Vol. 600 No. 3
9 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, further to Question No. 189 of 1 December 2004, the means by which translators were selected for inclusion on the list of translators; the means by which further translators will be added to this list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11406/05]
As indicated in my reply to Question No. 189 of 1 December 2004, Foras na Gaeilge has initiated a process by which a quality assurance system will be put in place for private sector translation services. For the information of the Deputy, Foras na Gaeilge recently published a notice in the media inviting submissions in relation to this matter. When in place, this quality assurance scheme will be of important practical assistance to public bodies that need to source external translation services. It is and will remain the responsibility of third parties to inform themselves of the translation services available and to satisfy themselves as to the quality and value for money of the services on offer.
In relation to the list referred to, the position is that my Department maintains a list of translators for internal use and has made it available to other public bodies on request. Translators who wished to have their names placed on the list did so by writing to my Department with their contact details. The inclusion of a translator on this list neither purported to be nor constituted a recommendation or an endorsement by my Department of any translator listed. The list will be superseded by the quality assurance system being put in place by Foras na Gaeilge.
10 D’fhiafraigh Ms O’Sullivan den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an raibh cainteanna aige go fóill leis an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta ar an méid a bhí le rá ag an gCoimisinéir Teanga faoi easpa cumais nó easpa líofachta sa Ghaeilge i measc an oiread sin d’fhostaithe an Státchórais; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [11386/05]
Dírím aird an Teachta ar na freagraí atá tugtha agam cheana féin inniu maidir leis na tuairimí agus moltaí atá nochtaithe ag an gCoimisinéir Teanga ina Thuarascáil Tionscnaimh a foilsíodh le déanaí.
Maidir leis an gceist áirithe atá ag an Teachta, bíonn teagmháil rialta agam leis an Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta, mar a bhíonn le mo chomhghleacaithe eile sa Rialtas. Mar a mhínigh mé cheana, cuirfear Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla i bhfeidhm ar bhonn céimnitheach, i gcomhréir le héilimh ón bpobal ar sheirbhísí ar leith agus bheifí ag súil, mar sin, go dtiocfaidh feabhas dá réir ar chumas na hearnála poiblí seirbhísí a sheachadadh trí mheán na Gaeilge thar thréimhse ama. Mar chuid lárnach den phróiseas forbartha sin, beidh sé riachtanach díriú ní amháin ar an gcóras scolaíochta, ach freisin ar dheiseanna a chruthú do dhaoine atá fostaithe cheana féin chun feabhas agus snas a chur ar a gcuid Gaeilge.
Tá mo Roinnse ag obair, ní amháin leis an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta, ach le Foras na Gaeilge, Gaeleagras na Seirbhíse Poiblí, An Foras Riaracháin agus institiúidí tríú leibhéal chun a chinntiú go gcuirfear leis an soláthar sainchúrsaí dírithe ar riachtanais na hearnála poiblí i ndáil le cur i bhfeidhm an Achta.
11 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, further to Question No. 135 of 24 March 2005 and following the third meeting of Foras Na Gaeilge in March 2005 and the examination of the various submissions by officials of his Department, if he will reconsider his position regarding the non-publication of these submissions in view of the urgent need to engage the public at large in the debate regarding the development of an Irish language plan and related short-term priority issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11405/05]
The third meeting of Fóram na Gaeilge is due to take place on 28 April 2005.
As the Deputy is aware, I have already asked members to submit their views in relation to the development of an Irish language plan and related short-term priority issues. There has been a good response to this from the members and officials of my Department are currently examining the various submissions.
The position in relation to publication of the submissions at this time is set out in my previous reply referred to by the Deputy.
12 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position with regard to applications from his Department to the central applications facility in regard to the decentralisation of his Department; if there has been an improvement on the 157 applications received up to February 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11381/05]
Notification of 157 applications was received by this Department on 15 February 2005. These applications included staff's first preferences only. The Deputy will be aware that the CAF system remains open on an ongoing basis and that staff can continue to apply or change their preferences as they wish. No further update on applications has been received from CAF since that date.
13 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of projects which received funding under the young people’s facilities and services fund in 2002, 2003 and 2004; the number of young persons who benefited from activities funded in these years; the success of this fund in diverting at risk young persons away from substance misuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11465/05]
As the Deputy is aware, the young people's facilities and services fund, YPFSF, was set up in 1998 to assist in the development of youth facilities, including sport and recreational facilities, and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. The main aim of the fund is to attract "at risk" young people in disadvantaged areas into these facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance misuse. To date, approximately 450 facility and services projects are being supported under the fund.
As part of the first round of allocations of the YPFSF — 1999-2003, over €68 million was allocated to support the development of almost 300 facility and services projects. The vast majority of this funding was allocated to projects in local drugs task force areas. A further €15.7 million was allocated under the second round of the fund during the course of 2004 bringing the total allocation under the fund to date to almost €85 million.
Through the funding allocated under round II, a number of new dedicated youth and community centres will be built in areas such as Darndale in north Dublin, Ballyfermot in west Dublin, Knockmitten in Clondalkin, Brookfield in Tallaght, Ballywaltrim in Bray and Knocknaheeny in Cork city. In addition, the Deputy should note that: grants for a wide and diverse variety of youth work projects across the 14 drugs task force areas were approved under round II; and substantial funding was allocated towards the staffing and operational costs of a number of the large-scale youth-community centres built under round I and which have been completed in the last 12 to 18 months. These include St. Catherine's in Dublin's south inner city, John Paul Park Centre in Cabra, Finglas Youth Centre and Donnycarney Youth and Community Centre.
The City of Dublin Youth Services Board, CDYSB, and County Dublin VEC manage the vast majority of service provision under the YPFSF. The years 2002 and 2003 were, in the main, capacity building periods for services supported through the fund. I can say, however, that in that period approximately 3,000 young people per annum availed of services provided through these agencies. The majority of the larger facilities allocated funding under round I were completed towards the end of 2003 and this, along with the additional allocations made under round II, will allow for a marked increase in the number of young people availing of the services and facilities funded through the YPFSF in the coming years.
It is fair to say that the most significant achievement of the fund to date has been the provision of high quality services and facilities in areas where, traditionally, there had been very little. Many of these areas had virtually nothing in the way of facilities up to recently and very little in the way of activities to offer young people. I believe the facilities being supported have the potential to become active and vibrant places in the communities where young people can find positive alternatives to drugs.
The challenge now facing the projects being funded as part of the YPFSF is to increase their usage to the maximum extent possible. I am satisfied that the procedures that have been put in place through organisations and communities involved with the fund will ensure this happens in the coming years.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that there will be a further round of capital funding under the YPFSF in LDTF areas in 2005. The applications are currently being assessed and I hope to make allocations in the next month or two. I am confident that through this additional funding the valuable work undertaken by the fund to date can be further consolidated and built on.
14 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the initiatives he intends to take over the course of the next year to promote rural development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11408/05]
The rural development goal of my Department is to promote and maintain living and working populations in rural areas by helping to foster sustainable and culturally vibrant communities there. In that context, my Department's rural development initiatives in the next year will include: continued implementation of the CLÁR and Leader programmes and the rural social scheme; implementation of the farm electrification grant scheme, for which I recently assumed responsibility from the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; advancing the work of Comhairle na Tuaithe; working in close co-operation with the Department of Agriculture and Food and the EU Commission in the negotiations on the adoption of the draft EU Regulation on Rural Development for the period 2007-2013; consideration, in co-operation with relevant Departments, of action on the review of rural enterprise supports; support of projects under the rural development fund; promoting debate and progressing rural development issues through the national rural development forum; continuation of cross-Border co-operation in rural development; leading the rural development co-ordinating committee under the NDP; participation as appropriate in interdepartmental committees on issues appropriate to rural development such as the national spatial strategy; continuation of support to the Western Development Commission in the discharge of its functions; and reviewing and updating priorities to be addressed under the White Paper on Rural Development.
15 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the total resources accruing to his Department from the dormant accounts fund for expenditure in 2005; the extent to which he intends to combat urban and rural disadvantage on foot of these resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11394/05]
The Deputy will be aware that disbursements from the dormant accounts fund are for the purpose of assisting three broad categories of persons — those who are economically or socially disadvantaged; those who are educationally disadvantaged and persons with a disability. Decisions on the disbursement of funds from dormant accounts moneys are currently a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, an independent body established under the Dormant Accounts Acts.
To date, the board has approved 475 projects for funding totalling approximately €51.5 million from the initial total allocation of €60 million. In accordance with the board's disbursement plan, the bulk of this funding is initially being targeted at those areas, urban and rural, designated as most disadvantaged.
To date, the only resources from the dormant accounts fund which have accrued directly to my Department were in respect of funding for the rural social scheme. In July 2004, following consultation with the board and in accordance with the terms of the Dormant Accounts Act 2001 as amended, €10 million from the fund was transferred to my Department to partly finance the rural social scheme. The rural social scheme provides ongoing income and employment support to small farmers and fishermen who can no longer make a viable living from such work and is one that fully meets the objectives of the dormant accounts scheme.
The Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 was published on 24 June 2004 fulfilling a commitment given by Government in December 2003 following its review of arrangements in relation to dormant accounts funding. The Bill is currently before the Oireachtas and, inter alia, provides for significant changes to the disbursement process and for the establishment of a reconstituted board.
16 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the measures being taken by his Department in responding to the recent Law Reform Commission consultation paper on charitable trusts. [11436/05]
113 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which he proposes to act upon the Law Reform Commission’s recent recommendations concerning charitable trusts. [7060/05]
I propose to take Question Nos. 16 and 113 together.
In 2004, the Law Reform Commission agreed to assist and advise my Department on addressing issues raised in the section on Governance in my Department's consultation paper on establishing a modern statutory framework for charities, as these relate to charitable trusts.
On 16 February 2005, I launched the consultation paper on charitable trust law reform, which had been prepared by the Law Reform Commission. The deadline for submissions is tomorrow, 15 April 2005. The public consultation, on the basis of this consultation paper, represents the first stage in a two-stage process.
That process involves first, a consultation paper — the stage that the proposals on charitable trust law reform are at — and then a report. As a consultation paper is intended to form the basis for discussion, the recommendations, conclusions and suggestions contained in it are provisional. The Law Reform Commission proceeds to make its final recommendations in a report following the public consultation and further consideration of the issues.
In that context, the Deputy will appreciate that consideration of follow-up action as regards charitable trust law would be premature at the present time.
17 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if discussions at EU level with regard to the official status of the Irish language have been concluded; if not, when he expects these discussions to finish; the situation on this issue; if he is continuing to liaise with the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11403/05]
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to Question No. 459 on Tuesday last, 12 April 2005.
As I have indicated on a number of occasions in this House, it would not be appropriate for me to make any public comment on the detail of the ongoing discussions with our partners and the institutions in the EU until they have been brought to a conclusion.
18 D’fhiafraigh Mr. M. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén tairbhe a thagann as an íocaíocht bhliantúil leis an mBiúró Eorpach do Theangacha Neamh-fhorleathana; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [11389/05]
Tá maoiniú curtha ar fáil ag mo Roinnse don Bhiúró Eorpach do Theangacha Neamh-Fhorleathana go rialta le blianta beaga anuas, agus tá maoiniú curtha ar fáil don Bhiúró arís i mbliana ar bhonn sealadach.
Is iad na príomh-spriocanna atá ag an mBiúró do 2005 ná: leanúint le heolas a chur ar fáil agus a roinnt maidir leis na dteangacha neamh-fhorleathana i gcomhthéacs obair na n-institiúidí Eorpacha agus tionchar na n-institiúidí sin ar na teangacha; seimineáir, comhdhálacha agus cruinnithe eile a eagrú maidir le cúrsaí teanga; saineolaithe teangacha neamh-fhorleathana a chur i dteagmháil lena chéile; agus forbairt a dhéanamh ar an ionad nuachta Eurolang.
Mar thoradh ar athbhreithniú atá déanta ag an mBiúró féin, tugtar dom go bhfuil sé i gceist go mbeidh an Biúró ag plé le teangacha eile an AE as seo amach, teangacha gur teangacha náisiúnta iad ach gur teangacha beaga iad ar scála domhanda san áireamh. Coimeádfar ról na heagraíochta faoi athbhreithniú chomh maith ó thaobh dul chun cinn stádas na Gaeilge san AE.
19 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the success of the rural social scheme to date; the number of participants on the scheme; if he has satisfied himself with the level of awareness of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6968/05]
The scheme, the details of which were announced in May 2004, accepted its first participants in July 2004 and the numbers have been increasing steadily since then. I consider that substantial progress has been made in this period of time. There are currently 1,461 participants on the rural social scheme. There are 36 implementing bodies throughout the country and of those so far 32 have commenced projects under the scheme to date.
In addition, all 36 implementing bodies are continuing their work in ensuring that there is a high level of awareness of the scheme in their communities. I also continue to avail of opportunities regularly to raise awareness about the scheme in relevant public fora.
I expect the participant numbers will continue to increase and that all 2,500 will be availed of in the near future.
20 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the CLÁR programme; the expenditure he anticipates in this regard for the remainder of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11402/05]
32 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he intends to extend the CLÁR area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11281/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 32 together.
I introduced the CLÁR programme in October 2001 to address depopulation, as well as the decline and lack of services in rural areas. Areas in 18 counties, with a population of 362,000, have been selected under the programme, including areas I announced in January 2003 in light of the 2002 population census data. This honoured the commitment to review in An Agreed Programme for Government. Areas included are those that suffered the greatest population decline from 1926 to 2002 with an average population loss of 50%. The exception is the Cooley Peninsula, which was included on the basis of the serious difficulties caused there by foot and mouth disease.
There are no plans for any further review of the boundary of CLÁR areas. I can also confirm that no other significant areas fulfil the population criteria for inclusion in CLÁR.
CLÁR funds or co-funds, together with other Departments, State agencies and local authorities, investment in selected priority developments. These investments are made through a series of more than 20 measures, which support physical, economic and social infrastructure such as electricity conversion, roads, water and sewerage, village, housing and schools enhancement, health, broadband and sports and community projects. The measures reflect the priorities identified by the communities in the selected areas I consulted at the start of the programme.
The measures were agreed with and are, for the most part, operated in tandem with the lead Departments, State agencies or public utilities, as appropriate. This ensures efficiency and effectiveness and meets the needs of the people in the CLÁR areas. I intend to continue this practice for new measures I may introduce, depending on identified needs. Equally, I will keep the operation of existing measures under review.
The merits of this practice are reflected in the successful delivery of the programme and vividly demonstrate that relatively small amounts of public funding, specifically targeted, can have a profound and positive impact in disadvantaged rural areas. Expenditure under the programme amounted to €14.14 million in 2002, €8.613 million in 2003 and €12.116 million in 2004 which, it is estimated, levered out a further €36.5 million in related public and private expenditure in those three years.
The Estimates provision for 2005 is €13.7 million. Expenditure in the first quarter was just €1 million and I am confident that, once again, a comprehensive work programme will be completed this year and that the balance of the allocation will be expended.
21 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding his promised review into the functions of Údarás na Gaeltachta. [11442/05]
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 103 on 9 Samhain 2004, it is proposed to clarify and update issues in relation to the functions of Údarás na Gaeltachta and to consolidate the existing body of legislation.
Arising from the public consultation process which I initiated earlier this year, more than 60 responses have been received from various organisations and individuals. These are being evaluated by officials of my Department. I hope to be in a position to bring proposals to Government later this year.
22 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to recent comments from the Dublin city coroner that heroin remains one of the greatest social problems in society; the latest initiatives he has taken to combat heroin use in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11400/05]
As the Deputy is aware, my Department has overall responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008. The strategy contains 100 individual actions, under the four pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research, to be implemented by a range of Departments and agencies. In this regard, I am aware of the recent comments made by the Dublin city coroner with regards to heroin use.
The Deputy should note that the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, NACD, for which my Department has responsibility, published a study on the prevalence of opiate misuse in Ireland in May 2003. The study found that there were 14,452 people opiate users in Ireland in the year 2001 — the latest date for which figures are available. It estimated that there are 12,456 opiate users in Dublin, which is a reduction of approximately 1,000 on the previous figures for 1996. I am sure the Deputy will agree that the reduction identified is encouraging, as is the finding that the numbers of users in the 15 to 24 years age bracket has reduced substantially, which may point to a lower rate of initiation into heroin misuse.
Despite these encouraging trends, I am aware that heroin use remains a very serious issue and in this regard, the Government is committed to working in partnership with communities most affected by drug misuse through the local and regional drugs task forces. The implementation of the 100 actions in the national drugs strategy remains a key priority and, in this context, efforts are continuing to increase the availability of treatment and rehabilitation options for heroin misusers.
These and other issues featured prominently in the mid-term review of the drugs strategy which is currently being finalised. I will be bringing the report of the steering group on the review to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion for consideration at the end of this month.
23 Mr. English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when he expects the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy to be completed; his views on whether changes to the strategy are necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11461/05]
25 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy. [11434/05]
45 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in view of the publication of the report of the steering group overseeing the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy, he has finalised his recommendations to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11378/05]
54 Mr. English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is satisfied with the findings of the recently published national drugs strategy progress report; the measures he intends to take to address shortcomings identified in the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11462/05]
I propose to take Question Nos. 23, 25, 45 and 54 together.
As the Deputies are aware, my Department has overall responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008. The strategy contains 100 individual actions to be implemented by a range of Departments and agencies.
In this regard, a progress report covering the first three years of the strategy, up to mid-2004, was published in late March 2005. The report, which was compiled by my Department with input from the key stakeholders involved in the strategy, looks at the nature and extent of drug misuse in Ireland drawing on relevant research. It also highlights a number of key areas where progress has been made across the four pillars of the strategy as well as looking at developments in relation to other drugs initiatives such as the local drugs task forces and the young people's facilities and services fund. Both these initiatives are funded by my Department.
The Deputies will also be aware that a mid-term review of the drugs strategy is currently nearing completion. The review was overseen by a steering group, chaired by my Department, and made up of representatives from a number of relevant Departments and agencies as well as the community and voluntary sectors. The group was tasked with examining the overall progress made to date in implementing the strategy and with identifying future priorities for the remaining period up to 2008. The relevance of the strategy in tackling the current nature and extent of drug misuse in Ireland, including emerging trends, was also examined. The findings from the progress report fed into the mid-term review process.
The steering group has now completed its work and its report was submitted to the inter-departmental group on drugs, which I chair, on Monday last, 11 April 2005. It is planned that the report will be discussed by the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion at its next meeting on Wednesday, 27 April 2005. I hope to be in a position to publish the report during May.
24 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to criticisms of his decision to withdraw funding from the Community Workers Co-operative following the closure of CWC at the beginning of April 2005; if he intends to restore funding to the Community Workers Co-operative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11399/05]
27 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of the most recent meeting that occurred between his Department and the Community Workers Co-operative. [11429/05]
37 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on whether his recent decision to cut funding to the CWC will undermine its ability to work on behalf of the community and voluntary sector; if he will consider reversing this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11463/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 27 and 37 together.
I dealt comprehensively with this issue in the House already. I refer the Deputies in particular to my replies to Questions Nos. 4 and 5 of 22 February and Nos. 360 and 367 on 22 March 2005.
Since the decision to discontinue funding under the national anti-poverty networks programme was communicated to the CWC on 17 December 2004, my Department has facilitated the CWC by holding a series of separate meetings with its representatives.
At the most recent meeting the CWC was afforded the opportunity to again raise questions about the decision to respond to the view that it does not represent any identifiable group or community experiencing disadvantage and to hear the responses of the Department and the Minister.
I am fully satisfied, therefore, that the CWC has been afforded exhaustive access to appeal the decision. I do not believe the group has demonstrated a basis for reversing my decision at any of these meetings.
26 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in relation to his Dáil reply of 22 February 2005, he will elaborate on his comment that people coming to this country tend to be open to the idea of learning not only English but Irish as well; the evidence he has to back up these claims; if he has statistics to confirm such conclusions; the basis on which he makes this comment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11395/05]
33 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in relation to his Dáil reply of 22 February 2005, he will elaborate on a comment of his (details supplied); the evidence he has to back up these claims; if he has statistics to confirm these conclusions; the basis on which he made this comment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11396/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 33 together.
I cannot accept the proposition inherent in the Deputies' questions that a public representative may not be permitted to make statements of informed opinion — whether by way of reply to questions in this House or otherwise — without having carried out a qualitative survey or statistical analysis beforehand. The statements I made in my supplementary replies to Question No. 14 on 22 February 2005 are on the record of the House. As statements of opinion, they are informed by my experience, both personally as a public representative and as Minister with responsibilities for Irish language issues. They are statements which appear reasonable and accurate to many people involved in Irish language issues and require no further explanation.
28 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding recent problems in Waterways Ireland; if this North-South body will be allowed to develop tourism on waterways here in a competent and professional manner. [9149/05]
An investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment and related matters in Waterways Ireland has been jointly carried out, with the consent of the parties involved, by independent investigators appointed by my Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in the North. The report of the investigators has been submitted to the Departments and its conclusions and recommendations have been considered and accepted by the Departments. The actions to be taken following the findings of the report have been agreed by the Departments with the chief executive of Waterways Ireland.
On 4 April 2005, my Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure issued a joint statement on the matter, which has been copied to the Deputy. It is not proposed to make any further comment about the investigation.
With regard to the tourism role of Waterways Ireland, I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 373 of 22 March 2005.
29 D’fhiafraigh Ms Burton den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta conas is féidir le duine clárú mar aistritheoir i dtreo is gur féidir leis an duine sin dul ar an liosta aistritheoirí Béarla-Gaeilge atá ar fáil ón Roinn; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [11384/05]
I dtosach báire, ní miste dom a mhíniú go bhfuil Foras na Gaeilge i mbun próisis faoi láthair chun córas creidiúnaithe d'aistritheoirí a fhorbairt don earnáil phríobháideach aistriúcháin. Mar eolas don Teachta, bhí fógra oifigiúil ón bhForas sna meáin le déanaí ag lorg aighneachtaí faoin ábhar seo. Nuair a bheidh an córas sin i bhfeidhm, is cinnte gur cúnamh praiticiúil fíor-thábhachtach a bheidh ann do chomhlachtaí poiblí a bheidh ag iarraidh úsáid a bhaint as seirbhísí ó aistritheoirí príobháideacha. Ar ndóigh, is gnó do chomhlachtaí poiblí iad féin a shásamh maidir leis na seirbhísí aistriúcháin atá ar fáil, chomh maith le caighdeán agus luach ar airgid na seirbhísí sin.
Maidir leis an liosta d'aistritheoirí a bhfuil tagairt déanta ag an Teachta dó, is amhlaidh go bhfuil liosta aistritheoirí d'úsáid inmheánach curtha i dtoll a chéile ag mo Roinnse ach go gcuirtear an liosta ar fáil d'aíochtaí eile san earnáil phoiblí má thagann siad á lorg. Ní ghlacann mo Roinnse aon fhreagracht maidir le caighdeán na n-aistritheoirí ar an liosta sin agus ní chóras clárúcháin atá i gceist. Is amhlaidh gur sheol na haistritheoirí a bhfuil a n-ainmneacha ar an liosta a gcuid sonraí teagmhála chuig mo Roinn in éindí le hiarratas go gcuirfí ar an liosta iad. Ar ndóigh, tógfaidh an córas creidiúnaithe atá idir lámha ag Foras na Gaeilge áit an liosta sin ar ball.
30 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le foireann a dhílárnúón Roinn, cén líon státseirbhíseach óna Roinn, agus a ngrád, a léirigh suim i ndílárnúón Roinn i mBaile Átha Cliath go dtí na hionaid atá roghnaithe ar fud na tíre agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [11424/05]
Tuigfidh an Teachta, ar ndóigh, go bhfuil an próiseas díláraithe in aon Roinn Stáit ag brath ar an dul chun cinn atáá bhaint amach ag an nGrúpa Forfheidhmithe Lárnach.
Léirigh 45 duine atá fostaithe i mo Roinn féin suim i ndílárnúón Roinn i mBaile Átha Cliath go dtí Ranna eile ar fud na tíre, briste síos mar seo leanas:
|
Príomhoifigeach Cúnta |
5 |
|
Ardoifigeach Feidhmiúcháin |
14 |
|
Oifigeach Riaracháin |
2 |
|
Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin |
11 |
|
Oifigeach Cléireachais |
12 |
|
Oifigeach Logainmneacha |
1 |
|
Iomlán |
45 |
Chomh maith leis sin, chuir oifigigh de chuid mo Roinne-se i mBaile Átha Cliath, lasmuigh de réimse na hard-bhainistíochta, iarratais isteach chun dílárú le mo Roinnse mar seo leanas:
|
Oifigeach Cléireachais |
2 |
|
Oifigeach Seirbhíse |
1 |
|
Iomlán |
3 |
|
Cnoc Mhuire |
|
|
Ardoifigeach Feidhmiúcháin |
2 |
|
Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin |
3 |
|
Oifigeach Cléireachais |
1 |
|
Ardoifigeach Seirbhisí |
1 |
|
Iomlán |
7 |
31 D’fhiafraigh Ms O’Sullivan den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cathain a rinne an Rialtas an cinneadh tír fhíor-dhátheangach a chruthú ina mbeidh Gaeilge agus Béarla ag formhór an phobail agus ina mbeidh Gaeilge agus Béarla in úsáid acu go laethúil ar fud na tíre; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [11388/05]
Tá stádas tugtha don Ghaeilge mar chéad teanga náisiúnta i mBunreacht na hÉireann, ar ghlac an pobal léi i reifrinn sa bhliain 1937, agus, ár ndóigh, roimhe sin i mBunreacht an tSaorstáit ó 1922. Mar sin, ní ceist í seo faoi chinneadh a bheith déanta ag an Rialtas, nó ag aon Rialtas ar leith roimhe seo, ach ceist maidir le feidhmiú beartais phoiblí ar bhonn leanúnach ó bunaíodh an Stát. Tá dualgas bunreachtúil, mar sin, ar chuile Rialtas an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn mar an teanga náisiúnta agus mar theanga bheo, labhartha.
Mar is eol don Teachta, gan amhras, rinne an Rialtas seo cinneadh an Bille Teanga a chur ar aghaidh. Is í an chuspóir is mó atá ag Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla ná a chinntiú go mbeidh seirbhísí poiblí ar fáil i rogha teanga oifigiúla an tsaoránaigh. Thar thréimhse ama, cinnteoidh an tAcht ar bhonn céimnitheach go mbeidh réimse níos mó de sheirbhísí poiblí ar fáil as Gaeilge agus cuirfear dá réir le húsáid na Gaeilge ar bhonn laethúil ar fud na tíre.
34 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in view of the current Exchequer surplus, he intends to fully meet the funding commitments originally set out in the White Paper on Voluntary Activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11464/05]
I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 63 on 14 December 2004. As I indicated in that response, while the broad principles of the White Paper remain, it is appropriate that the mechanisms for addressing these be adjusted to appropriately reflect wider developments including contextual, programme and structural changes.
In any event, current funding commitments to support certain community and voluntary activity exceed the €9 million projected in the White Paper as the following appendix indicates.
Appendix
Under the funding scheme to support the role of federations, networks and umbrella bodies, 32 groups are currently being funded totalling €5.48 million over three years. Under the funding scheme for training and supports, 20 projects are currently being funded totalling €1.83 million over three years. The national anti-poverty networks are being funded to a total of €4.1 million over three years. The Department is funding volunteering through its existing grants to three volunteer groups totalling €829,595 over a three year period. In the new volunteering package, announced in March 2005, core funding will be provided to six further volunteer bureaux totalling €900,000 over the next three years. A further €500,000 of local area partnership funding is being ring-fenced for measures that encourage volunteers and volunteering. A further €500,000 of the Department's cohesion fund will be spent on measures that will promote volunteers and volunteering locally. Funding totalling €600,000 is being provided to support the young social innovators programme, including the annual showcase awards, over three years. Funding totalling €330,000 over three years is also being provided to the DIT community learning programme, CLP, which is an example of a new teaching method called service-learning and, works by integrating classroom learning in any subject with suitable volunteering activity.
35 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason grant money given in error by Údarás na Gaeltachta has not been sought back in return. [11437/05]
In my replies to previous questions on this matter and in particular to Question No. 40 on 14 December 2004, I set out the position in regard to the grant paid by Údarás na Gaeltachta to the company in this case. That position remains unchanged.
36 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proposals he has to make available a national volunteering passport which will provide a useful record of voluntary activity over the lifetime of a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11398/05]
53 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions he has had with the Department of Education and Science in regard to locating volunteering centres on the campuses of third level institutions to ensure the comprehensive exposure of young persons to the voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11404/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 53 together.
The questions raised relate to recommendations contained in the recent Joint Oireachtas Committee Report on Volunteers and Volunteering in Ireland.
Deputies will be aware from my reply to Questions Nos. 305 and 308 of 8 March 2005 that I have introduced a package of measures to provide immediate support for volunteering, including measures directed at promoting volunteering in second and third level institutions. These measures will strengthen and promote volunteering as we develop a comprehensive long-term national policy in consultation with communities and players in the sector. It is in this context that the issues raised by the Deputies and other proposals raised in the joint Oireachtas committee report can best be addressed. In this context, I will discuss relevant matters, as they arise with the Minister for Education and Science.
38 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the benefits to a person who avails of the rural social scheme; and if he will make a statement on the uptake to date of the places on the scheme. [11410/05]
The rural social scheme was introduced in 2004 to provide directly improved rural services and at the same time, within a working arrangement compatible with farming or fishing, secure an income and employment support for farmers and fishermen who can no longer make a viable living from such occupations.
The scheme was designed specifically for farming and fishing families and its operations and structures are operated in a manner to facilitate them. The scheme recognised that farmers and fishermen have a wealth of experience and talents that need to be preserved for future generations and these talents are being harnessed for the good of the community. The scheme focuses on the provision of direct services in the community.
The rates of payment for those transferring from farm assist, unemployment assistance and unemployment benefit, if previously on a community employment scheme, are the same as that for community employment. If a participant's current social welfare payment includes a reduced rate for an adult dependant, then the equivalent will be paid on the rural social scheme.
Participants in receipt of disability allowance continue to receive their disability allowance payment from the Department of Social and Family Affairs, along with a payment from the rural social scheme budget.
In addition to a participant's primary farming and fishing work and their participation in the rural social scheme, they may also undertake other employment which may yield an average payment of up to €88.88 per week.
There are currently 1,461 participants on the scheme. There are 36 implementing bodies throughout the country and of those 32 have commenced projects under the rural social scheme to date.
39 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta go dtí seo maidir le stádas oifigiúil a bhaint amach don Ghaeilge san Aontas Eorpach. [11425/05]
Dírím aird an Teachta ar an bhfreagra a thug mo chomhghleacaí, an tAire Gnóthaí Eachtracha, do Cheist Uimh. 10827/05 ar an Mháirt seo caite, 12 Aibreán 2005.
Mar a thug mé le fios sa Teach seo cheana, ní bheadh sé cuí domsa tagairt phoiblí a dhéanamh maidir le sonraí na gcainteanna a leanann fós lenár bpáirtnéirí agus leis na Institiúidí san AE sula dtagann siad chun críche.
40 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the range of youth projects funded under the community based youth initiative strand of the local development social inclusion programme; the number of such projects funded in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11466/05]
I am informed that in 2004, 1,673 initiatives were supported under the community based youth initiatives sub-measure of the local development social inclusion programme. I understand that these initiatives covered a wide range of activities under the following broad categories: 174 projects providing early childhood education, learning and developmental opportunities; 541 projects aimed at preventing early school leaving; 132 projects addressing the needs of early school leavers; 87 projects supporting access to further and third level education; 463 projects promoting developmental youth work; 161 research, information and dissemination initiatives; and 115 training initiatives for trainers.
41 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an aontaíonn sé liom gur cheart na giorruithe i mbuiséad Údarás na Gaeltachta a chealú chun níos mó tacaíochta a chur ar fáil do na ceantair Ghaeltachta. [11426/05]
Tá soláthar iomlán de €34.33 million curtha ar fáil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta don bhliain 2005. Is méadú 3.4% é seo ar an tsuim a cuireadh ar fáil i 2004. Ag cur san áireamh an fáltas a gheofar ó fhoinsí eile, mar shampla, ioncam ó fhoirgnimh ar cíos agus ó sheirbhísí, maraon le teacht isteach ó dhíol sócmhainní, aisíoc deontas agus fáltais eile, tá mé sásta go mbeidh sé ar chumas an Údaráis a chuid spriocanna forbartha i leith na Gaeltachta a bhaint amach.
Meabhraím don Teachta freisin go bhfuil soláthar de €23.6 million vótáilte do mo Roinnse i 2005 le caitheamh ar scéimeanna tacaíochta éagsúla sa Ghaeltacht, ina measc scéimeanna tithíochta, feabhsúcháin, cultúrtha agus sóisialta, gan trácht ar €15.8 million atá ar fáil do na hoileáin, a bhfuil an mhórchuid dá ndaonra sa Ghaeltacht.
42 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if delays on promised funding from his Department to non-governmental organisations are occurring; and if so, the reason therefor. [11451/05]
Every effort is made to ensure that no delays occur in releasing funds to voluntary organisations to whom grants have been committed by my Department.
I am not aware of any major difficulty in this area. However, if the Deputy has any details in relation to any specific applications, I would be glad to have the matter examined.
43 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action he is taking to roll out three-phase electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8071/05]
The availability of three-phase electricity supply is a matter for the electricity sector and not one in which I have a function.
However, my Department administers the farm electrification grant scheme, which subsidises the installation of electricity supply to farms located in disadvantaged areas, which are without supply or where supply is inadequate to facilitate their development and modernisation. Both single-phase and three-phase installations are eligible for assistance under the scheme.
Financial assistance for the conversion to three-phase electricity is provided also under the CLÁR programme which is operated by my Department. The objective of the programme is to address depopulation as well as decline and lack of services in rural areas. CLÁR funds the cost of the customer contribution to the ESB for conversion from single-phase to three-phase electricity for small businesses and enterprises in CLÁR areas with no more than ten employees. The maximum CLÁR funding is €15,000. The businesses must have been previously in receipt of assistance — financial or mentoring, but not earlier than 1 October 1997 — from the county enterprise board, Údarás na Gaeltachta or LEADER group.
46 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the recent Teagasc report undertaken with assistance from Údarás na Gaeltachta, Galway Rural Development Company, Galway County Council and the partnership group, Cumas, on five rural communities in County Galway. [11431/05]
I launched the report of the Teagasc study on 4 April. The aims of the study, which examined five disparate rural communities in County Galway, were to identify different types of rural area and different household types, to examine how areas and households adjust to change and how different policies and service delivery agencies support or hinder adjustment. I welcome the publication of the study and believe it will play a role in informing rural development policy in the future. Studies such as this are useful in providing a research-based analysis of issues relevant to rural policy development. The study is particularly relevant at this time as we prepare for the 2007 to 2013 round of EU structural funding.
47 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he intends to improve funding to the various areas originally envisaged under the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11393/05]
The position is generally as set out in my reply to Question No. 280 on 22 February 2005. Since giving that reply, €1.5 million has transferred from the Department of Health and Children to co-fund the development of playgrounds. Accordingly, the amount of funding to support small-scale proposals in RAPID areas in 2005 has increased from €6 million to €7.5 million.
48 D’fhiafraigh Mr. M. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an aontaíonn sé gur beag an tairbhe do chaomhnú agus forbairt na Gaeilge iachall a bheith ar Ranna Stáit agus ar Chomhlachtaí Stáit cáipéisí agus tuarascálacha gur beag duine a léann an leagan Béarla a aistriú go Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [11387/05]
I dtosach báire, ba mhaith liom a mhíniú don Teachta gurb é ant-aon dualgas reachtúil atá ar chomhlachtaí poiblí faoi láthair maidir le haistriú cáipéisí go Gaeilge ná an dualgas a thiteann orthu faoi Alt 10 d'Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003.
Faoi Alt 10, tá dualgas ar chomhlachtaí poiblí cionroinnt an-teoranta d'eochair cáipéisí a aistriú, mar shampla, tuarascálacha bliantúla agus cáipéisí a leagann amach tograí beartais poiblí ar nós páipéir uaine nó bán. Is eochair cáipéisí iad seo ina bhfuil comhlachtaí poiblí freagrach don gnáth-phobal, dá gcustaiméirí, agus dúinne mar bhaill den Oireachtas maidir le comhlíonadh a ndualgas phoiblí.
Tá dhá theanga oifigiúil sa tír seo agus feictear domsa — go deimhin, bhí gach éinne sa Teach seo ar aon intinn faoi seo nuair a bhí an tAcht seo á phlé againn mar Bhille — go bhfuil an ceart ag an saoránach cáipéisí don chineál seo a bheith ar fáil sa dá theanga oifigiúil.
Anuas ar sin, ba mhaith liom a rá, mar atá a fhios ag an Teachta go rí-mhaith, go bhfuil méadú ar na meáin Gaeilge le blianta beaga anuas, gan trácht ar mic léinn, srl., a bhaineann agus a bhainfidh úsáid rialta as na cáipéisí seo. Ní fíor a rá agus ní glacaim leis gur beag an tairbhe don Ghaeilge agus do lucht labhartha agus úsáide na teanga cáipéisí dá leithead a bheith ar fáil i nGaeilge. Is a mhalairt ar fad de thuairim a bheadh agam mar go dtugann siad deis don teanga téarmaíocht nua a chruthú agus cruthaíonn sé freisin gur féidir leis an teanga maireachtáil mar theanga beo san saol teicneolaíochta, cumarsáide seo.
Mar fhocal scoir, ní miste dom a chur i gcuimhne don Teachta go bhfuil stádas mar theanga oifigiúil agus oibre san AE á lorg don Ghaeilge ag an Rialtas — agus ag an bhfreasúra féin — faoi láthair, rud a chiallóidh go mbeidh níos mo cáipéisí ná riamh á n-aistriú go Gaeilge ag leibhéal na hEorpa.
49 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason he cannot give a definitive date for the publication of the draft charities legislation; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties which the ongoing delay in this respect is having for the entire charities sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11379/05]
As I have informed the House on a number of occasions, reform of the law relating to charities will be brought forward in accordance with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government. Given that the charities sector has never been regulated in this country since the foundation of the State, moves towards regulation of the sector have only recently begun to be taken following the establishment of my Department in June 2002, and the draft legislation will be very substantial in size, as it will involve statute law revision and restatement in addition to the new legislative provisions to regulate the charities sector, the Deputy's comments regarding both an ongoing delay and resultant difficulties for the charities sector are not accepted.
We have a unique opportunity to put in place a modern statutory framework for charities. The legislation under preparation in my Department will be designed to meet the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government, the public good, and the needs of the sector. While, as I recently informed the House, it would not be possible at this stage for me to predict with certainty that the best estimate, which I gave last year, of end 2005 for publication of the draft Bill can be met, I can assure the Deputy that work on preparation of the draft legislation is proceeding as speedily as possible and that it continues to be given high priority within my Department.
50 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the need for a scheme to deliver cheaper group water scheme projects in non-CLÁR but rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11409/05]
Policy on the implementation of group water schemes is primarily a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and any proposal by me to introduce a scheme on the lines referred to by the Deputy would, of course, require the agreement of that Minister. As Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, I recognise the success of the CLÁR top-up measure in facilitating the provision of water supply to households in the most disadvantaged rural areas. Last year, I introduced a similar measure for Gaeltacht areas. I am considering the need for a comparable measure for other rural areas of low population density.
51 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the scheme of community support for older people and the funding available for same; and the funding which has been and will be made available under this scheme for Bandon community watch. [11282/05]
The scheme of community support for older people encourages and assists local support for older people by means of a community-based grant scheme to improve the security of its older members. Funding under the scheme can be provided for: window locks, door locks and door chains designed to strengthen points of entry to the dwelling; security lighting; smoke alarms; and for the once-off cost of installing socially monitored personal alarm systems. The maximum individual grants available for these items are: €300 in respect of socially monitored alarms; €150 in respect of physical security equipment; €150 in respect of security lighting; and €50 in respect of smoke alarms. The total funding available in the 2005 scheme of community support for older people is €2.8 million.
An application under the scheme of community support for older people was received by my Department from Bandon Neighbourhood Watch in September 2004. Unfortunately the group did not furnish some supporting documentation, necessary to process the application, which had been requested by my Department. The time for receipt of this documentation has now passed and the grant application has accordingly lapsed. However, I recently announced the 2005 scheme open for applications. I have asked my officials to forward a copy of the guidelines and application form to the group in question should it wish to apply under this year's scheme.
52 D’fhiafraigh Mr. O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an raibh cainteanna aige leis an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta ar conas is féidir líon na bpáistí a fhreastalaíonn ar na Coláistí samhraidh a mhéadú go mór; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [11376/05]
Bíonn mo Roinnse i dteagmháil leis an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta go minic faoi na Coláistí Gaeilge Samhraidh sa Ghaeltacht agus tá mé cinnte go leanfar leis an gcomhoibriú sin amach anseo. Mar Aire a bhfuil cúram air i leith na Gaeltachta, déanfaidh mé an méid is féidir liom chun cabhrú leis na Coláistí a bheith níos éifeachtaí. Mar shampla, cheana féin i mbliana: tá an deontas a íocann mo Roinn faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge méadaithe ó €8 go €9 in aghaidh an lae, rud a chabhróidh chun an praghas a thiteann ar thuismitheoirí a choimeád chomh híseal agus is féidir; don chéad uair riamh, íocfaidh mo Roinn an deontas iomlán faoin Scéim do thréimhse an chúrsa i gcás foghlaimeoirí Gaeilge a chuirtear abhaile go luath; agus d'éirigh liom, le cúnamh an tAire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil, saorchead isteach chuig Láithreacha Oidhreachta sa Ghaeltacht féin, nó imeallach léi, a fháil d'fhoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge a bheidh ag freastal ar Choláistí Gaeilge.
Is dóigh liom gur léir ó na figiúirí (breis agus 23,000 foghlaimeoir in aghaidh na bliana le blianta beaga anuas) go bhfuil na Coláistí Gaeilge Samhraidh sa Ghaeltacht an-tarraingteach do thuismitheoirí agus foghlaimeoirí araon. Tá mé cinnte go gcabhróidh na céimeanna atá glactha agam le déanaí chun deimhin a dhéanamh de go leanfaidh an scéal amhlaidh amach anseo.
55 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will work with the relevant Department in increasing funding to the National League of the Blind of Ireland in 2005; and if she will give this group the maximum support. [11614/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal services. This includes responsibility for the allocation of funding to non-government organisations. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
56 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which she expects to be in a position to provide speech therapy in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare. [11635/05]
79 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an up to date assessment will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11637/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 79 together.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal services. This includes responsibility for the provision of speech and language therapy services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
57 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if and when the domiciliary care allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in respect of their child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11502/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for payment of and entitlement to domiciliary care allowance. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
58 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the significant dedicated transport arrangements for cancer patients in the HSE south eastern area that have been put in place. [11503/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of cancer services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the south eastern area of the executive to investigate the matters raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
59 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the radiation oncologist promised in 2003 to Cork University Hospital to cater for patients in the HSE south eastern area as an intermediate measure will be appointed. [11504/05]
As the Deputy is aware, the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of cancer services and the recruitment of consultant staff. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's southern area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
60 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of a designated oncology ward at Waterford Regional Hospital. [11505/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of cancer services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the south eastern area of the executive to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
61 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to respond to the first study of the Irish Hospice Association which found that the two most important requirements of terminal patients are freedom from pain and being near loved ones. [11506/05]
The publication of the report of the national advisory committee on palliative care was approved by the Government and launched on 4 October 2001. The report describes a comprehensive palliative care service and acts as a blueprint for its development over a five to seven year period. I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has provided funding to all the former health boards on a pro-rata basis to commence the development of palliative care services in line with the recommendations in the report.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, HSE, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of palliative care services.
The report recommended that palliative care needs assessment studies should be carried out in each health board area. Information gleaned from these studies, which will include the views of stakeholders including patients and their carers, will inform the future development of palliative care services at HSE level in consultation with the consultative and development committees which have been set up as recommended in the report.
62 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the additional two linear accelerators for Cork University Hospital will be fully operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11507/05]
As the Deputy is aware, the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of cancer services and timelines in relation to the operation of additional radiation oncology capacity. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's southern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
63 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of procedures which have been cancelled each week in Letterkenny General Hospital from 1 January 2005 to date; the reasons therefor; if this is satisfactory for both patients with medical emergencies and for those in need of routine operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11508/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for services at Letterkenny General Hospital. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's north western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
64 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when extra beds will be provided for Letterkenny General Hospital in order to help ease the pressure on the accident and emergency unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11509/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for services at Letterkenny General Hospital. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's north western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
I have identified the delivery of accident and emergency services as a priority area for attention. I have announced a ten-point action plan regarding accident and emergency services which is being financed with €70 million current funding and €10 million capital funding. My Department is liaising with the HSE to progress the implementation of the plan.
65 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11510/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the assessment of applications for medical cards. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the Health Service Executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
66 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the process involved in deciding upon and appointing a hospital consultant; if she is satisfied that this slow system is appropriate at a time when there is a need rapidly to expand the number of consultants to deliver the proposed consultant led services; and her proposals for reforming this system. [11539/05]
My Department no longer has a role in the creation of consultant posts. Since the establishment of the Health Service Executive in January 2005, hospitals and other health agencies seeking consultant posts must apply directly to the National Hospitals Office or Comhairle na nOspidéal for approval of the post and related funding. Accordingly, my Department has asked the director of the National Hospitals Office to investigate the matters raised by the Deputy and to reply directly to him.
67 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received an assessment of gaps in the availability of consultant specialists in paediatric medicine; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no paediatric immunologist here and that patients have to wait over six months to gain access to a specialist from the UK; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that there are only two paediatric gastro-entomologists; and her plans to fill these gaps in paediatric medicine. [11540/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes the provision of paediatric services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the director of the National Hospitals Office at the Health Service Executive to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
68 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when work will be completed to a house under the special housing aid for the elderly for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [11541/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of the housing aid scheme for the elderly in Limerick, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's mid-western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
69 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be called for a cataract operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11542/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. As the person in question resides in County Roscommon, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
70 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the plans for Caoimhe House in Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11553/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the matter raised by the Deputy. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the Health Service Executive's mid-western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
71 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if Irish sign language will be given official status in legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11563/05]
My Department has no plans to introduce legislation regarding sign language.
72 Mr. Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the increase in the number of older persons in the population, consideration will be given to the establishment of a strategic planning group embracing a number of Departments to plan for the changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11576/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, it has been forecast that the percentage of the population aged over 65 will increase to between 18% and 21% by 2031. The Government is aware that our population is ageing and it has already addressed some of these issues in the health strategy, Quality and Fairness: A Health System for You, published in 2001. I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to developing services for older people, both residential and community based, to meet the needs of our growing older population.
The Mercer report on the future financing of long-term care in Ireland, which was commissioned by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, examined issues surrounding the financing of long-term care. A working group chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and comprising senior officials from the Departments of Finance, Health and Children and Social and Family Affairs has been established following on from the publication of the report.
The objective of this group is to identify the policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care, taking account of the Mercer report, the views of the consultation that was undertaken on that report and the review of the nursing home subvention scheme by Professor Eamon O'Shea. This group has been requested to report to both the Tánaiste and Minister for Social and Family Affairs by mid-year 2005. Following this process, it is the intention that there will be discussions with relevant interest groups in relation to the proposals for the future financing of long-term care for older people.
73 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number and location of oncologists in the Health Service Executive western region; the contractual status of the staff in question; the plans she has to review the levels of staffing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11577/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for consultant staffing in the HSE western area. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
74 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a long stay bed will be provided at Castlecomer Hospital, County Kilkenny for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if this case will be expedited. [11578/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of health services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
75 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the national treatment purchase fund can be availed of in regard to mammograms and subsequent treatment when necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11579/05]
The primary purpose of the national treatment purchase fund is to make arrangements for the provision of hospital treatment to those waiting longest for admission to hospital particularly in relation to surgical specialities.
Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has concerns about breast cancer should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area. More than €60 million has been invested in the development of symptomatic breast disease services since 2000. This investment has enabled the appointment of additional surgeons with an interest in breast disease, histopathologists and radiologists to enhance the delivery of breast cancer nationally.
With regard to breast screening, a screening programme is available to women in the 50 to 64 age group in the eastern, north eastern, midland and part of the south eastern regions. The rollout of this programme to the remaining counties in the country is a major priority in the development of cancer services. The rollout requires significant capital and human resources including two static clinical units, mobile screening units, multi-disciplinary consultant teams and radiographers together with technical and administrative support.
A capital investment of €21 million has been approved to construct and equip the two clinical units and to provide for mobile units. The investment will ensure that breast screening and follow up treatment, where appropriate, is available to all women in the target group throughout the country.
Pending the provision of the necessary facilities and staff, I do not believe that the national treatment purchase fund would be in a position to source providers who could provide a service along the lines suggested by the Deputy.
76 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Beaumont Hospital will call a person (details supplied) in County Sligo for treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11580/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. As the person in question resides in County Sligo, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's north western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
77 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11592/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the assessment of applications for medical cards. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the Health Service Executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
78 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will give approval to BreastCheck to advertise in the EU Journal for the design of the Cork and Galway facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11621/05]
My Department is at present considering proposed capital developments for the BreastCheck service at Cork and Galway in the context of finalising the capital investment framework, CIF, 2005-9. This process will be concluded in the near future.
Design briefs in respect of both have now been completed. The advertisement for the appointment of a design team will be placed in the EU Journal, when the CIF has been agreed, in line with overall funding resources available.
80 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11638/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal services. This includes responsibility for the provision of speech and language therapy services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
81 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if the New Leaf Celbridge Mental Health Housing Association in Celbridge, County Kildare, which has exempt charity status, will be afforded full charity status to enable the project to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11516/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Celbridge Mental Health Housing Association Limited has been granted charitable status. There is no separate concept of "full" charity status and the status granted in this case allows for all the exemptions applicable to charities. A charitable body is exempt from income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax, deposit interest retention tax, capital acquisitions tax, stamp duty, probate tax and dividend withholding tax but not from VAT.
82 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the items to be discussed at the upcoming spring meeting of the IMF and World Bank; if he will be raising the proposals to use IMF gold reserves to fund debt cancellation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11532/05]
The items to be discussed at the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund Committee, IMFC, and the development committee are essentially decided by the chairs of those committees and their members. It may also reflect the outcome of the upcoming G7 discussions in Washington the week of 11 April 2005 where the issue of funding for development may be discussed. Ireland is not a member of either committee.
However, the provisional agenda for the IMFC indicates the following will be considered: the global economy and financial markets; shaping of the IMF's strategic direction; and support for low-income members' efforts towards poverty reduction and strong sustainable growth, together with progress reports on a number of initiatives. Items on the provisional agenda for the development committee includes the Global Monitoring Report 2005, financing the development agenda and voice and participation of developing and transition countries.
IMF members have not reached any agreement on the merits or otherwise of the various suggestions made by NGOs and others relating to gold reserves. It is probable that no formal proposal for the sale of gold held by the IMF will be put forward and this subject is likely to continue in discussion, especially as a number of states are likely to oppose any such initiative. In relation to debt issues, I refer to recent answers on this subject to parliamentary questions in the past week.
83 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance, further to Question No. 371 of 26 January 2005, if the OPW has yet acquired a site for the new office of Ordnance Survey Ireland in Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11572/05]
The Office of Public Works is at the final negotiation stage on the acquisition of a suitable site for the decentralisation programme in Dungarvan and it is expected that this process will be concluded at an early date.
84 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the estimated tax take from domestic rental accommodation income in 2002, 2003 and 2004; and his estimate of the comparable tax take for the same years for Dublin city. [11574/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant information currently available is based on income tax returns filed for the income tax years ending 5 April 2000, 5 April 2001 and the short tax year ending 31 December 2001. This is set out as follows:
|
Year ended 5th April or 31st December as specified |
Estimated Tax Yield |
|||
|
The Whole Country |
Dublin City Only |
|||
|
Individuals |
Companies |
Individuals |
Companies |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
5/4/2000 |
137 |
80 |
51 |
51 |
|
5/4/2001 |
152 |
103 |
39 |
64 |
|
31/12/2001 |
140 |
117 |
32 |
74 |
The rental income could come from either private tenants or business tenants. Data is not available to distinguish between income from private rental accommodation and from other accommodation. An estimated breakdown of the figures on a geographical basis is available on the basis of bailiwick which means, in this case, the jurisdiction or boundaries within which Revenue sheriffs, county registrars or their officers operate for the purposes of enforcement of tax debt. It equates geographically with counties while also providing separate breakdowns for city and county in the case of County Dublin and County Cork.
In considering the data it should be borne in mind that the allocation by city or county of PAYE employees is somewhat misleading because it has been the practice to associate each employee with the city or county in which his or her employer is registered for PAYE purposes, regardless of the address of the actual workplace or of the individual's home address. Self-employed persons are associated on the tax record with the address at which the business is located, which may be in a different city or county to the home address. Similarly, companies are associated on the tax record with the county address of the head office or branch with which contact is established for tax purposes, which may be different to the city or county addresses of other branches.
It should be noted that, as PAYE taxpayers were charged tax on their earnings in the period from 6 April to 31 December 2001 and self-employed taxpayers were assessed to tax for the short "year" on 74% of the profits earned in a 12 month accounting period, the figures will not be directly comparable with those of earlier years.
85 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the details of all capital spending on infrastructure under the NDP each year from 2000 to the end of 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11601/05]
Capital infrastructure investment under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 is primarily delivered through the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme, ESIOP. Total spending to date under the ESIOP is on target, and had exceeded €19 billion by the end of 2004, which is approximately 107% of the forecast expenditure for the period 2000-04. The NDP's ESIOP investment is delivering major improvements to the economic and social infrastructure throughout the country in the areas of roads, public transport, environmental infrastructure, sustainable energy, housing and health. The table shows the spend under each priority of the ESIOP for the period 2000-04.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
Total |
|
|
€ million |
€ million |
€ million |
€ million |
€ million |
€ million |
|
|
National Roads |
611 |
911 |
1,093 |
1,221 |
1,352 |
5,188 |
|
Public Transport |
456 |
490 |
524 |
585 |
496 |
2,551 |
|
Environmental Infrastructure |
459 |
571 |
504 |
490 |
402 |
2,426 |
|
Sustainable Energy |
4 |
5 |
9 |
13 |
14 |
45 |
|
Housing |
848 |
1,326 |
1,615 |
1,531 |
1,457 |
6,777 |
|
Health |
> 294 |
> 374 |
> 504 |
> 510 |
> 503 |
> 2,185 |
|
Total |
2,672 |
3,677 |
4,249 |
4,350 |
4,224 |
19,172 |
*Figures per ESIOP Monitoring Committee Reports.
The 2004 data is provisional and will be formally reported to the ESIOP monitoring committee meeting at the end of April 2005. The table shows the expenditure from all funding sources, Exchequer and non-Exchequer.
In addition to the above spending on national infrastructure, over the period 2000-04, some €2.4 billion has been spent under the local infrastructure priority of the two regional operational programmes. This spend relates to non-national roads and local environmental infrastructure.
86 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance, further to Question No. 181 of 22 March 2005, his views on the introduction of an aviation fuel tax in the EU for the purposes of reducing emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11619/05]
I have nothing to add to my reply of 22 March 2005 at this stage.
87 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that An Post employees have only received the first phase of the Sustaining Progress agreement and have not received any cost of living increase since 1 February 2003, while other State and semi-State employees have received increases and applicable benchmarking. [11534/05]
I am aware that An Post employees have not received increases provided for under the Sustaining Progress agreement from November 2003 to date. An Post is a commercial State body and the question of pay increases in the company is one in which I have no function. An Post has a remit to be financially viable and, following significant losses that amounted to €43 million in 2003 alone, An Post management invoked the inability to pay clause provided for in Sustaining Progress.
The key challenge for the company is to return to long-term financial stability. In this regard, An Post unions and management are involved in intensive negotiations with the assistance of the State's industrial relations machinery in a bid to agree a recovery plan that will put the company on a sound footing. The question of Sustaining Progress related payments is being addressed in the Labour Relations Commission-brokered process. An agreement on a viable recovery plan will enable An Post to deliver quality services to our citizens, while at the same time providing sustainable well-paid employment for its staff.
88 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has to provide further services to rural post offices. [11549/05]
The primary responsibility for the development of the post office network remains with An Post and while the Government will support the network in any way it can and has demonstrated its commitment in a tangible fashion with a €12.7 million capital injection in 2003, the way forward is for stakeholders to continue to work with An Post in enhancing existing services and building on existing strengths to develop new product offerings. On foot of substantial investment in computerisation, a significant amount of extra business has already been obtained for the network in terms of banking and utility business.
The post office also enjoys a strong relationship with sections of the population that are currently unbanked, including many social welfare clients. With the rollout of e-Government services, the post office is ideally placed to capitalise on opportunities arising in this space, especially in the area of e-payments.
The post office network has significant strengths, including an unrivalled network and high brand name recognition. Clearly, arising from these strengths, there are continuing opportunities for the company to seek additional private and Government business.
89 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the unavailability of broadband in most parts of Dublin north west; and the action he is taking to ensure that this critical infrastructure is provided in the area. [11606/05]
I understand that the telephone exchanges serving most parts of the Dublin north west area have been enabled for the provision of DSL broadband and a number of service providers are marketing DSL in the area, subject to line survey.
While the principal broadband technology in use in Ireland is digital subscriber line, DSL, which is also the situation in most European countries, there are technical limitations to the delivery of broadband along telephone lines. DSL is always marketed subject to availability and line quality, and if a particular telephone line cannot carry DSL, other technologies must be considered, such as wireless, cable modem or fibre-based broadband.
My Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie, gives full details of the service providers offering broadband in the Dublin north west area, including DSL, wireless and satellite service providers. The website also gives comparative details of prices and service levels on offer.
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market. Recent press announcements by some of the major service providers indicate a considerable increase in availability of broadband generally. I expect these trends to continue.
90 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will work with his EU colleagues to achieve changes to the European Commission’s proposals for economic partnership agreements to reduce the negative impact of EPAs upon developing countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11531/05]
The economic partnership agreements, EPAs, which are to enter into force by 1 January 2008, are an integral element of the legally-binding Cotonou Agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific, ACP, states and the European Union.
Economic partnership agreements are first and foremost instruments for development that will foster the smooth and gradual integration of ACP states into the world economy, with due regard for their own political choices and their own development priorities, thereby promoting their sustainable development and contributing to poverty eradication in the ACP countries. They combine trade and wider development issues in a unified framework, while taking account of the specific economic, social and environmental circumstances of each regional group and its component states.
As trade is a European Community competence, it is the European Commission which conducts the negotiations on the EPAs between the EU and six regional groupings of ACP states on behalf of the member states. The Commission provides the Council with regular updates on the progress of the negotiations.
Ireland is satisfied that the Commission is discharging its mandate in accordance with the provisions of the Cotonou Agreement and in a manner which is sensitive to the particular concerns of the ACP states. We are actively following the developments in the EPA negotiations process and will continue to do so.
91 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) is now resident in south Florida, USA, expecting asylum; and if he will raise this matter with the US authorities and the UN. [11622/05]
I am aware of media reports that Mr. Luis Posada Carriles has recently entered the United States and that a lawyer acting on his behalf has stated that he is seeking asylum there. Such an asylum application is a matter for the US authorities, and it would not be appropriate for me to raise the matter with either these authorities or with the United Nations.
92 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on correspondence (details supplied); his proposals to deal with the matter; the action or representations made in regard to global week by his Department or the contacts made with the stated non-governmental organisations in relation to their proposals in regard to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11644/05]
The letter enclosed with the Deputy's parliamentary question refers to global action week organised by Trade Justice Ireland and the need to address trade issues from the perspective of developing countries. I support this and similar initiatives in whatever way possible.
Ireland strongly believes that developing countries, and especially least developed countries, must be provided with the means to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the global trading system. The Government is committed to the successful conclusion of the current WTO negotiations, known as the Doha development agenda. Since the launch of the WTO Doha Round of negotiations, Ireland along with our partners in the European Union has sought to ensure that the round should promote development objectives. We will continue to take this approach to the WTO Hong Kong ministerial meeting next December.
The EU has a number of preferential trade relationships with least developed countries. The most important is in the framework of the ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement with 77 countries mainly from Sub-Saharan Africa, but also the smaller Caribbean and Pacific states. This provides access to EU markets on preferential terms for exports from these countries. Another important trade link is the 2001 Everything but Arms initiative which grants least developed countries very wide access to EU markets with transitional arrangements applying in the case of bananas, rice and sugar. The ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement and the Everything but Arms initiative results in Europe being the main global importer of exports from least developed countries.
I wish to reiterate that the Government remains strongly committed to achieving the UN target for expenditure on ODA. The issue of how best to meet the target and in what timeframe is under ongoing review. Furthermore, I feel it is important to point out that Ireland, unlike many donors, has successfully focused its aid programme on the needs of the poorest people in the poorest countries. Ireland is in fact one of only six countries to have surpassed the UN target of 0.15% of GNP in official development assistance to least developed countries.
93 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a grant application (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11566/05]
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
94 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding Dublin Tourism; and if he will take steps to ensure its continuation as it is presently structured. [11613/05]
95 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Fáilte Ireland proposes to dismantle Dublin Tourism following a consultants report undertaken by PWC; if the promotion of tourism for the regions can best be done in a centralised manner; his views on whether the Dublin region requires separate tourism promotion unit; the steps he proposes to take to enable Dublin Tourism to continue in its present form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11643/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 95 together.
There has been a major reform of Irish tourism structures in recent years with the setting up of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. Reform of the function, role and operational structure of regional tourism is the third and final leg of that reform process.
As the Deputies are aware, I have no direct responsibility in relation to the most appropriate regional structures for the discharge of Fáilte Ireland's functions and the relationships and arrangements that should apply at regional level. This is effectively a day to day matter for Fáilte Ireland itself.
I am in a position to inform the House however that, in line with the tourism action plan set out in the report of the tourism policy review group, Fáilte Ireland has been deliberating on this issue. Last year, it commissioned PriceWaterhouseCoopers, PWC, to conduct a major consultancy study of regional tourism structures as the authority seeks to determine how best to carry out its new development mandate countrywide.
I received a letter yesterday from the chairman of Fáilte Ireland enclosing a copy of the PriceWaterhouseCoopers consultancy report and indicating that the authority endorsed the recommendations in the report at its meeting on Thursday, 7 April. I have also been advised that as far as the Dublin region is concerned, the authority has decided that there will be a further short engagement with the relevant parties in order to satisfy the Dublin region that the mechanisms of consultation are complete. This process will be facilitated by a small independent group chaired by Mr. John Travers.
It has been evident for some time that Irish tourism faces a number of challenges to secure and sustain its past success. I outlined to the House recently the steps being taken to achieve as wide as possible a distribution of visitor numbers across the different regions with an associated spread of tourism revenue and of my concern, at a time of overall national tourism growth, that the issue of regional spread should be proactively and energetically addressed.
I have been informed by Fáilte Ireland that the PWC report highlights the need for a much wider brief for regional tourism, playing a strategic rather than administrative role and inputting into national policy. It recommends a greatly increased emphasis on targeted marketing, product development and enterprise support. It suggests establishing an integrated linkage between regional tourism strategy and national policy and exploiting synergies to leverage increased resources.
I will, over the coming weeks, consider fully the policy implications of the authority's recommendations on foot of the report, the outcome of the further consultation process in relation to the concerns expressed about the future role of Dublin Tourism and the views of the industry. Basically, I want to ensure that we have the most efficient and effective regional structures to service the needs of the visitor and the needs of the industry. At present, we have somewhat fragmented structures to do that and it is not always clear that they represent the most effective use of energy and resources.
96 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if correspondence (details supplied) from the Mid-West Regional Authority has been brought to his attention; if he will meet the group involved as matter of urgency and prior to making any decision on the future of the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11511/05]
97 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a meeting will be rearranged with the Mid-West Regional Authority in relation to the future of the Shannon Development Company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11527/05]
102 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will meet a delegation from the Mid-West Regional Authority as requested on 15 December 2004. [11609/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 97 and 102 together.
I am aware of the correspondence from the Mid-West Regional Authority and, earlier this year, agreed to meet its representatives at a mutually convenient time to discuss their concerns about the future of Shannon Development. While it has not proved possible to hold this meeting in the intervening period, there is no question of its having been cancelled and consequently no need to rearrange it. In the meantime Shannon Development has submitted a strategy document outlining its vision of the future role of the company. My Department is currently engaged in a detailed examination of these proposals.
98 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the existing provisions in relation to granting permission to work to the spouses of persons with entitlement to work here, in relation to giving long-term status to non-national persons who have worked a number of years here and who seek to commit to a permanent career here, and in relation to the balance between persons working here on working permits versus working visas; and the way in which he plans to develop a policy in the coming years in relation to these issues. [11528/05]
The spouse of a national from outside the European Economic Area, EEA, is eligible for an employment permit in the State. In accordance with normal practice, the would-be employer must make an application and demonstrate that the position cannot be filled from within the EEA. This entails advertising the position with FÁS for a period of one month. Recently, applications are only granted in respect of highly skilled and highly paid employment.
Special provisions were introduced in May 2004 that gave greater ease of access to employment to the spouses of those under the working visa-working authorisation scheme, the intra-company transfer concessions and spouses of those who had a work permit as a researcher, an academic or a medical health and social care professionals. In such cases, the employer in question is not required to advertise the position with FÁS in advance of making a work permit application and the payment of the work permit application fee is waived in this case. Such positions may be in categories that would generally be considered ineligible for work permits.
Naturalisation and residency are the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
There are more than 25,000 persons working in Ireland under valid work permits and there could be as many as 10,000 persons working under the working visa-work authorisation scheme. Irish economic migration policy is based on the skill needs of the economy and future policy in this area will be predicated on Ireland's economic needs.
99 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the groceries order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11564/05]
The Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order was designed to regulate the grocery sector in Ireland in 1987. The order contains a number of provisions aimed at curbing anti-competitive practices such as the selling of grocery goods at "below net invoice price", "hello money" and boycotting. The order covers all grocery goods as well as intoxicating liquor and other household goods ordinarily sold in grocery shops. It does not cover fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, fresh and frozen meat, and fish. Enforcement of the order is the responsibility of the Director of Consumer Affairs.
I recently received the report of the consumer strategy group which has made recommendations on a wide range of consumer issues including the groceries order. I am discussing the group's findings with my Government colleagues and arrangements will be made to publish the report as soon as possible.
Once the report is published, I intend to consult with all interested parties in regard to the groceries order. I am also aware of the findings of the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business in its recent report on the impact of the grocery multiples. I will take the views of all interested parties into consideration before deciding how to proceed in the matter.
100 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the consumer strategy group report will be forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11565/05]
The consumer strategy group presented its final report to me on 2 March 2005. I am considering the report and its recommendations in conjunction with my colleagues in Government. I expect to publish the report and will announce my proposals in regard to progressing the recommendations in the coming weeks.
101 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the regulations, EU or otherwise, which relate to the manufacturing of chargers for mobile phones, video cameras, laptops and other such equipment; if there is any legislation which empowers him or the EU to force industry to make chargers common to many different devices; if so, if he will set it out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11608/05]
I understand there is no specific EU directive or national regulations applicable to chargers for electrical equipment. However, provisions of the low voltage directive, the electromagnetic compatibility directive, the general product safety directive and the National Standards Authority of Ireland (section 28) (Electrical Plugs, Plug Similar Devices and Sockets for Domestic Use) Regulations 1997, apply to the manufacture of chargers. These directives and regulations are primarily concerned with the safe operation of these devices.
I am not aware of any regulations, national or otherwise, which would force manufacturers to produce chargers suitable for use with multiple electrical devices.
103 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding Irish companies operating in the Florida area of the USA; the way in which Irish citizens can contact them when in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11610/05]
It is not possible to comment on the position of Irish companies operating in the Florida area. However, it is possible that a number of Enterprise Ireland's clients are operating in the area. Individuals wishing to make contact with such clients should route their queries through Enterprise Ireland in Dublin, at Enterprise Ireland, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 or by telephoning 01 808 2000. Alternatively, Irish business representative organisations such as the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland, the Irish Exporters Association, IBEC, ISME etc. may also be able to provide some limited contacts.
104 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs lost in 2004 and 2005 on the north side of Dublin; and the number of jobs created or major investments made on the north side of Dublin. [11611/05]
The twin issues of job creation and investment by companies supported by the enterprise development agencies are day to day matters for the relevant agencies, and not matters with which I am directly involved.
Data on jobs lost and created in 2005 is not yet available with regard to companies supported by IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland or the 35 city and county enterprise boards.
IDA report that in 2004 there were 251 IDA supported companies employing 23,420 permanent employees in north County Dublin, including north city and county, compared with 256 IDA supported companies employing 23,284 people in 2003. There were 2,596 job losses in IDA supported companies in the area in 2004.
Enterprise Ireland report on the Dublin region as a whole. In 2004 there were 46,991 people employed full time in 2,038 Enterprise Ireland assisted companies in the Dublin region, and 5,406 employed part time. The number of jobs lost in the Dublin region in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in 2004 was 6,048, and the number of jobs gained 3,627, giving a net decrease of 2,221.
With regard to the county and city enterprise boards the Dublin City Enterprise Board had net job losses of 17 in 2004 and Fingal County Enterprise Board had a net gain of 94.5 jobs. With regard to major investments on the northside of Dublin, IDA Ireland report that in 2004 Lucent Technologies, through Bell Labs, invested €69 million to create a global headquarters for research into telecommunications and supply chain technologies, and also an academic centre for telecommunications value chain driven research. The new research centre is located in Lucent's Blanchardstown facility. A centre for telecommunications value-chain-driven research, CTVR, headquartered at Trinity College, is also planned.
In 2004 IBM Corporation announced a €22 million investment to significantly develop its Irish R&D software facility, IBM Dublin Software Laboratory, in Santry, Dublin.
Also in 2004 Kellogg's announced plans to establish an operations centre in Swords, County Dublin to service its growing European market. The project will provide employment for up to 80 people in functions such as marketing, sales, supply chain management, finance, treasury and human resources. In addition NYMEX, the largest commodity exchange in the world, opened a new trading floor in Dublin's Financial Services Centre.
As part of its strategy to support job creation Enterprise Ireland has approved over €27 million in 2004, and to date in 2005 €4.3 million in funding for its client companies in the Dublin region in support their plans for innovation and new product development.
Since 2004 to date Enterprise Ireland has approved €1,676,594 for Dublin City University, principally for commercialisation of research and for direct collaboration projects with industry.
105 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason diesel fuel oil prices at filling stations have exceeded petrol prices; if there is some particular or specific reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11636/05]
Since the beginning of the year there have been significant increases in both the wholesale and retail price of petrol and diesel products, caused by a combination of strong demand, tight capacities, political uncertainty and some market speculation. Ireland has no control over world oil prices. I am not aware of any particular reason the price of diesel oil may have exceeded the price of petrol, neither do I have any detailed information on the comparative retail prices of the two fuels.
The policy of the Government on oil products generally is to promote competition and consumer choice. There is no price control on these products and in common with most other goods and services price differences are an ongoing feature of the market economy. It is a matter for retailers to explain price differences where they occur and my Department encourages consumers to raise price concerns directly with retailers.
While fuel may not be subject to price control, the Retail Price (Diesel and Petrol) Display Order 1997, which is enforced by the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, requires persons selling diesel and petrol products to specify the price per litre being charged and to display their prices in a clear and prominent manner. The order enables consumers to readily compare prices and purchase their fuel on the basis of an informed choice.
106 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review his refusal of basic supplementary welfare allowance on habitual residency grounds in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11591/05]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The executive has advised that the person concerned applied for supplementary welfare allowance after she left her direct provision accommodation at the end of December 2004. Her application was refused on the statutory grounds that she was not habitually resident in the State. She has been unsuccessful in appealing this decision to an executive appeals officer. She was informed by the executive of her right of further appeal to the social welfare appeals office, but I understand from that office that she has not done so to date.
107 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the one parent family allowance will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11497/05]
One of the qualifying conditions for one parent family allowance is that a person be separated for at least three months. On examining the application of the person concerned, it was noted that she separated from her partner on 10 March 2005 and, therefore, her claim cannot be considered at this time.
If the circumstances of the person concerned do not change before 10 June 2005 it will be open to her to reapply for the allowance. All papers received to date will be filed awaiting further developments.
108 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if and when rent support is likely to be made available in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has special health needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11639/05]
The position remains as set out in my reply to Question No. 174, which I answered for the Deputy on 25 November 2004.
The relevant office of the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive has again advised that it has no record of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. If he wishes to apply for a rent supplement he should contact the community welfare officer at his local health centre for an assessment of his eligibility.
109 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to the respite care grant that was announced in the budget for persons who were not in receipt of the carer’s allowance, the location at which the grant can be applied for; when they can be applied for; the application forms which are needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11642/05]
In budget 2005, I announced the extension of the respite care grant scheme to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of means and subject to certain qualifying conditions.
The respite care grant will continue to be payable to recipients of carer's allowance, carer's benefit, prescribed relative allowance, constant attendance allowance and domiciliary care allowance. Carers who do not qualify for a grant under one of these schemes may now obtain a grant if they and the person for whom they are caring satisfy certain conditions.
The grant, which is being increased to €1,000, will be payable from 2 June 2005 in respect of each qualifying person for whom full-time care is being provided.
From early May, application forms and information leaflets will be available throughout my Department's network of local offices and will also be available from citizens' information centres. In addition, they may be requested by telephone from my Department or by downloading them from my Department's web site.
An extensive publicity campaign is planned for the end of this month and will include advertisements in both provincial and national newspapers as well as posters in various centres and offices. Officials of my Department have already briefed representatives of carers' organisations about the scheme. These organisations will in turn be providing information to their members.
My Department is setting up a special section to deal with this scheme. Arrangements are being put in place to ensure applications are processed efficiently and in a timely manner. As part of these arrangements a post office box number will be assigned to the scheme for easy processing of applications. A dedicated freefone help-line will be operated to coincide with the publicity campaign.
110 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the status accorded to Weston Airport, Leixlip, County Kildare; if it has attained code 1, 2 or 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11520/05]
Weston Airport is a privately owned aerodrome, the licensing requirements for aerodromes is a matter for the Irish Aviation Authority and not something in which I have a function.
111 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if the rail incident on the Dublin-Rosslare line which occurred on 6 April 2005 will be examined by the rail safety commission; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11536/05]
I understand that the Interim Railway Safety Commission has already been in contact with Iarnród Éireann about this incident and will monitor closely the company's internal inquiry. If this monitoring reveals issues of importance to railway safety, the Interim Railway Safety Commission will take appropriate action.
112 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport further to the increases in road fatalities in 2005, the reason the Government-appointed expert group on road safety has not met in over six months; when this group intends to meet again; the Government’s views on whether it will reach all the targets set out in the national road safety strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11583/05]
The high level group on road safety, which is chaired by my Department and comprises representatives of all Departments and agencies that provide input into road safety policy generally, is mandated with responsibility for the development of the road safety strategy and for monitoring its delivery. The group, which meets about four times each year, is scheduled to hold its next meeting later this month. The period since the last meeting of the group has featured the delivery of significant progress on a number of road safety related initiatives. Those initiatives have included the enactment of the Road Traffic Act 2004 and the establishment of the new Garda traffic corps.
The high level group will now focus on the advancement of other key initiatives identified in the strategy, such as the further rollout of the penalty points system. Achieving the main target set in the strategy would see road deaths reduced to a level of not more than 300 by the end of 2006. The scale of the task facing the high level group in realising that target can be measured against the fact provisional figures show that in 2004, 380 people died on our roads. The rate of fatalities in 2004 has so far been replicated and indeed slightly exceeded in 2005. This clearly implies that the efforts of all agencies must be focused on halting this worrying trend and then reversing it in the period between now and the end of 2006.
The efforts of the Garda traffic corps to bring about the deterrent effect associated with high levels of enforcement will be critical in this regard.
114 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent by which he expects to address any issues of urban or rural disadvantage in County Kildare by way of proceeds from the dormant accounts fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11623/05]
115 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent by which projects in County Kildare have received assistance from the dormant accounts fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11624/05]
I propose to take Question Nos. 114 and 115 together.
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 274 on 22 February, decisions on the disbursement of funds from dormant accounts moneys are currently a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, an independent body established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. The board engaged Area Development Management Limited, ADM, to administer the initial round of funding on its behalf which involves the disbursement of up to €60 million from the fund.
Following an invitation earlier in 2004 to groups and organisations to make applications for funding, over 1,600 applications were received by ADM. I understand that 21 of the applications received were in respect of proposals in County Kildare. The process of assessing and making decisions on these applications is nearing completion. In this regard, to date the board has approved 475 projects for funding totalling approximately €51.5 million. Ten of the projects approved, involving funding of over €1.4 million, are based in County Kildare. Details, including the names of the approved applicants and the specific grant amounts are appended for information.
|
Group/Organisation |
Grant (€) |
|
KARE, Co. Kildare |
194,000.00 |
|
Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, Celbridge, Co. Kildare |
167,336.00 |
|
Board of Management, Scoil Phádraig Naofa, Athy, Co. Kildare |
41,000.00 |
|
Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, Co. Kildare |
300,000.00 |
|
Kildare Youth Services (Curragh Youth Project) |
81,226.00 |
|
Camphill Communities of Ireland, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare |
360,000.00 |
|
Athy Youth Project, Co. Kildare |
58,775.00 |
|
Athy Travellers’ Club, Co. Kildare |
50,420.00 |
|
Athy Town Council |
70,838.00 |
|
ASSET, Athy, Co. Kildare |
100,000.00 |
116 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of projects from County Kildare in respect of which he has received requests for grant aid in 2005; the likelihood of a satisfactory response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11625/05]
117 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of projects based in County Kildare in respect of which he proposes to offer grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11626/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.
Two existing community development projects within County Kildare are funded under the community development programme. These are the Bridge community development project, Newbridge which receives annual core funding of €62,400 and the Athy community development project which receives annual core funding of €105,400.
North-west Kildare is one of the areas targeted for intervention under the community development programme. In this regard, North-west Kildare Community Development Association has undertaken to prepare and forward a work plan setting out the objectives and actions of the project. The matter will receive further consideration on receipt of the work plan. Leader programmes initiatives are delivered in County Kildare through Kildare European Teoranta. Full details of all Leader projects funded in County Kildare are available on its website at www.kelt.ie.
My Department has recently begun to advertise for grant schemes for 2005 in the community and voluntary sector. Funding is being continued in 2005 under existing programmes to area partnership companies.
118 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of urban-based support programmes set up by his Department in the past 12 months and their location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11627/05]
119 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of community-based rural support programmes set up by his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11628/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 119 together.
I refer the Deputy to Question No. 40 of 22 February 2005 which sets out the range of projects and interventions in regard to urban and rural community groups. Within these programmes, there are ongoing initiatives to support local community groups. These include measures such as the roll-out of new community development projects, new RAPID and CLÁR initiatives and the advance of youth services and facilities under the young people's facilities and services fund development programme.
The only new programme introduced in the last 12 months is the rural social scheme which was introduced to focus on the provision of direct services in the community and to ensure an income for farmers and fishermen on long-term social welfare benefits with a working week compatible with such work.
120 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he plans a support programme for groups seeking to combat the drugs problem; the way in which this programme is likely to deliver the necessary finances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11629/05]
As the Deputy is aware, my Department has overall responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the national drugs strategy for 2001 to 2008. It also has responsibility for the work of the local and regional drugs task forces and the young people's facilities and services fund, YPFSF. Some €95 million has been allocated or spent to implement a broad range of projects contained in the two rounds of plans of the local drugs task forces and a further €12.8 million has been allocated to projects under the premises initiative which is designed to meet the accommodation needs of community-based drugs projects. In addition, approximately €85 million has been allocated or spent under the YPFSF to support in the region of 450 facility and services projects.
In overall terms, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has funding of €31.5 million available to it in 2005 to fund various drugs programmes, which represents an 18% increase on last year's budget. Through this funding, the ongoing work done through the local drugs task forces and the YPFSF will be further developed and consolidated. In addition, funding will be allocated to the regional drugs task forces to support the implementation of the various projects set out in their regional plans.
121 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the provision of housing for rural dwellers on family lands is proceeding in accordance with his preferred options, with particular reference to his views on the dominant influence of An Taisce in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11630/05]
122 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had discussions with An Taisce in regard to rural housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11631/05]
123 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if applications for planning permission in rural areas by rural dwellers are being treated in accordance with his expressed wishes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11632/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 to 123, inclusive, together.
The national spatial strategy, NSS, addresses many of my concerns on issues such as rural housing. The rural settlement policy framework contained in the NSS, which represents overall Government policy on rural housing, aims to sustain and renew established rural communities while strengthening the structure of villages and smaller settlements to support local economies. In this way it seeks to ensure key assets in rural areas are protected to support quality of life and that rural settlement policies are responsive to the local circumstances of different areas.
The guidelines for planning authorities on sustainable rural housing, published by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, provide a more detailed framework for planners, based on the national spatial strategy's recommendations on rural housing policy. The guidelines reflect my view that rural housing within the confines of good planning practice is needed. These guidelines are important in ensuring clarity and consistency in the implementation by planning authorities of Government policy on rural housing.
While my Department does not monitor or maintain statistics in regard to rural planning applications, I am advised by my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that, in general, the guidelines referred to are operating satisfactorily. I advised the Deputy previously that I have not had any formal discussions or meeting with An Taisce and that remains the position.
124 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not received a REP scheme payment for the past two years. [11538/05]
The person named has one year's payment outstanding as his second-year REPS payment issued on 20 May 2004. When he applied for his third-year payment he was selected for a full plan check and on-farm inspection. The inspection identified deficiencies in his agri-environmental plan and some potential non-compliance issues.
My Department cannot issue a payment in circumstances where a plan has been deemed deficient; the plan must first be amended. The applicant was informed directly of all the issues and of the requirement to amend his plan. An amended plan has been received and is being considered along with the issues of non-compliance. This process is almost complete and the appropriate payment will issue shortly.
125 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when bull premium will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11559/05]
The person named lodged two applications under the 2004 EU special beef premium scheme, one on 7 January 2004, in respect of 14 animals, and one on 13 December 2004, in respect of 19 animals, 14 of which were declared as bulls.
The 60% advance payment, which issued on 20 October 2004, was in respect of 13 of the 14 animals applied on under the first application. The 14th animal was not paid as it was shown to be female, following computer validation. This animal was therefore rejected and an appropriate penalty will be applied at balancing payment stage.
While 19 animals were listed on the second application, there were in reality only 18 animals, as one animal was listed twice. By letter dated 8 February 2005, the person named was advised that, because of this, payment could only issue in respect of 18 animals. This payment is due to issue to the person named shortly.
126 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will review a force majeure application for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the amount of moneys this person will be awarded. [11560/05]
The person named applied for consideration of force majeure or exceptional circumstances on 4 February 2004 on the grounds of a farm accident. Having fully examined the circumstances outlined by the person named, the Department’s decision was that this application was eligible and the years 2001 and 2002 were excluded in the calculation of this person’s single payment entitlements. The person named was notified of this decision on 12 July 2004.
My Department's records indicate that the person named has 33.86 entitlements with a total net value of €12,203.15. I have arranged to have a copy of the named person's entitlements issued to him.
127 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the development of the district livestock office for County Leitrim; the number of staff from her Department that will be accommodated in the new building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11617/05]
The Office of Public Works, OPW, purchased a site in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, for the development of a local office for my Department. An application for planning permission was submitted by OPW to Leitrim County Council taking account of an accommodation brief of requirements for some 70 staff from my Department. I understand that a decision to grant permission was issued recently by the council.
The Department is currently reassessing the number of staff to be located in Drumshanbo in the light of the rationalisation of existing livestock schemes and the introduction of the single payment scheme.
128 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a dealing will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in the Land Registry Office. [11512/05]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for first registration which was lodged on 17 June 2004. Dealing No. D2004SM005092P refers.
I understand that due to the complicated nature of these types of cases, which require examination of an applicant's entitlement to the property concerned, it is not possible to estimate a date of completion at this time.
I can further inform the Deputy that queries issued to the lodging solicitor on 22 June 2004 and that the application cannot proceed until these queries have been satisfactorily resolved. However, I assure the Deputy that on receipt of a satisfactory reply, the matter will receive further attention in the Land Registry.
129 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the likely dangers of a life threatening nature in the event of deportation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he will grant extended residency in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11513/05]
I refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to Questions Nos. 726 and 781 on Wednesday, 26 January 2005. The position regarding the return of the person referred to by the Deputy remains the same.
The person in question is due to present to the Garda National Immigration Bureau at 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, again today at 2 p.m. I am advised by the bureau that the timing of her removal will have regard to her ongoing medical state.
130 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his decision to refuse naturalisation in the case of persons (details supplied) is in accord with established practice in the case of persons who have worked in full-time employment here for more than five years; if a new precedent is being set for future reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11514/05]
There has never been an established practice or a precedent in place whereby an applicant for naturalisation who has been in full-time employment in the State for five years will become an Irish citizen solely on that basis. It has always been the case that standard inquiries are carried out in respect of each application relating to character, financial background etc. and that a determination on an application will only be made once such inquiries are completed.
An application for naturalisation was received from the male adult member of the family only. The basis for the refusal of this application has been set out in detail in the letter dated 17 February 2005 to the applicant informing him of my decision.
I have adopted a general policy that applicants for naturalisation, other than refugees, programme refugees or stateless persons, should have been supporting themselves and their families without recourse to State support for a three-year period prior to applying for naturalisation, and that, furthermore, they can show, as far as is practicable, that they have the capacity of supporting themselves into the future.
Inquiries by my officials revealed that the person in question had received various State supports, including rent allowance and unemployment assistance, between 1997 and 2002 and had received substantial payments under a back to work scheme between 2002 and 2004.
I was of the view that there were no circumstances disclosed on the case file of the person concerned to lead me to depart from my general policy in such cases and I decided to refuse the application.
131 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a copy of a Land Registry Office instrument number will issue to a solicitor (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11535/05]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for a copy of instrument which was lodged on 23 March 2005. Dealing No. C2005SM000343J refers. I am further informed that this application was completed on 7 April 2005.
132 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when applications which are pending for a folio number (details supplied) will be dealt with. [11537/05]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that the applications referred to by the Deputy comprise: three applications for transfer of part — sale, two of which were lodged on 22 October 2002 and one which was lodged on 16 January 2004; and an application for transfer, sale, which was lodged on 5 July 2004. Dealings Nos. D2003SM008908M, D2003SM008900B, D2004SM000465A and D2004SM005581D refer.
I am further informed that the applications are receiving attention in the Land Registry and, subject to no queries arising, should be completed within the next few weeks.
133 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if adequate funds will be provided to the Garda in County Louth for the provision of speed cameras on the approach roads to the towns of Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee. [11554/05]
The budget allocated from the Garda Vote for road traffic equipment for 2005 is €1,106,000. This budget is used for the purchase and maintenance of road traffic equipment as required. The deployment of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
The Government's road safety strategy 2004-06 proposes that the Garda Síochána will enter into arrangements for the engagement of a private sector concern for the purposes of the provision and operation of a nationwide programme for the detection of speeding offences. The strategy makes clear that the overall performance criteria to be applied to the outsourced detection of speeding offences would be determined by the Garda Síochána and these would be guided by the use of camera detection facilities at locations where the Garda Síochána determine that there is an established or prospective risk of collisions. The purpose of the initiative would be to increase road safety and thereby reduce death and injuries, not increase revenue.
A working group on speed cameras chaired by my Department, and consisting of representatives of the Garda Síochána, the Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority, has examined how the provision, operation and processing of the output of speed cameras might operate. Among the issues considered by the working group were the benefits and financial aspects of outsourcing and the management of any outsourcing project. The working group has submitted its report to me and my colleague, the Minister for Transport, and we are examining it with a view to bringing proposals to Government.
134 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to reform the liquor licensing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11555/05]
The Government has recently approved my proposals for the drafting of an Intoxicating Liquor Bill which will repeal the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004, as well as related licensing provisions in other statutes, approximately 100 statutes, and replace them with updated provisions geared to modern conditions. I intend to publish shortly details of the proposals which will be included in the Bill.
135 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the building of the new Ballymun Garda station will result in any reorganisation or redesignation in this Garda district; the implications for Santry and Whitehall Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11556/05]
The Garda authorities inform me that the new station at Ballymun will be a divisional and district headquarters. There are no implications for the status of Whitehall Garda station. The Garda Síochána will continue to operate from Santry Garda station on completion of the new headquarters at Ballymun.
136 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding that will be granted to a group (details supplied) in County Sligo under the capital grant; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11581/05]
The group submitted an application for capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 to my Department some time ago. The programme is a seven year development programme which aims to increase the availability and quality of child care to support parents in employment, education and training.
The level of demand for capital grant assistance was such that I considered it important to increase the capital provision for the present programme. Following discussions with my colleague the Minister for Finance, an additional capital provision of €90 million was made available over the period 2005-09, in the context of the 2005 budget.
Of this amount, €50 million is being made available under the present programme and the remaining €40 million will flow under the next phase of the post-2006 programme. This augments the increased EU funding of some €12 million made available last year in recognition of the progress of the programme. This brings the total funding available for the programme to €499.3 million and now includes an increased provision for capital developments for which €205 million has been set aside. Since the 2005 budget, I have announced a record allocation totalling almost €68 million in capital funding to community-based not-for-profit groups, in two tranches, one in December 2004 and another on 4 March 2005.
The availability of the additional capital funding will enable me to make further capital grant assistance available to groups which address significant child care service gaps and where the project proposal represents good value for money when considered in the context of the current guidelines on building costs. In the light of this, the group in question was advised in December 2004, that whilst their project had not been prioritised for immediate funding at that stage, it will be reconsidered in the future. I hope to make further significant capital commitments during the remainder of 2005 and thereafter.
The ongoing assessment of the applications in the pipeline will be concluded as speedily as possible to facilitate the development of additional child care facilities and places at the earliest opportunity. When the assessment on the project in question is completed, the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, will consider it before I make a final decision. Meanwhile, it would be premature of me to comment further on this application.
137 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a visa appeal for a person (details supplied) will be decided on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11584/05]
The visa application to which the Deputy refers was for the purposes of allowing a non-EEA national travel to the State to visit her mother's family. The application was received in my office on 27 September 2004.
In assessing any visa application, the visa officer will consider various matters, including whether it is reasonable in all the circumstances to conclude that the applicant would fully honour the conditions of the visa, for example, it is unlikely that the applicant would overstay the length of time applied for. The application in question was refused on 29 October 2004 because the visa officer could not reasonably be satisfied, on the basis of documentation supplied to my Department, that the applicant would observe the conditions of the visa applied for. The formal notification of the refusal issued to Ukraine on 12 November 2004. The reasons for the refusal were issued on 15 December 2004.
The Deputy submitted an appeal of the decision to refuse the visa application on behalf of the applicant. However, based on the additional documentation supplied, the visa appeals officer was unable to conclude that the initial decision should be overturned. Consequently, the application was refused on appeal on 7 April 2005 and notification of this decision was issued to the applicant on 12 April 2005.
If the applicant still wishes to travel, a fresh application should be submitted to my Department with up-to-date documentation and the matter will be considered anew.
138 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number, gender and rank of gardaí that are allocated to the drug squad in Sligo; the other resources that are allocated to the drug squad in Sligo; the number of gardaí attached to the drug squad nationally; if he intends to increase the number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11593/05]
The personnel strength of the Sligo-Leitrim divisional drug unit on 13 April 2005 was as set out in the table.
|
Number |
Rank |
Gender |
|
1 |
Sergeant |
Male |
|
3 |
Gardaí |
Male |
|
1 |
D/Garda |
Male |
The divisional drugs unit for Sligo-Leitrim has the use of an unmarked patrol car, full use of mobile phones, a dedicated office and full use of the Garda radio system. The personnel strength of the Garda National Drugs Unit, who have a national remit, as at 13 April 2005 was 50, all ranks. The information requested on the number of gardaí attached to the drug units nationally is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
To ensure the development of a co-ordinated and integrated approach is in place to tackle the drugs problem, the Government in 2002, established ten regional drugs task forces across the country based on the old health board areas. The north-western regional drug task force's area of remit includes Sligo. The Garda Síochána and the Probation and Welfare Service are both represented on this group. Since their establishment, the task forces, including the north-western regional drug task force have been involved in a process of mapping out the nature and extent of drug misuse in their regions and they are developing action plans to tackle the problem which will be presented to Government during 2005.
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 the 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 draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. The needs of the Garda drugs unit will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda units throughout the country. 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 high proportion of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. The additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties but will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
139 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on correspondence (details supplied); if the allegations contained therein are accurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11594/05]
I am making inquiries of the Garda authorities on this matter and I will communicate with the Deputy as soon as all of the details of the case are to hand.
140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when a review of an application for naturalisation will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11595/05]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person to whom the Deputy refers in March 2003. The application was submitted to me for a decision in January 2005 and I decided not to grant a certificate of naturalisation in that instance. In arriving at my decision, I took account of all the information and documentation submitted by the applicant.
The applicant was informed of my decision in writing on 1 February 2005 and a copy of my officials' submission, with my decision annotated thereon, was made available to him. The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act does not provide for a process of review of my determination of an application for naturalisation.
141 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the contents of correspondence from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17 regarding serious ongoing anti-social activity directed at their family; and the action which he has taken on foot of these complaints. [11602/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they are aware of the problems being experienced by this family and the matter is being addressed by local Garda management. I am further informed that a Garda inspector from Santry station is personally liaising with the family in question and the area concerned is receiving daily Garda attention. There is also a community Garda allocated to the area. In addition, there are contacts between the Garda and the relevant local authority.
Some persons have been arrested and dealt with under the juvenile diversion programme and prosecutions are pending before the District Courts in regard to other incidents. Policing plans in the area aim to prevent anti-social and public order offences, to prevent crime including crimes of violence against persons and crimes against property and to maintain an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. Patrols are directed to pay particular attention to residential areas where local youths tend to congregate. I understand that this strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question.
142 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be given humanitarian leave to remain. [11604/05]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 20 April 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 12 August 2004 that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State, leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order.
This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 — prohibition of refoulement. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
143 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the nature of his Department’s involvement in the case of an academy (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the closure of the premises has resulted in several dozen foreign students being left without a service, having paid €1,500 in fees. [11603/05]
The Advisory Council for English Language Schools, ACELS, operates under the aegis of my Department to control quality standards in English language schools through an inspection-recognition scheme. ACELS administers the scheme which leads to school recognition by my Department. Recognition of schools arises from their satisfying certain minimum standards in relation to premises, learning and teaching provision and facilities. Recognition does not relate to the financial status or viability of the private institutions involved.
The academy referred to by the Deputy applied to ACELS for recognition in September 2003. At that time, ACELS regulations stipulated that two inspections be carried out, ten months apart, before recognition could be considered. The first inspection was carried out in October 2003 and a written report was sent to the school outlining a number of matters that required attention. No application was submitted for a second inspection. The school had not, therefore, secured recognition.
144 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the total amount of public funds allocated to DCU for the construction of a swimming pool. [11612/05]
Following an announcement in budget 2002 of an allocation of €7 million to DCU for the construction of a swimming pool, my Department has provided funding for this project through the Higher Education Authority. I am not aware of any other public funds being allocated to this project.
145 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will honour previous land acquisition and building commitments made to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11517/05]
The extension and refurbishment project at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which was revised following consultation with the education partners.
The proposed project at the school referred to will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005-2009.
146 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will redraft or amend primary circular 32/03 to allow for the concerns of parents to be taken into account when deciding on the retention of a pupil for a year in primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11518/05]
My Department's policy in regard to the retention of pupils in primary schools is set out in Primary Circular 32/03 which issued to all primary schools in December 2003.
Under my Department's policy, pupils should only repeat a year for educational reasons and under no circumstances should an additional grade level, middle infants or a repeat sixth class, operate through the retention of all or a substantial number of pupils for a second year at a grade level. The level of provision now available should enable pupils to make progress in keeping with their needs and abilities and to move consecutively through the different class levels in the school in keeping with their peers.
In addition, pupils who have completed sixth class must not transfer to another primary school to repeat sixth class. In the event that a school were to enrol pupils from another school to repeat sixth class the pupils shall not be included as eligible pupils for staffing and other purposes. Capitation and other grants in respect of such pupils shall not be paid. The primary school curriculum is designed as an eight year course, including a two year infant cycle followed by six years in standards from first to sixth, with children progressing to the next grade at the end of each school year.
I am aware that there may be individual cases where a principal teacher, following consultation with the learning support teacher-resource teacher and class teacher and parent(s) of the pupil may conclude that a pupil would benefit educationally by repeating a grade level. In such cases, as outlined in Circular 32/03, my Department would allow the retention provided there is an educational basis for it, and there is a clear programme for the pupil to follow. There are no plans at present to review circular 32/03.
147 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 for major capital works; and the issues that require clarification. [11529/05]
As part of a review of all projects for the 2005 capital programme, an application for capital funding from the school referred to by the Deputy was assessed against the published prioritisation criteria for large-scale building projects which were revised last year following consultation with the education partners.
Under this review, all projects were assigned a band rating and the progress of individual projects is being considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.
148 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in the context of arrangements between her Department and the Government of China in relation to the promotion of English language teaching in the third level sector, there are opportunities for such programmes to be taught in the further education sector as referred to in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11530/05]
The Education Co-operation Agreement between Ireland and China was signed in Beijing in February 2001. The overall objective of the agreement is to promote and encourage co-operation in education between Ireland and China on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and reciprocity and to strengthen existing education links with China. It provides a formal framework in which co-operation arrangements can be developed between the two countries.
The agreement plays a key role in strengthening educational links between the two countries. These links include: study of the language of the other side; information technology in schools; possible student exchanges; possible joint research initiatives in areas of mutual benefit; and exchange of education information.
The student exchanges-scholarships relate to the third level sector. No role for the further education sector is envisaged.
149 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the eligibility to the higher education grant scheme of prospective persons to the barrister-at-law degree at King’s Inns. [11550/05]
Under the terms of my Department's higher education grants scheme, a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether a grant was paid previously. The scheme also provides that grants may not be paid to candidates who already hold a post-graduate qualification and are pursuing a second post-graduate qualification.
However the terms of clause 7.7 of the higher education grants scheme and the VEC scholarship scheme were amended in 2000 to provide that candidates who already hold a post-graduate qualification and are pursuing a further post-graduate course at a higher level, and which represents progression from the level at which the first qualification was attained, may be deemed eligible for grant aid.
The barrister-at-law course at the Honourable Society of King's Inns is at post-graduate level. Admission to the course is restricted to law graduates and other candidates who have passed the society's diploma in legal studies examination. In the light of representations received I have asked my Department to review the status of this course for grant purposes.
150 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the average class size at a school (details supplied) in County Wexford is 28.9 pupils; that over 50% of pupils are in split classes with one teacher for 30 junior infants and that learning supports for children with special educational needs are inadequate; the reason this situation prevails in view of the commitment in the 2002 programme for Government to reduce the pupil teacher ratio in schools; if the pupil teacher ratio at this school will be reduced for the academic year 2005-2006 by the appointment of an extra teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11561/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, agreed between my Department and the education partners. The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.
In accordance with the staffing schedule, the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the school year 2004-05 is a principal and seven mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 195 pupils at 30 September 2003. In addition, the school has the services of one full-time resource post, a shared resource post and a shared learning support post. My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management.
According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management of the school, the enrolment on 30 September 2004 was 201 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-2006 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the agreed staffing schedule. Significant improvements have been made to the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level, which has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year.
In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil teacher ratio within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector.
Priority will be given to pupils with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and those in junior classes. I trust that the Deputy is aware of the proposed new system for resource teacher allocation which involves a general allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs, borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability. This system also applies to those with learning support needs, that is, functioning at or below the 10th percentile on a standardised test of reading and-or mathematics. My Department is currently reviewing the proposal to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs.
The review involves consultation with educational interests, including the National Council for Special Education. The revised procedure for providing a general allocation of resource hours to schools will be announced in the coming weeks, in time to be implemented for the next school year.
151 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if Irish sign language will be given official status in legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11562/05]
There are no plans to provide legislation in the context of Irish sign language, ISL, at present.
However, I wish to advise the Deputy that ISL has formal recognition in the Education Act 1998. Under the Act, it is a function of the Minister for Education and Science to ensure, subject to the provisions of the Act, that there is made available to each person resident in the State, including a person with a disability or who has other special educational needs, support services and a level and quality of education appropriate to meeting the needs and abilities of that person. This includes provision for students learning through ISL.
A number of initiatives which seek to promote, develop and implement ISL in order that it will achieve greater recognition and use in the education system are currently in place. These include the special schools for the deaf in Cabra, Dublin, which have been encouraged in relation to the use of sign language in class. All teachers now receive ongoing in-service training in the use of ISL. My Department has provided funding for an ISL weekly home tuition service whereby deaf tutors visit the homes of deaf pre-school children and deaf school-going pupils to provide training in ISL for the deaf children-pupils, their siblings and parents. My Department has sanctioned a pre-school for deaf children on a pilot basis. Programmes are delivered through the medium of ISL as a first language. My Department through the Higher Education Authority, HSA, has established and fully funds a Centre for Deaf Studies in Trinity College, Dublin which provides diploma courses for ISL-English interpreters, deaf tutors and in deaf studies.
My officials are willing to meet with representatives of the organisation in question in the context of its letter to my Department and contact will be made with the writer shortly.
152 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason an institution (details supplied) has not been included in the redress scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11585/05]
Section 4 of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 provides that in order for an institution to be placed on the Schedule of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002, the facility must have been subject to inspection or regulation by a public body. Some 128 institutions are listed on the original Schedule to the Act and I signed an order in November 2004 for the inclusion of a further 13 institutions in the Schedule.
My Department has received correspondence from both individuals and survivor groups identifying a number of additional institutions that may be eligible for inclusion in the Schedule. Discussions have taken place between my Department and other Departments that may have provided a regulatory or inspection function in the operation of these facilities in order to ascertain whether these institutions are in fact eligible for inclusion. The initial information received in some cases was limited due to the long period that had elapsed since these institutions were closed and therefore the process of verifying each of these institutions has been time consuming and is continuing.
I can confirm for the Deputy that the institution named in the question is one where inquiries are being made as to its eligibility for inclusion.
153 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will not be granted resource hours in their local primary school; and if this case will be reviewed as a matter of urgency. [11586/05]
The Deputy may be aware that the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which was established recently and which has been operational since 1 January 2005, is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs, SEN, supports.
Some 71 special educational needs organisers, SENOs, have been recruited throughout the country and will be a focal point of contact for schools and parents.
My Department officials have been informed by the NCSE that the application for the SEN supports for the pupil concerned has been referred to the local SENO. The SENO will be in direct contact with the school authorities shortly.
154 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that her Department’s planning and building unit turned down an application for schools (details supplied) in Dublin 10 to be allowed in this year’s summer works programme; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that they have submitted an appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11587/05]
The schools referred to by the Deputy made a joint application for funding under the summer works scheme 2005. This application did not comply with the terms and conditions of the scheme in that it was not accompanied by the necessary consultant's report. The application was unsuccessful for this reason.
My Department will be in contact with the schools shortly in relation to the appeal submitted by them in the matter.
155 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that schools (details supplied) in Dublin 10 have been the target of several recent arson attacks and that the key holder for the schools has also been attacked when responding to alarms and incidents around the schools; and if she will make a statement on the schools’ request for security railings and closed circuit television to address these problems and prevent further damage. [11588/05]
The scope of the works referred to by the Deputy is appropriate for consideration under the summer works scheme.
The schools in question made a joint application for funding under the summer works scheme for 2005. This application did not comply with the terms and conditions of the scheme in that it was not accompanied by the necessary consultant's report. The application was unsuccessful for this reason.
My Department will be in contact with the schools shortly in relation to the appeal submitted by them in the matter.
156 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that schools (details supplied) in Dublin 10 are in an area of major disadvantage, a drugs task force area, a partnership area and also the area with the lowest educational attainment in the State; and her views on whether, when the environment for pupils to learn is not attractive, is disrupted or is unsafe, it adds to the difficult task faced by the teachers, the parents and the community in general. [11589/05]
The new policy framework for tackling educational disadvantage that I will be publishing shortly will provide for a new standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and will put in place a new integrated programme of supports that will bring together, and build upon existing policy interventions and initiatives for schools and school communities with a concentrated level of disadvantage.
The new policy framework will be introduced on a phased basis, starting in the next school year, and will involve an additional annual investment of €40 million on full implementation. It will also involve the provision of some 300 additional posts across the education system.
Some of these posts will be used to provide smaller class sizes in targeted disadvantaged primary schools. We will be narrowing the gap between the size of junior and senior classes in the most disadvantaged schools, by providing for classes of 24 at senior level. Ensuring that more children from disadvantaged areas are taught in smaller classes is a priority for me as an important step in delivering on the Government's commitments with regard to class size in the primary school system as a whole.
The schools to which the Deputy refers are currently included in the disadvantaged areas scheme, DAS, the home school community liaison, HSCL, scheme, and the Giving Children an Even Break, GCEB, programme. Under these programmes each of the schools referred to by the Deputy have received 2.5 additional teaching posts for the current school year, as well as additional financial support.
These schools are also included in the school completion programme, which is my Department's main programme for tackling early school-leaving. The school completion programme is based on an integrated cross-community approach to tackling educational disadvantage, involving primary and post primary schools, parents, communities and relevant statutory and voluntary agencies. Its objective is to provide a range of interventions in areas of disadvantage that support the retention of young people in education. The three schools referred to by the Deputy are part of a school completion programme "cluster" that received an allocation of €192,000 in the current school year.
157 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the acquisition of a site for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; when the OPW will hand over the site in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11618/05]
Officials in the school planning section of my Department are re-assessing the accommodation needs of the school referred to by the Deputy in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria which was revised following consultation with the education partners.
Until a final decision is taken on this matter, the property management section of the OPW, which acquires sites on behalf of my Department, is not in a position to further progress the matter of the acquisition of a site for the school.
158 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if special security fencing will be provided at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to ensure maximum safety for children during the course of the school rebuilding works with particular reference to preventing children wandering onto the roadway or the building site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11634/05]
The school authority in question, which is the client for this project, has as part of the building contract erected fencing to prevent children accessing the building site at the school. They are not aware of any further safety issues involving the fencing. If the Deputy wishes to provide specific information on this matter I will arrange for it to be brought to the attention of the school authority and its design team.
159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which she expects to be in a position to provide for the special needs and child guidance in the case of persons (details supplied) who are attending a school in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11635/05]
I can confirm that an application for resource teaching hours for the first named pupil was considered by my Department. The school in question was advised that the pupil's special educational needs, SEN, appear to be within the high incidence disability range and it would be expected that these needs can be met from within the current resource-learning support teaching allocation available to the school. The school currently has the services of two learning support teachers and seven resource teachers. It is a matter for the school to deploy these resources to meet the SEN of the pupils in the school.
I can also confirm that correspondence relating to this pupil's resource allocation was recently received in my Department. This correspondence has been sent to the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which now has responsibility for processing applications for SEN supports. The NCSE will make direct contact with the school in this regard. As previously outlined to the Deputy, 23.3 hours per week special needs assistant support was sanctioned on 18 March 2005 to cater for the special care needs of the pupil concerned.
In relation to the second pupil referred to by the Deputy, I can confirm that an application for five hours resource teaching support and a full-time special needs assistant, SNA, was considered by my Department. In a letter dated 23 September 2004, the school was advised that 3.5 hours resource teaching support was sanctioned. The school was also advised recently that this pupil did not meet the criteria for SNA support as there was insufficient evidence of care needs. I can also confirm that correspondence relating to the level of this pupil's SEN allocation was received recently in my Department. This correspondence has been sent to the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, for consideration. The NCSE will make direct contact with the school in this context.
I wish to advise the Deputy that responsibility for the provision of therapy services rests with the Health Service Executive.
160 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Question No. 572 of 19 October 2004, if the documentation and contracts have been approved for the Ballyvaughan and Fanore group water scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11492/05]
Responsibility for the administration of the group water schemes measure of the rural water programme has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. However, the question may relate to stage two of the Lisdoonvarna public water supply, which involves an extension of the scheme to Ballyvaughan and Fanore, and has been approved for construction in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-2006.
My Department has now asked Clare County Council to consider undertaking the Fanore extension as a separate project under the rural water programme to expedite the provision of an improved water supply to the Fanore area. On receipt of the council's reply my Department's consideration will be finalised urgently.
161 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which the price of affordable housing to the eligible purchaser is determined; if an additional sum is added to the price paid to the developer, as well as the clawback clause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11519/05]
An agreement under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2004 may provide for, inter alia, the developer building and transferring completed affordable units to the planning authority. The number and description of the units will be specified in the agreement and will be transferred at a price determined on the basis of the site cost of the units, calculated at existing use value together with the building and development costs, including profits, as agreed between both parties.
Under the 1999 affordable housing scheme, the housing units are generally built on land provided by the local authority whose actual cost is below the present day market value. This lower site cost is factored into the purchase price of the housing units. The purchase price may be further reduced by the application of a site subsidy which is recouped from the Department. It is a matter for the local authority to determine the level of subsidy required to make the units affordable.
Under both schemes, the actual sale price is a matter for determination by the relevant local authority having regard to, inter alia, the transaction costs involved including legal and conveyancing fees.
Where the local authority has provided a unit at a discount from market value under either scheme and the purchaser proposes to sell the unit within 20 years of the date of purchase, the owner must refund to the local authority a percentage of the proceeds of the sale of the unit, that is, a clawback. The percentage of the proceeds to be repaid will be related to the proportion of discount from the market value originally received from the local authority. A full refund must be paid if the unit is sold within the first ten years of occupancy. A reduction of 10% per annum is given for each full year of occupancy between ten and 20 years and after 20 years of full occupancy no refund would be due to the local authority.
162 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will sign an order to facilitate the issuing of a top-up acreage payment to landowners who sold bog to his Department prior to the introduction of the new payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11552/05]
In July 2004 my Department concluded an agreement with the farming pillar under Sustaining Progress which involved increased rates of compensation for the cessation of turf-cutting in bogs that have been proposed as designated conservation areas. This agreement incorporates retrospective provisions benefiting landowners who participated in the original 1999 scheme for disposal of raised bogs and turbary rights to my Department.
The detailed application of retrospection to these earlier participants in the scheme is being finalised and will be communicated as soon as possible.
163 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the recognised percentage of income payable under his Department’s legislation for senior citizens housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11567/05]
165 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines issued by his Department to local authorities in regard to rent payments for local authority housing family units and senior citizen housing; the percentage of total income which the rent of a tenant should be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11598/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 165 together.
The making and amending of rent schemes is the responsibility of local authorities as an integral part of their housing management functions subject to the following broad principles laid down by my Department: the rent payable should be related to income and a smaller proportion of income should be required from low income households; allowances should be made for dependent children including those under 21 years of age in full-time education; a contribution towards rent should be required from subsidiary earners in the household; provision should be included for the acceptance of a lower rent than that required under the terms of the scheme in exceptional cases where payment of the normal rent would give rise to hardship; and appropriate local factors should be taken into account, including the costs of the maintenance and management of the stock of rented dwellings and the adequacy of the rental income to meet such costs.
The proportion of income payable as rent is a matter for individual local authorities. However, circular letter HRT 3/2002 of 6 March 2002 requested that authorities should ensure that rent increases do not absorb an excessive amount of increases in income of tenants on low-incomes dependent on social welfare payments and, in particular, on old age pension payments. As a general guideline authorities were advised that no more than 15% of any increase in such pension income should be absorbed by an increase in rent.
164 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the length of time which the review of the disabled persons grant scheme has been ongoing in his Department; if consideration is being given to a speedier and more effective method of inspection of the locations at which the applied for works are to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11568/05]
The review of the disabled persons grant scheme, which was first signalled in March 2003, is currently being finalised in my Department. On its completion, it will be possible to determine the changes, if any, required to the regulations governing the scheme to ensure that the funding available is directed at those persons in greatest need of such assistance.
While the administration of the scheme in individual cases, including arrangements for the inspection of works, where necessary, is a matter for the local authority concerned, the need for a more efficient operation of the scheme at local authority level is also being looked at in the context of the review.
166 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the 2003 affordable housing scheme in County Cork will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11600/05]
I assume that the question refers to the progress of the housing scheme proposed for the site at Darrara Agricultural College in Clonakilty that was released to the Sustaining Progress affordable housing initiative by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Given the size of the site, which is approximately 15 hectares, and the scale and impact of any proposed development, Cork County Council, which is managing the project, decided to have a comprehensive feasibility assessment in terms of strategic land use planning, financial viability, affordability and suitable infrastructural solutions carried out on the site. The council appointed consultants to carry out this assessment on 19 January 2005 and it is intended that the assessment be completed by the end of May 2005. Following the outcome of this assessment, detailed design and planning will be necessary. The timeframe for the commencement of construction of the housing units is difficult to predict at this stage and will depend on feasibility and other studies and the planning process. My Department will ensure that the project is progressed as speedily as possible with the aim of having the earliest possible delivery of units.
167 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a delay on the progress of a scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal being put out for tender; when works are due to start; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11605/05]
The Malin town sewerage scheme has been approved for funding in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-2006 under the rural towns and villages initiative.
My Department approved Donegal County Council's preliminary report for the scheme in June 2004, subject to a number of conditions, including a review by the council of the design population of the scheme prior to preparation of contract documents. Further advancement of the scheme is, at this point, a matter for Donegal County Council.
168 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the failure of the current regulatory regime for recycling which has resulted in protracted delays in the introduction of the collection of plastics as part of the household green bin collection in the Dublin area due to lack of funding from industry; if he will take this matter up with industry or alter regulations to ensure that such a service is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11607/05]
The recycling of post-consumer plastic beverage containers and other types of plastic packaging is generally more problematic than for other packaging materials due to the light weight to volume ratio, sorting and pre-treatment requirements, high end market specifications and the associated costs involved. Accordingly, the recycling rate of plastic packaging is generally lower than that for other packaging materials.
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. The incorporation of plastic containers in the kerbside green bin collection services — at present provided to over 560,000 households nationally and up to now confined to paper-board, newsprint, composite beverage cartons and aluminium and steel cans — offers significant potential for increased recovery of plastic containers. The inclusion of plastic containers in such kerbside collection services has recently been piloted in a couple of areas. My Department is at present actively engaging with local authorities, Repak and other relevant stakeholders regarding the expanded incorporation of plastic containers in the kerbside collection services.
