings to public transport provision, savings which can be invested in the public transport system to ensure a better service to public transport users. A number of major studies carried out by independent consultants have supported this, including: the ISOTOPE report, carried out for the European Commission, which found that franchising generally resulted in savings of between 15% and 20% of the cost to the State of the provision of bus services, and the NERA-Tis report commissioned by the public transport partnership forum, which recommended franchising for the Dublin bus market.
I have no proposals to privatise either Bus Éireann or Dublin Bus. The Bus Éireann and CIE reports referred to by the Deputies are internal company reports prepared, I understand, for the boards of the companies. The Bus Éireann report was copied to me by the company but the internal CIE report on subcontracting has not been copied to me. CIE and its operating companies are quite naturally undertaking work to respond to my reform proposals and I expect them to present the case which they see as representing their best interests. I welcome their constructive input to this dialogue but that does not necessarily mean that I agree with their conclusions.
There are ongoing detailed discussions between officials of my Department and the CIE bus companies on my reform proposals. These discussions have covered a range of issues, including subcontracting. The companies have stated their preference for a continuation of monopoly rights using a subcontracting model. I am not convinced that such a model provides genuine market opening to new entrants or adequate value for money, transparency and accountability to the taxpayer.
With regard to the discussions between my officials and the CIE trade unions, the most recent round of talks took place over an intensive five day period between 12 and 18 May. The talks were characterised by a full and frank exchange of views. The talks have now adjourned to early June to allow each side to consider the issues raised.
It remains my intention to proceed with legislation on public transport reform in 2004.
11 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the future of the regional airports. [15768/04]
15 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the subsidy provided to each regional airport per passenger over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15778/04]
78 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15777/04]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 11, 15 and 78 together.
The programme for Government provides for the continued support of our six regional airports. My Department provides a range of financial mechanisms in support of this objective but it is important to note that the regional airports are not in receipt of State subsidies as such.
With regard to capital funding, grant aid of approximately €9 million has already been paid to the regional airports under first round allocations of the regional airports measure of the national development plan, NDP. The primary objective of this measure is to facilitate continued safe and viable operations at the regional airports. A further round of projects will be considered for funding under the measure later this year.
My Department also administers a grant scheme to assist the regional airports with marketing, safety and security related current expenditure. The total amount provisionally allocated in the Estimates for 2004 is €2.24 million and the individual amounts for each airport will be determined shortly.
My Department provides subvention to contracted regional air carriers for the operation of essential air services under the public service obligation, PSO, regime. EU Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2408/92 allows member states to establish a PSO in respect of scheduled air services to an airport serving a peripheral or development region, where such air services are considered essential for the economic development of the regions concerned and where air carriers are not prepared to provide such air services on a commercial basis. In accordance with this regulation, the Government has established PSOs on routes linking Dublin Airport with the airports in Kerry, Galway, Knock, Sligo and Donegal. The total cost of air service subvention to PSO carriers amounts to over €20 million per annum.
Regarding subsidy per passenger, it is important to note that subvention is not allocated by reference to the number of passengers using the services, per se. The governing regulation stipulates that subvention should be based on the losses actually incurred in operating the routes, taking account of costs and revenues generated by the services, subject to a ceiling represented by the amount put forward in the tender submitted by the successful air carrier during the tender process. In any event, the subvention level per trip per passenger for the past five years is as follows.
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Kerry |
13.71 |
12.17 |
44.27 |
54.59 |
55.17 |
|
Galway |
18.55 |
18.86 |
46.57 |
47.19 |
51.67 |
|
Sligo |
41.60 |
35.75 |
120.10 |
101.78 |
80.49* |
|
Donegal |
90.57 |
77.28 |
119.80 |
110.78 |
80.49* |
|
Knock |
— |
— |
233.17 |
226.58 |
224.87 |
|
Derry |
— |
— |
113.89 |
95.10 |
77.56 |
12 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the average pass rate at each test centre; the action he is taking to address this variation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15793/04]
28 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons awaiting driving tests in each test centre; the current waiting time at each centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15792/04]
31 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the action he has taken to date to implement the Comptroller and Auditor General’s recommendations following a review of the driving test system; the number of persons awaiting driving tests in each test centre; the current waiting time at each centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15789/04]
57 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the average pass rate at each test centre; the action he is taking to address this variation; the action he has taken to date to implement the Comptroller and Auditor General’s recommendations following a review of the driving test system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15794/04]
63 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the driving test backlog; when he plans to introduce legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15770/04]
70 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the action he has taken to date to implement the Comptroller and Auditor General’s recommendations following a review of the driving test system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15791/04]
90 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to reform the driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15782/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 28, 31, 57, 63, 70 and 90 together.
The content of the driving test is set out in accordance with the provisions of the relevant EU directives. As in other EU countries, there are variations in the pass rate among test centres. The pass rate may be influenced by a number of factors including the number of lessons taken by the candidate, the standard of instruction available and demographic factors.
With regard to consistency in the standard of the driving test, my Department undertook a comprehensive training programme for all driver testers in 2002, covering procedures for carrying out the test, guidelines to assess faults and training to enhance customer service in the delivery of the driving test. The work of each individual tester is monitored on an ongoing basis by his-her supervisor and remedial action is taken where this is required.
The number of applicants awaiting a driving test fell from 125,009 in May 2003 to 121,153 as at 24 May 2004. The annual capacity of the driver testing service, inclusive of normal overtime, is in the region of 200,000 tests. I anticipate that the current waiting times will improve over the coming year. Driver testers continue to deliver additional tests by working overtime on Saturdays and at lunchtime. I have also asked my officials to explore the possibility of recruiting additional testers.
Preparation of legislation to establish the driver testing and standards authority, which will take on responsibility for conducting driving tests and will have more flexibility to respond to variations in demand, is almost complete. It is my intention to introduce this legislation in the Oireachtas in this session.
The pass rate for 2003 as well as the average waiting time and numbers waiting as at 24 May 2004 are set out in the following table.
|
Test Centre |
Average Weeks Waiting |
Number of Applicants Waiting |
Pass rate 2003 |
|
% |
|||
|
North Leinster |
|||
|
Finglas |
27 |
8,691 |
48.8 |
|
Dundalk |
24 |
2,919 |
51.6 |
|
Mullingar |
24 |
1,699 |
57.0 |
|
Navan |
41 |
4,418 |
54.4 |
|
Raheny |
37 |
7,663 |
49.7 |
|
South Leinster |
|||
|
Churchtown/Rathgar |
33 |
11,364 |
48.3 |
|
Gorey |
25 |
1,934 |
52.6 |
|
Naas |
33 |
6,733 |
53.6 |
|
Tullamore |
29 |
1,684 |
54.2 |
|
Wicklow |
40 |
2,236 |
47.3 |
|
Tallaght |
50 |
8,711 |
50.9 |
|
West |
|||
|
Athlone |
17 |
1,118 |
57.0 |
|
Birr |
29 |
1,166 |
65.1 |
|
Castlebar |
32 |
2,169 |
62.1 |
|
Clifden |
18 |
308 |
56.0 |
|
Ennis |
10 |
835 |
65.5 |
|
Galway |
26 |
2,653 |
61.2 |
|
Loughrea |
15 |
810 |
58.5 |
|
Roscommon |
26 |
989 |
60.0 |
|
Tuam |
28 |
1,092 |
64.2 |
|
North West |
|||
|
Ballina |
32 |
1,173 |
61.2 |
|
Buncrana |
31 |
626 |
65.6 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
36 |
1,170 |
54.4 |
|
Cavan |
43 |
1,926 |
50.2 |
|
Donegal |
32 |
1,108 |
57.1 |
|
Letterkenny |
38 |
2,011 |
60.4 |
|
Longford |
39 |
1,009 |
55.9 |
|
Monaghan |
41 |
1312 |
50.8 |
|
Sligo |
31 |
1,388 |
63.5 |
|
South East |
|||
|
Carlow |
34 |
2,513 |
49.2 |
|
Clonmel |
41 |
2,088 |
51.3 |
|
Dungarvan |
49 |
1,735 |
57.3 |
|
Kilkenny |
37 |
2,399 |
55.4 |
|
Nenagh |
43 |
789 |
49.8 |
|
Portlaoise |
42 |
1,526 |
50.0 |
|
Thurles |
39 |
1,175 |
56.3 |
|
Tipperary |
40 |
1,167 |
47.9 |
|
Waterford |
54 |
3,461 |
54.8 |
|
Wexford |
29 |
2,452 |
51.5 |
|
South West |
|||
|
Cork |
24 |
6,263 |
55.5 |
|
Killarney |
32 |
1,967 |
60.0 |
|
Kilrush |
26 |
546 |
62.3 |
|
Limerick |
37 |
3,824 |
62.3 |
|
Mallow |
29 |
2,044 |
57.8 |
|
Newcastle West |
30 |
1,677 |
60.5 |
|
Shannon |
38 |
959 |
66.4 |
|
Skibbereen |
33 |
1,853 |
59.5 |
|
Tralee |
32 |
1802 |
59.7 |
Note: The average waiting time is derived having regard to waiting times experienced by individual applicants who have undergone a driving test over the previous four week period in the test centre.
13 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the analysis which was carried out to justify his proposal to local authorities that the speed limits be raised on the section of the N11 near the Belfield flyover on the Braemor Road in Churchtown and on the Dundrum bypass. [15935/04]
The Road Traffic Acts provide for the direct application of speed limits to all roads. Under the provisions of these Acts, a default speed limit of 30 mph applies to all roads, apart from motorways, in a built up area and a general speed limit of 60 mph applies to all roads outside such areas, apart from motorways. A default speed limit of 70 mph applies in the case of motorways.
The Acts provide that local authorities may make by-laws through which the speed limits that apply on a default basis can be changed in respect of roads specified in such by-laws. These by-laws are made by the elected members of the local authorities following consultation with the Garda Commissioner and, in the case of national roads, with the consent of the National Roads Authority, NRA.
In the context of an overall review of speed limits carried out against the background of the metrication of such limits generally, county and city managers were asked in January 2003 to examine the position in their areas. In this context, the authorities were asked to look at instances where speed limits might not be appropriate and to take any action they deemed to be appropriate. My Department raised this matter with managers again in March 2004, repeating the request to look at possible instances of inappropriate speed limits.
Both the Automobile Association, AA, and the Society for the Irish Motor Industry, SIMI, subsequently presented me with lists of over 50 locations in respect of which they had received representations questioning the speed limits currently in place. The details of current and suggested limits as received from the AA and SIMI, including the locations that the Deputy is referring to, were forwarded to the relevant managers. I wish to make clear that I have not requested or directed in any manner that the speed limit be increased or decreased at any of the locations concerned.
Managers have specifically been asked to look at the locations that have been the subject of complaint to the AA and SIMI and, if the local authority considers that the speed limit is not appropriate, that steps should be taken to introduce appropriate amendments to the by-laws, which will see more appropriate speed limits applied. It has also been made clear that where, on the other hand, the local authority considers that the speed limit in question is appropriate and justified by reference to the prevailing road safety, engineering, traffic or environmental considerations, they have been asked to consider the provision of a sign informing road users of the need for that limit.
I am awaiting reports from the managers on each location where the current limit is perceived by motorists to be inappropriate. I expect that these reports will convey either the grounds that support and justify the application of the current speed limit concerned or indicate that the speed limit in question is being referred to the council members for appropriate action.
14 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if recent decisions have been made on the future of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15938/04]
22 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he is planning to bring forward to Cabinet proposals for the sale of Aer Lingus by September 2004; the likely timescale for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15893/04]
76 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he is still considering the privatisation of Aer Lingus in view of the company’s record €83 million profit recorded in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15892/04]
176 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the state of the discussions between his Department, management and unions in regard to the future of Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16085/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 22, 76 and 176 together.
I have already outlined the position in relation to Aer Rianta in response to Priority Questions Nos. 1 and 2. With regard to Aer Lingus, I have previously indicated to the House that I recently advised my Cabinet colleagues of the current state of my deliberations concerning the future of Aer Lingus. I also advised that I will be reverting to Government on specific options for the company in the near future. My deliberations, which are ongoing at present, involve detailed consideration of the reports from the chairman of Aer Lingus and an independent corporate finance consultant whom I commissioned to look at the sale options for the company.
If the Government decides to embark on a sale of all or part of Aer Lingus, I will be consulting with the Aer Lingus board, management and unions. In addition, in such an eventuality, I will set out for the House, in accordance with the provisions of the Aer Lingus Act 2004, the general principles of the proposed sale as well as the basis for the Government's decision and the arguments for and against such a sale. I will also set out how the Government proposes to deal with important strategic issues such as slots at Heathrow Airport.
16 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to publish a study, details supplied, on the future financing of Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports; and his views on the matter. [15946/04]
17 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport his plans for Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15797/04]
19 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15802/04]
83 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the position with regard to his proposals for the break up of Aer Rianta; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15879/04]
87 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the transfer of the Shannon Development industrial estate to Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15795/04]
93 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport the implications of the reduction in the cash reserves held by Aer Rianta’s international subsidiary for his proposals to break up the national airport authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15880/04]
177 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the position on the future of Aer Rianta; if he has had further discussions with the interested parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16086/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 17, 19, 83, 87, 93 and 177 together.
I have already dealt in detail with the position in regard to the restructuring of Aer Rianta and the State airports in my earlier reply today to Priority Questions Nos. 1 and 2.
With regard to the material prepared by my Department's advisers, PricewaterhouseCoopers, PWC, these working papers do not constitute a report or a study. The advisers assisted my Department in its analysis of projections and data provided by both Aer Rianta at group level and by the chairmen-designate in conjunction with local Aer Rianta management at Shannon and Cork Airports. The material compiled by PWC contains confidential and commercially sensitive information. I have provided the material to the unions' financial advisers subject to a strict confidentiality agreement which they entered into with my Department.
The preparation of the material by PWC will not in any way inhibit the commercial freedom, and indeed responsibility, of the new airport authorities, when formally established, to develop strategic and business plans, including marketing strategies, for each of the three airports.
The issue of Aer Rianta's main subsidiaries, including Aer Rianta International, is subject to ongoing careful examination by my Department and its advisers in the context of finalising the framework to give effect to the restructuring of the company and it would not be appropriate for me to pre-empt the outcome of this work.
20 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to recent comments by the chief executive of Aer Lingus that visitor numbers from the United States to Ireland could be doubled within a short period of time if current restrictions under the US-Ireland bilateral air agreement were to be lifted; if he has any intention of reviewing the provisions of this agreement to allow Aer Lingus access to more American gateways. [15367/04]
46 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport the progress that is being made on negotiations on the US-Ireland bilateral air agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15353/04]
53 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport if he will elaborate on his recent remarks at the recent Future of European Air Transportation Conference in Dublin that Shannon Airport would benefit significantly if a low cost airline agreed to start operating transatlantic routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15877/04]
73 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if the future of the Shannon stopover was raised at recent talks in Washington between Irish and US officials; the nature of these discussions; the US position on the phasing out of the stopover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15878/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 46, 53 and 73 together.
As I have previously indicated to the House on a number of occasions, I have authorised my officials to seek negotiations with the US on possible phased amendments to the Ireland-US bilateral agreement. Accordingly, officials from my Department met with US officials in Washington DC on 4 and 5 May 2004 to explore the Ireland-US bilateral aviation arrangements in the context of progress on an EU-US open skies agreement. My officials emphasised the importance of Shannon Airport for the economy of the west of Ireland, in particular in the context of Ireland's national spatial strategy, which aims to counterbalance the growth of Dublin by focusing economic activity at a number of other locations. My officials also outlined the Irish Government's decision to separate Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports into autonomous airport authorities to enable them to maximise their potential. In that context, they indicated that Shannon Airport needs a period of years in which to transform its business plans and marketing strategies.
The eventual effect of an EU-US open skies deal, should such a deal emerge, would be to leave the choice of airports with the airlines. In the absence of special bilateral arrangements between Ireland and the United States in such a case, there is a risk that the open skies arrangement could mean a sudden end to the current Shannon stop requirement, which could have immediate negative impacts for Shannon.
I met yesterday with the US Secretary for Transportation, Norman Mineta, at a meeting of European Transport Ministers in Slovenia. I emphasised to him that an acceptable arrangement for Shannon must be reached before I will be in a position to agree to any EU-US aviation agreement that might be put to the Transport Council on 10 and 11 June next.
The implementation of open skies on a phased basis will also enable Aer Lingus to exploit the potential for new transatlantic business to the overall benefit of tourism and the Irish economy.
21 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the introduction of the dedicated traffic corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15771/04]
The programme for Government contains a commitment relating to the establishment of a dedicated traffic corps. As I have already indicated in this House, I support the implementation of this proposal through the formation of a corps that will be separately identifiable and visible. A consultation process involving my Department, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Síochána about the establishment of a dedicated traffic corps is in progress. Discussions to date have included the question of the relationship that a dedicated traffic corps will have with the Garda and, in particular, whether it will be under the overall control of the commissioner. This issue is central to the development of this proposal.
The establishment of a dedicated traffic corps that is independent of the Garda would require the introduction of legislation, in particular to establish powers and functions of the corps and its accountability. In addition, the establishment of a corps that is wholly independent of the Garda would face formidable hurdles. The powers available to members of such an independent force would need very careful consideration and there is the overriding issue of the capacity of such individuals to engage in more general police work. The need for consideration of this issue has also been central to the discussions about this proposal.
A working group has been established to urgently consider the options available in terms of progressing this proposal. This group comprises representatives from the Department of Transport, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Garda Síochána, the Dublin Transportation Office, DTO, and the Office of the Director of Traffic. I will be chairing a meeting of this group shortly.
23 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if he intends removing the power to set speed limits on national roads from those local authorities which have failed to increase limits in 43 locations around the country identified by him; his views on whether local authorities are best equipped to adjudge the setting of local speed limits in view of increased knowledge of dangers on particular stretches of road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15900/04]
The Road Traffic Acts provide for the direct application of speed limits to all roads. Under the provisions of these Acts, a default speed limit of 30 mph applies to all roads, apart from motorways, in a built-up area, and a general speed limit of 60 mph applies to all roads outside such areas, apart from motorways. A default speed limit of 70 mph applies in the case of motorways.
The Acts provide that local authorities may make by-laws through which the speed limits that apply on a default basis can be changed in respect of roads specified in such by-laws. These by-laws are made by the elected members of the local authorities following consultation with the Garda Commissioner and, in the case of national roads, with the consent of the National Roads Authority, NRA.
In the context of an overall review of speed limits carried out against the background of the metrication of such limits generally, county and city managers were asked in January 2003 to examine the position in their areas. The primary focus of the examination was to ensure that the revocation of default speed limits and the application of special speed limits were supported by by-laws. In addition, the authorities were asked to look at instances where speed limits might not be appropriate and to take any action they deemed to be appropriate. My Department wrote to managers again in March 2004, repeating the request to look at possible instances of inappropriate speed limits and outlining the overall position on progress for metrication of speed limits later this year.
Both the Automobile Association, AA, and the Society for the Irish Motor Industry, SIMI, subsequently presented me with lists of over 50 locations in respect of which they had received representations questioning the speed limits currently in place. In order to assist managers in the review referred to above, they have been advised by my Department of the locations identified in the submissions of the two organisations.
I wish to make it clear that I have not requested that the speed limit be increased or decreased at any specific location. Managers have specifically been asked to look at the locations that have been the subject of complaint to the AA and SIMI and, if the local authority considers that the speed limit is not appropriate, that steps should be taken to introduce appropriate amendments to the by-laws, which will see more appropriate speed limits applied. It has also been made clear that where, on the other hand, the local authority considers that the speed limit at the location in question is appropriate and justified by reference to the prevailing road safety, engineering, traffic or environmental considerations, they should consider the provision of a sign informing road users of the need for that limit. I am awaiting reports from the managers to see if the speed limits at the 50 plus locations complained of can either be justified as being appropriate or referred to the elected members for review and appropriate action.
It must be appreciated that the national road network has a national context. An objective of the National Roads Authority is to endeavour to achieve the efficient use of these public roads and have regard to their level of service capacity. It is particularly important therefore that the fundamental considerations of road safety and efficient traffic management underpin any decision of a local council to apply a special speed limit in lieu of the default speed limit on a national road.
The current statutory provision requires local authorities to obtain the prior consent of the NRA to draft speed limit by-laws on national roads. I am keeping the current statutory provision under review. Any proposal to amend the current statutory role of local councils in the application of alternative speed limits on national roads and motorways would have to apply to all county and city councils.
24 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the financial mechanisms in place to review infrastructural projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15772/04]
71 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself with the financial mechanisms in place to review infrastructural projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15773/04]
86 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the financial mechanisms in place to review infrastructural projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15810/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 71 and 86 together.
I refer the Deputies to my response to Question No. 57 of 4 May, in which I set out in detail the financial mechanisms which are in place in my Department for reviewing infrastructural projects. While I am generally satisfied with the efficacy of those mechanisms, they are kept under regular review by my Department and updated as required.
25 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the measures contained in the road traffic Bill; if the Bill calls for on-the-spot disqualification of drink drivers without going to court and that motorists caught driving a certain amount over the limit will be automatically fined up to €2,000 and put off the road for six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15902/04]
New legislation is being prepared in my Department which will provide support for the deployment of key initiatives in the area of speed limits and drink driving and will further enhance the enforcement capacity of the Garda Síochána. Government approval of the general scheme for that legislation was given on 27 April 2004. Details of the measures to be included in the Bill will be announced once the text has been finalised and approved by Government and accordingly published.
26 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to reduce the rate of private car ownership and the volume of road traffic in view of the fact that the traffic rate has already reached levels predicted for 2010. [15885/04]
49 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking to promote the use of public transport, in view of the fact that 64% of all commuters travel to work by car, as either drivers or passengers.[15887/04]
69 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he has a strategy for encouraging motorists to use public transport more frequently. [15884/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 49 and 69 together.
Higher population and economic growth have led to a significant increase in car ownership in recent years, particularly in the greater Dublin area. To encourage people to use public transport more often, there has been a significant increase in the capacity and quality of public transport in recent years and further expansion is planned. In fact, I am informed by the Dublin Transportation Office, DTO, that, as a consequence of the major Exchequer investment, preliminary analysis of census figures shows a modal shift in favour of public transport.
In terms of bus transport, the capacity of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann has been significantly expanded, particularly at peak times, with capacity increased by almost 25%. A key element in improving bus performance has been the provision of quality bus corridors, QBCs. So far, there are nine QBCs in operation in the Dublin area — Malahide, Lucan, Stillorgan, Finglas, north Clondalkin, Rathfarnham, Tallaght, Swords and Blanchardstown. QBCs have delivered significant benefits in reduced journey times for commuters and further expansion of the network is planned. This year, my Department is making available to the DTO about €27 million in quality bus corridor network projects in the greater Dublin area.
Extended cycling facilities associated with the QBC network are also being provided. The provision of QBCs in other urban areas around the country is also underway. A sum of €8 million is being made available in 2004 for the development of QBCs in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. To further assist the performance of bus services, the use of the hard shoulder on certain roads, including those linking Dublin and satellite towns, is being examined. Amendments to road traffic legislation are required and the forthcoming road traffic Bill will make provision to facilitate this.
Alongside bus service provision, rail based commuter services are being expanded. The first phase of the DART upgrade project is now underway, for completion by end 2005. This project involves upgrading the power supply to enable longer, eight car, DART trains to run over the full DART network. To accommodate this, platforms at DART stations are being lengthened and stations are being made wheelchair accessible. Some 40 additional DART cars will also be put into service as part of the project.
On the Kildare, Maynooth and outer coastal suburban corridors, 80 new diesel rail cars have already been introduced, providing a significant increase in the passenger carrying capacity of these corridors. A further 36 rail cars will be added to the fleet in 2005, further increasing the outer suburban rail capacity. In addition, Irish Rail is developing proposals to provide four tracks on the Kildare line and to open new stations on that line as well as on the Maynooth line.
At the end of June, the first of the Luas services will commence operation, with both lines providing the capacity to move over 20,000 people at peak time each day.
The introduction of demand management measures to encourage the greater use of public transport is also being looked at by the DTO, which has a travel demand management study currently nearing completion. The study is looking at measures for better managing the demand for travel, particularly at peak times, and for more efficient use of Dublin's transport infrastructure. I await the outcome of the study.
27 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his views on the independent six month inquiry into the Cahir freight train crash; if his attention has been drawn to the inquiry’s conclusion that the derailment was caused by a freak accident; if he plans to introduce new train safety measures in view of the inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15903/04]
I understand that Iarnród Éireann recently completed its internal inquiry into the derailment of a freight train on the Cahir viaduct on 7 October 2003. I have not received a copy of the report from Iarnród Éireann.
The chief railway inspecting officer of my Department is awaiting certain technical information from Iarnród Éireann before completing the statutory inquiry which I ordered on 14 October 2003. The chief railway inspecting officer also wishes to inspect the residual part of the viaduct when it is dismantled by Iarnród Éireann's contractors in June. When I receive the report of that statutory inquiry, I will carefully consider whether any specific measures are warranted.
The Deputy will be aware that a Railway Safety Bill is currently before the House. Once that Bill is enacted, the railway safety commission, to be established under the Bill, will have extensive enforcement powers to address any safety issues which come to light from this or any other future incidents.
29 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the Dublin Port tunnel to be open for business. [15947/04]
The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the local authorities concerned, in this case, Dublin City Council. However, I understand from the NRA and Dublin City Council that the Dublin Port tunnel, DPT, is expected to be completed in July 2005. In parallel with the opening to traffic of the Dublin Port tunnel in 2005, I understand that Dublin City Council will be introducing a heavy goods vehicle traffic management strategy to ensure that maximum traffic benefits are secured from the DPT. The development and implementation of this strategy is primarily a matter for Dublin City Council.
30 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether traffic congestion throughout Ireland continues to adversely affect the ability of transport companies, such as Bus Éireann, to make profits; if he has received a copy of a study, details supplied, showing that traffic congestion adds approximately €19 million to Bus Éireann’s annual costs; his further views on whether this is affecting the ability of Bus Éireann to expand routes across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15898/04]
I understand that the study mentioned in the question was carried out on behalf of Bus Éireann in 2001 and it confirms the view of the company that the reliability of Bus Éireann services, as well as those of other bus operators, is adversely affected by traffic congestion, particularly in urban areas. Bus Éireann has informed me that a recent update of the study shows that the estimated costs associated with traffic congestion for the year 2003 are in the region of €19 million.
While all bus operators face a difficult operating environment, I have made funds available to the local authorities in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford to provide priority measures for buses. To date there have been a number of successful quality bus corridor, QBC, programmes in Dublin and Cork and further initiatives are planned. I am also pleased that the demand for travel by bus continues to grow.
32 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to bring forward integrated ticketing and smart card technologies; if money has been allocated for this purpose in his Department’s Estimates for 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15784/04]
The Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, has statutory responsibility for the implementation of an integrated ticketing system based on smart card technologies for initial deployment in the Dublin area. The RPA has set a target date of 2005 for the launch of the full smart card based integrated ticketing system in Dublin. It continues to examine all options to expedite the delivery of integrated ticketing with a view to bringing forward the proposed launch date. A first step was the launch last month of a smart card ticketing system by a private operator, Morton's, on its services while another important step will be the launch later this year by the RPA of smart cards on Luas services, with Dublin Bus introducing its system next year.
In the meantime, integrated tickets, based on magnet strip technology, are available for travel on Dublin Bus and Irish Rail services and I understand that the RPA is about to conclude a similar arrangement with both companies in respect of Luas services. The allocation for integrated ticketing in the 2004 Estimates for my Department is €9.5 million.
34 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport his views on recent figures showing that driver fatigue has been linked to 20% of all fatal crashes here; if he intends launching a public awareness campaign on the dangers of driving when very tired; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[15882/04]
Commentary on the information available regarding causes of fatal road collisions is prepared by the National Roads Authority, NRA, based on reports from the Garda Síochána and is published by the authority in its annual road accident facts reports. The most recent report is in respect of 2002 and that report, along with reports relating to previous years, are available in the Oireachtas Library. Such commentary has not, to date, included specific details of a link between fatigue and fatal crashes in Ireland.
In accordance with the medical standards for driving set out in EU directives, which are transposed into national law in the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations Act 1999, the medical examination as to general physical and mental fitness takes account of the susceptibility of the person concerned to fatigue, such that such person's ability to operate the controls of the vehicle might be seriously impaired. In addition, certification of fitness to drive may be specifically curtailed in certain instances such as where the person suffers from prescribed illnesses or disabilities or if using medications which would have an adverse effect on driving. In many of these instances, fatigue might be an attendant factor.
The question bank for the driver theory test includes questions regarding fatigue so that learner drivers are aware before they commence driving of the dangers of driving while fatigued.
The National Safety Council, which has been mandated with responsibility for promotional and educational initiatives relating to road safety, has produced a leaflet on driver fatigue. It has also organised a special promotion called "Driver Reviver" to address the problem of driver fatigue. This campaign was first launched at Easter weekend 2002 and, more recently, over the all-Ireland football final weekend in September 2003. On both occasions the campaigns were supported by Statoil, which provided service stations as "Driver Reviver" stops, and Lyons Tea. The council is currently in the process of developing and broadening the scale of the "Driver Reviver" campaign and anticipates implementing the campaign before the end of 2004.
35 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of the metro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15801/04]
55 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to bring the business case proposal for the first stage of the Dublin metro to Cabinet for a decision. [15945/04]
66 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the position with regard to his plans to bring forward to Cabinet proposals for the construction of a metro system in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15912/04]
79 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself that he can deliver the Dublin metro by 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15806/04]
94 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of the airport metro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15800/04]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 35, 55, 66, 79 and 94 together.
The programme for Government contains a commitment to develop a metro with a link to Dublin Airport. I have received the revised outline business case for line 1 of the metro from the Railway Procurement Agency, the RPA, which involves a line from the airport to the city centre. The timescale, cost, precise route, number and location of stations and arrangements for a connection to the Luas line will depend on a number of factors including the Government decision; geo-technical surveys; negotiations with bidders; and railway order process including the public inquiry. In preparing a submission for the Government on this matter, the merits of all alternative solutions and routes will be considered.
I am currently finalising my proposals on the metro in the context of the wider transport needs of the greater Dublin area. In advance of the Government considering these proposals, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matters raised in any more detail. I expect to bring my proposals to the Government before the summer.
36 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport his plans for developing similar new public transport services on the south side of Cork city in view of the Cork suburban rail line initiative introducing new commuter services to the north and east of the city. [15936/04]
At the present time, the city and county councils in Cork have no plans for the expansion of rail services to the south of Cork City. If, in the future, land use plans make a sound economic case for such investment, then they will be examined. My Department is, however, currently funding bus based public transport projects in the Cork area that emerged from the Cork area strategic plan. To date, a total of €12 million has been committed to the park and ride facility at Black Ash on the southern side of the city with a capacity of 920 cars and the green routes initiative, which provides priority measures for buses on ten routes into and out of the city, including the routes serving the south side.
Two of the green routes are due to be operational this year and proposals for the completion of the remaining eight by the city council by 2007 are being examined currently in my Department. In 2003, my Department also provided specific funding of €235,000 to Bus Éireann for the operation of the southern orbital bus service. In addition, the expansion of bus services serving the southern side of the city is also planned.
37 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce new rural transport initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15798/04]
96 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if increased funds will be made available to sustain the pilot schemes for rural transport; his views on whether these schemes have proved very useful, especially for older rural dwellers; the way in which the Government can justify pulling the finance at this early stage of development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15809/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 96 together.
Area Development Management Ltd., ADM, administers the rural transport initiative, RTI, on behalf of my Department. Specific allocations for individual RTI projects are made by ADM from funds provided for this purpose by my Department and I have no function with regard to the individual allocations.
A sum of €3 million has already been provided for the RTI in each of the past two years and further funding of €3 million is being provided in 2004. This total of €9 million compares very favourably with the €4.4 million earmarked for the RTI under the national development plan. ADM is currently undertaking a comprehensive appraisal of the scheme. When the appraisal has been completed, I will then consider its findings and take whatever decisions are appropriate.
38 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport the status and remit of the review of security on State owned public transport services announced by him in response to the Madrid train bombings; when the review is likely to be completed; if its findings will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15895/04]
I have recently requested the chief executives of the three CIE operating companies to arrange for a review of security procedures to be undertaken in conjunction with the relevant agencies, including the Garda Síochána, in order that the boards of the companies can satisfy themselves that current arrangements are adequate. I await to hear the outcomes of these reviews.
39 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking to put procedures in place for lost driving licences in cases in which there is no record of a licence having been issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15780/04]
43 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to put mechanisms in place for cases in which the issuing authority has no record of a driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15812/04]
44 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking to put procedures in place for lost driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15818/04]
67 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking to put procedures in place for lost driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15796/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 43, 44 and 67 together.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1961 and the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1999 to 2001, it is a matter for the appropriate licensing authority to determine the eligibility of a person for a duplicate driving licence and to issue licences. I have no plans to change this arrangement.
42 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date on the delivery of the inter-urban motorways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15815/04]
The current position with the upgrading of the five major inter-urban routes to motorway/high quality dual carriageway standard is that the M1 is expected to be fully complete by end 2006. Work is underway on major projects on the N7 — Monasterevin bypass and Limerick southern ring road phase 1, on the N8 — Cashel bypass and on the N4/N6 — Kilcock/Kinnegad. Work is expected to start this year on the Dundalk western bypass and Dundalk to Newry on the M1, on the Fermoy bypass — N8, Waterford city bypass — N9/N25, and Naas road widening — N7. Completion of these projects will eliminate many of the major bottlenecks on these routes.
In addition, it is expected that compulsory purchase orders and environmental impact statements for the remaining projects in planning on these routes will either be approved by, or be before, An Bord Pleanála by end 2004. With regard to the national roads programme overall it should be noted that since 2000 a total of 37 projects, over 250 km, have been completed. Work is in progress on 17 projects, 150 km, and another 17 projects, 160 km, are at tender stage.
47 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to introduce new toll routes to fund completion of motorways linking Dublin with Cork, Galway, and the M50 upgrade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15904/04]
98 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the increased concern amongst the motoring public at recent suggestions of extra tolls to fund roads identified and provided for in the context of the national development plan; if his attention has further been drawn to the increased restrictions and regulations and the high burden of taxation already carried by the motoring public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15939/04]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 47 and 98 together.
The national development plan provides for significant private sector investment in the national roads development programme. In line with this policy, a number of major road upgrade projects throughout the country are being implemented by the NRA by means of public private partnerships, with the private sector being remunerated in part by user tolls. This will ensure earlier delivery of vital national road infrastructure. Through PPPs, private sector innovation will be harnessed in the areas of scheme design, construction and long-term operation and maintenance.
The NRA's current PPP programme comprises eight projects. In selecting these PPP projects the NRA had regard to a number of factors, that is, a geographical spread of tolls across the network, the extent of service improvement to be provided by the improved route, the availability of sufficiently high traffic volumes to ensure commercial viability and the setting of tolls at an affordable and acceptable level in order to reduce diversion and gain public acceptance. Having regard to these criteria it is clear that there is limited capacity, over and above the projects already identified by the NRA, across the national road network to support viable tolling arrangements. Nevertheless the increased cost of the national roads programme, combined with the demands of the other sectors which limit the capacity to allocate more Exchequer funding, require that all possibilities for generating additional funding to accelerate the implementation of the national roads programme be considered.
In this context and that of a broader review of the arrangements for the delivery of the programme, the NRA has recently identified a number of options for the development of tolling policy to enable the NRA to raise additional funding for the national roads programme. The proposals submitted by the NRA are currently being considered, in the first instance, in my Department. Any decisions regarding the extension of tolling beyond the current PPP programme would be considered by the Government.
48 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to progress the western rail corridor in view of the strategic rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15769/04]
Following a series of consultations with local interests, on 6 May last I announced the formation of an expert working group to examine in detail the potential for developing the western rail corridor. The group is composed of representatives of a wide range of organisations with an interest in this development, including county councils, regional authorities, county development boards, the Western Development Commission, Irish Rail, the Railway Procurement Agency, the Department of Transport, West on Track and the inter county rail committee. I am very pleased that Mr. Pat McCann, chief executive of the Jury's Doyle Hotel Group, has agreed to chair the group. I understand that the first meeting of the group will be held in Galway in the coming weeks.
50 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to review the NCT contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15785/04]
88 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to review the pass and fail criteria of the NCT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15764/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 88 together.
The car testing contract with National Car Testing Service was signed in December 1998. In accordance with it, NCTS is obliged to provide a car testing service for the State until 31 December 2009. Under the terms of the contract the performance of NCTS is subject to an annual review which can cover the results of NCT inspections, the results of planned or random sample test inspections, the results of customer satisfaction surveys, the audited financial statements, the company's financial position, customer complaints, the extent of compliance with performance standards and quality accreditation matters.
The main inputs to the annual review are generated by the Department's rolling supervision of the NCTS with the assistance of a consortium consisting of the Automobile Association and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The consortium provides the Department with the necessary engineering, financial, legal, operations research and market research inputs to gauge the company's performance against the specified performance standards. In addition, the contract provides for a mid-term review to take place five years into the contract. While the mid-term review will cover matters dealt with in annual reviews, its overall focus will be more strategic in nature. It is my intention prior to the mid-term review to seek comments from all interested parties for consideration as part of the review.
I have no plans to review the criteria for refusal of a NCT certificate. The national car test, NCT, was introduced in order to implement the requirements of EU Directive 96/96/EC relating to the roadworthiness testing of passenger cars. The directive specifies the items to be tested as part of a vehicle test. The NCT reflects both the requirements of the directive and those laid down in national regulations relating to the standards which a vehicle must meet for use on a public road.
51 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish the report of the taxi advisory council on new regulations to be introduced to the taxi industry; if the report recommends that all taxi drivers must wear seat belts, that all taxi drivers must be in possession of a current tax clearance certificate from the Revenue Commissioners and that a new tamper proof identification badge be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15901/04]
By letter dated 24 February 2004 the advisory council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation provided advice to me on a number of matters relevant to small public service vehicles and their drivers. The council recommended the removal of the exemption on the wearing of seat belts by the drivers of small public service vehicles, the early commencement of section 37 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 which requires small public service vehicle and drivers licence holders and applicants to hold a current tax clearance certificate, and the introduction of a new identification badge for all drivers of small public service vehicles to replace the existing metal badge.
I advised the council on 31 March 2004 that I had accepted its advice on these matters and had asked my Department to proceed with the consideration of the proposals in consultation with the Revenue Commissioners, the Garda authorities and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. My Department will publish the council's letter and my reply on its website in due course.
I have recently announced that I will shortly sign an order to commence section 37(1) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 with effect from 2 August 2004. From that date a taxi, wheelchair accessible taxi, hackney or limousine licence or a licence to drive such vehicles will not be granted or renewed unless the applicant produces to the licensing authority, that is, the local authority or the Garda as appropriate, a tax clearance certificate issued by Revenue under section 1095 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. I also expect to be in a position to bring forward amending regulations on the wearing of seatbelts by small public service vehicle drivers in the near future. The proposals regarding driver identification are the subject of correspondence with the Garda authorities and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and their observations on the matter are awaited.
52 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to introduce public service contracts into the rail service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15804/04]
I set out my proposals for public transport reform in a statement to the public transport partnership forum in November 2002. As outlined in that statement it is my intention to establish an independent authority to procure public transport services. I also proposed that all DART and suburban rail services in the greater Dublin area would be provided subject to a multi-annual public service contract negotiated by the independent authority with Iarnród Éireann.
In reply to recent questions, I have stated that it is now my intention that the independent authority will have a national remit and in this context it is my intention that all rail services provided by Iarnród Éireann will be subject to a public service contract with the new authority. It is my intention to proceed with legislation to give effect to these and other public transport reforms during 2004.
54 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a study presented to the environmental health conference 2004 in Dublin showing that 20% of truck drivers have fallen asleep at the wheel; the procedures in place to restrict driving times for truck drivers; his views on their effectiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15891/04]
I understand that the study referred to by the Deputy in a paper entitled "Assessing Occupational Health and Safety of Heavy Goods Vehicles' Drivers and the Risk of Sleep Deprivation" which was presented by a student from Ulster University, Jordanstown, as a research paper at the joint annual conference of environmental health officers held in Dublin on 13 and 14 May 2004. I have not had sight of the paper as yet. A copy has been requested from the conference organisation.
The road haulage division of my Department is responsible for the enforcement of EU rules governing drivers' hours, breaks and rest periods for commercial drivers. Tachograph devices are fitted to the cabs of trucks and buses to record information on the driver's activities for the purpose of checking compliance with the drivers' hours rules. These rules promote road safety by setting limits on the hours worked by drivers of heavy goods and large passenger vehicles.
There are currently nine transport officers engaged full time on enforcement of these rules. The rules are also enforced by the Garda. Transport officers enforce the rules through roadside checkpoints and visits to operator premises. In recent years my Department has significantly increased the level of roadside checkpoints for enforcement of tachograph regulations. In addition, the level of multi agency checkpoints, which include inspectors from Revenue and other agencies as appropriate, was increased from 44 in 2002 to 98 in 2003. A total of 104 multi agency checkpoints have been scheduled for 2004. I am satisfied that these measures will help to ensure increased compliance with drivers' hours rules and contribute significantly to the promotion of road safety.
56 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of the Spencer Dock; if he has had discussions with Irish Rail on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15805/04]
Irish Rail has had discussions with my Department on the issue and further proposals are awaited from the company in that regard.
58 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to comments by a person (details supplied) that in order for the Luas to be successful it must be fully integrated with rail and bus services and that should bus services be deregulated this will cause problems for integrated ticketing in view of the fact that companies will set their own fares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15910/04]
I set out my policy proposals for public transport reform in statements to the public transport partnership forum in November 2002 and the Oireachtas Committee on Transport in June 2003. As I have stated previously, it is now my intention to establish an independent procurement and regulatory body for public transport which will operate on a national basis. This body will be responsible for procuring, promoting and regulating public transport.
In carrying out its functions it will be subject to certain overriding objectives which will include the development of an integrated public transport system. This will include the integration of Luas, train and bus services and also ensuring that all operators are part of an integrated ticketing scheme. The establishment of this independent body will strengthen integration by replacing the current ad hoc and voluntary arrangements for service and ticket integration with a statutory basis.
With regard to current arrangements for the integration of Luas with existing services, the Railway Procurement Agency is working with the CIÉ group companies and with private operators to achieve integration of light rail with other modes of transport. With regard to integrated ticketing, the Railway Procurement Agency has statutory responsibility for the delivery of a smart card based integrated ticketing system for use in a multi-modal, multi-operator environment. The scheme is being developed in consultation with public transport operators and the public. Where services are procured under a public service obligation by the proposed independent body, operators will not be free to set their own fares. Fares will be regulated by the body as part of the contractual arrangements for the delivery of services.
59 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to roll out the other offences under the penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15817/04]
62 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding the computerised penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15779/04]
91 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to review the penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15767/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59, 62 and 91 together.
The penalty points system currently applies in respect of the offences of breaching a speed limit, motor insurance and the failure of a driver to wear a seat belt or to ensure that passengers under 17 years of age are appropriately restrained in a mechanically propelled vehicle. I intend to extend the system to cover the offence of careless driving with effect from 4 June next.
The full application of the penalty points system will be achieved when the relevant IT systems being developed by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda are completed. I am assured by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, that the systems in question will be operational by the end of this year. The question of reviewing the system will be considered against the background of its full operation.
60 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he has received a report from the Luas project team on the safety of the Luas lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15774/04]
I refer the Deputy to my response to his Parliamentary Question No. 58 of 4 May 2004. The position as outlined in that response remains the same.
I wrote to the chairman of the Railway Procurement Agency on 30 April last requesting that the agency review the level and extent of its current safety information programme, related to the introduction of Luas services. The chairman has agreed to this request. I also asked the chairman for the board's assurance that all reasonable steps are being taken to reduce to the minimum level practicable any safety hazards associated with the operation of Luas from the point of view of the public. This will be a requirement of the Railway Safety Bill in any case, when enacted. I am awaiting the outcome of the board's urgent consideration of these matters.
64 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the progress of his proposals to complete a review of speed limits and convert to the metric system before the end of 2004; if he expects to meet this timescale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15913/04]
The European Communities (Units of Measurement) (Amendment) Regulations 2002, S.I. No. 619 of 2002, lay down that imperial units of measurement may only be used on road traffic signs for speed and speed measurement until 31 December 2004. I intend to bring legislative proposals before the Oireachtas shortly that are required to underpin revised speed limit structures based on metric values. I have set up a broadly based metrication changeover task force to oversee the delivery of the metrication programme within the required timeframe. The tender process for the procurement of new posts and metric speed limit signs in currently under way. A consultation process is ongoing with relevant agencies and the preparation of a public awareness campaign is also being progressed.
In the context of an overall review of speed limits carried out against the background of the metrication of such limits generally, county and city managers were asked in January 2003 to examine the position in their areas. The primary focus of the examination was to ensure that the dis-application of default speed limits and the application of special speed limits were supported by by-laws. In addition, the authorities were asked to look at instances where speed limits might not be appropriate and to take any action they deemed to be appropriate.
My Department wrote to managers again in March 2004 repeating the request to look at possible instances of inappropriate speed limits and outlining the overall position on the progress for metrication of speed limits later this year. In order to assist managers in the review of speed limits, they were informed by my Department earlier this month of locations that were identified in submissions received from the Automobile Association and the Society for the Irish Motor Industry where the appropriateness of the current speed limit has been questioned in representations made to the latter bodies by motorists.
Managers have specifically been asked to look at the locations that have been the subject of complaint to the AA and SIMI and if the local authority considers that the speed limit is not appropriate, that steps should be taken to introduce appropriate amendments to the by-laws, which will see more appropriate speed limits applied. It has also been made clear that where, on the other hand, the local authority considers that the speed limit in question is appropriate and justified by reference to the prevailing road safety, engineering, traffic or environmental considerations, they have been asked to consider the provision of a sign informing road users of the need for that limit.
I am awaiting reports from the managers on each location where the current limit is perceived by motorists to be inappropriate. I expect that these reports will convey either the grounds that support and justify the application of the current speed limit concerned or indicate that the speed limit in question is being referred to the council members for appropriate action.
68 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport his views on the collapse of an air tour operator (details supplied) after just eight days of operation; the measures he plans in order to introduce new bonding arrangements to prevent new operators collapsing overnight and leaving passengers with valid tickets stranded outside Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15907/04]
First, I wish to express my regret at the sudden collapse of this company and the difficulties that it poses for its customers and staff.
It is important to state at the outset that this company was licensed as a tour operator under the 1982 Transport Act, and was not licensed as an airline, even though its trading name may have given the impression that it was an airline. The licensing of tour operators is a matter for the Commission for Aviation Regulation.
Flyjetgreen was using aircraft chartered from an airline that is a subsidiary of Icelandair called Loftleidir Icelandic. That airline is regulated by the Icelandic authorities. Iceland is part of the European Economic Area and is a full participant in the liberalised European aviation market.
In accordance with the normal requirements to be licensed as a tour operator, Flyjetgreen had lodged a bond with the Commission for Aviation Regulation. That bond is now available to the commission to assist customers who need help as a result of the collapse of the company. It should be emphasised that the bonding arrangements are in place to assist customers of tour operators or travel agents, in the event of a company failing. Unfortunately tour operators and travel agents operate in a very competitive market and it is not unusual for a number of them to collapse from time to time. A bond cannot, in any way, prevent a company from getting into financial difficulties and collapsing, rather what a bond does is to help consumers if a collapse happens.
I have no doubt that the Commission for Aviation Regulation would advise me if at any time it felt that the statutory provisions relating to the licensing and bonding of tour operators needed to be changed. There is currently no Irish legislation in preparation requiring the bonding of airlines. The focus of many airlines is to reduce the cost of flying. An airline bond would push airline prices up. In view of the competitive distortions that that could produce, any such measure would have to be introduced at European level.
72 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the sections of new quality bus corridor which are due to be completed in 2004; and the projected sections that are due to be constructed in 2005. [15941/04]
My Department is making €27 million available for quality bus corridor, QBC, development in 2004 and will continue to prioritise QBC roll out in 2005. However, the sections of new QBCs that will actually be completed in 2004 depend on the outcome of public consultation and tender processes, while 2005 project plans await ratification by the relevant local authorities in the autumn of this year. I will be making an announcement on the issue in the coming weeks and will then arrange to have the details forwarded to the Deputy.
74 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to be able to introduce proposals for improving the accessibility for wheelchair users in Dublin taxis. [15942/04]
The Government is committed in An Agreed Programme for Government to continue the process of making taxis wheelchair accessible. However, a number of complex issues concerning implementation of this accessible taxi policy have yet to be decided. These include improvements to the existing wheelchair accessible taxi specification to accommodate the greatest possible range of people, issues surrounding urban/rural needs and the cost of suitable vehicles. These issues will be addressed by the statutory Commission for Taxi Regulation, when established, as part of the development of new small public service vehicle standards.
The Taxi Regulation Act 2003 specifically provides that an objective of the Commission for Taxi Regulation is to promote access to small public service vehicles by persons with disabilities. In this regard, the commission will be tasked with the determination of the future policy on accessible taxis. It is envisaged that this will necessitate specific discussions with both disability and taxi representative groups. The commission will also determine the manner and timeframe for the implementation of the standards for accessible taxi services.
Pending the establishment of the commission, I have indicated to the advisory council to the commission that I am interested in its advice on a range of issues relating to quality enhancement and standards for small public service vehicles and their drivers, including general vehicle condition and appearance, and accessibility for persons with mobility and sensory difficulties.
75 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to grant permission for armed US sky marshals to fly on transatlantic flights into and from Ireland; if he has received requests from US carriers for sky marshals to be on board flights destined to and emanating out of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15894/04]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 417 of 24 February 2004 on this matter. I have nothing further to add to that reply.
77 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport when the fifth progress report on the road to safety will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15765/04]
The Programme for Government states that a three year road safety strategy will be developed and will target speeding, drink driving, seatbelt wearing and pedestrian safety in order to reduce deaths and injuries. At my request, the high level group on road safety has prepared a draft new strategy for the period 2004 to 2006 and I have received approval from Government to publish it. Arrangements are being put in place to provide for printing and publishing of the document, including its translation into Irish, as soon as possible.
The preparation of the new strategy has taken account of the achievements in meeting the targets set out in the road to safety strategy 1998-2002, a comprehensive review of that strategy and further positive trends established in 2003, and the evolving developments in relation to the EU third road safety action plan. The strategy, which includes a report on progress achieved during the term of the previous strategy, will outline a range of issues that it is intended will be pursued over the period in question. In overall terms, measures will focus on the areas of education, enforcement, engineering and legislation and will target the key areas of speeding, driving while intoxicated and seatbelt wearing.
80 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport the position with regard to the establishment of a second terminal at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15881/04]
Passenger traffic through Dublin Airport is expected to grow from last year's level of almost 16 million passengers to 30 million by around 2020. New infrastructure capacity and facilities, both airside and landside, will be needed to cater for this growth, including further terminal capacity. With regard to the latter, the programme for Government includes a commitment to examine proposals for a new independent terminal at the airport and to progress such proposals if the evidence suggests that such a terminal will deliver significant benefits. The question currently at issue, therefore, is not whether new terminal capacity should be provided at Dublin Airport but rather who should provide the next tranche of capacity, the authority responsible for the airport as a whole or the private sector.
As the Deputy is aware, the report of last year by the panel of experts chaired by Mr. Paddy Mullarkey concluded that an independent terminal at Dublin Airport would be operationally and technically feasible and that such a terminal is a viable strategic option for the airport. I will continue to give urgent attention to the independent terminal concept and I will bring proposals in the matter to the Government in due course.
81 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ban HGVs from Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15813/04]
Traffic management in Dublin is the responsibility of Dublin City Council. I am informed that a heavy goods vehicle management strategy is currently being developed by the council to coincide with the opening of the Dublin Port tunnel. This plan has three objectives: to ensure the optimal use by HGVs of the port tunnel, to minimise adverse effects of remaining HGV movements in the city and to manage the movement of vehicles not within permitted dimensions, for example, through permit systems. I understand that Dublin City Council has circulated a draft interim report identifying the issues involved in the management strategy and that it is undertaking widespread consultation on the report before finally implementing any HGV management strategy.
82 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether it will be possible to continue Luas line B from St. Stephen’s Green down Dawson Street, College Green and Westmoreland Street to link up with Luas line A running from Tallaght to Connolly Station; the rate of reduction in traffic levels in College Green over the past five years due to the traffic restrictions that have been put in place on traffic coming from George’s Street, Dawson Street, Pearse Street and O’Connell Street onto the green; and if such a reduction in traffic in the area will make it easier to run the Luas overground in the city centre. [15944/04]
Integration of public transport services in the greater Dublin area is being pursued within the broad policy framework established by the Dublin Transportation Office's "Platform for Change". In this regard, the question of a connection between the Tallaght and Sandyford Luas lines is being considered in the context of proposals for a metro alignment from the city centre to Dublin airport. I am currently finalising my proposals on the metro in the context of the wider transport needs of the greater Dublin area. In advance of the Government considering these proposals, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matters raised in any more detail. I expect to bring my proposals to the Government before the summer. Local traffic management together with traffic data is the responsibility of the relevant local authority, Dublin City Council in this case.
84 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to curtail greenhouse gas emissions caused by heavy traffic. [15886/04]
The Road Traffic Acts provide for the restriction and prohibition of traffic geared towards the safety of road users and traffic management. Decisions regarding the deployment of controls on traffic and the application of the measures involved are matters for the local authorities and, in the case of national roads, the National Roads Authority.
As the Deputy is probably aware, Ireland has international obligations under the Kyoto Protocol to limit emissions of greenhouse gases. As part of our efforts to do so, the Minister for Finance has asked Departments concerned, including my own, to bring forward plans for a carbon energy tax with a target date for introduction of end 2004. Given the many and varied implications of such a tax, the Department of Finance has conducted a full public consultation with interested parties on the design of the tax. I understand that an interdepartmental committee, chaired by the Department of Finance, has been examining the submissions received with a view to preparing proposals for submission to Government by the Minister for Finance.
89 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of the Phoenix Park tunnel; if he has had discussions with Irish Rail on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15783/04]
Irish Rail recently completed a study on the feasibility of providing an interconnector tunnel from Heuston Station to the Docklands. At my request this study also examined the question of increased use of the Phoenix Park tunnel for passenger services between Connolly and Heuston stations.
The completed study has been submitted to my Department and discussions have taken place, with Irish Rail in particular, with regard to the project. The company is looking at the potential for making greater use of the Phoenix Park tunnel when the second phase of the DART upgrade programme is completed in 2007 and extra rail paths into Connolly Station become available.
92 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport his plans to allow bus lanes on the hard shoulders of motorways; the time scale proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15911/04]
I am anxious to ensure that as many practical measures as possible are taken to improve public transport flows and reduce congestion throughout the country. In that regard, my officials are engaged in discussions with Bus Éireann, the Dublin Transportation Office, the quality bus network office of Dublin City Council and the National Roads Authority regarding the use of the hard shoulder on roads, including those linking Dublin and satellite towns.
The provision of hard shoulders for use as bus lanes can be facilitated through regulations made under section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994. However, as Road Traffic Acts provide that road speed limits apply to all of the vehicles using those roads, save where a lower ordinary speed limit applies to a particular class of vehicle, the application of a separate speed limit to vehicles using a reserved hard shoulder must be provided for in primary legislation.
The road traffic Bill that is currently being drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel proposes to provide a legal basis for the introduction of the concept of making by-laws to apply a special speed limit in respect of a specified national road or motorway or part, carriageway or lane thereof in lieu of the speed limit that normally applies to that road.
95 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the height of the Dublin Port tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15803/04]
The position regarding the height of the tunnel is that my Department appointed consultants to review the feasibility, safety implications and cost of raising the height of the Dublin Port tunnel. They were requested to review a range of options for increasing the operational height of the tunnel, their feasibility, having regard to the state of implementation of the current design and build contract, and the likely additional costs and impact on the project completion date.
Having reviewed the findings of the report further information has been sought from the NRA pertaining to its conclusions, in particular about the costs should the tunnel height be increased. As a result the contractors have been requested to provide a fixed price cost for the work involved. Following receipt of this information a decision on the height of the Dublin Port tunnel will be made.
97 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport his views on Iarnród Éireann’s proposals for a new integrated greater Dublin commuter rail system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15787/04]
Irish Rail has developed proposals for an integrated rail network for the greater Dublin area for the period up to 2010.
The proposals are being discussed between my Department and the company at present in the context of: the overall capital envelope available for public transport over the coming years; the priorities in the DTO strategy, "Platform for Change" and the regional planning guidelines for the greater Dublin area; the need to achieve a modal shift in favour of public transport so as to tackle congestion.
99 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason an application for work permits for persons which were submitted by a company (details supplied) have not been dealt with; and if she will take steps to ensure that same are immediately dealt with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16015/04]
Each work permit application is considered on its own merits. I am informed that the work permit section of my Department wrote to the employer on 12 February 2004 requesting additional information in order to process the application. To date no reply has been received.
100 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a retail centre that insists that all unit holders insure themselves through one company is engaging in unfair practices. [16039/04]
The Competition Act 2002 prohibits anti-competitive practices and the Competition Authority is the independent statutory body charged with the enforcement of this legislation. Accordingly, allegations of anti-competitive practices should be referred to the authority for investigation. Given that the authority is currently carrying out a study of competition issues in the non-life insurance sector, it may be particularly interested in the circumstances of this case.
101 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself with the present regime for persons residing on work permits such as a person (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties that such families have in making ends meet in view of the work restrictions placed on all of the family members; if such a regime of dependency is an intended outcome of her Department’s policy; if she will review the rules for such families who travel to Ireland on work permits to alleviate this disincentive for skilled workers with families travelling here on work permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16112/04]
From the information supplied it appears that the person in question is working in Ireland on the basis of a working visa rather than the basis of a work permit. Spouses of non-EEA nationals are not prohibited from working in the State. However, they do require an employment permit in their own right.
In light of difficulties experienced by some spouses I recently announced new arrangements designed to give greater ease of access to employment for the spouses of certain non-EEA nationals working in the State under specified schemes and facilities, including the working visa facility. These arrangements are already in operation for some weeks now. Some 105 work permits have already been granted to eligible spouses.
A detailed set of guidelines, outlining the eligibility criteria and procedures relating to these arrangements, have been available on my Department's website since April. They have also been circulated to a range of Government Departments, health bodies and other relevant organisations, including employer organisations, to promote as wide a circulation of this information as possible.
There are about 30,000 non-EEA nationals working in Ireland on the basis of work permits and, as some 9,000 work visas or work authorisations have been granted to date, the implications of any proposal to grant automatic permission to work for other family members will need to be carefully assessed.
102 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare seeking a work permit; when a decision will be made regarding this matter in view of the fact that their spouse has such a work permit and has resided in Ireland for one year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16114/04]
I am informed that there is no record of a valid work permit application in this case. Applications which are incomplete or incorrect are returned to the employer for completion.
103 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence if he will list the number of meetings in the past year of each interdepartmental committee or body on which his Department is represented; the frequency and location of its meetings; and where it is intended those meetings will take place after decentralisation. [15338/04]
The interdepartmental committees and bodies on which my Department is represented are set out in the table hereunder:
|
Interdepartmental Committee |
Frequency of Meetings |
Location |
|
SMI implementation group of secretaries general |
9-10 meetings per year. |
Department of the Taoiseach, Dublin |
|
Committee of the assistant secretaries’ network |
Monthly. |
Various, generally Dublin city centre |
|
e-government: assistant secretaries’ implementation group |
Monthly. |
Department of the Taoiseach, Dublin |
|
Steering group of assistant secretaries — new vision for the Civil Service |
Infrequently, as required. |
Department of the Taoiseach, Dublin |
|
Change management network |
9-10 meetings per year. |
Department of the Taoiseach, Dublin |
|
QCS working group |
5 meetings per annum. |
Department of the Taoiseach, Dublin |
|
QCS officers’ network |
6 meetings per annum. |
Department of the Taoiseach, Dublin |
|
Organisational development forum |
2 meetings per annum. |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Evaluation network (expenditure review initiative) |
Currently under consideration. |
Various conference locations in Dublin. |
|
Central input committee |
1 meeting in the past 2 years. |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Press officers’ network |
Weekly. |
Department of the Taoiseach, Dublin |
|
FOI Civil Service users’ network |
Monthly. |
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dublin |
|
FOI interdepartmental working group |
4 meetings per annum. |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Departmental trainers officers network |
Quarterly |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
CMOD interdepartmental training committee |
Quarterly |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
e-Cabinet group |
Monthly |
Department of the Taoiseach, Dublin |
|
e-Procurement group |
Quarterly |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Government contracts committee sub-committees |
Bi-monthly |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Heads of internal audit forum |
Quarterly |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Human resources management subgroup — SMI |
As required |
Department of the Taoiseach, Dublin |
|
Human resource management system users network |
As required |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
IT managers network |
6 times per annum |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
IT security policy group |
As required |
Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Dublin |
|
Webmasters group |
6 times per annum |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Emergency response co-ordinating committee |
As required |
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin |
|
Consultative committee on nuclear emergency planning |
As required |
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin |
|
Government task force on emergency planning |
As required, 7 times since May 2003 |
Department of Defence, Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental committee on peacekeeping |
As required, one meeting since May 2003 |
Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental committee on UN issues |
As required |
Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental committee on major emergencies |
As required |
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental working group on emergency planning |
As required, 10 meetings since May 2003 |
Department of Defence, Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental monitoring committee — Sellafield mox plant |
As required, no meeting since May 2003 |
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental committee on severe acute respiratory syndrome — SARS |
As required, 5 meetings since May 2003 |
Department of Health and Children, Dublin |
|
Expert committee — contingency planning for biological threats |
As required, 3 meetings since May 2003 |
Department of Health and Children, Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental committee on combating terrorism |
As required, 2 meetings since May 2003 |
Department of the Taoiseach, Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental co-ordinating committee on EU affairs |
Fortnightly |
Department of the Taoiseach, Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental committee for co-ordinating the Presidency |
As required |
Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental committee to oversee the piloting and maintenance of the new Garda helicopter |
As required |
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental committee on the future of the national military archives |
4 meetings held in 2003, held as required |
Department of Defence, Dublin |
|
Irish marine search and rescue committee |
Bi-annually |
Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Dublin |
|
Joint industrial council for State employees |
Bi-monthly |
Labour Relations Commission, Dublin |
|
Management information framework users network |
As required |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Management information framework project managers group |
6 meetings per annum |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Management information framework consultative committee |
3-4 meetings per annum |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Mullarkey implementation group |
Monthly |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Management committee for common systems in accounts branches — MCCSAB |
2-3 meetings per annum |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Maritime security implementation group |
Quarterly |
Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Dublin |
|
National security authority |
As required |
Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin |
|
National security committee |
12 per annum |
Department of the Taoiseach, Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Committee |
Frequency of Meetings |
Location |
|
National civil aviation security committee |
As required, 2 meetings since May 2003 |
Department of Transport, Dublin |
|
Survey technical committee |
3 meetings per annum |
Geological Survey of Ireland, Dublin |
|
Personnel officers interdepartmental group |
4-5 times per annum |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Performance management and development network — PMDS |
Quarterly |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Disability liaison officers network |
Infrequently, as required. |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental committee on decentralisation |
As required |
Department of Finance, Dublin |
|
Transportation of dangerous goods by rail |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Crisis management exercise committee |
3 meetings per annum |
Dublin |
|
Seabed technical advisory committee |
As required, 3 meetings since May 2003 |
Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Dublin |
The locations at which meetings will be held following decentralisation is not known.
104 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will list the number of meetings in the past year of each interdepartmental committee or body on which his Department is represented; the frequency and location of its meetings; and where it is intended those meetings will take place after decentralisation. [15339/04]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following schedule. The meetings take place at a variety of locations with a high proportion in Dublin. At this juncture, it is not possible to be definitive about the location of meetings post-decentralisation as in many instances my Department is not the lead Department.
|
Interdepartmental Committee/Body |
Number of Meetings |
Frequency |
Current Location |
|
Working group on earth lined effluent stores, outwintering pads and constructed wetlands |
8 |
6 weeks |
Dublin or Grange |
|
Nitrates directive liaison committee |
2 |
6 months |
Dublin |
|
Nitrates expert group |
8 |
2 months |
Dublin, Portlaoise, Wexford |
|
Water framework directive |
5 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
Water framework directive — working group on characterisation and reporting |
3 |
Infrequent |
Dublin |
|
National hazardous waste management plan — implementation committee |
4 |
Quarterly |
Dublin, Wexford |
|
National climate change strategy — inventory data group |
1 |
Infrequent |
Dublin |
|
Bio energy strategy group |
10 |
1 month |
Dublin |
|
Emergency response consultative committee — nuclear emergencies — co-ordination group. |
1 |
Infrequent |
Dublin |
|
Water framework directive — expert group on dangerous substances |
9 |
1 month |
Dublin |
|
Advisory committee on dangerous substances |
4 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
EU chemicals strategy — IDEUCS |
3 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
EU chemicals strategy-technical group |
30 |
Weekly |
Dublin |
|
DAF/FSAI steering committee |
4 |
3 months |
Dublin |
|
FSAI legislative committee |
1 |
Infrequent |
Dublin |
|
FSAI scientific committee |
4 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
Strategy for anti-microbial resistance |
3 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Bord Bia board meetings |
7 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
Enterprise Ireland investment committee |
24 |
2 weeks |
Dublin |
|
Operational programme for productive sector — monitoring committee |
2 |
6 months |
Various |
|
Operational programme for employment human resource development- monitoring committee |
2 |
6 months |
Various |
|
Food monitoring committee |
2 |
6 months |
Dublin |
|
Food agency co-operation council |
3 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
MIF consultative committee |
5 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
MIF project management committee |
8 |
1 month |
Dublin |
|
Mullarkey implementation group |
11 |
1 month |
Dublin |
|
Resource allocation and business — RAB — steering committee |
4 |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
RAB — project group |
9 |
1 month |
Dublin |
|
Accreditation review group |
5 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
North-South Ministerial Council — disease surveillance |
2 |
6 months |
Dundalk |
|
North-South Ministerial Council — working group on medicines |
2 |
6 months |
Dundalk/Newry |
|
North-South Ministerial Council — working group on zoonoses |
3 |
Quarterly |
Dundalk/Newry |
|
Regional zoonoses committee |
4 |
Quarterly |
Rotates within region |
|
Irish Medicines Board advisory committee on veterinary medicines |
6 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
Board Bia technical committees — eggs, poultry, pigs |
5 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
FSAI bi-lateral meetings — eggs |
2 |
6 months |
Dublin |
|
FSAI — service contract meetings — eggs |
4 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
FSAI — BSE committee |
6 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
FSAI service contract meetings — residues |
3 |
4 months |
Dublin |
|
FSAI service contract meetings — zoonoses |
3 |
4 months |
Dublin |
|
Teagasc — pig research advisory committee |
3 |
4 months |
Cork, Portlaoise |
|
Working group on landfill directive |
3 |
4 months |
Dublin |
|
Teagasc — organic poultry advisory committee |
3 |
4 months |
Wexford |
|
State Laboratory — service level contract meetings |
3 |
4 months |
Dublin |
|
Committee on GMO’s |
3 |
4 months |
Dublin, Wexford |
|
Working group on cross-compliance on single farm payments |
3 |
1 month |
Portlaoise |
|
Science and technology committee |
1 |
6 months |
Dublin |
|
Steering group on European research area |
1 |
Infrequent |
Dublin |
|
Co-ordination group on participation in 6th framework programme |
4 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
National accreditation board |
6 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
Working group on coexistence of GM crops with organic and conventional crops |
5 |
1 month |
Maynooth, Backweston |
|
DAF/Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government — National Parks and Wildlife Service |
3 |
Dublin |
|
|
Training officers committee. |
6 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
Change management network |
10 |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
PMDS network |
7 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
PMDS evaluation sub-committee of general council |
5 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
Partnership sub-committee of general council |
2 |
Dublin |
|
|
MCCSIPA — management committee for common systems in personnel areas — HRMS |
4 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
HRMS functional user-group |
6 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
HRMS technical group |
5 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
Personnel officers network |
3 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
Joint industrial council for State employees |
6 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
Decentralisation liaison officers group |
2 |
1 month |
Dublin |
|
Office of emergency planning working group |
10 |
1 month |
Dublin |
|
Steering group on laboratory projects |
13 |
1 month |
Dublin |
|
National spatial strategy committee |
3 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
MCCSIA — management committee for common accounts systems |
3 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Quality customer service working group |
4 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Quality service officers network |
6 |
2 months |
Dublin |
|
FOI Civil Service users network |
10 |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
FOI working group |
3 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Co-ordinating committee on European Union affairs |
19 |
2 weeks |
Dublin |
|
Foreign earnings committee |
2 |
6 months |
Dublin |
|
Co-ordinating committee on State aid |
4 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Oireachtas scrutiny co-ordinators |
2 |
Infrequently |
Dublin |
|
Intergovernmental Conference overview group |
13 |
Weekly |
Dublin |
|
Senior officials group on Presidency |
24 |
Weekly |
Dublin |
|
Administrative Presidency planning group |
8 |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
Committee to co-ordinate the Presidency |
6 |
Dublin |
|
|
Implementation group of assistant secretary on e-government |
3 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
VPN programme guard |
1 |
Infrequent |
Dublin |
|
Information communications technology managers forum — ICTMF |
3 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
e-Cabinet technical group |
1 |
Infrequent |
Dublin |
|
SMI implementation group of secretaries general |
9 |
Every 4-6 weeks |
Dublin |
|
e-Strategy group of secretaries general |
5 |
Infrequent |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental co-ordination committee on the relocation of laboratories. |
2 |
Infrequent |
Dublin |
105 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation regarding the forestry premium for 2003 and 2004 for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [15994/04]
Payment of the outstanding premiums will be made shortly.
106 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when early farm retirement will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [16041/04]
The person named sought an exemption from certain qualifying conditions of the farm retirement scheme on the grounds of her ill health. She had ceased farming in 1995 and, as a consequence, was unable to satisfy a number of conditions including the requirement to have been engaged in farming for the ten calendar years prior to the date of transfer or lease of her land under the scheme to an eligible transferee. Only leases or transfers of pension lands to eligible transferees on or after 1 January 2000 are eligible for inclusion in the scheme.
The scheme includes a provision for conditions to be waived where an applicant cannot meet them for certain reasons beyond his or her control, including long-term incapacity. My Department, while sympathetic to the situation of the person named, concluded that an exemption could not be granted in her case because she had been out of farming for nine years. The farm retirement scheme is fundamentally a restructuring scheme intended to encourage older farmers to retire early and give over their land to younger farmers. The fact that the person named has been out of farming for so long made it very difficult to accept that she was still in any meaningful sense a farmer. It is considered that the granting of an exemption in this case would have stretched the interpretation of the scheme beyond reasonable limits.
The person named was informed of this decision through her agricultural adviser and advised of her right of appeal to the agriculture appeals office.
107 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the hectarage of reforestation that has taken place inside areas designated as acid sensitive since the introduction of the acidification protocol; and if he can give an assurance that the protocol’s safeguards are being applied to reforestation as well as initial afforestation. [16104/04]
The acidification protocol, which was drawn up by COFORD — the National Council for Forest Research and Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency, applies to initial afforestation only. The hectarage of reforestation in such areas is not currently available.
108 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will provide the figures on which his Department makes an averaging approach to take account of differences in rates of carbon emissions and sequestration between mineral and peat soils, as stated in a recent written reply to Parliamentary Question No. 225 of 27 April 2004. [16105/04]
1990 is the base year for carbon accounting under the Kyoto Protocol. Carbon emissions for peat and mineral soils are averaged on the basis that peat and minerals soils have comprised 30% and 70%, respectively, of the area afforested since 1990. Using this methodology and taking into account relevant scientific data, average soil emissions are set at 0.5 tonnes of carbon per hectare per year. With regard to sequestration, average rates are derived from area weighted average growth rates of tree species, taken from Irish forest inventory data. The inventory data cover all forests planted on both peat and mineral soil.
My Department, through the National Council for Forest Research and Development, is funding research on many aspects of carbon emission and sequestration in Irish forests. As new data becomes available from the research, emission and sequestration figures will be updated as necessary.
109 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress of the process of revising, extending and consolidating the Forestry Acts; and the extent of public consultation. [16106/04]
The process of revising the Forestry Acts will be informed by the review of the 1996 strategic plan being undertaken by private consultants which will be delivered in September 2004. Public consultation will be an integral part of this process.
110 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if the VRT and VAT scheme could be modified in circumstances where a person’s physical health has deteriorated to the extent that they need to upgrade their car sooner than the regulations specify and have medical evidence to show that; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16019/04]
An interdepartmental review group was established to review the disabled drivers and disabled passengers, tax concessions, scheme. The group examined all aspects of the scheme, including the qualifying medical criteria. I have received the report of the interdepartmental review group on the disabled drivers and disabled passengers, tax concessions, scheme and it is currently being considered. Any recommendations contained in this report regarding the medical criteria and other conditions of the scheme will receive full consideration.
111 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which decentralisation proposals are likely to be met by way of relocation of public servants to County Kildare, with particular reference to north Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16070/04]
As the Deputy is aware, in my Budget Statement of 3 December 2003, I announced the Government decision to relocate the Defence Forces HQ, involving 300 posts, to the Curragh, the Department of Defence, involving 200 posts, to Newbridge, and an element of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, involving 250 posts, to Athy.
An announcement on the locations for 835 ICT staff and 500 health sector staff remains outstanding. This announcement of the locations for both groups of staff will be made shortly.
112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can avail of a scheme to purchase a specially adapted car to cater for a child who is wheelchair bound; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16071/04]
The disabled drivers and disabled passengers, tax concessions, scheme is open to people with disabilities who meet the specified criteria and have obtained a primary medical certificate to that effect. The senior area medical officer attached to the relevant local health board is responsible for both the medical assessment and the issue of the medical certificate.
The medical criteria for the purposes of the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the disabled drivers and disabled passengers, tax concessions, regulations 1994. Six different types of disablement are listed under the regulations and a qualifying person must satisfy one or more of them. The six types of disablement are as follows: (a) persons who are wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs; (b) persons who are wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs; (c) persons without both hands or without both arms; (d) persons without one or both legs; (e) persons wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg; (f) persons having the medical condition of dwarfism and serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
An individual who qualifies under the medical criteria as set out above is issued with a primary medical certificate. Possession of a primary medical certificate provides for remission or repayment of vehicle registration tax, plus a repayment of value added tax on the purchase of the vehicle, plus a repayment of VAT on the cost of adaptation of the vehicle. Repayment of the excise duty on fuel used in the motor vehicle and exemption from annual road tax to local authorities are also provided for. The Revenue Commissioners are unable to consider an application for the relief without the issue of a valid primary medical certificate.
Application for a primary medical certificate should be made in the first instance to the appropriate health authority. In the event that a certificate is issued, application for relief should then be made to the Revenue Commissioners, Central Repayments Office, Coolshannagh, Monaghan, telephone 047 — 82800.
113 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will list the number of meetings in the past year of each interdepartmental committee or body on which his Department is represented; the frequency and location of its meetings; and where it is intended those meetings will take place after decentralisation. [15466/04]
For the Deputy's information, a list of those interdepartmental committees or bodies on which the Department of Foreign Affairs has been represented during the past year, together with details relating to the frequency and current location of those meetings, is set out in the following table. A number of these committees are chaired by officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs and for many of these the future location of the meetings following the implementation of the decentralisation programme has not yet been decided. Where details of the future location of meetings after decentralisation are known, information is given in this regard. The locations of future meetings of interdepartmental committees chaired by officials from Departments other than the Department of Foreign Affairs is a matter for those Departments.
|
Interdepartmental committee or body on which the Department is represented |
Number of meetings in the past year |
Frequency of meetings |
Location of meetings |
Where it is intended those meetings will take place after decentralisation |
|
Freedom of Information Civil Service Users Network |
12 |
Monthly |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Freedom of Information Interdepartmental Working Group |
2 |
As required |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Quality Customer Service Working Group |
4 |
As required |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Quality Customer Service Research Sub-group |
4 |
As required |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Quality Customer Service Officers Network |
4 |
As required |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Performance Management Development System Network |
3 |
As required |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Training and Development Committee |
2 |
As required |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Training and Development Officers Network |
3 |
As required |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Department of Foreign Affairs — DFA/Office of Public Works — OPW Committee on Accommodation issues in DFA. |
4 |
As required, but approximately every 3 months. |
Usually DFA premises, Dublin and occasionally in OPW premises, Dublin. |
Likely to be Dublin |
|
Corepay Users Group |
4 |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Management Committee for Common Systems in Accounts Branches |
2 |
As required |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Management Information Framework Consultative Committee |
5 |
Approx. every 2 months |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Management Information Framework Project Management Group |
8 |
Every 6 weeks |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Mullarkey Implementation Group |
9 |
Approx. every 6 weeks |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Government Task Force on Emergency Planning |
8 |
1-2 months |
Government Buildings |
For parent Department |
|
Civil Service IT Managers Network |
4 |
Quarterly |
Government Buildings |
For parent Department |
|
Assistant Secretaries Information Society Implementation Group |
3 |
Quarterly |
Government Buildings |
For parent Department |
|
Change Management Network |
11 |
Monthly |
Department of the Taoiseach |
For parent Department |
|
Decentralisation Liaison Officers Group |
4 |
As required |
Department of Finance |
For parent Department |
|
Personnel Officers’ Network |
5 |
Bi-monthly |
Dublin Castle |
For parent Department |
|
Employee Assistance Officers’ Network |
7 |
Bi-monthly |
Dublin venue |
For parent Department |
|
Employee Assistance Officers’ Network meetings with the Department of Finance |
5 |
Bi-monthly |
Department of Finance |
For parent Department |
|
Interdepartmental Committee (IDC) — (considers and approves distribution of funds within Vote 29 for International Co-operation) |
1 |
Annual |
Dublin |
No final decision |
|
Programme Appraisal and Evaluation Group for Vote 29 on International Co-operation |
7 |
Every 2 months |
Dublin |
No final decision |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on Oireachtas Scrutiny Chaired by EU Division, Department of Foreign Affairs |
2 |
Every 6 Months |
Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin |
It is expected that meetings will continue to take place in Dublin. |
|
Communicating Europe Initiative — CEI — Group Chaired by EU Division, Department of Foreign Affairs |
1 |
Every 6 Months |
Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin |
It is proposed that meetings of the group will continue to take place in Dublin. |
|
European Convention Oversight Group |
9 |
As required |
Dept. of Taoiseach |
For parent Department |
|
IGC Oversight Group |
13 |
As required |
D/Taoiseach Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Intergovernmental Conference Group |
6 |
As required |
D/Taoiseach Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on the OECD |
2 |
Every 6 Months |
Dept of Foreign Affairs, Dublin |
No final decision |
|
Interdepartmental Lisbon Group |
9 |
As required |
D/Taoiseach Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on State Aid |
3 |
As required |
D/ETE, Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Interdepartmental Group on Combating Terrorism |
2 |
Variable |
D/Taoiseach Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
High Level Steering Group on the European Research Area |
Variable |
Forfás, Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
|
Working Group on the Status of the Irish language in the EU |
5 |
Every 2-3 months |
Dept. of Foreign Affairs, Dublin |
No final decision |
|
Interdepartmental Group on Trade issues |
26 approx. |
Weekly / fortnightly |
D/ET & E Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Interdepartmental Co-ordinating Committee on EU Affairs |
20 |
Fortnightly |
D/Taoiseach Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Secretaries’ General National Security Committee |
5 |
As required |
Government Buildings |
For parent Department |
|
Senior Officials Group |
24 |
Weekly/ fortnightly |
D/Taoiseach Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Interdepartmental Committee for Co-ordinating the Presidency — IDCCP |
6 |
Monthly |
Dublin |
Committee which held its final meeting on 12 December, 2003, is now disbanded |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on possible UN Convention on HR of persons with Disabilities |
1 |
As required |
Dublin |
As required in Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Committee for Export Licensing for Military and Dual Use Goods |
6 |
Bi-monthly |
Forfás, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2 |
For parent Department/ Forfás |
|
Committee on Peacekeeping |
0 |
Approx. 1 per year |
Dublin, D/FA |
Dublin, D/FA |
|
Committee on UN Issues |
0 |
Approx. 1 per year |
Dublin, D/FA |
Dublin, D/FA |
|
Committee on Preparations for the 10th Anniversary of the UN Year of the Family |
3 |
Every 4 months |
Dublin, D/Social Welfare |
Committee will finish its work this Summer. |
|
Interdepartmental group on Combating Terrorism |
2 |
6-8 weeks |
Dept. Taoiseach |
For parent Department |
|
EU Presidency Drugs Steering Group |
11 |
Monthly |
Dept. Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs |
Will not continue after the Presidency |
|
Heads of Internal Audit Forum — HIAF |
4 |
Quarterly basis |
Dept. Finance, Hatch St. |
For parent Department |
|
SMI Implementation Group of Secretaries General |
9 |
Every 4 to 6 weeks |
Government Buildings |
For parent Department |
|
E-Strategy Group of Secretaries General |
5 |
Once every 2 months |
Government Buildings |
For parent Department |
|
SMI Implementation Group Meeting of Assistant Secretaries |
0 |
As required |
Government Buildings |
For parent Department |
|
Steering Group Meeting of Assistant Secretaries |
1 |
As required |
Government Buildings |
No final decision |
|
Assistant Secretaries Implementation Group on the Information Society |
3 |
Every 4 months |
Government Buildings |
No final decision |
|
Interdepartmental Administrative Presidency Planning Group |
7 |
Two monthly intervals |
Dublin |
Meetings will cease after 30 June |
|
Foreign Earnings Committee |
2 |
2 per year |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
International Education Board of Ireland |
2 |
2 per year |
1 Dublin, 1 Cavan |
For parent Department |
|
Advisory Council for English Language Schools |
6 |
5/6 per year |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
International Education Review Group |
8 |
Every 1/2 months |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Asia Strategy Committee |
3 |
3/4 per year |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
Trade Advisory Forum |
2 |
2 per year |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
St. Patrick’s Day Operational Committee |
3 |
As required |
Dublin |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Working Group to consider the recommendations of the Task Force on Policies regarding Emigrants |
1 |
As required |
Dublin |
Completed in November, 2003 |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on Reform of Marriage Law |
8 |
As required |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
|
North/South Interdepartmental Co-ordinators Group |
5 |
As required |
Dublin |
No final decision |
|
High-Level Interdepartmental Committee on North/South |
2 |
As required |
Dublin |
No final decision |
|
Working Group on the European Court of Justice |
3 |
As required |
Office of the Attorney General |
For parent Department |
|
Interdepartmental Group on the proposal to establish an International Centre for Local and Regional Development |
1 |
As required |
Dublin |
For parent Department |
114 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the recent killings of civilians in the Gaza Strip at EU and UN level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16004/04]
I made clear my deep concern over Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip in the statements I issued on 13, 14 and 19 May. These acts have attracted widespread international condemnation, including from the Secretary General of the United Nations. The Israeli actions in Gaza were also the subject of United Nations Security Resolution 1544, adopted on 19 May.
The situation in the Middle East is a regular item on the agenda of the Council of the European Union and will feature in our discussions on 14 June. The situation in the Middle East will also be discussed by heads of state and government at the European Council on 17 June.
115 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be provided for repairs, new windows and a prefabricated building at Fybough national school, Castlemaine, County Kerry; the reason there is a delay in the provision of this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15976/04]
Repairs and window replacement works are appropriate for consideration under the summer works scheme, which was launched in December last. The closing date for applications under the 2004 scheme was 30 January 2004. I note that Fybough national school, Castelmaine, County Kerry, did not make an application under this scheme.
It is planned to invite applications for the 2005 scheme later this year and full details will be posted on my Department's website at www.education.gov.ie In the meantime, the board of management should use the devolved grant for minor works to attend to any urgent works as required at the school.
All applications for temporary accommodation have been considered in the school planning section of my Department. In the context of available funding and the number of applications received for that funding it was not possible to approve all applications received and only those with an absolute and demonstrated need for additional accommodation were approved. The application from Fybough national school was not successful.
116 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to privatise the points system for admission to third level education. [15977/04]
The Central Applications Office is a private company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. Its membership is representative of the higher education sector. It is funded entirely by application fees and there is no State support from my Department.
The methodology for determining first year admission is a matter for the Central Applications Office and my Department has no role in this.
117 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science when an inspector will be appointed for the Athy, County Kildare, area for primary schools; the period of training which is necessary for the inspector on their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15980/04]
Members of the inspectorate are deployed regionally and each primary school is assigned to an inspector. When a vacancy occurs in the inspectorate, the schools concerned are normally temporarily assigned to another inspector in the region until the vacancy is filled. At present, primary schools in Athy, County Kildare, and neighbouring regions are assigned to a divisional inspector. A precise date has not been fixed for the assignment of schools in the Athy area to a district inspector, but it is expected that a district inspector will be assigned to the Athy area by November 2004.
On recruitment to the inspectorate, primary school inspectors undergo a period of training usually for a period of between four and six months, depending on the progress of individuals and general conditions within the inspectorate.
118 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly is receiving only two 15 minute sessions of resource teaching per week when they have been assessed as needing three hours per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15981/04]
I can confirm that my Department received an application for special educational resources for the pupil referred to by the Deputy on 1 March 2004. The position is that SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all these cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nation-wide census of SER provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The school currently has the services of one full-time resource teacher, one part-time resource teacher and a shared learning support teacher based in the school.
In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently. This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs; making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower prevalence special educational needs.
It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will reduce the need for individualised educational psychological assessment; reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils; and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs.
Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended, also, that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this time frame.
119 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is transferring from a primary school in which they have had the benefit of a special needs assistant will retain this assistant at post-primary school. [15982/04]
My Department allocates resource posts and special needs assistant posts to second level schools to cater for students with special educational needs.
Applications for such support are made to my Department by the relevant school authorities or VECs. Each application is considered on the basis of the assessed needs of the pupil or pupils involved and the nature and level of the support provided is determined on the advice of the psychological service.
An application for special needs assistant support for the 2004-05 school year has been made by County Cork VEC in respect of the student in question. The application is currently under consideration in my Department and the school authority will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.
120 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if an inspector will call to Calmullen national school to review the necessary programme of works that are required under health and safety requirements to ensure that the bacteria in the water in the school is removed, to repair the leaking roof of the school, to replace the ceilings in the school which are collapsing, repair the radiators in the school which are at present supported by pipework serving them and results in the radiator valves leaking when the children lean in any way on the radiators; if these works will be able to be provided through an emergency contingency fund within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16018/04]
I wish to advise the Deputy that officials of my Department's school building section have made direct contact with the school principal regarding health and safety issues in the school, with particular regard to water contamination, water tanks, roof and ceiling repairs. An examination is currently under way in respect of this application and the school authority will be notified within the current week of the outcome of this examination.
121 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a resource teacher will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who will be progressing to senior infants in Scoil San Carlos, Leixlip, County Kildare, in September 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16020/04]
The pupil in question is currently in receipt of 2.5 hours resource teaching support per week. The Deputy may be aware that my Department is developing a weighted system of teacher resource allocation to primary schools from September 2004. An additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated as part of this system. This will allow resources to be speedily allocated to pupils with disabilities on the basis of school based assessment. It is anticipated that the needs of the pupil in question can be accommodated within the proposed weighted system.
122 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Kildare with regard to a teaching post through Kildare VEC; if a suitable teaching position will be offered to them in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16029/04]
The appointment of teachers by vocational education committees is a matter for the relevant VEC, subject to agreed procedures. As my Department has no role in the appointment of individual teachers in the VEC, it would not be appropriate for me or my Department to intervene in any such case.
123 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of the agreement reached between his Department and the Irish National Teachers Organisation on the deployment of the promised further 350 resource teachers; if special education staffing in primary schools is to be maintained and no further teachers will be placed on redeployment panels this school year other than those already notified; if the outstanding applications will be processed as a matter of urgency and decisions will issue as soon as possible; if there will be a weighted model of delivery which will take account of gender and disadvantage and will give flexibility to small schools; if there will be full implementation of this model by September 2005; if in the interim new appointments will be considered on the basis of the weighted model and specific cases; if the 350 new teachers will be allocated to meet special needs as soon as possible on the basis of a weighted model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16036/04]
The transitional arrangements for the introduction of a new weighted model of allocation and the deployment of the additional 350 teaching posts that I announced recently are currently being finalised and my officials are continuing to liaise with representative interests in this context. All schools will be notified of the deployment arrangements as soon as this process has been completed. It is my intention that the weighted model will be introduced in schools by September 2004.
My Department has no plans to place additional teachers on redeployment panels during the current school year as a result of the introduction of the new weighted model.
The position regarding applications for special education resources is as follows. SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all these cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nation-wide census of SER provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on the new weighted system of allocation. This system will involve two main elements: making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs; and making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower prevalence special educational needs.
It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will reduce the need for individualised educational psychological; reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils; and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs. As soon as the consultations with the representative interests have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended, also, that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this time frame.
124 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 270 of 30 March 2004, the costings of his youth education initiative, broken down by venue costs, publications, fees to chairs and staff, promotion and advertising and other costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16037/04]
Details of progress made and costs incurred in connection with the "Your Education System" process of public consultation to the end of March 2004 were provided to the Deputy in April and posted on the website shortly afterwards.
It is my intention that further updates on this will be posted periodically throughout this year. The total cost to date is €684,499.56. This includes costs actually incurred or estimated and quantified. The breakdown requested by the Deputy is as follows: venue costs, actual, €33,525.82; printing and distribution costs, actual, €131,276.83; fees to chairpersons, actual, €44,880.00; expenses for panellists, actual, €8,007.65; cost of independent secretariat for the process, estimated full year cost, €59,680.00; promotion and advertising, actual, €316,536.35; other costs, actual or estimated and quantified, €90,592.91.
Planning of the meetings focused on specific topics and meetings for young people of school going age and the public attitudinal survey is underway. All of these have cost implications, which have not yet been quantified. Similarly the cost implication of producing a final, summary report cannot yet be quantified.
125 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the up to date position regarding the provision of a site for construction of a new community college in Bantry; and the further steps that need to be taken to expedite the progress of this long awaited facility for the people of Bantry. [16062/04]
While visiting Bantry, County Cork, on 21 May 2004, I announced my decision to approve the purchase of a site at Seskin, owned by the County Council, which will provide for construction of the proposed new community college and a new school building for the gaelscoil.
126 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when allowances, including travel allowances, are likely to be increased for VTOS students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16069/04]
A participant on a VTOS programme receives free tuition and is entitled to a training allowance in lieu of an unemployment payment that is paid by vocational education committees. VTOS students with other eligible social welfare entitlements, such as one-parent family payment, continue to receive their payment from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. VTOS students receive books and materials free of charge and may be entitled to a travel allowance if they reside more than three miles from a centre. The rates of the travel allowance are equivalent to those paid to participants on FÁS training courses. They are increased periodically in line with increases in FÁS rates; current rates are in operation since 2002.
127 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a report from a psychologist indicating that a person (details supplied) in County Cork needs resource teacher support; if he will make such support available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16098/04]
My Department has no record of having received an application for special education resources for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The school has advised that it will not be making an application for special educational support for this pupil as she does not qualify for such support under the relevant Department circular.
128 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and their application for a medical grant for their child to attend a special school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16113/04]
In February 2004 an application for grant aid was made to my Department by the family referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied.
My Department approved the maximum grant aid payable and backdated the payment to September 2003. Details of the school transport schemes are on my Department's website at www.education.ie
129 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if urgent action will be taken under sections 19 (3) and 28(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 on the need for integrated planning between the Dublin Port Company and Dublin City Council with regard to Dublin Bay. [15989/04]
I have no statutory function regarding the two statutory provisions referred to by the Deputy.
130 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to review the cost of a drift net salmon licence, which costs €320 in 2004, on hardship grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15990/04]
Prior to this year, the commercial salmon fishing licence duties were last increased in 1988. The licence fee increases introduced by my Department for 2004 are to allow for inflation since they were last increased and to contribute to the revenues of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards who are statutorily responsible for the conservation, management and development of inland fisheries in the State. The increase is consistent with the recommendations of the independent Estimates review committee on the 2003 Estimates for my Department, which concluded that it would be appropriate to increase charges in such cases.
When introducing similar increases for salmon rod licences in 2003, I gave an undertaking that comparable increases would be applied to commercial fishing licences and that in future increases for all licence fees would be applied in line with the consumer price index on an annual basis. The increases now introduced mean that all licence duties in respect of inland fisheries have been set for 2004 in a fair and equitable manner. The proceeds from the increases will add to the regional fisheries boards' ability to maintain services, in addition to Exchequer grants in 2004. This additional revenue will be re-invested by the boards in the ongoing management and development of the inland fisheries resource.
131 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he can take to monitor and curtail the effects of a radio mast (details supplied) in County Monaghan which retains a number of antennae; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16002/04]
Primary responsibility for the monitoring and regulation of interference issues arising from radio masts rests with the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. I have passed the Deputy's question to that office for attention and direct reply.
132 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will consider the extension of the salmon drift and draft net season to include the first two weeks of August 2004 due to the later run of salmon over the past 15 years. [16006/04]
133 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will increase the salmon quota for traditional fishermen engaged in drift and draft net fishing in order that they may make a viable income. [16007/04]
134 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will increase the number of non-specified days to a maximum of nine days for traditional salmon draft and drift net fishermen. [16008/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 133 and 134 together.
We are all agreed that over exploitation of fish stocks is a significant threat to the long-term sustainability of the inland fisheries resource. The Government has accepted the scientific advice to the effect that reductions in the overall fishing effort are required in order to sustain and rebuild wild salmon stocks on a district basis. For this reason, the current policy has been designed to bring spawning escapement in all districts and catchments up to the level of the scientifically advised conservation limit in 2005.
My Department has, over the past number of years, introduced a range of conservation measures which have seen considerable advances made in salmon policy and, in particular, the management of the drift and draft net salmon fisheries. As part of these measures, the commercial salmon fishing season is curtailed to a specific period.
My Department has also introduced the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme regulations, which, inter alia, limits the total allowable commercial catch of salmon. I rely upon the advice of the national salmon commission and the regional fisheries boards’ managers in determining the terms of the scheme. Having completed its review of the effectiveness of the scheme for 2003, the commission proposed as part of its considered advice that the total allowable commercial catch of salmon for the 2004 season should not exceed 161,951 fish.
I am advised that the salmon commission tendered its recommendation based on the advice of its own standard scientific committee and that the proposed total allowable commercial catch is consistent with its recommendation that a three year strategy should be put in place aimed at reaching the scientific advice on precautionary catch limits over the period 2003-05. The 2004 regulations also provide for a revision in the allocation of safety days for the snap net sector.
The current strategy of developing a sustainable commercial and recreational salmon fishery through aligning catches on the scientific advice by next year holds out the strong prospect of a recovery of stocks and of a long-term sustainable fishery for both sectors.
135 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects the groundwater protection scheme to be completed in view of the fact that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government calls the scheme a critical element in his draft guidelines for sustainable rural development, although only 11 countries have been completed. [16107/04]
To date the Geological Survey of Ireland's groundwater section has completed groundwater protection schemes for the following 15 counties or portions thereof: Clare; Donegal — submitted in draft, under review by the county council; Cork — southern Division; Kildare; Kilkenny; Laois; Limerick; north Tipperary; Meath; Monaghan; Offaly; Roscommon; south Tipperary; Waterford; Wicklow. For the present, work on the remaining 12 counties, plus the remaining part of County Cork, has been deferred pending completion of the GSI's input to the river basin district management projects which are currently under way or about to begin. However, work is proceeding on delineating source protection areas in Offaly and Fingal. The work on the RBD projects will also contribute to the eventual completion of the remaining groundwater protection schemes when they are taken up, probably in 2005-06.
GSI lost one of its three senior hydrogeologists last year through resignation but is about to recruit a further three permanent staff to strengthen the capacity of the groundwater section, with a view to recommencing work on the groundwater protection schemes as soon as practicable. The GSI is in close and regular liaison with the relevant sections of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
136 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason persons (details supplied) in County Kildare, in receipt of speech therapy for their child, are having the services withdrawn; the further reason a speech therapist has to attend a school, which in this case increases the travel costs and cannot attend the child in their own home; if this application will be reassessed in view of the fact that the child is making favourable progress and a withdrawal of the service will be of major concern to their parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15978/04]
137 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason an occupational therapist service is not available in the Kildare area to deal with the needs of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare in regard to progressing their child through primary school; if these persons can seek a private occupational therapist; if his Department will pay for such treatment; if not, the alternatives these persons have to ensure that their child can attend school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15979/04]
140 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of occupational therapists in the South West Health Board area; if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is in receipt of treatment from this section of the board; if not, if an application has been made for treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15983/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 137 and 140 together.
The provision of health services, including speech and language and occupational therapy, to people with physical and/or sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Accordingly, the Deputy's questions have been referred to the chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he examine the matters raised and reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
138 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in regard to the recent hospital waiting list figures for the end of December 2004, the number reported by the health agencies to his Department was 27,318, representing an increase over the figures for the end of September 2004; the reason responsibility for the issuing of waiting list figures has been given to the national treatment purchase fund; the criteria used by the NTPF to remove some 4,500 patients as part of a validation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15740/04]
The number of patients on waiting lists as reported by health agencies to my Department was 27,318 as at end December 2003. This figure was compiled on the same basis as previously reported figures.
The Department and the national treatment purchase fund carried out a comparative analysis of the number of patients reported to be waiting for surgical treatments. As a result of this analysis it became clear that the number of patients reported to the Department includes patients who are not immediately available for treatment or who would be unable to accept an offer of treatment for medical or other reasons. Therefore, the figures reported to the Department overstate the actual position at hospital level.
The methodology used by the NTPF involves examining in detail the waiting lists reported by each hospital to identify each patient and the specific procedure or treatment required. Having identified the patients, the NTPF, in association with the hospitals concerned, carried out validation exercises of those waiting longest for treatment. This validation takes account of such factors as patients not available for treatment; patients not medically suitable to undergo treatment; patients no longer requiring treatment; patients postponing treatment at their own request. When those factors are taken into account the NTPF has estimated that a large number of patients, in the region of 4,500, can be deducted from the Department's reported figure.
Figures reported by health agencies to the Department for the period ended December 2003 also included approximately 3,000 patients reported to be waiting for medical, as distinct from surgical, specialities. It is not clear what procedure or treatment these medical cases are awaiting. A group comprising representatives of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, the health boards, the national treatment purchase fund and the Department is considering how best to deal with the categorisation of these patients.
As part of the commitment given in the health strategy to reform the organisation and management of waiting lists and also due to the fact that the NTPF has a multi-disciplinary team that works with individual hospitals to identify patients on waiting lists, I decided to transfer responsibility for the recording and publishing of waiting list figures to the NTPF. This will result in a more accurate and complete picture of the numbers waiting and, more importantly, the length of time they are waiting for their procedures. The important issue is that patients wait for treatment for the shortest possible time and that the actual lists tell us correctly how many patients are available for treatment. We need to get away from merely looking at the numbers waiting and concentrate instead on waiting times.
With regard to waiting times, the NTPF has reported that 80% of patients now wait less than one year for surgical treatment. The NTPF has also reported that waiting times have fallen significantly in the last year with 37% of patients now waiting between three and six months and 43% waiting between six and 12 months for surgery. This represents a major reduction in the length of time patients have to wait.
The NTPF has identified a group of 19,591 patients who are reported to be waiting more than three months for specific procedures, mainly surgical, and this group will now be targeted during 2004. There are 4,040 patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment included in the 19,591, who represent 20% of all those waiting.
The NTPF has substantial capacity to treat patients and will continue to focus on reducing waiting times even further. The fund has the capacity to treat a minimum of 1,000 patients per month which means that its target is to treat over 12,000 this year. Maintaining referrals at this level will result in waiting times for surgical operations being reduced in line with the health strategy targets of three to six months. Currently, almost half of all hospitals now refer patients waiting for elective treatment between six and 12 months.
As the NTPF has the available capacity to treat more patients there is no need for the majority of patients to wait more than six months for treatment. Patients who have been waiting more than six months for treatment can also contact the NTPF directly or through their general practitioners to arrange treatment.
139 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children how Ireland compares to other countries on cancers caused by radon gas; and the steps his Department is taking to ensure that such cancers are reduced. [15890/04]
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The agency operates under the aegis of the World Health Organisation. Radon has been shown to be a cause of cancer, specifically lung cancer, on the basis of human epidemiological studies. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of radon gas in an enclosed area can be a contributory factor in increasing the risk of lung cancer, particularly where other factors such as cigarette smoking are involved.
My Department was advised by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland that radon exposure can be linked to between 10% and 13% of lung cancer deaths. This is based on international risk estimates on the radiation dose that would result from long-term exposure to the average indoor radon concentration here.
Statistics on the number of lung cancers attributable to radon exposure are not available. However, the National Cancer Registry of Ireland has indicated that international comparisons of lung cancer, using the International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates for 1998, show Ireland close to the EU average for lung cancer cases and a little above average for lung cancer deaths. The NCRI further indicated that over 85% of these cases and deaths are attributable to smoking.
Since 1997 there has been an additional cumulative investment in excess of €550 million in the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. The investment has enabled the funding of 92 additional consultant posts in areas of cancer care. An additional 245 clinical nurse specialists have also been appointed in the cancer services area.
The monitoring of radiation levels in the State is carried out by the RPII. It identified areas at greatest risk from high indoor radon levels and householders living in these areas are urged to carry out radon measurements of their homes and to take remedial action if high levels are found. The RPII also provides a radon measurement and advisory service.
Radon in the work place is subject to health and safety legislation. Employers in high radon areas are required to carry out radon measurements and take remedial action if necessary. My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has responsibility for building regulations that incorporate radon preventative measures in new buildings.
141 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children why the physical and sensory disability sector was excluded from the change management process of the new health service executive. [15984/04]
The interim Health Service Executive established a change management team to plan and design a unitary health system. The system was outlined in the Government decision of June 2003 and is required by the establishment order of the executive. The change management team is composed of senior personnel from across the health service. It includes people working in health boards and the voluntary sector who have direct responsibility for the provision of services to people with physical and sensory disabilities.
To date, the focus of the team has been on service delivery systems in the seven health boards, three area health boards and the authority that are scheduled to be abolished at the end of the year. The analysis of the existing system has also included engagement with service providers from the voluntary sector. Further workshops and meetings are planned to ensure that the views of all health service providers are reflected in the design of the unitary health system.
142 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children , further to Question No. 363 of 30 March, if the paediatric palliative care needs assessment study and the expert group on specialist design guidelines for palliative care settings have completed their reports. [15985/04]
The study is in draft form and the expert group's report is finalised and will be available shortly.
143 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals to appoint a neurologist to Waterford Regional Hospital. [15986/04]
The provision of hospital services, including the appointment of staff, at Waterford Regional Hospital is a matter for the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has asked its CEO to reply directly to the Deputy.
144 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if, with regard to historic liabilities, the State has agreed to indemnify any Irish consultant who is refused indemnity by a medical defence organisation and who faces an award of damages and costs relating to a claim for medical negligence; the details of such indemnity provided to consultants; if it applies to any award or judgment secured against a consultant; and the cost to the Exchequer for each of the next five years. [15998/04]
The Government has not agreed that the State should indemnify any hospital consultant who is left without an indemnity by any of the medical defence organisations. The Medical Defence Union is the only defence body threatening to leave some of its Irish members without an indemnity. The Government has made it clear to the MDU that it expects the union to honour its obligations to its members who have paid many millions of euro over the decades to purchase indemnity cover. The Government has given a commitment to provide financial support to enable an individual consultant or a group of consultants, in an appropriate case or cases, to challenge a refusal by the MDU to provide an indemnity to a consultant.
145 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps he is taking to ensure that the discretionary cover afforded by the Medical Protection Society to Irish doctors in respect of medical negligence claims is capable of being relied upon by Irish doctors, in view of the recent threat by the Medical Defence Union to exercise discretion against indemnifying some consultants; and the nature of the guarantees he has secured or sought in respect of such arrangements. [15999/04]
The society has repeatedly asserted that it has sufficient assets to meet the estimated cost of all of the liabilities likely to be borne by its members, including its members in Ireland. Unlike the MDU, it does not claim that it will be unable to respond positively to requests for assistance from its members. Early this year, in evidence given to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, the society's CEO stated that it was fully funded to meet the cost of its reported and incurred but not reported liabilities.
The society has just published its annual report and accounts for 2003. They suggest that it is capable of meeting its obligations to its Irish and other members.
146 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention was drawn to the media reports indicating that consultants engaged in private practice and paying subscriptions to the MPS are in receipt of a State subsidy for such private work; the nature of such subsidy and the cost of the subsidy to the Exchequer for each of the next five years; the nature of liabilities that the State is assuming as a result of these arrangements. [16000/04]
Last February, when personal injury claims against consultants were brought within the scope of the clinical indemnity scheme, concern was expressed that the cost of professional indemnity cover for consultants in private practice might become prohibitive. Due to the important role that the independent hospital sector plays in the provision of health care here the Government wanted to ensure that the cost of indemnity cover should remain affordable.
Particular concern was expressed that indemnity cover for consultant obstetricians in private practice might not be available at any price. The Government decided that a limit should be placed on the amount of cover the consultants were required to purchase. The limit was set at €500,000 for each and every claim taken against an individual consultant. In addition, an annual aggregate limit of €1.5 million per individual consultant was placed on the cover to be purchased. The State accepts responsibility for the cost of claims that exceed these limits. These arrangements are not a subsidy to any specific defence body. They have been put in place for the benefit of the consultants concerned, irrespective of which defence body they wish to join. Alternatively, there are no barriers to a commercial insurer taking advantage of them to offer an appropriate insurance policy to the doctors for whose benefit they have been put in place.
As far as my Department is aware the MPS is the only defence body or insurer that has offered indemnity cover to this group of doctors based on the existence of these arrangements. The annual subscription being charged to each doctor is €100,000. The MPS has indicated that the economic rate that it should charge is €350,000. At present, approximately ten doctors benefit from these arrangements and the notional subsidy to the group of practitioners is €2 million per annum. It is more difficult to estimate the likely future cost of this support as it depends on the number and value of future personal injury claims against them. The number of claims against them is unpredictable and likely to be random because of the small number of doctors involved.
In the case of other specialities a limit of €1 million in each and every case was placed on the professional indemnity cover that consultants in private practice need to purchase. The ultimate annual cost of providing the level of support to these specialities was estimated at €5 million per annum.
I am satisfied that these arrangements are a sensible and pragmatic response to a potentially serious problem that could have arisen if these doctors had been forced out of active practice by prohibitive indemnity costs.
147 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if the health boards, when submitting their salary costings for child care workers, seek finance for this work at the pay scales published by his Department; if they seek finance based on the rates of the Department of Education and Science; and if they seek finance at the Department of Education and Science rates, the way in which it is justified and approved by him when his Department places a much higher value on the work. [16003/04]
The letter of determination for each health board sets out the funding available for service provision. Each health board is then required to adopt a detailed service plan consistent with set financial limits. Responsibility for human resource management within these parameters rests with the CEO of each board.
It is a matter for each CEO to determine the specific appropriate staffing mix and the precise grades of staff to be employed, including staff graded as social care or child care workers and paid at the approved Department of Health and Children rate. Service plan priorities, regional service needs, national pay and employment policies are also taken into account.
148 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide funding for a treatment (details supplied); and the reason it is not available here. [16009/04]
My Department is advised that the Eastern Regional Health Authority has received a proposal from Beaumont Hospital to develop the service. The authority will consider the proposal in the context of available resources.
149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when speech therapy will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [16023/04]
The provision of health services, including speech and language therapy, to people with physical or sensory disabilities is a matter for the ERHA and the health boards, in the first instance. My Department has asked the authority's CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
150 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when respite care at Maynooth Community Hospital, Maynooth, County Kildare will be provided for a person (details supplied). [16024/04]
The provision of health services in the Kildare area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Southern Western Area Health Board. It acts under the aegis of the ERHA. My Department has asked the authority's CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
151 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when home help will be reinstated to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has had no option but to return to work to provide for their family. [16025/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services to people with an intellectual disability in the Kildare region is a matter, in the first instance, for the ERHA. My Department has asked its CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
152 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when home help will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [16027/04]
The provision of health services in the Kildare area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the ERHA. My Department has asked its CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
153 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will review a decision to refuse a medical card for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has suffered considerable hardship, is on medication and requires weekly hospital treatment. [16028/04]
Responsibility for the provision of a medical card is, by legislation, a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board or authority. My Department has asked the CEO of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
154 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for cardiac surgery. [16042/04]
The provision of hospital services to residents of County Mayo is the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has asked its CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
155 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on implementing the recommendations of an expert group’s report on radiotherapy services. [16047/04]
156 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children when radiotherapy services will be reviewed and satellite radiotherapy units will be provided in the south east, mid-west and north west regions. [16048/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
Last October I launched the report, The Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland. The Government accepted its recommendations. It agrees that a major programme is required to rapidly develop clinical radiation oncology treatment services to modern standards. The first phase will be the development of a clinical network of large centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
Implementing the recommendations is my most important priority when providing cancer services in an acute hospital setting. As a first step I provided additional resources this year to begin the process. This year I shall make €2.5 million available for the supra-regional centre at University College Hospital, Galway. It has been built and equipment is being commissioned. Last year I approved the appointment of a consultant radiation oncologist. Recently I approved the appointment of two additional consultant radiation oncologists with significant sessional commitments to the North Western Health Board and the Mid-Western Health Board. I also approved the appointment of a consultant medical oncologist.
I have requested the Western Health Board to prepare a development control plan to facilitate an increase from three to six in the number of linear accelerators at UCHG in the medium term. I have also approved the establishment of a project team to plan the expansion in the region.
Approval has issued for the purchase of two additional linear accelerators for the supra-regional centre at Cork University Hospital and the necessary capital investment of over €4 million to commission the service as rapidly as possible. In 2004 a sum of €1 million ongoing revenue funding will be made available for the development that will improve services for cancer patients in the Southern, Mid-Western and South Eastern Health Boards. Approval was issued for the appointment of two consultant radiation oncologists with significant sessional commitments to the South Eastern Health Board and the Mid-Western Health Board.
The immediate developments in the southern and western regions will result in the provision of an additional five linear accelerators, 50% of an increase. Provision has been made for the appointment of an additional five consultant radiation oncologists and their recruitment is under way. At present we have ten consultant radiation oncologists nationally. It will result in a significant increase in the numbers of patients receiving radiation oncology in the short term.
The report recommends that there should be two treatment centres located in the eastern region, one serving the southern part of the region and adjacent catchment areas and one serving the northern part of the region and adjacent catchment areas. My Department's chief medical officer was asked to advise on the optimum location of radiation treatment facilities in Dublin. A detailed request for submissions is being finalised. The CMO will apply the guidelines established by the group. He will be supported by my Department's hospital planning office and international experts.
I intend to develop a national integrated network of radiation oncology, based on equitable access regardless of location and an effective national quality assurance programme. I established a national radiation oncology co-ordinating group as recommended in the report. It comprises clinical, technical, managerial, academic and nursing expertise from different geographic regions. Its remit encompasses recommending measures to facilitate improved access to existing and planned services, including transport and accommodation. I expect the group will develop proposals for these important areas.
The Government has also decided that when developing services consideration should be given to locating satellite centres in Waterford, Limerick and the north west. Account will be taken of the international evaluation of satellite centres, the efficacy of providing this model and the need to ensure quality standards of care.
157 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children why free breast screening is unavailable to women in the Southern Health Board area; and if he will introduce it in the near future, considering that it has been proven that early detection is vital. [16049/04]
The national breast screening programme commenced in March 2000 with phase one covering the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Midland Health Board and the North Eastern Health Board region. Last year I announced the extension of the BreastCheck programme to counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford and a national roll out to the southern and western counties. In March screening commenced in Wexford.
The national roll out of BreastCheck requires detailed planning to include essential infrastructure. Its clinical unit in the southern area will be at the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork, with three associated mobile units. The area of coverage is counties Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Limerick and Tipperary South Riding.
The hospital considered it necessary to commission a site strategy study to ensure the integration of the breast screening services into its present and future development. My Department provided a capital grant of €230,000 for a study by professional architectural, engineering and quantity surveying experts. It has been completed and was submitted to my Department at the end of March. A detailed brief is being prepared by BreastCheck and the hospital. My Department will consider the project in the context of the framework for capital investment 2004-08.
158 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children when the implementation of the Children Act 2001 will result in the introduction of family welfare conferences; and the reason they have been delayed. [16065/04]
Part 2 of the Children Act 2001 provides for family welfare conferencing for non-offending children who may need special care or protection. Substantial work has been done to allow for the introduction of almost all of Part 2. Funds for the services have been made available to the health boards. The services have been piloted and are available.
Part 2 provides for family welfare conferences, Part 3 deals with special care and Part 11 concerns the special residential services board and all are linked. Part 11 established the board on a statutory basis and it has commenced. In recent months a board has been appointed and the recruitment and appointment of staff, including a chief executive officer, has taken place.
Over 120 high support and special care places were developed in recent years along with intensive community based services such as the youth advocacy programme pilot projects in the Northern Area Health Board and the Western Health Board. These developments cater for the small number of non-offending children in need of special care or protection. They will facilitate the introduction of the provisions of Part 2 and Part 3 of the Children Act 2001.
Given the complexities involved, my Department undertook detailed work in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the legal steps necessary for the introduction of Parts 2 and 3 of the Children Act 2001. At present the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel is preparing the necessary draft commencement orders prepared by both Departments in connection with this. Subject to this, almost all of Parts 2 and 3 will be commenced in the near future.
Sections 7(1)(a), 10(2) and 13(2) of Part 2 will not be commenced at this time. They relate to section 77 of Part 8 that deals with the referral of cases, by the Children’s Court, of children charged with offences to health boards for the purpose of holding family welfare conferences. Consideration shall be given to commencing these sections when the expertise and optimal use of the statutory scheme has been established and having regard to the resources required and available.
159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to provide extra facilities and funding for Alzheimer sufferers in County Kildare. [16072/04]
The Department's policy on providing services for patients suffering from the disease is as set out in the report, An Action Plan for Dementia, published by the National Council on Ageing and Older People in 1999. The policy was endorsed in the 2001 health strategy, Equality and Fairness — A Health System for You.
A number of initiatives have resulted in an improvement of dementia services. Significant additional funding was made available for the express purpose of providing assistance to carers, including carers of Alzheimer sufferers. The Alzheimer's Society of Ireland received funding to expand its services, particularly day care services. Day care facilities for people suffering from dementia were provided in a number of new community nursing units for older people that were constructed in recent years.
The provision of health services for people living in the Kildare area is a matter for the South Western Area Health Board. It acts under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has asked the board's CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
160 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to provide extra hospice beds throughout north Kildare in line with the requests of general practitioners in the area and to assist people who are terminally ill. [16073/04]
The publication of the report of the national advisory committee on palliative care was approved by Government and launched on 4 October 2001. The report describes a comprehensive palliative care service and acts as a blueprint for its development over a five to seven year period. My Department provided funding to all of the health boards on a pro rata basis to commence the development of the services in line with the report’s recommendations.
Consultative and development committees were set up as recommended in the report. It was also recommended that palliative care needs assessment studies should be carried out in each health board area. Information gleaned from them and through the consultative and development committees will inform the future development of palliative care services at health board level. The ERHA has already completed a needs assessment study. The provision of extra hospice beds in the authority's area, including north Kildare, will be examined in the context of the study.
161 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will approve funding for the appointment of two additional orthopaedic consultants at St. James’s Hospital to serve the catchment area of 250,000. [16094/04]
Services at St. James's Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the ERHA. My Department has asked its CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
162 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children about the appointment of a permanent consultant surgeon (details supplied) for a hospital in Donegal. [16096/04]
The development of breast services nationally is based on the report of a sub-group of the National Cancer Forum entitled Development of Services for Symptomatic Breast Disease. It recommends that a breast unit could be developed at Letterkenny General Hospital by linking with Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry to increase its caseload, experience and expertise. Such a linkage is necessary to ensure an integrated multidisciplinary breast service, including breast surgery. My Department has advised the board that it is prepared to issue financial clearance for a permanent post of breast surgeon at Letterkenny General Hospital as recommended in the report. The board is preparing a submission for my Department on these lines.
163 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the procedures that pertain in the ERHA for hospitals to accommodate staff that work lengthy periods in one hospital’s accident and emergency department but are accommodated in a neighbouring hospital; if he is satisfied with the degree of co-operation between the main Dublin accident and emergency departments. [16109/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services at hospitals in the eastern region rests with the ERHA. My Department has asked its CEO to reply directly to the Deputy.
164 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if he had discussions with the ERHA in recent months on the crises in the accident and emergency departments; and the outcome of same. [16110/04]
On 12 May, the most recent discussion, on the delivery of emergency services nationally and in the eastern region, took place at official level at a plenary hearing of the Labour Relations Commission. It comprised nursing union representatives, the Health Service Employers Agency, representatives from health boards and the ERHA, hospitals' management and officials of my Department. Responsibility for the provision of emergency services in the eastern region rests with the ERHA. However, senior officials in my Department maintain regular contact with it on the delivery of emergency services.
165 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the information at his Department’s disposal on the numbers of vacant beds in public and private long-stay nursing homes; if such information has been updated since a review of the nursing home subvention scheme report; and if so, if he will provide the information. [16111/04]
My Department does not routinely collect the information requested. It collects information on public and private long-stay beds annually as part of a long-stay statistics survey. A copy of the latest report shall be forwarded to the Deputy.
166 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to address the issues surrounding the case involving the use by the Garda of speed detection equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16116/04]
173 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to place the penalty points system on a sound legal footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16082/04]
174 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the initiative he has taken arising from a recent court decision affecting the penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16083/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 166, 173 and 174 together.
My Department has been notified by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions of an instance where Cork District Court dismissed a speeding offence case brought against a motorist where the prosecution was based on foot of a speed measurement that was detected by a member of the Garda Síochána using a speed detection radar gun. The matter has been referred for advice to the Office of the Attorney General with a view to identifying whether a change in the current road traffic law is required. If it is the case that an amendment is required, I will bring new legislative provisions before the Oireachtas without delay.
168 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the analysis that was carried out to justify his proposal to the local authorities that the speed limits be raised on the section of the N11 near the Belfield flyover, on the Braemor Road in Churchtown and on the Dundrum bypass. [16045/04]
The Road Traffic Acts provide for the direct application of speed limits to all roads. Under the provisions of these Acts a default speed limit of 30 miles per hour applies to all roads, apart from motorways, in a built-up area and a general speed limit of 60 miles per hour applies to all roads outside such areas apart from motorways. A default speed limit of 70 miles per hour applies in the case of motorways. The Acts provide that local authorities may make by-laws through which the speed limits that apply on a default basis can be changed in respect of roads specified in such by-laws. These by-laws are made by the elected members of the local authorities following consultation with the Garda Commissioner and, in the case of national roads, with the consent of the National Roads Authority.
In the context of an overall review of speed limits carried out against the background of the metrication of such limits generally, county and city managers were asked in January 2003 to examine the position in their areas. In this context, the authorities were asked to look at instances where speed limits might not be appropriate and to take any action they deemed to be appropriate. My Department raised this matter with managers again in March 2004, repeating the request to look at possible instances of inappropriate speed limits.
Both the Automobile Association, AA, and the Society for the Irish Motor Industry, SIMI, subsequently presented me with lists of over 50 locations in respect of which they had received representations questioning the speed limits currently in place. The details of current and suggested limits as received from the AA and SIMI, including the locations that the Deputy is referring to, were forwarded to the relevant managers.
I wish to make it clear that I have not requested or directed in any manner that the speed limit be increased or decreased at any of the locations concerned. Managers have specifically been asked to look at the locations that have been the subject of complaint to the AA and SIMI and if the local authority considers that the speed limit is not appropriate, steps should be taken to introduce appropriate amendments to the by-laws, which will see more appropriate speed limits applied.
It has also been made clear that where, on the other hand, the local authority considers that the speed limit in question is appropriate and justified by reference to the prevailing road safety, engineering, traffic or environmental considerations, they have been asked to consider the provision of a sign informing road users of the need for that limit.
I am awaiting reports from the managers on each location where the current limit is perceived by motorists to be inappropriate. I expect that these reports will convey either the grounds that support and justify the application of the current speed limit concerned or indicate that the speed limit in question is being referred to the council members for appropriate action.
169 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his current plans for the Dublin bus market. [16100/04]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority QuestionNo. 3.
170 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will list the number of meetings of each interdepartmental committee or body on which his Department is represented; the frequency and location of its meetings; and when it is intended those meetings will take place after decentralisation. [15014/04]
An increasing amount of my Department's work is now done through interdepartmental committees, which are formed and disbanded as required. It is not possible to be definitive at this time about the post-decentralisation position regarding the number of such committees and the frequency and location of their meetings. These are matters that will only emerge in due course. After-decentralisation, the location and frequency of meetings will necessarily take account of the location of the Departments involved. Involvement of officials of my Department on interdepartmental committees include the following:
|
Committee |
Frequency |
Present Location |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on State-Aid |
Approx. monthly (as required) |
D/Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
|
Level Crossing Working Group |
4 per annum |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on Railway Emergency Planning |
4 per annum |
Dublin |
|
Railway Safety Task Force |
Ad hoc |
Dublin |
|
Metro, or airport heavy rail link, Technical Working Group |
6 per annum (currently deferred, will resume when either project receives governmental approval) |
Dublin |
|
International Liaison Group of Government Railway Inspectors |
Approx. 4 per annum including plenary and working group meetings |
Participating States host on rotation |
|
Luas Safety Assessment |
Currently at 3 strands with c. 2 week frequency |
Dublin |
|
Iarnród Éireann New Works Programmes and Projects Meetings |
16 per annum, |
Dublin |
|
Iarnród Éireann New Rolling Stock Meetings |
4 per annum |
Dublin |
|
Iarnród Éireann Safety Case Meetings |
6-8 per annum |
Dublin |
|
Iarnród Éireann General Safety Meetings |
6 per annum |
Dublin |
|
Railway Safety Advisory Council |
1 minimum specified in RSB 2001, likely more frequent |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Group of North-South Co-ordinators |
As required — 5 since May 03 |
Dublin |
|
High-level Interdepartmental Committee on North/South |
As required — 2 since May 03 |
Dublin |
|
Steering Committee for Provision of Transport Services for the Islands (lead Dept. D/Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs) |
Once a month |
Furbo, Co. Galway |
|
BMW Regional Operational Programme Monitoring Committee |
Twice Yearly |
Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. |
|
S & E Regional Operational Programme Monitoring Committee |
Twice Yearly |
Waterford City. |
|
Steering Group on Aer Rianta Restructuring |
As required. |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Co-ordinating Committee on European Affairs |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
Lisbon Group |
4/5 a year |
Dublin |
|
Group on the Services Directive |
Twice a year |
Dublin |
|
Future of Europe Group |
Twice a year |
Dublin |
|
FOI — Civil Service Users Network |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
FOI — Interdepartmental Working Group |
Usually meets about 4 times a year |
Dublin |
|
Quality Customer Service, QCS, Working Group |
5-6 times per year |
Dublin |
|
QCS Officers Network |
6-8 times per year |
Dublin |
|
Change Management Network |
6 times a year |
Dublin |
|
Committee of Public Management Research |
4 times a year |
Dublin |
|
National Civil Aviation Security Committee |
3-4 times per year on average. |
Dublin |
|
Maritime Security Implementation Group |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Management Committee for Common Systems in Accounts Branches — MCCSAB |
Twice a year |
Dublin |
|
Corepay User Group |
4 times a year |
Dublin |
|
NDP/Communication Strategy Group |
Irregular |
Dublin |
|
NDP/Communication Implementation Group |
Irregular |
Dublin |
|
NDP/Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme 2000-2006 |
Twice a year |
Dublin |
|
EU Cohesion Fund Programme |
Twice a year |
Dublin |
|
NDP/Community Support Framework |
Twice a year |
Alternating in the S & E and BMW Regions |
|
Civil Service Training and Development Committee |
Quarterly approx. |
Dublin |
|
Disability Liaison Officers Group |
Quarterly approx. |
Dublin |
|
Departmental Decentralisation Liaison Officers Group |
Every 4 weeks approx. |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Working Group on Emergency Planning |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
Irish Marine Search and Rescue Committee |
Twice a year |
Various Locations |
|
High Level Group on Road Safety |
4-9 per annum — as required |
Dublin |
|
Metrication Changeover Task Force |
4-6 week intervals |
Dublin |
|
Cross-Departmental Review of Road Safety Expenditure |
As required |
Dublin |
|
National Safety Council Board |
11 per annum |
Dublin |
|
National Safety Council — Road Safety Committee |
6 per annum |
Dublin |
|
Medical Bureau of Road Safety Board |
4 per annum |
Dublin |
|
Privatisation of Speed Camera Group |
As required |
Dublin |
|
Traffic Corps Group |
As required |
Dublin |
|
Strategic Task Force on Alcohol — Interdepartmental Group |
As required |
Dublin |
|
Public Transport Accessibility Committee |
5 times a year |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Group on Needs of Older People |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
Special Initiative on Care — Sustaining Progress |
Ad hoc — twice a year approximately |
Dublin |
|
Public Transport Partnership Forum-PTPF |
5 times since January 2004 — scheduled 11 times a year |
Dublin |
|
Dublin Transportation Office Steering Committee |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
DTO Traffic Management Grants Committee |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Cross-Departmental Team on Infrastructure and Public Private Partnerships and its sub-committees. |
Monthly or as required |
Dublin |
|
Cross Departmental Team on NSS |
4/5 times annually |
Dublin. |
|
Restructuring Implementation Group to oversee restructuring of CIE |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Green Tax Group |
Approx. every 2 months |
Dublin |
|
Wider Energy Sub-Group of the Cross Departmental Team on Housing, Infrastructure and PPPs |
Approx. every 2 months |
Dublin |
|
E-Payments Group |
Ad hoc |
Dublin |
|
Dept. of Transport’s Integration Cross-Cutting Team |
fortnightly |
Dublin |
|
Co-ordinating group for National Delegates and National Contact Points for EU 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development |
Approx. every 3 months |
Dublin |
|
National Contact Points/ National Delegates for EU 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development |
(informal group) meets fortnightly |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Group to Evaluate the Implementation of the National Competitive Council’s Recommendations |
twice a year |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Group on Better Regulation |
Ad hoc |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Minister’s Advisers Group |
Weekly |
Dublin |
|
MIF Consultative Committee |
4 |
Dublin |
|
MIF Project Management Group |
7 |
Dublin |
|
Resource Allocation and Business Planning Project — Working Group |
9 |
Dublin |
|
Resource Allocation and Business Planning Project — Steering Group |
4 |
Dublin |
|
HRMS Technical Users Group |
Every 2-3 months |
Dublin |
|
Information and Communications Technology Managers Forum |
Every 6 months or so |
Dublin |
|
Fixed Charge Processing System Working Group |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
Penalty Point Overarching Group |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
NDP/CSF Environment Co-ordinating Committee |
Minimum of twice a year |
Dublin |
|
NDP/CSF Equal Opportunities Co-ordinating Committee |
Minimum of twice a year |
Dublin |
|
NDP/CSF Rural Development Co-ordinating Committee |
Minimum of twice a year |
Various |
|
NDP/CSF Technical Assistance Operational Programme Committee |
Minimum of twice a year |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on Structural Funds |
Minimum of twice a year |
Dublin |
|
Government Construction Contracts Committee |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
Informal Advisory Group on PPPs |
6 times a year |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Group on PPP |
6 times a year |
Dublin |
|
Informal Expert Group on PPPs |
6 times a year |
Dublin |
|
Steering Group on Road Haulage |
Twice annually |
Dublin |
|
Public Safety Zones Working Group |
Ad hoc |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on National Biodiversity and Heritage Plans |
Ad hoc |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on the implementation of the RAPID programme |
3-4 a year |
Dublin |
|
Sustaining Progress Plenary Group |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
E-cabinet stakeholders group |
As necessary |
Dublin |
|
National Competitiveness Council |
6/7 times a year |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Working Group on Emergency Planning |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
Task Force on Emergency Planning |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, Housing and PPPs |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Expenditure Review Central Steering Committee |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
SMI Implementation Group of Secretaries General |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
E-strategy Group of Secretaries General |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
North South round table Group |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Financial Management sub-group |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
171 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the nature of the legal obligations on cyclists in respect of lighting, bells and other equipment; if he has satisfied himself that road safety practices in cycling here are up to best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15993/04]
I refer to my reply to Question No. 199 of 26 May 2004.
Under road traffic regulations a pedal cycle is required to have a rear reflector fitted and to be equipped with front and rear lamps that are lit when being used in a public place during lighting up hours. In addition, it must have an efficient braking system and be fitted with a bell that is capable of being heard at a reasonable distance. The Road Traffic Acts provide the basis for the application of a range of controls and restrictions on pedal cyclists. Many of the controls, some of which also apply to other traffic, are provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 and 1998.
The regulations provide for two types of cycle tracks, namely, mandatory cycle tracks, which are indicated by a continuous white line, which cyclists must use and other vehicles must not enter, except for access to premises, and non-mandatory cycle tracks which are indicated by a broken white line from which cyclists may depart in certain circumstances, for example, to pass a stopped bus or change direction at a junction, and which other vehicles are restricted from entering — save in very particular circumstances.
172 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if and when an early driving test appointment can be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16034/04]
A driving test will be arranged as soon as possible for the person concerned.
175 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he proposes to compensate motorists likely to be penalised for the use of privately provided car parking spaces arising from recent suggestions from the DTO; if a commencement reduction in road tax is likely to be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16084/04]
I have no proposals before me regarding a restriction on private parking in Dublin. I understand the Dublin Transportation Office, DTO, is currently undertaking a travel demand management study which is looking at a range of measures to encourage the greater use of public transport in the greater Dublin area. This study is expected to be completed later this year. It is too early, at this stage, to pre-empt the recommendations that will arise from the report.
178 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has taken initiatives to ensure that adequate safety and health regulations prevail at all bus stops, including shelters to protect against the elements, and particularly in view of the tragedy at a Dublin bus stop earlier in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16088/04]
The provision of bus stops and bus shelters is an operational matter for the companies concerned. The location of bus stops is a matter for the Garda Commissioner under section 85 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 in consultation with both the local authority and the bus service provider. I have recently asked both Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann to undertake a review of all bus stops from a safety perspective.
179 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he has come to a conclusion about the enhanced height of the port tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16089/04]
The position on the height of the tunnel is that my Department appointed consultants to review the feasibility, safety implications and cost of raising the height of the Dublin Port tunnel. They were requested to review a range of options for increasing the operational height of the tunnel, their feasibility, having regard to the state of implementation of the current design and build contract, and the likely additional costs and impact on the project completion date. Having reviewed the findings of the report, further information has been sought from the NRA pertaining to its conclusions, particularly about the costs should the tunnel height be increased. As a result the contractors have been requested to provide a fixed price cost for the work involved. Following receipt of this information a decision on the height of the Dublin Port tunnel will be made.
180 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects traffic movement to be affected at the Red Cow roundabout, arising from the revised Luas provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16090/04]
As Luas will be operating within the constraints of the existing traffic signal sequences it is not expected that the existing unsatisfactory traffic conditions at the Red Cow roundabout will be significantly altered by Luas. Both the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, and Dublin Transportation Office, DTO, are satisfied that Luas, despite the current unsatisfactory traffic conditions at the Red Cow junction, will be able to operate satisfactorily using existing traffic signal sequences, pending the upgrade of the junction as part of the M50 upgrade project. The trams are driven in much the same way as a car or a bus in that tram drivers yield to other traffic if they are confronted with a red light.
The position in regard to the upgrade of the N7/M50 junction — Red Cow roundabout — is that the National Roads Authority, NRA, and South Dublin County Council are currently preparing plans, including a motorway order and environmental impact statement, for the upgrade of the junction as part of the overall upgrade of the M50. The proposed upgrade works at the Red Cow interchange are intended to remove as much traffic as possible from the signal controlled environment through the provision of additional structures and free flow slips that are separated from other traffic movements. This will significantly increase the overall capacity of the interchange and reduce the Luas/car interface so that both the road and Luas network will have increased capacity to maintain a satisfactory level of service.
The proposed works will reduce the volume of traffic interfacing with Luas, namely, traffic crossed by Luas, by more than half. Subject to satisfactory progress in planning and design and securing An Bord Pleanála approval, it is expected that work on upgrading the Red Cow interchange will commence in spring 2005 and be completed by spring 2007.
181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects passenger capacity to be increased in the future on the Kildare to Dublin line via Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16091/04]
I understand that the Irish Rail plans to quadruple a section of the rail line between Cherry Orchard and Hazelhatch, as part of the Kildare route project, are now well advanced. This development will enable the separation of intercity and commuting traffic and increase the capacity of the line. I expect to receive shortly details of the proposed project, including cost estimations and timescale. My Department has provided over €600,000 to CIE to assist with the preparation of the railway order application and the company is in the process of completing the draft order. I understand that the application will be submitted to me later this year.
The company has informed me that it has already increased the commuter capacity of the Kildare route by 130% since its new timetable was introduced on 14 December 2003. A number of the new diesel railcars, acquired by Irish Rail in 2003, were assigned to the route to lengthen the trains to eight cars. New turn back facilities at Hazelhatch and Sallins were installed to allow more efficient use of the available train paths into and out of Heuston during peak times.
Irish Rail recently ordered a further 36 railcars identical to those recently placed into service. These new railcars will be used to boost capacity further on outer suburban routes serving Dublin.
182 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects passenger capacity to increase on the Enfield to Dublin route, via Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip, Confey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16092/04]
I am informed by Irish Rail that, since the introduction of its new timetable in December 2003, capacity has been increased by 24% on the Maynooth route. This has been achieved by introducing to the route some of the new fleet of 80 diesel railcars. This latest capacity increase comes on top of a 100% increase achieved in 2001 when the double tracking of the route was completed. In addition, Irish Rail has recently placed an order for another 36 diesel railcars, which will be delivered in 2005. Some of these railcars are destined for use on the Maynooth line to increase capacity further.
183 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration can be given to the provision of commuter rail spurs in the greater Dublin area in the future with obvious reference to towns or villages experiencing an increase in population yet currently not served by a rail service, including DART or Luas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16093/04]
My Department, in consultation with the relevant State agencies, is examining the best options for providing effective public transport services to the developing and expanding parts of the greater Dublin area, GDA. The future development of public transport in the GDA is based on expanding the bus and rail networks.
There are a number of major projects underway or planned: (1) the DART is currently being upgraded and when the expanded service opens at the end of 2005, a further 30% increase in capacity will be provided; (2) 36 new diesel railcars are being manufactured for delivery in late 2005 which will be used on commuter lines; (3) Irish Rail is looking at a rail spur off the Maynooth line to Dunboyne and providing four tracks on the Kildare line — in addition, new stations along these lines are planned; and (4) Luas services will commence on the Sandyford line at the end of June and on the Tallaght line at the end of August. In addition, there are a significant number of quality bus corridor projects underway or planned over the coming year or so, designed to improve the operating environment for buses.
Other projects being considered include further extensions to Luas to the Docklands and to Cherrywood and a metro from the city centre to the airport.
184 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 302 of 11 May 2004, if he will give an update on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16095/04]
I understand that the Railway Procurement Agency has responded directly to the Deputy on this matter.
185 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average number of months it takes to process an application for citizenship; and if certain types of application are prioritised over others. [15991/04]
Between 2000 and 2003, the number of applications for naturalisation and declarations of post-nuptial citizenship being received increased by 250% and 80% respectively. Notwithstanding these increases, the processing time for such applications and declarations was reduced from two and a half years and 12 months at the start of 2001 to 18 months and nine months respectively at the end of 2003.
There is no general policy applied which prioritises applications on the basis of nationality, duration of stay in the State and so forth. However, there may be circumstances in an individual case which require a greater level of investigation than other cases. In some cases, delay can arise as a result of failure on the part of an individual applicant to respond to queries.
186 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 in view of the fact that this application has been delayed for a considerable period. [15992/04]
An application for naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the citizenship section of my Department on 31 January 2002. The application is in the final stages of processing and I understand from my officials that it will be submitted to me for decision in the near future. As soon as I have reached a decision on the matter I will inform both the applicant and the Deputy of the outcome.
187 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider revoking the deportation order against a person (details supplied) on the grounds that they are married to an Irish citizen living here. [16001/04]
The person concerned was deported from the State on 14 March 2003 having evaded a deportation order made on 25 April 2002. According to her own admission she entered the State in December 1999 using a false name and documents and worked illegally under this false identity. In January 2000 she claimed asylum using her real name but failed to pursue the application and became uncontactable. The asylum application was subsequently refused and she was afforded the opportunity to leave the State voluntarily before I considered making a deportation order against her. This would have allowed her to apply for a visa to re-enter the State again legally. When she failed to respond to the correspondence, I went on to consider her case for deportation under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 and under section 5 of the Refugee Act 1999, prohibition of refoulement, and decided to make a deportation order.
I understand that the person referred to married an Irish citizen in November 2002, after the making of the deportation order, and soon afterwards submitted a residency application. In the course of processing the residency application, my Department became aware of the abuse of the system perpetrated by her and refused the application on the grounds that she did not reside with her husband as a family unit for any appreciable time. I have considered an application from her solicitors to revoke the deportation order but, in view of the circumstances of the case, I have decided to refuse her application for revocation. The effect of the deportation order is that she must remain outside the State unless and until the order is revoked.
188 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals he has or is planning to address breaches of equality provisions and equality proofing in such legislation as the Social Welfare Act, and particularly such anomalies as arise from the differential treatment of those in similar circumstances, such as deserted wives. [16033/04]
In bringing forward legislative proposals, each Department is required as a matter of policy to consider the implications which the legislation may give rise to in a number of regards. Proofing from an equality perspective is an important aspect of such considerations and has been since the enactment and coming into effect of the Employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status Act 2000. This policy is particularly relevant in the context of section 14 of the Equal Status Act which excludes actions required by or under an enactment from the scope of the Act.
As regards the responsibility of my own Department in this regard, under the Employment Equality and Equal Status Acts, independent equality bodies in the form of the Equality Authority and the Office of the Director of Equality Investigations — the Equality Tribunal — have been established to implement the equality provisions and provide for redress in cases of discrimination. As part of its role the Equality Authority is empowered under the legislation to refer cases which in its opinion involve discriminatory conduct by persons, including public bodies, to the Director of Equality Investigations.
In the social welfare code same sex couples are treated as individuals which, in the majority of cases, is to the couple's advantage. For example, where each person of an opposite sex couple has an entitlement in his or her own right to unemployment assistance, the weekly rate of payment comprises a full rate payment and a qualified adult allowance. A same sex couple in the same situation is treated as two individuals and each receives a full rate payment.
A case was taken last year by the Equality Authority on behalf of a same sex couple where one of the couple had an entitlement to a free travel pass but was refused a "married type" pass in respect of his partner, in keeping with the definition of a couple used by the Department. Legal advice received by the Department of Social and Family Affairs indicated that, as the Equal Status Act 2000 applies to all non-statutory schemes, including free travel, the failure to award the "married type" pass would be in breach of that Act, as an opposite sex cohabiting couple in the same situation would have been awarded the "married type" pass.
It was the view of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs that the application of different rules to statutory and non-statutory social welfare arrangements would not be sustainable in practice. The amendment included in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 represents an interim solution which restores the position prior to the free travel equality case, which is that for all social welfare arrangements a couple means a married couple or a couple cohabiting as husband and wife. When this amendment was introduced, a commitment was given to a fundamental review of the overall social welfare code regarding the requirements of the Equal Status Act 2000. This review will be done in consultation with all interested parties. The review will aim to ensure that any difference of treatment on any of the discriminatory grounds, set out in the Equal Status Act 2000, can be justified by a legitimate social policy aim and that the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary.
As the review will examine complex issues, with possible knock on effects to areas outside the social welfare area, and will involve a number of Departments, it will take some time to complete. The review will be based on a framework to be agreed with my Department. The scope and terms of reference of the review and the necessary arrangements for undertaking it will be decided in the coming months. Issues relating to social welfare legislation, such as deserted wives, are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
189 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when maps will be sent to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [16040/04]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that there is no record of an application pending on the folio number quoted by the Deputy at present. If the Deputy can provide me with the date of lodgement of the application and a Land Registry reference number, I will make further inquiries on his behalf.
190 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a dealing for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be completed in the Land Registry. [16043/04]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for transfer of part and charge which was lodged on 5 May, 2004. Dealing number D2004SM003738X refers. I am further informed that queries issued to the lodging solicitors on 24 May 2004 and that the application cannot proceed until these queries have been satisfactorily resolved. However, I can assure the Deputy that, on receipt of a satisfactory reply, the matter will receive further attention in the Land Registry.
191 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if as a general principle District and Circuit Court judges are not allocated districts or circuits where they had previously practised as lawyers, or resided; and if there are guidelines or procedures in this regard. [16050/04]
The statutory basis governing the assignment of Circuit and District Court judges is set out in the Courts Acts 1924 to 2002. Decisions in this regard are taken in the light of circumstances in each case and no formal guidelines or procedures are in place.
192 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when closed circuit television cameras will be installed in Waterford city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16051/04]
When the approval was given to proceed with the installation of town centre CCTV systems at 17 locations throughout the country, it was decided that implementation would be on a phased basis. If work were to commence on all 17 locations simultaneously, it would prove difficult to project manage due to the complexity of the process and the geographical spread of the proposed system, and it would also require additional resources.
In phase 1, the contract for the supply, installation and commissioning of Garda CCTV systems in Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick was awarded to SKS Communications Ltd. The system in Dún Laoghaire has recently been completed and is now fully operational. The remaining systems are currently at various stages of completion. In phase 2, the pre-tender process for the CCTV systems in Athlone, Clondalkin, Tallaght and Waterford is at an advanced stage. In phase 3, planning for the installation of CCTV systems for Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clonmel, Ennis, Kilkenny and Sligo is scheduled to commence later this year. The planning process includes identifying the proposed closed circuit television locations.
Consideration is currently being given to restructuring of the manner in which these systems go to tender with a view to delivering the implementation of these CCTV systems in a more efficient and cost effective manner.
193 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when closed circuit television cameras will be installed in Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16052/04]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that an application for a CCTV system in Dungarvan has been received by the CCTV advisory committee. This committee was established by the Garda Commissioner to advise on all matters relating to CCTV systems. This application is currently under consideration by the advisory committee along with applications from other cities and towns throughout the country. It should be noted that there are already 17 CCTV schemes nationwide which are either at installation, tender or planning stages.
194 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will intervene in a land registry matter regarding persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [16053/04]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that the details supplied by the Deputy refer to an application for amendment of Land Registry maps on foot of a High Court order which was lodged on 12 December 2003 and an application for a copy instrument which was lodged on 6 April 2004. Dealing number D2003CK026303H and application number C2004CK002189Q refer.
On the application for amendment of Land Registry maps on foot of a High Court order, I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that the Land Registry must comply with the order of the High Court. I am also sure that the Deputy will appreciate that, in accordance with the provisions of our Constitution, the courts are independent of the Executive in the exercise of their judicial functions and it would be inappropriate for me to intervene in any way. I can only suggest that your clients consult their legal adviser in the matter.
I am further informed that dealing number D2003CK026303H was completed on 29 March 2004 and application number C2004CK002189 was completed on 19 April 2004.
195 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí of all ranks that were on duty in the Inishowen Garda district on each of the nights from 21, 22 and 23 May 2004; the number and types of vehicles manned in the same district on the same nights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16054/04]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the Inishowen peninsula is policed by the Buncrana Garda district and includes the Garda stations at Buncrana, Burnfoot, Carndonagh, Clonmany, Culdaff, Malin, Moville and Muff.
The personnel strength of the Buncrana Garda district as at 21, 22 and 23 May 2004 was 72, all ranks. There are eight official Garda vehicles attached to the Buncrana Garda district. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that for security and operational reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of gardaí working in any area over a specific period of time.
196 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of incidents that were reported in the Inishowen Garda district on each of the nights 21, 22 and 23 May 2004; the number that were of a public order nature; the percentage of reported incidents responded to; the number of arrests or cautions given in the same district on the same nights; the number of cases still being pursued at another level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16055/04]
197 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of incidents that were reported in the Inishowen Garda district on each of the nights 21, 22 and 23 May 2004 that were of a public order nature and resembled or replicated incidents of 14 May 2004 either in terms of location involved, persons involved or in the type of disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16056/04]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.
I have made inquiries with the Garda authorities about the number of incidents reported to the Garda authorities in the Buncrana district in the period concerned and the information sought by the Deputy is outlined in the table.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that there were five arrests in the Buncrana district in the period concerned. The number of persons cautioned is not recorded. I am informed that all incidents reported to the Garda authorities in the period concerned were responded to and that the public order issues reported during this period were similar in nature to those occurring over the previous weekend.
|
Date |
21 May |
22 May |
23 May |
|
Total incidents reported |
9 |
7 |
3 |
|
Public order incidents reported |
2 |
3 |
1 |
|
Incidents under investigation |
8 |
4 |
2 |
198 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review an application for a person (details supplied) for a holiday visa which was refused; and the aspect of the application he is not satisfied with. [16057/04]
The person in question made a visa application in April 2004. The application was refused because it was not established, on the basis of the documentation supplied to my Department, that the applicant would observe the conditions of the visa. In particular, it was considered that the applicant had not displayed sufficient evidence of any obligations to return home following her proposed visit. There was no indication given in the application, or in the supporting documentation, that the applicant had any relatives in the State.
It is open to the applicant to appeal against the refusal by writing to the visa appeals officer in my Department. A full copy of the relative's passport should be submitted in support of the appeal.
199 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the need for a referendum on citizenship when only 1% of newly born babies countrywide in 2003 were born to women who were non-Irish nationals out of a total of 60,000 babies born in Irish hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[16058/04]
I cannot accept that the contention implicit in the Deputy's question has any basis in fact. If it were true, the total figure for births to non-nationals in the State in 2003 would be 600 but the number of births to non-nationals for 2003 in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, alone exceeds that figure by 88. The total figure for births to non-nationals in Dublin maternity hospitals for 2003 is 5,471.
The referendum on citizenship arises from the need to eliminate an aspect of our law that exposes Irish citizenship to abuse. I have outlined the circumstances of that abuse in my contributions to the Dáil and Seanad during the debates on the Twenty Seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004. In summary, the abuse comes about by virtue of the fact that under the law as it stands, it is possible for someone who has no connection with Ireland to arrange their affairs so as to give birth to a child in Ireland, whereupon that child acquires an entitlement to Irish citizenship. This is not acceptable to me nor, in my view, to the Irish people at large.
200 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will streamline the application procedures for the Garda national identity card; the average waiting time at present for an applicant to receive their card; the advertising procedures that are in place at present to publicise the ID card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16064/04]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the application procedure for the national age card is governed by the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (Age Card) Regulations 1999 which are made under the provisions of section 40 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 and provide for a voluntary national age card scheme. The national age card is not a Garda national identity card.
Applicants receive their national age card within four to five weeks of producing the correct documentation at their local Garda station. Delays can occur due to incorrectly completed or illegible application forms.
A number of initiatives are in place to advertise the national age card scheme. In addition to being available at Garda stations, application forms are also available at premises that are frequented by the relevant age group of 18 years and over, such as youth advisory centres, college students' unions and so forth. The application form is also available on the Garda Síochána website, www.garda.ie
Posters advertising the national age card scheme are clearly on display in all Garda stations and have been made available to all licensed and off-licensed premises as well as schools, colleges, clubs and youth groups. In addition, initiatives are organised by local gardaí who advertise age card use and availability to ensure exposure to the primary target group of persons aged between 18 years and 21 years. Some of these initiatives include advertising on local radio stations.
The Garda community relations section continues to liaise with other State agencies, the drinks industry and relevant interested groups.
201 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects the implementation of the provisions of the Children Act 2001 in respect of the making of parental supervision orders; the reasons this has not yet been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16066/04]
The Children Act 2001, introduces a wide range of innovative measures that will provide a statutory framework for the future development of the juvenile justice system in accordance with modern thinking and best international practice. The Deputy will appreciate that the Children Act is very complex and comprehensive legislation and, for those reasons, provisions under the Act are being implemented on a phased basis.
The first commencement order under the Act in respect of my Department was signed by my predecessor on 23 April 2002. The order, which came into force on 1 May 2002, provided for, inter alia, the payment of compensation by parents in respect of offences committed by their children, section 113 of the Act, and a court order which would require parents to exercise proper and adequate control over their children, section 114 of the Act.
Section 111 of the Act provides that, "in any proceedings where a child is found guilty of an offence, the court may make an order for the supervision of the child's parents (a "parental supervision order") where the court is satisfied that a wilful failure of the child's parents to take care of or control the child contributed to the child's behaviour."
A parental supervision order may order the parent of the child to do any or all of the following: to undergo treatment for alcohol abuse or other substance abuse, where such facilities are reasonably available; to participate in any course that is reasonably available for the improvement of parenting skills; adequately and properly to control or supervise the child to the best of their ability, except where the terms of any community sanction imposed on the child make such control or supervision impracticable; to comply with any other instruction of the court that would in its opinion assist in preventing the child from committing further offences.
The successful implementation of the community based options in the Act, including the new parental supervision order provided for under section 111 of the Act, will require a very significant input from the probation and welfare service. In this context, additional probation and welfare officers are being recruited. It is the intention that the community sanctions provided for in the Act will commence to be implemented on a phased basis from June 2004, as staffing and other necessary resources allow.
202 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in providing separate detention facilities for 16 and 17 year old girls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16068/04]
Plans currently underway for the replacement of the Mountjoy complex will address the issue of separate detention facilities for 16 and 17 year old girls.
203 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is anticipated that those accompanying President Bush on his visit here will be carrying firearms; the number and calibre of such firearms; if he will detail the circumstances in which the discharge of firearms is permitted; if any form of immunity or indemnification has been provided in respect of such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16117/04]
It is not the policy and it would be contrary to the public interest to disclose details of the security arrangements relating to the forthcoming visit of the US President.
The importation of firearms is strictly governed by legislation. In particular, pursuant to the Firearms (Firearms Certificates for Non-Residents) Act 2000, the Minister is empowered to grant firearms certificates to non-residents who apply for a firearms certificate for purposes other than hunting or sporting purposes. Any decision to grant a firearms certificate is made in consultation with the Garda Síochána, which at all times retains responsibility for law enforcement matters generally and in the case of visiting VIPs.
All persons in this jurisdiction, including US security personnel and any actions they may take, will at all times be subject to the full application of national law and the Constitution. In particular, there are no plans to grant immunity or provide indemnification to such personnel.
204 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will honour his undertaking to provide a breakdown of equipment and Garda costs arising from the weekend of 30 April to 3 May 2004 as requested in Parliamentary Questions Nos. 113, 115 and 116 on 29 April 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16118/04]
The calculation of the total costs in respect of the security operation over the weekend of 30 April to 3 May 2004 is being finalised and I will write to the Deputy shortly with this information and additional details on the range of equipment involved.
205 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí and sergeants assigned to each Dublin Garda station; the total population that each Garda station serves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16119/04]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the number of gardaí and sergeants allocated to each Garda station in the Dublin metropolitan region as at 25 May 2004 is set out in the table:
|
Station |
Sergeants |
Gardaí |
|
Ballyfermot |
14 |
61 |
|
Ballymun |
10 |
54 |
|
Blanchardstown |
20 |
114 |
|
Blackrock |
12 |
48 |
|
Bray |
10 |
58 |
|
Bridewell |
26 |
134 |
|
Cabinteely |
4 |
35 |
|
Cabra |
10 |
55 |
|
Clondalkin |
10 |
69 |
|
Clontarf |
11 |
47 |
|
Coolock |
13 |
64 |
|
Crumlin |
19 |
58 |
|
Dalkey |
6 |
21 |
|
Donnybrook |
16 |
102 |
|
Dublin Airport |
5 |
17 |
|
Station |
Sergeants |
Gardaí |
|
Dundrum |
6 |
55 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
19 |
69 |
|
Enniskerry |
0 |
3 |
|
Finglas |
10 |
55 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
18 |
95 |
|
Greystones |
4 |
25 |
|
Harcourt Terrace |
9 |
65 |
|
Howth |
6 |
34 |
|
Irishtown |
8 |
44 |
|
Kevin St. |
16 |
93 |
|
Kill-O-Grange |
5 |
31 |
|
Kilmainham |
15 |
59 |
|
Lucan |
11 |
51 |
|
Leixlip |
3 |
24 |
|
Malahide |
7 |
36 |
|
Mountjoy |
10 |
72 |
|
Pearse St. |
27 |
200 |
|
Raheny |
8 |
48 |
|
Rathcoole |
2 |
19 |
|
Rathfarnham |
8 |
61 |
|
Rathmines |
9 |
64 |
|
Ronanstown |
13 |
65 |
|
Santry |
19 |
79 |
|
Shankill |
10 |
46 |
|
Stepaside |
5 |
27 |
|
Store St. |
31 |
219 |
|
Sundrive Road |
7 |
54 |
|
Swords |
7 |
48 |
|
Tallaght |
19 |
139 |
|
Terenure |
11 |
68 |
|
Whitehall |
6 |
31 |
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that as population statistics do not correlate to Garda sub-district boundaries, it is not possible to provide the total population that each Garda station serves.
206 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals in regard to the commencement of the west Waterford water scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15987/04]
The west Waterford water supply scheme is one of 31 projects valued in excess of €245 million that I have approved for the period 2004-06 under my Department's water services investment programme. Planning of the west Waterford scheme is being advanced as rapidly as possible by Waterford County Council and it is scheduled to commence construction in 2005.
The scheme involves the upgrading of the water supplies for Lismore, Cappoquin, Ballyduff and Tallow. It will also address water supply and quality deficiencies in the remainder of the west Waterford area, including Clashmore, Aglish, Villierstown and Piltown. At present, Waterford County Council's proposals for the appointment of a consultant to prepare a preliminary report for the scheme are under examination in my Department. My Department is dealing with the matter as quickly as possible and will respond to the council shortly.
207 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of recommendations for the establishment of new town councils which have been made by county councils to him since the Local Government Act 2001 became law; the towns which these applications relate to; and the outcome of same. [15988/04]
The statutory provisions relating to the establishment of a new town council as set out in Part 17 of the Local Government Act 2001 have yet to be brought into force. However, I hope to be in a position to commence these and other relevant provisions of the Act over the course of the summer.
208 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he would consider issuing planning guidance to planning authorities regarding light pollution. [16021/04]
Officials from my Department have met with the National Committee for Astronomy and Space Research of the Royal Irish Academy to discuss light pollution. Further consideration will be given to the issue of guidance to planning authorities following completion of these consultations.
209 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Ireland’s progress in meeting the timetable on the EU Directive on assessment and management of environmental noise, commonly referred to as the mapping directive. [16101/04]
Directive 2002/49/EC relates to the assessment and management of environmental noise and is due to be transposed into national law by 18 July 2004. The directive requires, inter alia, the making of strategic noise maps for all agglomerations with more than 250,000 inhabitants, all major roads with more than 6 million vehicle passages per year, major railways with more than 60,000 train passages per year and major airports with more than 50,000 take off or landing movements per year no later than 30 June 2007 and the drawing up of action plans to manage any ensuing noise issues and effects no later than 18 July 2008.
In a second phase, strategic noise maps and action plans are required to be completed by similar dates in 2012 and 2013, respectively, for agglomerations with between 100,000 and 250,000 inhabitants, major roads with between 3 and 6 million vehicle passages per year and major railways with between 30,000 and 60,000 train passages per year. My Department is in ongoing consultation with the relevant local and transport sector authorities on the directive's implementation in the context of preparing transposing regulations by the due date.
The regulations will provide the legal framework within which designated competent authorities will implement the various mapping and action planning requirements of the directive within the stipulated timeframe of 2007-13.
Dublin City Council, having to date published a noise map for the area between the boundaries of the Grand and Royal Canals linking land use, population density and traffic data, is proceeding to extend similar mapping to the city council boundaries. My Department wrote to all local and transport sector authorities in the greater Dublin region in February 2004 highlighting the city council's progress on noise mapping to date and requesting their consideration of a co-ordinated approach to fulfil the requirements of Directive 2002/49/EC.
210 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which category incineration, thermal treatment, waste to energy belongs in terms of reuse, recycling and recovery. [16103/04]
Government policy on waste management, which is based on the internationally accepted waste hierarchy, recognises the role of thermal treatment, incorporating energy recovery, as one of the mix of instruments involved in the modernisation of our approach to waste management. The issue of whether such a facility comes within the waste framework directive's definition of "recovery" falls to be determined by reference to the particular characteristics of the facility, taking account of relevant European Court of Justice judgments on this issue. In policy terms, the position of thermal treatment, with energy recovery, is well established within the waste hierarchy; after prevention/minimisation, reuse and recycling, it is regarded as an environmentally preferable approach to waste management compared to landfill.
211 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of an application for the provision of a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16115/04]
In January 2001, my Department approved Kildare County Council's application in respect of a proposed sewerage scheme at Rathangan under the serviced land initiative. The council subsequently requested the inclusion of the proposal as a major capital project in the water services investment programme where it would attract a higher level of departmental funding.
The proposal was ranked fourth in the list of waste water schemes submitted by Kildare County Council in November 2003 in response to my Department's request to local authorities to undertake fresh assessments of the needs for capital water services works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments. The priority lists were taken into account in the framing of the water services investment programme 2004-06 which I published last month. Due to the priority afforded to the scheme by the council, it has not been possible to include it in the programme. However, the approval of the scheme under the serviced land initiative remains in place.
212 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will list the number of meetings in the past year of each interdepartmental committee or body on which his Department is represented; the frequency and location of its meetings; and where it is intended those meetings will take place after decentralisation. [15017/04]
I take it the Deputy is referring to cross-departmental committees or equivalent. Information on each such committee or body on which my Department is represented and the frequency and location of its meetings is set out in the following table.
Regarding the Deputy's question as to where it is intended that those meetings will take place after decentralisation, I understand that while some of the committees may have completed their work before decentralisation, in general meetings of committees will continue to be held as required.
|
Dept.Committee/Body |
Frequency of meetings |
Location |
|
Change Management Network |
monthly |
Dublin |
|
QCS Implementation Group |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
QCS Working Group |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
QCS Officers Network |
monthly |
Dublin |
|
Civil Service FOI Users Network |
bi-monthly |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Working Group on FOI |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Mullarkey Implementation Group |
monthly |
Dublin |
|
MIF Consultative Committee |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
MIF Project Management Group |
8 per annum |
Dublin |
|
Monitoring Committee for NDP/CSF |
Twice yearly |
Various locations nationwide |
|
Southern & Eastern Regional Operational Programme Monitoring Committee |
Twice yearly |
Various locations nationwide |
|
Border, Midland & Western Operational Programme Monitoring Committee |
Twice yearly |
Various locations nationwide |
|
Expenditure Reviewers Network |
Occasional |
Various central locations |
|
RAPID National Monitoring Committee |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Steering Group on Review of Family Support Services |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
URBAN II Monitoring Committee |
Twice yearly |
Dublin |
|
Cross Departmental review of supports to long term unemployed |
No regular pattern |
Dublin |
|
North/South High Level Interdepartmental Meeting |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Departmental North/South Co-ordinators Committee |
monthly |
Enniskillen |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on the National Heritage and National Biodiversity Plans |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Quality Customer Services Working Group to advise on the preparation of guidelines under the Official Languages Act 2003 |
monthly |
Dublin |
|
Inter-Departmental Group on the Implementation of Children First |
3 times a year (max) |
Dublin |
|
National Rural Water Monitoring Committee |
Bi-monthly |
usually Mullingar, Co. Westmeath |
|
Interdepartmental Committee for the Gaeltacht, the Irish language and the Islands |
4-6 times a year or as the need arises. |
Various locations |
|
Cross-Departmental Team on Housing, Infrastructure and Public/Private Partnerships |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on State Aid |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
National Assessment Committee of the Young Peoples’ Facilities and Services Fund |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
Inter-Departmental Group on Drugs |
6 times a year |
Dublin |
|
National Drugs Strategy Team |
Every 2/3 Weeks |
Dublin |
|
Joint Steering Group for National Drug Strategy Mid-term Review |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
National Advisory Committee on Drugs |
Every 6/8 Weeks |
Dublin |
|
Inter-Departmental Group on Homelessness |
6 times a year |
Dublin |
|
Inter-Departmental Group on Alcohol |
6 times a year |
Dublin |
|
National Drugs Awareness Campaign Committee |
6 times a year |
Dublin |
|
EU Presidency Drugs Steering Group |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
National Steering Committee on Violence against Women |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Implementation & Advisory Group (IAG) of the White Paper on Supporting Voluntary Activity |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Coordinating Committee on European Union Affairs |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
Implementation of the National Spatial Strategy. |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Assistant Secretary Group on The Information Society |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion |
monthly |
Dublin |
|
Senior Officials Group on Traveller Issues |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Review Group on the National Traveller Task Force Report |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Board member of the Children’s Strategy |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Heads of Internal Audit Forum |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
ICT Managers Framework |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
XML Working Group |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Interoperability Framework |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Webmasters Network |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
E-Cabinet Technical sub-group |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Interdepartmental Group on Framework Arrangements |
Twice yearly |
Dublin |
|
Training Officers’ Network |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Performance Management & Development System Network |
quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Review of Local and Community Development Structures Group |
every eight weeks |
Dublin |
|
Implementation Group of Secretaries General |
monthly |
Dublin |
|
E-Strategy Secretary General’s Group |
Every 2/3 months |
Dublin |
|
Grúpa idir-rannach um stádas na Gaeilge san AE |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
Coiste Comhairleach faoi Thuarascáil Choimisiún na Gaeltachta |
About every 2 months |
Na Forbacha |
|
Personnel Officers network |
Quarterly |
Dublin |
|
Steering group of the Salary review of Chief Executives of North/South bodies |
6 over the past two years |
Dublin |
|
Decentralisation Liaison Committee |
Monthly |
Dublin |
|
Monitoring Cttee for Productive Sector OP |
Twice yearly |
Various locations nationwide |
|
Monitoring Cttee for Economic and Social Infrastructure OP |
Twice yearly |
Various locations nationwide |
|
Monitoring Cttee for HR OP |
Twice yearly |
Various locations nationwide |
|
Monitoring Cttee for Tech. Assistance OP |
Twice yearly |
Various locations nationwide |
|
Rural Dev. Co-coordinating Cttee |
Twice yearly |
Various locations nationwide |
|
Steering Cttee. on Cross-border Rural Development |
Twice yearly |
North/South (alternates) |
213 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will list the number of meetings in the past year of each interdepartmental committee or body on which her Department is represented; the frequency and location of its meetings; and where it is intended those meetings will take place after decentralisation. [15473/04]
Due to the broad range of my Department's responsibilities in delivering social welfare and related services to citizens, my officials attend meetings of a wide variety of interdepartmental committees or bodies on an ongoing basis.
Currently, officials of my Department are members of some 110 interdepartmental committees or bodies. This includes both groups for which my Department is the lead Department and those which are led by other Departments and on which my Department is represented. The frequency of meetings is determined by the lead Department for each committee or body and can range from monthly through quarterly to periodic meetings as required.
The question of where meetings will take place and the frequency of meetings post-decentralisation will depend on the individual circumstances involved. The use of alternative ways of conducting the business transacted at these meetings will also be examined with a view to ensuring that business is conducted in the most cost effective way.
214 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason incorrect information was given in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 216 of 19 May 2004. [15996/04]
On the basis of the information available to my Department, the position remains as set out in my reply to the Deputy on 19 May 2004.
While the Deputy contends that he submitted an application form for fuel allowance on behalf of the person concerned, there is no record of this in the pension services office in Sligo. As already stated, an application form for fuel allowance was received together with a cover letter from the Western Health Board and a fuel allowance has been awarded to the person concerned on foot of this. Her late husband's fuel allowance book was received separately but without any covering letter attached.
215 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded disability benefit. [15997/04]
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 16 April 2004. Entitlement to the allowance is subject to the applicant satisfying a means test and the medical eligibility criteria that apply. In this regard, a means assessment was undertaken by an investigative officer of the Department on 19 May 2004.
Arrangements have also been made to have the person concerned examined by a medical assessor of my Department. This examination is scheduled to take place on 11 June 2004. He is being notified directly of the time and place for this medical examination. His entitlement to disability allowance will be further considered in light of the medical assessor's report and he will be notified directly of the outcome.
Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
216 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent assistance will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has sourced rented accommodation at Powerscourt, Newbridge, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16026/04]
The South Western Area Health Board was contacted regarding this case and has advised that the person concerned was refused a rent supplement on the ground that the rent being sought is considerably in excess of the board's appropriate reasonable rent limit. The person concerned has been advised that he will be required to secure more reasonably priced accommodation in order to receive a rent supplement.
217 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent allowance has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16031/04]
The South Western Area Health Board was contacted regarding this case and has advised that when rent supplement was initially awarded to the person concerned she was in receipt of one-parent family payment in respect of herself and two dependent children.
Since the supplement was first awarded there has been a change in the person's financial circumstances. She is now in receipt of one-parent family payment in respect of an additional child. A recent review of her rent supplement took account of the change in her circumstances and the increase of €1 per week in the minimum contribution that all recipients are required to make towards their rent. This review had the effect of reducing the amount of supplement payable by €15.20 per month, which is the equivalent of €3.50 per week. The board has confirmed that she is in receipt of the maximum amount of rent supplement payable having regard to her current circumstances.
218 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if mortgage support is available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16079/04]
The South Western Area Health Board was contacted regarding this case and has advised that it has no record of an application for mortgage interest supplement from the person concerned. If he wishes to make an application he should contact the community welfare officer at his local health centre so that an assessment of his circumstances can be carried out to determine whether he has an entitlement to mortgage interest supplement.
219 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Our Lady’s Nursery, Ballymun, is threatened with closure as a result of her failure to rescind her decision on crèche allowances for parents of participating children and the failure of the Northern Area Health Board to provide substitute funding; her plans with regard to preventing the closure of the nursery; if she will immediately reinstate this crèche allowance in view of the unnecessary hardship it has caused and the similar difficulties posed to 19 other nurseries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16108/04]
The Northern Area Health Board confirmed that the crèches in question will not close as a result of the decision to discontinue, with effect from 1 January 2004, payment of crèche supplements under the terms of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
As the Deputy is aware the bulk of the funding for the crèches in question comes from the health board. The board agreed to examine the financial support it provides to these crèches and this matter is currently under consideration. In the meantime, as an exceptional measure, health boards may continue to pay existing crèche supplements while arrangements for alternative funding are being finalised.
