Paul Connaughton
Ceist:69 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence his views on the current situation with regard to search-and-rescue services in the north-west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17854/04]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies received from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 16, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 17 to 56, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 57 to 68, inclusive, answered orally.
Search and Rescue Service.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:95 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence if a date has been set for the hand-over of the search-and-rescue service in the north-west from the Air Corps to a private company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17829/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:113 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if adequate trained Air Corps personnel are available to meet all requirements with particular reference to air or sea rescue services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18109/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 95 and 113 together.
The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime search-and-rescue services within the Irish search-and-rescue region. The Air Corps provides the search-and-rescue, or SAR, service off the north-west coast, while CHCI, a private operator, provides the service from Dublin, Shannon and Waterford.
Late last year, I announced my decision to withdraw the Air Corps from the search-and-rescue service. That decision was made only following a considered assessment of the capacity of the Air Corps to return to and maintain a full 24-hour service in the north-west. As Deputies will recall, the service had been restricted following an unusually high incidence of sick leave among the winch crews. There is no plan to reconsider the decision to withdraw from the search-and-rescue service.
The Air Corps will continue to provide its current limited service, while the coast guard makes alternative arrangements for the return of a full SAR service in the north-west. I have been informed by my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, that the proposals are still under assessment, and a final decision in that regard is expected shortly.
Air Corps pilots will continue to train in search-and-rescue techniques, and it is envisaged that they will provide support for limited non-maritime search and rescue services.
Defence Forces Recruitment.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:70 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the current level of female membership of the Defence Forces; if he has plans to encourage the recruitment of a greater number of women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17819/04]
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:82 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the highest rank held by female personnel in the Army, the Naval Service, and the Air Corps; if he has satisfied himself with the progress made by women members up the ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17820/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 82 together.
The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women in the Defence Forces, including the reserve Defence Force, and to the full participation of women in all aspects of Defence Forces' activities.
Women are eligible for service in the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and in the reserve Defence Force and to compete for promotion on an equal basis and under the same general conditions as those which apply to men. Female officers are generally being promoted at the same stage in their career as male officers. All female personnel undergo the same training and receive the same military education as their male counterparts.
The military authorities advise that the trend for general service recruitment has been that 9% of all applicants have been female and that on average 9% of enlistment has been female. It is obviously not possible to predict what the relevant percentages will be in any future intakes of recruits, but there is no reason to assume that the pattern will change to any great degree. Some 15.4% of applicants for the 2003 cadetship competition were female. Some 15.5% of successful candidates were female.
Under the terms of the Employment Equality Act 1998, the Defence Forces are prohibited from operating recruitment policies that discriminate on grounds of gender.
To encourage increased participation by women in the Defence Forces, I decided in March 1998 to reduce the height requirement for all female recruits to 5' 4", and that height requirement now also applies to male recruits.
The Defence Forces actively encourage female applicants, for example, by: (a) advertising — where possible, all graphical advertisements and booklets produced for the Defence Forces show both male and female personnel and emphasise that all applicants are assessed on an equal basis; (b) recruitment fairs — stands at recruiting fairs are generally staffed by male and female personnel; and (c) visits to schools — when the Defence Forces are invited to give talks at all female or at mixed schools, every effort is made to have a female speaker.
Over the past six years, the strength of female personnel in the Defence Forces has grown from 244 at the end of 1997 to 484 at the end of 2003. In percentage terms that represents an increase from 2.11% to 4.61% of total strength.
The strength of females by rank in the Defence Forces as at the end of April 2004 is provided in the form of a tabular statement which I propose to circulate in the Official Report.
|
LtGen |
MajGen |
BrigGen |
Col |
LtCol |
Comdt |
Capt |
Lt |
TotalOffrs |
Sm |
BQMS |
Cs |
CQMS |
Sgts |
Cpls |
Total NCOs |
Ptes |
Cadets |
Total |
|
|
Army |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
13 |
30 |
31 |
75 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
10 |
89 |
103 |
213 |
14 |
405 |
|
Air Corps |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
1 |
21 |
|
Naval Service |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
14 |
16 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
43 |
5 |
66 |
Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:71 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish Defence Forces personnel committed to the rapid reaction force; the ongoing progress being made towards assembling the RRF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17847/04]
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:92 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the progress towards the agreement of a common European defence strategy within the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17843/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 92 together.
Ireland's commitment to the Helsinki headline goal, which is the more accurate term for what is commonly referred to as the rapid reaction force, consists of an offer of up to 850 members of the Defence Forces from within our existing commitment of 850 personnel to the United Nations standby arrangements system, or UNSAS. I should stress that the commitment to the Helsinki headline goal should not be interpreted as an additional commitment of the Defence Forces to overseas operations. In that regard, national sovereignty is a fundamental underlying principle to participation in the European security and defence policy. Ireland will approach each proposed mission on a case-by-case basis and will only participate in operations authorised by the United Nations and with the approval of the Government and this House.
That commitment to international peacekeeping, humanitarian and crisis management operations represents some 10% of the Army and is a considerable undertaking by any standard. In that regard, almost 750 members of the Defence Forces are currently deployed overseas on peace support operations.
Ireland has been an active participant in the continued development of the European security and defence policy, or ESDP, and the Government remains committed to that participation. I should stress that the development of the ESDP does not amount to a common European defence strategy as suggested in Deputy Crawford's question.
I have reported to this House on previous occasions on the good progress which has been made during the Irish Presidency, and I welcome the opportunity to report on recent developments in this regard.
The adoption by the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting on 17 May 2004 of a new headline goal with a horizon of 2010 has been a key development during our Presidency.
In that regard, member states have decided to set themselves a new headline goal, reflecting the European security strategy, which was adopted by the heads of state and Government in Brussels in December 2003, taking into account the evolution of the strategic environment and drawing on lessons learned from previous EU-led crisis management operations. Member states have decided to commit themselves to be able by 2010 to respond with rapid and decisive action, applying a fully coherent approach to the whole spectrum of crisis management operations covered by the Treaty on the European Union. That includes humanitarian and rescue tasks, peacekeeping tasks, and tasks of combat forces in crisis management, including peacemaking. Member states have also recognised that interoperability, deployability and sustainability must be at the core of member states' efforts and will be the driving factors of the 2010 headline goal.
The ability for the EU to deploy force packages at high readiness, commonly known as battle groups, as a response to a crisis, either as a stand-alone force or as part of a larger operation enabling follow-on phases, is also a key element of the 2010 headline goal. The development of such a rapid response capability for the European Union has also been an important focus for work during our Presidency.
I am particularly pleased that significant progress has been made regarding the development of the EU's relationship with the UN in accordance with the EU-UN joint declaration of 24 September 2003.
As I reported earlier today to the House, political agreement on the joint action establishing the European defence agency was reached at the GAERC meeting on 14 June 2004. It is now intended that formal adoption of the legal act to establish the agency will take place before the end of the Irish Presidency.
Defence Forces Equipment.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:72 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date into the investigation into the circumstances in which a number of civilians came into contact with an unexploded tear gas canister near firing ranges at the Curragh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17830/04]
I have been advised by the military authorities that the investigation into the matter was completed this week. The investigating officer has now submitted a final report to the military authorities for consideration. I expect to receive a copy of the final report in the near future.
As I have previously indicated to the House, I have asked that a report on the investigation be submitted to me as soon as possible. Once I receive the final report, I will consider whatever recommendations may be made to me regarding the ongoing management and control of military ranges.
Overseas Missions.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:73 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether the triple lock requires reform to enable the Defence Forces to serve on missions such as that taking place in Macedonia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17846/04]
Ireland's commitment to collective security is pursued through the United Nations, which has the primary role in the maintenance of international peace and security. The UN has no standing military forces of its own and relies on the voluntary provision of resources by willing members. At a time of geopolitical instability and change, I believe that it is important that the international community continue to support the United Nations in maintaining peace and stability.
At present, according to the Defence Acts, Defence Forces personnel can serve overseas only in an operation established by the UN Security Council or General Assembly.
The provisions for the participation of members of the Defence Forces in overseas missions are set out in the Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1960, as amended by the Defence (Amendment) Act 1993, which provides that a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force may be despatched for service outside the State, as part of a particular international United Nations force.
Participation in an overseas operation requires UN authorisation, a specific Government decision and, where the level of participation is to exceed 12 members of the Defence Forces, the approval of Dáil Éireann.
While I would not wish that our legislative provisions should prevent the Defence Forces from participating in missions which support Ireland's underlying principles of providing support in the areas of international peacekeeping, humanitarian missions, or peace support operations, I believe that it is important at this time that our decision-making process continue to reflect our support for the United Nations.
In that regard, I believe that the circumstances which arose regarding the participation of the Defence Forces in the first EU peace support operation, in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, FYROM, are unlikely to recur. Those circumstances, it will be recalled, related to the fact that, while United Nations Resolution No. 1371 welcomed international efforts, including the efforts of the EU, to support the implementation of the Ohrid peace agreement in FYROM, it did not authorise an international United Nations force as required by the Defence Acts.
That was a unique situation, and I expect that future EU "Petersberg task" missions will have the required UN authorisation, thereby enabling the Government to consider Defence Forces participation on a case-by-case basis.
However, as I stated in the past, in a volatile international security environment, I believe that we should keep the matter under review to ensure that we are not found wanting should circumstances arise where the Government would wish to consider Defence Forces participation in a crisis calling for a response from the international community which conforms to Ireland's proud tradition of contributing to international peace and security.
Question No. 74 answered with QuestionNo. 66.
Defence Forces Strength.
Dan Neville
Ceist:75 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Force personnel serving in the Army rangers unit; the equipment that is available to the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17860/04]
The military authorities advise that the number of personnel serving in the Army ranger wing is less than 75. For security reasons, it is not the policy to disclose the type of equipment available to the ranger wing.
Question No. 76 answered with QuestionNo. 62.
Defence Forces Training.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:77 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel from the other ranks commissioned as officers in the Defence Forces in each of the past five years; if there are plans to increase the numbers commissioned from the ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17811/04]
A total of 28 non-commissioned officers have been commissioned as officers in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service in the past five years.
Potential officer courses, or POCs, are held for non-commissioned personnel from time to time within the Defence Forces. Personnel who successfully complete such courses are commissioned as officers in the Permanent Defence Force. Participants on such courses are selected on a competitive basis. In addition, from time to time non-commissioned personnel who hold appropriate qualifications are commissioned to fill specialist appointments where vacancies arise. Eligible non-commissioned personnel may also apply for the annual cadetship competitions. The requirement for potential officer courses and commissioning from the ranks, or CFR, competitions is reviewed from time to time and is being specifically addressed in the context of the integrated personnel management system, or IPMS, which is one of the major policy initiatives provided for in the White Paper on defence. The IPMS will make specific and ongoing provision for the introduction of regular schemes to commission enlisted personnel as officers in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service.
Draft conditions governing the appointment of enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force to be officers of the Naval Service are under discussion with the representative associations. As the discussions with the representative associations are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment on any of the specifics of the proposed draft conditions. However, it is the intention that a potential officer course will be run as soon as those discussions have been completed.
Question No. 78 answered with QuestionNo. 67.
Defence Forces Equipment.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:79 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence when a decision will be made on the provision of light utility and medium lift helicopters for the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17812/04]
Joe Sherlock
Ceist:85 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence if the relevant notice for the tender competition for the acquisition of new helicopters for the Air Corps has yet been sent to the Official Journal of the European Communities; the procedure to be used in selecting the successful tender; when he expects the process to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17824/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 85 together.
The procurement process for the acquisition of new helicopters for the Air Corps has commenced. Following discussions between senior officials in my Department and the military authorities, it has been decided that up to six helicopters will be acquired, two light utility helicopters primarily for Air Corps crew training purposes, and four larger utility helicopters, with the option of two further such helicopters for use in support of the Army and for other ancillary uses such as air ambulance. The new aircraft will replace the current fleet of Dauphin, Alouette and Gazelle aircraft.
The tender competition was advertised in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 29 May 2004. The closing date for the receipt of tenders is Friday, 23 July 2004.
The two light utility helicopters will be operated by the Air Corps primarily in the military pilot and air crew training role. Primary taskings for the helicopters will include pilot training, instructor training and instrument flight training.
The four utility helicopters will be operated by the Air Corps in a general purpose military operational and training role. They will not be dedicated for use by any particular element of the Defence Forces including the Army ranger wing. Primary taskings for the utility helicopter will include training and operations with special forces, security and aid to the civil power, military exercises, infantry interoperability training and limited troop transport. The helicopters will also be required to perform air ambulance, aid to the civil community and VIP transport tasks. On training, the utility helicopters will be involved in conversion training, winching and inland search-and-rescue training and night vision equipment development and operations. The use will therefore meet a wide spectrum of the Defence Forces' requirements.
The contract for the supply of the helicopters will be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender applying the following award criteria which are listed in order of priority: functional characteristics, operational suitability and technical merit; maintenance, technical support and after sales service; tender prices; life cycle costs over 20 years; training packages offered; warranties offered; and delivery period.
Allowing for receipt of tenders, tender evaluation, presentations, test flights, visits to facilities and contract negotiations, I would expect to award the contract some time in the autumn. As the Deputy will appreciate, at this early stage in the process it is extremely difficult to be very precise about these matters. However, every effort will be made to ensure that the process moves along as quickly as possible to ensure that the new helicopters are available to the Air Corps at the earliest possible date.
The procurement of modern light utility helicopters will provide a significant boost to the Air Corps in available flying hours at reduced maintenance costs, compared with the existing aircraft in the Air Corps helicopter wing. It will also provide increased capability in the roles currently undertaken by the existing Air Corps light utility helicopters.
My decision to proceed with the tender competition was based on the recommendations contained in the report of the joint military and civil board, which examined the rotary wing requirements of the Air Corps. The report of the board also dealt with the procurement of medium lift helicopters for the search and rescue service in the longer term. However, as the Air Corps will no longer be providing that service, this part of the report will not be implemented.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:80 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence the number of aircraft in use within the Air Corps; the age of those craft; the planned future acquisitions for the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17842/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:114 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which it is intended to upgrade all the Air Corps aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18110/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 114 together.
There are a total of 40 aircraft in service with the Air Corps at present. There are 15 helicopters and 25 fixed-wing aircraft. The type and age of those aircraft are as follows.
|
Aircraft Type |
Number in service |
Age |
|
Helicopters |
||
|
Alouettes |
7 |
30 to 41 years |
|
Dauphins |
4 |
18 years |
|
Gazelle |
1 |
23 years |
|
S61 |
1 |
26 years |
|
Ecureuill |
1 |
7 years |
|
EC 135 |
1 |
2 years |
|
Fixed-wing |
||
|
GIV |
1 |
13 years |
|
Learjet |
1 |
6 months old |
|
Beechcraft |
1 |
24 years old |
|
CASA |
2 |
10 years old |
|
Pilatus |
7 |
Up to 2 months old |
|
Cessna |
5 |
32 years old |
|
Marchetti |
7 |
27 years old |
|
Defender |
1 |
7 years old |
Regarding the development of the Air Corps fleet, the main priority for the Air Corps has been the purchase of fixed-wing training aircraft. In that regard, I signed a contract on 16 January 2003 for the supply of eight turbo-propeller aircraft to replace the Marchetti aircraft in the pilot training role. Those aircraft will allow for the continued training of young cadets to the highest standards. The new aircraft is the Pilatus PC-9M, manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft Limited, Switzerland. The cost of the eight aircraft is approximately €60 million. Seven aircraft have already been delivered, and the remaining aircraft is currently in Austria for a weapons certification programme. While those aircraft are being obtained primarily for pilot training, they will be capable of being armed and, as such, will have a limited defensive capability.
I have recently commenced the procurement process for the acquisition of new helicopters for the Air Corps and, in that regard, a tender notice was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 29 May with a closing date for response of Friday, 23 July. Up to six helicopters will be acquired, two light utility helicopters, primarily for Air Corps crew training purposes, and four larger utility helicopters, with an option for a further two such helicopters, for use in support of the Army and for other ancillary uses such as air ambulance. The new aircraft will replace the current fleet of Dauphin, Alouette and Gazelle aircraft. I have instructed my officials and the military authorities to give that procurement process top priority to ensure that a contract can be placed as early as possible.
Any further acquisitions or upgrades would be dependent on a review of needs and budgetary resources at any given time.
Defence Forces Property.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:81 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence the Defence Forces property that has been handed over or is planned to be transferred for the purposes of the new affordable housing initiative agreed in Sustaining Progress; the reasons for the delay in handing the land over to the local authorities; when it is expected that the transfers will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17817/04]
The Government decided on 1 July 2003 that Magee Barracks, Kildare, and Gormanston Camp, County Meath, would be among the State lands released to the relevant local authorities for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress affordable housing initiative.
In addition, the Government agreed on 16 December 2003 to the release of a further series of State lands for inclusion in the affordable housing initiative, including Department of Defence sites at St. Bricin's Hospital, Dublin, and at the Camp Field, Collins Barracks, Cork.
The modalities for the transfer of those sites to the relevant local authorities are under active consideration, and my Department is in ongoing communication with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in that regard.
I understand that Kildare County Council is currently preparing a local area action plan to deal with the future development of Magee Barracks and that Meath County Council is undertaking a feasibility study to determine the appropriate scale of development at Gormanston Camp.
The affordable housing initiative will be targeted at those who in the past would have been expected to purchase a house from their own resources but who find that they are unable to do so in the current market.
Question No. 82 answered with QuestionNo. 70.
Emergency Planning.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:83 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Defence if he plans to make changes to the emergency planning procedures in place for major emergencies or acts of terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17858/04]
Emergency planning for major accidents and emergencies has been ongoing for many years. That has been carried out at local level and co-ordinated on a regional basis in accordance with the Government framework for co-ordinated response to major emergencies.
The Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Health and Children and Justice, Equality and Law Reform monitor and advise on the preparation, co-ordination and testing of emergency plans by the local authorities, health boards, and the Garda Síochána in line with the framework and, as necessary, on the co-ordination arrangements at national level to facilitate those responses. Various other Departments and public authorities, including the Defence Forces, provide support to that framework.
I can assure the Deputy that Departments continue to take a lead role in planning for emergencies in areas for which each has statutory responsibility. The relevant Departments are responsible for ensuring that they have the necessary legislation, personnel, equipment and the planning arrangements in place to respond to emergencies, including the responses of bodies under their aegis.
Arising from the events of 11 September 2001, the Government responded by establishing an office of emergency planning in my Department and by setting up a Government task force on emergency planning to co-ordinate emergency planning and response arrangements across those Departments that lead and support the State's response in large-scale emergencies.
As chairperson of the Government task force, I have requested all authorities to review their emergency plans and revise them as appropriate. That has led to continuous examination and evaluation of emergency plans to ensure that the arrangements are current and effective. The task force has worked to co-ordinate emergency planning and response arrangements across those Departments that lead and support the State's response in an emergency.
The focus for that work continues to be on making the necessary arrangements, at best, to prevent, or, at least, to minimise the risks from terrorist activities by ensuring that the protection available to the Irish people is maximised. Potential threats to the State arising from international terrorism are continuously monitored by those involved, principally the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.
International linkages have also been important as a means of sharing expertise and resources. The European Union continues to develop programmes to improve co-operation within the Union, to prevent and limit any consequences of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear terrorist threats. That was given new impetus by the EU declaration on combating terrorism agreed under the Irish Presidency, which, among other things, emphasises the benefits of co-operation and co-ordination. The fight against terrorism requires member states to engage in formulating action plans across the whole of the European Union, and in response a counter-terrorism co-ordinator has been appointed to bring together the different processes at an EU level.
The Government task force meets regularly and continues to be an important mechanism to integrate the emergency planning efforts of Departments and other public authorities to provide for co-ordinated emergency responses. I am satisfied that the various plans developed and reviewed since the establishment of the task force are well co-ordinated and have significantly enhanced the response potential of the State in the event of a large-scale emergency.
The objective of the Government is to ensure that all State bodies can react quickly and efficiently to large-scale emergencies. As chairperson of the task force, my approach continues to be that such responses should be characterised by effective management of all aspects of emergency planning and by a high level of public confidence in all the response arrangements. The awareness that the situation could change rapidly, and with little warning, has ensured that vigilance is maintained. Should the situation regarding Ireland change, the task force will provide the necessary co-ordination to promote the best use of the State's emergency response resources. That approach to emergency planning is very effective, and I will continue this work and report regularly to the Government and to this House on those matters.
Defence Forces Property.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:84 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide further details on the €21 million Defence Forces capital investment programme for 2004, specifically, the amount to be spent in each of the 21 refurbishment and upgrade projects indicated; the reason in each case for the refurbishment and the nature of its contribution to the security of the State and improving the working conditions of the members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17920/04]
As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose to circulate it in the Official Report.
|
Defence Forces Capital Programme for 2004 — Project details |
Proposed Start Date(all 2004) |
Estimated Costs€million |
|
Refurbishment of Brigade Block: Custume Barracks, Athlone |
October |
2.5 |
|
Upgrade of Cookhouse, Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick |
September |
2.4 |
|
Refurbishment of Armoury: Dún Uí Mhaolíosa, Galway |
September |
1.8 |
|
New offices and stores for Army Ranger Wing, Curragh |
October |
1.8 |
|
Upgrade of accommodation: Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel |
September |
1.3 |
|
Upgrade of accommodation: Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick |
September |
1.0 |
|
Refurbishment of Battalion Headquarters: Dundalk Barracks |
December |
0.9 |
|
Upgrade of accommodation: Dún Uí Mhaolíosa, Galway |
November |
0.9 |
|
Refurbishment of accommodation: Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin |
November |
0.75 |
|
Refurbishment, Collins Barracks, Cork |
August |
0.6 |
|
Refurbishment of Officers’ Mess, McDermott Barracks, Curragh |
August |
0.6 |
|
Sports Pavilion, Curragh |
August |
0.6 |
|
Simulator Building, Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel |
August |
0.5 |
|
Security Fencing and CCTV system, Curragh |
May |
0.5 |
|
Military Museum, Collins Barracks, Cork |
September |
0.4 |
|
Upgrade sewage system, Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel |
September |
0.3 |
|
Upgrade Camp Headquarters, Coolmoney Camp |
June |
0.3 |
|
Upgrade anti-tank range, Glen of Imaal, County Wicklow |
August |
0.3 |
|
Energy Efficiency Measures, Curragh |
December |
0.3 |
|
Military Memorial, Merrion Square, Dublin |
November |
0.25 |
|
Fire Safety Works Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel |
October |
0.13 |
Capital Works Programme 2004
Custume Barracks — Upgrade of Brigade Block
The brigade block building in Custume Barracks is in very poor condition. It is proposed to refurbish the building fully to provide modern facilities for brigade headquarters.
Sarsfield Barracks — Cookhouse, Men’s Club Upgrade
It is proposed to upgrade the kitchen and storage areas of the existing cookhouse to ensure compliance with legislative requirements. It is also proposed to upgrade the adjacent men's club. The existing mess is in a totally unsuitable timber structure, with inadequate capacity, ablutions etc.
Galway — Armoury Refurbishment
The armoury in Renmore Barracks is in a building which is a protected structure. This building has several major problems, both structural and in its serviceability. It is proposed to refurbish and modernise the building.
ARW — Office and Stores Accommodation Upgrade
Existing office and storage facilities are totally unsatisfactory and do not meet modern standards. It is proposed to upgrade an existing building to provide up-to-date facilities.
Casement Aerodrome Upgrade Accommodation
There is a shortage of other ranks accommodation in Casement Aerodrome. It is proposed to upgrade an existing block to provide modern accommodation facilities.
Sarsfield Barracks — Upgrade P Block
Upgrading of this block is required to provide modern accommodation for other ranks.
Refurbish E Block, Aiken Barracks, Dundalk
E Block is to be refurbished as a battalion headquarters to free living accommodation.
Galway — Upgrade Accommodation
Two of the present accommodation blocks require upgrading to meet current fire standards.
Cathal Brugha — Refurbishment of L and M Blocks
It is proposed to upgrade those blocks to provide transit accommodation for other ranks personnel.
Collins Barracks Cork, Upgrade Men’s Club
The men's club is currently located in an unsuitable area which does not comply with current fire or health and safety standards. It is proposed to upgrade a section of an existing building as a new men's club.
McDermott Barracks, Curragh Camp — Upgrade of Accommodation
It is proposed to upgrade accommodation in this barracks as the Defence Forces training centre, or DFTC, headquarters.
Sports Pavilion DFTC, Curragh Camp
No changing facilities are currently available adjacent to sports pitches. It is proposed to build a purpose-built sports pavilion.
Simulator Building, Casement Aerodrome
A new building is required to house the simulator for the new Pilatus aircraft.
DFTC Curragh Camp Security Works
There is a requirement for additional security works in the DFTC, e.g. additional fencing, CCTV, etc.
Military Museum, Collins Barracks, Cork
It is proposed to upgrade an existing building to serve as a military museum to house the large amount of memorabilia currently held in unsuitable conditions in the barracks.
Casement Aerodrome — Sewerage System Upgrade
There are problems with the sewerage distribution system in Casement Aerodrome at present. It is proposed to assess necessary remedial works and commence improvements in 2004.
Coolmoney Camp — New HQ Building
Existing office facilities for permanent staff in the camp are substandard. It is proposed to provide modern facilities in a new single-storey building.
Anti-tank Range, Glen of Imaal — Upgrade
The existing stop butts are beyond economical repair. It is necessary to build a new stop butts to ensure compliance with range and health and safety legislation.
Energy Efficiency Measures — DFTC Gas Conversion
The provision of natural gas in the DFTC is to optimise energy efficiency measures in the Curragh Camp.
Military Memorial, Merrion Square
This project aims to provide a fitting memorial for deceased members of the Defence Forces while at the same time ensuring the Department's compliance with the Government's direction regarding the 1% for art scheme.
Casement — Officers’ Mess Fire Safety Works
It is proposed to upgrade fire safety — installation of fire doors, compartmentalisation, etc. — in the building to meet current legislative requirements.
Question No. 85 answered with QuestionNo. 79.
Drug Testing Programme.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:86 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel tested to date under the new drug testing programme; the number who tested positive; the action taken when a member tests positive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17810/04]
Drug abuse has long been recognised as a serious and escalating problem in our society, and while there have been relatively few instances of drug-related problems in the Defence Forces, it is recognised that the Defence Forces, as a component of the wider community, mirror the community at large. The implications of drug abuse in an organisation where personnel have access to fire arms are too obvious to require elaboration.
A compulsory substance-testing programme was introduced on 1 February 2002 as part of a Defence Forces substance abuse programme, following a long consultative process involving the Office of the Attorney General, the Deputy Judge Advocate General and the Defence Forces' representative associations.
Before the launch of the programme, an education programme and awareness briefings were conducted throughout the Defence Forces. All personnel were issued with a booklet devised to inform them of the purpose of the new compulsory random drug-testing programme, the administrative procedures involved and the sanctions against those who test positive. All necessary measures, including pre-enlistment screening, education, compulsory random drug testing, monitoring and sanctions, will be taken to maintain a drug-free environment in the Defence Forces.
The primary objective of compulsory random drug-testing is deterrence. To provide a credible level of deterrent, the testing programme has been devised to maximise the possibility of random selection for testing. A trained drug-testing team is responsible for taking urine samples for compulsory random testing throughout the Defence Forces. Testing commenced on 14 November 2002, and the programme is now in its second year of operation. The target of testing 10% of the Permanent Defence Force has been achieved. A member of the Permanent Defence Force, randomly selected, may be required, at any time, to provide a urine sample which will be tested for evidence of use of controlled drugs, or the abuse or misuse of other substances, or for the detection of the metabolites thereof. A member of the PDF who refuses to provide a urine sample, or who provides a urine sample which tests positive, shall be liable to retirement, discharge or relinquishment of commission or withdrawal of cadetship as appropriate under the provisions of Defence Force regulations.
I have been advised by the military authorities that a total of 1,694 of all ranks have been tested to date. There have been five positive tests. Where personnel have confirmed positive test results, they are discharged or retired in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Emergency Planning.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:87 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the current work of the task force office on emergency planning, which he chairs; when the last meeting was held; when the next meeting is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17826/04]
The most recent meeting of the Government task force on emergency planning was held on Tuesday, 25 May. The task force has met on four occasions — 18 February, 25 March, 22 April and 25 May — during 2004, and met on a total of nine occasions in 2003. I continue to keep matters under review, and the Departments concerned have work programmes in place for dealing with matters relating to the work of the task force. The next task force meeting will be convened as and when required regarding the ongoing work.
The task force has worked, since it was set up in 2001, to co-ordinate emergency planning and response arrangements across those Departments that lead and support the State's response in an emergency.
The focus for that work continues to be on making the necessary arrangements, at best, to prevent or, at least, to minimise the risks from terrorist activities by ensuring that the protection available to the Irish people is maximised. The emphasis is on putting mechanisms in place to support the response agencies and on providing co-ordination for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
Potential threats to the State arising from international terrorism are continuously monitored by those involved, principally the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. The advice available to me is that, while the Garda authorities recognise that the terrorist threat to Europe may currently be high, regarding Ireland it is low. The awareness that the situation could change rapidly, and with little warning, has ensured that vigilance is maintained. Should the situation regarding Ireland change, the task force will provide the necessary co-ordination to promote the best use of the State's emergency response resources.
Emergency planning preparations are designed to ensure that as far as possible the necessary advance planning is in place to deal with the consequences of any incident that may arise.
A critical issue in an emergency situation is the question of issuing adequate and timely warnings and providing the necessary information to the general public on threatened or developing emergency situations. The EU civil protection mechanism and other international mechanisms provide Ireland with certain warning and alert systems and mechanisms. Television and radio broadcasting will be the key means of contact with the public in such circumstances, but all other means of communication will be utilised.
International linkages have also been important as a means of sharing expertise and resources. The European Union continues to develop programmes to improve co-operation within the Union to prevent and limit any consequences of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear terrorist threats. That was given new impetus by the EU declaration on combating terrorism agreed under the Irish Presidency, which, among other things, emphasises the benefits of co-operation and co-ordination.
I am pleased to report to the House that there continues to be excellent co-operation between my Department and all other Departments and public authorities. I continue to report regularly to Government on emergency planning, on a confidential basis.
I presented the most recent of those confidential reports to Government last October. The report noted that the year had been one of consolidation of emergency planning development. Steps continue to be taken to build on the work done since 2001 to formalise the arrangements that have been put in place and to lay the groundwork for the future. The objective of the Government is to ensure that all State bodies can react quickly and efficiently to any large-scale emergency.
As chairperson of the Government task force, my approach continues to be that such responses should be characterised by effective management of all aspects of emergency planning and by a high level of public confidence in all the response arrangements. I will continue this work, and I will report regularly to the Government and to this House on those matters.
Overseas Missions.
Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:88 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the two-day seminar in Dublin in May 2004 in which the chief of staff of the Defence Forces (details supplied), hosted a meeting on peacekeeping co-operation between the EU and the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17917/04]
The Irish Presidency of the European Union was mandated to take forward implementation of the EU-UN joint declaration of 24 September 2003 on crisis management. In that context, Ireland as EU Presidency hosted a two-day seminar, on 11 and 12 May last, in Dublin. The theme of the seminar was "Synergy between the UN and EU Military Crisis Management".
The seminar was aimed at military and civilian personnel engaged at the politico-strategic level in the area of military crisis management operations.
The seminar covered the following aspects of military crisis management operations: parameters for operations; capacity building for operations; rapid response and effective operations.
I was pleased to address the seminar on some key issues regarding the ongoing progress of ESDP and to have the opportunity to meet with participants.
Keynote speeches were given by Mr. Jean-Marie Guéhenno, UN Under-Secretary-General, department of peacekeeping operations, and Mr. Pieter Feith, Deputy Director-General for Politico-Military Affairs in the EU Council Secretariat.
Participants included representatives from EU member states, the EU, UN and OSCE, the EU Institute of Security Studies, the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, Irish universities, the Institute for European Affairs, members of the Defence Forces and officials of both the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs.
The seminar's objective was to explore possible means to enhance the synergy between the European Union and the United Nations in military crisis management. During our Presidency, discussions had been held at official level between the Presidency, the EU and the UN. As a result of those discussions with the UN, an agreed Presidency paper entitled "EU-UN Co-operation in Military Crisis Management Operations" will be presented to the European Council on 17 and 18 June, outlining the basis for further work on developing closer co-operation between the EU and UN in crisis management.
Decentralisation Programme.
Seán Ryan
Ceist:89 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence when he expects the decentralisation of the Civil Defence School from Dublin to Roscrea to take place; if only ten of the 22 staff of the school have agreed to the transfer; the breakdown of these staff by grade; the steps that are being taken to recruit replacement staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17831/04]
As the Deputy will be aware, in the context of the White Paper on Defence, the Government decided to decentralise the civil defence branch of my Department to Roscrea, County Tipperary. I expect that the move will take place later this year.
Of the 23 staff currently serving with the civil defence board, 11 staff, in the following grades, have indicated a willingness to relocate to Roscrea: Director General — one; assistant principal — one; higher executive officers — five; executive officers — two, staff officer — one; and clerical officer — one.
It is expected that formal applications will be sought shortly from civil servants in other Departments who wish to transfer to my Department to relocate to Roscrea and I am confident that all staffing requirements in the relocated offices will be met.
Question No. 90 answered with QuestionNo. 63.
Defence Forces Reserve.
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:91 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date with regard to the planned reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17814/04]
On 15 January 2003 I approved, in principle, the report of the reserve Defence Forces review implementation board for the implementation of the recommendations of the special steering group on the reserve, which had reported to me in September 1999.
The Permanent Defence Force is now organised in a three-brigade structure and a Defence Forces training centre. The reserve Defence Forces will be similarly reorganised and restructured and it is envisaged that the implementation of these changes will take place over a period of approximately six years.
The White Paper on Defence recognised that a notable and important feature of the existing FCA organisation is its countrywide, geographical spread. This particular aspect will, in general terms, be retained in the future. The full organisational and establishment details of the new reserve will be determined in the course of the ongoing detailed implementation process. Plans within each brigade for the amalgamation of FCA units in line with the proposals outlined in the steering group report will ensure that better training and other facilities will be provided to members of the reserve Defence Forces. No decisions have yet been taken on the location of proposed newly amalgamated units but the military authorities have advised me that all proposed amalgamations will provide an optimal environment for personnel in the relevant areas to partake in the new enhanced reserve Defence Forces.
Members of the FCA are already seeing the benefits of the reorganisation process in terms of better clothing and improved equipment and more and better quality training. As the process develops we will see additional benefits in terms of a clearer role for the Reserve, a better overall organisation structure, and opportunities for suitably qualified Reserve personnel to serve overseas. We will also see benefits from the closer integration of the reserve with the Army.
I must emphasise I am very mindful of the need to preserve and to retain the many traditional and well established strengths of the current reserve system, not least the admirable spirit of individual voluntary commitment, close social links with local communities and a good depth and scope as regards nation-wide geographical spread.
Planning is ongoing by the military authorities but no final decision on the amalgamation of FCA units will be taken until I have had the opportunity to examine and approve the final amalgamation proposals.
Question No. 92 answered with QuestionNo. 71.
Defence Forces Strength.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:93 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces have adequate resources including intelligence, technology and military capability to combat a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17862/04]
The Garda Síochána has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. The potential threats to the State arising from international terrorism are continuously monitored by them in co-operation with the Defence Forces. The advice available to me at this time is, that, while the Garda authorities recognise that the terrorist threat to Europe may currently be high, in relation to Ireland it is low. Notwithstanding this, it is important that all prudent precautions are taken and that matters are kept under continuous review.
The Defence Forces make contingency plans for a range of scenarios where the security of the State may be at risk. In addition, they have contingency plans in place as regards the provision of aid to the civil power — meaning in practice, to assist, when requested, an Garda Síochána — and the provision of assistance to the civil authorities in a range of emergency situations.
An urgent and detailed review of capacities and procedures to deal with a range of emergency situations was undertaken by the military authorities following on from the events of 11 September. It included, inter alia, an up-date of the threat assessment; intensive contacts with other State agencies; and a reassessment of operations orders relating to vital installations, alert systems, the Army ranger wing, ordnance and engineer assets in terms of explosive ordnance disposal and specialist search and a review of equipment including the need for air defence. Guidance documents pertaining to aid to the civil power and to the civil authorities were also re-assessed. All matters arising were addressed and all procedures updated as required.
The capacity of the Defence Forces to deal with major emergencies is kept under constant review. Plans and procedures are updated as necessary and such additional equipment as is required to address any perceived deficiencies is acquired on the basis of identified priorities. Training and preparation for such events is also provided for in the Defence Forces annual training plan. The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time.
The requirement for additional NBC equipment is kept under continuous review by the director of operations and the director of ordnance. A programme for the purchase of NBC equipment is ongoing and whatever equipment deemed necessary is purchased expeditiously to meet the changing requirements.
The Defence Forces hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements. In particular, a total of 8,000 new NBC suits have been acquired. In addition, the Defence Forces have sufficient stock of respirators for each individual soldier. They also have 98 of the most technologically up to date chemical agent monitors and Defence Forces personnel are being trained in their operation. Other equipment on hands includes biological agent detectors and screening kits as well as group decontamination and personal decontamination equipment. The most important defence against any attack is of course external vigilance, detection and prevention by the security forces. All the necessary resources of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces are deployed to this end.
Decentralisation Programme.
Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:94 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence the way in which decentralisation plans related to his Department are progressing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17916/04]
The Government decision on decentralisation announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget Statement provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin based Civil Service staff to Newbridge, County Kildare. The Government decision on decentralisation also provides for the transfer of Defence Forces headquarters staff to the Curragh, County Kildare. Civil and military working groups have been set up to consider the practical aspects of the transfer of staff to Newbridge and the Curragh.
The Deputy will also be aware that, in the context of the White Paper on Defence, the Government decided to decentralise the civil defence branch of my Department to Roscrea, County Tipperary. I expect that the move will take later this year.
Question No. 95 answered with QuestionNo. 69.
Search and Rescue Service.
Joan Burton
Ceist:96 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces have been asked to provide support for the gardaí during the planned visit of President George Bush; the role he expects the Defence forces to play; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17828/04]
Dan Boyle
Ceist:97 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Defence , further to his reply to a previous question from this Deputy on 11 May 2004, the role planned for Ireland’s Defence Forces during the EU/US Summit in June 2004; in particular, the number of troops which will be assigned to security duties during the visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17915/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 97 together.
The Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power — meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána — which duties include the protection and guarding of vital installations, the provision of certain security escorts etc.
The level and demand for Defence Forces assistance depends on ongoing security assessments undertaken by the Garda. The Defence Forces and the Garda have ongoing consultations in relation to such issues as a matter of course.
The Garda has requested the support of the Defence Forces for the impending visit of President Bush and for the EU-US Summit. Obviously, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specific security arrangements as regards either event at this time. However, I can say that the Defence Forces will render such assistance as is deemed necessary and appropriate based on ongoing security assessments.
Defence Forces Property.
Mary Upton
Ceist:98 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Defence the amount raised through the sale of military installations in the past five years; the way in which the money raised has subsequently been used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17816/04]
Mary Upton
Ceist:104 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Defence the way in which it is intended to use the €25 million acquired through the sale of Clancy Barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17815/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 104 together.
The Government, on 15 July 1998, approved a programme of evacuation and sale of six barracks considered surplus to military requirements. The barracks in question were located at Ballincollig, Clancy Barracks, Dublin, Fermoy, Castleblayney, Naas, and Kildare.
The sale of approximately 91 acres comprising Lot 1, Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, to O'Flynn Construction for €41 million was completed in 2003. In addition, the sale of Lot 2 to the sitting tenant for €1.05 million — my Department's reversionary interest in approximately 6.2 acres of the barrack lands — was also completed last year. Agreements have also been reached for the sale of a site, comprising approximately 2.7 acres to the Southern Heath Board and a further plot of approximately 1.7 acres to the Department of Education and Science; receipts in excess of € 2.8 million will accrue to my Department in respect of those disposals. An area comprising approximately 0.545 of an acre has been set aside on foot of a request from the Office of Public Works for a plot of ground to facilitate extension of the existing Garda station located on Main Street, Ballincollig. My Department is in correspondence with the OPW on arrangements for transfer of the lands concerned, including the matter of a consideration therefor.
The sale of Clancy Barracks, Dublin, comprising 13.65 acres approximately to Florence Properties Limited for the sum of €25.4 million was completed in March 2004. Some 19.218 acres at the former Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy, were sold to Cork County Council in 2001 for €973,889 for development in conjunction with the IDA.
Castleblayney military post, Monaghan, comprising approximately ten acres, was sold to the North Eastern Health Board for €761,843. Seven acres at Devoy Barracks, Naas, County Kildare, were ceded free of charge to Naas Urban District Council, while a further 14 acres were sold to that authority for € 8,888,167. The balance of the barracks lands — one acre — was sold to Kildare County Council for €380,921.
The Government decided on 1 July 2003 to release Magee barracks, Kildare to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for inclusion in a new affordable housing initiative agreed under the national partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress.
In recent years, there has been an unprecedented level of expenditure on infrastructure and equipment for the Defence Forces. This was made possible by the Government's decision that pay savings arising from the reorganisation of the Defence Forces set out in the White Paper of 2000, along with proceeds from the sale of surplus properties, would be reallocated for investment in modern facilities and equipment. Over €174 million was spent on the capital investment programme for the upgrade of barracks, accommodation and other facilities between 1997 and the end of 2003. This year's Estimate for the Department of Defence includes a further €19 million for such capital works.
Significant progress has also been made in recent years with the acquisition of modern equipment for the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service. This year sees the delivery of 25 additional armoured personnel carriers from Mowag of Switzerland, which will give the Defence Forces 65 Mowag APCs in total. The initial contract for 40 APCs saw deliveries completed by March 2002 and was valued at €51million inclusive of VAT. The value of the additional contract is some €33 million, inclusive of VAT with payments spread over the period 2002 to 2005, giving a total expenditure of €84 million on APCs. Eleven of the 25 APCs have already been delivered to the Curragh camp. The remaining 14 will be delivered by October 2004.
The acquisition of light tactical vehicles, LTVs, for the Defence Forces will also be considered in the light of the ongoing budgetary situation. Another significant contract relates to the acquisition of the Javelin missile system from Raytheon-Lockheed Martin in the USA at a cost of some €13 million, inclusive of VAT. The purpose of this acquisition is to give Defence Forces personnel an effective, anti-armour capability while on peace support operations. The system will replace the Milan system. Some items under the contract have been delivered recently to allow for the training of personnel. The main delivery is scheduled for 2005.
There have been ongoing programmes of acquisitions of both nuclear biological chemical, NBC, and night vision, NVE, equipment in recent years and these programmes will continue to meet the ongoing requirements of the Defence Forces.
The main priority for the Air Corps has been the purchase of fixed wing training aircraft. In that regard, I signed a contract on 16 January 2003 for the supply of eight turbo propeller aircraft to replace the Marchetti aircraft in the pilot training role. These aircraft will allow for the continued training of young cadets to the highest standard and are a very realistic response to the needs of the Air Corps at this time. The new aircraft is the Pilatus PC-9M, manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft Limited, Switzerland. The cost of the eight aircraft is approximately €60 million. Seven aircraft have already been delivered and the remaining aircraft is currently in Austria for a weapons certification programme. While these aircraft are being obtained primarily for pilot training, they will be capable of being armed and as such will have a limited defensive capability.
I have also announced the process to replace the ageing fleet of helicopters in the Air Corps. Following examination of the relevant issues, specifications have been prepared for light utility and utility helicopters and the tender competition has commenced for the supply of up to six aircraft. The closing date for the receipt of tenders is 23 July 2004.
The Naval Service has also benefited from the investment programme in recent years with the acquisition of two new modern ships, LE Roisín and LE Niamh, at a cost of some €25 million each. The ships are proving to be a tremendous asset for the Naval Service in carrying out their day-to-day roles.
Decentralisation Programme.
Joe Costello
Ceist:99 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence if, in regard to proposals for decentralisation, he has plans to undertake a survey to establish the number of persons employed in his Department who are willing to move to the new locations announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget 2004 speech; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17833/04]
My Department has no plans at present to conduct a survey of the type described by the Deputy. However, the Deputy will be aware that the central applications facility was recently launched by the Civil Service Commission. This facility will give all staff an opportunity to apply for the decentralised locations of their choice.
Hearing Impairment Claims.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:100 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence the number of claims for damages for deafness determined in court or settled out of court at the latest date for which figures are available; the amount paid out to date in terms of damages or legal costs; the number of such claims outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17818/04]
By 31 May 2004 a total of 16,713 claims had been received in my Department from current and former members of the Defence Forces in respect of loss of hearing allegedly caused during their military service. Some 332 claims have been determined in court and 14,954 have been disposed of out of court, mainly through settlement, leaving a total of 1,427 claims outstanding at that date. The sum of €276 million has been paid in respect of hearing loss claims including €95.5 million in plaintiffs' legal costs.
Defence Forces Investigation.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:101 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the progress made by the board of military officers examining the submission made by a former officer concerning events in Jadotville in the Congo in September 1961; when he expects the board to produce a report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17825/04]
As I have previously outlined the chief of staff has received a submission from a retired Army officer who served at Jadotville seeking a review of the events of September 1961. The Chief of Staff arranged for the submission to be examined by a board of military officers.
I have been informed by the chief of staff that he has recently received a report from the board of officers. Having examined the report, he has requested clarification on a number of matters. This clarification, which involves research of archival material, has been requested by 1 July 2004.
Pending the outcome of the examination, it would not be appropriate for me to comment. I will carefully consider any recommendations that the chief of staff may make as regards this issue.
Naval Service Recruitment.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:102 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether the Naval Service has sufficient resources at its disposal to allow it to discharge its role of assisting the Garda and Customs Service in preventing the smuggling of drugs through territorial waters; if he has plans to provide additional resources to allow it to more effectively discharge these functions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17832/04]
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:105 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the steps being taken to address the shortage of officers and NCOs in the Naval Service which are well below the establishment levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17813/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 105 together.
In December 2000 I authorised a new organisation for the Naval Service, which increased personnel numbers from 959 serving at that time to a new establishment of 1,144. The strength of the Naval Service, as advised by the military authorities, was 1,081 as at 30 April 2004. The Government remains fully committed to the policy of ongoing recruitment to ensure that both an overall PDF strength of 10,500 and the new Naval Service establishment figure of 1,144 are achieved and maintained.
It is proposed to recruit ten cadets to the Naval Service from the 2004 cadetship competition. The Naval Service recently had an initial intake of 31 general service recruits. Earlier this year one direct entry marine engineer officer was recruited to the Naval Service. The requirements for any further intakes will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The ongoing recruitment campaign for enlistment in the Defence Forces, which I have approved, is designed to address any shortfall in personnel in the Defence Forces including the Naval Service. Some 93 recruits were enlisted in the Naval Service in 2003; 14 cadets and eight direct entry officers were also recruited during 2003.
Where the need arises, competitions are organised to recruit specialist personnel by direct entry. competitions have been advertised in recent years for marine engineer officers, watchkeeping officers, electrical engineer officers, electrical artificers and engine room artificers in the Naval Service.
Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking and other such illegal activities rests primarily with the Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners. The White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for both the Naval Service and the Air Corps to assist and support the civil authorities in this important work. While the main day to day role of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union, Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs — including the establishment in 1993 of a joint task force involving the Garda, the Customs and Excise and the Naval Service — have helped to maximise the effective use of Naval Service resources in combating drug trafficking. The Air Corps provide air support and on occasion carry the customs national drugs team in an observation capacity, for the purpose of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking or other such illegal activities.
There is close co-operation between the civil authorities and the Naval Service and the Air Corps in this important area. I am satisfied that the extent of Naval Service and Air Corps reconnaissance, in conjunction with the Garda and the Customs and Excise, has had a major and beneficial impact in deterring drug trafficking and other such illegal activities.
European Security and Defence Policy.
John Bruton
Ceist:103 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether European Defence Forces will need to increase their strength and investment in the next ten years in view of the problems the United States is facing in its public finances. [17779/04]
National sovereignty and voluntarism are the fundamental underlying principles of participation in the ESDP. For example, participation in any specific EU operation by member states is decided on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with respective national decision making procedures.
Defence spending in EU member states remains a sovereign issue for each country and is usually undertaken in the context of ever increasing and competing demands for limited national resources.
In seeking to improve the EU's capability to carry out peace support operations, I have advocated the necessity to focus on the qualitative aspects of capability development and on methods of improving efficiencies.
In Ireland, the Defence Forces have benefited from such an approach which underscores the Government's White Paper on Defence published in February 2000. The White Paper set out a medium term strategy for defence covering the period up to 2010. A major objective of the strategy is to ensure that Ireland has a world-class military organisation capable of carrying out the roles assigned to it by the Government, both at home and abroad. This objective requires an ongoing modernisation process, including an investment programme to ensure that the Defence Forces are properly equipped for these roles.
In the context of the broader development of the EU's capacity to carry out both civilian and military crisis management operations, I have continually advocated a similar approach to capability development. I believe that significant progress has been made in furthering the objectives of the EU in this regard during the Irish Presidency. The adoption by the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting on 17 May 2004 of a new "headline goal" with a horizon of 2010 has been a key development during our Presidency. In this regard, member states have decided to set themselves a new headline goal, reflecting the European security strategy adopted by the Heads of State and Government in Brussels in December 2003, taking into account the evolution of the strategic environment and drawing on lessons learned from previous EU-led crisis management operations.
Another key development, on which I have reported in more detail in response to other questions today, has been the political agreement by the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 14 June to accept a joint action to establish an agency in the field of capabilities development, research, acquisition and armaments. The agency's main aim will be to bolster efforts of the member states to support the EU's defence capabilities in the field of crisis management and to sustain the ESDP as it stands now and develops in the future. I am hopeful that the agency will contribute to improvements in competitiveness and efficiencies in the defence equipment sector.
I am pleased that my views in this regard are shared by many of my colleagues at EU level at a time when the majority of member states, including Ireland, have no plans to increase their defence spending.
Question No. 104 answered with QuestionNo. 98.
Question No. 105 answered with QuestionNo. 102.
Official Engagements.
John Gormley
Ceist:106 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the meeting of Defence Ministers of 17 May 2004 in the framework of the General Affairs and External Relations Council; the subjects discussed and decisions taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17912/04]
On 17 May last, I chaired a meeting of Defence Ministers in the framework of the General Affairs and External Relations Council. Meetings in this format are normally held during each Presidency and complement the informal meeting of Defence Ministers that is also held during each Presidency. The meeting in May concentrated on some key items relating to the ongoing progress of EU security and defence policy during Ireland's Presidency. In particular we discussed the agreement for a new headline goal, with a horizon of 2010; the ongoing work towards the development of an EU rapid response capability, such as that which made a significant contribution to achieving peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2003; the ongoing work towards the establishment of an agency in the field of defence capabilities development, research, acquisition and armaments, on which I have reported in more detail in response to earlier questions today; and the development of the relationship between the EU and NATO with particular regard to planning capabilities for civilian and military operations. I was pleased to be able to convey good progress on all of the issues to our Foreign Minister colleagues for inclusion in their General Affairs and External Relations Council conclusions.
Our meeting was followed by a meeting between the EU Defence Ministers and the Defence Ministers of Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Norway and Iceland — the non-EU Members of NATO — which I also chaired. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views with the countries about the ongoing progress of EU security and defence policy in accordance with the ongoing implementation of constructive and transparent relations between the EU and NATO. I am pleased with the progress on EU security and defence policy achieved during our Presidency. I am confident that the Presidency report to the European Council on 17 and 18 June will reflect positively on this progress.
Work Permits.
John Perry
Ceist:107 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the work permit application of a person (details supplied) will be reassessed in view of the fact that they have been offered employment and specialises in Malaysian cuisine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17993/04]
A work permit application was received in this case on 27 April 2004. If work permit applications are complete and otherwise in order, they currently take eight to ten weeks to process. In the aftermath of EU enlargement, the Government's policy is to ensure that employers can source nearly all of their workforce needs from within the EU. Therefore, only in cases where exceptional levels of skill and qualifications are needed for the job, and the employer has made meaningful attempts to find EEA nationals, will my Department consider work permit applications.
Proposed Legislation.
Seán Haughey
Ceist:108 Mr. Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will consider introducing new laws to improve the employment rights of apprentices working with employers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18003/04]
Apprentices are covered by the employment rights legislation administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with the exception of the Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003. The Act provides for permanency for fixed-term employees in certain circumstances. The nature of the apprenticeship relationship is essentially a temporary one, which does not involve permanency until the apprenticeship relationship has ended. It was not considered appropriate, therefore, to include apprentices within the remit of the 2003 Act. In the circumstances, it is not necessary to introduce new laws to improve the employment rights of apprentices.
Work Permits.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:109 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a person (details supplied) cannot be provided with a work permit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18004/04]
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. In the aftermath of EU enlargement, the Government's policy is to ensure that employers can source nearly all of their workforce needs from within the EU. Therefore, only in cases where exceptional levels of skill and qualifications are needed for the job, and the employer has made meaningful attempts to find EEA nationals, will my Department consider work permit applications.
Question No. 110 answered with QuestionNo. 57.
Defence Forces Reserve.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:111 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence when new accommodation will be provided for the FCA at its regional headquarters in Carrick-on-Shannon. [18106/04]
A suitable alternative premises has been identified in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, for the Reserve Defence Force unit concerned. A draft letting agreement is under consideration in my Department and in this regard the advice of the Chief State Solicitor has been sought with regard to the proposed terms and conditions.
Overseas Missions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he anticipates any new locations to which Irish peacekeeping forces are likely to be sent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18107/04]
Ireland is contributing approximately 738 Defence Forces personnel to 21 missions throughout the world. The main commitments are to KFOR in Kosovo, with 213 personnel, and to UNMIL in Liberia, with 435 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with the UN, the OSCE and the EU. Staff are also deployed at the organisational headquarters of the OSCE, the UN , NATO and the EU. Ireland reconfigured its commitment in the Balkans in the past year, replacing the existing SFOR military police platoon in Bosnia Herzegovina and the KFOR transport company with an APC mounted infantry company group in KFOR. The Defence Forces are serving as part of the Finnish-Irish battle group in a Finnish-led multinational brigade.
A reorganisation and down-sizing of the NATO-led forces in KFOR was planned and had partly commenced when civil disturbances broke out in Kosovo in March of this year. The down-sizing has been deferred to allow the situation to settle. The withdrawal of the Irish contingent, which was planned as part of the down-sizing, was to have been completed by October 2004. Having regard to the fragility of the peace in Kosovo and subject to ongoing assessments of the situation on the ground, however, Ireland will continue to maintain an appropriate presence in KFOR in 2004.
Ireland's other current major contribution to peacekeeping is in Liberia. Along with an infantry group from Sweden, Ireland provides the rapid reaction reserve to the UNMIL Force Commander. Despite the difficult start to the mission, when Sergeant Derek Mooney of the Army ranger wing died tragically in a road accident, the mission is proving very successful. That Ireland was specifically asked by the UN to participate in a substantive manner in the mission is a tribute to the high regard in which the UN holds the Defence Forces. I welcome the participation of Sweden as part of the reserve. Such co-operation is reflective of the changing dynamics in peacekeeping. The range and diversity of arrangements in place for peacekeeping allows us to work in tandem with like-minded nations to contribute in an effective and meaningful manner in peace support operations throughout the world. Inter-operability with other forces has been a key factor in our involvement in PfP and our preparations over the past few years for the EU rapid reaction force. It is rewarding to see the effects of the hard work put in by the Defence Forces over the past number of years coming to fruition in such a positive manner, as part of the peace support role.
I have stated that our participation in the Liberia deployment would be for two to three years. The 90th infantry battalion, which recently returned home having successfully completed a six-month tour of duty, has been replaced by the 91st infantry battalion, which has just begun a six-month tour of duty.
We are looking forward to the take-over by the EU of the NATO-led mission in Bosnia Herzegovina in the next 12 months. Ireland has participated in its first EU mission, Operation Artemis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and it has a number of staff deployed at SFOR headquarters. Subject to the approval of the Government and Dáil Éireann and an appropriate UN mandate, I plan that Ireland will make a substantive contribution to the EU mission in SFOR, taking account of available resources and ongoing developments in the other peace support missions in which we are involved. At the request of the EU, I recently agreed to the appointment of an officer of the Permanent Defence Force to the new EU observer mission in Darfur, Sudan.
Question No. 113 answered with QuestionNo. 69.
Question No. 114 answered with QuestionNo. 80.
Defence Forces Equipment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:115 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which military equipment has been upgraded in line with requirements arising from terrorist threats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18111/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:116 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself regarding the adequacy of military equipment, gas masks and or other breathing apparatus to meet all eventualities in the event of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18112/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 116 together.
The Garda Síochána has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. It continuously monitors the potential threats to the State arising from international terrorism, in co-operation with the Defence Forces. The advice available to me is that while the Garda authorities recognise that the terrorist threat to Europe may be high, it is low in respect of Ireland. Notwithstanding that fact, it is important that all prudent precautions are taken and that matters are kept under continuous review.
The Defence Forces make contingency plans for a range of scenarios in which the security of the State may be at risk. They have put in place contingency plans regarding the provision of aid to the civil power. In practice, that means that they will assist the Garda, when requested, and provide assistance to the civil authorities for a range of emergency situations. The capacity of the Defence Forces to deal with major emergencies is kept under constant review. Plans and procedures are updated as necessary and the additional equipment that is required to address any perceived deficiencies is acquired on the basis of identified priorities. Training and preparation for such events is provided for in the annual training plan of the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical threats that may be identified from time to time. The requirement for additional nuclear, biological or chemical equipment is kept under continuous review by the directors of operations and ordnance. A programme for the purchase of nuclear, biological or chemical equipment is ongoing. Such equipment that is deemed necessary is purchased expeditiously to meet changing requirements. The Defence Forces hold an extensive range of modern nuclear, biological or chemical equipment to meet their current requirements. In particular, a total of 8,000 new nuclear, biological or chemical suits have been acquired.
The Defence Forces have a sufficient stock of respirators for each individual soldier. They have 98 of the most technologically up-to-date chemical agent monitors. Defence Forces personnel are being trained on the operation of the monitors. Other equipment on hand includes biological agent detector and screening kits, group decontamination equipment and personal decontamination equipment. Of course, the most important defence against any attack is external vigilance, detection and prevention by the security forces. All the necessary resources of the Garda and the Defence Forces are deployed to that end.
National Security.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:117 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if sufficient back-up is available to ensure the adequacy of coastal defences, particularly in the context of drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings and terrorist attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18113/04]
The primary responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings and terrorist attacks rests with the Garda and the Revenue Commissioners, who are also responsible for the detention of persons and/or the seizure of drugs or equipment at sea. The White Paper on Defence gives the Naval Service and the Air Corps a security role in assisting and supporting the civil authorities in this important work. The main day-to-day role of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the EU.
The Government has taken measures to improve drugs law enforcement, including the establishment in 1993 of a joint task force involving the Garda, the Customs and Excise and the Naval Service. Such measures have helped to maximise the effective use of the resources of the Naval Service in combating drug trafficking, etc. The Air Corps provides air support and sometimes carries the customs national drugs team in an observation capacity for the purpose of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking or other such illegal activities. The civil authorities — the Garda and the customs service — engage in close co-operation with the Naval Service and the Air Corps in discharging this important mission. I am satisfied that the extent of Naval Service and Air Corps reconnaissance measures, in conjunction with the Garda and the Customs and Excise, has had a major and beneficial impact in deterring drug trafficking and other such illegal activities.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:118 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself regarding the adequacy of resources to ensure the protection of sensitive installations, having particular regard to the possibility of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18114/04]
The Garda Síochána has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. This includes the protection of installations from terrorist attack. The question of the adequacy of resources in this regard is therefore a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, in the first instance. The Defence Forces will continue to render appropriate assistance in the provision of aid to the civil powers as may be appropriate in specific circumstances when requested by the Garda.
Defence Forces Recruitment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:120 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence when the next recruitment is likely in respect of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18116/04]
The White Paper on Defence, published in February 2000, sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 8,426 for the Army, 930 for the Air Corps and 1,144 for the Naval Service. I intend to maintain the Government's established policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at a level required to meet military needs, as set out in the White Paper — 10,500 personnel in the Permanent Defence Force among all ranks. It is envisaged that approximately 486 personnel will be recruited to the Permanent Defence Force in 2004, comprising general service recruits, cadets, Air Corps apprentices and direct entry personnel.
Grant Payments.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:121 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment in respect of the heifer top up premium and slaughter premium will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork following the resolution of an error which arose in 2002. [17982/04]
Some 85 animals were slaughtered in 2002 under the herd number in this case, of which 27 were beef breed heifers. Payment of slaughter premium in respect of 75 animals has issued in full and national envelope top-up on beef breed heifers in respect of 17 animals has issued in full. As the slaughter records for the ten remaining animals were initially incorrect, eligibility under the 2002 slaughter premium scheme could not be established. As the records have since been amended and the animals concerned deemed eligible, however, payment under the 2002 slaughter premium scheme and the national envelope top-up in respect of the ten animals will issue shortly.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:122 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a farmer will be permitted to secure a new tenant to lease their land in respect of their participation in the early retirement scheme. [17984/04]
The continuation or otherwise of the lease between the person named and his transferee is a matter for them to decide. The Department of Agriculture and Food would not object if the person in question replaces his original transferee, provided the new transferee meets the relevant conditions of the early retirement scheme. The lease with the replacement transferee must be for a minimum period of five years. An eligible transferee must be in place for the payment of the pension to continue.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Ceist:123 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if application forms are now available for the €100,000 grant aid to be given to the farming community affected by the landslides of 2003 in north Mayo; if so, the opening and closing dates for these applications; and if not, when these forms will be available. [18024/04]
The guidelines for the scheme in question have been drawn up and application forms have been prepared. The scheme requires formal EU approval as a state aid before it can proceed, however. The Department of Agriculture and Food is maintaining close liaison with the Commission in this regard. I am hopeful that approval will be forthcoming shortly.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:124 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to index link the farmers retirement scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18102/04]
The EU regulations governing the current scheme and the previous scheme, which was introduced in 1994, do not provide for indexation of rates of payment. The rate of pension payable under the 1994 scheme is the maximum provided for in the EU Council regulation under which the scheme was introduced. The Department of Agriculture and Food's proposals for the current early retirement scheme, which commenced on 27 November 2000 and forms part of the CAP rural development plan for the period between 2000 and 2006, included provision for annual increases in pension over the period of the plan. The European Commission rejected the Department's proposal and insisted that a fixed rate be set instead. The Department then proposed a rate that was the average of the scale initially proposed. This was acceptable to the Commission and is the rate provided for in the current scheme.
Grant Payments.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:125 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the appeal for the single payment scheme force majeure and exceptional circumstances by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18119/04]
The matter is being considered by the single payment appeals committee. When the committee has advised the Department of Agriculture and Food of its recommendation in the case in question, the Department will write to the person concerned advising him of the outcome.
Departmental Staff.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:126 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the general Civil Service grades in which personnel are prohibited from joining a political party and permitted to join a political party; the legislation or regulations on which this is based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18005/04]
The involvement of civil servants in politics is governed by the provisions of the Electoral Acts 1923 and 1992, the European Parliament Elections Act 1997 and various Civil Service circulars that set down the rules and guidelines in respect of the matter.
All civil servants above clerical officer level are prohibited from joining a political party and from engaging in political activity generally. This prohibition is contained in the Department of Finance's circular 21/32, Civil Servants and Politics, which states:
1. An official shall not be a member of an Association or serve on a Committee having for its object the promotion of the interest of a political party or the promotion or prevention of the return of a particular candidate to the Dáil.
2. An official shall not support or oppose any particular candidate or party either by public speaking or writing.
3. An official shall not make any verbal statements in public (or which are liable to be published), and shall not contribute to newspapers or other publications any letters or articles, conveying information, comment or criticism on any matter of current political interest, or which concerns the political action or positions of the Government or of any member or group of members of the Oireachtas.
Civil servants at clerical officer and similar levels may apply to the head of the Department or office for permission to join a political party and to engage in political activity generally, including standing for election to a local authority. This provision is outlined in circular 7/99, Civil Servants as Candidates for Local Authority Elections. This approval is subject to the condition that the Minister for Finance may, on the recommendation of the Minister in charge of the particular Department or office, declare that officers engaged in a particular category of work may not stand for local authority election.
Civil servants in the industrial and manual grades are free to join a political party and to engage in political activity generally, including standing for election to a local authority, under the terms of circular 7/99. No civil servant at any level is permitted to seek election to the Dáil or Seanad. Section 41(h) of the Electoral Act 1992 states that "a person who is a civil servant who is not by the terms of his employment expressly permitted to be a member of the Dáil shall not be eligible for election as a member or for membership of the Dáil". Section 11(2) of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997 provides that "a person shall not be eligible for election to the European Parliament if the person is subject to any disqualification applicable to membership of the Dáil referred to in paragraphs f to k of section 41 of the Act of 1992”.
In a decision of 26 July 2002 the Government decided that "all Ministerial and Attorney General Private Office staff holding temporary unestablished positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister/Attorney General be exempt from the general rules governing civil servants and politics". I consider that these long-standing arrangements are essential for the proper working of the Civil Service. I am sure Deputies will agree that it is in the public interest to ensure that civil servants are not involved in political activity and that they can offer impartial advice to all Governments. The independence of the Civil Service is an essential part of our democratic system.
Prison Staff.
Jack Wall
Ceist:127 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the subsistence allowance payable to civil servants relocated from their place of employment such as in the case of the recent closures of three prisons; if there is a standard payment of subsistence in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18073/04]
Regulations governing the conditions under which travel and subsistence allowances may be payable to officers on official business away from their headquarters, including staff who are temporarily relocated, are set out in a 1982 circular. The question of whether payments arise in a given situation under the provisions of the circular is a matter for local management. In the case of the Prison Service, it would primarily be a matter for the Prison Service, in consultation with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In the main, there are two types of subsistence allowance. The overnight rate, which is a maximum of €133.72, is available to officers who are absent at least 15 miles from their headquarters and must spend the night away. Overnight rates are designed to cover the cost of accommodation and three meals. Day subsistence rates are payable to civil servants who are at least five miles from their headquarters for at least five hours, at a maximum level of €15.45, or ten hours, at a maximum level of €37.90.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Jack Wall
Ceist:128 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance if he has received representations from the Department of Health and Children in regard to a request for funding by same to ensure that the Harmon report in regard to staffing levels at Moore Abbey, Monasterevin, can be implemented; the results of such representations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18075/04]
In the context of the 2004 Estimates campaign, funding of the health services was the subject of detailed discussions between myself and the Minister for Health and Children. The outcome of these discussions gave rise to an estimate of €10.1 billion for the Department of Health and Children this year, an increase of 8% on the 2003 outturn. It is, for the most part, for the Minister for Health and Children to allocate these resources in whatever way he sees fit with regard to the provision of health services. In 2004, some €1.9 billion is being invested in services for persons with disabilities covering the intellectual, physical, sensory, autism and mental illness areas. This represents an increase of some €1.2 billion since 1997.
Tax Reliefs.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:129 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Finance if full rates should apply to public swimming pools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18097/04]
I have no plans to provide for special treatment of swimming pools under the Valuation Act. The Valuation Act 2001 maintained the long-standing position that commercial facilities are liable for rates. Exceptions to this key principle would quickly be followed by demands for similar treatment from the providers of other useful services and products, which would be difficult in equity to resist. Such a process could substantially reduce local authority revenues, which would have to be made good by imposing corresponding increases on the remaining ratepayers.
The rateable valuation of commercial property is based on net annual value, the rental value of the property. Any ratepayer dissatisfied with the rateability of a property, the valuation assessed on a particular property or the method of calculation can appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation in the first instance and subsequently to the independent Valuation Tribunal. There is a further right of appeal to the High Court and ultimately to the Supreme Court on a point of law.
An amount of €15 million has been provided for in the Arts, Sport and Tourism Vote for 2004 in respect of grants for the provision and repair of swimming pools. This represents a 67% increase over the 2003 allocation of €9 million.
Financial Services Regulation.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:130 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the details of regulations which apply to financial institutions including post office savings accounts regarding the proof of identity of the account holder; if he has satisfied himself that these requirements are not putting excessive obstacles in the way of young persons opening savings accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18098/04]
Section 32 of the Criminal Justice Act 1994 requires financial institutions to take reasonable measures to identify their customers. Recommended procedures for the implementation of this provision are set out in guidance notes issued under the aegis of the money laundering steering committee, chaired by the Department of Finance and including representatives of financial services industry bodies, regulatory authorities and State agencies, including the Garda Síochána. The full text of the money laundering guidance notesfor credit institutions is available at http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/other/monlaun.rtf.
Identification of a customer comprises name verification, typically evidenced by a photograph-bearing document such as passport, driving licence or other reputable source document, and address verification. Paragraph 28 of the guidance notes states that any measures adopted by credit institutions should not deny a person access to financial services solely on the grounds that he or she does not possess certain specified identification documentation. Paragraph 45 of the guidance notes provides for those persons who cannot reasonably be expected to produce certain forms of identification, such as a person who does not have a passport or driving licence and/or whose name and Irish address does not appear on a utility bill, electoral register or directory. These alternatives include an identification form with photograph signed by a member of the Garda, documentation or cards issued by a Department showing the name of the person, a letter or statement from a person in a position of responsibility such as a solicitor, accountant, doctor, minister of religion, teacher, social worker or a community employment scheme supervisor, who is in a position to confirm the person's identity to the credit institution.
The EU savings directive, Council Directive 2003/48/EC of 3 June 2003, was transposed into Irish law by section 90 of, and Schedule 4 to, the Finance Act 2004 and also affects this matter. The directive provides for most EU member states to exchange information on the cross-border payment of interest to individuals resident in another member state. Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg will instead impose a withholding tax on such interest payments.
Although the directive reporting obligations will not apply until after 1 January 2005, it imposes certain new obligations on paying agents making or securing an interest payment for an individual to establish the identity and residence of individuals who enter into a relationship with them on or after 1 January 2004. The identity and residence rules under the directive operate on two levels. First, where a paying agent has an on-going contractual relationship with an individual on 31 December 2003, the identity and country of residence will be established on the basis of whatever information is in the paying agent's possession. Second, as respects new contractual relations entered into on or after 1 January 2004, paying agents are required to establish the identity, consisting of the individual's name, address and tax identification number. In the absence of a tax identification number, the individual's date and place of birth and residence, consisting of the country where the individual has his or her permanent address, of individuals to whom they may make an interest payment on the basis of specific rules derived from the directive. These rules require that identity and residence be established on the basis of a person's passport or official identity card. Where any of this information is not recorded on such documents, it is to be established using any other documentary proof of identity presented.
In implementing these rules contained in the directive, the Finance Act 2004 and the revenue guidance notes seek to be as flexible as possible in their approach so as to ensure that our obligations under the directive to provide information to other member states on interest payments made from Ireland to residents of those member states are fulfilled, while, at the same time, minimising the impact of the directive on both paying agents and those customers who would not be subject to the reporting requirements. To this end, the rules are applied in such a way so as to ensure that an Irish resident person who does not have a passport or an official identity card will be able to satisfy paying agents as to his or her identity and residence. In such cases, a current Irish driving licence or official documentation issued by the Revenue Commissioners or the Minister for Social and Family Affairs containing the person's name, address and personal public service number, which equates to a tax identification number in Ireland, are acceptable in the same way as an official identity card presented by a non-resident. In the case of Irish residents, including young persons who do not have any of the aforementioned documents, identity and residence may be established by reference to any photographic identification containing the person's name and address which is acceptable for money laundering purposes. In addition, parents who have their children added to their passports may use the information on the child in the passport as the basis for establishing identity. In such a case, residence may be taken to be that of the parent unless there is evidence to the contrary.
There is no requirement either in the directive or the Irish implementing legislation that identity and residence information be acquired at account opening time or that an account should not be opened in the absence of the required details. However, it is likely that paying agents would wish to ensure compliance with their money laundering requirements and their obligations under the savings directive at the same time on the opening of the account. Notwithstanding this, there is a requirement on paying agents to update their records where an individual's details change at any stage.
The purpose of these rules is to ensure that all customers of paying agents are correctly identified, along with their country of residence, so that when an interest payment is made to an individual who is resident in another EU member state, the details of the payment and the identity of the individual may be reported to the tax authorities in the appropriate member state. In order to minimise the opportunity for the misclassification of a non-resident as resident it is necessary that, broadly, the same rules apply to all customers of paying agents be they resident or non-resident.
Non-Resident Accounts.
John Deasy
Ceist:131 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the recent scandals involving a bank (details supplied) and the concern being expressed regarding the role of the Revenue Commissioners, he will re-examine the roles of both institutions regarding the prosecution of holders of bogus non-resident accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18127/04]
The Revenue Commissioners conducted on-site DIRT look-back audits on 37 financial institutions during 1999 and 2000. The focus of these audits was the DIRT position of the financial institutions concerned. In the course of this audit programme, many bogus non-resident deposit accounts that belonged to taxpayers were identified. At the conclusion of this audit programme, financial institutions made payments totalling €220 million to the Revenue Commissioners. These payments represented the DIRT, which should have been deducted together with the related interest and penalties. The Revenue Commissioners made a report on the matter to the Committee of Public Accounts which commented on the outcome of these audits in the final report on the DIRT inquiry, finalised on 3 April 2001. The Revenue Commissioners have informed me that no evidence was seen in the course of the DIRT look-back audit programme that would support an investigation of an official of a financial institution with a view to prosecution.
The Revenue Commissioners issued statement of practice SP-Gen 1/01 in May 2001, which set out a voluntary disclosure incentive scheme for taxpayers who held bogus non-resident deposit accounts and who wished to disclose and pay all their outstanding tax liabilities by 15 November 2001. This approach to the bogus non-resident account problem was extensively publicised at the time. Many taxpayers took the opportunity that was offered and payments of €227 million were made under the disclosure scheme.
Inquiry work commenced on 16 November 2001 to identify taxpayers who choose not to avail of the voluntary disclosure scheme. Eighteen applications for High Court orders under section 908, TCA 1997 were applied for and have been granted. High Court orders made on financial institutions required them to supply names, addresses and other relevant information concerning the identities of account holders who held non-resident deposit accounts. This High Court order information is the principal basis for identifying holders of bogus non-resident accounts.
Inquiry letters have been issued to taxpayers who have been identified in the section 908 High Court order information. This inquiry letter asks the taxpayer to whom it is addressed to disclose and pay all his or her outstanding tax liabilities within 60 days of the date of issue of the inquiry letter. To date since 15 November 2001 payments of €300 million have been made to the Revenue Commissioners by taxpayers who held bogus non-resident deposit accounts but who choose not to avail of the voluntary disclosure scheme. The Revenue Commissioners have not sought to initiate an investigation with a view to prosecution where the taxpayers concerned have fully co-operated. However, the Revenue Commissioners have indicated that those who have not done so will face the prospect of a criminal investigation.
Overseas Development Aid.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:132 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if and when assistance can be offered to an organisation (details supplied) in County Dublin; if aid can be offered to this organisation to help those in the area who are also suffering from malnutrition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18076/04]
The organisation adverted to by the Deputy, which is held in high esteem, recently had a positive meeting with officials of my Department to discuss further assistance in the area in question. A proposal from the organisation is expected shortly and will be given immediate consideration. To date in 2004, the organisation has received €6.8 million for development and rehabilitation activities, €1.2 million towards personnel costs and €557,000 for emergency interventions.
Foreign Conflicts.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:133 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts he has made or hopes to make through the European Union on the UN to alleviate starvation and human rights abuses in the Darfur area of western Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18078/04]
Over the course of the Irish term of the EU Presidency, the EU has been to the forefront of the international community in promoting urgent action to address the appalling humanitarian and human rights situation in Darfur. At its meetings in April, May and June, the External Relations Council declared its serious concern at the humanitarian and human rights violations in Darfur and called on the Government of Sudan to provide unhindered and safe humanitarian access to the region. The European Union has been clear in its condemnation of the actions of the Janjaweed in Darfur. The EU has consistently conveyed the message to the Sudanese Government that it must take immediate action to adequately protect civilians against these violent militias.
The Irish Presidency made the situation in Darfur the focus of the informal development Ministers' meeting held in Dublin on 1 June. The Ministers emphasised the issues of security, protection and humanitarian access in their discussions and called on the Sudanese Government, in particular, to adhere to the commitments entered into in the ceasefire agreement of 8 April.
The EU and the UN continue to work closely together on the situation in Darfur. Most recently, the EU and UN hosted a successful high-level donors' consultative meeting in Geneva on 3 June, which was co-chaired by the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Kitt. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Sudanese Government and the rebel groups operating in Darfur. Both parties heard the strong message from the EU, the UN, and others on the need for immediate and unrestricted access to Darfur for humanitarian agencies. We are extremely concerned at the gross human rights abuses reported by the acting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Kitt, met with the Sudanese Government in Geneva and demanded that such human rights abuses be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.
The donors' conference in Geneva was attended by 36 countries and a total of $125 million was pledged. The Government will continue to urge that all pledges be actually disbursed with minimum possible delay. In my Presidency capacity, I have encouraged EU member states that are also members of the UN Security Council to continue to push for a greater level of engagement by the Security Council on the issue of Darfur. In this regard, I welcome the adoption on 11 June of Security Council Resolution 1547 (2004) which condemns violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Darfur and calls on the parties to the N'djamena Ceasefire Agreement to conclude a political agreement without delay. I also welcome the presidential statement issued by the Security Council on 25 May and its clear call upon the Sudanese Government to respect its commitments as regards both neutralising and disarming the Janjaweed militias, as well as its call on the international community to support the efforts of the African Union in regard to Darfur.
The European Union is working closely with the African Union to establish an African Union-led ceasefire commission and monitoring mission for the Darfur region. As EU Presidency, Ireland succeeded in assuring the establishment this past month of the EU's new African peace facility fund. Ireland then pressed for a quick release of EU funding for the African Union's initiative in Darfur. I am pleased that €12 million has been allocated to the Darfur Ceasefire Commission from the EU's African peace facility fund. The EU has been invited to contribute observers to the ceasefire monitoring mission and Ireland has put forward a candidate. The African Union will contribute both military and civil personnel.
Sudan is a priority for Ireland's humanitarian assistance. To date, Ireland has committed €2.5 million to Darfur alone. These funds are being expended across a number of NGOs and humanitarian agencies to maximise their effect. Funding is also provided for the provision of food through the World Food Programme and life-saving activities such as shelter, water and sanitation through NGOs. Ireland has kept in close touch with aid agencies operating on the ground and has made representations to ensure that visas are issued expeditiously to Irish development workers. This serious and urgent situation will be monitored closely and we stand ready to assist further as the needs become clearer.
School Accommodation.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:134 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Limerick will be given an extra classroom for September 2004 rather than its having to use the general purpose room and deprive all the children in the school of physical education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17970/04]
All applications for temporary accommodation have been considered by 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 the school referred to by the Deputy was not successful on this occasion. The school's need for accommodation will be considered in the context of a review which is being undertaken of all projects that did not proceed as part of the 2004 school building programme with a view to including it as part of a multi-annual school building programme from 2005, details of which will be announced later in the year.
Special Educational Needs.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:135 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the appointment of a special needs assistant at a primary school in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork and the increase in the number of hours which the person receives with the resource teacher. [17971/04]
I can confirm that my Department has received an application for five hours resource teaching support and full time special needs assistant support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The position is that SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003, including an application for the pupil in question, are being considered. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September which 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 nationwide 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, 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 a recently announced new weighted system of allocation. This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: first, making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs; and second, 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 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 in consultation with representative interests. As soon as these are completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August 2003, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools shortly.
Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:136 Mr. B. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science when the recommended ten hours per week special assistance is likely to be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [17972/04]
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. Each application is considered on the basis of the assessed needs of the pupils involved and the nature and level of the support provided is determined on the advice of the national educational psychological service. Special needs assistant support is generally made available where the student has special care needs.
The school in question has been allocated 1.95 wholetime equivalent resource posts and 3.56 special needs assistant posts to cater for the special needs of students enrolled, including the student referred to by the Deputy. It is a matter for the school to deploy this allocation and also review this deployment in line with the evolving needs of the students.
Schools Building Projects.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:137 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary on the building programme; when his Department intends to progress the school in the building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17973/04]
When publishing the 2004 school building programme, I outlined that strategy will be grounded in capital investment based on multi-annual allocations. My officials are reviewing all projects which were not authorised to proceed as part of the 2004 school building programme, with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual school building programme from 2005. I expect to be in a position to make further announcements on this matter in the course of the year. The school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this regard.
Schools Refurbishment.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:138 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be given to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary to provide replacement windows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17974/04]
The scope of works required at the school referred to by the Deputy is appropriate for consideration under the summer works scheme. While the school's application under the summer works scheme for 2004 was unsuccessful, it is open to the school's management authority to reapply for the key priority works required at the school as part of the 2005 summer works scheme, details of which will be announced later this year.
School Transport.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:139 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science when the application for school transport for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1 will be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17975/04]
My Department is investigating the matter and the Deputy will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
Schools Refurbishment.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:140 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the requested €31,000 has been withdrawn and has not been sanctioned for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3 to modernise the toilet facilities and make them wheelchair accessible in view of the unacceptable condition of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17976/04]
The school referred to by the Deputy applied for contingency funding in 2003 to carry out works to toilet facilities. On the basis of the budgetary allocation, it was not possible to fund the project at that time. However, the scope of works required at the school is appropriate for consideration under the summer works scheme. The school did not apply for funding under the scheme for 2004. It is open to the school's management authority to apply for the key priority works required at the school as part of the 2005 summer works scheme, details of which will be announced shortly on my Department's website, http://www.education.ie.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:141 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science when the necessary funding will be approved for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 which was promised when the three schools amalgamated five years ago and in view of the urgent need to modernise facilities at same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17977/04]
The large-scale building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is listed in section 8 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at http://www.education.ie. This project is at stage three, developed sketch scheme, of architectural planning. It has been assigned a band one rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects.
This project is planned to progress to advanced architectural planning during 2004. Indicative timescales have been included for large-scale projects proceeding to tender in 2004. The budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme. This in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing to tender in this year's programme including the school referred to by the Deputy. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.
School Staffing.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:142 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take action in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [17979/04]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners.
In the current school year the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy is a principal plus two mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 54 pupils at 30 September 2002.
Based on an enrolment of 50 pupils at 30 September 2003, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, in accordance with the staffing schedule, the staffing of the school for the 2004-05 school year will remain unchanged at principal plus two mainstream class teachers.
Schools Refurbishment.
John McGuinness
Ceist:143 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will issue a response to concerns raised by the parents‘ association of a school (details supplied) in Callan, County Kilkenny; the reason no action was taken to date; and the plans of action which will now be implemented. [17980/04]
It would appear that the scope of works at the school referred to by the Deputy is appropriate for consideration under the summer works scheme. The school did not apply for funding under the scheme for 2004.
It is open to the management authority to apply for key priority works required at the school as part of the 2005 scheme, details of which will be announced later this year.
John Perry
Ceist:144 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the refurbishment work that urgently needs to be carried out to a school (details supplied) in Ballymote on the science lab which was built in 1960 and needs to cater for the introduction of new junior cycle science course and the gymnasium roof, which was constructed in 1985-87; if this work will be prioritised; when it will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17996/04]
My Department's planning and building unit has received applications for grant aid to replace fixtures and fittings in this school's science laboratory and also to repair the gymnasium roof.
Grant aid of €3,500 per science laboratory was available to all schools at post-primary level to enable them provide the revised science syllabus for the junior certificate examination. In addition, further funding was provided to schools, which did not have major capital investment to their science facilities since 1995. These grants have been paid to all schools, which notified my Department that they were opting into the revised syllabus.
Coláiste Mhuire, Ballymote, made no application for grant aid under this scheme.
All schools that did not apply for funding in 2003 were recently sent a circular — M42/04 — advising them how to apply for funding in 2004.
The funding available to my Department for capital works in 2003 was finite and my Department was unable to sanction a project in 2003 to repair the gymnasium roof. The school did not apply for funding to repair the gymnasium roof as part of their application for funding under the summer works scheme in 2004.
Youth Services.
Michael Ring
Ceist:145 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if additional funding will be provided to national youth development organisations. [18006/04]
The funding for the youth affairs section of my Department for 2004 is €28.624 million, which is an increase of 5.5% over the 2003 allocation of €27.123 million. In addition, an amount of €0.5 million has been made available in 2004 towards the implementation of the National Youth Work Development Plan 2003-2007.
A significant proportion of this funding is expended each year on the special projects for youth scheme which specifically targets young people in disadvantaged areas. There are 164 special projects currently in receipt of funding under this scheme.
Section 1 of the Youth Work Act 2001 allows for it to be implemented at various stages. To date, sections 2 to 7, 17, 18 and 24 have been commenced. A sub-committee of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee was established to make recommendations on the requirements necessary for the implementation of the various sections of the Act. This sub-committee comprises representatives of both statutory and voluntary sectors as well as my Department. The work of the sub-committee is ongoing and preparatory work is also being carried out in regard to sections 19, 20 and 25 of the Act.
The implementation of further sections of the Act will depend on the availability of necessary resources. It is my intention that further discussions will take place between my Department and the IVEA-CEO's association and the National Youth Council of Ireland in the context of the Estimates for 2005. These discussions will take place as appropriate and necessary.
I am aware of the issues and concerns in the youth work sector regarding future funding for both the ongoing support for youth work programmes and services and the further implementation of the Act and to this end I will continue to seek funding through the Estimates process for 2005.
School Accommodation.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:146 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when approval for the provision of a classroom at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will be granted in which a teacher has already been approved. [18009/04]
The school referred to by the Deputy applied for an additional temporary classroom for September 2004 on the grounds that it would be due an additional teaching appointment.
In the context of the available funding, and the number of applications for that funding, it was not possible to approve all applications for temporary accommodation this year and only those with an absolute and demonstrated need for additional accommodation were approved. All other schools are required, as an interim measure, to maximise the use of existing accommodation until my Department is in a position to make extra accommodation available.
Higher Education Grants.
John Perry
Ceist:147 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances encountered by a person (details supplied) in County Sligo as outlined in correspondence; if he will take action on their behalf to ensure that financial assistance is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18011/04]
The student support unit of my Department was contacted recently by Sligo County Council, the awarding body in this case, seeking advice in respect of an application, by the student referred to by the Deputy, for assistance towards the cost of tuition fees under the higher education grant scheme for a course at postgraduate level.
Officials from the student support unit have responded to Sligo County Council on the query raised. Sligo County Council will advise the student of the outcome of the grant application once they have finalised their decision.
Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:148 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will include a home (details supplied) in County Dublin in the schedule of institutions covered by the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002; the reason there has been a delay in doing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18012/04]
My Department has received correspondence from both individuals and survivor groups identifying a number of additional institutions that may be eligible for inclusion in the Schedule of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002.
Discussions have taken place between my Department and other Government Departments that may have provided a regulatory or inspection function in the operation of these facilities in order to ascertain whether these institutions are in fact eligible for inclusion.
The initial information received in some cases was limited due to the long period that had elapsed since these institutions were closed and therefore the process of verifying each of these institutions has been time-consuming and is continuing.
A number of institutions have been identified for possible inclusion and I intend bringing this matter to Government for their consideration shortly. The institution named by the Deputy is one of those being considered.
Special Educational Needs.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) can continue their education in a school together with two other students, in view of documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18029/04]
I wish to inform the Deputy that special schools and special classes attached to mainstream schools funded by the Department are intended to cater for children and young persons with special educational needs from four years of age until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year.
The Department of Health and Children has direct responsibility for provision for young adults over 18 years of age with special needs. My Department is prepared to provide funding towards an appropriate education component of such provision.
My officials are liaising with the authorities of the school in question regarding the specific cases referred to by the Deputy.
School Transport.
Jack Wall
Ceist:150 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare cannot obtain school transport for their child in view of the serious health difficulties of the child; if options are available to the parent if school transport cannot be provided by way of grants or financial assistance to defray the costs that that family has to incur in transporting their child to school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18030/04]
My Department is currently examining the case and the Deputy will be advised of the position as soon as possible.
Special Educational Needs.
Jack Wall
Ceist:151 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to address the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18031/04]
The schools to which the Deputy refers have agreed in principle to the reorganisation of both schools from 1 September 2004 and discussions on the matter are currently ongoing with the planning unit of my Department.
On the basis of this agreement in principle, both schools are being considered for staffing under the disadvantage initiatives for 2004-05.
A detailed review of all disadvantaged initiatives is currently nearing completion and will impact on existing initiatives. I hope to announce the outcome of this review shortly.
In relation to the third point of the details supplied, the Deputy is already aware that the school in question currently has the services of a full-time learning support post shared with another school. At present there are approximately 1,531 learning support teachers in the primary system.
My Department continues to review the existing arrangements for the allocation of special educational supports to primary schools. The basic purpose of the review is to ensure that each school has the level of resources required to cater for its pupils with special educational needs.
I am anxious to ensure that the support services are properly targeted at the children who require them and that the substantially increased resources which are being made available in the special educational area have the desired effect of ensuring that all children assessed as having special educational needs receive the support they require.
The Deputy is also aware that my Department is currently developing a weighted system of allocation of teaching support for schools to cater for pupils with special needs, including those requiring learning support teaching. The details of this system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, have been outlined to the Deputy in my response to Question No. 193 on 18 May 2004.
Education Schemes.
Jack Wall
Ceist:152 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has investigated the problems in relation to the teacher support pilot scheme that affects persons (details supplied) in County Kildare who transferred from one school to another; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18032/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:153 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason boys (details supplied) in County Kildare do not have the same facilities when they transfer from an infant school to a boys’ school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18033/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
The schools to which the Deputy refers have agreed in principle to the reorganisation of both schools from 1 September 2004 and discussions on the matter are currently ongoing with the planning unit of my Department.
On the basis of this agreement in principle, both schools are being considered for staffing under the disadvantage initiatives for 2004-05.
A detailed review of all disadvantaged initiatives is currently nearing completion and will impact on existing initiatives. I hope to announce the outcome of this review shortly.
Special Educational Needs.
Jack Wall
Ceist:154 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Kildare with 206 boys has to share a learning support teacher with another school in view of the fact that such a position is not in accordance with the recommendations in his Department’s guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18034/04]
As the Deputy is already aware, the school in question currently has the services of a full-time learning support post shared with another school. At present there are approximately 1,531 learning support teachers in the primary system.
My Department continues to review the existing arrangements for the allocation of special educational supports to primary schools. The basic purpose of the review is to ensure that each school has the level of resources required to cater for its pupils with special educational needs.
I am anxious to ensure that the support services are properly targeted at the children who require them and that the substantially increased resources which are being made available in the special educational area have the desired effect of ensuring that all children assessed as having special educational needs receive the support they require.
My Department is currently developing a weighted system of allocation of teaching support for schools to cater for pupils with special needs, including those requiring learning support teaching. 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; 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 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 will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools shortly.
Vaccination Programme.
Jack Wall
Ceist:155 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding teachers and assistants working with persons (details supplied) in County Kildare who need hepatitis B vaccinations; the position regarding funding for such vaccinations and the method by which applicants can seek such funding or refunds in relation to such costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18035/04]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the issue raised by him is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Micheál Martin.
Special Educational Needs.
John McGuinness
Ceist:156 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons for the delay in providing a special needs teacher for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who attends Convent of Mercy Girls Primary, Thomastown, County Kilkenny; when a decision will be made; and if he will expedite the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18117/04]
I can confirm that my Department has received an application for special needs assistant support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy.
The position is that applications for special educational resources, SER, 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, NEPS. 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 nationwide 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 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; 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 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 for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, including the one for the pupil in question, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools shortly.
Harbours and Piers.
John Perry
Ceist:157 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will give a firm guarantee that the moneys will be sanctioned for the marina in Rosses Point, County Sligo, which will be a major tourist amenity in Sligo and the north west; when the work will commence; the amount of funding that will be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17995/04]
The Deputy will be aware that an allocation was provided for four flagship marine access infrastructure development projects, one of which was a marina at Rosses Point, County Sligo, as part of budget 2000. The project was approved in principle for funding of €1.27 million in June 2001, subject to a number of conditions being met by the applicant, Sligo County Council. The county council has yet to obtain the necessary foreshore lease and to accept certain legal undertakings in the form of a deed of covenant, which are standard requirements in a capital project of this type. As soon as these items are dealt with satisfactorily, the grant may be formally approved.
While the grant funding is identified in my Department's Vote for 2004, it is a matter of concern that the project is still not in a position to commence.
Marine Tourism.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:158 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status of the Loughs Agency Marine Tourism Strategy for Lough Foyle; the actions which have taken place in the past four months and those which are planned in the immediate future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18007/04]
I am advised by the loughs agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission that a study is currently being carried out by independent consultants to examine the development potential of marine related leisure activities in both Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle and the role of the loughs agency in promoting that development and is expected to be completed shortly. I understand that the results of the study, which builds on a recently completed audit of the fisheries-based leisure and recreational facilities within both the Foyle and Carlingford areas, will form the basis for wide stakeholder consultations on the preparation of a comprehensive development plan for this sector.
Proposed Legislation.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:159 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when legislation to license aquaculture on Lough Foyle will be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas, in view of the fact that commitments were made in 1994 and 1995 that such legislation would be forthcoming within three months; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for the delay and the precise timescale for moving the badly needed legislation forward. [18008/04]
The Deputy will be aware from my previous reply to Question No. 159 of 19 February 2004 that my Department is working in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland and respective legal advisers to design the necessary legislation to enable the Loughs Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission, FCILC, to, inter alia, exercise its functions in relation to aquaculture as soon as practicable.
As I further explained to the Deputy in that reply, the legislation is complex and needs to provide for the licensing and control of aquaculture, including a full appeals process, fish health matters and must also address jurisdictional issues, including access to courts North and South in respect of offences committed in a cross-Border context. The aim is to ensure that the resulting framework will ensure that the Loughs Agency can fulfil its responsibilities under the British-Irish Agreement Acts to develop and license aquaculture in Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough in a fully sustainable way.
Efforts continue by my Department to finalise the drafting of that part of the Foyle Carlingford Fisheries Bill for which the Department has responsibility so as to facilitate publication by the end of this year.
Marine Rescue Service.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:160 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the average call-out time in respect of the air or sea rescue services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18108/04]
The Coast Guard of my Department has responsibility for Ireland's marine emergency search and rescue, SAR, services. Air rescue services are provided by four helicopter units located one each at Dublin, Waterford, Shannon and Sligo airports. Sea rescue services are provided by means of agreements with a number of resources. These resources are crewed by volunteers and are located around the coast. They include 54 Coast Guard units, 49 Royal National Lifeboat Institution, RNLI, lifeboats and nine community inshore rescue boats.
For air rescue, the average take-off time following call-out by the Coast Guard between the hours of 07.30 and 21.00 is 12 minutes and, following call-out between the hours of 21.00 and 07.30, is 42 minutes.
For sea rescue the average times to launch following call-out by the Coast Guard are as follows: for Coast Guard units to leave their Station House, 12 minutes; for RNLI lifeboats to launch, 11 minutes; and for community inshore rescue boats to launch, 11 minutes.
The Coast Guard carries out daily incident reviews on all SAR incidents and monitors response times of all declared SAR assets as part of this process. SAR response times form a key performance indicator for the Coast Guard.
Swimming Pool Projects.
Seán Power
Ceist:161 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when funding will be provided to replace the existing swimming pool at Athy, County Kildare; when the project can proceed to tender stage. [18169/04]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 335 and 337 of Tuesday, 15 June 2004.
Departmental Investigations.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:162 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if, following the recent conclusion of the inquest, he has received a report on the death of a person (details supplied) as a result of complications arising from IVF treatment; if he will initiate a formal investigation into the case; if he will also examine implications of the case for IVF treatment here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17964/04]
Following the completion of the inquest into the death of the person concerned, my Department requested a report from the master of the hospital into the circumstances surrounding the person's death. The report was received on 14 June and I am arranging an early meeting with the family of the deceased to discuss it.
Medical Cards.
John McGuinness
Ceist:163 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will investigate further an appeal for a medical card in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if a decision will be expedited in the case based on this person’s medical circumstances. [17965/04]
John McGuinness
Ceist:164 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card will be expedited in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny on medical grounds. [17968/04]
John McGuinness
Ceist:165 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as a matter of urgency. [17969/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 to 165, inclusive, together.
Responsibility for the provision of a medical card is, by legislation, a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board/authority. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive of the South Eastern Health Board to investigate the matters raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
Hospital Services.
John McGuinness
Ceist:166 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a cataract operation for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited in view of the fact that their general practitioner has deemed them an urgent case; the reason there is such a delay for this type of operation; the action his Department is taking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17997/04]
The provision of hospital services for people living in County Kilkenny is a matter for the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Michael Ring
Ceist:167 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when staff were appointed to the elderly assessment unit in Mayo General Hospital; if he will report on the contracts which the staff have been given; when this unit will be opened and operational; and the reason this unit has not been opened to date. [18014/04]
The provision of services at Mayo General Hospital is a matter for the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in relation to the issues raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Michael Ring
Ceist:168 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Western Health Board will give a firm and concrete commitment to opening the orthopaedic unit at Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar, County Mayo, on 1 September 2004. [18015/04]
The new 33 bed orthopaedic unit will be a particularly valuable addition to the hospital and of great benefit to the people of Mayo. Funding of €3.9 million has already been provided to the Western Health Board to allow for the opening of the orthopaedic service at Mayo General Hospital.
Currently one consultant orthopaedic surgeon has been recruited by the Western Health Board and took up duty on 1 February 2004. The Western Health Board has informed me that discussions between the orthopaedic staff in Galway and Mayo are continuing in an effort to configure the best use of the facilities at Galway and Mayo. These discussions are taking place within a framework to develop an overall integrated strategic and operational policy for orthopaedic services in the region.
As I have outlined above, substantial funding has already been provided to commission orthopaedic services at Mayo. The Western Health Board is currently in discussion with my Department in relation to commencing orthopaedic services at Mayo General Hospital, particularly in relation to the effect the additional staffing required to commence services will have on the board's current employment ceiling.
I am committed to ensuring that the new orthopaedic services are established at Mayo General Hospital at the earliest possible date.
Departmental Correspondence.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:169 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will furnish a response to Question No. 260 of 11 February 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18018/04]
The Western Health Board has confirmed to my Department that it issued a full and complete reply to the Deputy on 26 February 2004 in relation to Question No. 260 of 11 February. I have forwarded a copy of the reply to the Deputy under separate cover.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:170 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will name the members of the National Radiation Oncology Co-ordinating Group with their addresses. [18037/04]
I have arranged for the information requested by the Deputy to be forwarded directly to him.
Health Board Services.
Jack Wall
Ceist:171 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be allocated a date for orthodontic treatment in view of the serious concerns of the person’s parents in regard to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18036/04]
Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Kildare rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has asked the regional chief executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Jack Wall
Ceist:172 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has made representations to the Department of Finance seeking funding to ensure the implementation of the Harman report in regard to Moore Abbey, Monasterevin, County Kildare; the result of such representations, if made; the contact his Department has had from the ERHA and the SWAHB in regard to the matter; the result of such consultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18054/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:173 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposals of the Harman report in regard to staffing levels at Moore Abbey, Monasterevin, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18055/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:174 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the protest of the staff at Moore Abbey, Monasterevin, County Kildare; the meetings his Department has had in relation to the matter; if his Department has met with or received representations from the INO in regard to the matter; the results or proposals in regard to such meetings or representations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18056/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:175 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when his Department will provide the funding to ensure that the extra 24 placements at Moore Abbey Hospital can be filled; if his Department has received representations from the SWAHB for the funding; if his Department has met with officials of the SWAHB to discuss the matter; if such a meeting took place, the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18057/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 to 175, inclusive, together.
In addition to providing funding to put in place new service developments to meet identified needs in relation to residential, respite, day and other support services, funding was also provided to meet identified needs in existing services. These needs arise as a result of the changing profile of persons with an intellectual disability or those with autism in the services, and in particular the residential services, which has resulted in an increasing number of older and medically fragile persons. They would also relate to issues such as underfunding of base budgets, including the need to consolidate elements of services previously funded from sources such as fundraising. My Department has sought over the years to address these issues as resources have permitted. Between 1998 and 2002, additional revenue funding amounting to €27 million was allocated to services for persons with intellectual disability and those with autism to meet identified needs in existing services, including those provided by Moore Abbey. The Harmon report referred to by the Deputy would be included in this category.
My Department has identified both this need and the requirement for new service developments in the context of Estimates discussions with the Department of Finance over the years. These discussions have resulted in the additional revenue funding which I have mentioned. However, the overall economic position in 2003 and 2004 has had implications for all aspects of public investment and this was reflected in the Estimates and budget adopted by the Government for those years. The funding allocated to the health services has been applied largely to maintaining existing levels of service across all service programmes.
Service provision for people with intellectual, physical or sensory disabilities and those with autism is one of the limited number of areas in which additional revenue funding has been provided by the Government in any Department over 2003 and 2004. In respect of services to persons with intellectual disability and autism, this revenue funding, amounting to €43 million up to the end of 2004, was specifically provided to meet costs associated with the provision of emergency residential placements, extra day places, particularly for young adults leaving school, and to enhance the health related support services for children.
While my Department has been made aware of this issue, it is a matter in the first instance for the agency and the relevant health boards, namely, the South Western Area Health Board and the Midland Health Board, as it relates to service provision.
Medical Cards.
Liz McManus
Ceist:176 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will publish the criteria used in deciding whether children with a long-term serious condition can obtain a personal medical card; if he will consider extending the medical card as of right to such children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18059/04]
Entitlement to health services in Ireland is primarily based on residency and means. Under the Health Act 1970, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board. Other than for persons aged 70 years and over who are automatically entitled to a medical card, medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer, are unable to provide general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and/or their dependants, such as seriously ill children, without undue hardship. Details of the medical card scheme, and other public health care entitlements, are published on my Department's website, and on the Government Oasis website. They are also available from each health board.
Income guidelines are drawn up each year by the health board-authority chief executive officers to assist in the determination of a person's eligibility for a medical card and these are revised annually in line with the consumer price index, CPI. However, it should be noted that the guidelines are not statutorily binding and even though a person's income exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may still be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that his or her medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. It is open to all persons to apply to the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board for health services if they are unable to provide these services for themselves or their dependants without hardship.
For those who do not qualify for a medical card there are a number of schemes which provide assistance towards the cost of medication. Under the 1970 Health Act, a health board may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition for the treatment of that condition under the long term illness, LTI, scheme. The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness — for people under 16 only, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. A person with an eligible condition, or their parent, should contact their local health board in order to register under the scheme. Under the drug payment scheme, a person and his or her dependants will not have to pay more than €78 in any calendar month for approved prescribed drugs, medicines and appliances.
It should be remembered that health board chief executive officers have discretion in relation to the issuing of medical cards and also that a range of income sources are excluded by the health boards when assessing medical card eligibility. Many allowances such as carer's allowance, child benefit, domiciliary care allowance, family income supplement and foster care allowance are all disregarded when determining a person's eligibility. Given these factors and the discretionary powers of the CEOs, having an income that exceeds the guidelines does not mean that a person will not be eligible for a medical card, and a medical card may still be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that a person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify that.
Hospital Services.
Liz McManus
Ceist:177 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of research showing financial hardship to parents of long-stay and repeatedly hospitalised children, he plans to make arrangements for free car parking for those parents when visiting their sick children in hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18060/04]
Responsibility for the provision of health services for children rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority or the appropriate regional health board. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority and the chief executive officers of the health boards to investigate the arrangements for car parking facilities for the parents of long-stay patients and to reply to the Deputy directly.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Michael Ring
Ceist:178 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for grant aid under the special housing aid for the elderly scheme. [18061/04]
As the Deputy will be aware, the housing aid scheme for the elderly in the Mayo area is operated by the Western Health Board on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply direct to him as a matter of urgency.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:179 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children his policy for the development of services for persons with multiple sclerosis; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a temporary post in Beaumont Hospital providing services to persons with multiple sclerosis is currently under threat due to budget constraints; and if such cutbacks conform with the priorities set out in the national strategy. [18103/04]
The Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA, is charged with responsibility for commissioning health and personal social services on behalf of the population of the region, and also on behalf of those outside the region who are referred for specialist treatment, and services at Beaumont Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the issue raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
Health Board Services.
John Deasy
Ceist:180 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the health board areas where a bone density scan can be availed of under the medical card system; the reason this facility is not available in the South Eastern Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18128/04]
The general medical services scheme provides for investigative tests for medical card holders which are deemed necessary as part of an ongoing treatment protocol. Determination of eligibility of persons to particular services of the scheme is a matter for the chief executive officers of the relevant health boards/authorities. Accordingly, my Department has referred this matter to all the CEOs for investigation and direct reply to the Deputy.
Vehicle Licences.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:181 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his proposals in regard to a W class licence being sufficient to drive off road dumper vehicles which means that a 16 year old, having passed a theory test, can drive these vehicles on a provisional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17985/04]
Under the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1999 to 2001, a category W driving licence gives entitlement to drive work vehicles and land tractors.
A work vehicle is defined in the regulations as a vehicle, other than a land tractor, which has a maximum design speed not exceeding 40 kilometres per hour and which is constructed primarily for any work other than the conveyance by road of goods or burden of any other description.
A dumper vehicle would be unlikely, because of the limit on kilometres per hour, to come within the scope of a category W vehicle and would instead be covered by licence category C. This gives entitlement to drive vehicles having a design gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,500 kg, and having passenger accommodation for not more than eight persons. The minimum age at which application can be made for such a licence is 18 years.
Road Safety.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:182 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his proposals in regard to off road dumper vehicles which can transport loads of up to 26 tonnes being persistently used on main roads and which can lead to pot holes and a deterioration to the road surface; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17986/04]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:183 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to compel local authorities, when issuing permits in regard to off road dumper vehicles, to take into account the braking distance of these vehicles, loaded or otherwise, on urban or rural off road dumper vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17987/04]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:186 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to introduce an official certification process for the mechanical integrity of all off-road dumper vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18000/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182, 183 and 186 together.
All vehicles using public roads are required by law to comply with a range of standards in respect of their construction, equipment, use, weights and dimensions. The requirements are set out in the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002 and the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003.
The regulations specify requirements, inter alia, in relation to braking efficiency and maximum weights. In addition, passenger and goods vehicles are subject to periodic roadworthiness testing, goods vehicles being subject to test when they are one year old and annually thereafter.
Vehicles that do not comply with the requirements in respect of maximum weight, maximum dimensions, suspension, wheels and tyre characteristics may be used in a public place provided that they are covered by a special permit under regulation 59 of the 2003 regulations. Such permits may be issued by local authorities and may include conditions limiting the use of the vehicles to particular places or routes. Applicants for permits are required to give an undertaking to refund to the local authority in question the cost of repairing any damage caused to any public road by the use of a vehicle for which a permit is issued. Vehicles which are the subject of permits must comply with all construction, equipment and use standards that are not specifically qualified in the permits. Permits may not include provisions that would result in the use of a defective vehicle.
My Department is engaged in a consultative process with a view to amending the permit scheme so that it is more effective in road safety and operational terms. As part of that process, consideration is being given to making any permit granted in respect of an off road dumper subject to an inspection and certification process to ensure that the condition of the vehicle is not a road safety hazard.
Driving Tests.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:184 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if he will take steps to expedite an application for a drivers test by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17988/04]
A driving test will be arranged in due course for the person concerned.
John Perry
Ceist:185 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be called for their driving test; if he will make a favourable decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17994/04]
A driving test will be arranged in due course for the person concerned.
The Deputy will appreciate that the power to make decisions to grant or refuse a certificate of competency is delegated to driver testers under the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 1999.
Question No. 186 answered with QuestionNo. 182.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:187 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport when the mobile driver theory testing unit will be visiting Roscommon town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18019/04]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 164 of 12 February 2004.
Theory tests are conducted in Castlerea, County Roscommon. Testing conducted in the Carrick-on-Shannon, Longford and Athlone testing centres, which are adjacent to the county, also covers the general area of County Roscommon. Accordingly, I understand that the mobile theory testing unit does not visit Roscommon town.
Theory test appointments are arranged by the driver theory testing service and not by my Department. The service may be contacted at LoCall number 1890606106 regarding details of test arrangements.
A key performance standard contained in the customer charter for the driver theory testing service is that tests are to be offered at centres undertaking more than 250 tests per annum within two weeks of a candidate's preferred date.
Driving Licences.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:188 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, further to his commitment to the transport committee during the Estimate debate, the measures he has put in place to deal with lost and unrecorded driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18020/04]
The issuing of driving licences is a matter for each licensing authority in accordance with the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts and regulations made thereunder. Records of licences issued are held on the national driver file, which is a central record held by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Computer databases and records of licences issued were held by each licensing authority until they were transferred to the national driver file two years ago. It remains the responsibility of the licensing authorities to ensure that the licence record is updated when new licences are issued.
A person who has lost a driving licence may apply for a duplicate licence by completing statutory form D 800, which is available at licensing authorities. Where the licensing authority is satisfied that the driving licence has been lost, destroyed or mutilated it may, on payment of a fee of €5, issue a duplicate licence.
A licensing authority may only issue a driving licence if it receives, inter alia, a certificate of competency from an individual or proof that that individual was already entitled to a driving licence. In the absence of such documentation, the law precludes the licensing authority from issuing a driving licence or a duplicate driving licence.
Where a licensing authority has no record of a person having held a licence, a person may submit to the licensing authority, in support of their application for a further licence, any evidence they might have that they held a driving licence and the categories of licence they held.
Driving Tests.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:189 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the number of female driving testers; the centres at which they are located; the availability of female testers in other centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18023/04]
My Department employs a chief driver tester and ten supervisory driver testers, all of whom are male. Of the 111 driver testers employed, eight are female. Two female testers are headquartered in each of the Rathgar and Cork driving test centres, while one is headquartered in each of the Raheny, Letterkenny, Galway and Carrick-on-Shannon test centres. Each driver tester would also carry out tests in other test centres in the region in which he or she is headquartered. Details are set out in the following table.
|
Test Centres where female driver testers are headquartered |
No. of female testers |
Other test centres in the region |
|
Rathgar |
2 |
Naas, Gorey, Wicklow, Tallaght, Tullamore, Churchtown. |
|
Raheny |
1 |
Navan, Dundalk, Finglas, Mullingar. |
|
Carrick on Shannon (1) and Letterkenny (1) |
2 |
Sligo, Ballina, Castlebar, Longford, Donegal, Buncrana. |
|
Galway |
1 |
Ennis, Birr, Loughrea, Athlone, Tuam, Roscommon, Clifden. |
|
Cork |
2 |
Mallow, Skibbereen, Limerick, Shannon, Kilrush, Newcastlewest, Tralee, Killarney. |
My Department adopts an equal opportunities policy in relation to the recruitment of driver testers.
Pension Provisions.
Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:190 Mr. B. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the reason an anomaly exists in view of the fact that Aer Rianta pensions are not index linked when other semi-State companies such as Bord na Móna, ESB and so on are index linked; and when it is his intention to bring the Aer Rianta pensions in line with those of other semi-State bodies. [18026/04]
Aer Rianta is part of the Irish airlines (general employees) superannuation scheme, a multi-employer scheme which also includes Aer Lingus and FLS Aerospace as well as a number of smaller companies.
I understand Aer Rianta has been meeting all of its liabilities towards the pension fund in accordance with the rules of the scheme. I also understand that recent practice under the scheme has been to provide pension increases in line with the consumer price index to pensions in payment. These increases are not guaranteed and are not explicitly funded but depend on the performance of the pension fund and are paid at the discretion of the trustees of the scheme.
I do not propose to change long standing policy in this area, that is, that pension entitlements for employees of commercial State bodies, including Aer Rianta, are a matter for the trustees, the members of the relevant scheme and the company involved. The State has no involvement in the funding of these schemes.
Citizenship Applications.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:191 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the maximum advice and support will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 in order that they are able to visit their family in China in June 2004; and to make this case a priority. [17989/04]
It would appear on the basis of the information supplied that the person in question has been unlawfully present in the State for at least four years. It would also appear that she has been unlawfully employed during that period.
She has very recently made an application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of her marriage to an Irish national. Applications of this type are dealt with in strict chronological order, in fairness to all applicants, and are currently taking approximately 12 months to process.
There is no objection on my part to her travelling home to China. However, it is not the case that by virtue of her desire to visit home I will move her application for permission to remain in the State to the top of the queue. All applicants for permission to remain in the State can advance the same argument, that is, they cannot leave Ireland where they are unlawfully resident because they are not guaranteed re-entry. The reality is that if she had complied with our immigration laws in the first place this situation would not have arisen.
Registration of Title.
John Perry
Ceist:192 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Land Registry Office will take action on the application of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; if it will be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17992/04]
I am informed by the registrar of titles that this is an application under section 49 — acquisition of title by virtue of long possession — of the Registration of Titles Act, 1964 which was lodged on 6 May 2004. Dealing Number D2004WS004694B refers.
I understand that due to their complicated nature, applications under section 49, which require detailed examination of claims for registration as owners, can take some time to process. Accordingly, it is not possible to estimate a completion date at this stage. However, I can assure the Deputy that the application is receiving attention in the Land Registry and will be completed as soon as possible.
Accident Statistics.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:193 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of accidents throughout the country over the past ten years; the number of fatalities; the number seriously injured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17998/04]
The following figures have been provided to me by the Garda authorities in response to the Deputy's question:
|
Year |
Total No. of Collisions |
No. of fatalities |
No. of Personal Injuries |
|
1994 |
22,737 |
404 |
10,229 |
|
1995 |
27,942 |
437 |
12,673 |
|
1996 |
30,348 |
453 |
13,319 |
|
1997 |
30,860 |
472 |
13,115 |
|
1998 |
31,843 |
458 |
12,773 |
|
1999 |
32,802 |
413 |
12,340 |
|
2000 |
32,826 |
415 |
12,043 |
|
2001 |
28,100 |
411 |
10,222 |
|
2002 |
24,540 |
376 |
9,206 |
|
2003 |
Not yet available |
337* |
Not yet available |
*The figure provided for 2003 is provisional.
Visa Applications.
Jack Wall
Ceist:194 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the application by a person (details supplied) for a visa to visit their mother has been refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17999/04]
The visa application in question was to enable the daughter of a non-EEA national employed in the State under the work permit scheme to join her. A worker employed under this scheme may be joined by their spouse and minor children after the worker has been in the State for one year and has been offered a contract for a further year. The worker must also be able to fully support the family members in question without the need to have recourse to public funds. The application in question was refused as the supporting documentation did not show that the worker was in a position to fully support her daughter. The worker in question did not enclose up to date payslips as evidence of her income.
It is open to the applicant to appeal against the refusal by writing to the visa appeals officer in my Department. Any appeal should include payslips as evidence of income.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:195 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the case of a person (details supplied); if this person’s application can be dealt with as speedily as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18013/04]
The application by the person in question for a visa in respect of his wife was recently approved by my Department.
Garda Stations.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:196 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when or if it is intended to dispose of the old Garda station at Carbury, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18062/04]
The disposal of State property is a matter for the Office of Public Works.
As regards the disposal of the old Garda station at Carbury, I understand that the Office of Public Works has deferred a decision in the matter until after the construction of the new Garda station at nearby Derrinturn, planning for which has already commenced in that office.
Garda Recruitment.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:197 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether putting an age limit on recruits to the Garda discriminates against persons who wish to have a career change and is an example of ageism; and if he will remove the age limit of 26 in order that persons who wish to join the Garda are not prevented from doing so by this age limitation and can be accommodated. [18063/04]
The Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 1988, as amended, govern entry to the Garda Síochána and provide that applicants generally must be at least 18 and under 26 years on the first day of the month that the competition is advertised — the regulations provide for some extension to the upper age limit for applicants with certain specified service in the Defence Forces.
This is underpinned by section 37 of the Employment Equality Act 1998 which provides, inter alia, that employment in the Garda Síochána is exempt from those parts of the Act relating to discrimination on age grounds.
The Equality Bill 2004, which has been passed by the Seanad and is due for Committee Stage in the Dáil very shortly, will bring into effect new equality provisions in line with EU directives on equality including, inter alia, Council Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment.
The Equality Bill 2004 will amend the 1998 Act to the effect that the age exemption can continue to apply to recruitment to the Garda Síochána to the extent that the operational capacity of the force would otherwise be adversely affected. The implications of this for the current rules on admission to the Garda Síochána are currently under consideration.
Civil Service Allowances.
Jack Wall
Ceist:198 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the rates of pay in relation to temporary transfers of civil servants within his Department; the way in which such rates compare to those of prison officers who have been relocated due to the recent closures of three prisons; if, in the case of there being a discrepancy in such payments, the personnel will be reimbursed; if not, if it is the case that different rates are applicable within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18070/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:199 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the subsistence allowance amount that is being awarded to the prison officers who have been relocated from the Curragh Prison to the Midland Prison, Portlaoise; if this figure is that which is awarded to all civil servants in a similar situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18071/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
Apart from members of the Irish Prison Service there are no staff in my Department on temporary transfer in receipt of travel and subsistence payments. The Deputy should note that, to date, only two institutions have been mothballed, namely, the Curragh and Fort Mitchel.
In so far as the Irish Prison Service is concerned, the payment of travel and subsistence is governed by the provisions of Department of the Public Service Circular 11/ 82. It is a matter for each Department to determine whether it would be appropriate to make travel and subsistence payments to their staff in any particular situation. Accordingly, in relation to temporary transfers from Fort Mitchel and the Curragh, it has been decided that subsistence payments relating to breakfast, dinner or tea allowances will not be paid as the costs of same would normally be incurred by the officer in any event.
Furthermore, mileage expenses are to be at the lower rate and the payment of this will be reviewed on a regular basis. For the purposes of clarification, where an officer travels from home to the prison of temporary transfer he or she will qualify for mileage, at the lower rate, based on the lesser of the distance from home to the prison of temporary transfer or the distance from their normal prison to the prison of temporary transfer, except that if any part of the journey from home to the prison of temporary transfer covers part of the usual route from home to his or her normal prison, this portion will not qualify for payment of mileage, that is, mileage is only payable for that part of the journey after the officer leaves his or her normal route to work to their normal prison.
Staff on a 12 hour shift who decide not to travel from home to and from work each day will be entitled to claim overnight subsistence — this will be reduced by the breakfast, dinner and tea rate — on the following basis: subsistence will be at the normal rate for 14 calendar days, €74.60 per night; reduced rate for the next 14 calendar days, €63.80 per night; and detention rate for the next 28 calendar days, €37.32 per night. The above arrangements are being kept under review.
Registration of Title.
David Stanton
Ceist:200 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the first registration of an area of land (details supplied) by the land registry office will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18131/04]
I am informed by the registrar of titles that this is an application for first registration which was lodged on 17 November 2003. Dealing Number D2003CK024206X refers.
I understand that, due to the complicated nature of this type of application, which requires examination of an applicant's entitlement to the property concerned, it is not possible to estimate a date of completion at this time.
I have been further informed that: initial queries were raised in relation to this application on 8 December 2003, which were replied to by the lodging solicitors on 13 January 2004; further queries issued to the lodging solicitors on 14 June 2004; and notices were served on parties with a possible interest in the property on 14 June 2004.
I can assure the Deputy, however, that as soon as all queries have been satisfactorily dealt with and if no objections are received in relation to notices served, this application will proceed and will be completed as soon as possible.
David Stanton
Ceist:201 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will arrange for a land map application (details supplied) to the land registry office to be expedited as it is needed urgently to enable the sale of a property to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18132/04]
I am informed by the registrar of titles that this is an application for a copy folio and filed plan, which was lodged on 7 April 2004. Application Number P2004CK029173P refers.
I am further informed that the application is receiving attention and that the copy folio and filed plan will issue shortly.
Housing Grants.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:202 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when payment of a new house grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [18001/04]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The grant will be paid as soon as possible.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:203 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government , further to Question No. 460 of 30 March 2004, if he will report on the position regarding this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18017/04]
I have recently approved the contract documents for the Lecarrow scheme which is being advanced as a grouped project with a number of schemes in other counties. It is now a matter for the lead local authority for the grouped project, Meath County Council, to proceed with the invitation of tenders for the construction of the schemes.
Housing Grants.
David Stanton
Ceist:204 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in the case of persons building new houses to cater for persons with disabilities, extra grant assistance is available to cover the extra costs in ensuring that new houses are accessible for persons with disabilities and in wheelchairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18104/04]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Under the disabled grants scheme, which is administered by local authorities, a new house grant of up to €12,700 may be paid towards the additional cost of providing a new dwelling specifically to meet the needs of a disabled or handicapped member of a household.
Leader Programmes.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:205 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18105/04]
The Leader programmes are operated in accordance with the bottom-up philosophy of rural development and consequently the local Leader group is the decision-making authority in relation to approving actions falling within its business plan. The approval of grants by groups is made within detailed operating rules drawn up by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and approved by the EU Commission.
I understand that the application referred to was received by Donegal Local Development Company on 4 June last.
In accordance with operating rules application for Leader funding is subject to a comprehensive assessment and approval process. This process involves assessment by an independent evaluation committee and approval by the board of the Leader group. Where the amount of a grant applied for is above the maximum of the €65,000 limit normally applied to Leader projects, approval of my Department is also required.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:206 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has to extend the rural social scheme to all of County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18021/04]
I launched the rural social scheme on 17 May and the first phase of the implementation of the scheme commenced shortly thereafter. In my reply to Question No. 4 on 3 June, I outlined the eight groups in the first phase of the scheme. The eight groups included the Arigna Catchment Area Community Company which will deliver the scheme in County Leitrim and north County Roscommon. I expect that the scheme will be made available in the remaining 27 Leader areas over the next two months, including mid-south Roscommon. This phasing approach has been broadly welcomed by Leader groups.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Seán Ryan
Ceist:207 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claimants of the deserted wife’s benefit either pre or post 1992 who are transferred from deserted wife’s benefit to the one parent family payment to facilitate at the time an eligibility to participation in community employment or job initiative schemes; her views on whether the claimants of deserted wife’s benefit should always have been entitled to the higher rate of deserted wife’s benefit payments during this period; if so, the way in which she proposes to rectify this situation with a view to assessing their claims for possible retrospective payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18010/04]
People in receipt of deserted wife's benefit were not eligible originally to participate in community employment, CE, schemes operated by FÁS. Access to CE was restricted to those on unemployment payments or the means-tested lone parent's allowance.
Following a review of the CE scheme, it was decided in December 1994 that persons in receipt of deserted wife's benefit, who had dependant children, could participate on a CE scheme if they transferred to lone parent's allowance. It is estimated that approximately 600 deserted wife's benefit recipients transferred to the lone parent's allowance for CE purposes.
In October 2000, the qualifying conditions for participation on CE schemes were changed to allow deserted wife's benefit recipients direct access to CE schemes without having to switch to lone parent's allowance.
Deserted wife's benefit recipients who transferred to a lone parent payment for CE purposes prior to October 2000 have their entitlement to deserted wife's benefit re-assessed when they notify my Department that they have ceased the CE scheme. If they still have an entitlement to deserted wife's benefit, that payment is restored to them. The Department also assesses in each case whether any arrears of benefit are due to cover the difference between the rates of deserted wife's benefit and the one-parent family payment they received during the period that they were on the CE scheme.
I am also arranging for my Department, as soon as possible, to review the entitlements of deserted wives who transferred to lone parent allowance prior to 2000 in order to access a CE scheme and who are still on CE so that any retrospective entitlements they may have can be paid.
Family Support Services.
Liz McManus
Ceist:208 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans she has to alleviate the financial plight of parents of frequently hospitalised or long-stay child in-patients by introducing a scheme of assistance to parents in these circumstances on the lines recommended by Children in Hospital Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18083/04]
My Department does not operate any specific scheme of financial assistance for parents in the circumstances referred to by the Deputy. The only possible source of such assistance would be by way of an exceptional needs payment through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy and, having examined its recommendations, will be discussing the matter with my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children.
The introduction of a specific scheme of assistance for parents whose children experience long or frequent spells in hospital would have financial implications and would have to be examined in a budgetary context.