Joe Costello
Ceist:33 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has completed his review of the free telephone allowance; the outcome of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33446/04]
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 11, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 12 to 23, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 24 to 32, inclusive, answered orally.
Departmental Schemes.
Expenditure on the household benefits package which includes the telephone allowance, the electricity-natural gas allowance and the free television licence is estimated at €280 million this year. My Department undertakes negotiations to obtain the best commercial terms and value for money for this very sizeable annual expenditure on the household benefits.
The structure of the telephone allowance operated by my Department was changed in 2003 to make it a cash credit on bills and not attributable to any particular component of the bill. Previously the allowance had covered the line and instrument rental charges specifically, along with a small element of call costs on each two monthly client bill.
This change in the structure of the telephone allowance was designed to make it easier for eligible clients to choose from a range of participating service provides as the newly standardised allowance can be applied to phone bills from any service provider irrespective of the tariff components. Currently, there are four service providers, including Eircom, participating in the telephone allowance scheme and three more have expressed an interest in participating.
In conjunction with this change, a special bundle rate, the Eircom social benefits scheme was introduced by Eircom, which provides telephone allowance customers with line and equipment rental plus an enhanced call credit of up to €5.35 worth of free calls per two month billing period. The cost of the bundle represented better value for money for the ongoing expenditure on these services.
Subsequently, the Commission for Telecommunications Regulation approved a price increase application from Eircom of 7.5% in line rental, effective from 4 February 2004. A lesser percentage increase was applied to telephone instrument rental where applicable.
Following detailed discussions between my Department and Eircom, it was decided that the increase in the Eircom social benefits scheme would be limited to the rate of the consumer price index — 1.9%. This added a total of 94 cent to the two monthly bills, 11% per week, of Eircom customers who are recipients of the telephone allowance. Other Eircom customers have incurred an increase of 7.5% or €3.48 per two months. Eircom has also offered to give low use customers up to €10 worth of calls free per two month bill, by offering them its separate low users scheme in addition to the social benefit scheme.
Claimants of the telephone allowance are free to choose the service provider which they feel gives them the best value for money. Depending on which service provider is chosen, the €20.41 per month paid by the Department can cover line rental and instrument rental in full as well as providing a set value of free calls. One provider participating in the scheme provides full cover for line and instrument rental and €5 free calls per month for the €20.41 paid by the Department.
As I advised the House on 21 October last, I had asked my Department for a report on the telephone allowance scheme to assess the implications of the changes in the scheme. I recently received this report and am currently considering it.
Family Support Services.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:34 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which the €900,000 for the expansion of the family mediation service as announced recently will be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33498/04]
Billy Timmins
Ceist:40 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which his Department supports and promotes marriage and families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33527/04]
Simon Coveney
Ceist:70 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which the €600,000 additional funding for marriage and family counselling as announced recently will be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33497/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 40 and 70 together.
My Department has a key role in the direct provision and ongoing development of income support services to individuals and families, especially in ways that facilitate and promote employment participation, the most effective route out of poverty. The structure of the Department's payment schemes reflects the need for additional support for family members through increases in payment rates in appropriate circumstances and the child benefit scheme which provides support for children in families.
Through its office for social inclusion, my Department also has a key co-ordinating role in developing a joined up policy approach to the provision of all the services that provide economic security to individuals and families.
The Family Support Agency, which was established in May 2003, draws together the main family related programmes and services developed by the Government since 1997. These are designed to promote continuity and stability in family life, help prevent family breakdown, support ongoing parenting relationships for children and local community support for families.
Some €7.61 million was made available by the agency for the scheme of grants to voluntary organisations providing marriage preparation courses, marriage and relationship counselling and other family supports. This year over 500 voluntary groups nationwide will receive financial support for the provision of these services to strengthen and support families throughout the country.
This Government's families first approach is illustrated by the expansion and continued success of this scheme. This year's funding is more than six and a half times the allocation in 1997. The focus of the scheme is on support for the voluntary sector with the development of counselling and support services in the community for families, to enhance stability in family life, and to assist family members to deal with difficult periods which they may experience. The aim is to ensure a larger and more accessible service, to ensure the highest level of service possible and that the service is delivered at a low cost to the client.
In the budget, I allocated a further €600,000 to the Family Support Agency for the marriage and relationship counselling grants. This increase in funding will allow for a general increase of approximately 5% in grant payments to the voluntary and community organisations providing counselling services. It also allows for an increase in the number of applications which has been the case in recent years. The increase will also facilitate the provision of an accessible nationwide counselling service provided by voluntary and community groups.
It will require policy development in a number of policy areas, including employment, income support, care services, especially child care, housing, education, health and travel.
The family mediation service which is also under the aegis of the Family Support Agency, is a free, professional, confidential service that enables couples who have decided to separate to reach agreement on all issues related to their separation. It assists couples to address the issues on which they need to make decisions, including post-separation living arrangements, finances and parenting arrangements to enable children to have an on going relationship with each parent.
The benefits of family mediation as a non-adversarial approach to resolving the issues that arise on separation are increasingly being recognised worldwide. Over the last seven years, the family mediation service has increased from two centres in Dublin and Limerick to 14 centres throughout the country. In 2005, additional family mediation centres will be opened in Portlaoise and Letterkenny.
A total of €2,445,000 was allocated to the family mediation service in 2004. The increased allocation of €900,000 will allow the service to: maintain existing levels of service; consolidate the service, that is, upgrade a number of existing centres and improve staff structures to take account of increased demand for the service; and proceed with the necessary upgrade of the computer system which is in place since 1995.
One of the key issues raised by participants at the series of regional fora on the family, which my predecessor hosted last year, were the benefits of this service for families and the need for additional centres.
There has been a dramatic increase in the number of couples seeking mediation, as the benefits of mediation become more widely known. Last year the service helped over 1,403 couples. This compares with an average of 250 couples per year who used the service from 1986 up to the end of 1997, before its nationwide expansion. I pay tribute to the professionalism and hard work of the family mediators who have made a significant contribution to the promotion of the service over the years.
With the establishment in May last year of the Family Support Agency, the development of the service has been taken one step further. The agency now provides a solid and secure base from which this important family service can grow and develop in the future.
The Family Support Agency brings together the programmes and family support services formerly administered directly by my Department. These include services to support families in times of difficulties, including the family mediation service, support for voluntary organisations providing counselling and other family supports and a family resource centre programme, which supports and develops local communities. The Family Support Agency is responsible this year for a budget of over €20 million for the provision and development of its services.
Social Welfare Code.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:35 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the findings of the report on the one parent family payment, Living on the Book (details supplied). [33319/04]
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:76 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the situation with reference to the review of income support arrangements for lone parents as per the commitment in his Department’s statement of strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33507/04]
Dan Neville
Ceist:85 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress that has been made in relation to the NESF recommendation that a system of tracking lone parents be devised in conjunction with the main delivery agencies and data gathered on programme participation and completion; his further plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33505/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 76 and 85 together.
A review of the income support arrangements for lone parents has commenced in the context of the preparation of the strategy for families in a changing society, which is also currently underway. In this review particular account is being taken of my Department's review of the one parent family payment, the NESF reports, the OECD report on reconciling work and family life, and other relevant studies including, Living on the Book, published by OPEN, with the support of the Combat Poverty Agency.
These reports show that a relatively high proportion of lone parents, compared with other OECD countries, are not in employment and a relatively high proportion of lone parents and their children are at risk of poverty. The effects of this on the quality of life and the wellbeing of lone parents and their children are well documented in the publication Living on the Book.
The income support arrangements and other supports for lone parents are designed to give them the choice of caring full-time for their children, or taking up employment with a view to ending welfare dependency and achieving a higher standard of living for themselves and their children. A relatively significant earnings disregard of €293 per week has been one of the main ways for encouraging employment participation under the scheme.
In addition, from January 2005, I have provided for a transitional half rate payment for six months where the earnings disregard is exceeded. One parent family recipients may also benefit from my budget improvement in the assessment of capital for means purposes which increases the capital disregard from under €12,700 to €20,000.
However, while this approach has had some success in increasing the employment participation of lone parents, they have not achieved the same levels of employment participation secured by lone parents in similar situations in other countries.
These findings may be pointing to the fact that the current arrangements may not be the most appropriate to facilitate a real choice of employment, and ultimately a better standard of living for lone parents and their children.
My Department, in carrying out the current review, will draw on available policy analysis, including from the NESF, and research findings built up nationally and internationally in recent years. In particular, consideration will be given to the NESF recommendation that a system of tracking lone parents should be developed with a view to analysing the education, training and employment options to which they have access.
It is intended that the outcome of the review will be concrete proposals designed to better support lone parents in achieving a better standard of living, and a better future for themselves and their children.
Question No. 36 withdrawn.
Departmental Estimates.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:37 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the provisions in the Book of Estimates for his Department for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33441/04]
The 2005 pre-budget provisions for my Department are set out in the 2005 Abridged Estimates Volume. This volume was presented to the House and published on 18 November. The total provision for social welfare spending in the 2005 Abridged Estimates Volume is €11.42 billion. This is before the inclusion of the 2005 budget improvements and reflects the significant year on year increases that have been delivered by this Government.
In budget 2005, provision was made for additional social welfare expenditure of €834.15 million in 2005. This provision will be added to the pre-budget provisions for my Department in the 2005 Revised Estimates Volume. This volume will be presented to the House and published early in the new year.
The total post-budget provision for social welfare spending in 2005 is €12.25 billion. This is the largest allocation ever and is more than double the amount spent in 1997.
The total 2005 post-budget provision is €1 billion, or 8.8%, higher than social welfare related spending in the current year. This is due mainly to the significant increases in weekly rates and the other improvements in social welfare arrangements announced in the recent budget. The increases in weekly rates, for instance, are more than three times the expected rate of inflation in 2005.
Departmental Schemes.
Mary Upton
Ceist:38 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has plans to target farm families for increased support under the farm assist scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29355/04]
Farm assist is a means-tested scheme providing weekly income support to low income farmers. The assessment of means for the purpose of qualifying for farm assist is designed to reflect the actual net income, which is calculated as gross income less any expenses necessarily incurred, from farming. Income and expenditure figures for the preceding year are generally used as an indicator of the expected position in the following year. However, account is taken of any exceptional circumstances so as to ensure that the assessment accurately reflects the current situation.
For the purpose of determining the rate of farm assist payable, deductions are allowed from net income in respect of qualified children, with the balance is assessed at 70%. In this regard, the means test is more favourable than the scheme's predecessor, the unemployment assistance scheme for small-holders.
In addition, income from the rural environment protection scheme is assessed separately with the first €2,539 and 50% of the balance disregarded. Some 40% of net pay from insurable employment and almost €12,700 of capital are also disregarded.
Currently, almost 8,400 farm assist cases are in payment, receiving an average weekly payment of €145.15. Significant improvements were announced in budget 2005, which will benefit those on farm assist and other social welfare payments, from January 2005. These include a €14 weekly increase in farm assist for a single person, and up to €23.30 per week for a married person. In addition, the capital disregard in the means assessment will increase from under €12,700 to €20,000 from June 2005.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:39 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding claimants for rent supplement being referred to the local authority for an assessment of housing need in a more systematic manner, following his announcement on 1 December 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33491/04]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:44 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if detailed guidance notes have been prepared for community welfare officers in relation to the changes in the criteria for eligibility for rent supplement. [33316/04]
Damien English
Ceist:51 Mr. English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when more detailed user friendly guidelines in relation to rent and mortgage supplement will be drawn up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33511/04]
Richard Bruton
Ceist:77 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason he decided not to reverse the decision to refuse rent supplement to persons in full-time employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33490/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:176 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when and if it is likely there will be an alleviation of the conditions imposed in respect of rent support in the budget of 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33782/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 44, 51, 77 and 176 together.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides for the payment of a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of rent or mortgage interest to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible people who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme is administered on my behalf by the health boards.
It is a condition of the scheme that an applicant must be in need of accommodation. In the past, applicants were referred to the local authority at the discretion of the health boards for an assessment of housing needs. Applicants are now referred on a more systematic basis. The intention is that local authorities will determine in all cases whether the "in need of accommodation" condition is met. I consider that it is appropriate that the housing authority rather than the health board should make such assessments.
I am satisfied that the change will benefit people in the medium term as it provides the housing authorities with a more accurate picture of the long-term housing needs of those living in its area.
A working group was established under the Sustaining Progress agreement to facilitate engagement with the social partners in relation to monitoring the impact of the changes made to the rent supplement scheme. The working group, which was chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, included representatives from ICTU and the community and voluntary pillar as well as my Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
The group concluded that the measures introduced in the 2004 budget were not having any significant adverse impacts. It was satisfied with the exclusion of the spouse or partner of a person in full-time employment from receipt of rent supplement. It was also satisfied with the design of the measures introduced including the operation of the appropriate levels of discretion by the community welfare officers. I do not consider it necessary to amend this measure at this point in time.
I have accepted the recommendation in the report of the social partners working group that the measures should continue to be monitored and evaluated. In that regard, the group has reconvened and will advise me on any further actions that may be needed in this area.
In the meantime I recently announced two changes in the conditions for receipt of rent supplement which will come into effect from January 2005. In future, rent supplement may remain in payment until a third offer of local authority accommodation has been refused. Also, the six months rule has been abolished and has been replaced by new measures in order to ensure that bona fide tenants who experience a change in circumstances are not disadvantaged.
A formal circular, which will issue to the community welfare staff, relating to changes in the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is in the course of being drafted in my Department. This will be issued later this month.
A fundamental appraisal of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in which all of its aspects are being examined with the aim of improving customer service and administrative efficiency is also under way in my Department at present. The question of producing more detailed user friendly guidelines in relation to rent and mortgage interest supplement will be considered in that context.
Question No. 40 answered with QuestionNo. 34.
Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:41 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of sub-post office managers who made occupation benefit contributions but have received no benefit due to the fact that they were defined as agents and not employees. [33466/04]
My Department does not have any figures to show the numbers of sub-post office managers who were refused benefit or pension due to their paying class J, rather than class A, PRSI contributions.
In general, pay related social insurance contributions are made by employers, employees and the self-employed. The rate of PRSI contribution depends on the class of social insurance applicable. This, in turn, determines the range of benefits and pensions to which contributors may become entitled.
Sub-post office managers are regarded for PRSI purposes as being employed under a contract of service and not as agents. In general they pay class A contributions which entitles them to all benefits and pensions subject to fulfilling certain contribution conditions. A small number of sub-post office managers pay class J contributions as their employment is deemed to be employment of inconsiderable extent. Contributors insured under class J are covered only for occupational injuries benefits.
Prior to 1991, employment of inconsiderable extent was defined as: one or more employments for fewer than 18 hours in a contribution week where the employed persons were not mainly dependent for their livelihood on the remuneration received for such employment or employments; or employment in respect of which the rate of remuneration of the person did not exceed €6 per week or €26 per month where the employed person had no other employment.
From 1991, employment of inconsiderable extent was defined as employment in one or more employments where the total amount of reckonable earnings was less than €25 per week. This threshold was raised to €30 in 1994 and has remained at that level since then.
Pension Provisions.
Michael Ring
Ceist:42 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his estimate of the number of persons who left work due to the marriage bar or otherwise and who, if they had remained at work, would have qualified for the contributory old age pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33508/04]
Questions in relation to the operation of the marriage bar are a matter for the Department of Finance which has responsibility for the terms and conditions of employment and the pension arrangements for public servants generally.
In general, the social insurance class paid by those affected by the marriage bar was a modified rate which gives coverage for widows or widowers and orphan's pensions and occupational injury benefit only. This reflected their occupational pension position and general contract of service. Accordingly, even if they had continued in employment, contributions paid at this class would only have entitled them to an occupational pension and not one paid under the social welfare system.
In order to qualify for an old age contributory pension, a person must satisfy a number of basic conditions as follows: achieve a yearly average of at least ten contributions paid or credited on their social insurance record from 1953, when the unified system of social insurance came into effect, or the date of entry into insurance, if later; have paid at least 260 contributions at the appropriate rate; and have entered insurance ten years before he or she reached pension age.
The Government is committed to making contributory payments available to as many people as possible and, in this regard, a number of special measures have been taken in recent years to provide pensions for people with deficient insurance records or records comprising a mix of contribution classes. However, a requirement for a certain level of full rate insurance remains an important part of the qualifying conditions for social welfare contributory pensions.
In 1997, the average number of contributions required for pension purposes was reduced from 20 to ten, and in 2000 a special half rate pension was introduced based on pre-1953 insurance contributions. Pro rata pensions are also available to allow people with mixed rate insurance records to receive a payment. These measures are of particular benefit to women who may have less than complete social insurance records.
Measures are also in place since 1994 to protect the pension entitlements of those who take time out of the paid workforce for caring duties. This scheme, known as the homemaker's scheme, allows for up to 20 years to be disregarded when a person's insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes.
The scheme is being reviewed as part of the second phase review of the qualifying conditions for the old age contributory and retirement pensions. The review is due for completion in the new year and further development of the homemakers scheme will be examined in the light of the conclusions of the review.
Family Support Services.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:43 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he proposes to take on foot of a recent report which calls for a father-inclusive culture and a significant overhaul of the family law and welfare systems to make them more father-friendly and recognise the role of unmarried fathers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33450/04]
Paul McGrath
Ceist:55 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the research that has been undertaken on the role of young fathers, especially in cases in which parental separation is involved; the action he intends to take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33524/04]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:75 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which he defines vulnerable fathers; and the measures he intends to put in place to protect them. [33468/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43, 55 and 76 together.
I welcome the report Strengthening Families Through Fathers which was financed under the family research programme co-funded by the Family Support Agency and my Department. Its publication is very timely and its findings are being taken into account in the preparation of a strategy for families and family life which is being co-ordinated by my Department.
This process will take account of the findings of reports such as this report on fathers, and the other reports on family related themes, published earlier under the family research programme, as well as future reports to be published under the next phase of the programme. It also facilitates account being taken in a structured way of the fruits of exchanges on policy, both nationally and internationally, and consultation with interested parties on various family issues, especially in the context of marking the tenth anniversary of the UN International Year of the Family, now drawing to a close.
One of the most significant issues that has arisen in this regard relates to the position of fathers in situations of separation and family breakdown and the role of fathers generally in a changing society. Up until recent decades, the predominant family formation consisted of the male breadwinner father with the mother full-time in the caring role. This is changing as more mothers opt to participate or continue to participate in paid employment, with the opportunities to develop their own careers and achieve financial independence which this may afford. The involvement of fathers in the rearing of their children is also an issue which needs to be considered.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child provides that: "State parties shall use their best efforts to ensure recognition of the principles that both parents have common responsibilities for the upbringing and development of the child". However, the necessary adjustments in attitudes and in practical arrangements have been slower in bringing about more joint care giving and the research and consultation has shown that there are particular difficulties in the case of families where the parents are separated.
There is no single solution to this. It raises issues relevant to many Departments and policy areas including employment, income support, child care and related services. The purpose in developing the family strategy is to identify all of the key issues and try to develop an appropriate response to the changes which are taking place affecting families and family life generally. It is my intention to bring forward the strategy in the first half of 2005.
Question No. 44 answered with QuestionNo. 39.
Local Authority Charges.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:45 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether his Department should play a role in helping to offset the cost of waivers given by local authorities to social welfare recipients in lieu of payment of refuse charges. [33465/04]
Issues in relation to the collection of domestic refuse, including the question of waiver schemes, are the responsibility in the first instance of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and I understand that the matter is under consideration in that Department at present.
Given the wide variety of existing and proposed arrangements for waste charges, the introduction of a national waiver scheme would present considerable practical difficulties. I am concerned, however, about the effect on social welfare recipients of emerging current trends and I will consult with colleagues on the matter.
Poverty Measurement.
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:46 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which his Department measures poverty; if his attention has been drawn to or if he takes into consideration relative income poverty, relative deprivation, the combined income-deprivation measure, the budget standard approach, the food ratio method, the social security poverty line and the United Nations poverty index, as outlined recently by the Combat Poverty Agency; if any of these measures of poverty have been used in this State; if so, if he will give the most recent results of such research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33500/04]
The Deputy is referring to the Combat Poverty Agency fact sheet on measuring poverty which sets out a number of approaches which can contribute to the development of a view of what is poverty. Due to the wide variety of perspectives which can be brought to bear on the question of poverty measurement, it is acknowledged that it is not possible to identify a poverty measure which is indisputably and universally accepted. This is particularly true for a country like Ireland that has experienced rapid economic growth over the last ten years.
A number of indicators, known as the Laeken indicators, have been agreed at EU level on which all member states must report in their national action plans against poverty and social exclusion. These include: income before and after social transfers; persistent poverty; early school leaving; jobless households; long-term unemployment; life expectancy, etc. These indicators are useful and highlight different aspects of the situation in relation to poverty and social exclusion. Two main indicators used in Ireland are consistent poverty and at risk of poverty.
The consistent poverty indicator measures the percentage of persons, below 60% of average income, who are also deprived of goods and services regarded as essential. Developed by the ESRI, consistent poverty is the measure by which the Government has set its current national poverty reduction targets. A key target in the revised national anti-poverty strategy is to reduce the numbers of those who are consistently poor below 2% and, if possible, eliminate consistent poverty by 2007. The percentage of households in consistent poverty reduced from 9.7% in 1997 to 5.2% in 2001 — the latest year for which published data is available.
The at risk of poverty indicator measures the percentage of persons below a relative income threshold of 60% of median income. According to the latest ESRI published data, the percentage classified as being at risk of poverty rose from 18.2% in 1997 to 21.9% in 2001.
The increase in the proportion at risk of poverty arose mainly from the almost doubling of average net incomes during this period. Substantial increases in social welfare payments, which have amounted to 27% in real terms over a more recent period, 1997 to 2004, did not keep pace with the unprecedented increases in incomes generally. The at risk of poverty indicator is a useful indicator to assist in identifying those vulnerable to falling below general living standards.
There is no single best way to measure poverty. No one method can provide all the answers. My Department is aware of and informed, as appropriate, by all of the poverty measures referred to by the Deputy.
The Government has made substantial progress towards achieving the NAPS targets of €200 per week for old age pensions and €150 — in 2002 terms — for the lowest rates of social welfare payments by 2007. The €874 million social welfare package announced in budget 2005 represents a €244 million or almost 40% increase on the 2004 package of €630 million and brings the projected level of social welfare expenditure in 2005 to over €12.25 billion. That represents an increase of an additional €1 billion or almost 9% on the allocation for 2004. This level of expenditure is the highest ever on social welfare and is indicative of the Government's priority to protect and improve the living standards of social welfare recipients.
Question No. 47 withdrawn.
Departmental Schemes.
Mary Upton
Ceist:48 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has plans to extend occupational risk benefits to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29354/04]
The social insurance system in Ireland is generally based on the obligation to make PRSI contributions which in turn establish entitlement to a range of contingency based payments. The contributions to be paid are determined by reference to the nature of work. Employees and their employers generally pay contributions at PRSI class A and self-employed workers, including farmers, pay class S contributions. The contributions paid determine the range of benefits and pensions to which contributors can build up entitlement.
Farmers generally pay social insurance as self-employed workers at PRSI class S. Class S PRSI was introduced for the self-employed in 1988 and self-employed workers have been compulsorily insurable under the Social Welfare Acts since. Subject to an adequate insurance record, they are eligible for the following payments: widow's or widower's contributory pension; orphan's contributory allowance; old age contributory pension; maternity benefit; adoptive benefit; and bereavement grant.
When social insurance for the self-employed was introduced, coverage for short term insurance based benefits including occupational injury benefit, OIB, was excluded, given the difficulties of applying it to self employed workers and the financial implications associated with this.
There are no plans at present to extend coverage for short-term income support benefits such as occupational injury benefit to self-employed persons. Such an extension to self-employed contributors would necessitate a significant increase in the rate of PRSI class S contribution to fund it as well as having significant administrative and control implications.
Question No. 49 answered with QuestionNo. 32.
Joe Sherlock
Ceist:50 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs If he will consider extending the free travel scheme to Irish emigrants returning home from abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33456/04]
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:56 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the introduction of a euro travel pass giving concessionary travel facilities to pensioners and others throughout the European Union; and if he will promote the proposal. [33458/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 56 together.
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years, or over. It is also available to carers and to people with disabilities who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments. It applies to travel within the State and cross-Border journeys between here and Northern Ireland.
The proposal to make free travel available to persons in receipt of Irish pensions but living abroad would have to be examined in a budgetary context taking account of the other demands for extension of the free travel scheme and the cost, administrative and legal implications involved.
Implications include the current examination of proposals for an all Ireland travel pass which would apply to all eligible persons resident in both jurisdictions. I intend to keep the issue raised by the Deputy under consideration.
With regard to the introduction of a travel pass, as far as I am aware, there are no proposals being worked on currently at EU level in relation to a common travel framework on the lines referred to by the Deputy. Any such proposals would have significant financial and administrative implications and, in the light of the variety of arrangements which currently apply, there would be major practical problems in implementing arrangements of this kind.
The issue of a senior euro pass card, which would entitle older people to concessions on various services including travel, cultural and social activities, was raised in a report commissioned by the EU Commission some years ago but no proposals in this regard were brought forward subsequently.
Question No. 51 answered with QuestionNo. 39.
Grant Payments.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:52 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who will receive the new €1,000 respite allowance for carers not in receipt of the carer's allowance or carer's benefit; if old age pensioners who act as carers looking after their loved ones will be included; the means he will use to decide on the persons who are eligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33476/04]
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:80 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of the employment related conditions and the number of extra persons who will benefit with reference to the recent announcement that the respite care grant will be extended to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or to a person with a disability regardless of means subject to certain employment related conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33499/04]
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:81 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures which have been provided in budget 2005 in relation to carers. [33475/04]
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:82 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which the recent changes to the respite care grant will be administered; the persons who will be eligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33454/04]
Bernard Allen
Ceist:101 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the new criteria for carers who are eligible to receive the respite grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33495/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:177 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of extra carers likely to benefit from the budgetary increases; the average benefit in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33783/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 80 to 82, inclusive, 101 and 177 together.
Supporting carers in our society has been a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period weekly payment rates to carers have been greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced.
In the recent budget, I announced a number of improvements in the supports for carers. The carer's allowance and carer's benefit are being significantly increased by €14 a week to €153.60 and €163.70 a week respectively at a total full year cost of €17.2 million.
In response to the joint Oireachtas committee which stated that the greatest need identified by family carers is the need for a break from caring, I have made provision to improve the respite care grant in three ways. First, from June next year, in accordance with the Government's commitment in its programme for Government to introduce significant increases in the value of the respite care grant, I am increasing the amount of the grant from €835 to €1,000 annually.
Second, I am extending the annual respite care grant to all carers who are providing full-time care to a person who needs such care, subject to employment related conditions. I have asked my officials to consider the operational arrangements that will be necessary to implement this proposal. Subject to detailed consideration, the following categories of persons will be eligible for the respite care grant: recipients of carer's allowance and carer's benefit will continue to receive the grant; recipients of other social welfare payments, for example, widow's pensions, old age pensions, one parent family payment, who are also carers; and carers who are not currently receiving any payment from my Department and who are providing full time care.
The following criteria will probably apply: the carer must be providing full-time care to a person who is in need of such care for a specified period of time — probably six months; as is the case with recipients of carer's allowance, a full-time carer must not be engaged in employment for more than ten hours per week; and those who are on unemployment payments will be excluded since they are required to be available for, and actively seeking, full-time work.
It is estimated that these improvements in the conditions applying to the respite care grant will result in an additional 9,200 full-time carers receiving the grant for the first time, giving an estimated total of almost 33,000 full-time carers receiving the respite care grant of €1,000 next year.
My third improvement to the respite care grant is to pay a grant in respect of each person receiving care. This means that a carer who is providing care for more than two people will receive a grant in respect of each person for whom she or he is caring. Currently, a maximum of two grants is paid. I am doing this to recognise the particular challenges which are faced by carers who are caring for several people.
In relation to the means test for carer's allowance, I am increasing the weekly income disregards by €20 to €270 for a single person and by €40 to €540 for a couple from next April. This means that a couple with two children can earn up to €30,700 and receive the maximum rate of carer's allowance while the same couple can earn up to €49,200 and receive the minimum rate of carer's allowance, free travel, the household benefits package and the respite care grant.
It is estimated that the changes will result in an additional 1,000 new carers qualifying for a carer's allowance, free travel, the household benefits package and the respite care grant. In addition 2,400 existing carers, who are currently in receipt of reduced carer's allowance, will receive an increase in their weekly payment over and above the general rate increase they would receive in the normal way.
With regard to carer's benefit, one of the conditions attached to this scheme is that while the carer may work for up to ten hours per week, he or she may not earn more than €150 per week. I intend to improve this aspect of the scheme by increasing this income ceiling from €150 to €270 per week. This measure, which will take effect from April, will allow those carers who are in a position to work for up to ten hours per week to earn extra income and, equally important, it may keep the carer in touch with his or her workplace.
Another condition attached to that scheme is that the applicant must have been engaged in full-time paid employment as an employed contributor for the three month period immediately prior to claiming carer's benefit. I am abolishing this condition from April to simplify the qualifying conditions for the scheme and make it easier for carers to qualify.
The specific improvements in the respite care grant, carer's allowance and carer's benefit will be implemented in the Social Welfare Bill 2005. Government policy is strongly in favour of supporting care in the community and enabling people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. The development of the range of supports for carers will continue to be a priority for this Government and, building on the foundations now in place, we will continue to provide real support and practical assistance to the people involved.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Joan Burton
Ceist:53 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider increases in the rate of the child dependant allowance; the reason this allowance has not been increased in recent years; the objectives of the allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33444/04]
Martin Ferris
Ceist:64 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason there has been no increase in the child dependant allowance in 11 years. [33320/04]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:65 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his policy in relation to the child dependant allowance. [33321/04]
Seán Crowe
Ceist:68 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason no increase in the child dependant allowance has been provided in budget 2005. [33315/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 64, 65 and 68 together.
Since 1994, successive Governments have held the rate of child dependant allowances constant while concentrating resources for child income support on the child benefit scheme.
It is important to recognise that over that period, the combined child benefit-child dependant allowance, CB-CDA, payment has increased by more than double the rate of inflation. Child benefit is neutral vis-à-vis the employment status of the child’s parents and does not contribute to poverty traps. For example, a person receiving an unemployment payment will lose his or her associated CDA on taking up work but retains his or her CB as long as there are qualified children. Similar considerations arise where lone parents exceed the income threshold.
Child benefit supports all children but delivers proportionately more assistance to those on low incomes and with larger families. In these situations, the loss of child dependant allowances by social welfare recipients on taking up employment can act as a disincentive to availing of work opportunities.
Child benefit is paid to the primary carer, usually the mother, it is not taxable and is not assessed as means for other secondary benefits. It has proven to be of major benefit to families as an effective child income support mechanism when account is taken of these issues.
The Government's commitment to this policy is reflected in the substantial resources invested in the child benefit scheme since entering office, including an additional expenditure of €1.27 billion on child benefit when the current programme of multi-annual increases is complete.
We will then have moved from a position in 1994 where over 70% of child income support for a family claiming social welfare payments was in the form of child dependant allowances, to a position in 2005 where child dependant allowances will account for less than 33%.
As I stated in my budget speech, the point has been put to me to reverse current policy on child income support by increasing the level of child dependant allowances on the grounds that these payments are made only to recipients of social welfare payments and, consequently, are targeted directly at those most at risk of poverty. I concluded, however, that child benefit remains the most appropriate vehicle for tackling child poverty.
With regard to the future direction of child income support, the partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, recognised the importance of child income support arrangements, with a commitment to examine the effectiveness of current arrangements in tackling child poverty.
In this context, the National and Economic Social Council has been commissioned to examine this area and in specifically, the implications of merging child dependant allowances with family income supplement. This review, which NESC expects to complete in 2005, will inform the development of future policy in this area.
Budgetary Provisions.
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:54 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has recently met representatives of an organisation (details supplied); and if he has acted on its concerns in relation to the budgetary process. [33473/04]
The organisation in question attended the pre-budget forum which I hosted on 11 October last. The forum is designed to give voluntary organisations operating in the social services area an opportunity to express their views, concerns and priorities with regard to the social welfare system, and on the changes and improvements which they would like to see included in the budget.
I extended an invitation at the forum to each of the organisations present to meet me individually so that I could hear their concerns directly and in more detail and see what could be done to address them.
I met representatives of this organisation on 16 November, when it outlined its aim to effect positive change and achieve equality and social inclusion for all one parent families. It explained how, through its strategic plan for 2004-06, it plans to work to achieve that aim through helping all one parent families in providing for their basic needs, advancing their rights and working to effect positive change. A wide range of issues and challenges facing lone parents was discussed, including child and family income, rent and crèche supplements, employment supports and child benefit, and the forthcoming review of income support arrangements for lone parents.
In the recent budget, I addressed a number of the issues raised at that meeting. One parent family payment was increased by €14 per week. I also re-introduced the transitional arrangements for recipients of the one parent family payment for six months. This payment entitles lone parents, who have been in receipt of the one parent family payment for at least 12 months and in employment, and whose income increases over the €293 earnings threshold to retain 50% of their one parent family payment.
Child benefit was also increased by €10 from €131.60 to €141.60 for the first and second child and by €12 from €155.30 to €177.30 for the third and subsequent children. I have also provided that those in receipt of the crèche supplement can continue to receive the supplement in 2005. New claims will be considered when referred by a health services professional, for example, public health nurses and social workers.
Discussions are also taking place with the transit and Minister for Health and Children and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform with a view to putting in place sustainable funding for community crèches.
In relation to the rent supplement, I was able to assure the representatives that where lone parents are assessed as having a genuine housing need by the local housing authority, they will continue to be catered for subject to the usual means test.
I also afforded them the opportunity to make a submission to my Department in relation to the public expenditure review of the back to education allowance which is ongoing at present.
I share the commitment of the organisation in question to achieving equality and social inclusion for one parent families. My Department is also undertaking a review of the income support arrangements for lone parents in the light of reports and emerging analysis in furtherance of that objective, which will include consultation with interested organisations.
Question No. 55 answered with QuestionNo. 43.
Question No. 56 answered with QuestionNo. 50.
Diet Supplement Scheme.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:57 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the report on the adequacy of application of the diet supplement by the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute has been commissioned by his Department; when it will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33494/04]
Any person who is receiving a social welfare or health board payment, who has been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition and who is unable to provide for his or her food needs from within his or her own resources, may qualify for a diet supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
Diet supplements are subject to a means test. The amount of supplement payable in individual cases depends on which of two categories of diet, low cost or high cost, has been prescribed by the applicant's medical advisor, and the income of the individual and his or her dependants.
The basis for calculating the amount of diet supplement remained unchanged between 1996 and 2004. Increases in social welfare rates and in the cost of special diets since 1996 had been not been taken into account in assessing entitlement in individual cases.
With effect from 1 January 2004, the diet supplement scheme was restructured to take account of increases in both social welfare payment rates and the rate of food inflation since 1996. In the case of new applicants for diet supplement, the amount of supplement payable is based on increased up to date diet costs, €44 for lower cost diets or €57 for higher cost diets, less one third of the applicant's income or one sixth of the joint income in the case of a couple.
Given the increases in the social welfare payment rates were higher than inflation since 1996, the shortfall to be met by diet supplement is less than what it was in the past. People who were in receipt of a diet supplement prior to the introduction of the revised regulations on 1 January 2004 continue to receive their existing rate of supplement until such time as there is a change in their circumstances that would warrant a review of their case.
In order to inform future consideration of the scheme, my Department commissioned a study by an expert from the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute. The study examined the special diets prescribed in legislation for which assistance is available through the existing diet supplement scheme. It also considered the appropriate level of assistance required to cater for any additional costs involved in providing for necessary special diets.
The report of this study was received earlier this month by my Department. As I announced at the time of the budget, I have allocated an additional €2 million to enable the diet supplement scheme to be updated as necessary at the earliest opportunity in 2005, as soon as the research study findings have been assessed.
Pension Provisions.
Dan Neville
Ceist:58 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a partial contributory old age pension will be awarded to recipients who have less than ten years contribution in relation to the number of years contribution between five and ten years in replacement to the present situation of a maximum of 50% pension. [33314/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:171 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he intends to improve entitlement to pensions in respect of self-employed contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33777/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:172 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who have been refused contributory pensions on the basis of insufficient contributions; if he intends to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33778/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:173 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider introducing measures to enhance the entitlements of those who are a low rate of pension due to lack of adequate contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33779/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 171, 172 and 173 together.
The qualifying conditions for contributory old age pensions require a person to have paid at least 260 contributions at the appropriate rate, enter insurance ten years before pension age and achieve a yearly average of at least ten contributions paid or credited on their social insurance record from 1953, when the unified system of social insurance came into effect, or the date of entry into insurance if later. The minimum yearly average required for a retirement pension is 24 contributions and, in both cases, an average of 48 is required for a maximum rate pension.
Approximately 5,700 applications for standard rate retirement or old age contributory pensions were refused in 2003 because the persons concerned did not have sufficient contributions. However, those refused payments may subsequently qualify for a pro rata pension under EU or mixed insurance provisions. Also, people who cannot meet the average contribution test for a retirement pension may be able to meet the less stringent conditions for the old age contributory pension.
The conditions are intended to ensure that those qualifying for contributory pensions have had a reasonable association with the social insurance system over their working lives and that the payment they receive reflects, as far as possible, their overall contribution to the system.
A number of measures have been introduced in recent years to provide minimum pensions for people who would otherwise not receive a payment. In 1997, the average number of contributions required for the old age contributory pension was reduced from 20 to ten. Also, special pensions were introduced to deal with perceived anomalies in relation to pre-53 insurance and for self-employed people who were over 56 when that group became compulsorily insured in 1988. These pensions, which are based on payment of just 260 contributions, are paid at 50% of the standard rate.
As already indicated, pro rata pensions are available in cases involving insurance at different rates and where contributions have been made in other EU countries and countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement.
In considering changes to the system, it is necessary to uphold the contributory principle which underpins entitlement. This requires that people meet a minimum contribution threshold and also that payments, as far as possible, reflect the level of contribution which individuals make. In this regard, I consider that the range of pro rata and special pensions that are available gives adequate recognition to the level of contributions which individuals have made. Of course, the old age non-contributory pension is also available and may be more advantageous to someone with limited means.
Further developments in qualifying conditions will be considered in the light of phase two of the report on the qualifying conditions for old age and retirement pensions which is due for publication in the new year.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:59 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to companies that are failing to fulfil their legal obligation to allow staff to open a PRSA account; if so, the steps he is taking to ensure that these obligations are being fulfilled by all employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33449/04]
Under section 121 of the Pensions Act 1990, all employers are required to enter a contract with a PRSA provider so that access to at least one standard PRSA is available for all employees without access to an occupational pension scheme. These requirements came into force on 15 September 2003. At end September 2004, 66,486 employers had signed up with a PRSA provider under the requirements.
Responsibility for ensuring that employers are complying with their obligations in this regard rests with the Pensions Board. The board has in place a PRSA compliance strategy. As part of this strategy random audit letters are being issued and the board is also following up on whistleblow reports it receives from employees and other interested parties. To date, I understand that it has dealt with 345 cases in this way and 85% have been settled to the satisfaction of the board.
The board has also examined a database of over 170,000 employers and identified 64,000 who may not be complying with the legislation governing PRSA access. The board issued letters to these employers in September last and to date almost 50% have replied. These responses are being currently analysed and I understand that they show a high degree of compliance. Replies which are outstanding are being followed up and, in this regard, legal proceedings have been initiated against a number of employers for failing to respond to the board's inquiries.
My Department is also assisting the Pensions Board in identifying employers who are not complying with the legislation. The Social Welfare Act 2004 gives social welfare inspectors the power to make inquiries in relation to PRSA compliance while visiting employers in connection with PRSI matters. Following a comprehensive nationwide training programme of all inspectors completed in September 2004, these inquiries are now being made and reports submitted to the Pensions Board.
I am satisfied that the control measures put in place by the Pensions Board and my Department should ensure a high level of compliance by employers with PRSA legislation. If the Deputy has a particular case that he would like investigated, he should make the details available.
Departmental Expenditure.
Michael Noonan
Ceist:60 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount that has been expended in 2003 and to date in 2004 by his Department in the media for the purpose of advertising programmes, schemes and other activities of his Department; the amount paid to each media outlet in the respective years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33504/04]
My Department tries to ensure that people are made aware of its schemes and services through advertising, using an appropriate mix of national and provincial media, and through information leaflets, fact sheets, posters and direct mailshots. The amount of advertising in any one year is determined by the number of specific advertising campaigns which are undertaken.
The total amount spent by my Department in the media for advertising purposes in 2003 was €286,680 of which €258,572 was in respect of print media and €28,108 in respect of broadcast media. There were no national information campaigns undertaken in 2003.
The corresponding expenditure in 2004 was €473,224 in total, €190,015 in respect of print media and €283,209 in respect of broadcast media. Advertising during 2004 included two national information campaigns. The first information campaign promoted the carer's benefit scheme. This is a relatively new scheme which benefits carers with an appropriate social insurance record. It was felt that public awareness of this scheme was low and that we should rectify this by promoting the scheme on local and national radio.
The second campaign in 2004 alerted people coming up to pension age that they should apply for their pension at least three months before they reach pension age. Delays in the payment of old age pensions arising from late applications have been an ongoing issue for my Department for some time. I am keen to get the message across that early applications helps both the pensioner and my Department.
Departmental Programmes.
John Perry
Ceist:61 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of facilitators working with the family services project and the employment support service; the location of each; the work that they do; his plans to further expand the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33512/04]
In April 2004, the jobs facilitation and family support programmes of my Department merged to form the social and family support services, SFSS. This was done to enable the resources at my Department's disposal be utilised in the most effective manner to assist the social inclusion of our most marginalised citizens and to encourage economic activation amongst those most distanced from the labour market. Job facilitators and family service project officers were renamed facilitators at that time.
Currently, 43 facilitators and ten regional co-ordinators operate in 34 locations around the country. Details of locations are set out in appendix 1. Facilitators support customers who are amongst the most disadvantaged in our society by enhancing their potential to obtain employment and by helping them ultimately become integrated into the labour market.
For many of these customers, active labour market programmes, such as FÁS training and community employment, form part of the range of supports provided and may be all that are required in certain cases. A different approach is required for customers who need access to a range of other supports. These supports may be available within my Department or across the spread of other agencies that service this area.
The SFSS, in addition to its support and activation role, is involved in the provision of an information service on the range of supports available to customers from State agencies and the community and voluntary sector. There is a particular emphasis placed on agencies operating at a local level and on services available locally.
Within SFSS, efforts are made to provide an enhanced programme of support to customers with complex needs, for instance very young lone parents, other parents rearing children without the support of a partner, dependent spouses on social welfare payments with children, and carers.
Examples of activities supported to date include: parenting projects for very young lone parents; support programmes for carers and for families of people with disabilities; and family support for Travellers. Within the overall resources available to my Department, there are no plans to increase the number of facilitators at this time.
|
Locations of Social and Family Support Service Personnel |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Number |
Location |
|
|
Western Region |
||
|
Regional Co-ordinator |
1 |
Galway |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Galway |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Mayo |
|
Mid-Western Region |
||
|
Regional Co-ordinator |
1 |
Limerick |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Limerick |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Thurles |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Ennis |
|
Midland Region |
||
|
Regional Co-ordinator |
1 |
Mullingar |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Mullingar |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Longford |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Athlone |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Tullamore |
|
North-Eastern Region |
||
|
Regional Co-ordinator |
1 |
Dundalk |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Dundalk |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Drogheda |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Monaghan |
|
Southern Region |
||
|
Regional Co-ordinator |
1 |
Cork |
|
Facilitators |
8 |
Cork City |
|
(including 2 job sharers) |
||
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Tralee |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Killarney |
|
North-Western Region |
||
|
Regional Co-ordinator |
1 |
Sligo |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Sligo |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Letterkenny |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Buncrana |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Donegal Town |
|
South-Eastern Region |
||
|
Regional Co-ordinator |
1 |
Waterford |
|
Facilitators |
3 |
Waterford |
|
(2 job sharers) |
||
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Kilkenny |
|
Facilitators |
2 |
Wexford |
|
(2 job sharers) |
||
|
Dublin South Region |
||
|
Regional Co-ordinator |
1 |
Townsend Street |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Dún Laoghaire |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Bishop Square |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Nutgrove |
|
Dublin North Region |
||
|
Regional Co-ordinator |
1 |
Finglas |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Finglas |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Kilbarrack |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Nth. Cumberland Street |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Blanchardstown |
|
Dublin West Region |
||
|
Regional Co-ordinator |
1 |
Tallaght |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Ballyfermot |
|
(0.5 job sharer) |
||
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Tallaght |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Clondalkin |
|
Facilitator |
1 |
Newbridge |
|
Overall Total |
53 |
Social Welfare Benefits.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:62 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will report on the most recent review of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33510/04]
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme assists low income families with extra costs when children start school each autumn. The scheme operates from the beginning of June to the end of September each year and is administered on behalf of my Department by the health boards.
A person may qualify for payment of a back to school clothing and footwear allowance if he or she is in receipt of a social welfare or health board payment, or is participating in an approved employment scheme or is attending a recognised education or training course, and has household income at or below certain specified levels. Under the scheme an allowance of €80 is payable in respect of qualified children aged from two to 11 years. An allowance of €150 is payable in respect of qualified children aged from 12 to 22 years.
A total of 75,807 families have received the back to school clothing and footwear allowance this year. This has benefited some 158,000 children.
As part of the expenditure review initiative under way in all Departments, a working group was established to undertake a fundamental examination of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme. The report of the working group was finalised in August 2004 and has been forwarded to the central expenditure review initiative steering committee for final consideration. I expect that this process will be completed soon, to enable publication of the report early in 2005.
In its detailed report, the review working group addressed all aspects of the efficiency and effectiveness of the scheme, including the administrative system for making payments and their timing, the identification of the target group, the level of take up of the allowance by potential clients and, the adequacy of the payment rates. It also addressed the appropriateness of the eligibility criteria and the role of the scheme in encouraging participation in education by children of low income families.
The working group analysed a number of policy options for the scheme. The review concluded that, while the scheme continued to be worthwhile in its own right in its current format, consideration should be given to subsuming it into any future development of a broader so-called second tier of child income support as proposed by the National Economic and Social Council.
Pending any such future general developments in relation to child income support, the review findings were that: the scheme should continue in its current format and be administered by the health boards; steps should be taken to publicise the scheme more; orphans' payments should be regarded as a qualifying payment for the scheme; and the scheme payment rates and income limits do not warrant adjustment, in light of real increases in the value of the allowance and of social welfare rates generally in recent years compared to the trend of reduction in the cost of clothing and footwear. I will give the review findings full consideration when the report is finalised.
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:63 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when maternity benefit will be increased to 80% of reckonable earnings in line with the commitment made in the review of Sustaining Progress. [33317/04]
Maternity benefit is an income support payment awarded to eligible women for an 18 week period before and after the period of expected confinement. The benefit is a social insurance based benefit whereby eligibility is determined by having the appropriate number of PRSI contributions, classes A and S, in the relevant tax year or in other years.
The rate of payment is determined by the level of earnings in the relevant tax year subject to a ceiling, of which 70% is then paid, subject to a minimum payment. This minimum rate is linked to disability benefit rates.
As maternity benefit is not subject to taxation, the figure of 70% represents what would be net pay after deduction of taxation. A recent re-examination of this issue by a social partnership working group found that, given the reduction in taxation in recent years, this figure probably overstated the level of tax due and that the 70% might be increased to 80%.
The recent mid-term review of Sustaining Progress contained a commitment to increase maternity benefit from 70% to 80% of reckonable earnings over the period of the agreement. The Government has since agreed that it can be achieved over two years, namely, in budgets 2005 and 2006.
Budget 2005 provided for the first phase of this measure to be implemented with a change from 70% to 75%. This increases the maximum possible rate of payment to 75% of the earnings ceiling of €332. This change in the percentage level of reckonable earnings limit will benefit all recipients except those whose earnings are so low that they will continue to be entitled to the minimum payment.
As rates of adoptive benefit are linked to those of maternity benefit, the Government has agreed to go beyond the immediate commitment in Sustaining Progress to amend these percentage rates in line with those of maternity benefit.
Both measures will come into effect in January 2005. It is estimated that on average the position of 8,150 women per week will be improved by this measure and that it will cost €6.46 million in 2005 and in a full year.
Questions Nos. 64 and 65 answered with Question No. 53.
Proposed Legislation.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:66 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has recently met the Human Rights Commission on the expectation of that group that it should vet Government legislation. [33474/04]
Since my appointment as Minister for Social and Family Affairs, I have not met nor received a request to meet the Human Rights Commission. In July of this year, the Government considered a report by the Human Rights Commission which contained a number of recommendations for improving the effectiveness of that body.
One of the recommendations of the report was that Government Ministers should refer to the commission, for its views, any legislative proposals which may have significant implications for the protection of human rights, as provided for under section 8(b) of the Human Rights Commission Act 2000.
It is my view that the commission's function in this respect is an important one and I intend to seek the views of the commission on any legislative proposals which may have a human rights dimension.
Money Advice and Budgeting Service.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:67 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which he intends to spend and disburse the once off payment to MABS as announced by him on 1 December 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33492/04]
My Department has overall responsibility for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS, which provides assistance to people experiencing difficulty in meeting repayments on borrowings. There are 52 independent companies nationwide operating the service.
The MABS programme provides money advice to individuals and families who have problems with debt and who are on low income or in receipt of social welfare payments.
The service places an emphasis on practical budget-based measures that help people to move permanently from dependence on moneylenders and to access alternative sources of low cost credit.
MABS has been allocated €12.62 million to ensure the continued development of the service in 2005. This represents an increase of €1.22 million or more than 10% on the 2004 allocation and will help ensure that the service continues to be promoted in an effective way to help the people concerned regain control of their personal finances.
I have allocated a further €700,000 to MABS this year to address two issues. I am concerned that where hardship exists in repayment arrangements, MABS customers receive the most appropriate assistance to deal with the situation. MABS is currently considering ways in which support can be made available to MABS customers who have particular difficulties making repayments to creditors and to establish a mechanism where this can be dealt with in a practical way.
I intend to have a fully automated payment system put in place on a national basis which will allow for MABS employees to make direct payments to creditors on behalf of customers and also provide detailed statistics upon demand. These statistics will be invaluable in aiding the future development of MABS by providing a greater understanding of the issues surrounding indebtedness. This new payment system, MABSIS, will cost €300,000 to develop. It is anticipated that MABSIS will be implemented by July 2005.
Question No. 68 answered with QuestionNo. 53.
Departmental Schemes.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:69 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the issues which remain to be resolved to clear the way for an all-Ireland free travel scheme for pensioners and others; and the indicative time frame for its introduction. [33457/04]
Under the existing free travel scheme, pass holders who reside in the Republic of Ireland can travel free within the South. Similarly, people who live in Northern Ireland who hold a concessionary travel pass can travel free within the North. Under special cross-Border arrangements that have been in place since 1995, both Southern and Northern pass holders can undertake cross-Border journeys free of charge.
The introduction of free travel on an all-Ireland basis would enhance these existing arrangements by enabling Southern pass holders to make free onward journeys within the North. Similarly, Northern Ireland pass holders would be able to make internal journeys within the South free of charge to them.
There is considerable take up by passholders — North and South — of the existing cross-Border free travel service. Some 200,000 passenger journeys are made by passholders each year under the scheme, about half and half from each jurisdiction.
An enhanced All-Ireland free travel service would bring a useful additional flexibility to the service and should help encourage even more extensive take up by passholders on both sides of the Border.
The current annual cost to my Department of providing cross-Border free travel is €2.7 million. It is difficult to estimate the cost of an all-Ireland free travel scheme in advance of its introduction. However, experience to date with the current cross-Border scheme would suggest that the additional transport reimbursement cost of introducing this measure would be of the order of €3 million per annum.
As I advised the House on 10 November last, there are a number of technical and financial issues to be resolved in order to implement an enhanced all-Ireland free travel system. These issues will require co-operation between my Department and the Northern Ireland Department with responsibility for transport policy, as well as the relevant Northern and Southern transport operator companies.
In September 2004, my predecessor met the Minister of State at the Department for Regional Development in Northern Ireland, to explore the potential for further co-operation between the two Departments in relation to the proposal. They discussed the options and scope for co-funding the scheme and considered various technical issues that arise. Shortly after taking up this post, I wrote to the Minister indicating my wish to move the issue forward. I have recently received a response and am considering the contents.
Question No. 70 answered with QuestionNo. 34.
Social Welfare Cutbacks.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:71 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an assessment has been carried out of the impact of the social welfare cutbacks announced in November 2003; if so, if the findings of such an assessment have influenced the amendments made to the cutbacks in the Estimates for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33447/04]
Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:89 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the changes, in cash terms, affecting the welfare cuts announced in November 2003. [33467/04]
Tony Gregory
Ceist:167 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is his intention to reverse the 16 social welfare cuts referred to as the savage 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33844/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 89 and 167 together.
I conducted a review of the measures announced in November 2003 to assess their impact on people. During the course of that review, I listened carefully to the views expressed by Members of this House, by the social partners and by voluntary groups and others I have met since becoming Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
As a result of that review, I concluded that while the measures were introduced for valid reasons, it was now appropriate to reverse some of them and to ease others. On budget day, I was pleased to announce the new arrangements, as follows: the qualifying period for the back to work allowance is being reduced from 15 months to 12 months and, in addition, the cost of education allowance is being increased by €254 to €400; the transitional payment for recipients of one parent family payment is being restored and will now be available for a period of six months where a recipient's income exceeds €293 per week; the income limit for entitlement to half rate child dependant increases for unemployment, disability and related schemes will be increased by €50 per week to €350; and the saving of €700,000 arising from last year's MABS supplement measure is being restored and redirected to the MABS service to enable it to further improve its services.
The crèche supplement has been restored and €2.3 million, an amount equivalent to the savings achieved by the discontinuation of crèche supplements, is now being made available to ensure that vulnerable families can continue to have access to crèche supports, for example, in cases where a social worker or public health nurse deems this necessary as part of their work with the family. I am consulting my colleagues the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform about the most appropriate way to channel this funding.
The diet supplement has been restored for new applicants and €2 million is being made available to improve the diet supplement arrangements. Some €19 million in funding from the rent supplement scheme is being transferred to the local authorities as an initial measure to enable them to put long-term housing solutions in place. The six months rule for entitlement to rent supplement has been abolished and is being replaced by new measures in order to ensure that bone fide tenants who experience a change of circumstances are not disadvantaged.
Rent supplement will now remain in payment unless a third offer, as distinct from a second offer, of local authority accommodation has been refused. I am not raising the minimum contribution for rent supplement this year.
In addition, the measure relating to half rate payments for widows and widowers and allied payments has already been amended. The full year cost of all of the measures I have detailed above is €36 million in a full year. The operation of the remaining measures is being kept under review.
Question No. 72 answered with QuestionNo. 31.
Social Welfare Code.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:73 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which cohabitation guidelines in the case of lone parents are monitored, controlled and changed; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33526/04]
A person receiving a lone parent payment from my Department must comply with the conditions of the scheme. One such condition is that the person must not be co-habiting. If an individual receiving such a payment marries or co-habits his or her entitlement to lone parent payment ceases.
The co-habitation condition is intended to ensure equity between co-habiting and married couples. The co-habiting couple, who come within the definition of a couple living together as man and wife, are regarded as being effectively in the same position as a married couple.
There are guidelines setting out the factors to be taken into account in deciding whether a couple are cohabiting as man and wife. These guidelines are available on my Department's website and on request from my Department's information services and local offices. The guidelines are utilised by my Department's deciding officers in determining entitlement to lone parent payment.
Deciding officers who are independent in the exercise of their functions must satisfy themselves that all the statutory conditions are satisfied for receipt of payment. In the case of possible cohabitation, they must determine whether the relationship between the two people involved is such that they should be regarded as living together as husband and wife.
Domestic, household, and financial relationships can vary widely, not just for cohabiting couples, but for married couples also. Each potential cohabitation situation must be considered in light of the facts of the individual case. The deciding officer must form a judgement on whether the circumstances of a case are sufficiently similar to those of a married couple as to constitute cohabitation as man and wife.
The person concerned is always afforded an opportunity by the Department under natural justice rules to comment on the evidence available before a formal decision is made. Where payment is refused or withdrawn, the person concerned is informed of the right to seek a review of the decision in the light of any new facts or fresh evidence and in addition the right of appeal to the independent social welfare appeals office.
Postal Dispute.
John Gormley
Ceist:74 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures he intends to put in place in the event of threatened postal disruption. [33470/04]
My Department has a range of contingency plans to address interruption in payments through the postal or counter services. These plans are kept constantly under review to ensure that they offer the best response to any disruption to payments.
Where a disruption in An Post arises which affects the delivery of social welfare payments it is the responsibility of An Post, in the first instance, to ensure that customers receive their payment. However, my Department works closely with An Post to ensure that the most suitable alternative arrangements are put in place.
Depending on the nature, extent and length of any disruption a variety of alternative arrangements are possible. In the past, where a number of post offices have closed, payments have been transferred to other nearby post offices which continued to operate. During a two week dispute earlier this year affecting postal services in the Dublin area, my Department's local and branch offices were used as cheque collection centres.
In the recent one day dispute on Wednesday, 8 December, both letter post and counter services were disrupted. This had an impact on the Department's cheque, EIT postdraft and PPO, personalised payable order, payments. Some 93 post offices closed while nearly 1,400 remained open. Arrangements were made by my Department to ensure that EIT and PPOs due for payment on Wednesday, 8 December in the affected post offices were available for collection at post offices on Tuesday, 7 December. The majority of cheque payments due to be received on Wednesday, 8 December were received a day earlier.
A small number of payments due on Wednesday were not received until Thursday, 9 December. Cheque payments normally received on Thursday were received on either Thursday, 9 December or Friday, 10 December.
Question No. 75 answered with QuestionNo. 43.
Question No. 76 answered with QuestionNo. 35.
Question No. 77 answered with QuestionNo. 39.
Child Support.
Enda Kenny
Ceist:78 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the last review of issues with regard to maintenance took place; when the next such review is expected, as recommended by the National Economic and Social Forum report no. 20 on lone parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33509/04]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:100 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which he intends to ensure that unmet child maintenance payments are met. [33469/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 100 together.
Payment of maintenance is first and foremost a private matter for the persons concerned and, if they cannot resolve the issue, for the family law courts.
Under social welfare legislation, there is a statutory obligation on spouses to maintain each other and their children and on parents to maintain their children. Applicants for one parent family payment are required to make ongoing efforts to seek adequate maintenance from their former spouses, or, in the case of unmarried applicants, the other parent of their child.
Normally, such maintenance is obtained by way of negotiation or by court order. In recent years, separated couples have been increasingly using my Department's family mediation service to resolve issues.
Since 2001, one parent family payment claimants are allowed to retain 50% of any maintenance received without reduction in their social welfare entitlements.
Where social welfare support is being provided to the one parent family, the other parent is liable to contribute to the cost of this payment. In every case where one parent family payment goes into payment, the maintenance recovery unit of my Department seeks to trace the liable relative involved in order to ascertain whether she or he is in a financial position to contribute towards the cost of one parent family payment. This follow up activity takes place within two to three weeks of award of payment.
All liable relatives assessed with maintenance liability are notified by the Department and issued with a determination order setting out the amount of contribution assessed. The Department requires regular — normally weekly — payment of the contributions assessed in this way.
The process of securing maintenance contributions from liable relatives can, however, be difficult and protracted. This is the experience of all countries with similar systems in operation.
Nonetheless, my Department has realised quite significant savings through this system. There are currently 1,835 liable relatives contributing directly to my Department. As a result of maintenance recovery unit activity, savings of €8.5 million were achieved in 2002 and €14.2 million in 2003. Savings for 2004 are estimated at €14.9 million. As a result of maintenance recovery activity in 2004 to date, a total of 646 one parent family payments were cancelled while a further 426 payments were reduced. Legislation allows the Department to seek recovery from liable relatives through the courts in appropriate cases. A total of 152 cases has been submitted for court action from 2001 to date. The majority of these cases have resulted either in orders being written against the liable relative in court or in the liable relative agreeing to pay a contribution to either my Department or the lone parent. Further cases are in the course of preparation by my Department for court action.
In its report on lone parents in July 2001 — report no. 20 — the National Economic and Social Forum recommended that the issue of maintenance should be reviewed on a regular basis.
The issue of maintenance payments to lone parents, and the issue of the Department seeking a contribution where a liable relative is not paying sufficient or indeed any maintenance, had been considered as part of my Department's programme evaluation review of the one parent family payment which published its report in September 2000.
One of the recommendations of the review was that lone parents should have an incentive to seek maintenance. This recommendation was put into effect in 2001 and allows one parent family claimants to retain 50% of any maintenance received without any reduction in their social welfare payment.
The issues with regard to maintenance recovery are reviewed by my Department on a regular basis. The maintenance recovery unit of my Department is also kept under review. There are currently 12 staff working on maintenance recovery activity with a further five staff working on follow-up maintenance recovery related work in the one parent family payment scheme.
Question No. 79 answered with QuestionNo. 32.
Questions Nos. 80 to 82, inclusive, answered with Question No. 52.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:83 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the 300% take up of the services of the St. Vincent de Paul organisation by the most needy in society; and if he intends to respond to this trend in any way. [33472/04]
I have been made aware of the figures released by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which show a significant increase in the numbers seeking the services of the organisation over the last two years. I am conscious of the invaluable contribution which the society makes in alleviating the effects of poverty on the most vulnerable members of Irish society and the close contact society members maintain with the least well off.
Building a fair and inclusive society has been, and continues to be, a key priority of this Government. We are committed to tackling the many dimensions of poverty and social exclusion through the strategic approach set out in the 2002 revised national anti-poverty strategy and in the national action plan against poverty and social exclusion launched in July 2003.
These plans contain ambitious targets across the range of policy areas which impact on poverty and social exclusion, including social welfare, education, health, employment and housing. They include key income support targets of raising the lowest social welfare rate to €150 in 2002 terms by 2007 and of increasing the rate of social welfare pensions to €200 per week by 2007.
The €874 million social welfare package announced in budget 2005 will bring projected expenditure on social welfare to €12.25 billion in 2005, an increase of almost 9% on 2004.
These budgetary commitments are indicative of the Government's priority to protect and improve the living standards of the least well-off. The €14 increase announced for the lowest social welfare rates and the €12 pension increase keeps us on track to reach the targets we have set for 2007.
The policies pursued by the Government over recent years in combating unemployment and in increasing incomes in real terms for those not in work, are improving the standards of living of the most vulnerable people in society. However, I acknowledge that increased employment and income improvements alone may not be sufficient to alleviate the position of certain groups of vulnerable people, who are having to have recourse to assistance from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The pre-budget submission of the society, An Opportunity for Fairness, highlights this reality.
Its findings in relation to the position of its clients will be fully taken into account in future policy development. This will be especially the case over the next year, as we begin the process of evaluating the outcomes achieved under the current national action plan on inclusion, and start developing policies for its successor, due to be completed in 2006.
Child Support.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:84 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he intends to take as a result of the study commissioned under his Department’s family research programme, From Child to Adult; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33496/04]
The study From Child to Adult is a longitudinal study of Irish children and their families. This study was co-funded by the family support agency and the Department of Social and Family Affairs under the families research programme.
It is based on an original study undertaken in 1990 when high rates of behavioural deviance were found in children attending schools in disadvantaged areas. At the same time, a sub-sample of 185 children and their families studied in more detail indicated that one in six of the children and one third of the mothers showed evidence of psychiatric disorder associated with economic disadvantage and lack of social support.
One of the main aims of the follow-up research, conducted ten years later, was to identify if any of the negative factors identified in the earlier study were connected to long-term outcomes for the children.
The findings of the study point to the resilience of children and the study concludes that overall behavioural difficulties exhibited in the earlier study proved to be short term. The study also found, however, that children with behavioural difficulties early in life can suffer in terms of educational achievement. It indicates that those children who leave school early are also more likely to get into trouble with the law. The authors also stress the link between economic and educational disadvantage and point out that the children interviewed for this report have indeed benefited from the upturn in the economy.
The study clearly illustrates the value of taking a longitudinal approach in determining the more appropriate policies and supports for families and children. Problems identified at one stage of a child's life may not have the long term consequences anticipated, but may have other consequences that require an appropriate response. The information obtained clearly makes for more effective policy development, which is especially significant given the importance of maximising the well-being of children.
My Department and the Department of Health and Children, through the National Children's Office, are co-funding a major national longitudinal study of children, the biggest of its kind to be undertaken in this State. It is anticipated that 10,000 children from birth and 8,000 children aged nine will be recruited to participate in the study. The aim is to investigate the factors which contribute to, or undermine, the well-being of all children in contemporary Irish families and, through this, contribute to the setting of effective and responsive policies relating to children and to the design of services for children and families.
The study is now at the tendering stage and should commence next year. It will provide ongoing information and analysis on the progress of our children through key life stages and show how effective policies are in supporting children and their families and the further policy development and resources required.
The challenges faced by children and their families are multidimensional and require multi-policy responses. The national children's strategy is co-ordinated by the National Children's Office under the aegis of the Department of Health and Children. The provision of support for disadvantaged children and families is also a key priority of the national action plan for inclusion, co-ordinated by the office for social inclusion.
The preparation of a strategy for families in a changing society is currently at an advanced stage and being co-ordinated by the family affairs unit of my Department. This will focus on the supports families need to meet the challenges arising from the profound and rapid changes taking place, and should be well in place when the longitudinal study comes on stream.
Through these initiatives, the Government is determined to ensure that our children get the best possible start in life and adequate support along the way. A key part of this is to ensure that we have the policies to achieve that objective and that we use the resources devoted to them to best effect.
Question No. 85 answered with QuestionNo. 35.
Special Savings Incentive Scheme.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:86 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has completed his consideration of whether SSIA premiums will be included in the assessment of income for social welfare payments once they mature; the conclusions which have been reached in this respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33448/04]
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:91 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the way in which capital is assessed in the assessment of income for social welfare payments; his views on whether the current system is unrealistic and unfair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33451/04]
John Gormley
Ceist:95 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which social welfare means testing arrangements are not to be applied to earnings gained from the special savings investment accounts. [33471/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86, 91 and 95 together.
As I informed the House last month, I had requested my Department to carry out a comprehensive examination of the current arrangements for the assessment of capital, particularly in so far as they apply to SSIAs. This examination has now been concluded.
I was pleased to announce in the context of the budget that the amount of capital disregarded for means test purposes for all schemes, except supplementary welfare allowance, will be increased from €12,694.38 to €20,000, an increase of over €7,300.
It is estimated that approximately 12,000 claimants will gain as a result of the improvement. This measure, which takes effect from June 2005, will cost €5.1 million in a full year.
I introduced this improvement in the context of the overall Government strategy to encourage a regular savings culture among the population in general. As part of this strategy, the innovative special savings investment accounts were introduced in 2001 and these accounts have been opened by a very large number of people, including pensioners and other social welfare recipients.
The new arrangements are designed to ensure that the social welfare means testing arrangements do not act as a disincentive to claimants to become savers or to harshly penalise those who have been regular savers in the past.
The enhanced disregard applies to all capital regardless of where it is held, be it in an SSIA, a credit union, with An Post or any other account with a bank or other financial institution.
For means testing purposes, capital also includes stocks and shares and the capital value of property, other than the family home. The new arrangements will mean that a single non-contributory pensioner can have capital of up to €27,600 and still qualify for a pension at the maximum rate. This figure is doubled in the case of a pensioner couple. Revised and simplified assessment rates for capital in excess of €20,000 will be introduced in the Social Welfare Bill to be published early in 2005.
Domestic Violence.
Joe Costello
Ceist:87 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the recent report, Safe Home, which showed that more than a third of women in domestic violence situations are turned away from refuges; if he will liaise with his Government colleagues to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33445/04]
This matter is proper to the social inclusion unit of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I have made arrangements for that Department and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to contact the Deputy with an appropriate response.
Question No. 88 answered with QuestionNo. 29.
Question No. 89 answered with QuestionNo. 71.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:90 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of social welfare payments which are designed to act as work incentive measures; if such social welfare payments are meeting this objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33452/04]
My Department assists and encourages long-term unemployed and other long-term welfare recipients to return to work, training or further education through a range of measures administered by the Department's employment support service. One significant measure is the back to work allowance scheme which incentivises and encourages long-term unemployed people, lone parents and certain persons with disabilities to return to work by allowing them to retain their social welfare payment — on a tapered rate over a three or four year period — when they take up employment or self-employment.
Introduced in 1993, the scheme has assisted over 110,000 long-term social welfare recipients return to the workforce. Currently, there are 11,744 participants in the scheme, almost 7,000 of whom are engaged in a wide range of self-employment options.
In conjunction with this, my Department's employer's PRSI exemption scheme provides an exemption of the employer's portion of the PRSI contribution in cases where the employer takes on a person in receipt of the back to work allowance for the first time. The period covered is two years providing the employee remains with that particular employer. Since 1995, almost 33,000 employers have been granted this exemption.
Another measure offered is the back to education allowance. This second chance educational opportunity is designed to encourage and facilitate unemployed people, lone parents and people with disabilities to improve their skills and qualifications with a view to returning to the work force. There are two strands to the scheme, second level option and third level option. People qualifying for this scheme receive weekly income support at the maximum personal rate of the qualifying social welfare payment. They also receive the adult/child dependant increases where appropriate. An annual cost of education payment is also payable and I have increased this payment from €254 to €400 effective from September 2005. To date more than 10,000 persons have benefited from the scheme.
In addition, the family income supplement, FIS, was introduced to assist low income families in the active labour force. The scheme is designed to provide income support for employees on low earnings with families and thereby preserve the incentive to take up or remain in employment in circumstances where they might only be marginally better off than if they were claiming other social welfare payments. Weekly payments are made to families with children under 18 or between 18 and 22 if in full-time education, including one parent families. Currently, there are approximately 14,500 families in receipt of FIS, receiving an average weekly payment of over €72. Following the €39 increase in FIS earnings thresholds announced in the recent budget, most FIS payments will increase by €23.40 per week from January next.
A range of other support is provided by the Department's locally based facilitators. Their primary role is to assist the long-term unemployed and other long-term welfare dependants back to work, training or further education by providing them on an individual basis with assistance to access the necessary programmes or supports which their circumstances demand. Facilitators have access to some additional services, including funding to arrange specialised training and supports for those who are distant from the labour market and who need additional help in preparing them for further training and employment.
It is important that social security programmes are developed in ways that are responsive to the needs of the unemployed and other disadvantaged while simultaneously providing opportunities to assist people to become less welfare dependent. In this context, a number of income disregards have been introduced to social security schemes, to make them more employment friendly by removing disincentives to taking employment.
My Department through its employment support and other services has been very successful in assisting people away from the cycle of long-term unemployment and back into the workforce. The services provided are under constant review and I am satisfied as to their continued relevance and flexibility in today's job market.
Question No. 91 answered with QuestionNo. 86.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:92 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider an increase in the income thresholds for secondary benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33440/04]
Social welfare programmes aim to be responsive to the needs of those who depend on income maintenance support while providing incentives to assist people to become more independent financially, particularly through employment.
A number of measures have been introduced in recent years to remove disincentives to taking up employment and to assist in the transition from welfare to work. These measures include special means disregards and tapered withdrawal of benefits as earnings increase and employment support schemes, such as the back to work programme. In addition, there are facilitators available in my Department's local offices around the country to assist unemployed people and lone parents with the transition to employment.
The income limit referred to by the Deputy applies to people who take up employment under approved employment schemes. Such people are entitled to retain certain social welfare and other benefits, known as secondary benefits, in total or in part, for the duration of the scheme subject to certain conditions.
For most people, the most significant secondary benefit is rent or mortgage interest supplement, which is paid under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
An income limit of €317.43 per week applies to these supplements. While this income limit has not changed since its introduction, significant other improvements have been made to the means test. Back to work allowance and family income supplement, in cases where one or both of these are in payment, are now disregarded in the assessment of the €317.43 weekly income limit. PRSI and reasonable travelling expenses are also disregarded in the means test.
In effect this means that people who had been unemployed and who commence employment with the support of the back to work allowance can have a weekly household income significantly in excess of the €317.43 limit in question and still qualify to retain 75% of their rent or mortgage interest supplement. For example, in the first year on the back to work allowance, a single person can have combined income from the back to work allowance and wages of €418.50 while a couple with two children can have an income of up to €510.75 a week. When the latest increases in social welfare rates become effective in January 2005, the levels of income in these cases will increase to €429 and €528.25 respectively.
Other improvements have also been made to the retention arrangements. The period for which rent or mortgage interest supplement may be retained has been extended to four years on a tapered basis — that is, 75% in year one, 50% in year two and 25% in years three and four. In addition, the maximum payment limit of €317.43 per month on the amount of supplement payable has been abolished for people on approved schemes.
As a consequence of these improvements, many families retain more of their rent or mortgage interest supplement than had been the case prior to these changes taking place. In addition, people availing of an employment support scheme may opt to be assessed under either standard supplementary welfare allowance rules or under the special retention rules and will be entitled to receive payment under whichever is the more favourable option for them. In that context, I was glad to be able to increase the income disregard in the standard rules of the scheme from €50 per week to €60 per week in this year's budget.
Overall, I consider that the current secondary benefit income eligibility thresholds and disregards, coupled with improvements in the standard rules of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, ensure that people have a financial incentive to take up back to work opportunities. I will consider further improvements in the standard rules of the scheme in the context of future budgets.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:93 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will increase the basic social welfare threshold to ensure that a budgetary increase does not result in a reduction in rent support for those in rent assisted accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33528/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:175 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when it is likely that the basic social welfare payment will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33781/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 175 together.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides for the payment of a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of rent or mortgage interest. These supplements assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible people who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme is administered on my behalf by the health boards.
Rent and mortgage interest supplements are subject to a means test. They are normally calculated to ensure that, after payment of rent or mortgage interest, an eligible person has income equal to the rate of basic supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to his or her family circumstances, less a minimum contribution, currently €13, which each recipient is required to pay from his or her own resources.
Many recipients pay more than €13 because each recipient is required to contribute any additional assessable means he or she has over and above the basic supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to his or her circumstances towards his or her accommodation costs.
I have decided not to increase this minimum contribution level this year. In addition, I have provided for an increase of €14 in the weekly rate of basic supplementary welfare allowance, effective from January 2005, which matches or exceeds the increases in virtually all other social welfare rates.
I am satisfied that there will be no reduction in the amount of rent or mortgage interest payable in the vast majority of cases. Almost all people on rent supplement will retain the full value of their increased social welfare payment as a result. This significant increase in basic supplementary welfare allowance will also have the effect of reducing the additional amount people with other means have to pay above the minimum rent contribution level in some cases. For example, single people on rent or mortgage interest supplement who are aged 66 years or more will get a net increase of €14 per week as a result of this year's budget.
Family Support Services.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:94 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his review of issues facing families today has been completed; the action proposed by him on foot of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33453/04]
My Department is currently co-ordinating the preparation of a strategy for families and family life in a changing society. The project is intended to begin a strategic process under which issues affecting families would be addressed in an integrated way across the range of Departments and agencies currently involved in issues impacting on families.
The process commenced with a public consultation process by way of five regional fora held during 2003, an analysis of the outcome of which, entitled Families and Family Life in Ireland: Challenges for the Future, was published earlier this year.
A call for submissions was issued in July to interested organisations on the issues covered in this publication on families and family life to inform the deliberative process. Some 25 detailed contributions have now been received and a summary analysis completed for review and eventual publication.
An inter-departmental committee, IDC, was also established in July to prepare the strategy across the relevant policy areas. This has included a review of progress made in implementing the recommendations of the Commission on the Family, identifying the policy areas for which it has responsibility for inclusion in the strategy, the objectives and targets for these policy areas and the actions required over the coming years to meet these.
To facilitate this process, a consultant expert has been engaged to prepare an analysis on the main demographic, social and economic changes relating to families and family life today in Ireland and the main challenges these pose for Government policy. This document is nearing completion and earlier drafts are already been considered by members of the IDC.
Full account is being taken of the various reports completed under the families research programme. The final report under this phase of the programme has just been published. Account will also be taken of the outcome of the international conference in Dublin on families, change and social policy in Europe held in Dublin in May and organised by the Irish EU Presidency, with the support of the EU Commission to mark at EU level the tenth anniversary of the UN International Year of the Family.
Ireland has also directly participated in a major international study organised by the OECD entitled, Babies and Bosses — reconciling work and family life.
An analysis of the position in Ireland in relation to these issues is contained in volume two of the study. The project which addresses one of the major issues for both family and employment policy is currently being finalised and the outcome will be one of the main issues to be addressed at a meeting of Ministers for Social Affairs from OECD countries next April.
So far this analysis and consultation at both national and international levels has highlighted the profound and rapid changes affecting families, not least in Ireland. These changes require an integrated response across a range of diverse policy areas including income support, employment, care services, health, education, housing, family and community supports, transport and policies generally to promote social inclusion and greater social cohesion. The intention is to have the strategy completed and published during the first half of 2005.
Question No. 95 answered with QuestionNo. 86.
Social Welfare Code.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:96 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on recent figures from the CSO which show that more than one third of all births here are outside marriage; if the social welfare system is suitably adapted to meet the requirements of the changing structure of the Irish family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33442/04]
The CSO figures reveal a trend in relation to non-marital births that is occurring not just in Ireland, but in a number of other developed countries as well. In many cases, the parents of the children are living together and will parent together. A significant proportion marry soon after the birth of their first child. Others continue to co-habit for a period afterwards. CSO figures also reveal that up to 40% of co-habiting couples have children and that a significant proportion are in their 20s.
There were 154,000 lone parent families in 2002 comprising one in six of all families with 85% headed by females. In terms of marital status, 40% were headed by a widowed person, 32% headed by a separated or divorced person, and 24% headed by a single person. The number in receipt of the one parent family payment in 2003, was 79,296, up from 58,960 in 1997, when the scheme was introduced. There were, in addition, 13,215 lone parents with children in receipt of payments under social insurance — 8,687 widowed persons and 4,528 deserted wives.
In total, therefore, 92,511 or up to 60% approximately are receiving weekly payments under the social welfare system. The social welfare system has provided income support and other services for lone parents and has adapted to the changes in recent decades that has seen, proportionately, a decline in the incidence of lone parenthood arising from widowhood, and a growth in the incidence arising from separation and divorce and from parents being unmarried.
Cohabiting couples with children are generally treated the same as married couples for the purposes of social welfare entitlements.
The profound and rapid social, economic and demographic changes occurring are having a major impact on families and family life. They may require modernisation of Government policies to support families in order to assist them in meeting the challenges posed by these changes, not least in reconciling work, the main route out of poverty, and family life. My Department is currently co-ordinating the preparation of a strategy for families in a changing society designed to ensure that the necessary modernisation takes place on an ongoing basis. The strategy is scheduled to be published in the first half of 2005.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:97 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the situation with regard to the administration of the one parent family payment; the number and location of localised offices; his further plans and timescale to localise the remainder of these offices; the additional costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33513/04]
The one parent family payment is the income support scheme for separated, unmarried and widowed persons and also for prisoners spouses who are bringing up children without the support of a partner. The scheme was introduced in 1997 when it replaced a number of schemes for different categories of lone parent.
At the end of October 2004, there were 79,797 persons receiving one parent family payment. On average, some 350 new claims for one parent family payment are received each week, equivalent to approximately 18,000 per year.
As recipients of the one parent family payment are in a relatively young age bracket, they are more likely to move in and out of employment, education or training on a regular basis or to have other changes in their circumstances. Approximately 70,000 existing claims are revised each year, mainly for these reasons.
Administrative work relating to the one parent family payment has been carried out in a central unit in the pension services office in Sligo.
A comprehensive review of the payment arrangements for lone parents was undertaken by my Department in 2000. This review recommended the localisation of the administration of the scheme to bring lone parents into closer contact with the various support services available at local level. Localisation is intended primarily to improve client service, by reducing claim processing times through closer linkage with the local investigative officer network, as well as providing more direct local contact for lone parents with the Department's employment support services.
One parent family payment claim processing commenced in my Department's local office in Tallaght in 2001. Following the success of this initial project, local offices in Finglas and Waterford began processing one parent family payment claims at the end of 2003. During 2004, a major programme was undertaken to extend claim processing to a further 16 offices.
At the end of 2004, there will be a total of 19 local offices dealing with one parent family payment claim processing. This will mean that approximately half of all new one parent family claims received each year, that is, approximately 9,000 claims, will be dealt with in local offices. Processing will be extended to other local offices on a phased basis during 2005.
The process of devolving the administration of the one parent family payment to local offices is essentially a relocation of the service from a central to a local basis. While there will be costs arising during the process relating to training, localisation of the scheme will not result in any significant increase in the cost of administering the scheme.
I am satisfied that the social welfare arrangements in place for lone parents are appropriate. The policy in this area is to provide income support for lone parents while at the same time encouraging them to consider employment as a realistic alternative to long-term welfare dependency. The position is being kept under review on an ongoing basis.
John Deasy
Ceist:98 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recommendation of the National Economic and Social Forum to establish a welfare to work colloquium with an interest in issues relating to welfare and work transitions to explore the development of a welfare to work strategy for groups such as lone parents; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33517/04]
The NESF recommended the establishment of a welfare to work unit in my Department in its report on lone parents report no. 20 in 2001. As an initial step, it recommended that my Department should host a welfare to work colloquium to bring together the main players with an interest in welfare to work transitions to explore the development of a welfare to work strategy for groups such as lone parents.
Progressing from unemployment through appropriate education, training and work programmes in order to gain employment is accepted as the best means of tackling social exclusion. In this context, a wide range of active labour market programmes is available designed to address long-term unemployment and facilitate unemployed people to seek work. An integral ingredient to the successful implementation of the national employment action plan is an offer of work or the availability of a programme suited to the particular needs of the individual.
Implementation of the national employment action plan has contributed to approximately 68% of those referred to FÁS under the plan signing off the live register. Overall, 84% of interviewees who had left the unemployed register were still off the register at the end of the 12th month after referral.
My Department's facilitators also advise and encourage those on social security payments such as unemployed people or lone parents to progress to employment or education-training through the range of active labour market programmes available. They also seek out job opportunities, work-skills outlets and other self-development opportunities. Facilitators work closely with FÁS and the education authorities at local level to secure an appropriate outcome for disadvantaged individuals.
The facilitators now also work with younger lone parents, families who have caring responsibilities and who therefore have more complex needs in terms of support and activation. The Department also operates a range of active labour market programmes, including the back to work scheme which encourages long-term unemployed people to take up opportunities of employment or self-employment and the back to education allowance scheme which facilitates the long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged groups in gaining access to second chance education, either at second or at third level.
The objective in this area is to raise educational and skills levels among the long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged groups in order that they will meet the requirements of the modern labour market.
I am committed to reviewing the income support arrangements for lone parents in light of reports and emerging analysis. These reports include the NESF fourth periodic report as well as the review of the one parent family payment published by my Department. Ireland has also participated in an OECD project on reconciling work and family life, which includes a detailed analysis of the position of lone parents in a comparative context. These reports will inform the review of lone parents' income support arrangements.
The question of colloquium on welfare to work or other appropriate consultative arrangements to assist in the consideration of future policy in this area will be considered in the context of the review.
Social Welfare Benefits.
David Stanton
Ceist:99 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the decision to reintroduce the half rate payment for lone parents in cases in which earnings are in excess of the upper threshold of €293 per week for six months and not the previous position of payment for 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33488/04]
Up to last year, transitional arrangements also applied whereby a lone parent who exceeded the weekly earning threshold of €293 for receipt of payment retained 50% of his or her previous payment for a further 12 months.
This transitional payment was discontinued this year. Lone parents already on the transitional payment prior to the cut off date retained their entitlement to the payment for the remainder of the 12 months period. Lone parents continued to be eligible for the family income supplement.
I am, therefore, committed to reviewing the income support arrangements for lone parents as a priority. The review will be informed by recent reports completed by my own Department and by the NESF and an OECD study on reconciling work and family life, published late last year, which gave particular attention in that context to the position of lone parents.
There will be an examination of the overall transitional arrangements under the one parent family payment scheme in the context of that review. I have provided for reinstatement of the half-rate payment for a period of six months, pending completion of the review. Lone parents, of course, continue to be eligible to apply for the family income supplement, which is the mainstream in-work benefit available to parents working in low income employment.
Question No. 100 answered with QuestionNo. 78.
Question No. 101 answered with QuestionNo. 52.
NEFS Report.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:102 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has received the fourth periodic report of the NESF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33365/04]
The fourth periodic report of the NESF deals with work that was published by the NESF over the period 2001-03 and attempts to assess the impact of this on Government policies and programmes. Of particular interest to my Department is the review of lone parent report no. 20 which was published in late 2001.
I am in the process of drawing up a strategy for families in a changing society and a key element of this strategy will relate to the issues and challenges faced by those parenting alone. I am also committed to reviewing the income support arrangements for lone parents in light of reports and emerging analysis and the NESF report is informing this review. A number of the developments in these areas are highlighted by the NESF in the review.
Progress has been made in the localisation of new claims for the one parent family payment to the local offices of my Department. By the end of this year some 50% of new claims will be made at local offices and the roll out of the localisation project is scheduled to continue in 2005.
Similarly, I am pleased to see the welcome given to the information guide for lone parents published by my Department, Comhairle and Treoir which is made available to all lone parent claimants. This initiative substantially addresses many of the information needs of those parenting alone and I am hoping to provide additional information through a new magazine type initiative next year.
The NESF was critical of changes to the one parent family payment scheme, particularly in relation to the transitional arrangements whereby a lone parent who exceeded the earning threshold retained 50% of his or her previous payment for a further 12 months. This transitional payment was discontinued from 19 January 2004.
In reviewing the adjustments which were made in last year's budget, I took particular account of the statistics which show that lone parent families are particularly at risk of poverty. Ireland has one of the highest proportions of lone parent families within the EU. Almost a quarter of such households live in consistent poverty and over 40% of such families are deemed to be at risk of poverty.
It is generally accepted that one of the most effective routes out of poverty for people in the active age groups is through paid employment. However, Ireland has a relatively low proportion of lone parents in employment, compared to other developed countries. In light of this, I decided to re-introduce the transitional half-rate payment for a period of six months where earnings exceed the upper threshold of €293 per week. The overall transitional arrangements will be further examined in the context of the review of the income support arrangements for lone parents which I have already mentioned.
The NESF has also expressed disappointment with regard to the extent to which the needs of non-resident fathers are being addressed and has recommended that greater policy priority should be given to supporting those who have ongoing and regular contact with their children. This year my Department has been instrumental in ensuring that there has been a greater focus on the issue of family role of fathers, particularly those fathers who are non-resident. Under the special award scheme for organisations to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the UN International Year of the Family support was given to the unmarried and separated fathers of Ireland in running a national conference on fathers.
Support was also given to Amen to run a conference focusing on being a father, particularly a non-resident father at Christmas. Under the families research programme which was established by my Department two pieces of research on men were published. The report, Young men on the Margins, commissioned by the Katherine Howard foundation focused on young homeless men who have little or no participation in family life, community life or employment.
A more recent publication, Strengthening Families through Vulnerable Fathers, was produced by Professor Harry Ferguson and Fergus Hogan. This latter publication focuses on vulnerable fathers and the professionals who worked with them. The research highlighted how fathers are often excluded from child care and family support work and challenges society to create and foster an inclusive approach which encourages effective engagement and positive inclusion of fathers.
These publications will be fully taken into account in the context of the strategy on families in a changing society currently being prepared. Key elements of this strategy will focus on the issue of those parenting alone and the role of fathers in family life, especially non-resident fathers. The NESF report is also being taken into account in drawing up the strategy which should be completed in the first half of 2005.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:103 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Taoiseach if he will work more closely with the Northern minority and listen to their concerns regarding the current stalemate. [33811/04]
I will continue to work with the SDLP, Sinn Féin and all of the political parties in Northern Ireland to secure the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland.
Health Board Allowances.
Michael Ring
Ceist:104 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when persons awaiting arrears of the blind welfare allowance, due to the misinterpretation of the Blind Welfare Allowance Circular 4/79, will receive same; the date on which she sanctioned this funding to the health boards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34023/04]
Michael Ring
Ceist:111 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 146 of 7 December 2004, the date on which additional funding was provided to the health boards in this matter; and when payment will issue to the persons affected. [33655/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 111 together.
My Department issued letters to the CEO of each health board on 6 December informing them that the funding to pay arrears of blind welfare allowance is being authorised by this Department. It is a matter for each individual health board as to how and when the arrears are issued to the individuals involved.
Nursing Homes.
Seán Ryan
Ceist:105 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of legal actions health boards are currently processing against private nursing homes for breach of the legislation under the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990; the names of the nursing homes in question; and if her attention has been drawn the response to Parliamentary Question No. 5 of 2 December 2004. [33604/04]
I refer the Deputy to my written response of 28 October 2004 to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 143 to 146, inclusive. I informed the Deputy that there was one case pending before the courts and that I was not in a position to discuss the details of the case, as by doing so might prejudice the outcome of the case itself. I have had further inquiries made of the health boards-authority with a view to establishing the up-to-date position, and will be in touch with the Deputy again as soon as this information is received.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Jerry Cowley
Ceist:106 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it can be made possible for elderly returning emigrants requiring nursing care to be assessed for their medical needs and for subvention in places in which they currently live; if her attention has been drawn to the current difficulties in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33650/04]
Persons applying for a subvention under the nursing home subvention scheme must undergo both a medical assessment and means test to establish if they qualify for subvention. Both tests are carried out by the health board in whose functional area the person resides. It would not be possible under the current system for a person who is living abroad to be assessed for nursing home subvention in the place of their residence. However, the assessing health board would have regard to all medical reports and financial information available on the person from whatever jurisdiction when assessing an applicant for nursing home subvention.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:107 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if nursing home subvention will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33651/04]
The provision of health services in the Kildare area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the South Western Area Health Board acting under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply direct to him as a matter of urgency.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
John McGuinness
Ceist:108 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an occupational therapist’s report has been prepared in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny relative to their application under the housing aid for the elderly scheme; if a scheme of work has been agreed arising from this report; the status of the report; when a decision is likely in the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33652/04]
The housing aid scheme for the elderly in County Kilkenny is operated by the South Eastern Health Board, on behalf of the Department of 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.
Ambulance Service.
Michael Ring
Ceist:109 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when an application for capital and revenue funding for a project (details supplied) in County Mayo was submitted by the Western Health Board; when approval will be granted to this project; when the necessary funding will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33653/04]
Responsibility for the provision of ambulance services in County Mayo rests with the Western Health Board. My Department received a proposal from the board in March 2004, which outlined the capital project requirements of all the care programmes in the western region, including the ambulance service. The provision of a number of additional ambulance stations, including an ambulance station at Achill was included in this submission. This proposal will fall for consideration by the Health Services Executive in the context of the Health Capital Investment Framework 2005-2009.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Michael Ring
Ceist:110 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow can expect to receive an appointment for St Luke’s Hospital, Dublin. [33654/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services for residents of County Wicklow is in the first instance, a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the authority to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 111 answered with QuestionNo. 104.
Health Board Services.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:112 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a centre (details supplied) is to be closed; and the future which is envisaged for current and potential future employees. [33656/04]
A working group will shortly be established to consider options for Blindcraft and its employees and to make a recommendation on its future to the Tánaiste and the board of Blindcraft. The working group will include representation from my Department, the board of Blindcraft, the unions, the workforce, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS.
Ambulance Service.
Michael Lowry
Ceist:113 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to an adjournment debate of Dáil Éireann of 24 November 2004, the decision which has been taken to approve the proposed ambulance base in Thurles; the funds which have been allocated for the project; when she expects building work to start; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33657/04]
Responsibility for the provision of ambulance services in County Tipperary rests with the Mid-Western Health Board. My Department has received a proposal from the board outlining the capital project requirements of this development. This proposal is currently being considered by my Department in conjunction with the board. A decision will be made on this development in the context of overall capital priorities for the region and the availability of funding.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:114 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be admitted to Mullingar Regional Hospital, to have urgent medical procedures carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33682/04]
Responsibility for the provision of hospital services to residents of County Westmeath rests with the Midland 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 to the Deputy directly.
Mental Health Services.
Jack Wall
Ceist:115 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of applications her Department has received in each of the past three years for funding for mental health services within the South West Area Health Board region for special needs, such as those of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the amount of funding provided in relation to such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33683/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:119 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the necessary funding will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33687/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 119 together.
Responsibility for the provision of the services referred to by the Deputy rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has therefore asked the regional chief executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply to him directly.
Jack Wall
Ceist:116 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to upgrade the mental health services in the South Western Area Health Board region; the proposals that are being processed; the timescale of the proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33684/04]
Funds raised by the sale of part of the land at St. Loman's Hospital will be applied to the development of mental health services in the South Western Area Health Board. This includes the re-provision of mental health services currently operating from St. Loman's campus in such a manner that it will extend the delivery of mental health services into the community via new units at other strategic locations, as well as to provide purpose built accommodation within the 8.5 acres of land to be retained at St. Loman's. A project team has been established to progress the development of the mental health facilities and a final decision regarding the scale of the developments in the South Western Area Health Board will be taken when the project team has established greater cost certainty and an indicative programme for the proposed works.
Health Board Services.
Jack Wall
Ceist:117 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the transfer of a person (details supplied) to St. Michael’s rehabilitation centre, Dún Laoghaire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33685/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services for residents of County Carlow is, in the first instance, a matter for the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, forwarded the Deputy's correspondence to the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board and asked him to reply to the Deputy directly.
Mental Health Services.
Jack Wall
Ceist:118 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the total funding from her Department to the South Western Area Health Board for mental health services for each of the past three years; the way in which this figure compares to funding available to other health boards and their allocation of funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33686/04]
The total additional revenue funding provided for the development of mental health services nationally in the period 2002-2004 was in the order of €33 million. In 2002 additional revenue funding of €0.762 million was made available to the South Western Area Health Board for the development of mental health services. This funding was for the further enhancement of existing multi-disciplinary teams in Kildare, Tallaght, Blanchardstown and within community care areas 4, 5 and 9.
In 2003, additional revenue funding of €0.56 million was made available to the South Western Area Health Board for the further enhancement of multi-disciplinary teams in community care areas 3, 4 and 5 and the development of community services in Ballyfermot, Tallaght and Castledermot. While no additional funding was available for mental health service developments in the South Western Area Health Board region in 2004, additional revenue funding of €15 million will be provided for the development of mental health services nationally in 2005. The further development of services in the South Western Area Health Board next year will be considered in the allocation of funding process for 2005. The total spend on mental health services in 2005 will be in the region of €725 million.
In addition to the above, substantial additional funding was provided to voluntary organisations in the field of mental health, which provide a range of services throughout the country including the South Western Area Health Board region.
Question No. 119 answered with QuestionNo. 115.
Nursing Home Charges.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:120 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card holders who are in private or public nursing homes in each county, who have been paying hospital charges to date and who, in view of the recent announcement by her, will now be entitled to a refund and hospitalisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33692/04]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:121 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card holders who are in private or public nursing homes in County Kilkenny who have been paying hospital charges to date and who, in view of her recent announcement, will now be entitled to hospitalisation. [33693/04]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:122 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of old age pension patients from County Wexford who have been charged in public or private nursing homes and who, in view of the recent announcement by her, will now be entitled to free hospital care. [33694/04]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:126 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card holders who are in private or public nursing homes in Wexford, who have been paying hospital charges to date and who, in view of the recent announcement by her, will be entitled to free hospitalisation. [33698/04]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:127 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card holders who are in private or public nursing homes in each county, who have been paying hospital charges to date and who, in view of the recent announcement of her, will be entitled to free hospitalisation. [33699/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 to 122, inclusive, 126 and 127 together.
This information must be obtained from the relevant health board-authority. Therefore, my Department has asked the chief executive officer of each health board-authority to examine this matter and reply directly to the Deputy.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:123 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card holders who are in private or public nursing homes in County Westmeath who have been paying hospital charges to date and who, in view of the recent announcement by her, will now be entitled to free hospitalisation. [33695/04]
This information must be obtained from the relevant health board-authority. Therefore, my Department has asked the chief executive officer of the Midland Health Board to examine this matter and reply directly to the Deputy.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:124 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card holders who are currently hospitalised in publicly funded nursing homes and hospitals in County Westmeath; the number in each institution; and the number of publicly funded beds for nursing homes in the county. [33696/04]
The provision of health services in County Westmeath is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Midland Health Board. 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.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:125 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card holders who are currently hospitalised in publicly funded nursing homes and hospitals in County Wexford; the number in each institution; and the number of publicly funded beds for nursing homes in the county. [33697/04]
The provision of health services in County Wexford is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the South Eastern Health Board. 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.
Questions Nos. 126 and 127 answered with Question No. 120.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:128 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card holders who are currently hospitalised in publicly funded nursing homes and hospitals in each county; the number in each institution; and the number of publicly funded beds for nursing homes in each county. [33700/04]
The provision of health services in each county is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officers of the authority and the health boards to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply direct to him as a matter of urgency.
Departmental Programmes.
Jack Wall
Ceist:129 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress to date in regard to the implementation of the RAPID programme for Athy; the amount of moneys made available for the implementation of the programme from her Department for Athy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33701/04]
Government policy has generally been that RAPID is to be funded through the prioritisation of the identified areas and the front loading to them of a significant share of the funding allocated under the national development plan. The Department of Health and Children, in the letters of determination in 2003 and 2004, requested health boards to prioritise projects in RAPID areas, within available resources.
This is the first year in which designated funding for RAPID became available. In the context of the RAPID leverage fund, the Department of Health and Children is making €2 million available, over the period 2004-05, to match €2 million being provided by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs from that fund for projects in the health sector. Effectively, this means that €120,000 is available under this fund for each RAPID strand 1 area, urban areas, and €80,000 for each RAPID strand 2 area, Athy falls within this category.
A request for proposals for funding under the RAPID leverage fund was issued by my Department in July 2004, to all health boards-authority. Project proposals, including projects for the Athy area, have been received in response to this from health boards across the country. These have been processed within the Department of Health and Children and submitted for further approval to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Health Board Services.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:130 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the full complement of beds is now in use at the Maynooth community care unit; if not, the number of beds in use; the reason for the delay in bringing the unit to full capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33722/04]
The provision of health services in the Kildare area is a matter for the South Western Area Health Board acting under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority in the first instance. The authority has advised my Department that 38 beds are currently in use at the Maynooth community nursing unit. The recruitment process for additional nurses is still underway and further beds will be opened as soon as sufficient additional staff are in place. A total of 44 beds will be available for patient care at the unit when all the staff are in place.
Ministerial Meetings.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:131 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she met a person (details supplied) on 9 December 2004; the discussions she had at the meeting; the actions that will take place as a result of the meeting; and if further meetings are planned. [33767/04]
I had arranged to have lunch with Minister Angela Smith on the occasion of her visit to Dublin on 9 December on other business. Unfortunately, I was obliged to cancel the lunch appointment as I found myself scheduled to take Report Stage of the Health Bill 2004 in the Dáil on that day and was there from 1.15 p.m. I look forward to meeting with Minister Smith in the new year.
Speech and Language Therapy.
Jack Wall
Ceist:132 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if funding will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for speech therapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33799/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:133 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in regard to obtaining speech therapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33800/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:134 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for speech therapy for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33801/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 to 134, inclusive, together.
The provision of health services, including speech and language therapy, to people with a physical and-or sensory disability rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Accordingly, the Deputy's questions have been referred to the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he examine the matters raised and reply directly to him, as a matter of urgency.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:135 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the expansion of the services for persons with disabilities following Budget 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33815/04]
David Stanton
Ceist:138 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the allocation of an additional €205 million of current funding vote in 2005 announced in the Estimates will be ring fenced for services to persons with disabilities; if the multi-annual current funding for 2006 to 2009 of €500 million and the capital funding of €55 million in each of years 2006 to 2009 announced in budget 2005 will similarly be ring fenced to disability specific purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33857/04]
David Stanton
Ceist:139 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the details of the 1,000 new frontline staff who are to be recruited in 2005 to provide services to persons with disabilities, as announced in her statement on the publication of the Estimates in November 2004; the details of the qualifications of such staff; the services they are to provide; the locations at which they will be assigned; when and the way in which they are to be recruited; the estimated cost of the provision of such new staff in 2005 and in a full year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33858/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 135, 138 and 139 together.
The additional funding of €205 million which was provided for services for people with disabilities, including those with mental illness, in the Estimates for 2005 includes funding to meet increased pay and non pay costs in existing services in addition to revenue funding amounting to €70 million for the development of new services.
Some €40 million of the additional revenue funding of €70 million is being allocated to services for persons with intellectual disability and those with autism to provide, in 2005, approximately 270 additional residential places; approximately 90 extra respite places; approximately 400 new day places; improved specialist support services for people with major challenging behaviour; and €2 million to meet costs associated with moving people with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
An additional sum of €15 million is being allocated to services for people with physical or sensory disabilities to provide approximately 60 new places for people with significant disabilities who are currently placed in inappropriate settings; approximately 200,000 extra hours of home support and personal assistance in line with the current philosophy of independent living for people with disabilities; additional funding of €3 million for aids and appliances; approximately 90 extra rehabilitative training places; and additional funding to voluntary organisations.
An additional sum of €15 million is being allocated to mental health services to: provide staff and an additional 14 beds at the Central Mental Hospital; further develop the child and adolescent treatment services; expand community based adult mental health teams; provide additional community residential places; open new mental health facilities; and support voluntary organisations.
Capital funding amounting to €60 million is also being made available in 2005 to provide the infrastructure to support the above mentioned developments. Detailed information on the additional personnel required to deliver these new services will not be available until decisions have been made by the Health Services Executive, in consultation with the services, concerning the precise details of the various service elements and those who will benefit from them. The new personnel will however include consultant psychiatrists, nurses, social care staff, occupational and speech and language therapists and other front line personnel, who will be recruited in the normal manner specifically for the new services.
The funding outlined above for 2005, together with the multi-annual investment programme for the years 2006 to 2009, is being provided specifically for services for people with disabilities. My Department is putting in place protocols governing the expenditure and monitoring of the programme which will ensure that it is spent on the targeted services.
Accident and Emergency Services.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:136 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding improvements in the accident and emergency departments; her further plans to remove persons from trolleys; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33816/04]
I have identified the delivery of accident and emergency services as a priority area for attention. Many of the difficulties and delays experienced in emergency medicine departments reflect system-wide issues. It is, therefore, necessary to take a whole-system approach, involving primary care, acute care, and sub-acute and community care in tackling the problems in emergency medicine departments.
Following a submission from the Eastern Regional Health Authority in June 2004 my Department approved proposals for short and medium term actions to be taken to address the problems associated with emergency departments in the Dublin academic teaching hospitals, DATHS. The cost of these new initiatives is €2.4 million in a full year and includes the appointment of specialist nurses, the establishment of rapid assessment teams, a clinical decisions unit and the provision of multi-disciplinary teams to assess patients.
Pressures on the hospital system, particularly in the eastern region, arise from demands on emergency departments and on difficulties associated with patients who no longer require acute treatment but are still dependent. Funding of €16.8 million has been made available to the Eastern Regional Health Authority which will result in over 600 patients being discharged to more appropriate settings.
Improved and expanded accident and emergency departments are being provided. Recently new Departments have been provided at Cork University Hospital, James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Naas General Hospital, South Tipperary General Hospital, and Clonmel and Roscommon General Hospitals.
I have secured additional funding of €70 million in new current expenditure in 2005 to implement a number of initiatives to improve the delivery of emergency services. These include improvements in the following areas: patient flows through accident and emergency departments by developing and expanding minor injury units, chest pain clinics and respiratory clinics in hospitals; acute medical units for patients with urgent medical problems; GP out-of-hours services; the physical environment for patients and staff including cleaning and security measures; direct access for GPs to diagnostic services; the availability of acute beds for emergency patients by sourcing capacity in the private nursing home sector for those patients who have completed their acute phase of treatment and expanded home care packages to support older people at home.
I am confident that the measures that I have announced will have a significant impact on the delivery of accident and emergency services. The precise measures to be taken by individual hospitals will be worked out in discussion between the incoming Health Services Executive and the individual hospitals concerned.
Departmental Correspondence.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:137 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 222 of 30 November 2004, if a full and complete response will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33821/04]
The information requested by the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 222 of 30 November 2004 is as follows: The ten highest composite figures paid to barrister's engaged by or on behalf of my Department in 2003 were as follows:
|
Barrister’s Name |
Amount Paid in 2003 |
|
€ |
|
|
Ms Anne Dunne SC |
584,016 |
|
Mr. Henry Murphy SC |
425,188 |
|
Mr. Tom Fallon BL |
332,915 |
|
Mr. Sean Ryan SC |
111,925 |
|
Ms Karen Fergus BL |
98,213 |
|
Mr. Michael Bowman BL |
88,724 |
|
Mr. Daithi Mac Cárthaigh BL |
87,015 |
|
Mr. Denis McCullough SC |
79,891 |
|
Mr. James Devlin BL |
72,556 |
|
Mr. John Gordon SC |
55,217 |
The ten highest composite figures paid to barrister's engaged by or on behalf of my Department in 2004 were as follows:
|
Barrister’s Name |
Amount Paid in 2004(1 Jan to 31 Oct) |
|
€ |
|
|
Ms Anne Dunne SC |
445,320 |
|
Mr. Henry Murphy SC |
360,947 |
|
Mr. Thomas Fallon BL |
319,952 |
|
Mr. Robert Haughton SC |
177,948 |
|
Mr. Michael Bowman BL |
75,630 |
|
Ms Denise Brett BL |
74,218 |
|
Ms Johanna Ronan Mehigan BL |
71,878 |
|
Mr. Andrew Bradley SC |
71,773 |
|
Mr. Denis McCullough SC |
67,792 |
|
Mr. Michael Carson SC |
63,855 |
Questions Nos. 138 and 139 answered withNo. 135.
Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse.
David Stanton
Ceist:140 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 301 of 29 June 2004, if she has plans to amend the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2001 (details supplied) which empowered the commission to inquire, through its investigations committee, into the circumstances of the legality, conduct, ethical propriety and effects on the subject of the three vaccine trials referred to in the chief medical officers report; if she will conduct inquiries into any other trials that took place during the period 1 January 1940 to 31 December 1987 in view of the fact that the Supreme Court has raised concerns regarding the vires of this statutory instrument; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33859/04]
Following on from the judgment of the High Court which found that the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (Additional Functions) Order 2001 was ultra vires, and in line with the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 301 of 29 June 2004, the issue of the vaccine trials has been considered in detail. A number of complex issues have been considered and further consideration needs to be given to some issues. It is likely that discussions will also have to take place with the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse before any final decision is made.
Capital Programme.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:141 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance when the capital framework document which outlines the details of capital expenditure for the next five years will be published; the period for which this will be applicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33593/04]
I announced the multi-annual capital envelope for the period 2005-09 on budget day. It provides for total investment of €36.3 billion — €32.6 billion Exchequer and €3.7 billion PPPs. The following information is the relevant extract from the 2005 budget booklet.
The public capital programme, which sets out details of the current year's public investment programme, will be published as is usual in February 2005.
SECTION IV
MULTI-ANNUAL CAPITAL ENVELOPES 2005-2009
Rolling five year multi-annual capital envelopes were introduced in budget 2004. The 2004 budget envelope covered the period 2004-2008.
The capital envelope comprises a mixture of Exchequer investment and Public Private Partnership — National Development Finance Agency capital funded annually by unitary payments from the Exchequer in the relevant Departmental Votes. The latter involves design, build and operate projects which will be delivered by public private partnership and financed either by the private sector or by the National Development Finance Agency.
A key element of the capital envelope arrangements is that they permit the carryover into the following year of unspent capital up to a maximum of 10% of voted capital.
Projects which are delivered by public private partnership and which are financed by user charges are additional to the envelopes.
The envelope in this budget covers the period 2005-2009. The 2005-2009 envelope allocates the unallocated reserve for 2005 included in the 2004-2008 capital envelope and rolls out the envelope to include capital provision for 2009 to reflect Government investment priorities for the five years ahead.
The capital carryover of Exchequer capital from 2004 into 2005 is €237 million. This is additional to the envelope provision for 2005. Including the capital carryover almost €6.3 billion Exchequer capital will be available for investment in 2005.
The Table at [Annex D] summarises by ministerial group the allocations under the capital envelope for the period 2005-2009, equivalent to maintaining investment at around 4.7% of GNP over the period. Total capital investment in the envelope will amount to €36.3 billion. The funding breakdown in the Table is:
|
€bn |
|
|
Exchequer |
32.0 |
|
PPPs |
2.7 |
|
Unallocated reserve of which: |
|
|
Exchequer |
0.6 |
|
PPPs |
1.0 |
|
36.3 |
Additional targets have been set outside of the envelopes of €1.2 billion over the period for public private partnerships funded by user charges.
Tax Code.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:142 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if a company (details supplied) which proposes to lease a unit at a business park and is in contravention of the planning regulations of the business park, is compliant with the criteria under the Finance Act 1997, under which the business park proprietors have been granted a tax designation certificate; and the measures he proposed to take to address this breach. [33603/04]
The area to which the Deputy refers was designated for tax reliefs under the enterprise area scheme. This scheme provides for tax relief in respect of capital expenditure incurred in the qualifying period on the construction or refurbishment of certain buildings and structures in enterprise areas which are used by qualifying companies in the carrying on of qualifying trading operations.
Qualifying companies for the purposes of this scheme must be approved for financial assistance under a scheme administered by Forfás, Enterprise Ireland, the Industrial Development Agency Ireland or Údarás na Gaeltachta, or must be employed in the freight forwarding business in an enterprise area adjacent to a regional airport. The company must also have been given a certificate by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment following consultation with the Minister for Finance certifying that the company is to be treated as a qualifying company. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment may not certify that a company is a qualifying company unless the company is carrying on or intends to carry on qualifying trading operations in an enterprise area and that Minister is satisfied that the carrying of such trading operations will contribute to the balanced development of the enterprise area. The qualifying trading operations in this instance are those manufacturing activities which qualify for manufacturing relief in accordance with section 443 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, internationally traded services, that is, those services designated under the Industrial Development Act 1986 and freight forwarding and certain allied services in enterprise areas adjacent to the regional airports. No application has been received by me to date regarding the issue of a certificate to the company referred to by the Deputy.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:143 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the exemptions from inheritance tax and stamp duty which are available to farmers under 35 years of age who have completed the requisite agricultural education courses and who will inherit the family farm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33688/04]
Capital acquisitions tax comprises both gift tax and inheritance tax. Agricultural relief has been available for both gift tax and inheritance tax since the introduction of capital acquisitions tax in 1976. The relief has been increased substantially in recent years. The relief is now a flat 90% reduction in the market value of all agricultural property comprised in the gift or inheritance. Agricultural property means: agricultural land, pasture and woodland in the State; crops, trees and under wood growing thereon; houses and other farm buildings appropriate to the property; and livestock, bloodstock and farm machinery thereon.
To qualify for agricultural relief the beneficiary of the gift or inheritance must be domiciled in the State and at least 80% of the market value of his or her assets must be represented by agricultural property after taking the gift or inheritance. The age of the beneficiary at the date of the gift or inheritance is not relevant for the purposes of the agricultural relief.
Agricultural assets, which do not qualify for agricultural relief because the beneficiary does not meet the conditions of the relief, may separately qualify for capital acquisitions tax business relief. Business relief will apply if the person making the gift or inheritance was carrying on a farming business and had owned the farming business for a minimum ownership period. The minimum ownership period is normally two years in the case of an inheritance and five years in the case of a gift. Business relief is also now a flat 90% reduction in the market value of all business property comprised in the gift or inheritance.
There is a full exemption from stamp duty on the transfer of agricultural land to a farmer who is under the age of 35 years and holds the requisite educational qualifications at the date of execution of the deed of the transfer. This exemption applies to such transfers where the disponer is alive. Stamp duty does not arise in the case of an inheritance.
Departmental Properties.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:144 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if the revised schedule of works for Lucan Demesne has been submitted to his Department and agreed; if he will provide details of same; the amount of grant aid being applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33721/04]
A detailed schedule of works has recently been received from the relevant local authorities regarding the development of Lucan Demesne. Accordingly a further interim payment of €1.6 million is being processed. The total funding available for the project remains at €4.7 million and a balance of €2.15 million remains available for payment in future years. The precise annual allocations will be determined by progress achieved in implementing the agreed schedule of works and the availability of funding each year.
Tax Code.
Joan Burton
Ceist:145 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will set out the numbers of discretionary trusts notified to the Revenue Commissioners for tax purposes for each year from 1998 to date; the numbers of persons identified as beneficiaries of such trusts for each year from 1998 to date; the capital value of assets transferred to such trusts each year from 1998 to date; and if he will distinguish for each year from 1998 to date, the amount of the 1% levy included in the taxation levied on the assets of such trusts as distinct from the taxation levied on the establishment of such trusts from each year 1998 to date. [33775/04]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the total yield from discretionary trust tax for the years 1998 to 2003 is as set out in table 1 below. I am also advised that the specific information requested by the Deputy regarding such trusts — number of notifications, beneficiaries, the capital value of assets transferred and the breakdown between the 1% annual tax and the 6% initial charge for each year since 1998 — is not readily available and either could not be obtained, or could not be obtained without conducting a protracted investigation of the Revenue Commissioners' records. However, some of the information requested, namely, the number of notifications and number of related beneficiaries, is available with regard to the larger trusts now dealt with in Revenue's large cases division and this is set out in table 2 below.
A number of discretionary trusts are not liable to discretionary trust tax, for example, because the settlor is still alive or because a beneficiary is under the age of 21 years.
|
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
€10.671 million |
€13.460 million |
€15.272 million |
€11.028 million |
€4.307 million |
€53.502 million* |
* The 2003 figure includes a significant amount of tax in respect of several preceding years.
|
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
|
Number of discretionary trusts notified |
9 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
8 |
|
Number of related beneficiaries |
10 |
39 |
37 |
35 |
51 |
38 |
Joan Burton
Ceist:146 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if beneficiaries of income from the assets of discretionary trusts, both adults and children are entitled to full personal tax allowances and credits in respect of income tax levied on income received by them from such trusts; the number of beneficiaries of such income from discretionary trusts for each year from 1998 to date; a breakdown of beneficiaries as between adults and children for each year from 1998 to date; and the amount of personal allowances of credits claimed in respect of income from such trusts and the amount of tax levied on such income received by trust beneficiaries. [33776/04]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that adults and children with income within the charge to income tax are treated in like manner for income tax purposes. Individuals liable to income tax in a tax year, not only on trust income but also on other income, are entitled to the full tax allowances, deductions, reliefs and personal tax credits as provided for in tax law.
In certain circumstances, the income paid to a child by a trust is deemed, for income tax purposes, to be that of the settlor, for example, the parent, of the trust and, where this is the case, it is the settlor rather than the child who is liable to income tax on that income.
As regards the statistics requested by the Deputy, I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that income from the assets of discretionary trusts is aggregated in tax returns with other forms of income and cannot be separately distinguished. There is, therefore, no statistical basis on which an estimate of the statistics requested can be provided.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:147 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Finance if tax relief is available for persons who reside in the Republic, work in Northern Ireland and have had orthodontic treatment carried out in Republic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33785/04]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that tax relief is available, under the heading of health expenses, on certain qualifying dental expenses as set out below. Qualifying expenses include those in respect of orthodontic treatment. However, the relief is available only against tax that is actually paid in the State and only to the extent that tax has been paid. Cross-Border workers whose only source of income derives from a Northern Ireland employment exercised in the North and who pay UK tax only cannot obtain tax relief in the State on health expenses because no Irish tax has been paid. If, however, Irish tax has been paid on employment or other income, tax relief for qualifying health expenses may be due against the Irish tax paid.
Where a married couple on joint assessment are both working with one spouse employed in the State and the other in Northern Ireland, the spouse who pays income tax in the State would be entitled to claim relief on the costs of certain qualifying dental expenses incurred by his or her spouse.
As regards tax relief under the general heading of health expenses, the relief may be claimed by an individual in respect of expenditure incurred on his or her own behalf or on behalf of his or her spouse and dependants. The relief is granted at the highest rate of tax at which the taxpayer is chargeable for the year of the claim. The person must bear the first €125 of expenses in any one year himself or herself or the first €250 if claiming relief in respect of two or more persons.
Tax relief cannot be claimed in respect of any expenditure which has been or will be reimbursed to the individual or where a compensation payment has been or will be made in respect of such expenditure.
To claim tax relief in respect of dental work the individual should submit to his or her tax office a completed health expenses claim form known as Form Med 1. This is to be completed by the individual making the tax claim. In addition, a completed Form Med 2 is to be completed by the dentist who carried out the dental work.
Routine dental care does not qualify for tax relief, that is, tax relief is not available for the cost of scaling, extraction and filling of teeth and the provision and repair of artificial teeth and dentures.
The following specialised dental treatments qualify for tax relief:
|
Description |
|
|
Bridgework |
Dental treatment consisting of an enamel-retained bridge or a tooth-supported bridge. |
|
Crowns |
These are restorations fabricated outside the mouth and are permanently cemented to existing tooth tissue. |
|
Tip replacing |
This is regarded as a crown where a large part of the tooth needs to be replaced and the replacement is made outside the mouth. |
|
Veneers- Rembrant Type Etched Fillings |
These are a form of crown. |
|
Endodontics — Root Canal Treatment |
This involves the filling of the nerve canal and not the filling of teeth. |
|
Gold Inlays |
These are a smaller version of a gold crown (only allowable if fabricated outside the mouth). |
|
Gold Posts |
These are inserts in the nerve canal of a tooth, to hold a crown. |
|
Orthodontic Treatment |
This involves the provision of braces and similar treatments. |
|
Periodontal Treatment |
Root planing — a treatment of periodontal (gum) disease; currettage and debridement — part of root planing; gum flaps — a gum treatment; chrome cobalt splint — if used in connection with periodontal treatment (if it contains teeth, relief is not allowable); dental implants following treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, which included bone grafting and bone augmentation. |
|
Surgical Extraction of Impacted Wisdom Teeth |
Relief is allowable when undertaken in a hospital or by a dentist in a dental surgery. Certification from the hospital or dentist will be required to obtain tax relief. The removal of teeth in any other circumstances does not qualify. |
Further information regarding tax relief under the heading of health expenses is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
Special Savings Incentive Scheme.
John Gormley
Ceist:148 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of SSIAs; the way in which the current cost compares to the estimated cost to the Exchequer; if studies have been conducted of the impact of SSIAs on the retailing sector if this can be quantified; if there are possible negative consequences of a sudden consumer boom when the SSIAs reach maturity; if the Government has an overall strategy to deal with SSIA money re-entering the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33786/04]
The SSIA scheme opened on 1 May 2001 and entry to it closed on 30 April 2002. The accounts are due to mature between May 2006 and April 2007 at the end of the five year period. A total of 1.17 million accounts were opened during the period outlined. It was made clear from the start that the cost of the scheme depended on the take-up and that, at its inception, it was almost impossible to predict this. The actual cost of the scheme in its first full year, May 2001 to April 2002, was €198 million. Predicting the cost of the SSIA scheme in any year depends on the behaviour of the individual participants. The actual cost for the latest full calendar year, 2003, was €532 million.
My Department is not aware of any studies which have been conducted on the impact of ongoing saving through SSIAs on the retailing sector. The impact of maturing SSIA funds on consumer demand in 2006 and 2007 is hard to predict and will depend on how the accumulated SSIA savings are spent or saved, how that portion of an individual's income that was previously saved in SSIAs is used, and the extent to which savings are rolled over into other investment products.
The economic effect depends on the state of the economy otherwise in 2007 when the bulk of SSIA funds — around 55% — mature. To date, two reports have been done regarding the impact of the SSIAs, one by Goodbody Stockbrokers and one by Lansdowne Market Research. However, there is no consensus in these reports as to how these funds may be used with both reaching differing conclusions regarding the division between consumption and saving. The ESRI, in its autumn bulletin, did not hypothesise about the likely impact on the economy of the release of SSIA funds because it believes there are too many uncertainties around the likely behaviour of fund recipients.
I have not commissioned any outside study on the impact of the release of the funds. My Department is keeping the issue under close review in the context of the normal assessment of the economic and budgetary position. However, it is important to emphasise that, as the scheme will not commence to mature for another one and a half years, there are many uncertainties regarding the maturity of the SSIAs, which makes the present task of analysing the impact somewhat problematic.
Tax Yield.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:149 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax payable on €1 spent on petrol, motor diesel, liquid petroleum gas, home heating oil and home heating gas. [33787/04]
Taxes payable on fuel include mineral oil tax and value added tax. As the Deputy may be aware, the mineral oil tax rates are based on volume of fuel rather than price, while VAT is calculated on the price, including mineral oil tax. It is not possible, therefore, to provide the information in the terms sought by the Deputy. However, in respect of the proportion of tax in the average retail price of the final product to consumers, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the details are as follows:
|
Price (a) |
Excise Content |
VAT Content |
Total Tax Content |
Tax Exclusive Price |
Tax as a % of Price |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Litre of Unleaded Petrol |
0.98 |
0.44 |
0.17 |
0.61 |
0.37 |
62.5 |
|
Litre of Auto Diesel |
0.94 |
0.37 |
0.16 |
0.53 |
0.41 |
56.6 |
|
Kerosene (Home Heating) 1,000 Litres |
485.9 |
31.74 |
57.79 |
89.53 |
396.32 |
18.4 |
|
Diesel (Home Heating) 1,000 Litres |
475.7 |
47.36 |
56.58 |
103.94 |
371.76 |
21.9 |
|
Liquid Petroleum Gas |
||||||
|
Litre of Auto LPG |
0.80 |
0.05 |
0.14 |
0.19 |
0.61 |
24.0 |
|
Cylinder of Gas (11.35 Kg) |
20.62 |
0.36 |
2.45 |
2.81 |
17.81 |
13.6 |
(a) Central Statistics Office National Average Retail Price as at October 2004 and Revenue Cross Border Report Nov. 2004.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:150 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the tax take on a pint of stout and beer, a measure of spirits, a bottle of beer and stout, a bottle of alcopops and a bottle of wine. [33788/04]
In respect of the proportion of tax in the average retail price of the final product to consumers, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the details are as follows:
|
Price (a) |
Excise Content |
VAT Content |
Total Tax Content |
Tax Exclusive Price |
Tax as a % of Price |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Pint of Stout |
3.55 |
0.47 |
0.62 |
1.09 |
2.46 |
30.6 |
|
Stout (6 Pack x 250ml) |
6.55 |
1.25 |
1.14 |
2.39 |
4.16 |
36.4 |
|
Pint of Lager |
3.91 |
0.47 |
0.68 |
1.15 |
2.76 |
29.4 |
|
Bottle of Lager (330ml) |
3.93 |
0.28 |
0.68 |
0.96 |
2.98 |
24.3 |
|
Standard measure of Whiskey |
3.35 |
0.56 |
0.58 |
1.14 |
2.21 |
34.0 |
|
Bottle of Table Wine {Off Licence) |
9.34 |
2.05 |
1.62 |
3.67 |
5.67 |
39.3 |
|
Bottle of Alcopops (Pub Price) (Spirit based 275ml) |
4.86 |
0.55 |
0.84 |
1.39 |
3.47 |
28.7 |
(a) Central Statistics Office National Average Retail Price as at October 2004 and Revenue Cross Border Report Nov. 2004.
Port Development.
Michael Ring
Ceist:151 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a location (details supplied) in County Mayo will be retained on the list of designated pelagic landing ports on the new licences to be issued in December 2004; if not, the reason therefor. [33677/04]
The EU introduced new arrangements for the control of certain pelagic fisheries namely, horse mackerel, mackerel and north west herring fisheries, in December 2003. The rules came into effect during 2004 and are set down in Annex IV of Council Regulation 2287/03. These arrangements include the weighing in the presence of a controller of all quantities in excess of ten tonnes landed of each of these species. The annex is implemented in Irish law by means of statutory instrument.
During the course of this year, extensive consultations took place with industry representatives with regard to the implementation of the annex. The statutory instrument currently in place, S.I. No. 530 of 2004, provides for landings at five designated ports: Killybegs, Rathmullen, Dingle, Rossaveal and Castletownbere. The ports were chosen on the basis of landing patterns for the species concerned and the resources available to comply with the requirements of the annex. These ports are specified in the statutory instrument and in future designation will be made in this manner rather than in the fishing licences for pelagic species. Regarding the location mentioned, it is my intention to look again at the ports designated in 2005 following the outcome of the December Fisheries Council and the determinations which will be reached at it.
Telecommunications Services.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:152 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position concerning access to broadband in the west Cork area; and when it is envisaged that Dunmanway will have access to same. [33678/04]
The telecommunications sector, including the provision of broadband services, is a fully liberalised market, with private sector companies operating under the regulation of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. ComReg's website, www.comreg.ie, now lists 130 companies offering Internet access services using one or more of the broadband delivery platforms such as digital subscriber lines, cable, fixed wireless, optic fibre or satellite. Of these companies, 62 are offering nationwide coverage.
My Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie, lists six companies which are marketing satellite based broadband in Dunmanway. Full details of these, including prices and service levels on offer, can be found on the website.
Legal Fees.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:153 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 295 and 296 of 30 November 2004, if a full and complete response will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33822/04]
As indicated in my reply of 30 November 2004, the information sought by the Deputy was not immediately available. It is being compiled and I expect to be in a position to issue a comprehensive reply before the end of the week.
Harbours and Piers.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:154 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proposal he has to provide finance for essential and immediately needed repairs to Helvick pier in County Waterford; if he will provide funding for Waterford County Councils plans for development of work at Helvick pier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33842/04]
Helvick pier is owned by Waterford County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance. My Department is providing funding of €70,902.76 to Waterford County Council in 2004 towards emergency works and diving survey at Helvick pier. The county council are also seeking funding for cliff regrading and stabilisation at Helvick pier at an estimated cost of €500,000. There was no funding available for these works in 2004. The question of providing funding in the post-2004 period will depend on the amount of Exchequer funding available for works at fishery harbours generally and overall national priorities.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:155 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to the ownership and maintenance of the pier at Cleandra, Ardgroom, Beara in west Cork; the amount of public funds spent thereon; and the source from which. [33843/04]
The pier and access road at Cleandra were constructed by the Department in 1992 to facilitate people in the locality engaged in aquaculture. The total cost was approximately €7,480. This was funded jointly by the Department and Cork County Council on a 75-25 basis. These facilities have not been transferred to the local authority concerned and responsibility for them accordingly rests with the Department at present. The Department is aware that there has been a dispute locally on right of way issues. The Department is in the process of considering what arrangements should be made as to future responsibility for these facilities.
Middle East Peace Process.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:156 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will work closely with the Palestinian people in developing their peace process. [33810/04]
The Government, both bilaterally and within the framework of the European Union and the United Nations, will continue its efforts to encourage progress in the Middle East peace process. The EU has constantly stated its readiness to assist the Palestinian Authority financially, technically and politically. At the UN, Ireland and the EU have repeatedly reaffirmed their support for efforts to resolve the conflict. At the European Council on 5 November, which I attended with the Taoiseach, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to the two-state solution as laid out in the quartet road map and stated its objective of relaunching a meaningful political process of negotiations.
In particular, the Government strongly supports the Council's decision to endorse a short-term programme of action in the fields of security, reforms, elections and the economy which was proposed by High Representative Solana, and the Council's invitation to the High Representative to conduct consultations with the parties and the quartet on how these political objectives can be realised, with a view to placing these proposals within a broader political perspective.
Human Rights Issues.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:157 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps being taken bilaterally and through the EU and UN to protest against the actions of the Government of Burma in extending the house arrest of a person (details supplied) and to highlight the need for a restoration of the democratic process in Burma. [33649/04]
On 2 December 2004, I issued a statement condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the decision of the Burmese Government the previous day to extend the detention under house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi for another year. I also called on the Burmese Government to allow the UN Secretary General's special envoy, Mr. Razali Ismail, to travel to Burma at the earliest opportunity and, while there, to visit Aung San Suu Kyi. The EU Presidency also issued a declaration on 10 December 2004 condemning the continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi.
As I have stated many times in the House, the Government has pursued a strong and consistent line in support of democracy in Burma. Both Ireland and our EU partners remain strongly critical of the continued detention under house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi, other activists, and a number of MPs elected in the elections of 1990. We have also been critical of the absence of political progress, serious and persistent human rights abuses and the lack of fundamental freedoms in Burma.
While I welcome the continuing release by the Burmese Government of a large number of prisoners — reports suggest more than 14,000 have been freed to date over the past month — I regret that this includes only a limited number of political prisoners.
The issue of Burma is raised in all our bilateral political contacts with relevant third countries, particularly Burma's Asian neighbours. Most recently, I raised the issue of Burma with Vice-Premier Huang Ju of China during official talks on 16 November 2004. The Taoiseach raised our concerns about Burma at the fifth ASEM Summit, which took place from 7 to 9 October in Hanoi. The Taoiseach, in his intervention, questioned why Aung San Suu Kyi has not been released, and why there has not been greater progress towards democracy in Burma.
During our EU Presidency, the Government ensured that the issue of Burma was regularly discussed in consultations with interested third countries. I am pleased that this practice has been carried forward by the Netherlands Presidency. The issue of Burma was, for example, discussed at the EU-China Summit held at The Hague on 8 December 2004.
The Government's continuing goal, and that of the EU, remains the release and restoration of liberty to Aung San Suu Kyi, the return of democracy to Burma, an end to human rights violations and the realisation of peace and prosperity for the long suffering people of Burma.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:158 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason he is prepared to support the lifting of the EU embargo on the sale of arms to China in view of his concerns regarding human rights in that country. [33789/04]
The Government continues to examine this issue with our EU partners in the context of our overall relationship with China, our ongoing commitment to human rights and the broader regional and international context. The Government's approach has been conveyed to the Chinese authorities, most recently during talks with Vice-Premier Huang Ju on 16 November 2004, and also by the Taoiseach during his discussions with Premier Wen when they met in the margins of the ASEM summit in Hanoi on 9 October 2004.
At the EU-China Summit held on 8 December 2004 the EU confirmed its political will to continue to work towards lifting the embargo. The Chinese side welcomed this positive signal and considered it beneficial to the sound development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the EU. The EU reaffirmed that work on strengthening the application of the European Union code of conduct on arms exports was continuing.
The matter was again discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 13 December 2004 in the context of follow-up to the EU-China Summit. Ministers welcomed the outcome of the summit and agreed to continue to work towards lifting the embargo. This will involve completing work on strengthening the EU code of conduct on arms exports. In addition, the Union would hope for further demonstration by the Chinese authorities of their good intentions as regards human rights.
As has been consistently stated, Ireland and our EU partners take concerns about human rights in China very seriously. These matters are regularly and on an ongoing basis raised with the Chinese Government. Human rights issues were raised with China during the recent EU-China Summit. The leaders underlined the importance of concrete steps in the field of human rights and reaffirmed their commitment further to enhance co-operation and exchanges in this field on the basis of equality and mutual respect.
Human rights concerns are also raised at a bilateral level. Most recently, the Tánaiste, Deputy Harney, and I held official talks with the Chinese Vice-Premier, Mr Huang Ju, in Dublin Castle on 16 November 2004, during which we again raised our concerns with regard to human rights with the Vice-Premier. The Chinese Vice-Premier, in response, informed us of the measures his government is taking in the field of human rights, including the addition of an express provision on human rights to China's constitution earlier this year.
During the Irish Presidency and in conjunction with our EU partners we organised the first EU-China seminar on the ratification of the international covenant on civil and political rights, ICCPR, which took place in Beijing on 30 June and 1 July 2004. The purpose of the seminar was to provide technical assistance to China in preparation for their ratification of the ICCPR. A subsequent EU-China seminar on the ratification of the ICCPR took place in The Hague on 8 and 9 November 2004.
The EU-China human rights dialogue established in 1996 is the agreed formal framework through which the EU raises its concerns about individual human rights cases and more general issues, such as the protection of freedom of religion and expression. The most recent round of the EU-China human rights dialogue took place in Beijing on 24 September 2004. Ireland, together with our EU partners, will continue to keep these matters under review and encourage the Chinese authorities to respect fully human rights.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:159 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the case of persons (details supplied) with the US authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33817/04]
I refer the Deputy to my answer of 7 December 2004 to a question on this issue.
Sports Capital Programme.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:160 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding will be made available for the provision of playing fields in the schools which have a combined community use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33612/04]
Funding has been available for some years for the provision of playing fields which also have community use. The national lottery funded sports capital programme administered by my Department allocates funding to sporting and community organisations and, in certain circumstances, to schools and colleges throughout the country. Applications from schools and colleges must be made jointly with local sports clubs or community groups and must: provide for significant levels of usage by the local community during periods when the facilities are not being used by the school — at least 30 hours per week throughout the year; and demonstrate that the facilities concerned will meet an identified deficiency in that locality, as formally agreed with other local groups and-or the local authority.
Applications for funding under the 2005 sports capital programme were invited in the press on 4 and 5 December last. The deadline for submission of completed applications to that programme is 4 February next.
Designated Areas.
Jack Wall
Ceist:161 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress to date in regard to the implementation of the RAPID programme for Athy; the amount of moneys made available for the implementation of the programme from his Department for Athy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33702/04]
As the Deputy will be aware, the revitalising areas through planning, investment and development, RAPID, programme aims to target the most disadvantaged areas of the country for enhanced development. No additional funding has been set aside for the programme but rather these areas are prioritised for support within existing budgets. The main programmes operated by my Department where a particular focus exists on RAPID areas are the national lottery funded sports capital programme and the local authority swimming pool programme.
One of the stated main objectives of the sports capital programme is to prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of facilities. The programme is run on an annual basis and allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.
Since the 2003 sports capital programme, following consultation with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, disadvantaged areas are those that have been designated by Government for special support through the schemes administered by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, namely, RAPID 1 and 2, local drugs task force areas and CLÁR areas. Athy is one of 20 urban locations covered under the RAPID 2 programme.
Under the 2004 sports capital programme, three applications located in the RAPID area of Athy applied for funding and all three were successful. On account of a grant having been awarded under the sports capital programme and as the projects were also endorsed by their local RAPID area implementation team, further top-up funding was also allocated to the projects by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Details of the overall funding are as follows:
|
Grantee |
Amount Sought |
Total Allocation |
SCP Allocation |
RAPID top-up |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Athy Town |
32,000 |
31,200 |
25,000 |
6,200 |
|
Clonmullion FC |
160,000 |
160,000 |
140,000 |
20,000 |
|
St. Michael’s Boxing Club |
314,000 |
314,000 |
250,000 |
64,000 |
None of the projects above has yet progressed to the point of drawing down the funding allocated.
It is open to sports clubs and community organisations in Athy, should they wish to do so and should they have projects which satisfy the terms and conditions of the programme, to submit applications to the 2005 sports capital programme. This programme was publicly advertised on 5 and 6 December last and the closing date for the receipt of completed application forms is Friday, 4 February 2004. Projects which meet the basic qualifying conditions and are located in RAPID areas will again be prioritised under this programme.
Under the local authority swimming pool programme, projects which are developed in areas designated as disadvantaged, qualify for financial support at 90% of the eligible cost of the project subject to a maximum grant of €3.8 million. Contract documents submitted by Kildare County Council for the Athy swimming pool project are currently under consideration in my Department. Grants for swimming pools are not approved until a tender for the project has been approved.
Swimming Pool Projects.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:162 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in relation to the approval of contract documents for the replacement of a swimming pool (details supplied) in County Kildare; the amount of grant funding available in 2005 for such projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33719/04]
Kildare County Council has applied for grant-aid under the local authority swimming pool programme for the provision of a replacement swimming pool in Naas. This proposal is one of a number of projects that are under consideration in my Department at contract document stage of the programme. The council has also applied for grant-aid in respect of the refurbishment of the pool in Athy. The provision in my Department's Estimates for the local authority swimming pool programme in 2005 is €25 million.
Community Employment Schemes.
Jack Wall
Ceist:163 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date in regard to the implementation of the RAPID programme for Athy; the amount of moneys made available for the implementation of the programme from his Department for Athy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33703/04]
Responsibility for the implementation of the RAPID programme resides with the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. My Department's contribution to the RAPID programme is being delivered by FÁS through its various programmes. These comprise FÁS community services where the community employment programme is the major element and where RAPID areas continue to be prioritised; FÁS employment services; the local employment service and FÁS training services.
I am informed by FÁS that the following moneys were made available to support a range of services including training and employment initiatives for the unemployed:
Support services for the unemployed
€150,000 for a local employment services office catering for 150 persons.
€78,400 to a jobs club providing job-seeking services for approximately 120 persons.
The total cost for the local employment service office and the jobs club is €228,400.
Employment Programmes
Four community employment projects, employing 84 persons in Athy at an annual cost of €98,400.
One job initiative project, employing 27 persons at an annual cost of €520,000.
The total cost of community employment projects and job initiative is €618,400.
Training Programmes
Athy Travellers training programme, providing training opportunities for 18 persons at an annual cost of €150,000.
Athy technology training programme, providing training opportunities for 12 persons at an annual cost of €152,000.
Action for employment programme for 12 persons at an annual cost of €26,000. The caring provider programme for 20 persons at an annual cost of €120,000.
The total cost of these programmes is €448,000. In total FÁS funding in the Athy RAPID area for services to the unemployed, including employment and training programmes in 2004 amounts to €1,294,800.
Departmental Expenditure.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:164 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 330 and 331 of 30 November 2004, if a full and complete response will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33820/04]
In my reply to the Deputy's questions, which related to the Department's engaging barristers and lawyers during 2003 and 2004, I informed the Deputy that it had not been possible in the time available to collate a complete and accurate reply in the time available and that I had instructed officials of my Department to compile the details requested and to forward them to him as soon as possible. I am happy to inform the Deputy that the information has recently been dispatched to him.
Job Initiative.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:165 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether his new regulations regarding job initiative schemes, which stops the group taking on replacement workers will leave the groups uneconomic, possibly insolvent and under company law will force the directors to close down with serious implications for the workers and the groups concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33841/04]
Following the recent review of FÁS employment schemes I announced that with effect from 10 November 2004, there would be no compulsory lay-offs on the job initiative scheme, JI; participants on JI would have their contracts renewed for a further term. People who leave JI voluntarily may be replaced by community employment participants. These arrangements are intended to ensure the maintenance of the provision of a network of valuable community services throughout the country.
Diet Supplement Scheme.
Seán Crowe
Ceist:166 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of the real hardship being caused, he will reintroduce supports for dietary supplements particularly for recipients with long term medical needs. [33547/04]
Any person who is receiving a social welfare or health board payment, who has been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition and who is unable to provide for his or her food needs from within his or her own resources, may qualify for a diet supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. This position has not changed and currently there are 12,726 people in receipt of diet supplement payments. Over 15,000 new cases have been awarded so far in 2004.
Diet supplements are subject to a means test. The amount of supplement payable in individual cases depends on which of two categories of diet -low cost or high cost — has been prescribed by the applicant's medical advisor, and the income of the individual and his or her dependants.
The basis for calculating the amount of diet supplement remained unchanged between 1996 and 2004. Increases in social welfare rates and in the cost of special diets since 1996 had not been taken into account in assessing entitlement in individual cases.
With effect from 1 January 2004 the diet supplement scheme was restructured, not abolished, to take account of increases in both social welfare payment rates and the rate of food inflation since 1996. In the case of new applicants for diet supplement the amount of supplement payable is based on increased up to date diet costs, €44 for lower cost diets or €57 for higher cost diets, less one third of the applicant's income or one sixth of the joint income in the case of a couple. Given the increases in the social welfare payment rates were higher than inflation since 1996, the shortfall to be met by diet supplement is less than what it was in the past. However, people who were in receipt of a diet supplement prior to the introduction of the revised regulations on 1 January 2004 continue to receive their existing rate of supplement until such time as there is a change in their circumstances that would warrant a review of their case.
In order to inform future consideration of the scheme, my Department commissioned a study by an expert from the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute. The study examined the special diets prescribed in legislation for which assistance is available through the existing diet supplement scheme. It also considered the appropriate level of assistance required to cater for any additional costs involved in providing for necessary special diets. I will shortly be assessing the findings of the study. As I announced at the time of the budget, I have allocated an additional €2 million to enable the diet supplement scheme to be updated as necessary at the earliest opportunity in 2005, as soon as the research study findings have been assessed.
Question No. 167 answered with QuestionNo. 71.
Social Welfare Benefits.
John McGuinness
Ceist:168 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the diet allowance will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if a response will be expedited and the allowance restored in this case. [33663/04]
Recipients of social welfare or health board payments who have been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition, and who satisfy a means test, may qualify for a diet supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on behalf of my Department by the health boards.
The South Eastern Health Board has advised that when the person concerned applied for a diet supplement the only source of income declared was her social welfare payment. During the course of a recent review it came to attention that the person concerned is also in receipt of a private occupational pension. In the circumstances the level of her weekly income is in excess of the prescribed limit. She does not therefore qualify for a diet supplement.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Ceist:169 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was disallowed; and if he will provide the calculations used. [33667/04]
The person concerned made a claim for farm assist from 10 February 2004. His means were assessed at €413, derived mainly from the value of capital. The question at issue relates to the assessment of a house which is currently under construction. This property has been valued at €80,000. When this sum is taken into account the person's means exceed the statutory limit for receipt of farm assist.
The person appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office and an oral hearing was held. Having considered all the evidence, including that adduced at the hearing the appeals officer disallowed the appeal. The appeals officer stated that it would be inequitable to disregard the capital value of the property. Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Ceist:170 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the breakdown of the amount spent by his Department on advertising for each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33668/04]
The use of advertising is essential in ensuring that people are aware of their social welfare entitlements and are notified about improvements and changes affecting their payments and services. The amount of advertising expenditure in any one year is determined by the number of specific advertising campaigns which are undertaken.
The total amount spent by my department on advertising in 2002 was €1,319,239 of which €981,960 was in respect of the print media and €337,279 in respect of the broadcast media. Expenditure on advertising during 2002 covered a wide range of departmental schemes and services and included a number of specific campaigns including promotion of the farm assist scheme among low income farmers, and promotion of awareness of the personal public service number and its use as the key to accessing public services.
The total amount spent by my department for advertising purposes in 2003 was €286,680; €258,572 in respect of the print media and €28,108 in respect of the broadcast media. There were no specific advertising campaigns carried out in 2003, Most of the advertising expenditure in 2003 was in connection with general advertising. The corresponding expenditure in 2004 was €473,224 in total; €190,015 in respect of the print media and €283,209 in respect of the broadcast media. Advertising during 2004 included two information campaigns. The first information campaign promoted the carer's benefit scheme and the second campaign alerted people coming up to pension age that they should apply for their pension at least three months before they reach pension age.
Question No. 171 answered with QuestionNo. 58.
Question No. 172 answered with QuestionNo. 58.
Question No. 173 answered with QuestionNo. 58.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:174 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider broadening the eligibility for free schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33780/04]
The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity-gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, is generally available to people living permanently in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who fulfil a means test.
The package is also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. People aged over 70 years of age can qualify regardless of their income or household composition.
Widows and widowers aged from 60 to 65 whose late spouses had been in receipt of the household benefit package retain that entitlement to ensure that households do not suffer a loss of entitlements following the death of a spouse.
A range of proposals has been made to extend the free schemes to other groups. These are kept under review in the context of the objectives of the scheme and budgetary resources.
Question No. 175 answered with QuestionNo. 93.
Question No. 176 answered with QuestionNo. 39.
Question No. 177 answered with QuestionNo. 52.
Pension Provisions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:178 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average pension payable on foot of pre-1953 contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33784/04]
Pre-1953 pension was introduced with effect from 5 May 2000 for people who commenced insurable employment before 1953 and who had at least 260 insurance contributions paid, comprising either national health insurance or a combination of social insurance and national health insurance. The current 2004 rate of pre-1953 pension payable is €83.70 which is the equivalent of half the standard personal pension rate. With the recently announced budgetary improvements, this amount will increase to €89.70 per week. Increases for qualified adults and child dependants, where applicable, are also payable at 50%.
There are some 28,000 people in receipt of a pre-1953 pension. Of these some 25,000 are in receipt of a standard pre-1953 pension and some 3,000 are in receipt of a pro-rata rate of pre-1953 pension. The average amount of standard rate pre-1953 pension is €95.80 and the average amount of pro-rata rate pre-1953 pension is €8.50. The annual cost of pre-1953 pension is estimated at €113.9 million comprising payments of €42.2 million to pensioners living in Ireland, €57.5 million to pensioners resident in the UK and €14.2 million in other countries.
EU Directives.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:179 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to sign the regulations to transpose EU Directive 2003/97/EC into national law. [33671/04]
It is my intention to have regulations providing for the transposition of Directive 2003/97/EC signed into national law by the end of the year.
Overflight Rights.
Joe Higgins
Ceist:180 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the amount paid by Government to the aviation authority in respect of US military aircraft over-flying Irish airspace for each year from 2000 to 2004; and the proportion of these funds which related to US military planes travelling to and from Iraq. [33672/04]
The Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, provides air traffic control and communications services to aircraft which pass through Irish controlled airspace, en route, and aircraft landing and taking off from Irish airports, terminal. Only a small proportion of military flights through Irish administered airspace actually pass through Irish sovereign airspace. Irish administered airspace covers 135,000 square miles of which 32,000 square miles is sovereign airspace.
Under a Eurocontrol, European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, multilateral agreement to which Ireland is a party, various categories of flights such as: flights under visual flight rules; flights performed by small aircraft; flights performed for the transport of heads of state; search and rescue flights, are exempt from paying en route charges. In the case of other categories such as: military flights; training flights; flights performed to test air navigation equipment and circular flights, states have the option to exempt such flights from payment of the en route charge. In common with most Eurocontrol member states, Ireland exempts all such flights, including military flights of member states of Eurocontrol, United States and Canada, from payment of the en route charge and this arrangement has applied since Ireland joined the Eurocontrol en route charging scheme in the early 1970s. Given this arrangement, the IAA costs in respect of military flights are met from my Department’s Vote.
From information received from Eurocontrol it is understood that Austria, Finland, Switzerland and Moldova do not at present grant exempted status to US military flights. However, my Department understands that invoices issued by the above states to the US authorities in respect of military flights have not been paid.
Ireland also exempts military aircraft flights from payment of the communications charge and the IAA costs in respect of those charges are also met from my Department's Vote. Efforts to collect this charge in the early 1990s were unsuccessful and, following advice from the Attorney General, debts then outstanding were written off with the agreement of the Department of Finance and a decision taken to cease charging the communications fee to military aircraft.
The total amounts, not including VAT, paid to the authority in the years 2000 to 2002 in respect of all exempted flights other than flights under visual flight rules are as follows: 2000, €1,139,283; 2001, €1,377,560; 2002, €1,642,541.
While it is not possible to provide an exact breakdown of these totals between military and other exempt flights, it is estimated that the latter comprises a very small proportion of the total payment. Eurocontrol has been requested to provide a more detailed breakdown, including the proportion relating to US military flights. I will revert to the Deputy when this information is to hand.
A total of €2.751 million not including VAT, was paid to the IAA for both en route and communications charges in respect of all exempted traffic in 2003, with US military flights accounting for approximately 90% of the total amounting to €2.48 million. The total paid between January 2004 and September 2004 amounts to €3.38 million, with US military flights accounting for approximately 86% of the total amounting to €2.9 million. The proportion of these amounts which related to US military flights travelling to or from Iraq is not known.
Airport Development Projects.
Seán Crowe
Ceist:181 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the amount of time, planning and funding invested in the proposal for the development of a second terminal at Dublin Airport; the status of these plans; and when he proposes to make a decision regarding the location of the proposed terminal. [33673/04]
The background and current position in relation to the development of a second terminal at Dublin Airport was addressed in my reply and subsequent debate last week on Priority Question No. 49 of 7 December 2004. I refer the Deputy to my reply on that occasion:
I assume the Deputy is referring to the concept of an independent second terminal at Dublin Airport and, in this regard, I am not aware of any decision in support of that concept announced by the former Minister for Public Enterprise. As the Deputy will be aware, An Agreed Programme for Government includes a commitment to examine proposals for a new independent terminal at the airport and to progress such proposals if the evidence suggests that such a terminal will deliver significant benefits.
Passenger traffic through Dublin Airport is expected to grow from last year's level of almost 16 million passengers to 30 million by approximately 2018. New infrastructure capacity and facilities, both airside and landside, will be needed to cater for this growth. Further terminal capacity will be needed in the next few years. The question at issue is not whether new terminal capacity should be provided at Dublin Airport, but rather the most appropriate mechanisms for providing such capacity.
Last year a report by a panel of experts chaired by Mr. Paddy Mullarkey assessed the independent terminal concept taking account of the expressions of interest submitted to my Department on the development of an independent, competing terminal at Dublin Airport. I recognise that an early decision is necessary on this matter so that, regardless of how it is provided, adequate terminal capacity is in place at Dublin Airport when required to meet the growth in passenger traffic. In this regard, my Department is consulting the new board of the Dublin Airport Authority and I intend to bring proposals on the matter to Government very shortly.
Public Transport.
Seán Crowe
Ceist:182 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport when the new smart card allowing passengers to use a single ticket will be introduced; if it will apply to and include a special rate for school-going children; and the amount of funding which has been made available from the European Union to support the establishment of this new system. [33674/04]
I refer the Deputy in the first instance, to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 62 of Tuesday,7 December 2004.
The smart card system being developed will be capable of handling school child fares which at present provide a discount on normal child fares. There is no funding from the European Union involved in the delivery of the smartcard-based integrated ticketing project.
Road Safety.
Seán Crowe
Ceist:183 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport when he expects a decision to be made by the NRA regarding the provision of central crash barriers on the M50. [33675/04]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 47 and 48 on 7 December 2004.
Public Transport.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:184 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he is in a position to approve the business case for the Kildare arrow route project; if funding will be available to proceed with the project at a cost of €400 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33709/04]
My Department is currently examining the proposals submitted by Irish Rail in relation to the Kildare route project. I will respond to Irish Rail shortly, when the assessment is complete.
Road Network.
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:185 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if the National Roads Authority will carry out an analysis on the feasibility of providing a new high quality road connection between the N3 near Navan and the M1 near Drogheda as an alternative route for commuters between Navan and Dublin to that proposed as part of the N3 motorway route between Clonee and Kells. [33731/04]
The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects is a matter for the NRA and the local authorities concerned. I understand from the NRA that the route for the upgrade of the N3 was chosen following detailed consideration of the options available and the traffic, engineering, environmental, community and property severance and cost implications involved.
Departmental Programmes.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:186 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 270 of 9 November 2004, if funds have become available under the 2004 programme for grants for locally-based community and voluntary organisations; if the scheme will now be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33613/04]
I have secured additional funding for this programme recently. The application from the organisation referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 270 of 9 November 2004 has been reconsidered and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a grant of €40,000 in respect of refurbishment of the community hall and €10,000 in respect of equipment has been approved.
Jack Wall
Ceist:187 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress to date in regard to the implementation of the RAPID programme for Athy; the amount of moneys made available for the implementation of the programme from his Department for Athy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33705/04]
None of the proposals included in the Athy RAPID plan fell directly within the remit of my Department.
However, as the Deputy will be aware, earlier this year I announced details of a number of measures to be co-funded under the RAPID programme. Funding of €20,000 was allocated by my Department, with matching funding provided by Athy Town Council to support works under the local authority housing estate enhancement scheme. Works have been completed in Clonmullion, Castlepark, Canal Walk, Towns Park and Castlepark-Greenhills under this scheme.
Under the RAPID playgrounds scheme, my Department allocated €30,000 to Athy, with a further €30,000 being provided by the Department of Health and Children, towards playground development works in St. John's Terrace and Woodstock.
In addition to funding allocated by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism under the sports capital programme, SCP, 2004, my Department has allocated top-up funding of €90,600 to three successful SCP projects in Athy.
Funding of €33,000 has also been provided by my Department to the Athy area implementation team to date to support them in the preparation and development of their plan and the implementation of the programme.
Grant Payments.
John Ellis
Ceist:188 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a REPS scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [33606/04]
The person named began his current REPS plan on 1 October 2003 and was entitled to apply for his second year payment in October 2004. He was sent the necessary application form before the anniversary date.
However according to my Department's records he has not yet applied for the payment. Payment cannot be made without an application. To receive the payment in full he must apply by 31 December 2004; after that, penalties for late application will apply.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:189 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a farm development grant for farm buildings dating back to 1983 and currently in the Chief State Solicitor’s office has not been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33610/04]
Legal proceedings instituted by the person concerned are still in place regarding this matter and I am not therefore in a position to make any payment at this stage. I understand the remaining issue to be resolved is of costs and I am hopeful that negotiations on this aspect of the case will be concluded shortly.
Puppy Farming.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:190 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the submission made by the Irish Dog Breeders Association on puppy farming, via the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food; when her Department received the document; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33611/04]
My Department received a copy of the submission by the Dog Breeders Association of Ireland to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food on 7 October. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has established a working group to review the management of dog breeding establishments on which both the Irish Dog Breeders Association and my Department are represented. This group is continuing to meet and it would not be appropriate to anticipate its deliberations.
Departmental Policy.
John McGuinness
Ceist:191 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her policy on the development of the beef industry here; the strategies in place to pursue her long-term policies; the way in which these are benchmarked; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33676/04]
The focus of the Irish beef industry has been to broaden and expand its market reach at EU retail level, shifting its orientation away from international commodity markets and into the higher priced internal EU marketplace. This has coincided with reduced dependence on support measures such as intervention and export refunds. This contrasts sharply with the situation that prevailed throughout the 1990s when the industry exported 50% of its products into non-EU markets. Last year, this share dropped to just 17% while the EU share increased proportionately. Non-EU markets continue to be important outlets for Irish beef and the maintenance of an appropriate export refund policy, which I keep under close review, is a key element in the sale of EU beef in third countries. I will continue to press hard for the re-opening of traditional third country markets and I was particularly pleased to announce the re-opening of the Algerian market for chilled beef in early October.
Increased sales into continental Europe coincided with the emergence of an EU market deficit in beef for the first time in 25 years together with falling production levels aligned with a strong recovery in consumption. Ireland is now well placed to consolidate this position and to move further up the value chain, having demonstrated the quality and safety of Irish beef through its broad appeal to EU consumers. A targeted approach based on quality production represents the best and most profitable way forward to the Irish industry. This is particularly the case in the post decoupling context when the market will be the sole determinant of the nature and scale of output from the sector. In such a context there will be a need for even greater emphasis on good breeding policies, payment related to quality and sophisticated and integrated supply and purchasing systems.
In its connection, Ireland was the first EU country to formally approve the introduction of mechanical classification on a commercial scale. Three systems were approved following authorisation tests conducted under the terms of EU Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1215-2003 and the system selected by the industry is now installed in 24 meat plants accounting for almost 95% of our beef exports. The move to mechanical grading, which was provided for under Sustaining Progress and backed by a specially tailored grant scheme operated by my Department, was achieved with the co-operation of the sector as a whole. It is generally accepted that the move will help the industry become more market orientated and better positioned to exploit the opportunities for Irish beef within the expanded EU.
Grant Payments.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:192 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers in County Wexford who have not received an area aid payment; the reason for the delay in payment; when payments will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33689/04]
Some 314 area aid applications for 2004 remain unclear for various reasons including the fact that a number of farmers either over-declared their area on their 2004 area aid application form or did not supply sufficient information for their applications to be processed. In many instances, where area over-declarations have been detected, it has been necessary to arrange on-farm inspections to establish the correct area for payment purposes. These inspections have now been carried out and the results are being processed as quickly as possible.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:193 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers in each county who have not received area aid; the reason for the delay; when payment will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33690/04]
The table below sets out the number of livestock and arable scheme applications in each county where 2004 area aid applications have not yet been finalised. A number of farmers either over-declared their area on their 2004 area aid application form or did not supply sufficient information for their applications to be processed. In many instances, where area over-declarations have been detected, it has been necessary to arrange a ground inspection to establish the correct area for payment purposes. In most instances, these inspections have now been carried out and the results are being processed as quickly as possible. The remaining inspections will be undertaken without delay.
My Department has processed over 98% of area aid applications for 2004 to date.
|
County |
Livestock Premia unclear |
Arable Aid Unclear |
|
Carlow |
53 |
9 |
|
Cavan |
25 |
1 |
|
Clare |
45 |
1 |
|
Cork |
196 |
38 |
|
Donegal |
114 |
14 |
|
Dublin |
11 |
0 |
|
Galway |
124 |
24 |
|
Kerry |
135 |
4 |
|
Kildare |
98 |
17 |
|
Kilkenny |
20 |
3 |
|
Laois |
49 |
5 |
|
Leitrim |
36 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
45 |
1 |
|
Longford |
16 |
1 |
|
Louth |
19 |
3 |
|
Mayo |
86 |
3 |
|
Meath |
107 |
18 |
|
Monaghan |
15 |
2 |
|
Offaly |
65 |
10 |
|
Roscommom |
44 |
4 |
|
Sligo |
49 |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
160 |
27 |
|
Waterford |
61 |
12 |
|
Westmeath |
29 |
2 |
|
Wexford |
297 |
104 |
|
Wicklow |
76 |
14 |
|
Total in Country |
1,975 |
319 |
Please note that there are duplications as some farmers would have applied for both arable and livestock payments.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:194 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the application forms for new entrants who wish to apply for the single farm payment will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33838/04]
Under the single payment scheme, farmers who commenced farming during the reference years 2000, 2001 or 2002, may apply to have their single payment based on the year or years they were farming during the reference period. Application forms to apply for this facility have been available for some months and may be obtained from The Single Payment Section, Department of Agriculture and Food, Old Abbeyleix Road, Port Laoise, County Laois, telephone locall 1890 200113 or from any local office of the Department.
Farmers who commenced farming after the reference period, that is, after 31 December 2002, or farmers who commenced in 2002 but received no direct payments in that year, may apply to the national reserve for entitlements. Objective criteria as regards age, income and farming qualifications will apply to those applicants.
Application forms for the national reserve will be available shortly from the Single Payment Section, Department of Agriculture and Food, Michael Davitt House, Castlebar, County Mayo, telephone locall 1890 200507, or from any local office of the Department.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:195 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers who will not receive payment under the single farm payment; the number who will receive more than €200,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33839/04]
All farmers who received direct payments during the reference period, 2000 to 2002, and dairy farmers who will benefit from the decoupled dairy premium in 2005 will be entitled to claim the single payment, if they are actively farming in 2005.
To date, 11 statements of provisional entitlements have issued with an entitlement value of more than €200,000.
Garda Strength.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:196 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will meet with a deputation from Mountmellick Town Council to discuss the issue of Garda numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33658/04]
I have been informed by Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Mountmellick Garda station is five, all ranks. The station is opened from Monday to Saturday between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. When not open PACB, public access call box, and call diversion systems are in operation and linked to the district headquarters in Portlaoise. I am also advised that the district officer at Portlaoise meets with members of Mountmellick Town Council on an ongoing basis.
Resources are augmented from within the district and division as required. The area is also patrolled by the district detective unit and the divisional traffic unit. The district detective unit at Portlaoise also assists in the investigation of serious crime. Local Garda management is satisfied that the current strength of Mountmellick Garda station is adequate to meet the policing needs of the area. I will be responding shortly to correspondence from members of Mountmellick Town Council on these issues.
In relation to Garda resources generally, I am, of course, very pleased the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.
The commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. Garda personnel deployments throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible service is provided to the public. In this context, the needs of Mountmellick Garda station will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country. Clearly, of course, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies, in particular, areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. One thing I have already promised is that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front-line, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
In each of the next three years there will be an intake of almost 1,100 new recruits. The advertisement campaign for this first trench of 1,100 recruits was launched on Thursday, 25 November 2004.
Liquor Licensing Laws.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:197 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 203 of 30 September 2004, if his attention has been drawn to the dramatic decrease over the past two years in the rate of prosecutions for the sale of alcohol to minors; the reason for this when the rates of underage drinking and associated anti-social activity are on the increase; the action he will take to ensure that the gardaí enforce the law more vigorously in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33659/04]
I can assure the Deputy that strong provisions have been put in place to combat the causes of underage drinking and anti-social behaviour. Reductions in violence and public order offences have followed the enactment during 2003 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act and the Intoxicating Liquor Act, which give significant additional powers to the gardaí to deal with public order and street crime.
I am pleased to note a 22% reduction in assault causing harm and a 23% reduction in minor assaults in 2003 compared to 2002. This trend has continued in the first nine months of 2004 with a 7% reduction in assaults causing harm compared to the same period last year. The reduction in the number of offences in this category reflects an improving public order situation and a curbing of some of the excesses in the abuse of alcohol. An improving public order situation is to be welcomed by all parties concerned with the preservation and maintenance of law and order. However, I believe there is more we can do to support the gardaí in the preservation of peace and public order on our streets. To this effect I am making provision in the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 to provide for a fixed penalty procedure in respect of certain lesser public order offences. I am certain that this provision will be an asset to gardaí in maintaining order on our streets.
I can further inform the Deputy that the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2000 provides for considerable strengthening of those provisions which already existed in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1998 with regard to the supply or sale of intoxicating liquor to underage persons, including increases in fines for breaches of the law on underage drinking. Serious penalties, including the temporary closure of a licensed premises, can result where a licensee is convicted of the offence of selling intoxicating liquor to an underage person.
Gardaí can now target a premises whose customers cause trouble and, after warning the owner, can apply for a closure order. The law relating to conduct on licensed premises has been updated and made easier to enforce. There can now be temporary closure of premises for supplying alcohol to persons who are drunk, for permitting drunkenness and for failing to preserve order.
The administration of the national age cards scheme by the Garda Síochána has facilitated gardaí, in co-operation with the licensed trade, in addressing and combating the problem of underage drinking. The age card scheme allows any person who has attained 18 years of age to apply for an age card at his-her local Garda station in order to confirm that they have attained the legal age for the purchase of intoxicating liquor. The Garda Síochána continuously monitor the scheme to ensure that it takes account of changing circumstances and adapt it as necessary.
I cannot, however, stress enough that while legislative measures, together with initiatives such as the age card scheme, can help to curtail the problem of anti social behaviour and underage drinking, they cannot be viewed as the only solution. It falls on all parties with an interest in this area to play their role in helping to address the problem of anti social behaviour, with particular regard to young people.
Prisoner Transfers.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:198 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will accede to a request from a person (details supplied) for repatriation to a prison here in view of family circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33660/04]
The primary purpose of the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons is to facilitate the repatriation to their home country of persons, who, were it not for their imprisonment in another jurisdiction, would ordinarily be resident there. Having considered the matter carefully, I was satisfied that the person concerned would not normally be resident in this jurisdiction, were it not for his imprisonment in the United Kingdom and, as such, I was not prepared to consent to his transfer to a prison in this country at this time. The matter was recently considered again recently. However, I was not persuaded by the additional information provided to change my position on the individual's previous application.
Finally, it should be noted that the convention does not confer an automatic right on any prisoner to be transferred nor does it confer an obligation on any State to comply with a transfer request.
Garda Investigations.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:199 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murder investigations being carried out at present; the duration of same to date; the name of each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33680/04]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a total of 34 murders have been recorded to date in 2004, 27 of which are recorded as detected. The Garda Síochána annual report 2003 shows 45 murders recorded and 29 detected in that year.
I am further informed by Garda authorities that for operational reasons they do not identify by name of victim which murders are currently the subject of an investigation. I understand that current murder investigations are ongoing in respect of murders recorded in this and previous years, including some murders recorded as detected.
Departmental Correspondence.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:200 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in July 2004 and again in November 2004 and that no reply has been received to date; if this correspondence will be dealt with immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33681/04]
An application for permission to remain in the State based on marriage to an Irish national was received from the person concerned in November 2004. Applications of this type are dealt with in chronological order and currently take approximately 16 months to process.
Departmental Programmes.
Jack Wall
Ceist:201 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in regard to the implementation of the RAPID programme for Athy; the amount of moneys made available for the implementation of the programme from his Department for Athy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33706/04]
My Department has no record of having received an application or proposal under the RAPID programme in relation to Athy. The Garda authorities are represented on the Athy RAPID area implementation team and I understand that a new proposal to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Athy area is currently being developed locally with a number of agencies. I have been informed by Garda authorities that there is a Garda community policing initiative taking place, which involves the expansion of the existing neighbourhood watch scheme.
No dedicated Departmental financial allocations have been made to provide potential funding for proposals received under the RAPID programme as such. However, my Department decides on approving funding for RAPID proposals within the context of existing allocations across Votes under my Department's remit. Particular priority is given to RAPID proposals which fall within the functional areas financed under the national development plan. I can, however, assure the Deputy that any proposals received by my Department through the RAPID programme for Athy will be given full and careful consideration.
Garda Strength.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:202 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra resources he has given (details supplied) for the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33768/04]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:203 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra resources he has given (details supplied) for the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33769/04]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:204 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra resources he has given (details supplied) for the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33770/04]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:205 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra resources he has given (details supplied) for the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33771/04]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:206 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra resources he has given (details supplied) for the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33772/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 to 206, inclusive, together.
I have been informed by Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Wexford-Wicklow Garda division as on 14 December 2004 was 305, all ranks. The personnel strength of the stations within this division referred to by the Deputy as on the same date was:
|
Station |
Strength (all ranks) |
|
New Ross |
32 |
|
Wexford |
69 |
|
Gorey |
39 |
|
Enniscorthy |
32 |
As a result of the additional €4 million funding, providing an additional 140,000 hours in overtime for the Garda Síochána for high visibility policing in the eight weeks up to 31 December 2004 a number of initiatives have been implemented within the Wexford-Wicklow division involving the Garda districts of Wexford, New Ross, Enniscorthy and Gorey to provide additional crime, public order and traffic patrols during the Christmas period. These initiatives involve the deployment of district and divisional resources and inter-district operations.
I am advised that local Garda management is satisfied that to date these initiatives have proved effective.
Visa Applications.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:207 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a visa was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; when this person will receive formal notification of this visa refusal; and the course of action they have to appeal this decision. [33790/04]
This visa application was received in November 2004. Having given full consideration to the matter the visa was refused because my Department was not satisfied on the basis of the documentation provided that an adequate relationship history existed between the applicant and the reference in Ireland. No details were provided as to how the parties met or the context in which the marriage took place. The Department of Foreign Affairs issued a formal notification of refusal on 6 December 2004.
It is open to the applicant to appeal the refusal in writing to the Visa Appeals Officer, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
Legal Fees.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:208 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 445 of 30 November 2004, if a full and complete response will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33819/04]
In the time available for answering parliamentary questions it has not been possible to compile the detailed information requested by the Deputy and I am reluctant to give the Deputy a response which could only at this stage represent part of the picture.
The information sought is being compiled at present and I will forward it to the Deputy shortly.
Children Act 2001.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:209 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in commencing and implementing all provisions of the Children Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33823/04]
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:210 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the resources which have been made available for the implementation and operation of the Children Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33824/04]
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:211 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the impact which the Children Act 2001 will have on curbing the activities of young offenders and preventing them from embarking on a life of crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33825/04]
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:212 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which the restorative justice aspects of the Children Act 2001 are operating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33826/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 to 212, inclusive, together.
The Children Act 2001 is very complex and comprehensive legislation and, for those reasons, provisions under the Act are being implemented on a phased basis, as was envisaged at the time of enactment.
Responsibility for implementing the Children Act 2001 lies with three Departments. The Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Education and Science have responsibilities in respect of juvenile offending. The Department of Health and Children has responsibilities in respect of children who are non-offending but out of control. The National Children's Office is co-ordinating the cross departmental aspects of the implementation of the Act.
As regards the areas that fall within my areas of responsibility I can advise the Deputy that part 4 of the Children Act 2001 commenced on 1 May 2002, at which time the Garda diversion programme began operating on a statutory basis. Garda youth diversion projects are crime prevention initiatives which adopt a multi-agency partnership approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour at community level. The role of the Garda youth diversion projects is to bring about the conditions whereby the behavioural patterns of young people towards law and order can develop and mature through positive interventions and interaction with the project.
Through a combination of intervention and prevention programmes, Garda youth diversion projects aim to prevent crime through community and multi-agency co-operation and to improve the quality of life within the community; divert young people from becoming involved in criminal and-or anti-social behaviour; provide suitable activities to facilitate personal development and encourage civic responsibility; and support and improve Garda-community relations.
Project co-ordinators and advisory-management committees are required to regularly review and assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the projects to ensure every effort is made to meet the overall aims and objectives of the project. The projects are particularly targeted at 12-8 year old "at risk" youths in communities where a specific need has been identified. The number of participants in each programme varies according to the level of intervention required.
There are 64 Garda youth diversion projects operating in both urban and rural areas at present.
One of the primary aims of the Children Act is to expand the options a court will have at its disposal when deciding on how to deal with a young offender. The community-based options provided for in the Act will allow effect to be given to the principle that detention for young offenders will be a last resort. Thus, the Act generally envisages committals to custody of young offenders being availed of only in situations where other alternative diversions and community-based options have been resorted to and have failed.
The successful and full implementation of the community based options in the Act will require a very significant input from the probation and welfare service. While it has not yet been possible to implement these provisions in full, I have secured 30 additional staff specifically for the probation and welfare service to implement those provisions of the Act relevant to the service, notwithstanding the public service recruitment embargo.
The probation and welfare service, as part of its planning for implementation of the Children Act 2001, engaged trainers from the Department of Child, Youth and Family, New Zealand, for the intensive training of all professional staff as facilitators for family conferences to be convened and managed in accordance with the requirements of the Act as well as providing day seminars for all probation and welfare officers. The service will provide ongoing training through its staff development unit as required.
The restorative justice aspects of the Children Act 2001 have been commenced in full and are operating very effectively. Restorative justice is a philosophical framework which considers the ways in which crime harms relationships in the context of the community. It is a way of dealing with victims and offenders by focusing on the settlement of conflicts arising from crime and resolving the underlying problems which cause it.
The court directed family conferencing provisions of the Act, section 78-87, be placed on a statutory basis on 29 July 2004. The family conference is convened by the probation and welfare service and the convening of the conference is directed by the court where it considers that the preparation of an action plan would be desirable in an individual case. The courts have directed the convening of 11 family conferences since commencement.
Section 26 of the Act provides for restorative cautioning, which provides the victim to be present at the administration of a formal caution to a child by a member of the Garda Síochána under the Garda juvenile diversion programme. This form of cautioning will allow for a discussion during which the child will have to confront the effects of his or her behaviour and, perhaps, may be invited to apologise and make some form of reparation.
Sections 29-51 of the Act provide for the convening of a conference in respect of a child who has been formally cautioned and is being supervised by a Garda juvenile liaison officer. The conference will have a remit to examine the child's problems, reasons for offending, etc., and will be able to discuss how the child might, through family support and community involvement, be diverted from crime, perhaps through the formulation of an action plan. The conference may be convened only on the decision of the director of the Garda national juvenile office, and the conference facilitator must be a member of the Garda Síochána.
The provisions concerning the age of criminal responsibility and children detention centres for 16 and 17 year old offenders have not yet been brought into force. Under the Children Act, I, as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, will be obliged to provide separate detention facilities for 16 and 17 year old males and females who are committed to custody by the courts either on remand or under sentence. The provision of appropriate custodial facilities is a priority for the Irish Prison Service. The primary objective of these detention centres will be to provide a secure but supportive environment in which young offenders can develop the personal and social skills necessary to avoid future offending.
In line with this, a new facility for male juveniles in this age group will open at St. Patrick's Institution in the near future. This unit, which was designed by a multi-disciplinary team, will include a custom-designed facility for the delivery of education, recreation, medical and therapeutic services. The longer-term provision of a dedicated facility on a greenfield site for juveniles, with separate facilities for males and females, is now being pursued in consultation with the director general of the Irish Prison Service and the Office of Public Works.
Departmental Policy.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:213 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects the codification of criminal law to be complete and enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33827/04]
The codification of criminal law will amount to a transformation of the existing format of criminal law into a criminal code. Given the wide-ranging nature of this project it must be managed in parallel with the existing programme of criminal law reform. Codification will be undertaken on a phased basis and as such there will not be a single criminal code enacted in the one go. Due to the long term nature of this project I have obtained Government approval for the appointment of a statutory criminal law codification advisory committee to oversee the codification process and ultimately once that goal is attained to ensure the ongoing maintenance of the criminal code. Pending the enactment of the necessary legislation, I intend that the committee will be established on a non-statutory basis.
Garda Deployment.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:214 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of any review of Garda rostering which has been carried out in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33828/04]
The Garda strategic management initiative report recommended a fundamental review of the rostering system to ensure that Garda personnel are more readily available at peak demand times. As a result of this recommendation a new rostering framework was developed following consultations and agreement with Garda staff associations.
The main benefit of the new roster is a more appropriate match between availability of gardaí for duty and demands on the service. Consequently, Garda management can ensure a greater operational police presence on the streets at peak times.
Under the new roster system, superintendents can determine the number of members required to meet demands at peak times. Other members can be detailed for non-peak times on the early and night tours of duty.
An agreed pilot scheme was implemented in the cities of Cork, Limerick and Waterford between 20 March 2000 and 28 October 2002 in respect of those stations where the three-relief system operates, namely a shift system covering 24 hours. Consultation took place between Garda management and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors and the Garda Representative Association during the pilot roster. Having consulted with both associations, the Commissioner introduced this roster on a permanent basis in the cities of Cork, Limerick and Waterford from 28 October 2002.
In relation to the Dublin Metropolitan Region, further work on the pilot roster is being undertaken by the Assistant Commissioner, Dublin Metropolitan Region, and the organisation development unit, Garda headquarters.
Garda Reform.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:215 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the context of Garda reform, he has plans to implement measures which will enhance the responsiveness and effectiveness of the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33829/04]
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:216 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the context of Garda reform, he has plans to implement measures which will enhance the detection rates of the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33830/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.
The day to day control and management of the Garda Síochána is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. That said, however, the Deputy will be aware that I am currently moving the Garda Síochána Bill 2004 before the Seanad. One of the objectives of this Bill is to reform the legislative structure under which the Garda Síochána is managed. In particular, this will involve clarification of the role and objectives of the force and a redefinition of its relationship with the Minister and Government of the day.
The Bill's proposals reflect the outcome of a review of the Garda Síochána which was carried out under the Government's strategic management initiative. Arising from the provisions of the Bill the Minister of the day, having consulted with the Garda Commissioner, will be entitled to set policing priorities and establish performance targets aimed at achieving the objective of each priority. A copy of any such priorities and performance targets will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and the commissioner will have to inform the Minister of measures taken to achieve the targets and the outcome. In the same way, the Garda Commissioner will be required to submit a three-yearly strategy statement and an annual policing plan taking account of Government policy, priorities determined by the Minister and the resources expected to be available.
It is also my intention to introduce amendments to the Garda Síochána Bill to provide for the establishment of an independent Garda Síochána inspectorate This proposal is being brought forward in the light of the first report of the Morris tribunal, and in particular the recommendation of the tribunal that the Department, in its oversight role in relation to the Garda Síochána, must be empowered by knowledge. The main functions of the inspectorate will be to ensure that the Minister and the Department will have objective information on matters relevant to the functioning of the force. The key objectives will be to ensure and promote efficiency and effectiveness in the Garda Síochána and to provide advice and support to the Minister and the Department.
Garda Recruitment.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:217 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the announcement of plans to recruit additional gardaí, priority will be given go the deployment of gardaí in areas of most need, in particular in areas where crime levels are above average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33831/04]
I am, of course, very pleased that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.
The new recruitment campaign for the Garda Síochána has already commenced and record numbers of recruits will be taken on. Approximately 274 recruits will be taken into the college each quarter for the next three years. Taking into account the projected number of retirements, it will lead to a combined organisational strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 as early as 2006.
This record recruitment drive will place at the disposal of the Garda Commissioner a very significant increase in Garda resources. The commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources. Garda personnel deployments throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources. Clearly, however, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties. As I have already made clear, the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front-line, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:218 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the announcement of plans to recruit additional gardaí, the measures he is putting in place to ensure that a dramatically increased number of Garda foot patrols will be mounted in all areas throughout the whole year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33832/04]
I have been informed by Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the levels of patrolling are continuously monitored on a regional basis in order to ensure that an effective policing service is maintained throughout the year and that appropriate steps are taken to address the policing demands of the public at large. I am further informed that the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána, all ranks, as on 13 December 2004 is 12,225.
In relation to Garda resources generally, I am, of course, very pleased that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.
The Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. Clearly, of course, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies, in particular, areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. One thing I have already promised is that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front-line, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
In each of the next three years there will be an intake of approximately 1,100 new recruits. The advertisement campaign for this first trench of 1,100 recruits was launched on Thursday, 25 November 2004.
Proposed Legislation.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:219 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a report reviewing fireworks legislation and policy; if he will publish that report; the action he proposes to take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33833/04]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the ongoing internal review of explosives legislation which is taking place in my Department.
With regard to fireworks in particular, I wish to inform the Deputy that I have asked officials in my Department to give priority to finalising proposals on offences and penalties in that area. I intend to seek Government approval to include these proposals in the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 as amendments to the Bill on Committee Stage.
The issue of an appropriate regime for the regulation of fireworks is a complex one on which there are widely divergent views. My Department is carrying out research on the position in other jurisdictions, especially Northern Ireland. I intend to engage in a process of public consultation about this issue early in the new year.
Garda Strength.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:220 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of fully trained and qualified gardaí as of 31 December 2002; the number of fully trained and qualified gardaí as of 31 December 2003; the number of fully trained and qualified gardaí as of 15 December 2004; the number of fully trained and qualified gardaí as of 31 December 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33834/04]
I have been informed by Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána as of today, 15 December 2004 is 12,223, all ranks. I am further informed that the personnel strength of the force as of 31 December for the years 2002 and 2003 was 11,895 and 12,017, respectively.
In relation to Garda personnel strength, I should like to point out that Garda trainees are attested to the force on successful completion of phase three of their training. On attestation, Garda trainees are serving members of the force. Formal graduation takes place following the completion of the fifth and final phase of training. Therefore the serving strength of the force at any given time includes those who have been attested following completion of phase three of their training but have not yet formally graduated. The number of persons in phases four and five of training as of 31 December for the years 2002 and 2003 was 521 and 570, respectively. The number of persons in phases four and five as of 15 December 2004 is 688.
In relation to Garda resources generally, I am, of course, very pleased that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources. Clearly, however, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. One thing I have already promised is that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front-line, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
In each of the next three years there will be an intake of almost 1,100 new recruits. The advertisement campaign for this first group of 1,100 recruits was launched on Thursday, 25 November, 2004.
Garda Recruitment.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:221 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí recruited during each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33835/04]
I am informed by Garda authorities that the following are the intake numbers of students in each of the years 2002, 2003 and to date in 2004.
|
Year |
Garda College Intake |
|
2002 |
547 |
|
2003 |
687 |
|
2004 |
518 |
As part of my proposal to increase the strength of the force to 14,000, in line with the Government's commitment set out in An Agreed Programme for Government, approximately 274 recruits will be taken into the college each quarter, for the next three years, amounting to almost 1,100 recruits each year.
The advertisement campaign for this first trench of 1,100 recruits was launched on Thursday, 25 November 2004.
Garda Strength.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:222 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who retired or otherwise left the force during each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33836/04]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of gardaí who have left the Garda Síochána due to ill health, retirement, death, dismissal or otherwise, in the years 2002, 2003 and as at 13 December 2004 is as set out hereunder.
|
Year |
Number |
|
2002 |
406 |
|
2003 |
417 |
|
2004 |
460 |
Garda Investigations.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:223 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation with respect to the investigation into illegal dumping in County Wicklow; the files that have been sent to the DPP; if any of these have been decided upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33837/04]
I have made inquiries with the Garda authorities in regard to this matter. I am informed that the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and other members of the Garda Síochána, along with representatives from Wicklow County Council, have been engaged in investigations into illegal dumping at various sites in County Wicklow. I am further informed that a number of files have been submitted by the Garda Síochána to the law officers, charges have been preferred in respect of a number of cases, and directions are awaited in a number of other cases.
As the Deputy will appreciate, I have no role in the investigation or prosecution of cases. This is a long standing principle of our system of justice. The role of the gardaí is to investigate alleged offences, to gather whatever evidence may be available and to submit a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The question of whether or not a particular person should be prosecuted and for what criminal offence is the responsibility of the DPP. The director is independent in the performance of his functions. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
Visa Applications.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:224 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason he has failed to deal with the issue of a visitor visa for a person (details supplied). [33880/04]
The visa application in question was for the stated purpose of a two month visit in the State. The visa was refused as the documentation provided did not show that the applicant had any means to support herself during her proposed two month visit. No evidence of her employment or finances was included in the application. The documentation provided related solely to her husband but did not substantiate his level of earnings.
Following an appeal, the application was re-examined by a visa appeals officer who upheld the original decision. It is of course open to the applicant to make a fresh application with up to date supporting documentation and the matter will be considered anew. It would also be helpful if the applicant provided evidence of her obligations to return home following her proposed visit.
Special Educational Needs.
Jackie Healy-Rae
Ceist:225 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Science if the provision of a full-time special needs assistant for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be fast-tracked; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33588/04]
I can confirm that the school in question sought five hours special needs assistant support for the person referred to by the Deputy. This support has now been sanctioned and a letter to this effect issued to the school on 25 November 2004.
Jackie Healy-Rae
Ceist:226 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Science if the provision of five hours per week resource teaching hours will be fast-tracked for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [33589/04]
I can confirm that my Department has received an application for resource teaching support for the pupil in question. The application will be considered by my Department and a decision will be conveyed to the school at the earliest possible date.
Jackie Healy-Rae
Ceist:227 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Science if the decision in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry to share a special needs assistant will be reconsidered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33590/04]
As previously indicated to the Deputy, the National Educational Psychological Service has recommended five hours special needs assistant support per week for the pupil in question. Evidence provided in the supporting documentation submitted with the application does not meet criteria for the allocation of a full-time SNA under the terms of circular 07/02.
My Department's inspectorate has also evaluated the case. The advice provided is that the school should deploy its two existing full-time SNAs in a flexible manner in order to meet the needs of all the pupils with special care needs in the school, including the pupil in question. My officials have communicated this advice to the school authorities.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:228 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if resource teaching hours will be assigned to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly with down syndrome; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33614/04]
Where a pupil with special educational needs enrols in a post primary school, it is open to the school to apply to my Department for additional teaching support and-or special needs assistant support for the pupil. My Department allocates additional teaching support and special needs assistant support to second level schools and vocational educational committees to cater for pupils with special educational needs. Each application is considered on the basis of the assessed needs of the pupils involved and having regard to a range of factors including the overall resources available to the school.
The school concerned has been allocated 1.87 whole-time equivalents per week additional teaching support and also 1.79 whole-time equivalents per week special needs assistant support for the 2004-5 school year to cater for the special educational needs of a number of pupils including the pupil to whom the Deputy refers. The level of support allocated was determined after detailed consideration of the school's application, the supporting documentation provided and having regard to the overall level of resources already available to the school to address special needs issues.
School Staffing.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:229 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the number of qualified primary school teachers unable to obtain employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33615/04]
Significant numbers of additional teaching posts have been created at primary level in recent years. The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill vacancies in an individual school is a matter for the board of management of the school concerned. Boards of management must make every effort, including advertising in a national newspaper, to obtain the services of a qualified teacher for appointment to a temporary or permanent post. Unqualified teachers should only be employed in exceptional circumstances and when all avenues for recruiting qualified personnel have been exhausted.
Schools Building Projects.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:230 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when she intends to progress the building application of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that her Department’s proposal includes converting two existing classrooms into the new laboratory without replacing these classrooms, taking a third classroom to form part of the arts room without replacement and that the tiered lecture room proposed is one third too small to take any group for demonstration talks or meeting; if her attention has been further drawn to its concern regarding the small allocation of space for student lockers; if she will re-examine this without delaying the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33616/04]
The application for an extension at the school to which the Deputy refers is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria, revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards. I will be making further announcements on the school building programme in due course. Officials of my Department's school planning section are in correspondence with the school authority on the specific issues raised by the Deputy regarding the schedule of proposed accommodation for the school.
Special Educational Needs.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:231 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to a number of cases (details supplied) in which no resources are available to cater for high incidence disability groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33617/04]
I understand from my officials that the school gained one additional mainstream teaching post and one additional developing post due to increased enrolments for the 2004-05 school year. In addition, the school has access to 11.5 hours resource teaching support.
I am conscious of difficulties that could arise in relation to the proposed new model of resource teaching provision, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed. Accordingly, I will be reviewing the proposed model, including the clustering arrangements associated with the model to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils currently in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with educational interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented next year. The school's needs will be considered in the context of this review. It is important to emphasise that applications may continue to be made for specific resource teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower-incidence special educational needs.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:232 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when the outstanding application for resource hours for pupils at a school (details supplied) in County Laois will be dealt with; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33618/04]
I can confirm that my Department has received two applications for resource teaching support from the school in question. These applications will be considered by my Department and a decision will be conveyed to the school at the earliest possible date.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:233 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason resource hours for a person (details supplied) in County Laois transferring from a national school were cut of 1.5 hours per week; if this reduction will be re-instated in view of difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33619/04]
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:235 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if resource hours will be assigned to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33621/04]
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:244 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on correspondence sent to her Department from a school (details supplied) in County Laois in relation to the new weighted system; the way in which she intends to address the difficulties being experienced by the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33630/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 233, 235 and 244 together.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department is proposing a new system for the allocation of resource teaching supports to pupils with special educational needs, SEN. This system will involve a general teaching allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence SEN, that is, those with borderline mild and mild general learning disability, specific learning disability, and also those with learning support needs. It will also allow for individual allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence SEN.
The school referred to by the Deputy currently has the services of a shared learning support teacher together with part-time resource hours. The pupils referred to by the Deputy fall into the high-incidence category. It would be expected that the pupils' SEN can be met from within the current resource-learning support teaching allocation available to the school.
I am conscious of difficulties that could arise regarding the proposed new model, particularly for children in small and rural schools, including the school in question, if it were implemented as currently proposed. Accordingly I am having the proposed model reviewed to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities, without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils currently in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with representative interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented next year. The needs of the school will be considered in the context of this review. I should emphasise that individual applications may continue to be made for specific resource teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower-incidence special educational needs.
Schools Building Projects.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:234 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when the new school building will proceed in order to facilitate the amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33620/04]
The application for a new school building to facilitate the amalgamation of the schools to which the Deputy refers is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria, revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards. I will be making further announcements on the school building programme in due course.
Question No. 235 answered with QuestionNo. 233.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:236 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Wexford following the meeting of 28 October 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33622/04]
Officials from my Department's technical staff and inspectorate have recently visited the Gorey area. Reports are being prepared for consideration. On examination of these reports my Department will be in a position to bring forward plans for the future of the primary and post primary educational infrastructure in Gorey.
School Accommodation.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:237 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the serious overcrowding at a school (details supplied) in County Wexford, that it has been forced to operate an admissions policy, excluding five schools outside the immediate catchment area but in the locality which her Department still supplies buses for; the reason, after the 1996 and 2002 censuses, no action was taken to ensure adequate school places for the area; when sufficient funding will be supplied to solve this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33623/04]
The school planning section of my Department is currently examining educational provision at primary and post primary level in the Gorey area. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the demand for places. When this examination has been completed, the Department will bring forward plans as to how best the school accommodation needs of the area might be met into the future.
Allowing pupils from outside the catchment area to enrol in the community school to which the Deputy refers can impact negatively on those who reside within the area and who are entitled, as of right, to a place in that school. It invariably also impacts negatively on the school or schools to which these pupils should rightly attend and in which considerable capital investment has been made for this purpose. It is a matter for all school authorities, in the context of their enrolment policies, to limit enrolment to within their catchment areas to ensure that such situations do not arise. A school authority may offer places to pupils from outside the catchment area only if it does not have negative repercussions for additional accommodation and transport costs.
Irish Exemptions.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:238 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review a decision not to grant a person (details supplied) in County Dublin an exemption in Irish; the reason such a decision refusing this person an exemption was made without consultation with their medical team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33624/04]
The guidelines in relation to an exemption from Irish at post-primary level are outlined at rule 46 of the Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools and in circular letter M10/94. Under the terms of this circular, my Department has delegated authority to the principals of second level schools to grant the exemptions provided that the pupil meets the criteria as set down.
As regards the specific case referred to by the Deputy, the pupil did not meet the criteria as set down in circular M10/94 and therefore the exemption could not be granted at school level. On receipt of a written appeal to my Department the case, including all medical evidence submitted by the pupil's parents and all supporting documentation from the school, was given further detailed consideration. The advice of the inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, was sought.
However, as the pupil still does not satisfy the criteria for exemption it has not been possible to grant such an exemption in this case.
Special Educational Needs.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:239 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if a special needs assistant will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33625/04]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department sanctioned a full time special needs assistant for the pupil concerned. The school authorities were notified on 25 November 2004.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:240 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she intends to review the allocation of resource hours to a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33626/04]
The proposed new system of teacher allocation involves a general allocation to all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher-incidence special educational needs, that is, pupils with borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability. The allocation is also intended to support those with learning support needs, that is, those functioning at or below the tenth percentile on a standardised test of reading and/or mathematics. An additional 350 teacher posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system.
I am conscious of difficulties that could arise in relation to this model, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed. Accordingly, I am having the proposed model reviewed to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities, without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils currently in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with representative interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented next year.
I should emphasise that individual applications may continue to be made for specific resource teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower-incidence special educational needs.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:241 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she intends to review the clustering allocation under the weighted system for schools in clusters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33627/04]
I am conscious of difficulties that could arise in relation to the proposed new model of resource teaching provision, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed.
Accordingly, I will be reviewing the proposed model, including the clustering arrangements associated with the model to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils currently in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with educational interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented next year.
Schools Building Projects.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:242 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when she intends to progress the school project for a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; if funding will be granted towards the building of a temporary canteen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33628/04]
The application for capital grant aid for an extension at Coláiste Choilm, Tullamore, County Offaly, is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. Under this review, all projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria which were revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.
An application for temporary dining facilities has been received from Coláiste Choilm, and this will be considered in the context of the school building programme.
Summer Works Scheme.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:243 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on an application under the summer works scheme to provide drinking water in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly that has no drink water; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33629/04]
The school to which the Deputy refers has submitted an application for grant aid under the summer works scheme for 2005 to provide drinking water in the school. All SWS applications are currently being assessed in the school planning section of my Department. I intend to publish the list of successful applicants early in the new year.
Question No. 244 answered with QuestionNo. 233.
Special Educational Needs.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:245 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that persons in a school (details supplied) in County Laois have lost resource hours as a result of the new weighted system; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that there is a number of students awaiting a decision under appeal and further students who have been assessed and are awaiting an outcome; the way in which she intends to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33631/04]
The proposed new system of teacher allocation involves a general allocation to all primary schools to cater for pupils with a higher-incidence of special educational needs, that is, pupils with borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability. The allocation is also intended to support those with learning support needs, that is, those functioning at or below the tenth percentile on a standardised test of reading or mathematics. An additional 350 teacher posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system. Individual applications may continue to be made for specific resource teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower-incidence special educational needs.
Under the proposed model of resource teacher allocation, the school would be due to lose ten resource teaching hours per week when the system is fully implemented. However, schools have not yet lost resource teaching hours except in cases where pupils have left the schools, and then only in schools that have part-time teaching hours. The school in question currently has the services of a full-time resource teacher and the services of a shared learning support teacher. I am conscious of difficulties that could arise due to this model, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed. Accordingly, I am having the proposed model reviewed to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities, without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils currently in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with representative interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented next year.
The school submitted four individual applications for resource teaching support. The applications have been examined by the National Educational Psychological Service and based on the documentation provided, it was considered that these pupils' needs did not warrant resource teaching support. The school authorities have been notified accordingly. My Department has no record of receiving an appeal from the school concerning these applications. However, my Department will make arrangements to have the applications re-examined should the school submit any additional information in support of the applications.
Schools Building Projects.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:246 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when an application by a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath will proceed; the timescale involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33632/04]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The introduction of a multi-annual funding process for school building projects requires a revised approach to how projects are scheduled through the design process and on to tender and construction. In order to maintain a smooth flow of projects and to ensure that the optimum number of projects is ready to go to tender and construction at any given time, I will develop on a priority basis those projects that are in the early design stages. I will be providing further details of those projects and notifying the schools concerned early in 2005.
In this way I want to create a sustained momentum in the schools building programme to match the Government's multi-annual funding commitment.
Schools Refurbishment.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:247 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether a school (details supplied) is damp, cold and unhygienic; her further views on whether the outstanding difficulties holding up reconstruction should be cleared straightaway; and if she will arrange accordingly in order that the work can commence early in 2005. [33633/04]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department authorised the project in question to proceed to tender as part of the 2004 school building programme. However, the tender outcome is significantly in excess of the budget, which is a fact that has been acknowledged by the school. My Department is in active contact with the school to determine the best way forward having regard to the appropriate level of investment for a school of this size.
Schools Building Projects.
Jerry Cowley
Ceist:248 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science the position her Department is taking in connection with the allocation of a permanent building or building site to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the case of this school will be prioritised to ensure the continuation of it; if she will guarantee the long term continuation of this extremely successful school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33634/04]
The property management section of the OPW, which generally acts on behalf of my Department for site acquisitions, is currently exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for this school. The application from the school for permanent accommodation is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria, revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards. I will be making further announcements on the school building programme in the course of 2005.
John McGuinness
Ceist:249 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if her building unit will meet with the management of a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to progress plans for a school extension as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33635/04]
An application for capital grant aid for an extension at the school to which the Deputy refers is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 schools building programme. Under this review, all projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria which were revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.
Adult Education.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:250 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties encountered by workers from the new EU countries in gaining access to affordable English language classes; if she will address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33636/04]
My attention has not been drawn to any particular difficulties in regard to this matter. English language tuition is provided largely in the private sector by a significant number of English language schools. My Department provides funding towards the running costs of the Advisory Council for English Language Schools, which provides for voluntary regulation of the sector by controlling standards and quality assurance through an inspection and recognition scheme. Schools which comply with the quality criteria are recognised by my Department.
In addition, the vocational education committees may provide English language training at modest cost as part of their self funded adult education programmes. To the extent that the adult literacy budget allocated to VECs allows, asylum seekers and refugees may also access literacy and language tuition, which is generally free. Almost 6,000 people are availing of this facility.
My Department also provides grants to the International Education Board Ireland to support and develop Ireland as an educational venue for international students. The teaching of English as a foreign language is a significant industry in Ireland which attracts some 200,000 participants each year and generates some €300 million in foreign earnings. I recently launched the Internationalisation of Irish Education report. The recommendations in the report are designed to ensure that Ireland is well placed to promote quality provision in Ireland and to enhance and market the attractiveness of the sector as a venue for English language training and for international students in further and higher education in the years ahead.
Teaching Qualifications.
John McGuinness
Ceist:251 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if the issue of two certificates in Irish and Spanish teaching from the teacher registration council will be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [33637/04]
The registration council is the statutory body responsible for recognition of qualifications for the purpose of teaching in voluntary secondary schools. The qualification held by the person referred to by the Deputy is recognised by the council for the purpose of teaching history and Spanish. A certificate of registration is being issued to the person in question in respect of the purpose of teaching Spanish and history.
The case for the recognition of this qualification for the purpose of teaching Irish is due to be considered by the registration council at its next meeting on 13 January 2005.
Water Services.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:252 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if schools are required to provide students with an adequate supply of wholesome drinking water at suitable points conveniently accessible to all students; the legislation or regulations which exist governing the supply of drinking water to students; her policy on the supply of drinking water to students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33638/04]
Regulations concerning the management of water services generally are usually the responsibility of the local authority, which may issue by-laws in this regard. My Department would also be governed by grants of planning permissions which may contain conditions regarding the provision of water services, including drinking water.
Health and safety issues such as the condition of drinking water are the responsibility of the school authorities in the first instance. All primary schools receive an annual capital grant which may be used entirely at the discretion of the school authorities to address matters of this nature. My Department's design guidelines for new school accommodation include the provision for drinking water generally.
Special Educational Needs.
Dermot Fitzpatrick
Ceist:253 Dr. Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 is threatened with the loss of two teachers from September 2005 even though the school is much in need of special education needs teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33639/04]
I am conscious of difficulties that could arise with the proposed new model of resource teaching provision, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed.
Accordingly, I will review the proposed model, including the clustering arrangements associated with the model, to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils currently in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with educational interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented next year. The needs of the school in question will be considered in the context of this review.
It is important to emphasise that applications may continue to be made for specific resource teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs.
Dermot Fitzpatrick
Ceist:254 Dr. Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 is threatened with the loss of 1.5 teachers from September 2005 even though the school is much in need of special education needs teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33640/04]
I am conscious of difficulties that could arise with the proposed new model of resource teaching provision, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed.
Accordingly, I will review the proposed model, including the clustering arrangements associated with the model, to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils currently in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with educational interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented next year.
It is important to emphasise that applications may continue to be made for specific resource teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs.
Schools Building Projects.
Michael Lowry
Ceist:255 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the health and safety crisis facing a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that a new site has been purchased for the school and has been lying idle for the past three years; if, in view of the serious and often almost fatal road traffic accidents within metres of this school, she will sanction the building work immediately for the new school before a parent or child dies as a result of Department inaction on a new school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33641/04]
My Department is aware of the circumstances of the school to which the Deputy refers. A site for a new school was purchased by my Department and the project is now being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. Under this review, all projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria which were revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.
Departmental Programmes.
Jack Wall
Ceist:256 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in regard to the implementation of the RAPID programme for Athy; the amount of money made available from her Department for the implementation of the programme in Athy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33707/04]
The new school building project for Athy Community School, Athy, County Kildare, which is being provided under the RAPID programme, is at an early stage of architectural planning. The progress of all building projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards. It is not possible to provide details of the cost of projects at this stage as to do so could compromise the tendering process.
The Athy youth project received an allocation of €70,174 in 2003 under the special projects for youth scheme. A further €75,510 was allocated in 2004.
An application for the inclusion of Athy in the school completion programme was also received under the RAPID programme. Athy Community College, which is one of the schools in Athy seeking admission to the school completion programme, is already in the stay in school retention initiative at second level. The project obtained funding of €50,000 in 2002 and was allocated €25,000 in 2003 and a further €25,000 in 2004.
Schools Recognition.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:257 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction an additional grant to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33710/04]
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:270 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if permanent recognition of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare has been sanctioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33726/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 270 together.
An application for grant aid towards the cost of relocating the school referred to by the Deputy to alternative temporary accommodation is under consideration in the school planning section of my Department. Officials have been in discussions with the school authority on certain issues and a decision will be taken as soon as possible.
An application for permanent recognition was recently received for Gaelscoil Nás Na Ríogh and is under consideration in the school planning section of my Department. As part of the examination, factors such as the long-term viability of the school, current and projected enrolments and suitability of accommodation will be considered. A decision on the school's application will be made as soon as possible.
School Accommodation.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:258 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are funds available to allocate to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to enable the provision of temporary classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33711/04]
An application for temporary accommodation has been received from the school authority to which the Deputy refers. All applications for temporary accommodation for the 2005-06 school year are being assessed in the school planning section of my Department. I intend to publish a list of the successful applicants early in the new year.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:259 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are funds available to allocate to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to enable the provision of temporary accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33712/04]
An application for temporary accommodation was received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. All applications for temporary accommodation were considered by the school planning section of my Department in the context of the available funding for 2004 and the number of applications for it. Unfortunately, it was not possible to approve all applications received and only those with an absolute and demonstrated need for additional accommodation were approved.
The need for additional accommodation at the school is, however, being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. Under the review, all projects are assessed against the published prioritisation criteria which were revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards. It should be noted that no application for temporary accommodation for the 2005-06 school year has been received from the school authority.
Schools Building Projects.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:260 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if the architectural planning of the new school for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare has been completed; if she will sanction the necessary capital to enable the project to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33713/04]
The school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The introduction of a multi-annual funding process for schools building projects requires a revised approach to the scheduling of projects through the design process and on to tender and construction stages. To maintain a smooth flow of projects and ensure the optimum number of projects is ready to go to tender and construction at any given time, I will progress on a priority basis projects in the early design stages. I will provide further details of those projects and notify the schools concerned early in 2005. I intend through this approach to create a sustained momentum in the schools building programme which matches the Government's multi-annual funding commitment.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:261 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if phase 2 of the extension project to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be sanctioned in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33714/04]
The Deputy will be aware that phase 1 of the extension project at the school to which he refers is under construction. Phase 2 is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 schools building programme. Under the review, all projects are assessed against the published prioritisation criteria which were revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and its progress considered in the context of the schools building programme from 2005 onwards.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:262 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the sanctioning of architectural planning for the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33715/04]
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:263 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the expected growth which Kilcock town, County Kildare will experience in the short term and to the urgent accommodation requirements of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she will sanction architectural planning for the school’s accommodation requirements forthwith; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33716/04]
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:264 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction temporary accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33717/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 to 264, inclusive, together.
Applications from the schools to which the Deputy refers are being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 schools building programme. Under the review, all projects are assessed against the published prioritisation criteria which were revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating its progress considered in the context of the schools building programme from 2005 onwards.
The commission on school accommodation recently completed the public consultation process on the draft area development plan for the N4-M4 area and will bring forward its report as soon as possible. Applications for capital funding from schools in the area will continue to be processed under the review to which I referred above. When the commission's report becomes available, appropriate adjustments will be made where necessary.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:265 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction funding for the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33718/04]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. It has a band 3 rating.
The introduction of a multi-annual funding process for school building projects requires a revised approach to how projects are scheduled through the design process and on to tender and construction. In order to maintain a smooth flow of projects and ensure that the optimum number of projects is ready to go to tender and construction at any given time, I will progress on a priority basis those projects that are in the early design stages. I will provide further details of those projects and notifying the schools concerned early in 2005.
In this way, I want to create a sustained momentum in the schools building programme to match the Government's multi-annual funding commitment.
Schools Refurbishment.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:266 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will approve an application to fund the required covered walkway at a college (details supplied) in County Kildare under the 2005 summer works scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33720/04]
The school to which the Deputy refers has submitted an application for grant aid under the summer works scheme, SWS, 2005 for a covered walkway. All SWS applications are currently being assessed in the school planning section of my Department. I intend to publish the list of successful applicants early in the new year.
Site Acquisitions.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:267 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if the OPW will actively seek a site for a new national school for Kill, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33723/04]
The property management section of the OPW, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, is continuing to explore the possibility of acquiring a suitable site to cater for the primary educational needs of children in Kill, County Kildare. Due to the commercial sensitivities of site acquisitions, it is not proposed at this stage to identify specific sites to be acquired.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:268 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of sites examined by the OPW in relation to the provision of a site for the new national school in Ardclough, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33724/04]
The property management section of the OPW, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, is currently exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for the new national school in Ardclough, County Kildare. Due to the commercial sensitivities of site acquisitions, the information requested by the Deputy is not available for release at present.
School Accommodation.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:269 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of additional accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33725/04]
The application from the school to which the Deputy refers is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. Under this review, all projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria which were revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.
Question No. 270 answered with QuestionNo. 257.
Schools Building Projects.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:271 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if details of multi-annual building programme will be announced before the year end 2004 as promised by her; and if she has included St. Colmcille’s junior and senior school, Knocklyon, where work is now urgently required. [33729/04]
I have previously indicated that the introduction of multi-annual capital envelopes by the Department of Finance requires a revised approach to how we schedule projects through the design process and on to tender and construction. Projects need to be in the pipeline so that there is a smooth flow of projects through all stages. The approach of trying to declare in advance in one annual announcement the precise projects that will be ready to go to tender and construction at any time during the following 12 months is problematic. There was little other choice but to do so when funding was only certain for one year. The 2004 programme had been prepared before the introduction of the multi-annual envelope in December of last year and therefore did not provide the opportunity for a more radical approach in line with the multi-annual innovation.
Looking at the experience of the past year when a number of projects that were announced in December and January last to go to tender and construction encountered difficulties and got delayed by some months, I have decided to make a number of key changes in how project approvals for primary and post-primary schools in future will be announced.
Critical to maintaining a smooth flow and ensuring that other projects are ready to go to tender and construction, I will be progressing those projects that are either in the early design phase or have not yet commenced design. Early in 2005 I will be providing details of those projects and notifying the schools concerned.
In this way I want to create a sustained momentum in the schools building programme to match the Government's multi-annual funding commitment. The applications for additional accommodation for the schools referred to by the Deputy will be considered for progression as part of the 2005 building programme.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:272 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of funding for the development of a new national school at a location (details supplied) in County Cork. [33791/04]
The property management section of the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, is currently exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for the school in question.
Due to the commercial sensitivities of site acquisitions, it is not proposed at this stage to identify specific sites to be acquired. However, this information will be placed on my Department's website when the relevant acquisitions have been completed. The question of the provision of the new accommodation for the school will be considered further when a site has been acquired.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:273 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for funding in respect of a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [33792/04]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. It has a band 1 rating.
The introduction of a multi-annual funding process for school building projects requires a revised approach to how projects are scheduled through the design process and on to tender and construction. In order to maintain a smooth flow of projects and ensure that the optimum number of projects is ready to go to tender and construction at any given time, I will progress on a priority basis those projects that are in the early design stages. I will be providing further details of those projects and notifying the schools concerned early in 2005.
In this way I want to create a sustained momentum in the schools building programme to match the Government's multi-annual funding commitment.
Disadvantaged Status.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:274 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider the issue of awarding an extra allowance to all teachers in disadvantaged schools in order to deal with the school stability issue. [33812/04]
Regarding the allowance referred to by the Deputy the position is that, as part of normal industrial relations procedures, claims for improvement in the conditions of employment of teachers are matters appropriate for discussion at Teachers' Conciliation Council.
Teacher Retirements.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:275 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers retiring in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33813/04]
Based on experience in recent years, it is estimated that about 550 primary teachers will retire on pension in 2005. It is difficult to estimate precisely the numbers who will retire in any particular year since the majority of teachers retire voluntarily before reaching age 65.
Early School Leavers.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:276 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils dropping out of the educational system at 13 and 16 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33814/04]
My Department does not compile statistical information in relation to pupils who drop out of school at specific ages, such as those referred to by the Deputy. The most recently published analysis by my Department of retention rates at second-level relating to 1994 and those being prepared in respect of 1995 and 1996 deal with those completing junior and leaving certificate.
The report relating to 1994, which was released in August 2003 indicates that: of those pupils who commenced the junior cycle programme in September 1994, approximately 3,600, 5.7%, left school before completing the junior certificate three years later; approximately 8,900 of those who sat the junior certificate did not sit the leaving certificate and; approximately 12,500, 18.2%, young people leave school annually without the leaving certificate.
Special Educational Needs.
David Stanton
Ceist:277 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if special education teacher hours will be made available to assist a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33860/04]
I can confirm that my Department has received additional information in support of an application for resource teaching support for the pupil in question. The application is currently being processed and a decision will be conveyed to the school authorities shortly.
Educational Disadvantage.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:278 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will extend the ex quota post at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3 for a further three years to target an early intervention response for children in the junior classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33861/04]
The matter of extending the sanction for the concessionary post in question beyond the end of the 2004-05 school year is under consideration in my Department. The school authorities will be notified of the decision in due course.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:279 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if the teacher now on the transfer panel at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3 can be retained under the giving children an even break initiative in view of the disadvantaged status of the school and the concerns of parents and management that if the school loses this teacher this will accentuate the decline of the school. [33862/04]
Tony Gregory
Ceist:280 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if it his her intention to provide additional teachers to disadvantaged schools under new initiatives in 2005; and if so, if the teacher now in the panel at a school (details supplied can be retained by the school. [33863/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is finalised for a particular year following discussions with the education partners. The enrolment of the school referred to by the Deputy on 30 September 2003 was 172 pupils, which warrants a staffing of a principal and five mainstream class teachers for the 2004-05 school year. The school also has a disadvantaged concessionary post, a learning support post, a resource teacher post, a shared home school liaison post, an additional mainstream post to allow for an administrative principal and a special concessionary post. The school is included in the disadvantaged areas scheme, DAS, and giving children an even break, GCEB.
Under DAS, the school, in addition to the concessionary disadvantaged post and the shared home school liaison post, benefits from additional capitation grants of €38.09per capita, a refund of the television licence fee and eligibility for 95% building grants for building projects. The school is also included in the urban dimension of giving children an even break. The school is benefiting from supplementary funding to provide additional educational supports for the children concerned. The school was not considered eligible for additional teaching staff, based on the level of concentration of at risk pupils in the school. In the circumstances, the surplus post in the school must be suppressed and the teacher concerned is liable for redeployment in accordance with the normal panel arrangements.
My Department has been engaged in an overall review of its educational disadvantage programmes, with a view to building on what has been achieved to date, adopting a more systematic, targeted and integrated approach and strengthening the capacity of the system to meet the educational needs of disadvantaged children and young people. A decision to expand or extend the initiatives aimed at addressing educational disadvantage is being considered in the context of this review, the outcome of which I hope to announce shortly.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:281 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the additional funding available to her Department in 2005 for disadvantaged education; the manner in which it will be allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33864/04]
Tackling educational disadvantage is one of my key priorities. My approach in addressing this issue is set in the context of the Government's national action plan against poverty and social exclusion 2003-05 and the latest partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, which contains a special initiative focused on literacy, numeracy and early school leavers. Significant additional funding is being provided to alleviate disadvantage in 2005. This additional funding will allow for targeting of measures from pre-school through the school system to third-level, second-chance education and adult literacy. In particular, additional funding is being provided for early childhood; literacy-numeracy; retention at first and second levels; second chance and adult literacy; and access to higher education/student support measures.
The area of literacy will be getting a particular focus, with a 40% increase in provision for early literacy programmes and a 35% increase in funding for the schools library service. The 20% or €1.3 million increase in funding for the National Educational Welfare Board will support its work in reducing school drop out and absence. An additional ten education welfare officers were recently approved bringing the board's authorised staffing to 94, and ensuring coverage for all counties. The area of second chance and adult education will also receive support, with additional provision for Youthreach, adult guidance, adult literacy and child care services for VTOS participants. Increased provision is also being made for maintenance support for third level students. The budget for student support measures in 2005, at €209 million, will be €12 million greater than this year.
My Department is finalising a new action plan for tackling disadvantage which ensure an effective, innovative and targeted approach to promote better inclusion, participation and achievement at all levels of the education system. I will provide further detail of specific improvements and measures in due course as the plan rolls out.
Education Welfare Service.
Jack Wall
Ceist:282 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans for the appointment of two educational welfare officers in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33865/04]
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
The board is developing a nationwide service accessible to schools, parents-guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people to discharge its responsibilities. Educational welfare officers, EWOs, are being appointed and deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the board's functions locally. The budget allocated to the board for 2005, is €7.8 million, an increase of €1.3 million or 20% on the 2004 allocation. My Department recently conveyed approval to the NEWB for the filling of a further ten educational welfare officer posts, bringing the authorised staffing from 84 to 94. These additional posts will enable the board to further roll out its services at local level around the country. Decisions relating to the assignment of the additional staff to specific areas are a matter for the board, which is an independent statutory agency. However, the board recently indicated that Kildare is one of the areas to which it will appoint an EWO. I will keep the issue of the NEWB's staffing under review in the light of the roll out of services and further proposals that the board may put to me regarding identified priority needs.
Schools Amalgamation.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:283 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Galway following her recent meeting with Oireachtas Members on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33866/04]
Agreement has been reached with the management authorities of the two schools referred to by the Deputy to develop a single post primary school in the centre. The provision of accommodation to facilitate this amalgamation is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria, revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the programme from 2005 onwards. I will make further announcements on the school building programme in due course.
Special Educational Needs.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:284 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be re-considered for a resource teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33867/04]
My Department has no record of an application for resource teaching support for the pupil in question. My officials have been in contact with the pupil's school and the school has confirmed that the pupil is receiving learning support teaching.
Consultancy Payments.
David Stanton
Ceist:285 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in regard to the consultancy allowances awarded to facilities, there is a daily rate applicable to consultancy at said facilities; the amount of the daily rate; if this daily rate has increased from 2002 to 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33868/04]
My Department provides a funding allocation to enable two applied behavioural analysis consultants to attend three CABAS facilities. The current daily rate allocated by my Department for these consultants is €750 and €500, respectively. In addition, an allowance of €100 per consultant per day for accommodation expenses and €35per diem per consultant are provided. These allowances have been maintained at the levels indicated since 2002.
David Stanton
Ceist:286 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of consultancy days paid for by her Department at each of the CABAS facilities for 2004-05 and for the year 2003-04; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33869/04]
The number of consultancy days paid to the CABAS facilities for 2003-04 and 2004-05 is as follows: CABAS Dublin, 32 days in 2003-04 and 32 days in 2004-05; CABAS Drogheda, 24 days in 2003-04 and 24 days in 2004-05; and CABAS Cork, 40 days in 2003-04 and 40 days in 2004-05.
Special Educational Needs.
David Stanton
Ceist:287 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, with regard to ABA facilities she has received reports by the inspectorate on autism specific provisions; if the findings of said reports will be made available to the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33870/04]
The future position of the ABA facilities beyond the school year 2004-05 will be considered within the context of the review of autism-specific provision which is currently being undertaken by my Department's inspectorate. The question of appropriate action will be considered when this review has been completed. No decision has been taken at this stage regarding the publication of the outcome of the review.
David Stanton
Ceist:288 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has asked the relevant persons whether restructuring has taken place within the CABAS facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33871/04]
As I advised the Deputy in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 482 on 17 November 2004, I am not aware of any restructuring of the CABAS facilities. If the Deputy has any further information in that regard and makes the information available to me, I will have the matter investigated.
David Stanton
Ceist:289 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 485 of 17 November 2004, if it is her understanding that staff representatives on boards of management of these CABAS facilities should be representative of teachers within these facilities and not part of supervisory or management grades; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33872/04]
Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 485 of 17 November 2004, my Department does not currently prescribe the composition of the staffing representation on the board of management of CABAS facilities.
David Stanton
Ceist:290 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her officials have asked the Irish Autism Alliance for proposals or a blue print for an generic model for ABA autism facility; if any other autistic organisations have been asked for similar information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33873/04]
In the context of ongoing discussions with the Irish Autism Alliance, my Department has sought a template for the development of autism facilities. It is open to any other body to submit proposals in this regard.
My Department would be glad to consider these proposals in the context of special education policy development. My Department will pay particular regard to the views of the National Council for Special Education.
David Stanton
Ceist:291 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 486 of 17 November 2004, if her interpretation of appropriate education includes full-time intensive ABA education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33874/04]
All children with special educational needs, including those with autism, should receive an education appropriate to those needs. The determination of need in each case would be a matter in the first instance for the school which the child is attending, in consultation, as appropriate, with the National Council for Special Education and the National Educational Psychological Service.
David Stanton
Ceist:292 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science when decisions will be made regarding the future of ABA facilities by her; when these decisions will be made known publicly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33875/04]
The future position of the ABA facilities beyond the school year 2004-05 will be considered within the context of the review of autism-specific provision which is currently being undertaken by my Department's inspectorate. The question of appropriate action will be considered when this review has been completed. No decision has been taken at this stage regarding the publication of the outcome of the review. The priority will be to ensure that the education providers concerned, and through them the parents and pupils, are advised of the position at the earliest possible date.
I assure the Deputy that a measured approach will be taken to considering the future status of the ABA facilities. In that regard, my intention is to ensure continuity of provision for the pupils in question. My Department is continuing to fund the ABA facilities for the 2004-05 school year.
David Stanton
Ceist:293 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide information on the number of children attending each of the ABA specific establishments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33876/04]
My Department has allocated funding to the CABAS facilities on the basis of the following enrolments: 24 children in CABAS Dublin; 30 children in CABAS Cork and 18 children in CABAS Drogheda.
David Stanton
Ceist:294 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the hourly rates applicable for children above and below the age of four with regard to the home tuition grant; if changes have been made by her Department in the past few weeks or months; if changes to the rates are envisaged in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33877/04]
The following hourly rates of home tuition grant are currently paid by my Department: €27.12, €35.12 and €40.52. The grant is not age-related. My Department proposes to keep the rates payable under review.
David Stanton
Ceist:295 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has schemes in place for training special needs assistants in the way in which to deal with autistic children in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33878/04]
My Department has developed a strategy designed to meet the continuing professional development needs of all school personnel working with children with special educational needs, including special needs assistants.
In the first instance, the special needs assistants work under the direction of the teacher working with children with special needs, including children with autism. Ultimately, the special needs assistants work under the direction of the school principal.
My Department has funded the development and delivery of an introductory course for special needs assistants. This was developed in collaboration with three teacher training colleges, namely, St. Angela's College in Sligo, Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, and Church of Ireland College, Rathmines. The education centre network was also involved in this process. This course forms a 20 hour module of a certificate programme. The course is delivered on campus by the three colleges and each college offers a course on an outreach basis which is delivered by the 21 full-time education centres.
In September 2003, as part of its strategy, my Department established the special education support service, SESS, to manage, co-ordinate and develop a range of supports in response to identified training needs. The SESS, which is funded by my Department and hosted in Laois education centre, provides a nationwide service to teachers and special needs assistants.
As part of its response to the growing demand from teachers for support and training, the SESS is currently developing teams of trainers to deliver training in four specific areas, autism, challenging behaviour, dyslexia and inclusion at post-primary. This training will be delivered locally through the education centre network.
In addition, the SESS responds to requests from schools for support in a variety of autism-related areas. The steering committee which manages the SESS is fully committed to ensuring that all school staffs are provided with the necessary supports to work with children with special educational needs.
Overseas Missions.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:296 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding Irish troops abroad working for the United Nations. [33809/04]
The total number of Defence Forces personnel currently serving overseas is 768, of which 734 are serving on UN-led or UN authorised missions. Some of the remaining personnel, 17, are serving as monitors and observers with the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, and the European Union, EU. Others, 17, are deployed at the organisational headquarters of the UN, OSCE, NATO and the EU.
Full details are as listed in the tabular statement below.
|
Number |
|
|
1. UN Missions |
|
|
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) |
5 |
|
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation — Israel, Syria and Lebanon |
13 |
|
(iii) UNFICYP (United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus) |
1 |
|
(iv) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
4 |
|
(v) UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo) |
4 |
|
(vi) MONUC (United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
3 |
|
(vii) ONUCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) |
2 |
|
(viii) UNMIL (United Nations Mission in Liberia) FHQ |
6 |
|
UNMIL 91st INF Bn. |
428 |
|
Total |
466 |
|
UN Mandated Missions |
|
|
(ix) EUFOR (EU-led Mission Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina |
53 |
|
(x) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) |
208 |
|
(xi) ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) |
7 |
|
Total number of personnel serving with UN missions |
734 |
|
2. EU Missions |
|
|
(i) European Union Monitor Mission (EUMM) to the former Yugoslavia |
5 |
|
European Union Mission to the African Union Monitoring Mission to Darfur |
1 |
|
Total Number of Personnel serving with EU Missions |
6 |
|
3. Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) |
|
|
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina |
1 |
|
(ii) OSCE Mission in Croatia |
1 |
|
(iii) OSCE Presence in Albania |
1 |
|
(iv) OSCE Mission in FRY |
1 |
|
(v) OSCE Mission in Macedonia |
1 |
|
(vi) OSCE Mission in Georgia |
5 |
|
(vii) Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
Total number of personnel serving OSCE |
11 |
|
4. Head of Military Staff (Brussels) |
1 |
|
5. EU Military Staff (Brussels) |
6 |
|
6. Liaison Office of Ireland, PfP (Brussels) |
2 |
|
7. Permanent Representative to EU (Brussels) |
3 |
|
8. Military Representatives/Advisers |
|
|
(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
(iii) Military Representative to Partnership Co-ordination Cell/Supreme |
1 |
|
Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons, Belgium |
|
|
9. Appointments — UN HQ (New York) |
|
|
Officers seconded to DPKO (Department of Peace Keeping Operations) |
2 |
|
Total Number Defence Forces Personnel serving Overseas |
768 |
Ministerial Representations.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:297 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the number of representations made to him on behalf of PDFORRA, from 2002, by Members of the Oireachtas; if he made any such representations during the period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33840/04]
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, a significant number of representations are made each year by Members of the Oireachtas to Ministers and Ministers of State. Oireachtas Members do not always specify on whose behalf they are making representations and, therefore, I am not in a position to state categorically exactly how many representations have been received since 2002 on behalf of PDFORRA. As Minister for Defence, I have not made any such representations.
I was, however, very concerned to learn that PDFORRA has recently decided to embark on a course of lobbying public representatives on the issue of the terms of enlistment of soldiers recruited since 1 January 1994. In this regard, in the past ten days alone, I have received more than 30 representations from Oireachtas Members on behalf of PDFORRA. This issue is already being dealt with under the formal machinery in place for dealing with such matters and embarking on such a campaign is in breach of the terms of the conciliation and arbitration scheme. I am of the view that such actions will do nothing to advance the consideration of any matter.
PDFORRA is well aware of the various fora available to it to progress any issues which are of concern to its members and which come within the system of representation. I would urge it to think carefully about the consequences of breaching the terms of the conciliation and arbitration scheme. I also point out that I have confirmed to the association that I will meet with its officers personally to listen to their view.
Fire Services.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:298 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Government has outlined any change or deviation from the plans on the programme for development of the national fire authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34070/04]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:299 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is proceeding with the programme for the fire services as outlined by his predecessor on 5 May 2004 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34071/04]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:300 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the role of the Fire Services Council has been changed from the way outlined by his predecessor in May 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34072/04]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:316 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he intends to set up the national fire authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33805/04]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:317 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proportion of the €1 million set aside by his predecessor for the setting up of the national fire authority has been spent in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33806/04]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:318 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of the recommendations of the Farrell, Grant, Sparks report on the fire service which have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33807/04]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:319 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to urgently improve the low morale within the fire service nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33808/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 298 to 300, inclusive, and 316 to 319, inclusive, together.
My Department has implemented a number of the important recommendations of the report, Review of Fire Safety and Fire Services in Ireland. These include, in particular, the enactment of the Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003, which addressed a number of legislative changes called for in the review. Capital investment in the fire service has continued to increase. At national level the Government has put in place new structures for emergency planning, civil defence and marine and inland water safety services.
Following a series of meetings with relevant stakeholders, my Department has been working to develop a coherent strategy to implement other key fire safety and fire services elements of the review recommendations. These include the development of community fire safety programmes to shift the current focus from responding to fires to fire prevention, the development of a risk-based approach to the determination of fire cover standards in keeping with best international practice, the introduction of a competency based approach to recruitment, retention and career progression and the enhancement of health, safety and welfare programmes within the fire service. This strategy will be outlined formally to the stakeholders early in 2005 with a view to building support for it by all of the parties. The priority at this stage in regard to modernisation of the fire service is to use available resources to bring about direct improvements in the areas I have just outlined.
In 2004, €19 million has been provided for fire services capital projects in line with the recommendations of the review report. No other moneys were spent this year in the implementation of the review.
Recycling Policy.
John Gormley
Ceist:301 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce a tax on plastic bottles similar to the tax on plastic bags; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33591/04]
Successful deposit and refund schemes operating internationally for beverage containers are generally located in those countries where there has been no break in the continuity and cultural tradition of deposit and refund arrangements. This is not the case in Ireland and there would now quite likely be significant costs involved in re-establishing deposit and refund arrangements here. Account would also have to be taken of the possible impact on existing compliance arrangements. Given that these arrangements are achieving the desired result in relation to meeting the recycling targets, the introduction of an environmental levy or a deposit and refund scheme for plastic bottles is not under consideration.
The local and regional waste management plans now being implemented provide for a significantly increased network of bring facilities to facilitate increased collection of recyclables, including plastic bottles. Receptacles for the deposit of such containers are already in place in a number of areas. My Department is at present engaging with local authorities, Repak and other relevant stakeholders regarding the possibility of incorporating plastic containers in the kerbside green bin collection services presently provided to over 560,000 households nationally. Such arrangements, if introduced, offer significant potential for increased recovery of plastic containers.
Dublin Docklands Development Authority.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:302 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1256 of 29 September 2004, the reason this Deputy has not to date received copies of the agenda or minutes of Dublin Docklands Development Authority council meetings as requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33642/04]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1256 of 29 September 2004, which was intended to clarify for the Deputy and other local parliamentary representatives that the Dublin Docklands Development Authority would, on request, make available to them copies of the agenda and minutes of future meetings of its council.
While it would be appropriate for parliamentary representatives to contact the docklands authority about this matter, I have now made arrangements with the authority to have these papers circulated to the Deputy.
Public Relations Contracts.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:303 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a person was ever employed by a company (details supplied) before that person was appointed in later years as his communications consultant; if this information was required to be declared under any ethics legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33643/04]
Different communications consultancies have been engaged by my Department over a number of years. As far as I am aware, none of these consultants has declared any interest in the company referred to. A declaration under ethics legislation would not be applicable to external consultants.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Jerry Cowley
Ceist:304 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of housing associations in the State which are involved in the provision of housing for older persons with intellectual disadvantage and for persons with serious ongoing mental health problems, that will allow them to live independently in the community; the way in which such housing can be effectively accessed by relevant organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33644/04]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Under the voluntary housing capital assistance scheme, accommodation may be provided for persons with special needs such as the elderly, homeless or persons with disabilities. The scheme is not designed to provide nursing home or accommodation where residents would require extensive medical, nursing or institutional type care. However, some housing projects, which require a higher ratio of carers to residents than the usual single caretaker to allow for independent living, may be provided through a shared funding arrangement between the housing authority concerned and the relevant health board. Assistance towards the cost of care and support services provided in sheltered housing over and above those normally required in housing management are a matter for the health board concerned.
There are currently 594 voluntary bodies with approved status from my Department, who may seek assistance to provide accommodation for eligible categories of persons. My Department's involvement relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The administration of the voluntary housing scheme and the certification that particular projects comply with the terms of the scheme are the responsibility of local authorities and any proposals to meet housing needs should be submitted for consideration to the relevant local authority.
Closed Circuit Television Systems.
John McGuinness
Ceist:305 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a grant will be made available to Kilkenny County Council to provide closed circuit television security at bring centres and bottle banks to assist in their fight against illegal dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33645/04]
My Department has received a request from Kilkenny County Council seeking grant assistance for the provision of closed circuit television security at their recycling facilities. This proposal is currently being examined. It is expected that further allocations of grant assistance will be announced early in 2005.
Local Authority Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:306 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding which was given to Wexford County Council for the local improvement scheme for the past five years; the basis on which it has been distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33646/04]
The allocation for 2004 and payments for each of the years 2000 to 2003 to Wexford County Council under the local improvement scheme, LIS, are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
LIS Payments |
|
€ |
|
|
2000 |
92,086 |
|
2001 |
189,737 |
|
2002 |
214,642 |
|
2003 |
214,642 |
|
2004 (Allocation) |
235,613 |
Funding for the local improvement scheme is considered in the context of the overall provision available for non-national roads and the number of LIS applications on hands in each county at the end of the previous year.
Local Authority Staff.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:307 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reserve functions of councillors which have been withdrawn from them in recent years; and if he plans to confer new powers to invigorate local democracy. [33648/04]
The information requested, with effect from 1999 and in so far as it relates to my Department, is set out in the table below.
Local elected members have a wide range of reserved functions, details of which are outlined in my Department's booklet, Local Government and the Elected Member, June 2004. A copy of this publication has been placed in the Oireachtas Library. The conferral of further reserved functions on elected members is being kept under review in the context of the development of the various codes of legislation under which local authorities operate and more generally in the ongoing local government modernisation programme.
In relation to my proposals for the development of local government, including the enhancement of the role of elected members, I refer to the replies to Questions Nos. 12 and 37 of 9 December 2004 and Questions Nos. 25, 34, 101 and 216 of 4 November 2004.
|
Act |
Section |
Action |
|
Waste Management Act 1996 |
22 |
Amended by Section 4 of Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001 which provided that the making of a waste management plan is an executive function. |
|
Protection of the Environment Act 2003 |
26 |
Provided that the review, variation or replacement of a waste management plan is also an executive function. |
|
Protection of the Environment Act 2003 |
52 |
Provided that the making of a waste charge and the exercise of the power of waiver of any such charge is an executive function. |
Certain powers available to elected councils in sections 138 to 140 of the Local Government Act 2001 have been limited in relation to the statutory procedures which govern waste management planning and local authority own development.
Local Authority Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:308 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money allocated to Wexford County Council in the years 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004; and the schemes and purposes for which funding was granted. [33691/04]
Information on the outturn for the years 1999-2003 and the provisional allocation-estimated expenditure for 2004 of funding provided by my Department to Wexford County Council in respect of the main programmes is set out in the following table.
|
Programme |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004* |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Main Housing Capital Programmes |
7,099.178 |
8,740.089 |
10,968.595 |
13,655.793 |
19,711.348 |
17,390,750 |
|
Non-National Roads** |
9,989.512 |
10,276.554 |
11,248.648 |
12,239.796 |
12,592.418 |
12,714.613 |
|
Water & Sewerage Services |
10,928.981 |
7,215,292 |
14,533,898 |
20,665.736 |
20,012.867 |
7,256.503 |
|
Urban & Village Renewal |
66,026 |
114,538 |
308,269 |
104,960 |
403,903 |
195,800 |
|
LFG — General Purpose Allocations |
10,072.462 |
10,669.136 |
12,798.692 |
13,295.995 |
15,021,831 |
16,899,923 |
|
Library Services |
98,189 |
281,606 |
45,308 |
172,085 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fire Services |
77,396 |
406,650 |
340,394 |
720,787 |
334,489 |
335,460 |
*Provisional
**Includes LGF funding
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:309 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an application for grant aid from Kildare County Council towards the reconstruction of local roads in the Straffan area as a special measure in the context of the Ryder Cup in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33727/04]
A special Exchequer grant of €2.5 million has been allocated to Kildare County Council in 2004 in respect of improvements to the road between Barberstown crossroads and the Straffan road and the road between Kill interchange and Straffan village. I intend to announce allocations for 2005 early in the new year.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Michael Ring
Ceist:310 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to a water scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo including a breakdown of each stage of the project, that is, when the stage started, the cost of same and when it was completed; the stage it is at now; the expected final completion date; and the projected total cost on completion of the project. [33793/04]
The Ballina regional water supply storage-mains scheme, estimated to cost €7.957 million, is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 as a scheme to commence construction in 2005. Mayo County Council's contract documents for the scheme are under examination in my Department and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
Michael Ring
Ceist:311 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo, including a breakdown of each stage of the project, that is, when the stage started, the cost of same and when it was completed; the stage it is at now; the expected final completion date; and the projected total cost on completion of the project. [33795/04]
The Killala sewerage scheme, estimated to cost €5.3 million, is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 as a scheme to commence construction in 2005. Further consideration will be given by my Department to Mayo County Council's contract documents for the scheme on receipt of the information requested from the council in April 2004.
Michael Ring
Ceist:312 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo, including a breakdown of each stage of the project, that is, when the stage started, the cost of same and when it was completed; the stage it is at now; the expected final completion date; and the projected total cost on completion of the project. [33796/04]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 632 and 650 of 17 November 2004.
Michael Ring
Ceist:313 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position on a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo including a breakdown of each stage of the project, that is, when the stage started, the cost of same and when it was completed; the stage it is at now; the expected final completion date; and the projected total cost on completion of the project. [33797/04]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 640, 652, 653 and 673 of 17 November 2004.
Animal Welfare.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:314 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a hunt (details supplied) in County Cork is licensed; the terms of such a licence in particular, if it specifies the areas in which participants may hunt; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there have been repeated complaints regarding the activities of this hunt, including it crossing farmlands without permission, entering fields in which heifers are in calf, cutting fences and entering game sanctuaries. [33798/04]
The hunt referred in question is a fox hunt. A licence, under the Wildlife Acts 1976 and 2000, is not required for the hunting of non-protected species, such as foxes.
Departmental Staff.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:315 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the persons who accompanied him on his visit to Glasgow in February 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33804/04]
My predecessor, Deputy Cullen, visited Edinburgh in February 2003 for discussions on planning policy issues with the Scottish Minister for Social Justice, Ms Margaret Curran, MSP. The Minister was accompanied by the Consul General of Ireland in Scotland, Ms Mary Moylan, the assistant secretary of the planning division, the Department's press officer, and his private secretary. The Minister also visited the Glasgow area to look at retail development.
Questions Nos. 316 to 319, inclusive, answered with Question No. 298.