Vol. 603 No. 3
39 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the recent call from the chief executive of the chambers of commerce for the introduction of savage penalties to deter companies from underpaying foreign workers and a more rigorous enforcement of non-national worker rights; his response to the call; if he will undertake any review of the penalties available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18001/05]
40 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has plans to increase the number of labour inspectors and the number he proposes by 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18104/05]
43 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will substantially increase the labour inspectorate to at least 75 inspectors; and if he will ensure the provision of proper legal and other professional support for the inspectorate. [18092/05]
100 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date with regard to consideration of the discussion document covering the operation of the labour inspectorate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18008/05]
115 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide statutory linkage between the labour inspectorate and the trade union movement through trade union participation on a liaison body. [18094/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 40, 43, 100 and 115 together.
I am aware of the views of the chief executive of the chambers of commerce. The labour inspectorate of my Department is responsible for monitoring certain employment conditions for all categories of workers in Ireland, including immigrant workers. The inspectorate operates without any differentiation with regard to worker nationality as statutory employment rights and protections apply to immigrant workers in exactly the same manner as they do to native Irish workers. Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment and when evidence of non-compliance with the relevant employment rights legislation is found, the inspectorate seeks redress for the individual or individuals concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated.
It is to be noted also that under equality legislation it is not permissible to determine penalties by simple reference to nationality. In other words, it is entirely incompatible with equality legislation to have separate statutory penalties for breaches of employment legislation based on country of origin. At present, there is no decision to review these penalties.
Following the Minister's announcement on 12 April, there are now 31 authorised labour inspector posts. The additional inspectors will strengthen the labour inspectorate's capacity to ensure that workers receive their entitlements under employment rights legislation and will place a specific emphasis on sectors where migrant workers are concentrated. This significant increase — 50% — will allow the inspectorate to do much more of what it does best, that is, ensuring compliance with the law and ensuring workers get their entitlements.
Arising from paragraph 12.4 of the mid-term review of Sustaining Progress and to assist in the preparation of proposals for consideration by Government, a discussion document was prepared by the labour inspectorate on its mandate and resourcing. This comprehensive discussion document was prepared and circulated to the social partners in January of this year so that their views could be obtained. All the issues raised by the Deputies, including the need for professional support and the role of social partners, are considered in the document. In this regard, and in the light of the labour inspectorate's recent experiences, these issues are under active consideration.
The discussion document covered the full dimension of issues that impact on the operation of the labour inspectorate ranging from the legislative framework right through to the operational aspects and staff development. The discussion document also looked at a range of possibilities around the operation of the labour inspectorate and offered a spectrum of possibilities ranging from a compliance regime where the initiative would move more toward the complainant, with the labour inspectorate offering support, to a model where the right of initiative would be with the labour inspectorate which would conduct a hands-on approach.
The discussion document, which identifies 39 key proposals, is not prescriptive, rather it seeks to present the arguments for and against an extensive range of issues impacting on the mandate and associated resourcing of the labour inspectorate and its linked business units. In the absence of appropriate analysis, no particular model can be endorsed. However, the purpose of its inclusion is primarily to stimulate debate and signal that fundamental changes in approach should be considered. The discussion document has been well received among the social partners with some comments received and others awaited, although initial favourable views have been made known. An interactive phase on the discussion document will get under way shortly whereby the range of choices will be narrowed down and the issues raised by the Deputies will be considered in the context of the review.
I urge anyone who has specific evidence of the mistreatment of workers to furnish all the relevant details and any related materials to the inspectorate with a view to pursuing the matter.
41 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the ratio of exports from here by foreign companies to exports from here by indigenous companies in millions of euro; if that ratio is increasing; the breakdown of export figures for 2005, which are down on 2004, in these terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18101/05]
Trade statistics produced by the Central Statistics Office are not broken down by company ownership, so it is not possible to say precisely what the ratio of exports from the multi-national sector to exports from the indigenous sector is. However, Forfás conducts an annual business survey of economic impact, the ABS, which analyses, inter alia, exports by company ownership. This survey is conducted among the client companies of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Shannon Development and Údarás na Gaeltachta and covers both merchandise exports and services exports. For those reasons its scope is different from the CSO trade statistics.
The ABS for 2003, the last year for which statistics are available, showed that indigenous exporters accounted for approximately 11.4% of total exports surveyed, or €9.3227 billion of the survey total of €81.8057 billion. In 2000, indigenous exports accounted for approximately 12.5%, or €9.0964 billion, of the total of €72.5728 billion surveyed. Indigenous exports accounted for 11.8% and 11.2% of the totals for 2001 and 2002, respectively.
It is possible that the proportion of indigenous exports as a proportion of the total is higher than indicated in the ABS, as a number of large Irish companies with substantial exports are not counted among the clients of the State agencies on whose behalf the ABS is conducted. The survey suggests that after a slight decline in the years 2001 and 2003, the proportion of exports accounted for by indigenous companies has begun to rise again.
This Department is working with the CSO to enhance the available trade statistics so that greater information on trade by company ownership can be obtained. At the moment, I am not in a position to say when this work will be completed.
42 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by the Health and Safety Authority that some small enterprises were developing a culture of risk taking, leading to industrial accidents and deaths; the steps he intends to take to combat this trend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18032/05]
Based on information obtained by the Health and Safety Authority from the Revenue Commissioners, there are about 113,000 registered businesses in Ireland with fewer than ten employees and a further 18,000 businesses with between ten and 49 employees. In addition, there are 114,000 people working in agriculture and forestry, many being self-employed. Given their size and the fact that many are family-run, these workplaces are least likely to have formal management processes, including basic safety management practices, in place, yet such workplaces may be exposed to potentially greater risk than larger more formal enterprises where compliance with occupational safety and health provisions is better managed.
During 2004, the Health and Safety Authority carried out 6,342 inspections in workplaces having 15 employees or fewer, representing 71% of total inspections for the year. It is disturbing to learn that 37% of the companies inspected had not complied fully with the safety statements requirements.
The safety statement is a key provision of both existing legislation and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Bill 2004 which is before Seanad Éireann where Committee Stage recently concluded. It involves the essence of safety management in that in the preparatory work employers must identify hazards and assess the risks presented by any hazards in the place of work. Having done so, every employer must prepare a safety statement which also sets out the protective and preventive measures necessary. The bulk of safety management revolves around this process and it is therefore of vital importance that there is 100% compliance with the safety statement requirement.
Taking account of the practical difficulties faced by many small employers in meeting the safety statement requirements, the Bill provides a basis whereby employers employing three persons or fewer can, in future, comply with the safety statement obligations if they meet the requirements of such relevant sectoral or other code or codes of practice as may be published by the Health and Safety Authority.
44 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of inspections carried out by the labour inspectorate of his Department to ensure payment of the national minimum wage; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by labour inspectors that they do not have adequate resources to police the national minimum wage; the steps he is taking to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18010/05]
In 2004, labour inspectors of my Department undertook 462 inspections under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000. So far this year, the inspectorate has undertaken 168 inspections under the legislation. Inspectors operate on the basis of achieving compliance. Where an inspection occurs leading to a detection of infringements, the employer is required to rectify the infringements detected. Failure to do so to the satisfaction of the labour inspectorate within a specified period results in the initiation of legal proceedings. The Deputy may be aware that rights commissioners of the Labour Relations Commission — a body independent of my Department — also hear complaints concerning breaches of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.
Arising from the mid-term review of Sustaining Progress agreed by all parties, in June 2004, the inspectorate was asked to draw up a discussion document for the social partnership process. It did so by identifying 39 key proposals, including proposals relating to staffing of the inspectorate. The purpose of the discussion document is primarily to stimulate debate and signal that fundamental changes in approach should be considered. Some views have been received from the social partners while others are awaited.
On 12 April 2005, the Minister announced that he is appointing additional labour inspectors who will place a specific emphasis on sectors where migrant workers are concentrated. The group will consist of a team leader and ten labour inspectors. The additional inspectors will strengthen the labour inspectorate's capacity to ensure that workers in these sectors receive their entitlements under employment rights legislation. This expansion of the inspectorate will bring the authorised number of labour inspectors to 31.
45 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which he will progress the work of the expert group on bullying; his views on whether employers and unions claims of bullying should be allowed to proceed to a rights commissioner with powers to compel both parties to appear before them and powers to award compensation for distress if bullying has taken place or if he would prefer cases to go before the Employment Appeals Tribunal, where persons will only get a maximum of twice their salary in compensation and which is also limited to compensating the victim for financial loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18099/05]
48 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has satisfied himself that the necessary framework exists for those who claim to have experienced workplace bullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18072/05]
105 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts his Department has taken to determine the level of workplace bullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18068/05]
106 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is intended to introduce legislation to provide stronger protection for workers against workplace bullying; when this legislation will be published and enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18006/05]
113 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Health and Safety Authority will be charged with ensuring that the mental and psychological health of workers is protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18075/05]
264 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress of the expert group on bullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18382/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 48, 105, 106, 113 and 264 together.
All the questions centre around the issue of workplace bullying. An expert group was established in August 2004 under the auspices of my Department. The group was widely representative of the social partners, the Health and Safety Authority, the Equality Authority, the Labour Relations Commission, the National Centre for Partnership and Performance, the Western Health Board, a solicitor, human resources practitioners, Trinity College Dublin and a representative of my Department. The group was chaired by a senior manager of IBM Ireland.
The terms of reference of the group were to advise and report to the Minister within three months on the effectiveness of measures relating to the prevention of workplace bullying; the identification of improvements in procedures; and how to address the contribution made by bullying to the incidence of workplace stress.
The final version of the group's report was received by e-mail in my Department on Tuesday, 24 May last. I am considering it and will bring forward proposals for consideration by the Government. I expect that the Government will then publish the report and announce its intentions for implementation of the group's recommendations. I expect that the Government will be in a position to do this by the end of June.
The latest available figures on the problem of workplace bullying are from the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, which conducted a survey in the year 2000. The ESRI survey found then that 7% of persons in the workplace say that they were bullied. This means in terms of absolute numbers that at the time of the survey in 2000 approximately 115,000 persons were experiencing bullying in the workplace. This figure breaks down as a total of 52,000 males and 63,000 females.
The Health and Safety Authority, which has an anti-bullying response unit, reports having received 3,670 calls last year on workplace bullying. There are three codes of practice in operation to deal with the problem. These codes were formulated by the Labour Relations Commission, the Health and Safety Authority and the Equality Authority.
46 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons on community employment places at 1 January 2003, 1 January 2004, 1 January 2005 and the anticipated number at 31 December 2005; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by many community and voluntary groups due to the shortage of community employment places; if any changes are planned with regard to eligibility to participate in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18022/05]
As I announced on 10 November last, FÁS employment programmes, which comprise community employment, social economy and job initiative, will provide 25,000 places overall in 2005. I am informed by FÁS that the number of participants on CE was 24,992 on 1 January 2003, 19,848 on 1 January 2004 and 22,194 on 1 January 2005. During 2004 there was an increase of 2,346 participants on the CE scheme. FÁS anticipates that the numbers on the scheme by year end will be broadly in line with the January 2005 level.
The main purpose of the community employment programme is to provide work experience and training for the long-term unemployed and disadvantaged groups to enable participants to advance successfully to employment in the open labour market. FÁS also endeavours to ensure that local communities are supported in the delivery of services, particularly as regards health, child care and the drugs task forces, which have been ring-fenced and maintained at the 2002 levels. The change in the limit on participation from three to six years for the over 55s which I announced in November should help to ensure that there will be sufficient people available to fill the available places. There are no further changes planned regarding the eligibility criteria for the scheme.
47 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the promised new legislation in regard to export controls for military goods will be introduced; the main features of the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18018/05]
The proposed legislation, which was recommended by the 2004 Forfás review, will provide for the introduction of new controls on arms brokering and on the provision of certain types of technical assistance. Existing legislation will be also updated to provide, inter alia, for increased penalties for non-compliance with export control legislation, for the statutory right for the inspection and audit, by officials from my Department, of companies that export military goods and for controls on the transfer of relevant software and technology by electronic means. Work on drafting the new legislation has commenced and it is planned to publish the Bill this year.
The introduction of this new legislation will ensure that Ireland meets its EU and international obligations in full and equally ensures that its procedures are not overly restrictive as to make Ireland an unattractive location by international standards for mobile activity in legitimate industries.
49 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the new employment permits Bill will be published; and if he will provide a detailed outline of its contents. [18097/05]
The proposed employment permits Bill, which will govern the issue of employment permits for nationals from outside the European Economic Area, is in the final stages of drafting. The intention is to have the Bill published before the summer recess. The Bill will put the existing administrative arrangements on a sound legislative footing. It will lay down the conditions relating to the application and granting of employment permits, the grounds for refusal and provide for an appeals mechanism. It will also provide for penalties for breaches of the legislation and for the appointment of authorised officers to enforce the legislation.
The Bill will also empower me to issue employment permits of extended or indefinite duration, analogous to a green card-type system, where the workers in question are critical to meeting Ireland's skill and employment needs. The Bill will also provide additional protections for migrant workers.
50 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received any report from the Competition Authority on the level of competition for the sale of tickets for concerts and other events; if his attention has been drawn to the public concerns at the dominance of the market in concert and theatre ticket sales by a small number of companies whose charges seem to have no economic justification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18023/05]
As I advised the House on 20 April 2005, I am aware of the concerns expressed by the public about the sale of concert and theatre tickets. I understand, however, that the Competition Authority's investigation into the market is ongoing. Given the independent status of the authority and the confidential nature of its investigation, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage in the process.
51 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will confirm that the Government has now missed the required legislation to give effect to EU Directive 2002/14/EC regarding information and consultation with employees by the required date of 23 March 2005; if he has had communications from the European Commission on this matter; when the required legislation will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18026/05]
The objective of Directive 2002/14/EC is to establish a general framework setting out minimum requirements for the right to information and consultation of employees in undertakings or establishments over a certain employee threshold within the Community. I intend to seek Government approval for the text of the employees (provision of information and consultation) Bill 2005 shortly with a view to early publication and introduction in the Oireachtas. The directive was due to be transposed into Irish law by 23 March 2005. I have had no communication from the European Commission in this matter.
52 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he agrees with the consumer strategy group’s recommendation to abolish the limit on the number of pub licences awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18080/05]
I have noted the recommendation of the consumer strategy group regarding the abolition of the limit on the number of pub licences awarded. It is the case that this is but one of three separate recommendations contained in the group's report in relation to the alcoholic drinks sector. The consumer strategy group's report is comprehensive, covers most sectors of the economy and contains more than 30 separate recommendations whose implementation will involve a variety of different Departments and agencies. To ensure that there is a co-ordinated response to all the CSG's recommendations, the Government is establishing a high level interdepartmental committee to examine the recommendations and to report back with a detailed implementation plan within three months. The group's recommendations on the alcoholic drinks sector will obviously be considered by the interdepartmental committee as part of its deliberations.
53 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits issued to date under the new arrangements to give access to employment to the spouses of non-EEA nationals working here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18021/05]
The work permits section of my Department has issued 1,127 work permits to spouses of work permit holders from the announcement of the new arrangements for spouses of skilled non-EEA nationals on 18 February 2004.
54 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his Department’s plans to provide assistance to migrant workers from the accession states and other countries seeking gainful employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18062/05]
Nationals of the EU, including nationals of the ten new member states, are entitled to register with FÁS and avail of all the services they offer including employment seeking services. Non-EEA nationals generally enter the State through the work permits system only after they have been offered employment by a specific employer.
55 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures his Department intends to take to assist the 240 workers who are to be made redundant at a company (details supplied) in Naas; and if a replacement industry is being sought for the area. [18036/05]
290 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of job replacements achieved or anticipated in respect of job losses at a company (details supplied) in County Kildare and proposed job losses at a company in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18467/05]
291 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he has examined the cause or causes for the proposed relocation of the jobs of more than half the workforce at a company (details supplied) in County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the increased incidents of the relocation of manufacturing jobs to more competitive economies; if he proposes to take steps to address this issue before service industry jobs are similarly affected throughout County Kildare and nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18468/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55, 290 and 291 together.
I am aware of the recent announcement by Magna Donnelly Electronics Limited of a major restructuring and upgrading of its plant in Naas that will involve redundancies and of the other companies that closed in Celbridge and Naas in 2004. I understand that Magna Donnelly has decided to choose Ireland as the international manufacturing site for its next generation electronic mirrors and that this will involve substantial new capital investment at its Naas plant. This is expected to ensure the long-term future viability of the plant. The company employs 480 people at its Naas facility and 235 people will be employed following the restructuring.
The 245 redundancies are expected to be achieved through a voluntarily redundancy and early retirement scheme. The company intends that the restructuring plan will be implemented before the end of 2005. Finding alternative employment for the workers affected is a priority for the industrial development agencies. Already, FÁS has made available its full range of support services including training provision and a career planning process for the staff affected. The State development agencies continue to market and promote Naas and County Kildare as a whole for employment creation and investment.
IDA Ireland is working with its existing base of companies with a view to supporting such companies with potential expansions and diversification of activities, which strengthen their presence in the county. In addition, IDA Ireland targets potential new investment projects and there have been two site visits hosted by IDA Ireland to County Kildare over the past two years.
Recently, I opened the new International Fund Services (Ireland) Limited office in Naas, the company's second operation in Ireland. This facility is on target to employ 140 people by the end of 2005 and 240 by the end of 2006. The county continues to thrive across a broad range of activities in the housing, commercial, services and industrial sectors. As a result, many job opportunities are being created within the county. The population of the county continues to grow ahead of the national average and, last year, significant overseas investments were announced by both Intel and Hewlett Packard. Other overseas companies in the county such as Wyeth Medica, Oral B, Tegral Products and Athy Concentrates continue to provide significant job opportunities. Similar opportunities are being provided by the services and local industrial sectors.
Enterprise Ireland is actively involved in assisting client companies based in Naas to grow and develop their businesses. The agency's activity in terms of job creation is focused on supporting entrepreneurs setting up new high potential start-up companies, the retention of existing jobs and the creation of new jobs and in enhancing innovation capability at a national and regional level.
Between 2002 and 2004 Enterprise Ireland approved more than €3.4 million in support to 22 companies in the Naas area and since the beginning of 2002, it has approved €9.3 million for companies in County Kildare to help them grow their sales, improve innovation and develop new products in order that they can compete on world markets. Green Isle Foods announced in January 2005 a major expansion investment due to begin production this autumn, supported by Enterprise Ireland, which will lead to the creation of 130 new jobs from a current base in Naas of approximately 630.
I am aware of instances of manufacturing jobs relocating to lower cost economies. A more attractive cost environment abroad will inevitably attract some firms that are unable to produce in the high wage environment of modern industrial economies like ours. The continuing structural transformation of our economy is economically inevitable and some plant transfers and other adjustments are bound to happen, but where relocation has occurred to date, it has largely been limited to low-technology activities. The enterprise support agencies under my Department have adjusted their support strategies to meet both the needs of society and of businesses in terms of high quality employment opportunities. They have had a good deal of success in attracting higher value replacement enterprises, in line with our policy of moving enterprise in Ireland up the value chain to the higher value output of products and services. Sustainable employment will be driven by companies with higher profitability, that are more technologically advanced and prove a better fit with the competitive characteristics of our economy and that are therefore less likely to relocate on the basis of competitive influences.
I am satisfied that the strategies and policies being pursued by the State development agencies, under the aegis of my Department, will continue to maximise sustainable job creation and investment opportunities. The capacity of our economy to expand quality employment opportunities consistently, not only for our own labour force but for thousands of immigrants as well, strongly suggests that we have significant competitive strengths in the global context.
56 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Irish Council for Science, Technology and Innovation will produce an annual report on the state of science education here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12949/05]
The outgoing Irish Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, ICSTI, held its final plenary meeting in November 2004. ICSTI has been succeeded by a new advisory science council. The new council held its first meeting on 18 May and is preparing its annual work programme. I am arranging to bring the Deputy's views to the attention of the council in that context.
57 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the labour inspectorate investigation into the alleged mistreatment of Gama workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18064/05]
64 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the latest position in regard to the investigation by the labour inspectorate into allegations of serious irregularities in the treatment of employees of a Turkish company, Gama, which has been operating in this country; if all the workers have been given access to money held in accounts in a bank in Holland; if he has considered requesting the Garda to conduct an investigation into allegations that money had been diverted into accounts to which the workers previously had no access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18009/05]
86 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of labour inspectorate staff investigating Gama Construction; the number of staff available for other investigations at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18067/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 64 and 86 together.
These questions relate to a particular company which has been the subject of an investigation by the labour inspectorate of my Department. As the Deputies will be aware, the labour inspectorate report is subject to proceedings before the High Court. Accordingly, I am constrained from elaborating further on issues which arise in the context of the report. The report has been forwarded to the Garda and other bodies which have prosecutory powers in the State. The labour inspectorate is continuing its investigations and if any breaches of employment legislation are found, they will be fully pursued. A number of workers have obtained access to money held in the Dutch bank account and the position of other workers is being pursued.
Three labour inspectors, with assistance from two senior officials, have been engaged full-time in the investigation since its commencement in February 2005. Some 14 inspectors are engaged in other ongoing inspections.
58 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the implementation framework as agreed at the inaugural meeting of the high level implementation group on the national workplace strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18109/05]
99 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will make a report to the House regarding the inaugural meeting of the high level implementation group on the national workplace strategy. [18096/05]
270 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department is represented on the high level group recently established to oversee the implementation of the national workplace strategy. [18132/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 99 and 270 together.
The high level group established to oversee the appropriate implementation of the recommendations of the report of the forum on the workplace of the future, Working to our Advantage: a national workplace strategy, held its inaugural meeting on 17 May 2005. The central theme of the forum's recommendations is to create a climate conducive to supporting change and new forms of work organisation at national and organisational level. The group comprises senior representatives of five Departments — my Department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as well as the Departments of the Taoiseach, Finance, Education and Science and Justice Equality and Law Reform. Forfás, FÁS, IBEC, CIF and ICTU are also represented.
The implementation framework agreed by the group aims to progress the forum's recommendations which comprise the national workplace strategy and drive the strategy forward. Under this framework, action plans for each recommendation will be developed and their implementation will be overseen by the group. In addition, the group agreed a dissemination strategy for the forum's report.
59 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the employment rights group, announced on 24 May 2005 will be established; when it is due to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18069/05]
81 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has finalised his response to the report of the review group on the employment rights bodies, which he told the House on 20 April 2005 he hoped to publish within the next two to three weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18015/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 81 together.
On 24 May, I announced that the Government had agreed to the following programme of action in response to the report and recommendations of the review group on the role and functions of the employment rights bodies, the Labour Court, the Employment Appeals Tribunal and the Labour Relations Commission rights commissioner service, and my subsequent consultations with the various interested parties: the establishment of an employment rights group, ERG, comprising representatives of the Department, the employment rights bodies and the social partners. This group will consider and advise on the operational implications of giving effect to the Government's decisions in this area. A customer focused working group will be established in each of the bodies reviewed, as recommended by the report of the review group.
These working groups will address issues identified by the review group in the context of improving the delivery of service by the individual employment rights bodies. The ERG is to consider how best to simplify and streamline the complaint, appeal and enforcement procedures and documentation across all the various employment rights bodies. The ERG will also examine the extent to which common procedures and a simplified approach to the conduct of hearings-investigations can be adopted across all the bodies, leading to procedural simplification and improved customer service. The ERG will examine the practicality of setting up a single point of contact for the Labour Court, the rights commissioner service and all other services of the Labour Relations Commission and the Employment Appeals Tribunal, not only for information provision, but also for receipt and distribution of requests for service. In this context, the Government has directed that all efforts be made to concentrate the relevant employment rights bodies in a single physical location to optimise synergies, efficiencies and improved customer service delivery.
The Employment Appeals Tribunal, EAT, will continue as a stand-alone body, but one which will have full and part-time members. In addition, all cases which are heard in the EAT on a first instance basis will instead be referred to the rights commissioner service of the Labour Relations Commission in the first instance, thus making the EAT an exclusively appellate body. A programme of work is to be undertaken by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in co-operation with the Office of the Attorney General to simplify, harmonise and consolidate the corpus of employment rights legislation. This programme, to be assisted by the ERG, will bring forward proposals for a coherent and consolidated corpus of legislation for consideration by Government. This will not involve changes in statutory employment rights entitlements or affect the adjudicative independence of the employment rights bodies. Future appointments to the position of rights commissioner in the LRC and chair and vice-chairperson in the EAT will be made by way of open competition. In this context, the Government has directed the ERG to consider the job specifications and terms and conditions appropriate to these positions.
The report of the review group and also the report of the independent assessor employed for the consultation phase are available on the website of the Department of Enterprise,Trade and Employment, www.entemp.ie/employment/rights/publications.htm. The first meeting of the employment rights group is to take place on 13 June 2005 and its work should be completed in 18 months.
60 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of inspections carried out by the labour inspectorate and the number of prosecutions initiated by the inspectorate in respect of the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18013/05]
The number of workplace inspections-visits undertaken by the labour inspectorate, during and after normal business hours, and prosecutions initiated in respect of the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005 is set out in the following tabular statement.
The primary function of the labour inspectorate is to seek compliance and rectification of any breaches identified, including payment of any arrears due to employees. Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment and seek redress for the individual or individuals concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated. Successful prosecution can be dependent on adequate support from witnesses.
|
Year |
Inspections-Visits |
Prosecutions Initiated |
|
2002 |
8,323 |
25 |
|
2003 |
7,168 |
20 |
|
2004 |
5,160 |
14 |
|
2005 |
1,681 |
3 |
61 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will incentivise employers to give persons the option to continue in employment past the age of 65 as a means to providing a more flexible work environment, a more productive workforce and better off older persons in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18103/05]
A number of factors can impact on a person's decision to work past the age of 65, including the availability of flexible work options and pensions issues. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, who has responsibility for pensions policy, has recently asked the Pensions Board, in its review of national pensions strategy, to examine innovative ways of encouraging and allowing people to voluntarily work longer.
In addition, the recently published report of the forum on the workplace of the future recommends the development of a policy framework that removes the barriers to the continued participation in the workforce and facilitates older workers who wish to remain in the workforce. This recommendation will be considered by the high level group established to oversee the appropriate implementation of the recommendations contained in the report.
The OECD is also currently undertaking a review of policies for older workers in Ireland. This review will form part of a larger synthesis report for various OECD countries. The outcome of this review, which will be available in the autumn, will help to inform future policy direction in this area.
From my Department's perspective, we are conscious of the need to ensure the continued availability of employees in order to meet the needs of our economy. Creating the right environment to improve participation levels among all workers, including older workers, is increasingly becoming a key factor. The emphasis in the past has been towards those outside the workforce. However, in the light of future demographics, among other things, greater emphasis is now being put on increasing the skill levels of low skilled employees and in-company training. In this regard, the FÁS training budget has been significantly increased in 2005 by €65 million. Investment in training by employers and the development of programmes to facilitate both the unemployed and employees adapt their skills through further training and reskilling is critical to future employment growth and continuing employment for older workers.
The availability of a flexible working environment can also influence a person's decision to participate in the labour market. The national framework committee on work-life balance policies, which my Department chairs, has been given a specific remit to raise awareness and encourage the provision of work-life balance at the level of the enterprise. This committee, which was established under the social partnership process, comprises representatives from IBEC, ICTU, the Equality Authority and a number of Departments. The committee has undertaken and continues to undertake a range of activities, including the provision of financial assistance to organisations, information dissemination activities, seminars, and research activities.
62 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he intends to legislate for the regulation of apartment complex management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16413/05]
As regards corporate form, apartment complex management companies are generally constituted as companies limited by guarantee under the Companies Acts and are required to comply with the relevant provisions of company law.
The operation of such companies under their relevant memorandum and articles of association, including the employment of any property manager or management entity, is a matter for their members, who are the owners of the properties in question.
The company law review group is currently reviewing the legal provisions relating to companies limited by guarantee with a view to simplifying the law in this as in other areas of company law. I understand that among its recommendations it is likely to propose that: there should be no limitation on the maximum number of members a guarantee company may have; and an audit exemption provision should be introduced for guarantee companies. I anticipate bringing the comprehensive set of proposals emerging from the review group to Government for approval to draft a Bill later this year.
63 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department is aware if other State agencies face a similar predicament to that of IDA Ireland, Shannon Development and Údarás na Gaeltachta that led to the passing of the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Bill 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18077/05]
The urgent passing of the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Bill 2005 was necessary to protect the interest that the State holds in property that has been acquired for industrial development purposes by IDA Ireland, Shannon Development and Údarás na Gaeltachta by including these bodies among the State authorities that are not bound by the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No.2) Act 1978.
An application to the county registrar brought to light the fact that a legitimate scheme could be devised whereby sub-leases created by lessees could establish an entitlement for the sub-lessee to acquire the freehold interest in a property thereby extinguishing restrictive user covenants in the head lease. This had implications for the way in which the industrial development agencies could manage their properties.
In the relatively short period between my Department first bringing my attention to the issue on 13 April 2005 and the presentation of the Bill before the Oireachtas on 19 May 2005, legal advice was obtained and the Departments that were directly involved were consulted. In the course of this consultation, my Department was not made aware of any other State agency or body that would be in a similar predicament.
However, the day after the Bill was passed into law, the Secretary General of my Department felt it was prudent to write to the Secretaries General of the other Departments informing them of the background to the legislation. He also highlighted the fact that during the debate in the Oireachtas a number of contributors had raised the issue of whether other State bodies and agencies might be affected in the same manner as the industrial development agencies and if further legislation would be required. It is now a matter for each Department to consider the position of the agencies under their remit.
65 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received a request from the Director of Consumer Affairs to amend legislation to provide for the more effective control of postal competitions and promotions that encourage consumers to phone premium phone lines; if, in view of the serious concern at the operation of some of these schemes, he intends to respond to any such request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14636/05]
I have not received a request from the Director of Consumer Affairs to amend the law along the lines suggested by the Deputy. The director and my Department have received queries about correspondence received by people informing them that they had won prizes and that they had to use premium phone lines to collect or verify their prizes. In most cases no prizes were forthcoming.
However, I can confirm that the legal advice available to the Director of Consumer Affairs indicates that these schemes do not come within the scope of existing consumer law. My Department is, however, conducting a review of the entire body of consumer legislation in order to consolidate and modernise it. This project will also involve the transposition of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive recently adopted by the European Council. I have asked my officials to examine whether or not measures to counter these sorts of activities might be possible or appropriate in the context of this review.
In so far as these competitions purport to be lotteries, they are covered by the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956 to 1986 which are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Under this legislation any such competition which is not specifically permitted under the legislation is prohibited. Furthermore under section 22 of the Act, publication of any notice or announcement concerning a lottery other than announcements of the results of a lawfully conducted lottery is prohibited. The investigation of specific complaints in relation to breaches of the law are a matter for the Garda Síochána in the first instance.
The principal characteristic of these competitions appears to be the use of premium phone lines. Premium rate phone and text services are regulated by Regtel, the regulator of premium rate telecommunications services. Prior authorisation for the use of premium rate calls is required from Regtel. Promoters are also required to abide by Regtel's code of practice. I understand that Regtel has sanctioned offenders in the past by refusing them permission to use premium rate lines. Complaints in connection with premium rate services can be directed to Regtel. Again, I have no direct responsibility for Regtel which is a private, industry funded regulator.
The Deputy will be aware that the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003, which are also the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, are designed to ensure that people who do not wish to receive direct marketing literature should have their privacy respected. Under section 2(7) of the Data Protection Act 1988, as amended, individuals have the right to have their details removed from a direct marketing database. Individuals can contact the Irish Direct Marketing Association, the representative body for direct marketers in Ireland, to ask for their details to be removed from the marketing databases of the main direct marketers in Ireland and they should receive fewer unwanted mailings.
66 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in regard to discussions between the labour inspectorate and a company (details supplied) regarding the treatment of a person who had been employed as a beautician on a vessel at a rate of €1 per hour, having been recruited through a foreign based employment agency; the steps he intends to take to prevent such exploitation of workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18011/05]
103 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he intends to take against companies (details supplied) with regard to the non-payment of the statutory minimum wage. [18037/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 103 together.
The Minimum Wage Act applies to employees who work under a contract of employment in Ireland. Such workers are covered by Irish employment rights legislation by virtue of section 20 of the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001 which provides that the full range of Irish employee protection legislation applies to foreign workers posted to work in, or otherwise working in this country. However, where a ship is registered in another country the workers on that vessel have access to the employment legislation of the registering country only.
In regard to recent media reports regarding workers employed on the MV Normandy, this vessel is not registered in Ireland and I understand that a ship management agency recruits, employs and manages the ship’s staff on this service. Where the terms and conditions of employees are concerned the flag state, that is, the state where the ship is registered, has the exclusive rights to exercise legislative and enforcement jurisdiction over its ships on the high seas.
The situation was different in the case of the Filipino beautician working on the MV Isle of Inismore as the vessel is registered in Ireland. This lady was employed by an employment agency based in Singapore. An accommodation was achieved between this person and her employer in relation to the termination of her engagement. An employer should always ensure a work permit is obtained in advance of engaging a non-EEA national.
My Department regulates licensed employment agencies in the State and any complaints about specific agencies are followed up. At present foreign employment agencies, which operate from abroad, are not required to hold an employment agency licence under the Employment Agency Act 1971. My Department is currently undertaking a review of the Employment Agency Act 1971. As part of the above review my Department is currently finalising a policy paper and is also consulting with the Office of the Attorney General on some of the details. The policy paper will shortly be circulated to the various interest groups for further comment. Following the second round of consultations, my Department will draft the heads of a Bill and seek Government approval to have a Bill drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Council to the Government. I hope to publish the Bill by early 2006.
67 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the growing lack of competitiveness in manufacturing industry with resultant relocation to lower wage economies; if he has taken steps to address this issue having particular regard to the number of such manufacturing jobs lost to this economy in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18049/05]
Competitiveness is an issue of national importance that deserves careful monitoring and corrective policy intervention where necessary, but it must be pointed out that competitiveness does not affect the manufacturing sector alone. An uncompetitive economy will never be able to consistently create employment and increase its citizens' standard of living. While I recognise that manufacturing employment has declined by around 25,000 in the past five years, sound and supportive business policies have enabled enterprise to create almost 182,000 jobs in the same period. Approximately 65,000 of these jobs were created in the past year alone. The capacity of the economy to consistently expand quality employment opportunities, not only for our own labour force but for thousands of immigrants as well, strongly suggests that we have significant competitive strengths in a global context.
Clearly, a more attractive cost environment abroad will inevitably attract some firms that are unable to produce in high wage, high reward economies such as ours. The continuing structural transformation of our economy is inevitable as high value added services and related activities increasingly become the wealth and employment drivers in the economy. With this evolution, some plant transfers and other adjustments are bound to come, but where relocation has occurred to date, it has largely been limited to relatively low technology, labour intensive activities — those least suited to the economy we have become.
Over the past few years the enterprise support agencies under my Department have been mandated to adjust their support strategies to meet both the needs of society in terms of high quality employment opportunities and the more sophisticated needs of businesses that generate and sustain those jobs. As part of our determinedly pro-business support environment, for example, I recently asked Enterprise Ireland to rethink how it could better support indigenous firms in managing the challenges of enterprise growth and globalisation. This policy review has been guided by the recommendations of the enterprise strategy group and culminated in a new strategic direction for Enterprise Ireland that I launched at the beginning of the month. As part of this transition, Enterprise Ireland launched a €20 million productivity improvement fund to help indigenous firms invest in technology, equipment and employee training. In boosting productivity, this new programme will considerably strengthen the competitive position of Irish industry by increasing firms' value added output, making them less susceptible to cost pressures and giving them the capacity to grow and expand against global competition.
68 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in regard to each of the inquiries being carried out by or on behalf of his Department; if he will give a projected date for the conclusion of each such investigation; the inquiries in respect of which reports have been referred to the DPP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18027/05]
108 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the costs incurred by the State, at the latest date for which figures are available, arising from the various inquiries instigated by or on behalf of his Department; the element of these costs which have been recovered from any of the other parties involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18028/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 108 together.
Some 16 investigations into company law matters were initiated by my predecessor in the period since 1997. In three cases, the High Court appointed, on an application by the Minister, inspectors under section 8 of the Companies Act 1990. The inspectors appointed to Ansbacher (Cayman) Limited presented their report to the High Court on 10 June 2002. The report was subsequently published and referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The inspectors appointed to National Irish Bank Limited and National Irish Bank Financial Services Limited presented their report to the High Court on 12 July 2004. The report was subsequently published. The court ordered that a copy of the report be referred to several relevant authorities, including the DPP.
One investigation under section 14 of the Companies Act 1990 was completed in 1998. The report on this was referred to the DPP. One investigation was undertaken under section 59 of the Insurance Act 1989. The report on this was referred to the DPP as well as to the inspectors who undertook the section 8 investigation into that company.
Some 11 investigations were initiated by the Minister under section 19 of the Companies Act 1990. Six of these have been concluded. Of the six investigations completed, two of the reports were referred to the DPP. A number of summary prosecutions have since been successfully concluded in one case. One report provided an input into the successful application to the High Court for the appointment of inspectors under section 8 while the fourth report was passed to the relevant High Court inspectors. One report was completed in September 2002 and a further report was completed in March 2003. Both reports have been referred to the Director of Corporate Enforcement. Two of the 11 section 19 investigations were held up in legal appeals. These inquiries are now the responsibility of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
In regard to the three remaining section 19 investigations, I refer Deputies to my answers of 8 and 24 February 2005 in reply to several questions on this matter and to my reply today to Deputy Rabbitte in response to Question No. 88.
The costs incurred since 1997 on company investigations initiated by or on behalf of my Department currently amount to approximately €10.9 million. This amount does not include the salary costs of Civil Service staff working on a number of these investigations or the legal costs which are primarily being borne by the Vote of the Chief State Solicitor. Of the €10.9 million expended, €1.6 million relates to section 19 investigations by authorised officers and the remaining €9.3 million was incurred by High Court inspectors appointed under section 8 —€5.8 million in the case of National Irish Bank Limited-National Irish Bank Financial Services Limited and €3.5 million in the case of Ansbacher (Cayman) Limited.
The question of recovering costs from the section 8 investigations does not arise until such time as the inspectors complete their investigations. In the case of the Ansbacher inquiry, the High Court proceedings taken by the State to recover the costs of the inquiry were settled out of court for the sum of €1.25 million in favour of the State.
In the case of National Irish Bank Limited-National Irish Bank Financial Services Limited, the court ordered that National Irish Bank pay the full costs of the investigation. I understand that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, which had borne the costs of the investigation, has received payment of those costs from National Irish Bank.
Section 19, as originally enacted, did not provide for the recoupment of costs. This has now changed with the enactment of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001.
69 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 20 April 2005, if he will review the policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17797/05]
As outlined in the answer to the Deputy's previous parliamentary question, the reduction of 5,000 in staffing levels as announced by the Government in 2002 applies to all sectors of the public service. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and its agencies, including FÁS, are expected to contribute to this reduction. In the case of FÁS, a reduction of 150 over a number of years from a staffing level of almost 2,400 has been and is still considered appropriate.
70 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to introduce the right to flexible working for parents of young children, in view of the priority afforded to quality of working life in the national workplace strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18107/05]
The Taoiseach launched the report of the forum on the workplace of the future on 9 March 2005. The report contains 42 separate recommendations, which form the basis for a national workplace strategy. The strategy aims to create a climate conducive to supporting change and new forms of work organisation at national and organisational level.
The specific recommendation under the category quality of working life in relation to flexible working is as follows: "Work-life balance policies should continue to be promoted, consistent with individual business needs, in a manner that ensures that the careers of individuals who take up flexible arrangements are not adversely affected."
A high level group comprising senior representatives from a number of Departments, ICTU, IBEC and semi-State agencies and bodies will oversee the appropriate implementation of the national workplace strategy, including aspects relating to work life balance.
71 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures IDA Ireland has taken to attract industry to Listowel and Tralee, County Kerry, respectively, that is foreign direct investment; the number of IDA Ireland organised itineraries to Listowel and Tralee, respectively, since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17975/05]
93 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will meet a representative group from County Kerry, including the county manager, representatives from the chamber of commerce, IBEC and SIPTU, in the near future to discuss the failure of IDA Ireland to attract any foreign direct investment into County Kerry over the past five years and to discuss the recent IBEC report, Securing Kerry’s Future, on the future of Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17974/05]
268 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the recent initiatives which have been taken by both his Department and IDA Ireland to attract foreign direct investment into County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17984/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 93 and 268 together.
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment, FDI, to Ireland, including its regions and areas. While I may give general policy directives to the agency under the Industrial Development Acts, I am precluded from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
IDA Ireland's strategy for Kerry is to win high value investments in the international services, engineering and ICT sectors. Such investments, be they greenfield or expansion of existing operations, are often related to research activities and require high level skills, infrastructure and business services. The result of such investment is that it generates more high value products, services and higher paid jobs. IDA Ireland is pursuing this strategy within the national spatial strategy which has designated Tralee and Killarney as linked hubs. The objective is to create the environment that is demanded by overseas investors.
To continue to improve the attractiveness of south Kerry as a location for inward investment, IDA Ireland has completed site development works on its business and technology park at Tiernaboul, Killarney, County Kerry. The site area totals 4.66 hectares and the work involved significant landscaping, access development and site clearance, all of which has resulted in the upgrading of the overall appeal of the location. The work undertaken has cost in the region of €1 million. In addition, a local group of business people have completed a new building of 14,716 sq. ft. on a site acquired from IDA Ireland on this park. IDA Ireland is actively marketing this facility to potential investors but to date no client interest has been expressed.
Shannon Development has responsibility for the provision of property solutions in north Kerry. IDA Ireland is actively marketing the Kerry technology park, KTP, adjacent to the Institute of Technology, Tralee, and also the Listowel development centre, as property solutions to potential overseas investors. Since 2000, there have been a total of 13 visits to the Kerry area by IDA Ireland client companies, nine of which have included Tralee in their itinerary and four of which have visited Listowel.
Fundamental to regional success is the quality, calibre and drive of the third level education infrastructure in the region. Universities and institutes of technology are the foundations for development of more advanced economies. Kerry is well served by its progressive and forward thinking institute of technology in Tralee. IDA Ireland continues to work closely with this institute in the development of new areas of opportunity through the IDA Ireland's strategic business group and towards greater industry collaboration and research through its education skills and research group.
In addition to targeting potential new projects, the agency is also working with its existing portfolio of companies in the region, with a view to supporting such companies with potential expansions and diversification of activities.
At the end of 2004, there were 2,022 people in permanent employment in 21 IDA Ireland-supported companies in County Kerry. I am pleased that three new projects were announced in Kerry in 2004 namely Dollinger (Ireland), Liebherr Container Cranes Limited and Fujisawa.
I welcome the initiative by IBEC in undertaking a review of economic development in the county. I note from the report, Securing Kerry's Future, that there are challenges to be overcome in the provision of infrastructure and in the development of the necessary conditions for business to grow in the region. In this regard, it is my intention to visit the Kerry area as soon as my departmental and parliamentary commitments permit and I look forward to discussion with the local chambers of commerce and other interested groups about employment prospects specifically and economic development generally in the region.
72 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in regard to his announcement of the recruitment of an additional 11 labour inspectors, the number that have been appointed to date; when the full number will be appointed; if they will be concentrated on any particular area of work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18014/05]
Following my recent announcement on 12 April, there are now 31 labour inspector posts. Immediate steps have been taken to source the new inspectors initially from within the existing staff complement of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. The recruitment process has commenced and I would expect early appointments.
The additional inspectors will strengthen the labour inspectorate's capacity to ensure that workers in these sectors receive their entitlements under employment rights legislation. This significant increase will allow the inspectorate to do a lot more of what it does best — ensuring compliance with the law and ensuring workers get their entitlements.
The additional inspectors will concentrate their efforts on issues of concern to migrant workers. The inspectorate will now be able to offer a better service by responding faster to complaints and enable it to dedicate resources to in-depth investigations.
This expansion of the inspectorate together with support staff and colleagues in the employment rights information unit and the prosecution and enforcement unit make up an integrated group dedicated to ensuring people get their entitlements.
73 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he interprets the consumer strategy group’s recommendation to continue support for the Consumers Association of Ireland as a recommendation to increase funding to the body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18081/05]
I note the recommendation of the consumer strategy group that the Consumers Association of Ireland should continue to be supported. My Department fully supports the work of the Consumers Association and has allocated funding totalling €63,000 to assist the association in its work in 2005. The allocation of this funding, as in the case of all public expenditure, is subject to certain criteria to be agreed between my Department and the association. Future funding will be subject to the same considerations having regard to the exigencies of the public finances.
74 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his response to the recent document, Managing the Immigration and Employment of non-EU nationals in Ireland, produced by the policy institute at Trinity College, Dublin, and particularly its findings that new labour immigration policies would fail unless employment laws were strictly enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18020/05]
87 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the recently published TCD policy institute report, Managing the Immigration and Employment of non-EU nationals in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18076/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 87 together.
I welcome the publication of this policy institute blue paper by Dr. Martin Ruhs. Dr. Ruhs has undertaken valuable and comprehensive academic research with regard to the history and trends of economic migration in Ireland. The paper puts forward suggestions regarding the employment permits system. These suggestions will be closely studied in the context of the forthcoming Employment Permits Bill and the implementation of a more actively managed economic migration policy.
With regard to the enforcement of migration laws, the labour inspectorate of my Department is responsible for monitoring certain employment conditions for all categories of workers in Ireland, including immigrant workers. The inspectorate operates without any differentiation with regard to worker nationality as statutory employment rights and protections apply to immigrant workers in exactly the same manner as they do to native Irish workers. Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment and when evidence of non-compliance with the relevant employment rights legislation is found, the inspectorate seeks redress for the individual or individuals concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated.
I recently announced that I am appointing additional labour inspectors who will place a specific emphasis on sectors where migrant workers are concentrated. The group will consist of a team leader and ten labour inspectors. This significant increase of 50% in its staffing will allow the inspectorate to do a lot more of what it does best — ensuring that compliance with the law and ensuring workers get their entitlements.
I urge anyone who has specific evidence of the mistreatment of workers to furnish all the relevant details and any related materials to the inspectorate with a view to pursuing the matter.
75 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the results of his recent trade mission to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18033/05]
94 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the results of his four day visit to the United States in April 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18083/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 94 together.
The United States is a key export market for Irish owned companies, which exported over €1 billion to the market in 2004. It is a powerful global economy and leading in many industries and remains an essential market for Irish companies seeking to grow an international presence.
I led a trade mission organised by Enterprise Ireland to New York, New Jersey, Washington DC and Boston from 25 to 28 April 2005. The visit helped to raise the profile of Irish companies by assisting them to enhance their relationships with US customers and partners. During my visit I met over 50 Enterprise Ireland client companies and participated in one to one meetings or announcements with 19 of them. I also met senior executives from US companies, including HSBC, World Bank, EMC, IBM and Pfizer.
The key objectives of the visit were to support and highlight the successes of Irish companies and announce specific sales-partner deals; confirm to US buyers Enterprise Ireland's role as a gateway to Irish industry and to build on relationships Enterprise Ireland has developed with both the National Institutes of Health, NIH, and Department of Health and Human Services.
During the visit I witnessed Irish companies announce deals and partnerships worth €15 million with the potential to rise to €90 million, with major American companies in the pharmaceutical, health care and financial services markets. Examples of this are Qumas which signed a $1 million deal with Janssen Pharmaceutica; Data Display which signed a $5 million deal with Siemens to supply its technology to the New York city subway system; Rockall Technologies which signed a $1 million dollar deal with Wachovia Bank; and Cylon Controls which announced a flagship deal in Washington to equip a 400,000 sq. ft. building with its energy and equipment control technology. There were several other deals discussed during the visit with clients such as Alimentary Health, Intuition, Anam and a number of others that cannot be made public due to commercial sensitivities.
In addition to helping client companies secure sales and key reference sites for Irish companies in the USA, Enterprise Ireland is involved in several strategic initiatives including projects focused on building research partnerships with key institutes, networking activities, improving competitiveness through specialist consultants, expanding market reach through indirect channels and targeted campaigns with key global companies.
During the visit I had the opportunity of meeting the US Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt; Elias Zerhouni, Director of the National Institutes of Health; Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez; Thomas J. Donohue, President of the US Chamber of Commerce; and Thomas Finneran of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council.
I also attended a number of networking functions hosted by Enterprise Ireland and Irish diplomatic missions in the US with key people from both industry and academia in New York, Washington DC and Boston. In Washington DC I met the National Institutes of Health, NIH. The National Institutes of Health constitute the world's largest research facility with an annual budget of over $28 billion. Enterprise Ireland has in recent years developed a strong and very valued relationship with the NIH and has secured the assignment of an Enterprise Ireland representative at its office of technology transfer. The meeting allowed me to build on this key relationship with the NIH. I thanked Dr. Zerhouni, director of the NIH and the NIH for their efforts over the past three years in facilitating introductions between NIH institutes and Enterprise Ireland's client base and I also thanked him for the launch of the NIH-Enterprise Ireland assignment, highlighting how valuable it will be and already is to the Irish life sciences industry. The meeting with Dr. Zerhouni of the NIH has led the way for discussions on extending the initial term of the NIH-EI assignment to the office of technology transfer there.
Enterprise Ireland is actively following up on action plans to build on the opportunities for Irish companies and the excellent contacts established during this trip.
76 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the liquidation process for a company (details supplied); if he has satisfied himself that all possible steps have been taken to protect the interests of former employees of the company, who lost their jobs as a result of the liquidation of the company; if, he has any information as to the proportion of pension entitlement that former workers, including those in Northern Ireland, are likely to receive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18017/05]
I understand that the liquidator has made considerable progress in realising the assets of the company and establishing the full extent of its liabilities and that he hopes to complete the liquidation process later this year. At this stage, the production sites at Arklow and Cork remain the principal assets yet to be realised. It is understood that contracts have been signed for the sale of both sites and that it is hoped that the sales will be closed over the coming months. It is a matter solely for the liquidator to determine whether to accept any particular offer made.
The State has made a significant financial contribution to assist the former employees of Irish Fertiliser Industries. Following the decision by the board of IFI to put the company into liquidation, ICI and the State, the shareholders in IFI, while there was no legal obligation to do so, established a special fund with almost €24.5 million to provide ex-gratia severance payments to the former employees of IFI. Payments from the fund were made were in accordance with the basis for distribution determined by the trustee of the fund, which has been endorsed by a ballot open to all employees.
In addition, the liquidator has admitted, as unsecured creditors in the liquidation, claims from the employees of the company to have entitlements in respect of the voluntary severance terms traditionally paid by the company. However, the dividend payable to the workers concerned, if any, can only be determined when all the assets of the company have been realised and all liabilities established. It must be emphasised, of course, that the amount, if anything, to be paid in due course in respect of such claims is a matter solely for determination by the liquidator.
As regards pensions, I understand that the two main schemes covering employees in the Republic have sufficient funds to meet all of the entitlements provided under the schemes. While I understand that the schemes may not be in a position to provide some additional discretionary benefits that members had hoped to receive, it would appear that the payment of such benefits would always have been conditional on sufficient funding being available to meet the costs involved.
I am aware that employees based in Belfast, who are deferred pensioners of the Richardsons pension fund, are likely to receive much reduced pension entitlements. The specific financial position of the Richardsons fund appears to have arisen primarily from a combination of the statutory rules which currently apply on the winding up of a pension fund in the UK and a shortfall in the assets of the Belfast fund compared with its liabilities as a result of the fund trustees' investment strategy coupled with a significant fall in the equities market.
I understand that the liquidator has accepted, in principle, that a claim on the liquidation, submitted by the trustees of the Richardsons scheme, is admissible. However, the amount of claim has yet to be established while the amount that might be recovered from the liquidation in due course will depend on the dividend rate for unsecured creditors generally. In addition, I understand that the UK Government has announced proposals to deal with the issue of pension shortfalls arising from insolvencies but I am not aware of the impact, if any, this may have on the shortfall in the Richardsons scheme. Depending on the outcome of these developments, there is the prospect of some alleviation in the position faced by the active members of the Richardsons scheme.
While I have the utmost sympathy for the plight of the members affected by the shortfall that has arisen in the scheme, I am satisfied that the Government does not have any obligations in respect of the shortfall that the pension scheme faces.
77 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will make a statement on the recently published Strategic Plan for Irish Industry published by Enterprise Ireland. [18002/05]
The future development of Irish industry through innovation and internationalisation is a priority for me as Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment. The enterprise strategy group's report, Ahead of the Curve — Ireland's Place in the Global Economy, provides a blueprint for the actions that need to be taken to secure and build on Ireland's position as a developed economy. Following Government consideration of the recommendations of the enterprise strategy group, I published an enterprise strategy group action plan. As part of that plan, I asked Enterprise Ireland to rethink creatively how to help business deliver on the core ESG recommendations.
In particular, I asked Enterprise Ireland to focus on how best to accelerate the development and internationalisation of Irish-owned business as a priority for future economic development. Enterprise Ireland's strategy, Transforming Irish Industry, which I launched on 4 May 2005, outlines the agency's response to the enterprise strategy group action plan. It clearly represents a major change in approach. The strategy will, I believe, make a substantial contribution to the further internationalisation of Irish companies in an increasingly knowledge driven global economy.
Ireland is at a turning point in its economic development. Irish companies must increasingly compete through innovation, superior market knowledge and a relentless focus on productivity gains and increased automation. We will need to see substantially increased levels of applied research in Irish firms and must foster an environment where there exists a close working relationship between companies and third level colleges. To be successful, companies need to be outward looking in their development strategies. Enterprise Ireland will partner with business to harness the undoubted development opportunities, which global markets offer. This, I believe, is where Enterprise Ireland can add real value.
Enterprise Ireland has now undertaken a complete re-engineering of its overseas network and marketing supports, both in terms of business process and organisation structure, with a clear focus on client need. Specific deliverables have been set out in its strategy in terms of export growth, €3 billion in new export sales over three years, achieving substantially increased levels of applied research in Irish firms, doubling to 1,050 the number of Irish firms carrying out meaningful research and development, that is, greater than €100,000 annually, and driving entrepreneurship to deliver greater numbers of new high growth companies with strong export potential and increased employment opportunities to every region of the country — 210 high potential start-ups by year end 2007.
I am satisfied that the strategy is appropriate, necessary and achievable and will position Irish industry as a key driver of Irish economic growth, jobs and wealth creation in an increasingly competitive global environment. Mindful of the immediate competitive pressures facing Irish companies, I also recently announced the establishment of the Enterprise Ireland productivity improvement fund with a total budget of €20 million until the end of 2006 to assist Irish industry in its ongoing drive for efficiency and economic competitiveness.
In supporting Irish industry Enterprise Ireland does not exist in a vacuum and therefore partnership with other State bodies, with CEBs and with academic and research institutions will be vital to future success.
78 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the new national consumer agency recommended in the report of the consumer strategy group will be established; the way in which this will differ from the existing Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18007/05]
The report of the consumer strategy group was published on 18 May 2005. The Government has accepted the core recommendation contained in the report and has given its approval, in principle, to the establishment of a new national consumer agency. The establishment of the new agency will require primary legislation. My Department has already commenced the necessary legislative and organisational work to ensure that the NCA is established as soon as possible. I expect to be in a position to publish the legislation establishing the NCA towards the latter half of next year and that the agency itself will be up and running in 2007. In the interim, I have appointed a board to the agency to act in an interim capacity until the NCA is established on a statutory basis. The interim board will fully participate in the preparations for the statutory NCA and will help to ensure that once established, the new agency will hit the ground running.
While the precise structure and remit of the new national consumer agency will be the subject of consultations and discussions, it is clear that the NCA will differ considerably from the existing office of the Director of Consumer Affairs. It is likely that the new NCA will have a board structure and be fully independent of my Department, not only in the operation of its statutory functions but more particularly in terms of responsibility for the management of its resources and budget. The NCA will build on the valuable enforcement work currently being carried out by the Director of Consumer Affairs but will have an expanded role and wider statutory functions in areas such as consumer advocacy, information and advice, research and education and awareness. I agree with the consumer strategy group that the NCA must have these additional functions if it is to be effective in advocating the consumer's case.
79 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits issued to non-national workers in 2005; the way in which this compares with previous years; the extent to which he and his Department monitor the pay and working conditions of the persons concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18050/05]
The work permits section of my Department has issued 9,349 work permits from 1 January 2005 to 30 April 2005. This compares with 13,039 for the same period in 2004, and 13,909 for that period in 2003.
The labour inspectorate of my Department is responsible for monitoring certain employment conditions for all categories of workers in Ireland, including immigrant workers. Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment and when evidence of non-compliance with the relevant employment rights legislation is found, the inspectorate seeks redress for the individual or individuals concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated. Statutory employment rights and protections apply to immigrant workers in exactly the same manner as they do to native Irish workers. I have recently announced a 50% increase in the numbers of labour inspectors and have directed that these additional officers focus particularly on the sectors where non-EEA employees are most numerous.
In addition, where employers seek work permits in order to employ non-EEA nationals, the Department requires the statement of the main functions of the job, salary-wages, deductions, other than statutory, other benefits and hours to be worked per week. Both the proposed employer and the proposed employee must sign this statement. Work permits are not granted unless there is compliance with minimum wage legislation. Applications for renewals require confirmation that the stated wages have been paid — P60 and other sources are used. If there is evidence that particular employers are exploiting immigrant workers, I ask that it be brought to the attention of the labour inspectorate for investigation and further action.
80 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of EU directives for which his Department has responsibility which have yet to be implemented; the number in respect of which the deadline for implementation has passed; if he has satisfied himself with the rate of compliance by his Department; the number of cases where legal actions have been notified or commenced by the European Commission arising from a failure to implement a directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18025/05]
The current position in relation to the transposition of EU directives for which my Department is responsible indicates a total of 28 directives to be implemented, including eight for which the deadline for implementation, in full or in part, has passed.
Details of the directives, including, in so far as it has been decided, the proposed transposition instruments, are available on my Department's website at www.entemp.ie/trade/eudirectives. The website also contains information on directives currently awaiting transposition in respect of which infringement proceedings have been commenced.
In regard to six of the directives that have not yet been transposed and for which the deadline has passed, letters of formal notice have been received from the Commission. Four of the letters of formal notice are in respect of four inter-related directives which will be transposed under one statutory instrument.
I am satisfied that my Department is giving all due priority to the task of implementing EU directives in light of the available resources.
82 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will incentivise the use of bus and rail by his Department for official business in order that bus and rail use might account for a greater proportion of transport expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18105/05]
As the regulations regarding the use of various forms of transport are agreed centrally for the Civil Service as a whole by my colleague the Minister for Finance, I do not have scope to offer particular incentives to my officials to use bus or rail for official business purposes nor do I believe that it would be appropriate for me to do so.
Generally, the travelling and subsistence regulations published by the Department of Finance highlight the importance of using public transport where possible and appropriate. Generally officers are authorised to use their own transport on official business where suitable public transport is not available, where public transport is available only at equal or greater expense or where the use of public transport would result in the loss of official time which it is necessary to avoid. The Deputy will understand that the use of private transport by the travelling officials of my Department will regularly be necessitated in one or more of these circumstances.
My Department generally supports the use of public transport by staff and operates the tax efficient public transport scheme as approved by the Minister for Finance whereby staff can purchase annual bus and rail passes through the Department for private use.
83 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason his Department decided against imposing price display orders on doctors and dentists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18063/05]
I announced in reply to a parliamentary question put to me on 16 December 2004 that I did not intend to proceed with the making of an order under the Prices Acts 1958 to 1972 obliging doctors and dentists to display the charges for their services.
The reasons were both legal and practical. Enforcement of price display orders are carried out by way of regular surveys involving test purchases and by infringement proceedings against those who violate the order. Whereas test purchases are a feasible methodology to measure compliance and to discover infringements in the case of petrol stations and public houses they are not practical or ethical in the case of the services of doctors and dentists. Infringement proceedings on the other hand would not be possible without authorised officers of the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs having access to the medical and dental records of patients and this would not be in compliance with data protection or privacy laws. Given these problems, I could not see how a price display order for doctors and dentists could be effectively enforced and I consequently decided not to proceed with it.
84 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the European Commission’s quarterly report on the euro area which shows Irish exporters are less competitive than their European counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18084/05]
The European Commission's quarterly report on the euro area asserts that Ireland's export performance appears quite weak relative to the euro-area average for the 2000-03 period, once the effects of our high-tech sector are excluded. At first glance this appears a rather surprising statement but on closer analysis the basis for the Commission's assessment is very narrowly defined. For example, the Commission's analysis is restricted to euro-area goods export data and it does not include internationally traded services. It also excludes exports from one member state to another.
The exclusion of both services and exports to other member states is bound to produce an analysis that does not comprehensively reflect the reality of Ireland's export and competitiveness performance. This is particularly important because our export performance is driven by high technology exports from companies that use our competitive economy as a bridgehead into many European markets, particularly in the high value added pharmaceutical and ICT sectors. These qualifications are important as the Commission itself acknowledges when it commented "the recent export performance of Ireland is significantly weaker when only goods are considered".
Ireland's competitive success continues to be built on key strengths as having one of the most favourable taxation regimes in Europe, access to the EU's internal market, a well educated and skilled workforce and a history of consistently pursuing pro-business policies to secure a competitive environment that is highly attractive for indigenous and foreign investment. These policies have ensured that on the basis of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development data, Ireland's share of global and EU foreign direct investment has risen sharply in recent years. From just under 4% of the total in 2000, Ireland accounted for more than 8% of total inflows to the EU-15 in 2003. On a global basis, we won almost 5% of total world inflows. Hard nosed investment decisions are not made in favour of uncompetitive and lowly rated economies.
We will continue to innovate successful enterprise policies that increasingly promote quality employment and investment opportunities in high technology products and the rapidly expanding high value international services sector of the economy.
85 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the serious implications for the Waterford area in general and for Dungarvan of the announcement by Waterford Wedgewood that it is to close its Dungarvan plant and reduce its workforce at Kilbarry with a total loss of almost 500 jobs; if the proposed redundancies have been formally notified to his Department; the discussions he has had with the company on the matter, in particular on the prospects of keeping the Dungarvan plant in production; the action he intends to take arising from the announcement; if he will ask the industrial development agencies to give this area priority in terms of a search for replacement industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18003/05]
On 4 May 2005, the company in question notified my Department of its decision to make 485 of its 1,456 employees redundant. Unfortunately, cost saving measures, including short-time working for the majority of its employees, which were taken last September, have proved insufficient for the company's needs. The company has indicated that its current sales volume does not justify maintaining two manufacturing plants in Waterford and Dungarvan and has decided to close the Dungarvan plant.
Enterprise Ireland has been working very closely with the company, particularly over the last number of months, regarding the company's strategy. In recent discussions, the company made it quite clear that there was a need to consolidate manufacturing operations into one plant. The agency will continue to work with the company in implementing its restructuring programme.
On 11 May last, I met the Waterford county manager to discuss the situation. An inter-agency forum, under the chairmanship of the county manager, has been established to deal with the job losses in the company. Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and FÁS are participating in the forum together with all other relevant bodies, which have been brought into the process by the county manager. The first meeting of the forum took place on 13 May last and a second on 24 May. It is proposed that the forum will meet every two weeks for the present.
The industrial development agencies will continue to promote Waterford, and the south east region generally, as an attractive location for the development of employment and investment opportunities. As well as attracting new knowledge-based industries to Waterford, there is a strong indigenous presence in the area. As regards Dungarvan in particular, the first phase of site development has been completed on IDA Ireland's industrial park and the first client, Biopin, has been secured.
88 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in regard to the direction issued to an authorised officer to cease his inquiries into three companies being carried out under section 19 of the Companies Act 1990, if the authorised officer has now completed his reports; if he has received these reports; if so, the action it is intended to take arising from the reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18029/05]
I have not yet received reports of the investigations concerned. The current position is that I am completing a fundamental review of progress to date with a view to having matters brought to a conclusion as soon as possible.
89 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the promised legislation to put the employment permit regime on a comprehensive and sound statutory footing will be published; the reason for the delay in bringing forward the legislation, which was originally promised for early 2003; if he will confirm that it is intended to replace the current work permit system with a green card system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18019/05]
The employment permits Bill is in the final stage of drafting. The intention is to have the Bill published before the summer recess. The preparation of the Bill has taken longer than expected because of the change in labour market circumstances due to the enlargement of the European Union.
The proposed employment permits Bill, which will govern the issue of employment permits for nationals from outside the European Economic Area, will: put the existing administrative arrangements on a sound legislative footing; facilitate the issue of employment permits of extended or indefinite duration, analogous to a green card-type system, where the workers in question are critical to meeting Ireland's skill and employment needs; and provide additional protections for migrant workers.
90 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will assess the impact that a consistently weak dollar has had on Irish businesses; if he has made representations to the US authorities on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18100/05]
The evolving structure of Irish enterprises, particularly the growth in internationally-traded services and the manufacture of higher technology based products means Irish exports are higher value-added in nature and as such are more resilient to exchange rate movements. Transforming our enterprise base will be accelerated by consolidating our competitiveness strengths, helping existing firms with tailored competitiveness enhancing programmes and attracting foreign investment in sophisticated niche products and services.
Enterprise policy is being actively refocused towards creating the conditions that will make possible a sustained shift to higher skill, knowledge-intensive activities and in which advanced manufacturing expertise will be an important contributor to growth and employment. This is essential if our enterprises are to sustain competitiveness against adverse currency movements in exchange markets over which we have no influence. The range of incentives provided through the enterprise development agencies are designed to meet these objectives and to help enterprise operate at higher levels of skill, undertake higher order strategic investments, product development and innovation. The agencies want to be active and supportive partners with enterprise to help buttress their competitive strengths while building their capacity to expand into new products and markets where demand will be influenced more by product ingenuity and customer satisfaction than by simple cost-price considerations.
Global foreign exchange markets determine the external value of the euro. It is not within the capacity of a small open economy to artificially influence trends in exchange rates and nor should we try. Our focus should rightly concentrate on building a competitive economy and competitive and productive firms that will be able to consistently convert global business opportunities into expanding jobs and profits for Ireland. I would also point out that trade with the euro area accounts for about 35% of total external merchandise trade. A significant proportion of our trade is therefore not directly affected by the euro-dollar exchange rate.
While we saw a consistent weakening of the US dollar during 2004, this trend seems to have been reversed since the beginning of the year as the dollar has strengthened by about 7.5% since January. However, I am concerned that currency volatility can have a negative impact on small companies and their ability to manage these fluctuations to their competitive advantage. Enterprise Ireland, in association with the Irish Exporters Association and National Irish Bank, organised a series of foreign exchange risk strategy workshops throughout the country entitled, Managing Your Foreign Exchange Risk — a strategy for the future. These ran from June to October 2004 and were designed to inform exporters about foreign exchange rate risk and the strategies that they can adopt to manage and reduce those risks. A number of additional workshops were organised in response to excess demand from companies.
91 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department will carry out an assessment of the extent of abuse of migrant and other workers in the hotel and catering trade. [18089/05]
The labour inspectorate of my Department is responsible for monitoring certain employment conditions for all categories of workers in Ireland, including migrant workers. The inspectorate operates without any differentiation with regard to worker nationality as statutory employment rights and protections apply to migrant workers in exactly the same manner as they do to native Irish workers. Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment and when evidence of non-compliance with the relevant employment rights legislation is found, the inspectorate seeks redress for the individual or individuals concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated. Employers are required to maintain records in respect of such employees and these records, together with other substantiating evidence, for example, a statement from an employee, provide the essentials of a basis for legal proceedings. Failure on behalf of the employer to maintain adequate records is an offence.
In many instances, the wages and employment conditions of workers employed in the hotel and catering trade are governed by the employment regulation orders, which are enforced by the labour inspectorate of my Department. Rates of pay in hotels in Dublin and Cork are not covered by such orders but are subject to the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.
The number of inspections undertaken by the inspectorate in 2004 under the relevant employment regulation orders was 215. To date this year, 62 inspections have been carried out under these orders. In 2004, labour inspectors of my Department undertook 462 inspections under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000. So far this year the inspectorate has undertaken 168 inspections under the legislation.
The Minister recently announced that he is appointing additional labour inspectors who will place a specific emphasis on sectors where migrant workers are concentrated. The group will consist of a team leader and ten labour inspectors. The additional inspectors will strengthen the labour inspectorate's capacity to ensure that workers in these sectors receive their entitlements under employment rights legislation.
I urge anyone who has specific evidence of the mistreatment of workers to furnish all the relevant details and any related materials to the inspectorate with a view to pursuing the matter.
92 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in regard to his consideration of the report of the enterprise strategy group; if the Government has decided not to implement certain recommendations of the report; the recommendations in respect of which decisions have been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18024/05]
The Government considered and endorsed the report of the high level committee that was asked to look at the most appropriate implementation arrangements for the enterprise strategy group, ESG, recommendations. The Government broadly supports the policy directions recommended by the group as underlined by its intention to implement, either in full or with some modifications, most of the ESG recommendations. Details of the position in relation to these recommendations are set out in the action plan which I announced on 4 May and which can be downloaded from my Department's website — www.entemp.ie/enterprise/support/esgactionplan.htm.
As regards recommendations which it is specifically not intended to implement, we have decided not to implement the recommendation that existing regulators for networked sectors should be replaced by a new regulatory body covering all networked sectors. In looking at international experience, the Government remains to be convinced that regulatory amalgamation on the scale proposed would be an efficient model. For example, there is a danger that a single regulator could give rise to slower decision making and have less focus on smaller sectors compared with more dominant ones. This is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
The Government decided to consider further the potential for the disaggregation of State procurement contracts for telecommunication services and my colleagues, the Ministers for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and Finance, will deal with this matter.
The ESG's report makes a valuable contribution to making sure we have the vision to develop the most suitable policies to cater for the new realities and challenges facing the economy. The ESG policy prescriptions are particularly relevant to my Department and the enterprise support agencies that report to me. As part of the process of making important policy adjustments on foot of the ESG policy prescriptions, I asked Enterprise Ireland to rethink how it could better support indigenous firms in managing the challenges of enterprise growth and globalisation. This process culminated in a new strategic direction for the agency that I launched at the beginning of the month.
95 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his assessment of the status of the World Trade Organisation negotiations on the liberalisation of world trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18082/05]
The adoption of the framework agreement by the WTO General Council in Geneva, in July 2004, effectively relaunched the stalled Doha development agenda negotiations. The framework agreement sets clear and precise parameters on each of the key areas under the Doha development agenda, DDA, negotiations, including in the areas of agriculture, non-agricultural market access, NAMA, services, trade facilitation, and on development issues.
It is now a matter for WTO members to develop the agreed framework into concrete, detailed and specific commitments including, for example, levels of tariff reduction, increased quotas, potential dates for elimination of agricultural export subsidies, and the further reduction, and-or elimination, of non-tariff trade barriers. Detailed negotiations on these aspects are now taking place among WTO members. It is important that the current momentum is maintained in these negotiations and that WTO members in Geneva move quickly towards the preparation of modalities on all key areas of the DDA in the lead-in to the next WTO ministerial conference in Hong Kong in December 2005.
Ireland is engaged extensively in the preparation of, and input to, EU submissions to the WTO across the full spectrum of issues under the Doha agenda. Along with other EU member states, we will be anxious to secure a large measure of success in progressing the DDA negotiations at the next WTO Trade ministerial conference in Hong Kong.
96 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date with regard to review of the Employment Agency Act 1971 as agreed under the Sustaining Progress agreement; if the proposed policy paper has been finalised and circulated; when this process will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18012/05]
As part of the Government's commitments under Sustaining Progress, a review of the Employment Agency Act 1971 is being carried out by my Department. As part of this review, my Department published in May 2004 a discussion paper on the 1971 Act and requested submissions from the various interests in the sector, including the social partners. A total of nine submissions were received and were examined in detail by my Department.
My Department is currently finalising a policy paper and is also consulting with the Office of the Attorney General on some of the details. The policy paper will be circulated to the various interests for further comment in the coming weeks. Following this second round of consultations, my Department will draft the heads of a Bill and seek Government approval to have a Bill drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government. I hope to publish the Bill by the end of the year.
As part of this review, I am currently considering that, in future: employment agencies will be required to be registered with my Department rather than be licensed as at present. Overseas agencies supplying workers to work in Ireland will also be required to be registered with the Department; employment agencies will be required to comply with the terms of a statutory code of practice which will set out in detail, the practices and standards which agencies would be expected to follow. This code will in particular, set out the employment rights of agency workers; a statutory monitoring and advisory committee — representative of all the various interests in the sector — will be established. This committee will oversee the operation of the statutory code of practice and make recommendations to me as the Minister of State with responsibility for labour affairs in relation to revoking or suspending registration and-or the prosecution of agencies who breach the code; any employer who recruits a worker from an unregistered agency either from Ireland or overseas will be guilty of an offence and liable to prosecution.
97 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the Article 133 Committee meeting of the 6 May 2005 in respect of economic partnership agreements, EPAs; the Irish position at this meeting and his Department’s thinking in relation to UK proposals on the matter. [18106/05]
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 actively following the developments in the EPA negotiations process and will continue to do so. In so far as the discussions within the EU Council, including the Article 133 Committee, are concerned, Ireland will insist that the Commission discharges its mandate in accordance with the provisions of the Cotonou agreement and in a manner which is sensitive to the particular concerns of ACP states.
As regards the UK paper on this matter, I agree with the basic thrust of an approach to the EPA negotiations which ensures that the needs and concerns of developing countries are taken adequately into consideration during the substantive phase of these negotiations. In this regard, in the context of the further progression of EPA negotiations, Commissioner Mandelson has indicated that he is putting the EPA process under continuing review, with a new review mechanism to ensure that at every stage in the negotiations that the development dimension is put first. I fully support this approach by the Commissioner.
No meeting of the Article 133 Committee was convened on 6 May. The most recent discussion at the Article 133 Committee was on 27 May when the Commission and member states considered the latest state of play of the EPA negotiations. Ireland's position at that meeting was based on the approach I have outlined in this reply.
98 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there will be any provision for the entry of non-highly skilled migrant workers in view of the forthcoming Employment Permits Bill; if these permits will be short-term or allow for citizenship; the conditions attached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18108/05]
The proposed Employment Permits Bill will put the existing employment permits system on a statutory basis and allow for the introduction of a more managed economic migration policy. The Bill will enable the Minister by means of regulation to provide for quotas on the number of employment permits issued in any particular period, in particular economic sectors and in particular categories of employment within those economic sectors.
My Department, Forfás and the expert group for future skills needs are engaged in research and consultations on the detailed issues entailed in the implementation of the new green card-type arrangements, including the types and sources of skills for which permits should be granted.
101 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the recent decision of the long established Bray based company (details supplied) to close with the loss of 140 jobs; if, in view of the number of job losses in the Bray area, he will ask the industrial development agencies to give the area priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18005/05]
I am aware of the decision by the company in question to close its plant in Bray, County Wicklow. I understand that the reason for the closure is that the company believes that the Bray plant is no longer viable due to changed customer demands, rising costs, increased competition and trading losses which could no longer be sustained. Finding alternative employment for the workers affected is a priority for the industrial development agencies. Already, FÁS has contacted the company and outlined the full range of support services, including skills analysis and training that it can provide to the staff.
The development agencies continue to market and promote Bray and the surrounding area for employment creation and investment. IDA Ireland continues to work with its existing base of companies with a view to supporting such companies with potential expansions and the agency also targets potential new investment projects. Nabi, a new greenfield Biopharma project from the United States, was officially opened on 26 April 2005 at the IDA business park in Bray and is expected to employ in the region of 30 to 40 people by the end of 2006.
Enterprise Ireland continues to work with its client companies in Bray in order to assist them to become more competitive in order to increase export sales, resulting in further job creation in the area. Between 2002 and 2004, 35 EI client companies based in Bray were approved €2.8 million in financial support from the agency to help these firms to grow sales, exports and employment and also to fund their plans for innovation and new product development. There are a number of Enterprise Ireland supported companies in the Bray region that are actively growing their businesses.
The State development agencies, under the aegis of my Department, will continue to promote the Bray area for enterprise development and investment. According to the most recent Central Statistics Office live register analysis figures, there were 1,855 people on the live register in Bray in April 2005 down from 1,927 in April 2004, a decrease of 72. For County Wicklow, the corresponding figures were 4,432 people in April 2005, down from 4,540 in April 2004, a decrease of 108. While the live register is not designed to measure unemployment, I am encouraged by these figures as they reflect a falling trend in our standardised unemployment rate, which fell to 4.2% in April 2005.
102 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the decision by a company (details supplied) to relocate part of its operation to Northern Ireland with the potential loss of up to 290 jobs; if he has had discussions with the company on this matter; if he has satisfied himself that sufficient supports and incentives are in place to continue attracting industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18004/05]
On 4 October 2004, the company in question announced that it intended to close its three existing manufacturing plants, one north of the Border and two south of the Border, and concentrate all of its manufacturing in one new plant. None of the three existing sites were deemed to be large enough, nor did any of them have access to sufficient water to accommodate the project. The company expected to announce its decision on the new location by the end of March 2005.
Enterprise Ireland worked very closely with the company to secure the new project but the company decided that the best location for the operation was in west Lisburn in Northern Ireland. The company has made it clear that the most important factor in the decision was the water issue. During the course of the negotiations on the project, I met Enterprise Ireland and union and worker representatives on 9 February 2005 to review progress at that stage.
On 4 May 2005, the industrial development agencies met a local group from Greenore which has been affected by the company's decision. The workers were keen to facilitate the development of alternative industry on the site. Development options are to be pursued with the company and, when the scale of commitment which might be forthcoming from the company going forward has been ascertained, the position will be reviewed to establish the next course of action.
I am satisfied that the supports and incentives offered by the Irish development agencies to companies are competitive and attractive compared with international comparisons. However, it is important to note that when considering whether or not to establish a new business in Ireland there are many factors which companies evaluate and it is the complete package that ultimately impacts on these decisions. Ireland as a member of the European Union is also bound by the EU regulations governing state aid in the form of financial supports to companies both Irish and foreign which decide to set up operations in Ireland. These regulations are designed to ensure competition exists between member states and balanced regional development is achieved.
Ireland continues to be an attractive location for enterprise, both Irish and foreign owned for a variety of reasons including: a highly skilled, English speaking workforce; a commitment to a low rate of corporation tax; investment in education; the flexibility, agility and creativity of the Irish labour force; our position within the EU single market; and the country is already home to a number of the world's leading ICT, pharmaceutical, medical devices and financial services companies and offers strong business networking-interaction opportunities.
104 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department will carry out an assessment of the relevance of training courses provided by FÁS in meeting the needs of business and those seeking employment. [18090/05]
FÁS, in conjunction with the social partners, continues to maintain and develop procedures and mechanisms which are designed to keep under ongoing review the relevance of its training courses to the needs of business and those seeking employment. There are several ways in which FÁS maintains contact with and is responsive to the training requirements of business, job-seekers and the wider economy.
FÁS, through its network of 70 offices and training centres in eight regions throughout Ireland, is in continual contact with local Irish business. In each region there is a dedicated services to business function with a manager and a team of experienced industry-training advisers, specifically employed to capture and respond to businesses' training needs at a local level. In addition, FÁS has established a central head office unit which works closely with industry at sectoral level and regularly facilitates studies to ascertain current and future training needs and trends.
FÁS also reviews, on a regular basis, the relevance of its training programmes in meeting the needs of those seeking employment. These needs are identified primarily through the regular contact between FÁS employment services and the unemployed and other jobseekers. A particular emphasis is placed on tailoring programmes to meet the needs of those who are long-term unemployed and those who are at risk of drifting into long-term unemployment. Apart from identifying demand for existing FÁS provision, FÁS has recently introduced a facility for recording training needs requested or identified by clients and which are not currently provided by FÁS, with a view to better informing its mix of programmes. On a higher level, the board of FÁS comprises of senior representatives of employer organisations, trade unions and others.
107 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the recent call from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions for an overhaul of the industrial relations machinery here; his response to the call made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18016/05]
I am aware that Mr. David Begg, general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, recently spoke on the subject of an overhaul of the system of industrial relations and employment rights. The evolution of employment rights legislation over a long period of time has led to the current system involving seven bodies and 25 Acts, which can be complex, with duplication of functions as well as divergences in procedures and remedies.
The Government has recognised these deficiencies and included a commitment in the programme for Government 2002-07 to establish a review group on the functions of the employment rights bodies. This was the first ever review of the role and relationships of the employment rights bodies and their adjudication and enforcement frameworks.
On 24 May I announced that the Government had agreed to a programme of action in response to the report and recommendations of the review group and my subsequent consultations with the various interested parties. I am confident that the programme of action will improve considerably the levels of customer service that the various employment rights bodies can offer to those using the dispute resolution services. It will also facilitate the simplification and modernisation of procedures, providing greater transparency and ease of access.
Our system of industrial relations is principally voluntary in nature. However, for situations where it is not the practice of an employer to engage in collective bargaining negotiations and where the internal procedures normally used by the parties have failed to resolve a dispute, the parties may avail of procedures set out in the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2001, as amended by the Industrial Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 and supported by the enhanced code of practice on voluntary dispute resolution. These amended procedures, which were agreed with the social partners in the Sustaining Progress agreement, contain two distinct strands for settling the issues in dispute, a voluntary procedure and a fall-back legislative procedure.
The consolidation of the large corpus of employment rights legislation, when coupled with the legislative proposals emerging from the work of the employment rights group which is to be established, will enhance the coherence and user-friendliness of the employment rights and industrial relations machinery and will be of benefit to all.
109 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts his Department is making to address the factors underlying the gender pay gap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18061/05]
Primary responsibility for policy in relation to the gender pay gap is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Addressing the factors behind the gender pay gap is, however, a multi-faceted task involving a number of Departments. My Department undertakes the following actions.
The national framework committee on work-life balance policies, which is chaired by my Department, undertakes a range of activities to raise awareness and encourage the provision of work-life balance at the level of the enterprise. These include the provision of financial assistance to organisations, information dissemination activities, seminars, and research activities.
The introduction of the national minimum wage has also had an impact in addressing the gender pay gap. I recently accepted the Labour Court recommendation and increased the minimum wage to €7.65 per hour with effect from 1 May 2005.
Expanding the Workforce, which is run by FÁS, is aimed at proactively encouraging women to return to work. The initiative facilitates women returnees by ensuring that training is provided in a flexible manner and is tailored to meet business requirements and skills needs of employers.
110 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of deaths and injuries reported arising from industrial accidents in each year from 2000 to 2004 and to date; the further steps he intends to take to reduce the level of such accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18030/05]
The rate of deaths and injuries in Irish workplaces is unacceptable. Since the beginning of 2000 to 25 May 2005, 338 people lost their lives in workplace accidents. Approximately 47,000 people also had workplace accidents resulting in occupational injury benefit claims for the years 2000 to 2003, inclusive.
Overall trends in workplace accidents are best described by reference to the data from the occupational injury benefit claims published by Department of Social and Family Affairs, as the criteria for this benefit has remained the same over the years. Figures for 2004 and for 2005 to date are not yet available from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. However, the Health and Safety Authority also uses other sources like the quarterly national household survey conducted by the Central Statistics Office and direct reporting to the authority itself to estimate the total injuries figure. For example, the estimate of injuries for 2003 as calculated by the authority is 20,900.
Regrettably, the sectors of construction and agriculture account for double digit numbers and this is a cause for real concern in view of the resources which have been devoted to prevention in these sectors. While any death or injury at work is a cause for extreme concern, the workplace fatality rate has fallen significantly since 1998 when 70 people died in the workplace. The rate of injury has also fallen as indicated in the following tables. This reduction in deaths and injuries should be seen against the background of an increase in the workforce of almost a quarter of a million workers since 1998.
Internationally, rapid increases in the workforce usually lead to an increase in the fatal and non-fatal injury rate due to the introduction of inexperienced workers into the workplace. Thankfully, Ireland has been able to avoid such an increase.
For the future I hope that the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Bill, which I expect will be enacted by the Oireachtas shortly, will give a new emphasis to the drive for a safer workplace. The Bill contains powers to introduce on-the-spot fines, testing for intoxicants, heavier fines and generally gives greater powers of enforcement to inspectors of the Health and Safety Authority.
|
Number of OIB claim accepted |
Number of Employees |
Rate per 100,000 employees |
|
|
2000 |
11,995 |
1,355,600 |
885 |
|
2001 |
12,050 |
1,406,400 |
857 |
|
2002 |
12,280 |
1,440,000 |
852 |
|
2003 |
11,096 |
1,502,800 |
738 |
2004 figures unavailable as yet.
|
Year |
Number of Fatalities |
|
2000 |
70 |
|
2001 |
64 |
|
2002 |
61 |
|
2003 |
67 |
|
2004 |
50 |
|
2005 (to 25 May) |
26 |
111 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will carry out an assessment of the impact of work permits legislation on the treatment of migrant workers. [18098/05]
The position of migrant workers will be addressed in the forthcoming Employment Permits Bill which will provide additional protections for migrant workers.
112 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which his Department intends to meet the consumer strategy group’s recommendation to apply a consistent approach to casual trading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18079/05]
The consumer strategy group recommends that a consistent approach to casual trading be applied across all local authorities and that this be done by means of statutory guidelines. The Government in its decision on the report of the consumer strategy group decided to establish a high level interdepartmental committee to examine the recommendations and report back to Government within three months with a detailed implementation plan.
This recommendation will be considered by the high level committee along with all the other recommendations. Without wishing to pre-empt the conclusions of the high level committee the logical way to implement this recommendation is to amend the Casual Trading Act 1995 to provide that I, as Minister, could issue statutory guidelines as how casual trading should be regulated in a consistent way throughout the country. Such guidelines would cover issues such as types of licences, criteria for setting of fees, appropriate pitch sizes, etc. In this context, I will consult local authorities and traders within the coming weeks on a set of voluntary guidelines. If these are accepted, they will go a long way towards standardising and making fair the operation of casual trading laws throughout the country.
114 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if quality of after care service and customer care generally will be specifically covered in the new consumer agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18110/05]
The consumer strategy group in its report published on 18 May 2005, stressed the need for businesses to provide high standards of service and customer care. One of the group's specific recommendations relates to the promotion of codes of practice by all businesses and the establishment of private sectoral complaints boards as alternative means of redress for consumers.
The Government was very pleased to accept the core recommendation contained in the report of the consumer strategy group and has approved, in principle, the establishment of a new national consumer agency. The recommendations of the CSG in relation to customer service will be fully taken into account when preparing the legislation to give effect to the new agency which clearly will have the promotion of customer care and high standards of service as an integral part of its remit.
116 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he is taking to develop the indigenous manufacturing sector of the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17798/05]
The principal means of delivering direct assistance to indigenous manufacturing companies is through the national enterprise development agency, Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland can assist those indigenous manufacturing companies that are, or at least have the potential to be, export focused. The decision to provide support to a client company is a day-to-day administrative matter for the agency concerned, and not one in which I have a direct function.
In May 2005, I launched Enterprise Ireland's strategy 2005-07 entitled, Transforming Irish Industry. This strategy is focused on implementing the recommendations of the enterprise strategy group, ESG, action plan to accelerate the development and internationalisation of Irish owned business in the manufacturing sector and internationally traded services sector, which I published following Government consideration of the recommendations of the enterprise strategy group.
Enterprise Ireland is acutely aware of the significant challenges and opportunities that have emerged as a result of globalisation and increased global competition. Ireland is at a turning point in its economic development. The reality is that the low cost model is no longer an option for Ireland. Irish companies must increasingly compete though innovation, adopting best practice, a relentless focus on driving productivity gains and increased automation. In addition, to be successful, companies need to be outward looking in their development strategies and should consider Enterprise Ireland as their development partner in harnessing opportunities that global markets offer.
Enterprise Ireland offers a set of sophisticated solutions tailored to the needs of its individual client companies throughout all regions. Each company is assigned a development adviser who works with the company across all business functions through the business development model, BDM, process. The BDM ensures that support is applied to critical business functions, namely, strategy, finance, research and development, marketing, human resources and production. Financial and non-financial support is provided to companies with a business strategy that encompasses all elements required for business success. Enterprise Ireland also provides expertise to companies in the indigenous manufacturing sector who wish to expand through increased export activity. Through its network of 33 international offices, Enterprise Ireland assists companies to create and implement successful strategies for market entry, development and growth.
Research and innovation, both product and process development, are critical to success in the increasingly global marketplace. Enterprise Ireland encourages sustained levels of research and development activity through its RTI scheme and research and development initiatives. Research and development awareness campaigns are also run to demonstrate the benefits of such investment. Enterprise Ireland also fosters research collaboration between companies and colleges through instruments such as the innovation partnership initiative.
To assist the drive towards competitiveness and productivity within manufacturing, Enterprise Ireland promotes the adoption of new technology and best practice at company level. Enterprise Ireland's specialist technologist team delivers mentoring and developmental supports to individual manufacturing companies.
In May 2005, I also launched a new productivity improvement fund. The productivity improvement fund managed by Enterprise Ireland will make available €20 million over the next three years to support eligible SME client projects on a competitive tendering basis. It will enable companies adopt advanced technology and focus on skill developments to improve their competitive position by increasing the companies' gross output, value added and exports while providing new employment or securing existing employment. More than 300 Irish companies are expected to avail of support under this initiative in order to improve their productivity and remain competitive in the face of global pressures.
117 Mr. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the top ten trading countries with which this country trades in terms of exports and imports; the extent of the growth or otherwise of this trade with respect to each such country in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18459/05]
118 Mr. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the economies which have shown greatest increase in terms of imports and exports with this country in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18460/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.
The following details relate solely to merchandise trade. The details with regard to imports are classified according to country of consignment as distinct from country of origin.
Tables 1 and 2 give imports and exports respectively of the top 12 countries in terms of value of trade for each of the last five years; 1999 is included also for reference purposes.
Tables 3 and 4 give similar details where the ranking is done on the basis of year-on-year increases in the value of trade for each country.
In the context of these tables the lower the value of "Rank" the more significant the actual trade value or the year-on-year increase as the case may be.
|
Imports — Merchandise Value |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rank |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
||
|
1 |
Great Britain |
15,331,573 |
19,008,683 |
21,493,713 |
22,112,229 |
15,899,021 |
16,834,754 |
|
2 |
United States |
6,681,824 |
8,353,195 |
7,923,385 |
7,953,416 |
6,751,531 |
6,411,808 |
|
3 |
Germany |
2,782,536 |
3,356,369 |
3,612,006 |
3,769,472 |
3,889,267 |
4,398,351 |
|
4 |
France |
2,515,974 |
2,684,814 |
2,128,099 |
|||
|
Japan |
2,033,687 |
||||||
|
Netherlands |
1,976,281 |
2,158,211 |
|||||
|
5 |
France |
1,774,611 |
1,792,567 |
2,118,278 |
|||
|
Japan |
2,128,632 |
||||||
|
Netherlands |
2,156,171 |
2,090,110 |
|||||
|
6 |
China |
2,056,786 |
|||||
|
Japan |
1,351,628 |
1,549,662 |
|||||
|
Netherlands |
2,059,122 |
||||||
|
Northern Ireland |
1,489,040 |
||||||
|
Singapore |
1,717,021 |
||||||
|
7 |
China |
1,422,406 |
|||||
|
Japan |
1,481,526 |
||||||
|
Netherlands |
1,546,157 |
||||||
|
Northern Ireland |
1,215,381 |
1,387,105 |
|||||
|
Singapore |
1,961,097 |
||||||
|
8 |
EU Unknown |
1,484,516 |
1,145,605 |
||||
|
Japan |
1,309,776 |
||||||
|
Northern Ireland |
1,374,708 |
1,279,947 |
|||||
|
Singapore |
1,323,374 |
||||||
|
9 |
Belgium |
1,002,700 |
|||||
|
EU Unknown |
1,275,092 |
1,311,338 |
|||||
|
Northern Ireland |
1,479,755 |
||||||
|
Norway |
1,229,404 |
1,178,802 |
|||||
|
10 |
Belgium |
1,153,803 |
|||||
|
Italy |
1,191,353 |
1,199,347 |
|||||
|
Singapore |
956,217 |
1,026,720 |
|||||
|
Taiwan |
825,930 |
||||||
|
11 |
Belgium |
1,064,865 |
1,048,263 |
967,374 |
|||
|
Italy |
808,667 |
908,533 |
982,979 |
||||
|
12 |
Belgium |
705,515 |
|||||
|
Italy |
925,404 |
||||||
|
Norway |
1,062,228 |
||||||
|
Switzerland |
956,647 |
||||||
|
Taiwan |
990,198 |
881,696 |
|
Exports — Merchandise Value |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rank |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
||
|
1 |
Great Britain |
13,247,558 |
17,123,851 |
20,793,808 |
20,886,658 |
||
|
United States |
16,939,245 |
16,519,949 |
|||||
|
2 |
Great Britain |
13,458,262 |
13,502,526 |
||||
|
United States |
10,336,842 |
14,227,805 |
15,694,396 |
16,509,438 |
|||
|
3 |
Belgium |
13,549,307 |
10,336,125 |
12,320,147 |
|||
|
Germany |
8,013,810 |
9,428,588 |
11,682,508 |
||||
|
4 |
France |
5,646,394 |
6,357,411 |
5,541,568 |
|||
|
Germany |
6,740,417 |
6,858,922 |
6,497,138 |
||||
|
5 |
Belgium |
4,446,178 |
|||||
|
France |
4,693,372 |
5,022,850 |
5,044,908 |
||||
|
Netherlands |
4,190,297 |
4,705,719 |
|||||
|
6 |
Belgium |
3,439,825 |
4,115,540 |
||||
|
Italy |
3,601,523 |
||||||
|
Netherlands |
4,263,614 |
4,262,806 |
3,865,526 |
||||
|
7 |
Italy |
2,533,052 |
3,319,427 |
3,311,898 |
3,750,176 |
3,806,985 |
|
|
Netherlands |
3,511,632 |
||||||
|
8 |
Japan |
1,958,960 |
3,122,860 |
3,261,074 |
|||
|
Switzerland |
3,103,770 |
2,603,265 |
2,761,410 |
||||
|
9 |
Japan |
2,630,798 |
|||||
|
Spain |
1,842,740 |
2,126,907 |
2,363,260 |
2,436,082 |
|||
|
Switzerland |
2,705,698 |
||||||
|
10 |
Japan |
2,109,434 |
2,332,594 |
||||
|
Spain |
2,297,985 |
2,242,629 |
|||||
|
Switzerland |
1,618,754 |
2,033,164 |
|||||
|
11 |
Northern Ireland |
1,515,098 |
1,785,984 |
1,864,520 |
1,610,716 |
1,408,331 |
1,432,574 |
|
12 |
Sweden |
1,096,185 |
1,336,973 |
1,355,024 |
1,203,052 |
1,164,111 |
1,113,809 |
|
Imports — Merchandise year-on-year value increases |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rank |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
||
|
1 |
China |
543,706 |
||||
|
Great Britain |
3,677,110 |
2,485,030 |
618,516 |
935,733 |
||
|
2 |
China |
194,369 |
634,380 |
|||
|
Germany |
255,637 |
|||||
|
Norway |
369,254 |
|||||
|
United States |
1,671,371 |
|||||
|
3 |
China |
241,332 |
||||
|
France |
741,363 |
|||||
|
Germany |
157,466 |
509,084 |
||||
|
Japan |
198,034 |
|||||
|
4 |
Denmark |
154,835 |
||||
|
France |
168,840 |
325,711 |
||||
|
Germany |
573,833 |
|||||
|
Switzerland |
80,959 |
|||||
|
5 |
Finland |
67,375 |
||||
|
Germany |
119,795 |
|||||
|
Norway |
528,006 |
|||||
|
Switzerland |
128,067 |
258,279 |
||||
|
6 |
Austria |
60,142 |
||||
|
Canada |
127,547 |
|||||
|
Netherlands |
512,965 |
|||||
|
Switzerland |
83,286 |
|||||
|
Taiwan |
187,116 |
|||||
|
7 |
Belgium |
186,429 |
||||
|
Italy |
382,686 |
|||||
|
Singapore |
70,503 |
|||||
|
Taiwan |
115,312 |
|||||
|
Turkey |
40,141 |
|||||
|
8 |
Belgium |
359,350 |
||||
|
Czech Republic |
33,935 |
|||||
|
Mexico |
101,126 |
|||||
|
Netherlands |
181,930 |
|||||
|
Northern Ireland |
64,566 |
|||||
|
9 |
Canada |
62,599 |
||||
|
Denmark |
312,841 |
|||||
|
Netherlands |
97,049 |
|||||
|
Northern Ireland |
107,158 |
|||||
|
United States |
30,031 |
|||||
|
10 |
Costa Rica |
25,162 |
||||
|
EU Unknown |
105,041 |
|||||
|
Hong Kong |
259,088 |
|||||
|
Hungary |
84,813 |
|||||
|
South Africa |
45,578 |
|||||
|
11 |
Saudi Arabia |
24,720 |
||||
|
South Korea |
254,914 |
|||||
|
Sweden |
77,044 |
|||||
|
Thailand |
84,575 |
|||||
|
Turkey |
39,123 |
|||||
|
12 |
Brazil |
29,214 |
||||
|
Hong Kong |
24,677 |
69,853 |
||||
|
Romania |
55,989 |
|||||
|
Singapore |
244,076 |
|
Exports — Merchandise year-on-year value increases |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rank |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
||
|
1 |
Belgium |
9,103,129 |
1,984,022 |
|||
|
Great Britain |
3,669,957 |
|||||
|
Netherlands |
751,174 |
|||||
|
United States |
3,890,963 |
|||||
|
2 |
Germany |
2,253,920 |
||||
|
Great Britain |
3,876,293 |
|||||
|
Japan |
223,160 |
|||||
|
United States |
815,042 |
429,807 |
||||
|
3 |
France |
329,478 |
||||
|
Germany |
1,414,778 |
|||||
|
Switzerland |
398,072 |
158,145 |
||||
|
United States |
1,466,591 |
|||||
|
4 |
Hong Kong |
154,230 |
144,579 |
|||
|
Italy |
289,625 |
|||||
|
Japan |
1,163,900 |
|||||
|
Switzerland |
672,534 |
|||||
|
5 |
China |
200,194 |
||||
|
Italy |
786,375 |
148,653 |
||||
|
Malaysia |
386,790 |
|||||
|
Singapore |
132,163 |
|||||
|
6 |
Belgium |
330,638 |
||||
|
France |
711,017 |
|||||
|
Israel |
101,710 |
|||||
|
Singapore |
98,002 |
|||||
|
Spain |
120,631 |
|||||
|
7 |
Australia |
88,455 |
||||
|
Germany |
118,505 |
|||||
|
Great Britain |
92,850 |
|||||
|
Mexico |
297,558 |
|||||
|
South Korea |
684,710 |
|||||
|
8 |
Australia |
254,101 |
||||
|
Belgium |
675,715 |
|||||
|
Mexico |
61,984 |
|||||
|
South Korea |
78,190 |
|||||
|
Unknown (Non-EU) |
88,151 |
|||||
|
9 |
Canada |
197,961 |
||||
|
China |
46,316 |
|||||
|
Netherlands |
515,422 |
|||||
|
Portugal |
52,344 |
|||||
|
Spain |
72,822 |
|||||
|
10 |
India |
24,321 |
||||
|
Switzerland |
414,410 |
|||||
|
Taiwan |
177,457 |
69,919 |
||||
|
Thailand |
33,073 |
|||||
|
11 |
China |
171,957 |
||||
|
Italy |
56,809 |
|||||
|
Luxembourg |
29,250 |
|||||
|
Spain |
284,167 |
|||||
|
Turkey |
17,366 |
|||||
|
12 |
Brazil |
16,470 |
||||
|
China |
54,234 |
|||||
|
Hong Kong |
284,123 |
|||||
|
Russia |
15,134 |
|||||
|
Spain |
171,078 |
119 Mr. Kenny asked the Taoiseach the details of the agreement reached with the trade unions in July 2004, as part of the mid-term review of Sustaining Progress; if he will release a copy of this agreement as signed by both parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18178/05]
120 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Taoiseach if he will publish the details of the agreement concerning the terms and conditions of employment at the second terminal at Dublin Airport reached between the Government and ICTU, which formed part of the mid-term review of Sustaining Progress in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18440/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.
The following is the text of the relevant agreement with the ICTU in relation to the development of airport capacity:
Both the Government and the trade unions are committed to the ongoing development of the transport infrastructure together with the promotion of a high standard of quality secure employment in the industry. Accordingly, the Government and the ICTU are agreed, in the context of any development of airport capacity, and recognising the voluntarist nature of industrial relations, to support the objective of the maintenance of pay and terms and conditions of employment in line with the collective agreement then in place in the industry and to reflect the Government's support for the right to trade union membership for the purpose of collective bargaining in accordance with the principles of Sustaining Progress.
I should make clear that this agreement of June last was between the Government and the ICTU. Although negotiated at the same time, it does not form part of the mid-term review of SustainingProgress, and was therefore not an issue that was for discussion with or endorsement by IBEC or any of the other social partners.
The agreement was reached after talks with the unions from which it was clear that it was an essential matter for them and the broad constituency they represent, in order to allow them to finalise a deal on the second half of Sustaining Progress.
121 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she received a letter from a person (details supplied) dated 6 May 2005 setting out reasons with regard to a person; the need for an application to be made to the High Court in order that an independent representative will be appointed in this adoption case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17839/05]
The letter referred to by the Deputy in relation to a particular adoption case was received by me at the Department of Health and Children.
The Attorney General has been engaged in correspondence with the legal representative of this child's adoptive parents in seeking to find a solution to this case.
High Court proceedings have been issued by the Attorney General in his role as protector of the unprotected against the adoptive parents of this child. As the matter is before the court, it is not appropriate to comment further on this matter.
122 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a decision in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited. [17805/05]
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 south-eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
123 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the need for training and supply of occupational therapists over the next number of years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17806/05]
The Deputy may wish to note that three new occupational therapy courses commenced in the 2003-04 academic year in University College Cork, the National University of Ireland, Galway and the University of Limerick. In total, these courses provide an additional 75 training places in occupational therapy. This expansion in training numbers has been identified in the report commissioned by my Department from Dr Peter Bacon and Associates on Current and Future Demand Conditions in the Labour Market for Certain Professional Therapists as sufficient to meet the long-term requirements for occupational therapists in Ireland.
124 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the bed capacity in a hospital (details supplied); and the permanent long-stay beds at the hospital. [17807/05]
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 in Limerick. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's mid-western area to investigate the matter raised and reply direct to the Deputy.
125 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the time of admission and discharge determines if a daily charge for a hospital inpatient will be levied on a patient and if this results in the hospitals collecting two charges on the same day when a bed is vacated and the patient is replaced by another. [17841/05]
I presume the Deputy is referring to charges raised on foot of the Health (In-Patient Charges) Regulations 1987, S I 116 of 1987. Where a person is maintained as an inpatient for a single period of more than one day, no account shall be taken of the final day. The effect of this is that the charge applies per day with no charge for the day of discharge or, effectively, the charge applies per night. However where a day case is concerned more that one person may — properly — use a day bed in the course of one day and each patient using the day care facilities in this way can be charged under these regulations. In deciding the amount to be contributed, health boards have regard to the person's individual circumstances. Charges may be waived if, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive, payment would cause undue hardship.
126 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will establish with the HSE when the former GMS payments board is to be relocated from its present premises; the location of the new premises; the length of the lease on the new premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17852/05]
: 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 arrangement of office accommodation for staff within the HSE, including the former General Medical Services (Payments) Board now known as the HSE primary care reimbursement service. Accordingly, the matter has been referred to the chief officer of the HSE primary care reimbursement service for investigation and direct reply.
127 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the regulations which govern the charging, by some general practitioners, of a fee when signing a medical fitness certificate for the issue of a driving licence to drivers aged over 70 or 75 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17853/05]
The general medical services contract which general practitioners participating in the GMS scheme hold with the local area of the Health Service Executive provides for the issue of first and final certificates to explain work absence, free of charge for medical card holders, regardless of age. General practitioners are not obliged to provide examinations and certificates in respect of requirements of life assurance for insurance companies or licensing authorities free of charge. I have no plans to change the current position.
128 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will be called for a spinal fusion operation in Beaumont Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17865/05]
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 reply directly to the Deputy.
129 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who is on a waiting list will be seen in either the University College Hospital, Galway or Merlin Park Hospital, Galway. [17891/05]
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 Mayo, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
130 Mr. McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the provisions in place in the Department of Health and Children for the provision of the services of a Parkinson’s nurse for Donegal as sufferers in the north west must travel to Galway to access the services of a Parkinson’s nurse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17893/05]
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. Responsibility for the issue raised by the Deputy rests with the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's north western area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
131 Mr. Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the planned new unit in St. Vincent’s Hospital for persons affected by cystic fibrosis; when it will be opened and fitted out to accept patients; if a definite date will be given as patients were advised in 2002 that this unit would be completed in 2006; and the steps which have taken place to improve facilities at the hospital for cystic fibrosis patients. [17912/05]
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, including services for patients with cystic fibrosis. Services at St. Vincent's Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the executive and my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the specific matters raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
132 Mr. Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons working in the health service; the division of same broken down into the main categories of workers, for example, doctors, nurses, paramedics, administrators and maintenance; if similar figures will be provided for every year or a selected number of years over the past 20 years; if data will be provided for the number of public hospital beds; the trend in same over recent years; the basis of the requirement; if it is one bed per specific number of population, and if the number of beds has been increased due to the population increase of 1 million from 1971 to 2002. [17920/05]
The information requested by the Deputy on health service staff is set out in the following table for the years 1990 to the end of 2004. Comparable data for previous years is not available. The significantly increased staffing levels over this period must be viewed in the context of the substantial service developments which have occurred, particularly in the areas of child protection and intellectual disability services. There have also been significant increases in staffing levels in acute hospitals arising from the national cancer strategy and the cardiovascular strategy.
As regards bed capacity, the number of inpatient beds decreased from 17,665 in 1980 to 11,862 in 2000. Approximately 4,000 inpatient beds were removed from the system between 1984 and 1988. A further 2,000 were removed between 1991 and 1993. In 2001 my Department carried out a detailed study of acute hospital bed requirements up to 2011 and published Acute Hospitals Bed Capacity — a National Review in January 2002. The study examined current bed capacity and activity in acute hospitals and developed a framework for estimating future acute hospital capacity requirements. The study took account of current service pressures, projected increases in total population, the rise in the number of older people, increasing demand for services and potential changes in clinical practice. It also highlighted the need to expand hospital services for public patients.
In the health strategy the Government committed itself to improve access for public patients. This is to be achieved through a series of measures, including the provision of additional public hospital inpatient beds and day places. Since the publication of the health strategy, funding has been provided to open an additional 900 inpatient beds and day places in acute hospitals throughout the country. Of this figure, 720 are in place and the remainder will come on stream before the end of 2005.
In 2004 the average number of inpatient beds and day places available in public acute hospitals was 13,409 — source: Department of Health and Children — Integrated Management Returns 2004.
|
Grade Category |
1990 |
1992 |
1994 |
1996 |
1998 |
2000 |
2002 |
2004 |
|
Medical/Dental |
3,994 |
4,155 |
4,417 |
4,684 |
5,153 |
5,698 |
6,775 |
7,013 |
|
of which: Consultants |
1,079 |
1,109 |
1,156 |
1,212 |
1,321 |
1,435 |
1,693 |
1,873 |
|
Nursing |
20,768 |
22,057 |
23,152 |
24,584 |
26,611 |
28,578 |
33,395 |
34,313 |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals2 |
4,171 |
4,386 |
5,011 |
5,553 |
6,390 |
7,579 |
12,519 |
12,830 |
|
Management/Administrative3 |
6,649 |
6,971 |
7,635 |
8,173 |
9,480 |
12,366 |
15,690 |
16,157 |
|
General Support Staff and Other Patient and Client Care |
18,214 |
18,254 |
19,041 |
19,968 |
22,005 |
25,250 |
27,300 |
28,410 |
|
of which: General Support Staff |
18,214 |
18,254 |
19,041 |
19,968 |
22,005 |
25,250 |
13,807 |
13,857 |
|
Other Patient and Client Care |
13,493 |
14,553 |
||||||
|
Total |
53,796 |
55,823 |
59,256 |
62,961 |
69,640 |
79,472 |
95,679 |
98,723 |
Source: Health Service Personnel Census at 31 December.
Notes:
1All figures are in wholetime equivalence terms (in order to provide data on a comparable basis over the period these figures exclude Home Helps, Student Nurses and Chaplains).
2The professionalisation of Child Care Workers/House Parents resulted in grade category shift of these grades from Other Patient Care to Health and Social Care Professionals in 2001-2002. This change together with other changes of a less substantial nature have resulted in making direct comparisons over extended periods unreliable for these categories.
3Includes all management/administrative and clerical personnel. The Management/Administrative Category includes — staff who are of direct service to the public and include Consultant's Secretaries, Out-Patient Departmental Personnel, Medical Records Personnel, Telephonists and other staff who are engaged in front-line duties together with staff in the following categories Payroll, Human Resource Management (including training), Service Managers, IT Staff, General Management Support and Legislative and Information Requirements.
133 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Carlow was not informed that his spouse who was brought to Naas Hospital on 4 May 2005 by ambulance following a suicide attempt, would have been admitted for treatment if two doctors signed her in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17922/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under this 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 psychiatric services and the allocation of funding for such services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the Health Service Executive's eastern regional area to reply directly to the Deputy in this matter.
134 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of man days lost in sick leave, the rate per person employed, and the percentage of man hours lost in this way in the acute hospital service and long-stay residential care. [17925/05]
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 human resource management. My Department has, therefore, requested the executive's national director of human resources to reply directly to the Deputy in regard to the information sought.
135 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the necessary finance is available and will be released for the BreastCheck project in the Munster region as soon as the tendering process has been completed; the schedule of the anticipated funding stages relating to the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17935/05]
137 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the roll-out of funding will occur to enable the south and west to have a BreastCheck facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17937/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 137 together.
The proposed new facilities at University College Hospital, Galway, and South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork, for the national expansion of BreastCheck are included in the health capital investment framework 2005-09. The necessary capital funding has been indented for these developments. My Department recently gave approval to BreastCheck to advertise for the appointment of a design team to work up detailed plans for the design and construction of the two clinical units. I anticipate that the design, construction and equipping phases will be completed in 2007.
136 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress she has made in the establishment of an all-Ireland helicopter emergency medical service as recommended by the HEMS feasibility study consultant’s report published on 30 April 2004 in view of the tragic accident in Navan, County Meath resulting in the death of five young persons; if she has completed discussions with other Departments on the matter; if there has been any recent meeting held on establishing this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17936/05]
I offer again my sincere condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the deceased and wish the injured continued recovery. I acknowledge the major role of health service personnel in responding to this terrible accident and the part played by the fire service, the Garda, the Air Corps, which provided helicopter assistance, and the voluntary personnel involved.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department is finalising a service level agreement with the Department of Defence which will formalise arrangements for the future provision of an air ambulance service by the Air Corps. Officials from my Department recently met the Department of Defence to progress the agreement. The draft agreement was also circulated to the executive for comment. It is expected that the agreement will be completed shortly.
The Deputy is aware that a significant helicopter fleet replacement programme has been approved and is being put in place for the Air Corps. Each of the new helicopters will have a specific air ambulance capability and the new fleet will have a far greater flying capacity which will augment the current service.
138 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of money spent by her Department on the purchase and use of a drug (details supplied) over the past five years; and if she will give a breakdown of the figures. [17938/05]
My Department does not collate hospital level information relating to the cost and use of the drug mentioned. As operational issues regarding the services provided by acute hospitals now rests with the Health Service Executive, my Department has asked the director of the National Hospitals Office to reply directly to the Deputy regarding the information requested.
Information regarding the cost of drugs dispensed through community pharmacies on foot of valid prescriptions is collected by the primary care reimbursement service and is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
Cost |
€27,169 |
€30,662 |
€72,800 |
Information regarding the years prior to 2002 is not available.
139 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the national disease bureau records known cases of MRSA; if the data is available for the past five years; and if she will publish the figures for that period. [17939/05]
164 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of cases of MRSA reported in each year since and including 2000; the steps taken to minimise instances of the infection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18195/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 164 together.
MRSA, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, is a resistant form of staphylococcus aureus. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre, HPSC, formerly known as the National Disease Surveillance Centre, collects data on MRSA bacteraemia, also known as bloodstream infection or "blood poisoning", as part of the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System, EARSS. At national level, MRSA bacteraemia has been included since 1 January 2004 in the revised list of notifiable diseases under the infectious diseases regulations. The reporting process for MRSA bacteraemia remains the same for now, that is, direct reporting to the HPSC via the EARSS protocol which is done on a quarterly basis.
The number of cases of MRSA bacteraemia reported to the HPSC over the period 2000 to 2004 is as follows:
|
Year |
MRSA |
|
2000 |
249 |
|
2001 |
337 |
|
2002 |
445 |
|
2003 |
480 |
|
2004 |
553* |
*Figures for 2004 are provisional.
Provisional figures for 2004 indicate that 553 cases of MRSA bacteraemia were notified last year. However, it should be borne in mind that the number of laboratories notifying cases increased in 2004 and thus a direct comparison between these years is probably not valid as it may reflect the increased number of participating laboratories. The HPSC regularly publishes this information on its website, www.hpsc.ie.
International experience shows that the number of MRSA bloodstream infections seen in an individual hospital is generally proportional to the size of the hospital and the complexity of illnesses seen at that hospital. Thus larger hospitals treating sicker patients are more likely to see cases of MRSA bloodstream infection, compared to smaller hospitals. As can be seen from the overall number of cases reported, hospitals reporting cases of MRSA bloodstream infection will report more than one case in each quarter and this is in keeping with surveillance data from other countries.
To address the issue of antimicrobial resistance, including MRSA, the strategy for the control of antimicrobial resistance in Ireland, SARI, was launched in June 2001. Since then, approximately €20.5 million in funding has been made available by my Department under the strategy; of which approximately €4.5 million has been allocated in the current year. This SARI funding is in addition to normal hospital funding arrangements on infection control.
In 1995 a Department of Health committee comprising representatives from my Department, consultant microbiologists, specialists in public health medicine, general practice and a representative from the Association of Infection Control Nurses produced a set of guidelines for the management of MRSA in acute hospital wards, including specialist units. The implementation and operation of these guidelines in acute hospitals is a matter for the hospitals in question in the first instance. The guidelines have been widely circulated and include an information leaflet for patients.
The infection control sub-committee of the national SARI committee recently prepared draft guidelines on the control of MRSA in hospitals and community health care settings. The key recommendations cover such areas as environmental cleanliness, bed occupancy levels, isolation facilities, hand hygiene, appropriate antibiotic use and protocols for the screening and detection of MRSA. These draft guidelines, based on the best evidence available internationally, are a key component in the response to MRSA. The recommendations, when signed off by the national hospitals office of the HSE, will replace the guidelines issued in 1995 on MRSA.
Effective infection control measures, including environmental cleanliness and hand hygiene, are central to the control of hospital acquired infections, HAIs, including drug resistant organisms such as MRSA. The HSE and hospital managers have corporate responsibility for infection control. Infection control, including hand hygiene, is a key component in the control of MRSA. The SARI infection control sub-committee released national guidelines for hand hygiene in health care settings during 2004. These have been widely circulated by the HPSC and are available on its website, www.hspc.ie.
The ten point plan for accident and emergency departments which I announced in November 2004 includes provision for dedicated cleaning services and recognises the importance of hospital cleanliness. The national hospitals office of the HSE has identified the auditing and targeting of infection control initiatives and the enhancement of cleanliness of hospitals as priorities in its service plan for 2005.
140 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the new coronary care unit in St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, was demolished and then rebuilt; the cost involved and the reason behind the decision. [17940/05]
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. Services at St. James's Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the executive. My Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's eastern regional area to examine the issue raised and reply to the Deputy directly.
141 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the procedure whereby persons infected by the MRSA superbug are informed by the hospital authorities that they have the MRSA superbug; the reason persons who are infected with MRSA are not put into isolation wards; if she plans to change this practice; the reason infection from the MRSA superbug is not listed on the death certificate as the cause of death; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17941/05]
159 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if persons who contract the MRSA virus in hospitals will be nursed in isolation from other patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18190/05]
160 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is official policy to inform persons who contract the MRSA virus that they have contracted it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18191/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 159 and 160 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 social services. This includes the provision of acute hospital services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the director of the National Hospitals Office to reply directly to the Deputies regarding the issues raised.
142 Mr. Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider a review of the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996 and Amendment Regulations 1997 to encourage greater supply of child care in the State. [17955/05]
The Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996 and Amendment Regulations 1997, which give effect to the provisions of Part VII of the Child Care Act 1991, provide for notification to and inspection by the Health Service Executive of pre-school services. The regulations apply to pre-schools, play groups, day nurseries, crèches, child minders looking after more than three children and other similar services which cater for children under six years of age. The purpose of the regulations is to secure the health, safety and welfare of pre-school children and promote the development of children attending pre-school services.
A review of the regulations has been undertaken by a group chaired by my Department. The review has been completed subject to clarification of a small number of legal and technical issues. It is intended that the revised regulations will build on the existing good standards in our pre-school services.
143 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the arrangements in place for eyesight and hearing testing at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin. [17985/05]
144 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the contacts which took place with the South Western Area Health Board regarding eyesight and hearing testing for a person at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; the reason no tests subsequently took place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17986/05]
145 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the South Western Area Health Board is unable to guarantee that senior infants will be tested for eyesight and hearing problems this year or next at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; the measures or funding she intends to provide in order that this problem does not recur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17987/05]
146 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of pupils tested over the past five years, including 2005, at junior cycle level in all junior schools in Lucan, Clondalkin, Newcastle, Saggart, Rathcoole, Brittas and Palmerstown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17988/05]
147 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the primary schools in Lucan, Clondalkin, Newcastle, Saggart, Rathcoole, Brittas and Palmerstown which have not been provided with eyesight and hearing testing during the 2004-05 school year; the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17989/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 to 147, inclusive, 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 social services. This includes responsibility for school health checks. 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.
148 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 109 of 5 May 2005, when an independent medical expert will be appointed to examine the practice of symphysiotomy in this State; when special identifier cards will be made available to victims of symphysiotomy; if independent clinical advice, home-help and home modifications will be provided (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17991/05]
As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply dated 5 May 2005, my predecessor, Deputy Martin, met the Survivors of Symphysiotomy, SOS, group in late 2003 and agreed that a range of measures would be put in place to support the group. In respect of the particular matters raised by the Deputy, my Department is advised by the Health Service Executive, HSE, that the current position is that it is finalising arrangements to issue replacement medical cards which will contain a special patient identifier which will allow for the fast-tracking of patients requiring hospital appointments and treatments, together with the provision of certain non-GMS items recommended for patients by their GP or consultant. In addition, independent clinical advice is available, on request, through the designated liaison personnel in each region to patients who have undergone symphysiotomy. This has already been availed of by a number of members of SOS and appropriate follow-up has been arranged. Moreover, the HSE has advised that applications for home help and home modifications will be dealt with on an individual basis in each HSE community care area. The liaison personnel can assist in the fast-tracking of such applications if necessary.
Finally, the former Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, had been exploring the idea of engaging an expert from abroad to advise on the practice of symphysiotomy. It did not prove possible to source an expert who would be acceptable to the various interests.
149 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the waiting time for audiology services in each HSE area for adults and children respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18039/05]
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 audiology services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officers of the HSE areas to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
150 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason medical card holders are charged for blood tests taken at their general practitioner’s surgery; if she will consider including this service under the medical card scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18114/05]
Where blood tests are indicated as necessary as part of recognised treatment of an ongoing medical condition of a patient, it should be provided free of charge to medical card holders.
151 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Questions Nos. 162 of 20 April 2005 and 317 of 12 April 2005, when a response will issue as promised. [18127/05]
I understand that a reply was issued to the Deputy by the Health Service Executive eastern regional area on 25 May 2005 with respect to the previous parliamentary questions regarding bed occupancy and staff numbers in the Maynooth community care unit.
152 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the availability of stocks of anti-viral drugs in the event of a human flu pandemic affecting countries in the EU; the preparations that exist for such an outcome; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18128/05]
EU member states and the European Commission agreed in 2004 to engage with the pharmaceutical industry concerning vaccines and antivirals. A working document on a possible public private partnership on European pandemic influenza vaccines will be discussed at the Health Council this week.
Following consideration of advice from the influenza pandemic expert group, I decided at the beginning of March that one million treatment packs of oseltamivir, Tamiflu, should be stockpiled. This quantity is sufficient to treat 25% of the population and is in line with international trends. The Health Service Executive signed a contract with Roche Products (Ireland) Limited for the supply of Tamiflu on 8 April 2005. A total of 600,000 packs will be delivered by the end of this year. The remaining 400,000 packs will be delivered in 2006.
The influenza pandemic expert group is reviewing and updating Ireland's 2002 influenza pandemic preparedness plan. This plan was based on the World Health Organisation, WHO, blueprint for an influenza pandemic plan published in 1999. The World Health Organisation published an updated global influenza preparedness plan in April 2005. Our plan is being revised in line with this revised WHO plan.
153 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of HIV-AIDS cases detected and dealt with here in each of the past five years; the way in which this rate compares with EU figures; her Department’s campaign to inform persons of the consequences of contracting HIV-AIDS; the prevention programmes in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18129/05]
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 HIV-AIDS treatment services. The health protection surveillance centre, HPSC, of the HSE which is responsible for the collection of data in relation to HIV-AIDS has provided the following figures.
|
Year |
Number of HIV cases reported |
|
2000 |
290 |
|
2001 |
299 |
|
2002 |
364 |
|
2003 |
399 |
|
2004 (Q1 and Q2) |
182 |
|
Year |
Number of AIDS cases reported |
|
2000 |
21 |
|
2001 |
12 |
|
2002 |
12 |
|
2003 |
44 |
|
2004 |
38 |
In terms of EU rates, the latest rates available from EuroHIV, the European centre for the epidemiological monitoring of AIDS and WHO and UNAIDS collaborating centre on AIDS, show that in Ireland in 2003 the rate for HIV infections was 100.9 per million population. EuroHIV does not produce an EU rate. Of those countries where a rate is reported, figures range from as low as 25.7 in the case of Finland to 228.4 in the case of Portugal. The UK rate is reported as 117.3.
Surveillance data on reported HIV infections should be interpreted with caution because they do not represent HIV incidence. These data include many individuals infected in previous years and depend on uptake of HIV testing and patterns of reporting, both of which may vary between countries and over time. Furthermore, they are derived from different sources in different countries, may not be exhaustive in all countries and hence may not be comparable. In addition, a number of large countries — France, Spain and Italy — have not provided figures to EuroHIV. Accordingly, it is difficult to draw conclusions as to the comparative impact of HIV on different countries based on this data.
The report of the national AIDS strategy committee, NASC, which was published in 2000, makes a range of recommendations for dealing with HIV-AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, STIs. The Department of Health and Children, through the national AIDS strategy committee and its sub-committees on education and prevention, surveillance and care and management is working to implement these recommendations.
More than €6 million in additional funding has been provided to the Health Service Executive since 1997 to address the treatment of HIV-AIDS and other STIs. This has resulted in a substantial increase in the facilities in place. Seven consultants specialise in the treatment of HIV-AIDS and STIs in Ireland. Five of these are in Dublin, one of whom deals with children, one in Cork and one in Galway. HIV treatment is available free of charge to all who require it. The care and management sub-committee of the NASC has reviewed the development of HIV-AIDS and STI treatment services throughout the country and published a report with a number of recommendations in relation to these services.
At the programme level, the Department is working with a wide range of partners to implement a comprehensive range of prevention programmes as recommended in the national health promotion strategy 2000-2005 and the report of the national AIDS strategy committee of 2000.
In the school setting, the Department is working in partnership with the Department of Education and Science and the Health Service Executive to support schools in the introduction and delivery of social, personal and health education at both primary and post-primary level. Relationships and sexuality education is an integral part of this curriculum and remains a key priority for this work with schools.
In the out-of-school setting, the health promotion unit of the Department of Health and Children works in partnership with the youth affairs section of the Department of Education and Science and the National Youth Council of Ireland to implement the national youth health programme. The aim of the programme is to provide a broadly based, flexible health promotion and education support and training service to youth organisations and to all those working with young workers, addressing the issues of relationships, sexuality and sexual health with young people.
A national public awareness advertising campaign aimed at men and women in the 18 to 35 age group has been developed to increase awareness about safe sex and sexually transmitted infections. The overall goal is to increase safe sex practices and reduce the incidence of STI transmission and unwanted pregnancies among young people in Ireland. The campaign runs in third level colleges, places of entertainment, youth venues and some health centres. This national campaign has been running for several years and a new and revised campaign is being implemented by the health promotion unit which has greatly increased the number of venues targeted. The health promotion unit also produces a range of awareness raising leaflets on STIs and safe sex practices.
The Department of Health and Children will continue to monitor the position closely on HIV-AIDS.
154 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical cards issued for full carers of patients at 1 April 2005 for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18130/05]
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 primary, community and continuing care directorate of the Health Service Executive to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
155 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the psychiatric services which are available for persons between 14 and 16 years of age in the mid-west region; if psychiatric beds are available in the region for this category of person; the advice she will give to the parent of a 15 year old person who is unable to access suitable in-patient services for their child who has threatened suicide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18141/05]
I am informed by the HSE mid-western area that the community-based child and adolescent psychiatric service commenced in 1993 with the appointment of a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist and team. In the intervening years, based on national norms and the national working group on child and adolescent psychiatry, the service has been expanded to four multidisciplinary teams. The four teams, while operating on a regional basis, take specific responsibility for one of four identified geographical locations within the region, namely Clare, east and west Limerick and north Tipperary. In response to the increased throughput of referrals and service activity, clinics are now held in Limerick city and in the principal towns in the mid-west area. A liaison service is available to the regional maternity hospital. A paediatric psychiatric liaison service is available to paediatricians within the Mid-West Regional Hospital for children with a range of conditions, including cystic fibrosis, gastrointestinal conditions, diabetes, epilepsy and other related conditions.
The number of referrals to the child and adolescent mental health service in the mid-west area has grown from 142 in 1994 to 867 in 2004. Of the 867 referrals in 2004, 745 were new referrals, with a total of 8,437 attendances.
The philosophy and approach of this community-based service is to treat the young person with a mental health difficulty as close as possible to their own community and as far as possible in the context of their own family lives. The objective is to provide a multidisciplinary intervention where there is consistency and stability in the approach to the patient. Interventions are provided taking a holistic, multimodal approach to patient needs through the multidisciplinary team. Treatment interventions include assessment, diagnosis and treatment plans and risk assessment, including assessment of the risk of suicide. Therapeutic interventions, as far as possible, are provided in a way which maintain the young person in the home environment. The assessment includes identification of strengths within the family system and, if necessary, provision of appropriate support to the family. The young person's education or occupational capacity is also considered as part of the holistic treatment approach. The approach is designed to achieve maximum health outcomes in terms of health and social gain for individuals receiving services.
The HSE in the mid-west plans to expand the service to provide five multidisciplinary consultant-led teams. The fifth team will be developed as the HSE mid-west regional child and adolescent in-patient unit becomes available. The 14-bed unit is at the planning stage and is a key development within the HSE mid-west's national development plan. While the acute in-patient child and adolescent facility is being developed, the service has access to two paediatric beds in the Mid-West Regional Hospital, Limerick. An informal arrangement exists with the adult mental health services in Limerick which allows adolescents requiring inpatient admission access to the adult acute psychiatric unit.
In individual presentations in the over-14 age category, treatment options are discussed with the individual and their family to arrive at an agreed approach appropriate to the presentation. Options include the maintenance of regular contact with the CAMHS service; the activation of the out-of-hours service via the GP and accident and emergency unit if required outside of clinic hours; and the assessment and admission of the child to adult psychiatric or medical care or to the paediatric unit if the child is under 14 years via these routes. A consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist is on call, if required.
156 Mr. Blaney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide radiotherapy services in the north west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18148/05]
157 Mr. Blaney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will develop a radiotherapy service in the north west in conjunction with health services in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18149/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.
Patients in the north west are being referred for radiation oncology treatment to the recently commissioned radiation oncology department at University College Hospital Galway, UCHG, and also to St. Luke's Hospital, Dublin. A consultant radiation oncologist with significant sessional commitments to the north-western area has recently been appointed to UCHG. In addition, further discussions are scheduled to take place in June between the HSE north-western area and Belfast City Hospital regarding access to radiation oncology services for patients in the north west, mainly in Donegal. The state-of-the-art facility at Belfast City Hospital is scheduled to open in early 2006.
158 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of statutory inquires under her Department’s remit which are ongoing; the likely cost of each in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18153/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is that a committee of inquiry to investigate the alleged misconduct of a consultant anaesthetist has been established with an estimated total cost of €20,000. Although no costs have been incurred in 2005, it is expected that the €20,000 will be paid this year. A second committee to inquire into the proposed removal of an officer of a health board has been established with an estimated cost for 2005 of €5,000.
161 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons from the former North Eastern Health Board area who have been subvented for nursing home care in Northern Ireland nursing homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18192/05]
163 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of contract beds in Northern Ireland private nursing homes that have been contracted by the former North Eastern Health Board and Health Service Executive north-eastern area and for which patients have to be reimbursed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18194/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 163 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 social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of health services under the Nursing Home Act. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's north-eastern area to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
162 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is only one lift in Monaghan General Hospital; if funding will be provided to put in a second lift for health and safety reasons. [18193/05]
My Department is aware that there is one lift in Monaghan General Hospital and has supported the former North Eastern Health Board's proposal to provide a second lift and new stairs to contemporary fire escape standards. My Department sanctioned the former health board to proceed with development proposals which include the provision of this new lift. It is now a matter for the Health Service Executive to further this development.
165 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will reduce the lengthy waiting time for referral to the psychiatric services and the treatment by a psychiatrist of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick in view of the fact that the person has been informed that it will be the end of July for referral by the Health Services. [18199/05]
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 mental health services. 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.
166 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the granting of a medical card for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [18200/05]
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 mid western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
167 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the surgery by the ENT section of the Mid-West Regional Hospital will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [18202/05]
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 Limerick, 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.
168 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the interim cardiac plan for Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin 12; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18203/05]
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. Services at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, are provided under an arrangement with the executive, and my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
169 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of hospitals that have had financial penalties imposed on them for inefficiencies since 2002; and the total of the fines imposed since 2002. [18204/05]
Casemix is an internationally accepted management system for monitoring and evaluating health services which allows for the collection, categorisation and interpretation of hospital patient data related to the types of cases treated, in order to assist hospitals define their products, measure their productivity and assess quality. Casemix is used as part of the budgetary process in order to base funding on measured costs and activity rather than on less objective systems of resource allocation and to fund hospitals based on their mix of patients.
The national Casemix programme compares the costs and activity of the 37 hospitals that participate in the programme. It operates a ‘budget neutral' policy which rewards efficiency by retargeting funds from less efficient hospitals to those who have demonstrated that additional funding will result in real benefits. The Casemix budget adjustments that were applied as part of the financial allocations for 2002-05 are set out in the following table. Many hospitals that lose funding under the programme review their management and go on to gain funding in following years.
I am committed to rewarding good performance and as Casemix is the most internationally accepted ‘performance related' acute hospital activity programme, I am committed to the expansion of Casemix in order that it be used as a central pillar in acute hospital funding policy.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
Total |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Beaumont |
(215,148) |
141,115 |
526,012 |
101,548 |
553,527 |
|
Cork University |
403,143 |
213,043 |
(253,820) |
765,904 |
1,128,787 |
|
Connolly Hospital |
(107,389) |
(331,370) |
(1,079,638) |
(1,339,389) |
(2,857,787) |
|
Mater |
341,246 |
(310,771) |
344,156 |
436,654 |
811,285 |
|
St. James’s |
(544,743) |
(334,589) |
(560,471) |
(827,625) |
(2,267,428) |
|
St. Vincent’s |
365,155 |
(195,990) |
(1,208,000) |
179,025 |
(859,810) |
|
AMNCH, Tallaght |
(1,253,061) |
(1,515,688) |
26,343 |
(119,054) |
(2,861,461) |
|
UCH Galway |
1,010,798 |
2,193,282 |
2,205,418 |
802,937 |
6,212,434 |
|
Cavan |
(68,283) |
315,606 |
747,973 |
(346,384) |
648,912 |
|
Croom |
(231,229) |
(228,280) |
(139,602) |
(195,039) |
(794,151) |
|
Letterkenny |
543,938 |
565,903 |
998,889 |
1,195,119 |
3,303,849 |
|
Limerick |
(138,169) |
510,863 |
(468,650) |
(491,316) |
(587,273) |
|
Longford/Westmeath |
187,662 |
10,668 |
716,976 |
901,434 |
1,816,740 |
|
Lourdes Drogheda |
(468,930) |
(674,611) |
(88,950) |
(69,746) |
(1,302,237) |
|
Louth General |
186,544 |
273,151 |
501,182 |
417,897 |
1,378,774 |
|
Mallow |
66,913 |
48,506 |
84,495 |
127,113 |
327,026 |
|
Mayo General |
469,495 |
103,110 |
(728,063) |
(613,409) |
(768,867) |
|
Mercy |
(148,313) |
(636,673) |
(200,905) |
(157,017) |
(1,142,908) |
|
Merlin Park |
371,706 |
596,609 |
380,939 |
416,490 |
1,765,981 |
|
Monaghan |
(303,578) |
(394,563) |
n/a* |
(368,606) |
(1,066,747) |
|
Navan |
43,257 |
(73,142) |
(228,417) |
(284,153) |
(542,455) |
|
Portiuncula |
45,314 |
331,228 |
(195,987) |
59,006 |
239,561 |
|
Portlaoise |
32,081 |
(158,463) |
(117,712) |
(163,802) |
(407,894) |
|
South Infirmary |
42,826 |
299,757 |
80,164 |
517,443 |
940,190 |
|
Sligo |
(202,499) |
(273,359) |
65,978 |
(313,136) |
(723,016) |
|
St. Columcille’s |
(371,706) |
(579,006) |
(871,662) |
(1,055,679) |
(2,878,012) |
|
St. Luke’s Kilkenny |
79,335 |
40,135 |
(126,373) |
286,445 |
279,542 |
|
St. Mary’s Orthopaedic |
(190,227) |
(185,617) |
(298,093) |
(388,548) |
(1,062,486) |
|
Tralee |
(31,760) |
(63,133) |
(330,208) |
(320,656) |
(745,757) |
|
Tullamore |
28,130 |
(442,661) |
(546,911) |
(449,676) |
(1,411,118) |
|
Waterford |
(14,446) |
685,539 |
356,317 |
554,430 |
1,581,839 |
|
Wexford |
71,700 |
69,404 |
408,581 |
741,791 |
1,291,475 |
|
Coombe** |
n/a |
n/a |
(52,971) |
18,862 |
(34,109) |
|
National Maternity** |
n/a |
n/a |
25,245 |
(3,601) |
21,644 |
|
Rotunda** |
n/a |
n/a |
27,726 |
(15,260) |
12,465 |
|
OLHSC, Crumlin** |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
6,922 |
6,922 |
|
CUH, Temple Street** |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
(6,922) |
(6,922) |
Negative adjustments in brackets.
*Monaghan hospital was excluded from the Casemix programme in 2004 due to operational difficulties at the hospital.
**The Coombe, National Maternity and Rotunda hospitals joined the Casemix programme in 2004 and OLHSC, Crumlin and CUH, Temple Street joined in 2005.
170 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the subvention being provided by her Department for home care in 2005. [18205/05]
As the Deputy may be aware, the Health Service Executive has been piloting home care grant schemes in a number of areas. These schemes have been targeted at supporting older people living in the community as an alternative to long-term residential care and for older people who are being discharged from the acute hospital system. In the HSE eastern regional area, people have been discharged from acute hospitals under the slán abhaile and home first pilot projects. In the HSE southern area, a similar project, Curam, has been piloted, while the ‘choice' programme in the HSE north-west area also provides such a scheme.
The development of a national home care grant scheme is in keeping with a key recommendation in the O'Shea report on the nursing home subvention scheme which recommended that the health services develop a home based subvention scheme for older people as an alternative to long-term residential care. Funding of €2 million has been allocated to the HSE in 2005 to develop the scheme further. In addition, funding of €113.75 million was allocated in 2004 for the home help service to support older people living in the community, with this funding being increased to €118.75 million in 2005.
171 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost of extending the proposed doctor only medical cards to the rest of the population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18206/05]
The estimated cost of extending the proposed GP visit card to the rest of the population, that is, in addition to the 200,000 already proposed for 2005, is in the region of €550 million. This is based on the existing rates of capitation and other fees paid to GPs.
172 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, since her appointment her attention has been drawn to the problems outlined in correspondence details supplied; her views on the matters raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18232/05]
As the Deputy may be 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 matter referred to by the Deputy. 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.
173 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if patients in private nursing homes will be considered under the repayments for long-stay care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18233/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, the placing of a person in a private nursing home is a private matter between the person or his or her representatives and the nursing home proprietor, as are the fees charged in these facilities. The Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 allows for the payment of a subvention towards the cost of such care based on a medical and means assessment. The process used in determining a person's eligibility for subvention is set out in the Nursing Homes Regulations 1993.
The repayment scheme for charges for publicly funded residential long-term care does not apply to individuals in private nursing homes who have entered these homes under the nursing home subvention scheme.
174 Ms O’Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps being taken to improve hospitals, management and processes in order to tackle accident and emergency overcrowding. [18237/05]
Additional revenue funding of €70 million and additional capital funding of €10 million has been provided to support the actions identified to improve the delivery of accident and emergency services. The Health Service Executive has been charged with responsibility to implement the actions identified in the ten point plan for accident and emergency services. My Department has also requested the HSE to develop complementary initiatives in regard to management, work practices and processes in hospitals.
To assist those hospitals who are experiencing continuing pressures on their emergency services, the National Hospitals Office has sought tenders from companies who are expert in the area of work flow management to carry out a review to determine what internal actions can be achieved to improve patient flows and reduce overcrowding.
The closing date for the tenders was 27 May. I understand the National Hospitals Office intends that this work will commence over the summer months in regard to ten major hospitals separately. The results of the analysis will begin to be available from August and I expect that hospitals will immediately take the actions necessary to improve patients' experience. The experience of the NHS in the United Kingdom is that this type of hospital-by-hospital improvement made a significant contribution to reduced patients' waiting times in accident and emergency departments.
175 Ms Sexton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of private work being undertaken in each public hospital as a proportion of overall in-patient activity in 2004; and the private bed designation in respect of each hospital. [18243/05]
I will provide the information requested separately to the Deputy.
176 Ms Sexton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioners co-operatives which are up and running; and the regions awaiting the establishment of such co-operatives. [18244/05]
Out-of-hours general practitioner co-operatives are found in part of all areas of the Health Service Executive and provide coverage in part of all of the 26 counties. There are four limited GP out-of-hours co-operatives operating in Dublin and eight full GP out-of-hours co-operatives in operation around the country. Decisions on the geographical areas to be covered by co-operatives and any developments or expansions are for each area of the Health Service Executive to make, having regard to the service needs and the strategic, financial and other issues involved. Accordingly, my Department has requested the primary, community and continuing care directorate of the HSE to provide information in respect of those areas which are awaiting the establishment of co-operatives by way of direct response to the Deputy.
177 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the level of expenditure on water fluoridation by the former South Eastern Health Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18250/05]
179 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the level of expenditure on water fluoridation by the former Western Health Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18252/05]
180 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the level of expenditure on water fluoridation by the former Mid-Western Health Board. [18253/05]
181 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the level of expenditure on water fluoridation by the former Western Health Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18254/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 179 to 181, inclusive, 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 social services. This includes responsibility for fluoridation. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officers of the Health Service Executive areas referred to by the Deputy to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
178 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a timescale has been agreed for the opening of the remaining parts of Cootehill health care centre which have remained unused for the past three years; if resources will be made available for the centre’s service to elderly persons and to the disabled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18251/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for health services in County Cavan. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's north eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply direct to the Deputy.
182 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a decision has been taken regarding the sale of a property (details supplied) in County Carlow; if the final report on services for those with autism in the south east is now available; if this report will be published; if the report suggests a use for the property; if the report will be costed; if a decision on the report findings and the property will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18255/05]
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 executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
However, my Department understands from the Health Service Executive south eastern area that a needs assessment is nearing completion and a further meeting has been arranged with the Irish Society for Autism to advance the proposal. The Health Service Executive south eastern area has further indicated that the funding of the project will not arise until an agreement is reached on the proposed service configuration.
183 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when her Department will respond to a submission made by the Health Service Executive southern area in its support of recommendations made in a report (details supplied). [18256/05]
In addition to the development of new and-or enhanced service provision, my Department has been working with the former health boards and voluntary service providers in recent years to meet specific identified needs in existing services. These primarily relate to the changing profile of the population in these services and in particular increased dependency levels due to ageing, medical frailty or challenging behaviour. The mechanism used is that following a review process, agreement is reached with the agency and the relevant health board in regard to the identified level of need. This is the process followed in the case of the agency to which the Deputy referred.
When carrying out this review my Department made it clear to all agencies involved in the exercise that, while making every effort to provide the resources required to address the needs identified in the review, it could not give a commitment in regard to a specific timeframe within which these needs would be met. 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 referred to by the Deputy. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's southern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
184 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of deaths by suicide of persons under 25 between 1997 and 2004 in County Roscommon and nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18308/05]
185 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of deaths by suicide of persons under 25 between 1997 and 2004 in County Leitrim and nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18309/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 185 together.
Data on mortality compiled and published by the Central Statistics Office indicate that there were 12 deaths by suicide of persons under 25 in County Roscommon between 1997 and September 2004 and there were five such deaths in County Leitrim. Nationally, there were 858 deaths by suicide of persons under 25 in the period 1997 to September 2004. Figures for 2003 and January to September 2004 are provisional and may be subject to change. Suicide is a serious social problem and every suicide and attempted suicide is a tragic event. As the Deputy is aware, work is now well under way on the preparation of a national strategy for action on suicide prevention. This strategy, which involves the project management unit, Health Service Executive in partnership with the national suicide review group supported by the Department of Health and Children, will be action-based from the outset and will outline the priority initiatives for suicide prevention and mental health promotion across the country for the coming years. All measures aimed at reducing the number of deaths by suicide will be considered in the preparation of this strategy which will be published in September of this year.
186 Mr. Carty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will have follow up treatment after elective surgery. [18314/05]
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 Mayo, 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.
187 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the arrangements in place or planned for the further education, training or activation provision for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16. [18380/05]
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 referred to by the Deputy. 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.
188 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the references which were sought by the South Eastern Health Board in the employment of a person (details supplied); the number of officials involved in this interview and their names; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18403/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Services 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 health service recruitment. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
189 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the speech and language provisions being put in place to meet the accepted needs of children throughout County Kildare; her views on the need for urgent provision in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18469/05]
Demand for speech and language therapists was recognised in the Bacon report in 2002 when it was recommended that training places for speech and language therapists increase from 25 per year to 105 places per year. To address this shortfall in supply, three new schools of speech and language therapy were opened in 2003, in National University of Ireland in Galway and Cork and University of Limerick. In addition, the number of training places in Trinity College Dublin was enhanced.
I look forward to the end of this academic year when the first graduates of these new courses will emerge, those students who undertook an accelerated two-year masters programme in University of Limerick, and to 2007 when we will see the graduates from the traditional degree programme from the universities in Cork and Galway.
To meet the current demand for speech and language therapists, we rely heavily on the return of students who have studied abroad and also on an EU and non-EU workforce. It is estimated that 20% of the speech and language therapy workforce is foreign. In 2002 an additional grade of clinical specialist was introduced to speech and language therapy. This additional grade has many objectives including to ensure best practice and research in the profession. It is intended to review and develop this extremely beneficial grade in the near future.
The Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists has embraced the Sustaining Progress agenda and has produced a position paper for the introduction of programme assistants to the profession. It is believed that this skill mix will ensure the best use of scarce and valuable resources. I look forward in the near future to the establishment of this grade and a training programme for such programme assistants.
Despite the significant developments in speech and language therapy to date, it is widely accepted that there is further need to substantially enhance the numbers employed in the health and education sectors. Long waiting lists for services must become a feature of the past. The recently announced investment in the disability sector will be a significant step in moving forward to a service where those in need of this essential service, receive it.
The national disability strategy provides a framework of positive action measures to support participation by people with disabilities in society. The strategy consists of four elements; the Disability Bill 2004; the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004; six outline sectoral plans; and a commitment to a multiannual investment. The strategic review of services being undertaken by my Department is examining the significant service provision in place, focusing on specific issues of concern to people with disabilities and their families and carers, together with statutory and voluntary bodies in this area, with an opportunity to input into the planning and delivery of services over the coming years.
The Government announced on budget day a special disability multiannual funding package with a total value of almost €900 million for the years 2006 to 2009, which includes an allocation of €300 million out of the revised capital envelope to these high priority disability services. The amounts allocated for 2005 are €70.39 million and €34 million in respect of revenue and capital funding respectively. To ensure the various elements of this additional funding are targeted to meet the priority needs which have been agreed, and in particular to meet the needs of those who are not in receipt of vital elements of service provision, a protocol has been developed by my Department with the Health Service Executive to facilitate the monitoring of the specific investment programme in disability services under national disability strategy. In this regard, the Health Service Executive has established a disability policy and legislation standing group, which has been working with my Department on the implementation of the strategy and the roll-out of the new disability legislation.
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 speech and language therapy. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's south western area to investigate the matter raised in County Kildare and reply to the Deputy.
190 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the number of historical sites in County Roscommon maintained by Dúchas; the investment in each site in the past five years and the corresponding figure spent on promotion of the sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17867/05]
194 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the number of historical sites in County Roscommon maintained by the Office of Public Works; the investment in each of these sites in the past five years and the corresponding figure spent on promotion of these sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17866/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 194 together.
A total of 22 monument sites are in the care of the Office of Public Works in County Roscommon, eight of which belong to a single complex of monuments. The following table outlines expenditure on conservation work at these sites from 2000 to 2004. Routine maintenance of the sites — cleaning, grass cutting etc. — is carried out by the staff from the national monuments depots in Athenry and Dromahair but it is not possible to give a breakdown for individual sites. Heritage sites managed by the Office of Public Works are not promoted individually. Such sites are promoted collectively, nationally and regionally, in conjunction with the regional tourism authorities, Shannon Development and, in the case of County Roscommon with Ireland West. National and regional versions of brochures are distributed at staffed OPW managed heritage sites and through the tourist information offices network operated by the regional tourist authorities. It is not possible, therefore, to separately quantify the expenditure on the marketing of heritage sites in County Roscommon.
|
Site Name |
Townland |
Group |
Total |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|
Milleen Meba Megalith |
Toberrory |
Rathcroghan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Misgaun Meba Megalith |
Toberrory |
Rathcroghan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Rathbeg Earthwork |
Toberrory |
Rathcroghan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Rathcroghan Earthwork |
Toberrory |
Rathcroghan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Rathmore Earthwork |
Toberrory |
Rathcroghan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Glenballythomas Group of Monuments |
Glenballythomas |
Rathcroghan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Rathscrig Fort |
Toberrory |
Rathcroghan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Toberrory Fort |
Toberrory |
Rathcroghan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Abbey of Blessed Trinity |
Lough Key (Trinity Island) |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Boyle Abbey (Cist.) |
Knocknashee |
— |
367,827 |
144,293 |
115,880 |
47,597 |
60,057 |
— |
|
Cross |
Emlagh |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
High Cross |
Cloonshanville |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Inchmacnerin Abbey |
Lough Key (Church Island) |
— |
30,597 |
— |
— |
30,597 |
— |
— |
|
La Tene Stone |
Castlestrange |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Lough Gur Type Farmstead |
Carnagh West |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
MacDermot's Castle |
Lough Key (Castle Island) |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Roscommon Abbey |
Ballyphaesan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Roscommon Castle |
Cloonbrackna |
— |
18,040 |
3,040 |
15,000 |
— |
— |
— |
|
Mound and Ringfort |
Ardcarn |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Ringfort and 2 Ogham Stones |
Drummin |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Wedge-shaped Gallery Grave |
Altore |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Athlone Castle |
Bigmeadow and Athlone |
— |
68,753 |
— |
68,753 |
— |
— |
191 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance his proposals in respect of the four local authorities in Dublin for car number plates reflecting each individual county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18189/05]
Vehicle registration is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I am advised that the current index marks system, for example, D for Dublin, and corresponding placenames, for example, Baile Átha Cliath, for vehicles that are registered in the State was introduced in 1987, based generally on the system of local authority licensing authorities. The Revenue Commissioners have informed me that following representations on this matter, some time ago, in respect of one Dublin local authority, stakeholders, including the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Transport and the Garda, were contacted for their views on the matter. Having liaised with all parties, the Revenue Commissioners found that, when compared to the clarity and simplicity of the current D index mark for the entire Dublin region, a move to differentiated index marks for the various Dublin local authorities concerned did not find favour with stakeholders generally. Accordingly, there are no proposals at this time to change the regulations.
192 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if he will abolish the €40 charge on credit cards for old age pensioners in an effort to encourage them to use the banks and not keep money in their homes where they might become prey to thieves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17813/05]
Stamp duty exists on credit cards to provide Exchequer revenue. The stamp duty on cheques, bills of exchange and promissory notes has existed for many years and, when electronic means of money transfers were subsequently introduced, stamp duty was gradually extended to these products to ensure that the stamp duty from cheques, etc., was not eroded.
The current annual rate of stamp duty on credit card accounts is €40. This duty arises irrespective of the age of the person who holds the account. This charge is not excessive and there is no evidence that it significantly discourages people from using this form of transaction. It is also not clear that the stamp duty on credit cards discourages people from putting their money into banks, as credit cards offer the option of purchasing goods on credit but are not used principally as a means of withdrawing money on deposit. Stamp duty on credit cards is a significant contributor to the Exchequer and, in 2004, the stamp duty on credit cards contributed €59 million to the Exchequer. There are no plans to introduce an exemption from stamp duty on such cards for any category of individual.
The Government has done much to help those aged 65 and over. The income tax age exemption limits have been increased by about 150% since 1997 removing 75,500 elderly people from the tax net. In addition, the current rate of payment for old age pensions has increased by more than 80% over the rate payable in 1997. This is well ahead of the rate of inflation and represents a significant improvement in provision for our older citizens.
193 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if the OPW will carry out improvement work to a bridge (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17814/05]
The bridge in question is a public road bridge and as such is the responsibility of the local authority.
195 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the guidelines used in allowing the erection of telecommunications masts in public parks and on public buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17877/05]
196 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if he or his Department held consultations with the Commissioners for Public Works on the decision to grant licences to telecommunications companies subject to planning permission to erect masts on property under its remit. [17878/05]
197 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if conditions attached to the licences granted to telecommunications companies property managed by the Commissioners for Public Works; the negotiations which were held with the companies involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17879/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 to 197, inclusive, together.
The Commissioners of Public Works have direct responsibility for the management of the State property portfolio. One of their objectives is to ensure that the property portfolio is used in an optimum way from the point of view of the State and the taxpayer. With this in mind, the Commissioners of Public Works are pursuing a programme of extracting maximum value from the property assets. Part of this programme involves the granting of licences to telecommunications companies to install masts on a range of State owned properties in return for an agreed level of fees.
Following negotiations with the telecommunications companies a standard licence agreement has been agreed. The licence agreement sets out the terms and conditions under which telecommunications companies will be allowed to install equipment on State owned properties. A mobile phone operator granted such a licence will be required to strictly comply with all relevant Health and Safety Acts, will operate within current standards and EU regulations and will adhere to the guidelines on exposure limits to emissions issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. Consultants appointed by the Commissioners of Public Works will be carrying out checks on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with these standards. Licensees will also be required to fully comply with normal planning regulations.
198 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if persons who were provided with and maintain contact lenses, prior to the Revenue Commissioners decision to amend the information on the website version of both their information leaflet and the health expenses claim form, are entitled to claim these as medical expenses for the purpose of tax relief, given that this information was not available in the information leaflet or on the claim form; if the Department is legally obliged to accept these claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17880/05]
The information to which the Deputy refers, which will shortly be added to the relevant information leaflet, is to make it clear that, as is the case with spectacles, the provision and maintenance of contact lenses does not qualify for tax relief. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that if, in the absence of the information in the leaflet, a claim had been made it would have been refused in accordance with the law.
199 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance further to correspondence from the OPW, the position regarding a river (details supplied). [17897/05]
I assume the Deputy is referring to correspondence regarding a recent development bordering on the River Deel in Crossmolina. The position is as outlined in my reply to the Deputy dated 19 May 2005. Planning issues relating to the development are a matter for the local authority.
200 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of man-days lost in sick leave, the rate per person employed, and the percentage of total man hours lost in this way in the Revenue Commissioners. [17928/05]
The Revenue Commissioners have advised that, for the year 2004, the information requested by the Deputy is as follows: number of man-days lost in sick leave, 76,500.51 days; rate per person employed, 11.73 days; percentage of total man hours lost, 4.65%.
201 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Finance the cost of the current provision for waiving tax on benefit in kind on the provision by employers of on-site child care facilities. [17945/05]
202 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Finance the number of employers who availed of the benefit in kind tax exemptions on employer’s child care provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17946/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, as taxpayers are not required to provide details of the benefit on the provision by employers of on-site child care facilities in their tax returns, there is no basis on which an estimate of the cost to the Exchequer of this tax exemption, or of the numbers availing of it, can be provided. In the case of employers the expense of providing or subsidising child care facilities for employees is allowable as a deduction in arriving at profits for tax purposes. However, the employer's tax return of income does not contain an entry in respect of this item and the employer's profit and loss account does not normally distinguish between this particular expense and other employment-related expenses. In these circumstances, there is no basis on which a reliable estimate of numbers involved can be provided.
203 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer to zero rate for VAT purposes the provision of child care facilities; if figures are available regarding the amount of VAT paid by child care providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17947/05]
The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the sixth VAT directive, member states may retain the zero rates on goods and services in place on 1 January 1991, but cannot extend the zero rate to new goods and services. The provision of child care facilities does not fall into this category and cannot, therefore, be zero rated. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the amount of VAT collected from child care providers cannot be identified in the overall yield of VAT, as the information furnished on VAT returns does not require this to be identified.
204 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the current capital allowances regime for child care facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17948/05]
Accelerated capital allowances of 100% are available for child care facilities under section 63 of the Finance Act 2000. Under the normal self-assessment rules, a person seeking to claim capital allowances in respect of a qualifying building would submit their claim on the appropriate tax return form. Claims for this relief are aggregated in tax returns with other claims, such as with industrial buildings allowances generally or with other capital allowances, and do not distinguish between the reliefs claimed in respect of child care facilities and those claimed in respect of other buildings qualifying for capital allowances. Consequently, it is not possible for Revenue to indicate the level of take-up of the specific incentive relating to child care facilities.
However, as part of ongoing commitments to improve the quality of information available on the costs of tax expenditures generally, the Revenue Commissioners have introduced a number of changes to certain tax forms which will yield additional information regarding the cost of reliefs. Provisions were included in the Finance Act 2004 to underpin these changes. This will provide better data in this area and enable fuller estimates of the tax foregone to be made over time.
205 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the introduction of enhanced double deductions against tax for child care providers in regard certain areas of expenditure such as staffing and insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17949/05]
I am not in favour of introducing double deductions for tax purposes for any area of the tax code. If double deductions were introduced for the specific types of expenditure suggested by the Deputy, this would inevitably give rise to demands for similar treatment for other areas which would give rise to a significant Exchequer cost. As regards the question of such double deductions in general, while a double rent deduction existed in the past under the 1985 and 1994 urban renewal schemes, it had to be abolished for the present urban renewal scheme because of EU state aid rules relating to operating aid.
206 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider introducing and estimate the cost of, disregarding income of €10,000 in relation to home-based child care providers, based on the model of rent a room relief. [17951/05]
It is difficult to estimate a cost for such a proposal which would depend on a number of factors, including take up. There is a need to examine pragmatically what can be done in regard to providing child care support to parents. The introduction of such a scheme would be a matter for consideration in the context of the annual budget and Finance Bill.
207 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Finance the estimate of the cost of a child care tax credit of €10,000 against personal income tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17952/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year cost to the Exchequer of allowing a tax credit of €10,000 to each family unit with children, irrespective of the numbers of children in the unit, would be in the region of €3,400 million. If the tax credit was confined to taxpayers where both parents are working and to single and widowed parents who are working then the cost would be in the region of €2,200 million in a full year.
208 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of vessels whose tax liabilities are calculated on the basis of a tonnage tax; and the names of the vessels and amount of tax paid in each year since 2002 in respect of each vessel. [18040/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant information is as follows:
|
Accounting Period Ending |
Estimated Corporation Tax Paid On Tonnage Tax Profits |
|
2002 (less than €50,000) |
Negligible |
|
2003 |
€0.1 million |
As regards the names of vessels involved, the Revenue Commissioners obligation to observe confidentiality for taxpayers and small groups of taxpayers would preclude them from giving this information. However, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that only four companies are involved and none of them gives rise for concern about the appropriateness of tonnage tax in their circumstances.
209 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the designation of a yacht (details supplied) for tax purposes; if it qualifies to be treated as a passenger ship; and if there are profits arising from its operation to be assessed using tonnage tax. [18041/05]
Taxpayer confidentiality requires that a Minister for Finance does not reply to a parliamentary question about the tax affairs of an individual or company, other than when the Deputy is asking the question on behalf of the individual or company. In this instance, it is not clear that this is the case and, in the circumstances, I regret I cannot provide the information requested.
210 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of hotels qualifying for tax breaks, built or applied for, in each year since 1998; the cost to the State of the tax breaks per annum in respect of such hotel development; and the highest amount of tax relief for a project in each year. [18042/05]
211 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of private hospitals qualifying for tax breaks, built or applied for, in each year since 2003; the cost to the State of the tax breaks per annum in respect of such operations; and the highest amount of tax relief for a project in each year. [18043/05]
212 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of nursing homes qualifying for tax breaks, built or applied for, in each year since 1998; the cost to the State of the tax breaks per annum in respect of such operations; and the highest amount of tax relief to such a project in each year. [18044/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 to 212, inclusive, together.
Claims for the reliefs mentioned in the question are aggregated in tax returns with other claims and do not distinguish between the reliefs claimed in respect of different schemes. Accordingly, the specific information on costs is not currently available. It should be noted that the various relevant capital allowance schemes represent only part of the overall amounts for capital allowances claimed annually, the bulk of which is composed of ordinary business capital expenses and depreciation. As part of ongoing commitments to improve the quality of information available on the costs of tax expenditures generally, the Revenue Commissioners are introducing a number of changes to certain tax forms which will yield additional information regarding the cost of reliefs. Provisions were included in the Finance Act 2004 to underpin these changes. This will provide better data in this area and enable fuller estimates of the tax foregone to be made over time.
213 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance when certification of a form CA 24 in an application for administration will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [18143/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that correspondence dated 17 May was received from the solicitors in this case on 18 May 2005 with regard to the estate of the person concerned. Certification of form CA 24 was completed on 26 May and forwarded to the solicitors in question.
214 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of increasing the home carer’s tax credit to the same rate as the PAYE tax credit in 2005. [18154/05]
The full year cost in 2005 of increasing the home carer's tax credit to the same level as the PAYE tax credit is estimated at approximately €59 million per annum.
215 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the likely revenue foregone if all tax bands had been index linked in the past three budgets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18155/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2005 incomes, of the change mentioned by the Deputy is €190 million in a full year in addition to the full year cost of €233 million for the increases in the value of the tax bands which were announced in the 2005 budget. The estimated cost of indexation is based on indexing the standard rate bands for 2002 in line with the yearly average inflation rates, per the consumer price index, of 3.5% for 2003, 2.2% for 2004 and an assumed 2.5% for 2005. This amounts to 8.4% on a cumulative basis. The increases in the value of the bands in Budget 2005 ranged from about 4% to 5%. The estimate is provisional and is likely to be revised.
216 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the State of removing the exemption on State occupied property from local authority rates. [18156/05]
The relevant property referred to by the Deputy is set out in section 15 of the Valuation Act 2001 as being a building or part of a building, land or a waterway or a harbour directly occupied by the State, including any land or building occupied by any Department or office of State, the Defence Forces or the Garda Síochána or used as a prison or place of detention.
State-occupied property has traditionally been exempt from rates but central Government made a compensating payment to local authorities by way of a bounty in lieu of rates and the bounty was distributed to local authorities in proportion to the concentration of State-occupied property in their areas. The Valuation Office valued the property for this purpose and the bounty was determined and administered by that office.
This practice continued until 1987, when the bounty, which was then approximately £13 million, was subsumed into the rates support grant and administered by the Department of the Environment. Since that time, the compensation for foregone rates has lost all connection with the valuation system and the property details andvaluations of State-occupied property have not been maintained by the Valuation Office. Accordingly, the information you require cannot be provided.
217 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of tax breaks for research and development in 2004. [18157/05]
Section 766 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for a tax credit for companies that carry out research and development. This credit was introduced in the Finance Act 2004. The majority of corporation tax returns associated with 2004 accounting periods are not due for filing until the latter end of 2005 and the information requested is, therefore, not yet available.
218 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the VAT threshold for small businesses in 2005; his plans to raise this threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18159/05]
Traders making supplies in the State are obliged to register for VAT where certain turnover thresholds are exceeded or are likely to be exceeded in any continuous period of 12 months. Under EU law, with which Irish VAT law must comply, member states may only increase thresholds in line with inflation. The current thresholds, which were enacted by the Finance Act 1994 with effect from 1 July 1994, are €25,500 and €51,000. The former is in the case of a person supplying services. This threshold also applies to persons supplying a combination of goods and services or goods chargeable at the 13.5% or 21% VAT rates which are produced from zero-rated materials. The latter is in the case of persons supplying goods. Businesses with turnover below these thresholds can register for VAT and those in the service sector particularly frequently choose to do so for business reasons. It is not customary for me to comment on any possible changes to thresholds that may or may not arise in the context of the forthcoming budget.
219 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the savings accruing to the Exchequer from the amendment of the Freedom of Information Act in 2003. [18160/05]
The focus of the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act 2003 was on enhancing the protections for Government records and records relating to the deliberations of Departments of State. No estimate of the type referred to by the Deputy has been made. The primary purpose of the Act was to ensure continued effective government and I am fully satisfied that it has fulfilled this objective.
220 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider introducing refundable tax credits; the cost if adapting the tax credit system in such a manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18161/05]
I have no plans to introduce such credits. If limited to those on Revenue's records, they would cost approximately €1.7 billion in a full year and considerably more if extended to everyone of working age irrespective of income or tax status.
221 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the impact on Exchequer revenues of increasing corporation tax to 17.5%. [18163/05]
The full year gain to the Exchequer from increasing the current standard rate of corporation tax from 12.5% to 17.5% is tentatively estimated by the Revenue Commissioners to be in the region of €730 million. This estimate does not take into account any possible behavioural change on the part of taxpayers as a consequence of such an increase. However, it should also be noted that Ireland's low corporation tax, CT, rate plays an important role in attracting foreign direct investment to Ireland, thereby increasing employment here. We also must consider Ireland's place in the new enlarged EU where CT rates are low in some new member states. Ireland must continue to remain competitive in this environment. For these reasons, there are no plans to increase our present low CT rate.
222 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the circumstances whereby a person or persons would be unable to obtain relief on stamp duty for first-time buyers purchasing a second hand home in a case in which a parent or parents have provided funds toward the purchasing of the property or acted as financial guarantors; if this situation has been brought to his attention since the changes announced in Budget 2005 on the issue of stamp duty in December 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18227/05]
To avail of first-time purchaser relief, the purchaser — or where there is more than one purchaser, each of the purchasers — must not have previously purchased a house. A person would not be precluded from obtaining first-time buyer relief where a parent or parents provided funds by means of an unconditional gift toward the purchase of a house or where a parent or parents has acted as financial guarantor in relation to purchase moneys that are borrowed by his or her son or daughter in connection with the purchase. Where funds are provided by a parent or parents or where a parent or parents are party to any borrowings relating to the purchase, as a result of which the parent or parents take a beneficial interest in the house being purchased, the first-time buyer relief would not be available as the parent or parents would be regarded as a purchaser of the house together with their son or daughter.
223 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to a tax rebate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18229/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a review of this taxpayer's liability will be completed for the three years ended 31 December 2004 on receipt of completed return of income forms that have been issued to the person's home address.
224 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if the means of collecting rain water in open topped barrels at Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, County Kilkenny is safe; if the pipes and barrels will be removed and replaced with a more acceptable method using chains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18302/05]
Temporary downpipes and collecting barrels were recently put in position at three locations on the eastern side of Jerpoint Abbey in order to monitor water run-off, which was resulting in the staining of, and calcite build up on, stonework. Following assessment of water run-off, the barrels have now been pierced and will remain in position to protect the stonework until a drainage trench to take away water from the outside of the east cloistral range is put in place. This work is to be scheduled in conjunction with archaeological excavations at the site programmed for this summer. Permanent downpipes rather than chains will replace the temporary downpipes where necessary.
225 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance if the Government has made any representations to the Chinese authorities regarding the revaluation of the yuan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18350/05]
The Government has not made any representations to the Chinese authorities regarding the revaluation of the yuan. As Minister for Finance, I do not comment on any particular exchange rate of the euro or other currency. However, I would endorse the statement made by Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg in his capacity as chairman of the EU ECOFIN Council to the spring 2005 meeting of the IMF international monetary and financial committee on 16 April in Washington:
Excessive volatility and disorderly movements in exchange rates are undesirable for economic growth. In particular, sharp moves of exchange rates are unwelcome and not conducive to orderly adjustments of external balances. All major countries and economic areas must play their part more actively in reducing global imbalances by putting in place the appropriate economic policies. A smooth and orderly appreciation of the exchange rate of some Asian emerging countries is needed.
226 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance if his Department will liaise regularly with the national consumer agency with regard to the provision of goods and services by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18351/05]
The Government recently approved the recommendation of the consumer strategy group concerning the establishment of a new national consumer agency, NCA. The Government also agreed to the appointment by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of a board of the NCA to act on an interim basis until such time as the agency can be established on a statutory basis. The functions and role of the new agency will be determined by the Government following the deliberations of a specific implementation group. The Minister for Finance will be involved in this process and in responding appropriately to the agency when established.
227 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance the amount his Department spent in 2002 on information technology software licences; the amount of that budget which was spent on products of a company (details supplied); if his Department uses or has considered using any Linux or similar open source software; the frequency with which software is reviewed in terms of value for money; if there is a policy position with regard to the promotion and use of such open source software; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18352/05]
My Department spent €448,911.73 on software licensing in 2002. Of this, €239,124.76 was spent on software licences from the company referred to. The corresponding figures for 2004 are €548,903.68 and €318,076.91 respectively. My Department has been using open source software since 1995. In that regard, the Civil Service Internet access infrastructure, which my Department has managed since 1996, was operated almost exclusively using open source software for mail relays, web and caching servers, operating systems and firewalls. We also use open source software to develop web enabled applications both for use within my Department and for cross-departmental applications and we are considering the use of open source software for the management of my Department's network infrastructure.
My Department, in line with Government policy and procurement law, operates a procurement policy that facilitates open competition, best value for money and best fit to requirements. Within that approach, different products are evaluated on their merits, including openness in terms of future procurement and, where possible, avoiding a lock-in to a particular supplier. Accordingly, an open view is taken that tends in practice to follow standards emerging from the market. These open standards are critically important to facilitate interconnection of computer systems and exchange of data and information across these systems. Consequently, with respect to the costs of software, my Department considers the total cost of ownership, which includes the costs of development and customisation, deployment, maintenance, support, upgrades, training and skills development in addition to the licensing element.
228 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to improve broadband competition here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18736/05]
249 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason he has not taken steps to improve the country’s position in the European league in regard to availability of broadband, in view of the fact that this country’s position is second last at present; if he proposes to issue directions to a body or agency including the regulator in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18449/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 249 together.
The latest figures from EUROSTAT relate to 2004 and are now almost six months old. They show, however, that Ireland is placed 20th of 26 countries in respect of broadband connections for all enterprises. The figure in respect of large enterprises is 79%, placing Ireland in 16th place. EUROSTAT also reports that 92% of all Irish enterprises have access to the Internet, which is ninth in the table, while for large enterprises the figure for Internet access is 100%. The level of Internet access for households is 40%, or 11th place in the table, and 3% have a broadband connection. The number of broadband customers in Ireland is increasing rapidly and now stands in the region of 160,000. For comparison, the January 2004 figure was 35,000. The rate of broadband uptake is dependent on a combination of factors. These include access by the private sector service providers to suitable infrastructure as well as competition between broadband service providers and demand conditions for broadband in the economy.
The Government is acting on the broadband penetration figures in a number of areas. My Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit in co-operation with the local and regional authorities by building high-speed open access metropolitan area networks, MANs, in 120 towns and cities nationwide using European Regional Development Fund, ERDF, and Government funding under the National Development Plan, NDP, 2000-2006. The MANs programme is being rolled out on a phased basis and the 19 networks completed to date have come in on time and within budget. Work is currently under way on seven MANs and construction of a further 82 will commence during the next 12 months. Full details of the regional broadband programme can be found on my Department's website www.dcmnr.gov.ie.
For smaller towns and rural communities, my Department offers grant aid of up to 55% of set-up costs to enable local groups to become self-sufficient in broadband, using the most suitable technology for their area. Under the broadband for schools project, every one of the 4,200 primary and post-primary schools in the country will be provided with broadband by the end of this year. The provision of telecommunications, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. According to ComReg, there are more than 45 different broadband offerings across a variety of technologies, including digital subscriber lines, fibre, cable, leased lines and satellite technology. In essence, there are broadband technologies that can deliver broadband to any broadband consumer in Ireland right now. The Government's broadband target is to be within the top half of EU countries by the end of 2007. I have set the industry a target of 500,000 broadband customers by the end of 2006. That means a market penetration of around 14% of the overall population, which I feel is within reach when account is taken of all of the technology options available.
229 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the date on which applications will be made to the BCI innovation fund; the process by which they will be determined by the BCI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17827/05]
The Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003, provides that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, BCI, would be responsible for drawing up the scheme through which the fund can be accessed. During the course of 2004, the BCI developed and published a draft scheme and consulted widely on it. However, before the scheme can become operational, two formal approvals are required. First, under section 2(1) of the 2003 Act, the BCI is required to submit a draft scheme to me for approval. The draft scheme was formally submitted for approval to the Department by the BCI in December 2004.
Second, EU Regulations 659/1999 and 794/2004 require Ireland to formally notify the EU Commission of all aid schemes to ensure compatibility with EU State aid and competition rules. To this end, a copy of the draft scheme was sent to the Commission in mid-January in order to seek its initial views. Towards the end of March, the Commission indicated it did not see any major problems with the scheme. Accordingly, my Department formally notified the Commission on 28 April. Under the procedural regulations, the EU Commission has a period of two months to make a decision, although this period may be extended with the consent of the member state concerned. I await the outcome of the Commission's deliberations.
230 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the winch at a pier (details supplied) in County Mayo will be repaired and restored. [17844/05]
Rathlacken Pier is owned by Mayo County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance. A report entitled An Assessment of Piers, Harbours and Landing Places in County Mayo was published last year by Mayo County Council. The Department provided funding towards the cost of this report. Rathlacken Pier is identified as category 3, which is defined in the report as "a low priority, where development and repairs are less desirable but should be considered if resources were available". The question of providing funding for Rathlacken Pier will depend on the amount of Exchequer funding available for works at fishery harbours taking into account overall national priorities in the 2005-2006 period.
231 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will investigate further a recent study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, outlining greater risks to rural dwellers from mobile phone usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17942/05]
The study is reported in a research paper published in the BMJ Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine on 17 May 2005 titled Use of Cellular telephones and brain tumour risk in urban and rural areas by L. Hardell, M. Carlberg and K. Hansson Mild. The paper aimed to investigate the association between the use of cellular or cordless telephones and the risk for brain tumours in urban and rural areas. It considered patients in Sweden aged 20-80 years and based the results on 1,429 cases with 1,470 controls and claims that users in rural areas were 1.4 to 3.2 times more at risk from digital cellular telephones while their counterparts in urban areas were less at risk by a factor of 0.9. It claims the effect was most obvious for malignant brain tumours. The paper concluded that, in future studies, place of residence should be considered in assessment of exposure to microwaves from cellular telephones, although it admitted that the results in the study must be interpreted with caution due to the low numbers in some of the calculations. The paper is being examined by my Department. When I have considered its contents, I will be happy to comment further on the matter.
232 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action he is taking to ensure that broadband service will be provided in the Palmerstown, Dublin 20 area as companies (details supplied) do not provide a broadband service there. [17960/05]
233 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if it is acceptable that no broadband service will be provided in the majority of Palmerstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17961/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 232 and 233 together.
I understand the telephone exchanges serving the Palmerstown area have been enabled for the provision of DSL broadband and a number of service providers are marketing broadband in the area. 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 growing level of competition in the broadband market and a considerable increase in availability. 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 service, such as line quality and distance from the exchange. Even though a line may be in an enabled exchange it may not be suitable for DSL broadband. If a telephone line cannot carry DSL, other technologies may need to be considered, such as wireless, cable modem or satellite. My Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie, lists a number of service providers who offer broadband in the Palmerstown area, including nine DSL, one wireless and eleven satellite providers. The website also gives comparative details of prices and service levels and can be used to check if an individual telephone line can carry DSL broadband.
234 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason his Department chose to contract a company (details supplied) to conduct the review of the quantified risk assessment on the Corrib gas development; and the amount that was awarded to the company for its services. [17970/05]
In line with a commitment I gave in replies to parliamentary questions in March of this year, a review of the developers' quantified risk assessment, QRA, for the Corrib gas development was undertaken and will be published on its completion, together with the developers' QRA.
A tender competition was initiated. The company that was successful following this tendering process was British Pipeline Agency Limited, BPA. The tendered price for the consultancy was £2,800 sterling,excluding VAT and expenses.
Following media queries on 25 May 2005, my Department became aware that the company selected by means of a tendering process to undertake the QRA review is owned jointly by BP Oil UK Ltd. and Shell UK Oil Ltd.
In the interest of ensuring confidence in the independence of the process of evaluation of the safety aspects of the pipeline as addressed by the QRA version F and considering the public concerns and sensitivities on this issue, I instructed officials of my Department to initiate a further review of the QRA immediately.
235 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to institute a scheme to grant-aid individual housing units and refurbishments which demonstrate sustainable energy practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17980/05]
236 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason that the house of tomorrow scheme, administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland, cannot apply to individual housing units and refurbishments. [17981/05]
237 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will increase funding available under the house of tomorrow scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17982/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 to 237, inclusive, together.
Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, which was established as a statutory agency in May 2002, implements a wide variety of programmes on energy efficiency and renewable energy on behalf of my Department.
Under SEI's house of tomorrow research, development and demonstration programme, financial support is directed at encouraging developers of housing, both new-build and refurbishment, to incorporate design and technology features that deliver significantly superior energy and CO2 performance. By targeting developers of schemes of houses, from the private or social housing sectors, the aim is to establish, over several years, a nationwide network of accessible examples of more sustainable energy design and technology practices. Accompanied by other promotional measures by SEI, this is intended to encourage a sufficient degree of market replication, without subsidy, to elevate energy performance standards across the wider housing stock. This targeted approach is also designed to be an administratively efficient method for deployment of public moneys.
To date the programme has committed more than €7.5 million to 39 projects comprising a total of 1,818 housing units, all featuring an integrated approach to energy supply and use that achieves performance at least 20% better than current building regulations. In fact, in the majority of projects, the performance is 40% better.
As stated, the programme has been directed at suppliers and developers of housing, rather than individual householders. There are two main reasons for this. First, house of tomorrow is a research and development support scheme, not a home improvement grants scheme. It seeks projects of sufficient scale and impact to influence wide application of the practices and technologies demonstrated. An effective way to achieve this is by means of clusters of homes, which will provide regionally visible and accessible examples that can be replicated. Overall, integrated developments are encouraged.
Second, a key need in moving towards more energy efficient planning and construction practices in Irish homes is to develop the necessary awareness and capability within the construction industry. SEI, through its consumer awareness programmes, seeks to increase the demand for energy efficiency amongst homeowners and occupants. House of tomorrow, as a research, development and demonstration programme supports the development and demonstration of capability in the industry to deliver higher quality energy efficient homes to meet such a demand. The aim is to increase standards and practices across the industry as a whole.
Regular reviews are conducted on all SEI's funding programmes. In this context, it may be possible to give consideration to developing a grant scheme, as part of this programme, which would make money available to individual householders in respect of specific sustainable energy features. Factors entering any such consideration include the establishment of consumer product standards, supplier capability and installation quality assurance systems appropriate to consumer markets. This is in addition to the core requirements of energy and CO2 saving impact, market impact potential, administrative efficiency and ultimately, value for money for the taxpayer.
Funding for SEI is determined on an annual basis. SEI submits a proposed work programme for the coming year along with a budget for each of its programmes, such as the house of tomorrow programme, to my Department. Any increase in funding required for these programmes would have budgetary implications and could only be considered in the light of the overall budgetary requirements of SEI and the level of funding available to my Department.
238 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to discuss with An Post management its intention to honour its commitments to staff in respect of the national wage agreement; if his attention has been drawn to the upset of staff on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17998/05]
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 amounting 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 a process brokered by the labour relations commission. An agreement on a viable recovery plan will enable An Post to deliver quality services to citizens, while at the same time providing sustainable, well-paid employment for its staff.
239 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has received a request for funding from Louth County Council for the Drogheda northern cross route which will service the Port of Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18074/05]
My Department recently received a request for funding from Louth County Council regarding the matter raised by the Deputy. However, my Department has no function regarding road-funding of any type.
The provision of non-national roads in County Louth is a matter for Louth County Council, to be funded from its own resources and supplemented by grants provided by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Furthermore, as the Deputy may be aware, the provision, improvement and maintenance — including the allocation of funding to individual projects — of national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority, which comes under the aegis of the Department of Transport.
240 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of applications received by his Department for inclusion in the lost at sea scheme; the names of the vessels for which application was made; the names and addresses of the registered owners of the said applicants; the names of the vessels deemed eligible to qualify for the scheme; the amounts of tonnage replacement for each of those which qualified; and the amount of compensation awarded in each case. [18145/05]
A total of 68 applications was received and considered by the Department under the lost at sea scheme. The names of the vessels that were the subject of these applications are given in the table following. It is not considered appropriate to publish the names and addresses of the applicants, on the basis that this information is personal.
The names of the six vessels in respect of which successful applications were made, along with the replacement capacity granted in each case, are also detailed in the tables following. No form of compensation was awarded in these cases, other than the replacement capacity, which, under the terms of the scheme, may not be sold.
|
Vessel |
Gross Tonnes |
Engine Power (kW) |
|
Fidawn |
10.4 |
44.02 |
|
Joan Patricia |
85.00 |
298.44 |
|
Kreis An Avel |
28.00 |
160.00 |
|
Rising Sea |
28.30 |
57.00 |
|
Sea Hunter II |
6.36 |
90.00 |
|
Spes Nova |
126.00 |
421.55 |
Names of Fishing Vessels for which applications were made under Lost at sea Scheme
Accord II
Ann Carmel
Aquamarine
Ard Aengus
Ard Colm
Ardent II
Bonnie May
Boy Padraig
Boy Shaun
Carraig Una
Cathmar
Claire Marie
Clifden Castle
Coleen Rua
Coreopsis
Crystal River
De Hoop
Deirdre
Dieter
Elaine Catherine
Esther M
Fidawn
Geordie
Girl Olive
Glenmalure
Goldwn Dawn
Honeydew
Instrahull
Iris Ann
Ivy Rose
Joan Patricia
Johnny Ruth
Kelly M
Kestrel
Kreis an Avel
Laurent Stephanie
L’Avenir
Mallrin
Margerite
Metric Peter
Monique
Moravia
Naomh Dervilla
Noreen
Ocean Billard
Onedin
Pro Familia
Purple Harvest
Red Rover
Resolution
Rising Sea
Ros Torc
Rosdroichead
Saint Colette
Saint Molaga
Sarie Marais
Scellig
Sea Hunter II
Sea Wave
Sharelga
Skifjord
Spes Nova
Success
Taobh-Mor
Tarradale
Termon
Two Boys
Wisemans
241 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of Irish fishing vessels lost at sea; the names of the fishing vessels in question; and the names and addresses of the registered owners of the said vessels. [18146/05]
The Department does not have the statistics on Irish fishing vessels lost at sea readily available in the format requested by the Deputy. The Deputy requires this information dating back to 1980. The Department is compiling the available information and will forward it directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
242 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he proposes to bring rural post offices within the remit of a public service obligation; to guarantee the future of rural sub-post offices earmarked for possible closure; to provide on-line connectivity to the remainder of post offices to enable them to compete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18183/05]
The Government and An Post share the objective of maintaining a viable nationwide post office network through a strategy of maximising the volume of both public and private sector business handled by the network. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is clear Government recognition of the social benefits of maintaining a nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the network will continue to take full account of these social benefits.
The post office network has been the subject of a number of studies and reviews in recent years. Many of the recommendations arising from these reviews have been implemented, with particular regard to winning new business — including extra banking and new utility business.
Where vacancies for a postmaster or postmistress arise in the normal course of events, An Post advertises the position at least twice and actively canvasses for suitable persons to fill the vacant positions. It is only when a suitable candidate for a vacancy cannot be found or where there are no applicants, that a post office is closed.
There is widespread recognition that the best strategy to sustain the network is for An Post to continue adapting to its customer needs and maximising efforts to secure existing business, while pursuing new business at every available opportunity.
On the matter of on-line connectivity of the entire network, the current automated network accounts for over 95% of An Post's counter business. This means that the 1,000 automated offices transact 95% of counter business while 475 non-automated offices undertake 5% of business. Nevertheless, An Post is now undertaking a pilot project, which will see ten manual post offices automated in order to gauge the effect on business. An Post is also engaging with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs regarding automation of ten island post offices. Furthermore, An Post will undertake a fundamental reappraisal of the post office network. The objective of this exercise is to build on the existing strengths in terms of nationwide network, strong brand recognition and high footfall and to devise a suite of products and services to meet current and future needs of post office customers. This strategy will provide the road map for future service delivery throughout the network.
243 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason he will abolish user representation on future ports, as stated in the ports policy of January 2005; and if he will reconsider this proposal. [18184/05]
In May 2003, the high level review of the State commercial ports operating under the Harbours Acts, 1996 to 2000, was published. This was the first review undertaken since enactment of the Harbours Act, 1996. This legislation removed Ireland's key ports from direct departmental control and gave them the commercial freedom to operate as modern customer-service oriented service industries. The remit of the review was to critically examine the current model for the governance of the State commercial ports.
On foot of the publication of the review, a comprehensive consultation process was initiated, which involved interested parties making both written and oral submissions relating to future ports policy. The responses received informed the content and recommendations of the Government's policy statement on ports.
In January 2005, I launched the ports policy statement. It aims to better equip the port sector and its stakeholders to meet national and regional capacity and service needs. The policy statement includes the following key elements: clearer and more focussed commercial mandates for the ports and their boards; encouragement of private sector investment and involvement; sanction for the use of non-core assets to fund new port development but not to mask inefficiencies; encouragement of healthy competitive conditions within and between ports; better consultation and dispute resolution between port companies and users through appropriate information sharing and arbitration mechanisms.
In the section headed "Port Company Boards", the policy statement indicates that the appointment of port users to the boards of the commercial State port companies can lead to conflicts of interest and, in line with the recommendation of the high level review, it is intended that this process will cease with regard to all future appointments.
244 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the remainder of the tonnage required for one boat will be transferred to another and once this is done that the boat would be de-registered. [18186/05]
245 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when a tonnage (details supplied) will be transferred from one boat to another boat. [18187/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together.
Under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003, the functions of sea-fishing boat licensing and registration were transferred from the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to the licensing authority for sea-fishing boats, which operates on an independent basis, subject to criteria set out in that Act. All applications for sea-fishing boat licences are considered by the licensing authority for sea-fishing boats. The head of the licensing authority is the registrar general of fishing boats, a senior official in the Department.
The licensing authority has informed me that the individual concerned applied for a sea-fishing boat licence under the terms of a special scheme introduced in the mid 1990s for the licensing and registration of small fishing boats. A licence was not granted in respect of the vessel due to safety defects. The applicant proposed licensing an alternative vessel under the scheme, under which replacement capacity was not required to be provided but because this boat is larger than the original, she was advised in February 2003 that the difference in capacity — in terms of tonnage and engine power — between the two boats would have to be provided by way of replacement capacity prior to licensing.
The remainder of the capacity required to be provided could be transferred from the other boat referred to by the Deputy, which has already been removed from the fishing boat register. However, it should be noted that under licensing policy, this off-register capacity must be brought back on to the register before the end of this year; otherwise the entitlement to use it would be lost. To transfer the capacity to the applicant's replacement vessel, it is necessary that a capacity assignment form be completed by the relevant parties and forwarded to the licensing authority.
The licensing authority will issue a non-operative licence in respect of the applicant's vessel, subject to compliance with any other conditions of current licensing policy, such as the provision of a declaration of compliance with a code of practice relating to safety of the vessel. The non-operative licence would allow the vessel owner to have the boat registered, following which the licensing authority can issue an operative sea-fishing boat licence. Subsequently, it would be open to the vessel owner to apply to the licensing authority at any stage to have her boat removed from the register.
246 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources further to correspondence (details supplied), if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a two tier system seems to operate with derogations given to other cases. [18313/05]
The two cases to which the correspondence to which the Deputy referred are entirely different in nature, the consideration of which involved totally different criteria and circumstances in the context of sea-fishing boat licensing.
The individual to whom the Deputy specifically refers applied for a licence in respect of a vessel under a special whitefish scheme in 1991. All applications received under the scheme were evaluated in accordance with defined criteria and the particular individual's application was not among those approved for a licence. He subsequently reapplied for a licence and was informed by the Department that a licence could only be granted when all of the requirements of licensing policy, including the removal of replacement capacity from the fishing boat register, were complied with.
The other case relates to an application made by the company concerned, under EU legislation in place at the time, which provided for the introduction of additional capacity into the EU fleet, where additional fishing opportunities were identified. The licensing and registration of the vessel concerned was facilitated by a decision of the European Commission to grant additional capacity in respect of the Irish pelagic fleet segment, to take account of fishing opportunities in Mauritanian and other West African waters. The decision followed intensive negotiations at political and official level, mainly relating to the resolution of an engine power capacity excess problem in the pelagic segment, which had not been caused by the company concerned. Replacement capacity was not required to be provided in respect of the vessel in question as the European Commission allocated additional capacity, over and above existing fleet capacity limits, which allowed for its introduction. The company withdrew its other vessel from the fleet in order to resolve the excess engine power capacity situation, which the Commission had insisted first be resolved.
New EU legislation governing fleet policy was introduced in 2002-03, which was followed in November 2003, by the introduction at national level of a comprehensive and transparent new national licensing policy. The Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003, which came into effect on 1 July 2003, transferred responsibility for sea-fishing boat licensing to the licensing authority for sea-fishing boats, which operates on an independent basis, subject to criteria set out in that Act. All applications for sea-fishing boat licences are now considered by the licensing authority for sea-fishing boats. The head of the licensing authority is the registrar general of fishing boats, a senior official in the Department. The 2003 Act also established an independent appeals system relating to licensing decisions subsequently taken.
247 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the name of the chairman of a company (details supplied); the process by which he was appointed; the person by whom he was appointed; and the date he was appointed. [18315/05]
Mr. Joe Burke was appointed as chairperson of Dublin Port Company, with effect from 25 April 2002 by the former Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Frank Fahey.
The process for appointing the chairperson is set out in the memorandum and articles of association of the company. Section 65 of the memorandum and articles of association states:
The Minister may from amongst the Directors appoint one of them to be Chairperson and may remove any person so appointed and appoint another in his or her place. If there be at any time no such Chairperson of if at any meeting the Chairperson is not present at the time appointed for holding the same, the Directors present may choose one of their number to be Chairperson of the meeting.
The chairperson was simultaneously appointed as a director of Dublin Port Company for a five-year period from 25 April 2002 ending on 24 April 2007 by the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, under Section 17 (3) of the Harbours Act, 1996.
248 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 180 of 17 May 2005 and 221 and 222 of 24 May 2005, when the company entered into non-binding heads of agreement with the consortium; the terms of the said agreement; the lands that were included or referred to as being the subject of said agreement giving details of area and location; the price or indicative value mentioned in respect of said lands; the details of the consortium involved; the explanation given for the fact that the company only sought ministerial approval for the arrangement after the heads of agreement had been completed and the matter had been raised in Dáil Éireann; the explanation given for the fact that the company had dealt exclusively with one private consortium concerning this matter and had failed to give any opportunity to others to tender or to be considered for any such arrangement; and the further or complementary commercial development that was agreed in the arrangement with the private consortium, apart from the national conference centre. [18317/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 221 and 222 on 24 May 2005, in which I stated that, on 18 May the Department received a letter from Dublin Port Company requesting ministerial approval for its proposal to enter into an arrangement with a consortium, as detailed in draft heads of terms attached to the letter. The company states that the proposal provides that, in the event that the consortium is successful in its bid for the development of the national conference centre and appropriate planning and other consent issue in respect of the national conference centre, Dublin Port Company will make a site available in order to facilitate the development of the centre, together with further and complementary commercial development.
Dublin Port Company has also informed the Department that the entirely unsolicited approach to it by a consortium bidding for the national conference centre was of a unique nature and that had alternative proposals been received, they would have been similarly considered.
As indicated in my reply on 18 May, the company's letter is being considered by the Department at present and a decision will be made in due course. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter while the company's request is under consideration.
250 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to websites (details supplied), on which uncontrolled, undesirable and defamatory postings have been noted, which cause grievous offence to those targeted; if he has had discussions with the regulator with a view to the blocking of such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18470/05]
I have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy.
The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications sector, including telecommunications, radio communications and broadcasting transmission as well as the postal sector . However, ComReg has no function in regarding malevolent Internet activity or the content of websites.
251 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the assessment carried out to date of the proposed decentralisation of the section dealing with development co-operation; the cost savings that are projected to be made; the percentage of existing staff in specialist and in non-specialist grades who have indicated a desire to move; and the risk factors identified in the assessment. [17838/05]
Under the Government's decentralisation programme, announced in December 2003, the development co-operation directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, currently based in Dublin, is scheduled to decentralise to Limerick. This will involve the relocation of 123 posts and is scheduled to take place during the first quarter of 2007. Details of applications received for the posts in question, excluding applications from civil servants already serving in Limerick, are set out in the table which follows.
The Department is working closely with the Office of Public Works to identify suitable accommodation for the directorate in Limerick and it is hoped to select a premises in the near future. Pending that, it is not possible to estimate savings or additional costs.
The various issues arising from the Government decision, both for the Department in general and for the development co-operation directorate in particular, are considered in the Department's decentralisation implementation plan. Risk analysis carried out by the directorate in this context has identified several risk factors, for which appropriate risk mitigation strategies are being implemented: These are: financial, including accountability and control; human resources, including loss of expertise and institutional memory communications between the directorate and internal and external stakeholders; and associated operational and reputational risks The implementation plan, which has been published on the Department's website, www.dfa.ie, was recently revised to take account of the decision to include the directorate among the early movers.
|
Specialist Grades |
No. of posts advertised on the CAF |
Number of applications from within the Directorate |
DCD applications as a percentage of total posts |
Applications from elsewhere in the Department |
Applications received via the CAF by 7 Sept. 2004 |
Applications received via the CAF since 7 Sept. 2004 |
Total received to date |
|
% |
|||||||
|
Principal Development Specialist |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Senior Development Specialist |
12 |
2 |
17 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Development Specialist |
9 |
9 (Note 1) |
100 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
|
Financial Controller |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non Specialist Grades |
|||||||
|
Counsellor/Principal Officer |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
First Secretary/Assistant Principal Officer |
19 |
3 |
16 |
0 |
12 |
6 |
21 |
|
Higher Executive Officer/ Administrative Officer |
14 |
1 |
7 |
1 |
25 |
1 |
28 |
|
Third Secretary |
4 |
2 |
50 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Executive Officer |
16 |
3 |
19 |
3 |
23 |
8 |
37 |
|
Staff Officer |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
|
Clerical Officer |
33 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
19 |
3 |
27 |
|
Services Officer |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Totals |
123 |
21 |
17 |
12 |
86 |
20 |
139 |
Note 1: Figure for applications from within development co-operation directorate includes development specialists employed since the announcement of decentralisation and whose contracts specify that the posts are being relocated to Limerick.
Note 2: It should be noted that the table only includes details of first preference applications. Now that details of the early movers are available, all applicants will be given an opportunity to amend their first preferences.
Note 3: The table excludes, inter alia, applications from public service employees whose grade equivalency remains to be clarified.
252 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost of the recently installed machine in the passport office; and the amount it has cost so far to repair this machine every time it has broken down. [17890/05]
As I indicated to the Deputy in reply to a previous question, the passport office is currently implementing a new system for processing passport applications. This includes a new, more secure passport booklet. As part of the overall project, specialised production equipment has been purchased for this purpose at a cost of approximately €8 million. The cost of maintenance of the production machines to date has been covered by the support and maintenance arrangements for the entire system and no additional costs have been incurred.
253 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the present status of talks between the EU and Iran regarding Iran’s nuclear development programme. [17963/05]
Negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme between Iran and France, Germany and the UK, supported by the high representative for the common foreign and security policy, resulted in an agreement signed in Paris in November 2004 on nuclear issues and future co-operation. Under this agreement, which was endorsed by the European Council last December, Iran, inter alia, reaffirmed that it does not, and will not, seek to acquire nuclear weapons and committed itself to full transparency and cooperation with the IAEA. Iran, moreover, decided to voluntarily suspend all enrichment and reprocessing activities and to invite the IAEA to verify and to monitor the suspension. The agreement further provided for negotiations on a long-term agreement, which will cover political and security issues; technology and cooperation; and nuclear issues.
A steering committee to launch these negotiations met for the first time in December 2004 and established working groups on political and security issues, technology and cooperation and nuclear issues. Under the terms of the Paris agreement, the steering committee receives progress reports from the working groups and identifies projects and, or measures that can be implemented in advance of an overall agreement. The working groups met most recently on 19 April in Geneva and the steering committee met on 29 April in London.
At the meeting of the IAEA board of governors last March, France, Germany and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement in which they gave their preliminary assessment of the negotiations with Iran. They indicated that the negotiations have allowed for an extensive exchange of views, notably on ways to provide objective guarantees that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes, as stipulated in the Paris agreement. The two sides have discussed long-term arrangements for co-operation between the EU and Iran in the political and security area, as well as in the economic and technological field. They have also explored the prospects for mutually acceptable arrangements for Iran's nuclear programme, which would provide objective guarantees that it could not be used for military purposes. In reiterating their commitment to the negotiation process, France, Germany and the United Kingdom stressed that it is essential that confidence be maintained through the continued implementation in good faith of all aspects of the Paris agreement.
In recent weeks, such confidence was undermined when Iran issued statements that suggested that it would re-commence some activities covered by voluntary suspension. France, Germany and the United Kingdom, in response, wrote to Iran and called for a ministerial-level meeting, which took place on 25 May in Geneva. At a subsequent press conference, the UK's Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, commented that the two sides had a thorough discussion within the framework of the Paris agreement. He indicated that the European side would make detailed proposals to Iran by the end of July or the beginning of August, in the context of the Paris agreement remaining in force. During the meeting the European side again recognised Iran's rights to nuclear energy for peaceful uses under Article IV of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, NPT, exercised in conformity with its non-proliferation obligations under the treaty, without discrimination, while Iran reaffirmed its commitment not to seek nuclear weapons.
254 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 213 of 29 September 1999, the bilateral British-Irish Agreements signed or entered into since September 1999; the date of the agreement in each case, if the agreement is in force; if so, the extent in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18135/05]
The following bilateral agreements concluded between the State and the United Kingdom have entered into force since September 1999: — agreement between the two Governments — British/Irish Agreement — Belfast, 10 April 1998, entered into force on 2 December 1999; — agreement establishing a British-Irish Council, Dublin, 8 March 1999, entered into force on 2 December 1999; — agreement establishing a British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, Dublin, 8 March 1999, entered into force on 2 December 1999 — agreement establishing implementation bodies, Dublin, 8 March 1999, entered into force on 2 December, 1999; — agreement establishing a North-South Ministerial Council, Dublin, 8 March 1999, entered into force on 2 December 1999; — exchange of letters, dated 18 June 1999, constituting an agreement supplementary to the agreement between the two Governments establishing implementation bodies, Dublin, 8 March 1999, entered into force on 2 December 1999; — exchange of letters, dated 27 September 2000 and 10 October 2000 amending the agreement between the two Governments concerning the International Fund for Ireland, entered into force on 10 October 2000; — exchange of notes dated 18 October 2001 and 31 October 2001 constituting an agreement pursuant to Article 83 paragraph 3 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 on the provisional delimitation of an area of the continental shelf, entered into force on 31 October 2001; — exchange of notes dated 19 November 2002 concerning certain decisions of the North-South Ministerial Council and related matters, entered into force on 3 December 2002; — agreement on police co-operation, Belfast, 29 April 2002, entered into force on 20 December 2002; — agreement establishing the Independent Monitoring Commission, Dublin, 25 November 2003, entered into force on 7 January 2004; — agreement on the early notification of a nuclear accident or incident of radiological significance and the exchange of information concerning the operation and management of nuclear facilities or activities, Dublin, 10 December 2004, entered into force on 10 December 2004.
In accordance with the requirements of Article 29.5.1° of Bunreacht na hÉireann, all of these agreements have been laid before Dáil Éireann following their entry into force. In addition, for the convenience of the public, they have also been published in the Irish treaty series by my Department and have been made available on the Department's website, www.dfa.ie/treaties.
In addition to the foregoing treaties, I am aware of a further two bilateral agreements concluded with the United Kingdom that have been signed on behalf of Ireland but that have not yet entered into force. These are the convention on social security, signed in Dublin on 14 December 2004 and the agreement relating to the transmission of natural gas by a second pipeline between Ireland and the United Kingdom, and through a connection to the Isle of Man, signed at Gormanstown on 24 September 2004. Both agreements are expected to enter into force shortly.
255 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 213 of 29 September 1999, the bilateral British-Irish Agreements signed or entered into which have been registered with the League of Nations or United Nations but not published in the Irish treaty series; the date of the agreement in each case; if the agreement is in force; if so, the extent in that regard (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18136/05]
Following entry into force of a treaty with respect to the State it has long been the practice of my Department to arrange simultaneously for its registration with the Secretary General of the United Nations, pursuant to Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations and for its publication in the Irish treaty series. I am not aware of any bilateral agreement concluded with the United Kingdom that has been registered with the United Nations but not published in the treaty series.
I am aware of only two instances of bilateral treaties concluded with the United Kingdom and registered with the League of Nations pursuant to Article 18 of its covenant that were not also published in the treaty series. These were the treaty between Great Britain and Ireland, signed at London on 6 December 1921 and the agreement amending and supplementing the treaty of December 6, 1921, between Great Britain and the Irish Free State, signed in London on 3 December 1925.
These agreements were concluded prior to the commencement of publication of the treaty series in 1930. They were, in due course, amended by the agreements between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the United Kingdom, signed in London on 25 April 1938 and printed as Number 1 of 1938 in the Irish treaty series.
256 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the detailed cost of a recent function (details supplied); and if he will provide a list of the guests invited to same. [18310/05]
On 19 May, I launched the plans for the future development of the Battle of the Boyne site at Oldbridge. This next phase of development will transform the site into a welcoming and significant visitor experience which will encourage and facilitate an understanding of the battle and an appreciation for the environment in which it took place.
As invoices are still outstanding, the full costs of this launch have not yet been finalised. The principal costs related to the provision of a marquee and electricity generator, given the absence of on-site facilities, and the supply of catering services. It is estimated that the overall cost will be in the region of €13,000.
It is not normal practice for this Department to provide the names of those invited to official functions. A broad cross-section of people with an interest in the development of the battle site were present at the launch on 19 May. These included local residents and community groups, a number of public representatives and local government officials, representatives of the loyal orders and of the Ulster-Scots community in Northern Ireland, military historians and others who have taken a supportive interest in the development of the site since it was acquired by the State in 1999.
257 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has fully implemented section 13 of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997. [17977/05]
On the 3 May 2005, statutory instruments came into effect which inter alia commenced a range of provisions of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997. Section 13 of the Act was one of these provisions.
258 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a swimming pool for the Leixlip, Maynooth and Celbridge areas will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18172/05]
The closing date for receipt of applications under the current round of the local authority swimming pool programme was 31 July 2000 and Kildare County Council did not apply for grant aid for pool projects in Leixlip, Maynooth or Celbridge.
The priority to now has been to support the 55 projects that applied for funding. Of these 55 projects, 25 have been allocated grant aid. Fifteen of these have been completed and ten are at construction stage. The remaining 30 projects, which include two projects in County Kildare — Naas and Athy — are at various stages in the process: six are at tender stage, 15 are at contract documents stage and nine are at preliminary report stage.
The question of re-opening the programme will be considered following an expenditure review of the programme which is being carried out by my Department and which is expected to be completed later this year. The review is examining issues such as how the programme has worked to date, the benefits which have accrued to the areas where pools have been built and what amendments, if any, are required to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the programme.
259 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve funding under the sports capital programme for a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18225/05]
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 2004. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All the 1,362 applications received before that deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are 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.
260 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve a sports capital grant for Donagh sports field, Emyvale, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18226/05]
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 2004. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All the 1,362 applications received before that deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are 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.
261 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve a sports capital grant for a committee (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18246/05]
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 2004. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All the 1,362 applications received before that deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are 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.
262 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve a capital sports grant for a club (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18247/05]
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 2004. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All the 1,362 applications received before that 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.
263 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will implement the recommendations of the consumer strategy group in so far as they relate to areas for which his Department has responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17971/05]
The report of the consumer strategy group was published on 18 May 2005. The report contains more than 30 separate recommendations whose implementation will involve a variety of different Departments and agencies. The Government has already accepted the core recommendation in the report and has approved in principle the establishment of a new national consumer agency. My Department has already commenced the necessary legislative and organisational work to ensure that the new agency is established as soon as possible.
In relation to the other recommendations contained in the consumer strategy group report, the Government has decided to establish a high level interdepartmental committee to examine these recommendations, including those relating to the Department of the Taoiseach. It is envisaged that this committee will report back to Government with a detailed implementation plan within three months
266 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a work permit for a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17819/05]
The work permits section of my Department received an application for a work permit renewal in respect of the above named individual on 17 May 2005. I can confirm that a work permit issued in respect of the individual concerned on 25 May 2005 valid until 13 May 2006.
267 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an enterprise (details supplied) in County Sligo has embarked on phase two of its enterprise development; if he will contact the officials in order that a decision will made on the issues outlined in the enclosed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17934/05]
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the agency as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas for the attraction of foreign direct investment to the State and its regions. While I may give general policy directives to IDA Ireland, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings.
All IDA Ireland lands are sold on the basis of commercial valuation in line with public sector guidelines and subject to IDA board approval. I am informed by IDA Ireland that it will be in a position to appoint a valuer once Collooney enterprise board has reverted to it with a clear intention that it wishes to purchase the site in question. These facts have been conveyed by IDA Ireland to the enterprise board.
Valuations are conducted on the basis of current market conditions appropriate to the relevant title being transferred. It would not be appropriate for me to attempt to pre-empt the outcome of an independent open market valuation in this case.
269 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts being made by the Government to promote further trade between the EU and the US; if he favours an eventual free trade area between the EU and the US in view of the continued expansion of trade in the Far East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18131/05]
The EU-US summit at Dromoland in June 2004 adopted several declarations, including a declaration on strengthening our economic partnership. The Irish Presidency of the European Union played a key role in ensuring that there was a strong economic dimension to the summit and to the enhancement of ongoing EU-US relations. Following this summit declaration, both the EU and US sides commenced a stakeholder dialogue and invited interested parties to offer their views on how this should be done. Drawing on the results of the stakeholder dialogue in which replies were received from the business community, trade unions, consumer organisations and other interested groups, the European Commission for its part has identified areas that should be tackled to develop a forward-looking strategy to enhance the economic relationship between the US and the EU.
The Commission communication of 19 May 2005 — A stronger EU-US partnership and a more open market for the 21st century — addressed to the Council, the European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee, forms the basis of the initiatives proposed by the European Commission designed to boost EU-US trade and investment in specific areas. In its communication, the European Commission proposes a mix of binding and non-binding approaches, across sectors, with the aim of giving new impetus and quality to the EU-US economic relationship.
The economic agenda includes both multilateral and bilateral elements. Obviously, both sides are committed to concluding a successful Doha round and both are working to secure a successful outcome at the next WTO trade ministerial conference in Hong Kong at the end of this year. The EU for its part, in accordance with the EU's international trade policy which has been built for several decades on a preference for a multilateral approach, is fully supportive of and continues to maintain this strategic approach. On bilateral co-operation, the emphasis is on regulatory co-operation, co-operation on technology and innovation and market access issues.
Ireland supports working closely with the US on this forward-looking agenda with both its multilateral and bilateral components. We see it as an appropriate and balanced approach with the potential to enhance trade and investment between the EU and the US. Discussions among the European Commission and member states are ongoing to agree the elements of this agenda which will be put on the table for discussion and agreement at the next EU-US summit to be held next month.
271 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding allocated by his Department for the promotion of workplace safety in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18165/05]
The funding allocated by my Department for workplace safety in 2005 is €301,000.
272 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding being allocated by his Department in 2005 for training and employment supports to those who have suffered redundancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18166/05]
In co-operation with the industrial development agencies and local organisations, FÁS has developed a process of engagement with redundant workers. Since the beginning of 2003, FÁS has engaged with some 100 companies experiencing redundancies. Skills audits and subsequent training form the backbone of interventions. As a result of these interventions, many workers have secured alternative employment.
Training and employment supports to those who have suffered redundancy are funded from FÁS training and support and the employment programmes budgets. In 2005, these budgets stand at €345 million and €395 million, respectively, and these are funded through a combination of Exchequer and NTF resources.
273 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of State funding allocated to inward investment projects in 2004; the funding allocated to indigenous companies in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18167/05]
In respect of projects assisted by agencies under my remit, total funding paid towards inward investment projects for 2004 was €68.4 million which is a provisional figure, and for indigenous companies was €103 million. The breakdown of these figures is outlined as follows.
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. The provisional figure for 2004 in respect of the value of grants paid by IDA Ireland to companies is €66 million. Enterprise Ireland has primary responsibility for the development of indigenous industry. Total Enterprise Ireland payments to client companies in 2004 amounted to €82 million. Shannon Development is responsible for foreign direct investment in the Shannon Free Zone and acts as agent for Enterprise Ireland in the remainder of the Shannon region — Limerick, Clare, north Tipperary, north Kerry and south-west Offaly. In 2004, a total of €2.4 million was paid to companies based on the Shannon Free Zone and €4.6 million was paid to indigenous companies in the Shannon region. The county enterprise boards are responsible for State assistance to micro-enterprises — companies with ten or fewer employees. A total of €16.5 million of funding was paid by the 35 county and city enterprise boards in 2004.
274 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will restore the numbers on community employment schemes to their 2002 level; the funding necessary for such an initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18168/05]
276 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average cost to the State of each community employment place in 2004. [18170/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 274 and 276 together.
FÁS employment programmes, which comprise community employment, CE, social economy and job initiative, will provide a total of 25,000 places in 2005 at a cost in the region of €368 million, of which €293 million is in respect of CE. CE places rose by 2,346 during 2004.
I am informed by FÁS that the cost to it of supporting the additional places necessary to bring the total places on CE this year to 25,000 — this being the level of placement at the end of 2002 — would be €46 million. I am also informed by FÁS that the average cost of a CE place in 2004 was €13,500. I have no plans to increase the substantial level of funding allocated to FÁS this year for the administration of employment programmes.
275 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his policy on implementing the findings of the report, Towards Best Practice in the Provision of Further Education, Employment and Training Services; the funding necessary to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18169/05]
Broad employment and training objectives and policies to promote the employment of disabled people, including schemes, programmes and services, are reflected in the statements of strategy and business plans of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and FÁS. FÁS programmes and the various support measures are based on the policies of the Department, which are developed through a three dimensional approach involving the following: facilitating the progression of disabled people into sustainable employment through the development of their skills; stimulating awareness amongst employers of the contribution which disabled people can make to their business and encouraging companies to consider actively recruiting disabled people to fill their vacancies; and providing specific employment supports for disabled people and employers.
People with disabilities now benefit from the full range of FÁS training programmes and services and FÁS also provides an extensive range of schemes and grants to promote the employment of people with disabilities in the private sector, including the disability awareness training support scheme, the employment retention grant, the work and equipment adaptation grant, the job interview interpreter grant, the personal reader grant and the employment support scheme.
In addition to the above, FÁS also operates on behalf of the Department a pilot programme for employment of people with disabilities, PEP, grant assistance for commercially viable enterprises of which at least 50% of the employees are people with disabilities; and supported employment programme, which is an open labour market initiative that works towards the placement of and support of people with different types and varying degrees of disability who need the initial support of a job coach to obtain or maintain employment.
In addition, I have secured additional funding for the development and introduction of a new full-time employment support scheme for people with disabilities on a three-year pilot basis. A budget line of €10 million has been established for the scheme for 2005. This comprises the current provision of €5 million for the combined employment support scheme and the pilot programme for the employment of people with disabilities and an additional €5 million. The scheme will be implemented by FÁS this summer. The total number of people with disabilities placed in employment and training by FÁS in 2004 was 8,608 compared with 8,459 in 2003.
The wide-ranging NDA report, entitled Towards Best Practice in the Provision of Further Education, Employment and Training Services, contains a total of 29 recommendations which have implications for a number of Departments, including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in the area of employment and training provision. In this area, 19 of these recommendations have policy and-or operational implications for FÁS under the aegis of the Department. These recommendations are being addressed by FÁS in conjunction with the Department and are of assistance in the context of the ongoing monitoring and review of policy and programme provision consistent with providing the most efficient services possible to people with disabilities. My Department's objective in the period ahead is to consolidate the significant value added in advancing the employment and training agenda since assuming policy responsibility for vocational training and employment for people with disabilities.
277 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the State funding granted to support small businesses in 2004. [18171/05]
A small business is defined by the European Commission as one that employs fewer than 50 people and has a turnover or balance sheet total of less than €10 million. My Department provided funding and support to small businesses in 2004 through a number of relevant state agencies which operate under the aegis of my Department, namely, Enterprise Ireland, Shannon Development, the county and city enterprise boards and FÁS.
Enterprise Ireland — EI — is the national development agency with primary responsibility for assisting the development of indigenous enterprises in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector. More than 80% of EI's clients are small businesses. EI's assistance is delivered by way of both financial and non-financial supports. Financial supports are designed to encourage development and growth at key stages in a client's development, for example, start-up or early stage, expansions etc., and consists of both grants and equity finance. With regard to non-financial support, EI provides expertise to its clients not only in relation to the business functions listed previously but also with regard to the crucial endeavour of developing exports. In this regard, EI has a network of more than 30 overseas offices positioned to provide clients with market information and assisting client contact with potential buyers.
Total financial support paid out by Enterprise Ireland to client SMEs — firms with up to 250 employees — in 2004 amounted to €82 million. However, a breakdown of this figure between small enterprises and medium-sized enterprises is not readily available.
Shannon Development is responsible for both foreign direct Investment and indigenous industry in the Shannon Free Zone and in the remainder of the Shannon region — Limerick, Clare, north Tipperary, north Kerry and south-west Offaly. In 2004, Shannon Development paid some €3.4 million to 100 companies that employ fewer than 50 people each.
The 35 county and city enterprise boards — CEBs — have the primary responsibility for support to micro businesses — businesses with ten employees or fewer. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, the boards can support individuals, firms and community groups. The boards give priority to manufacturing and internationally traded services companies which over time may develop into strong export entities.
In 2004, a total of €16.5 million of capital funding was made available to micro-enterprises by the CEBs of which €10.5 million related to project support expenditure in the form of capital grants, feasibility study grants and employment grants. In total, 864 CEB clients were approved for direct financial assistance by the boards in 2004. The balance of funding provided, approximately €6 million, was spent on the provision of soft support activities — advice, management training, e-commerce training, enterprise education, mentoring and the promotion of female entrepreneurship. More than 15,000 people participated in the wide range of training and development courses offered by the CEBs countrywide.
FÁS, the national training and employment authority, also has a role in supporting the small business sector through the provision of a range of advisory and human resource development services to business, including small business. It works closely with companies to assist them identify their current and emerging training needs and to implement training and development initiatives to meet these. It also assists industry search for suitable candidates to fill job vacancies. Given that the focus is on upskilling the labour force generally, it is not possible to identify the level of FÁS spending that specifically benefits small businesses.
In addition to the targeted interventions by various State enterprise development agencies, the small business sector in Ireland is supported and encouraged by the active pursuit and promotion by the Government of an economic environment that is supportive of entrepreneurial activity. Ireland's extraordinary success over the past decade has been built on, and continues to be built on, such key competitive strengths as having one of the lowest taxation regimes in Europe, access to the EU's internal market, a well educated and skilled workforce and a history of Government policies that are pro-business and provide a benign business environment. The Government is committed to the continued support and development of these strengths.
278 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government’s attitude to the UK paper on the economic partnership agreements being negotiated by the European Commission with 77 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries; if, in accordance with the concern expressed by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Government will join the UK and other like-minded Governments with a view to changing the EU position on EPAs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18177/05]
I refer the Deputy to the response to Question No. 270 of 4 May 2005 on the same issue. The position remains unchanged since that time. EPAs are first and foremost instruments for development that will foster the smooth and gradual integration of ACP states into the world economy. Substantive negotiations are under way between the EU and ACP states in this regard. As trade is a EU 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 member states on the basis of an agreed mandate. The Commission provides the Council with updates on the progress of the negotiations.
I have read with interest the recent position paper that sets out the UK view on how best the commitment to put development at the heart of the EPA negotiations can be delivered. I agree with the basic thrust of an approach to the EPAs which ensures that the needs and concerns of developing countries are taken adequately into consideration during the substantive phase of these negotiations. More recently in the context of the further progression of EPA negotiations, Commissioner Mandelson has indicated that he is putting the EPA process under continuing review, with a new review mechanism to ensure that at every stage in the negotiations the development dimension is put first. I fully support this approach by the Commissioner.
Ireland is actively following the developments in the EPA negotiations process and will continue to do so. In so far as the discussions within the European Council, including the Article 133 committee, are concerned, Ireland will have full regard to the content of the UK paper. In all these discussions, we will be insisting that the Commission discharge its mandate in accordance with the provisions of the Cotonou agreement and in a manner which is sensitive to the particular concerns of ACP states.
279 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of all new jobs in greenfield projects by overseas firms in 2004 which were sited in the Border, midlands and western region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18245/05]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. During 2004, a total of six companies were involved in greenfield start-ups in the Border, midlands and western region. By 2004, a total of 41% of all new greenfield jobs created by IDA Ireland-supported companies were located in the BMW region.
Substantial progress has been made in attracting new jobs to the BMW region given that in 1999, prior to the start of the Government's current national development programme, only 25% of all new greenfield jobs were locating in the region. IDA Ireland continues to make every effort to maximise the proportion of new greenfield investment locating in the BMW area.
280 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits applied for, granted, refused or pending on a monthly basis in the last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18451/05]
From 1 May 2004 to 30 April 2005 the work permits section of my Department has issued 7,221 new work permits, 22,413 renewal work permits, 743 group permits and 1,597 were refused. The section accepted 29,332 valid applications during this period. A detailed breakdown of the number of applications accepted, permits issued and refused is provided on a monthly breakdown for the Deputy's information in the table. There are currently 1,090 applications being processed.
|
Month |
Sector |
New Permits |
Renewals |
Group |
Issued |
Refused |
|
May |
477 |
1,578 |
78 |
2,133 |
163 |
|
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
25 |
180 |
0 |
205 |
18 |
|
|
Catering |
111 |
526 |
3 |
640 |
65 |
|
|
Domestic |
5 |
60 |
0 |
65 |
1 |
|
|
Education |
16 |
32 |
0 |
48 |
3 |
|
|
Entertainment |
2 |
10 |
74 |
86 |
0 |
|
|
Exchange Agreements |
9 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
|
|
Industry |
12 |
77 |
0 |
89 |
2 |
|
|
Medical and Nursing |
70 |
97 |
0 |
167 |
25 |
|
|
Service Industry |
225 |
592 |
1 |
818 |
49 |
|
|
Sport |
2 |
4 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
|
|
June |
619 |
1,676 |
87 |
2,382 |
55 |
|
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
19 |
190 |
0 |
209 |
1 |
|
|
Catering |
91 |
448 |
0 |
539 |
24 |
|
|
Domestic |
12 |
45 |
0 |
57 |
1 |
|
|
Education |
16 |
38 |
0 |
54 |
0 |
|
|
Entertainment |
5 |
7 |
86 |
98 |
0 |
|
|
Exchange Agreements |
9 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
|
|
Industry |
18 |
120 |
0 |
138 |
2 |
|
|
Medical and Nursing |
83 |
105 |
0 |
188 |
2 |
|
|
Service Industry |
362 |
714 |
1 |
1,077 |
25 |
|
|
Sport |
4 |
9 |
0 |
13 |
0 |
|
|
July |
650 |
1,800 |
72 |
2,522 |
147 |
|
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
22 |
174 |
0 |
196 |
18 |
|
|
Catering |
72 |
516 |
1 |
589 |
62 |
|
|
Domestic |
7 |
45 |
0 |
52 |
2 |
|
|
Education |
25 |
34 |
0 |
59 |
2 |
|
|
Entertainment |
4 |
8 |
71 |
83 |
0 |
|
|
Exchange Agreements |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
|
|
Industry |
13 |
117 |
0 |
130 |
4 |
|
|
Medical and Nursing |
144 |
157 |
0 |
301 |
7 |
|
|
Service Industry |
353 |
747 |
0 |
1,100 |
52 |
|
|
Sport |
6 |
2 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
|
|
August |
540 |
1,997 |
83 |
2,620 |
158 |
|
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
23 |
188 |
0 |
211 |
10 |
|
|
Catering |
97 |
624 |
1 |
722 |
86 |
|
|
Domestic |
12 |
50 |
0 |
62 |
3 |
|
|
Education |
29 |
63 |
0 |
92 |
2 |
|
|
Entertainment |
11 |
8 |
82 |
101 |
0 |
|
|
Exchange Agreements |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Industry |
20 |
135 |
0 |
155 |
4 |
|
|
Medical and Nursing |
108 |
142 |
0 |
250 |
8 |
|
|
Service Industry |
231 |
780 |
0 |
1,011 |
44 |
|
|
Sport |
8 |
7 |
0 |
15 |
1 |
|
|
Sepember |
527 |
1,677 |
66 |
2,270 |
78 |
|
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
28 |
207 |
0 |
235 |
6 |
|
|
Catering |
71 |
501 |
1 |
573 |
40 |
|
|
Domestic |
15 |
46 |
0 |
61 |
2 |
|
|
Education |
25 |
38 |
0 |
63 |
0 |
|
|
Entertainment |
25 |
7 |
65 |
97 |
0 |
|
|
Industry |
11 |
141 |
0 |
152 |
1 |
|
|
Medical and Nursing |
72 |
90 |
0 |
162 |
9 |
|
|
Service Industry |
260 |
638 |
0 |
898 |
20 |
|
|
Sport |
20 |
9 |
0 |
29 |
0 |
|
|
October |
699 |
2,929 |
77 |
3,705 |
116 |
|
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
33 |
336 |
0 |
369 |
6 |
|
|
Catering |
130 |
784 |
1 |
915 |
58 |
|
|
Domestic |
16 |
83 |
0 |
99 |
4 |
|
|
Education |
32 |
66 |
0 |
98 |
0 |
|
|
Entertainment |
17 |
10 |
75 |
102 |
1 |
|
|
Exchange Agreements |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
Industry |
15 |
256 |
0 |
271 |
9 |
|
|
Medical and Nursing |
74 |
195 |
0 |
269 |
5 |
|
|
Service Industry |
359 |
1,182 |
1 |
1,542 |
32 |
|
|
Sport |
23 |
17 |
0 |
40 |
0 |
|
|
November |
781 |
2,653 |
44 |
3,478 |
173 |
|
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
39 |
262 |
0 |
301 |
19 |
|
|
Catering |
109 |
810 |
1 |
920 |
74 |
|
|
Domestic |
20 |
77 |
0 |
97 |
4 |
|
|
Education |
31 |
42 |
1 |
74 |
2 |
|
|
Entertainment |
1 |
12 |
41 |
54 |
0 |
|
|
Exchange Agreements |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
Industry |
29 |
195 |
0 |
224 |
4 |
|
|
Medical and Nursing |
101 |
150 |
0 |
251 |
10 |
|
|
Service Industry |
440 |
1,099 |
1 |
1,540 |
59 |
|
|
Sport |
9 |
6 |
0 |
15 |
1 |
|
|
December |
575 |
1,329 |
14 |
1,918 |
193 |
|
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
52 |
147 |
0 |
199 |
14 |
|
|
Catering |
91 |
430 |
1 |
522 |
91 |
|
|
Domestic |
17 |
44 |
0 |
61 |
9 |
|
|
Education |
23 |
22 |
0 |
45 |
4 |
|
|
Entertainment |
3 |
5 |
13 |
21 |
1 |
|
|
Industry |
21 |
79 |
0 |
100 |
3 |
|
|
Medical and Nursing |
66 |
85 |
0 |
151 |
10 |
|
|
Service Industry |
297 |
506 |
0 |
803 |
60 |
|
|
Sport |
5 |
11 |
0 |
16 |
1 |
|
Month |
Sector |
New Permits |
Renewals |
Group |
Issued |
Refused |
|
2,353 |
6,774 |
222 |
9,349 |
514 |
||
|
January |
573 |
1,313 |
52 |
1,938 |
170 |
|
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
29 |
118 |
0 |
147 |
3 |
|
|
Catering |
105 |
460 |
0 |
565 |
91 |
|
|
Domestic |
11 |
37 |
0 |
48 |
3 |
|
|
Education |
28 |
30 |
0 |
58 |
4 |
|
|
Entertainment |
7 |
4 |
50 |
61 |
0 |
|
|
Industry |
11 |
88 |
0 |
99 |
1 |
|
|
Medical and Nursing |
97 |
93 |
0 |
190 |
5 |
|
|
Service Industry |
275 |
471 |
0 |
746 |
63 |
|
|
Sport |
10 |
12 |
2 |
24 |
0 |
|
|
February |
540 |
1,065 |
39 |
1,644 |
86 |
|
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
33 |
84 |
0 |
117 |
12 |
|
|
Catering |
103 |
400 |
1 |
504 |
38 |
|
|
Domestic |
10 |
30 |
0 |
40 |
2 |
|
|
Education |
15 |
23 |
0 |
38 |
0 |
|
|
Entertainment |
7 |
8 |
37 |
52 |
0 |
|
|
Exchange Agreements |
80 |
0 |
0 |
80 |
0 |
|
|
Industry |
20 |
33 |
0 |
53 |
0 |
|
|
Medical and Nursing |
87 |
81 |
0 |
168 |
2 |
|
|
Service Industry |
180 |
402 |
1 |
583 |
32 |
|
|
Sport |
5 |
4 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
|
|
March |
568 |
1,652 |
52 |
2,272 |
99 |
|
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
33 |
139 |
0 |
172 |
3 |
|
|
Catering |
101 |
485 |
0 |
586 |
51 |
|
|
Domestic |
8 |
48 |
0 |
56 |
0 |
|
|
Education |
13 |
35 |
0 |
48 |
0 |
|
|
Entertainment |
8 |
2 |
52 |
62 |
2 |
|
|
Exchange Agreements |
21 |
0 |
0 |
21 |
0 |
|
|
Industry |
17 |
104 |
0 |
121 |
0 |
|
|
Medical and Nursing |
99 |
133 |
0 |
232 |
8 |
|
|
Service Industry |
260 |
692 |
0 |
952 |
35 |
|
|
Sport |
8 |
14 |
0 |
22 |
0 |
|
|
April |
672 |
2,744 |
79 |
3,495 |
159 |
|
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
34 |
279 |
0 |
313 |
11 |
|
|
Catering |
122 |
807 |
1 |
930 |
60 |
|
|
Domestic |
12 |
74 |
0 |
86 |
5 |
|
|
Education |
33 |
50 |
0 |
83 |
1 |
|
|
Entertainment |
15 |
7 |
77 |
99 |
0 |
|
|
Exchange Agreements |
5 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
|
|
Industry |
39 |
206 |
0 |
245 |
4 |
|
|
Medical and Nursing |
100 |
200 |
0 |
300 |
2 |
|
|
Service Industry |
305 |
1,116 |
1 |
1,422 |
75 |
|
|
Sport |
7 |
5 |
0 |
12 |
1 |
|
2004 |
May |
2,278 |
|
June |
2,670 |
|
|
July |
2,639 |
|
|
August |
2,425 |
|
|
September |
2,977 |
|
|
October |
2,602 |
|
|
November |
2,453 |
|
|
December |
1,565 |
|
|
2005 |
January |
2,376 |
|
February |
2,463 |
|
|
March |
2,469 |
|
|
April |
2,415 |
|
|
Total |
29,332 |
281 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Ireland’s position in the European league in respect of motor, public liability and other insurance costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18452/05]
The national competitiveness council, NCC, in its Annual Competitiveness Report 2004 mentioned the issue of insurance costs in Ireland. The NCC's commentary was based on data published by Swiss Re Sigma. These data, which are based on 2003 figures, depict insurance premia per capita for non-life insurance for 16 countries. This includes both motor and public liability insurance. It should be noted that these data cover expenditure on insurance, which is only a proxy for the relative price of similar insurance services in different countries. These data cannot be seen as a definitive competitiveness barometer for insurance costs.
Of the 16 countries surveyed, Ireland's expenditure on non-life insurance was the fifth highest, with a value of $1,356. Switzerland was the highest with a value of $2,228, the United States was second highest with a value of $1,980, the Netherlands was third with a value of $1,532 and the United Kingdom, with a value of $1,441 was fourth highest. Hungary was the second lowest with a value of $148, while Poland was the cheapest with a value of $102. The average expenditure for the EU15 was $974 and the OECD's average was $1,008.
However, these figures need to be analysed carefully as they do not always include only or all premia paid by the inhabitants of the country concerned. The NCC also reported that the use of a tort system in Ireland increases private premia vis-à-vis Europe and the USA where the use of a no fault system reduces the level of expenditure on insurance premia.
Recent experience in Ireland indicates that the cost of insurance is falling as a result of the Government's insurance reform programme. The CSO publishes monthly indices of costs for a number of classes of insurance. These statistics show that there was a reduction of 20% in motor car insurance between the months of April 2002, when the first motor insurance advisory board report was published, and October 2004. There are also reported reductions in the cost of premia for public and employer liability insurance.
282 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of manufacturing or service jobs lost or relocated to more competitive economies in the past five years; his predictions in respect of the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18453/05]
284 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which he proposes to counter the move by manufacturing industry to low wage economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18455/05]
288 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his proposals to reverse the trend towards the relocation of manufacturing industry to lower wage economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18462/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 282, 284 and 288 together.
It is not possible to determine the number of manufacturing or service jobs that have relocated to more competitive economies in the past five years or the employment change arising directly from just one aspect affecting the enterprise economy. Firms relocate for a variety of reasons. Relocation is just one factor in the many enterprise related issues that determine employment levels. Firms invest in different regions for a variety of reasons and while there is little doubt that some firms establish themselves primarily to take advantage of reduced costs in lower wage economies, this is often not the only factor in deciding where to invest.
The tabular statement provides a breakdown of employment gains/losses in agency supported firms for the last five years for the manufacturing and services — financial and international — sectors.
Ireland's economy has undergone a fundamental change in the last decade and can no longer be seen as a low cost location for investment. High output and productivity together with high returns to labour in the form of wages, salaries and better living standards now typify Ireland's economy. We no longer operate primarily as a location for what could be called low tech production; other low wage economies provide a level of cost competitiveness for this form of production that we can no longer realistically match.
As the figures on the statement indicate, our economy is holding firm in the service sectors and, as Ireland becomes more economically sophisticated, services are likely to become a much more important source of wealth and employment creation. Nevertheless, we are acutely aware of the importance of manufacturing and we cannot afford to be complacent about erosion in employment in such an important economic sector. While the figures show that over the period 2001-03 we suffered heavy losses in this sector among agency supported firms, there are some indications that the level of attrition may have peaked and, indeed, given the problems besetting the world economy during those years, we should recognise this as a strong performance in the circumstances of a global downturn.
Enterprise policy is being actively refocused towards creating conditions that will make possible a sustained shift to higher skill, knowledge intensive activities, in which advanced manufacturing expertise will be an important contributor to growth and employment. The range of incentives provided through the enterprise development agencies are designed to meet these objectives and to help enterprise operate at higher levels of skill, undertake higher order strategic investments, product development and innovation. The agencies are active and supportive partners with enterprise in helping new, market oriented investment projects.
Manufacturing remains a core sector in our economy. This is reflected in changes to tax rules to encourage more research and development activity to take place here, particularly in the area of high value added and customer driven innovation. The sustainability of employment levels in manufacturing is heavily tied to the sustainability of their competitiveness both in terms of delivering products and services in Ireland and in export markets. To this end, Enterprise Ireland is working with its client base to improve the productivity of this important aspect of our industrial base in line with its new strategy, which I launched on 4 May 2005.
The Government is committed to developing a competitive economy that will be resilient to competitive pressures from today's global economy. This involves maintaining a pro-business environment that will provide firms with a solid stable platform from which they can successfully compete on both domestic and international markets, helping to make Ireland one of the most attractive locations in the world from which to do business.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
Total |
|
|
Manufacturing |
||||||
|
Job Losses |
-16,196 |
-25,371 |
-24,824 |
-22,840 |
-18,352 |
-107,583 |
|
Job Gains |
26,414 |
17,973 |
15,792 |
14,785 |
15,050 |
90,014 |
|
Net Outcome |
10,218 |
-7,398 |
-9,032 |
-8,055 |
-3,302 |
-17,569 |
|
Services |
||||||
|
Job Losses |
-4,027 |
-7,525 |
-9,226 |
-8,508 |
-6,893 |
-36,179 |
|
Job Gains |
17,040 |
11,055 |
9,870 |
8,219 |
8,676 |
54,860 |
|
Net Outcome |
13,013 |
3,530 |
644 |
-289 |
1,783 |
18,681 |
|
Manufacturing and Services combined |
||||||
|
Net Outcome |
23,231 |
—3,868 |
—8,388 |
—8,344 |
—1,519 |
1,112 |
283 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which this country has improved or other wise in the international league in respect of economic competitiveness; if he has identified the cause or causes of relocation to low wage economies in respect of the manufacturing sector; the action he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18454/05]
The results of the recently published Institute for Management Development, IMD, report indicate that Ireland is in 12th position in the overall world competitiveness yearbook rankings. In 2004, Ireland scored tenth overall. While the IMD report is a useful data source, all forms of international benchmarking should be treated with caution. Ireland was ranked 22nd in the 1995 report yet was the fastest growing economy in the subsequent ten year period, with GDP growth of 4.9% and an unemployment rate of just 4.5% in 2004.
Benchmarking exercises can only measure a small subset of the economic factors. For some economic factors, there is great difficulty in finding directly comparable, reliable and timely indicators for an appropriate range of comparator countries, while for many others no economic indicators are available at all. The National Competitiveness Council's, NCC, Annual Competitiveness Report 2005, while using some IMD indicators, will provide a better insight than international reports into specific Irish competitiveness challenges. This report will be published around the middle of the year.
Maintaining Ireland's attractiveness as a competitive and profitable European location from which to do business is a key priority for my Department. It is fair to accept that our economy is undergoing fundamental change and we can no longer compete as a low cost location for basic manufacturing investment. Our strength and competitive advantages, vis-à-vis emerging economies and rapidly developing overseas growth centres, has changed considerably over the past few years. Primarily this arises because we have become a modern, advanced European economy, with all the associated advantages of high incomes, living standards, employment growth and social services.
While manufacturing faces particular challenges, globalisation is creating significant opportunities as services have significant trading sectors. Internationally traded services will be a growing source of high skilled, knowledge intensive jobs and competitive advantage over the next decade. Manufacturing now represents 23% of total employment, whereas the services sector accounts for 62% of total employment, 31% of exports and over 50% of total GDP. With the increasing emphasis on developing Ireland as a knowledge based economy, it is expected the services sector will to continue to expand in the future.
In a global business world it is inevitable that the investment decisions of some companies will be influenced by the competitive attractions of alternative geographic locations. My Department and its agencies are acutely aware of this. Our focus is firmly concentrated on managing this transition with the best possible blend of policies to strengthen both national and firm level competitiveness.
Ireland operates in a global economy and market forces influencing investment decisions will be both pervasive and unrelenting. Our response to this challenge is strategic yet reflects the business needs of companies. A key element of the Government's strategy to help enterprise is to encourage increased levels of investment in research, business related technological development and innovation across all enterprise sectors. This will assist firms to produce improved, value added products and services. In the longer term this will provide more sustainable and higher quality jobs.
Innovations in the support package available to investors, such as the changes to the taxation treatment for head office operations and research and development, are helping secure new forms of investment. These policy innovations clearly demonstrate the high priority the Government accords to ensuring that Ireland aligns its business supports and competitive characteristics to the requirements of doing business here. They also show that our enterprise policies are creative and flexible to capture the opportunities presented by globalisation.
Following the policy prescriptions contained in the enterprise strategy group report I asked Enterprise Ireland to rethink how we could better support the competitive position of indigenous firms in the face of intensifying global competition. I recently gave the agency a strong mandate to restructure its operations when launching its new strategy to transform Irish industry. Enterprise Ireland will develop closer relationships between Irish firms and third level colleges to increase levels of applied research. This will ensure that market led innovation becomes an integral part of the competitive strategy of individual companies and strengthens Ireland's long term competitiveness.
285 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated annual requirement in respect of emigrant workers here in each of the next five years, based on the experience of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18457/05]
The population and labour force projections compiled by the Central Statistics Office project immigration over the next five years, depending on the assumptions used, to be either 41,000 or 51,000 per annum, while the net inward migration is projected to be 20,000 or 30,000. These projections are based on recent migration trends and would include migrants who may not enter the labour force.
In 2004, 34,000 work permits were issued and of this number over 10,000 related to new applications. In addition, in the last year 80,000 nationals of the ten new member states entered the State, of which it is estimated that over 50,000 entered the labour force. Taking into account these statistics, along with the number of returning Irish immigrants, the large student working population and immigration from the EU15, I am satisfied that Ireland's labour needs will be met in the years ahead. To this end the new Employment Permits Bill, now being finalised, will contain provisions which will enable me to respond quickly and flexibly to skills shortages as they arise.
286 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits issued here and taken up at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18458/05]
The work permits section of my Department has issued 9,349 total work permits, including both new and renewal permits, from 1 January 2005 to 30 April 2005.
287 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his proposals to increase exports with EU and non-EU states for the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18461/05]
Exploiting the prospects offered by EU states, particularly the new accession states, and non-EU states, such as China, will be critical for the future growth of the Irish economy. Ireland is a country with a relatively limited domestic market for products and services. Consequently, it is essential that Irish companies which wish to develop their full potential continue to focus on internationalisation activities and strategies. Clearly, the substantial public and private investment in capital, human resources and innovation made in recent years will go unrewarded if Irish companies are unable to successfully sell products and services in overseas markets.
Developing the indigenous enterprise base by improving its internationalisation capabilities is a priority for the Government. The ESG report, Ahead of the Curve — Ireland's Place in the Global Economy, provided a blueprint for the actions required to build on Ireland's position as a developed economy. Following detailed Government consideration of the ESG's recommendations and the publication of the ESG action plan, Enterprise Ireland was requested to respond creatively to the recommendations outlined in the plan. In particular, Enterprise Ireland was asked to focus on how best to accelerate the development and internationalisation of Irish owned business.
Enterprise Ireland's new strategic plan, 2005-07, Transforming Irish Industry, launched in May 2005, is the agency's response to the challenges set. It represents a major change in the approach of the agency and will, I believe, make a substantial contribution to the further growth of Irish companies. Enterprise Ireland's new strategy recognises that the internationalisation of Irish firms is essential for the establishment of Irish global players. Delivering quality sales and partnering opportunities for Irish companies in key sectors and markets will be a major focus for the agency.
As part of the new strategy, Enterprise Ireland's 33 overseas offices, present both in EU and non-EU countries, now report to a centralised international sales and partnering division. Overseas office staff are now aligned on a sectoral basis with their counterparts in Ireland to enhance customer support and teamwork. This will provide an even clearer focus on the needs of Irish companies as EI assists them create and implement successful strategies for market entry, development and growth. Specific targets have been established in terms of new export sales, with a target pledged of €3 billion over the next three years.
As part of the strategy, later this year Enterprise Ireland will also bring forward proposals on a joint pilot initiative with FÁS specifically designed to increase international sales and marketing skills within Irish firms. This initiative is being developed in consultation with client companies and will determine the direction and focus of future schemes.
In addition, Enterprise Ireland's productivity improvement fund was launched in May. The fund, which totals €20 million, will be allocated to companies on a competitive tendering basis and will assist Irish firms adopt advanced technologies and help them focus on managerial and skills development. This is designed to improve their competitive position. This support will ensure sustainable productivity improvements in recipient companies, which will ultimately increase exports or establish a solid base from which companies can develop their exports. Details of the fund are available on the Enterprise Ireland website.
My Department also recently undertook an evaluation of Enterprise Ireland's overseas office network and made a number of recommendations which Enterprise Ireland is currently implementing. The evaluation found a clear rationale and need for the overseas office network. It also found that Enterprise Ireland's clients view the network as playing a considerable role in export development. The network will continue to play a crucial role in developing exports in the coming years.
289 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of manufacturing jobs lost in County Kildare in the past two years; if, in either or any case, such jobs relocated to other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18466/05]
The tabular statement sets out the gains and losses in manufacturing jobs of agency supported companies in County Kildare in the years 2003-04. These data are only compiled on an annual basis.
As the statement indicates, there has been a net increase in agency supported jobs in the manufacturing sector in Kildare over the two year period of 589. Overall permanent employment in agency supported firms in County Kildare has increased from 9,171 in 1995 to 16,094 in 2004, an increase of over 75% which is significantly above the national average.
It is not possible to advise on the extent to which jobs lost in the period 2003-04 have been lost directly through relocation. Relocation is just one factor in the many enterprise related issues that determine employment levels. Firms invest in different regions for a variety of reasons and while there is little doubt that some firms establish themselves primarily to take advantage of reduced costs in lower wage economies, this is often not the only factor in deciding where to invest.
To counterbalance the competitive threat from lower wage competitor economies, our policy is to encourage a move to higher levels of productivity and value added products and services. The application of technology and intellectual endeavour is becoming more important than simple cost competitiveness as the foundation for growth and prosperity. Sustainable employment will be driven by companies with higher profitability that are more technologically advanced and prove a better fit with the competitive characteristics of our economy and are, therefore, less likely to move on the basis of simple cost influences.
Over the past few years the enterprise support agencies under my Department have been mandated to adjust their support strategies to meet both the needs of society in terms of high quality employment opportunities and the needs of businesses that generate and sustain those jobs.
Kildare continues to thrive across a broad range of activities in a number of important sectors. As a result, many job opportunities are being created within the county. IDA Ireland, in addition to targeting potential new projects, is also working with its existing client base with a view to supporting these companies with expansion and diversification of their activities, which will strengthen their presence in the region. I recently performed the official opening of the new International Fund Services (Ireland) Limited office in Naas, which is on target to employ 140 people by end 2005 and 240 by end 2006. In 2004, we saw the announcement of the largest ever ICT investment in the country, €1.6 billion, by Intel and a €21.4 million technology development centre by Hewlett Packard. A number of other large overseas companies continue to provide job opportunities.
Enterprise Ireland is actively involved in assisting Kildare based client companies to grow and develop their businesses. Since the beginning of 2002, EI has approved €9.3 million in support to companies to help them grow their sales and exports and improve innovation and new product development, in order that they can compete on world markets. Enterprise Ireland activity, in terms of job creation, is focused on supporting entrepreneurs setting up new high potential start-up companies, the retention of existing jobs and the creation of new jobs and also in enhancing innovation capability at a national and regional level, through support of research in companies and third level institutions.
Enterprise Ireland also works with other local agencies and organisations in the county to develop the local business infrastructure and is represented on all of the major development committees in the county. The development of community based enterprise centres is a crucial part of the drive to create new regional enterprise through the provision of infrastructural facilities to support the establishment and expansion of micro-enterprises through local community participation. Enterprise Ireland has supported the development of community enterprise centres in Kildare, at Allenwood, Clane and Athy, which are significantly contributing to job creation.
Kildare has also benefited from a significant investment in recent years in technological infrastructure in NUI Maynooth. This will be the key to ensuring that Kildare is an attractive location for knowledge based industry in future years. I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by the enterprise development agencies will continue to maximise sustainable investment and jobs for the people of Kildare.
|
County Kildare |
2003 |
2004 |
|
Job Gains (Full Time) |
848 |
1,072 |
|
Job Losses (Full Time) |
672 |
659 |
|
Job Change |
176 |
413 |
Source: Forfás Annual Business Employment Survey.
292 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimate of the cost of abolishing employers’ PRSI for child care providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17950/05]
Detailed data relating to the amount of social insurance contributions remitted by the child care sector is not held by my Department in a form which is suitable for directly estimating the cost of abolishing employers PRSI in their case. However, based on data from the national child care census report baseline data 1999-2000, it is tentatively estimated that exempting child care providers from liability for PRSI would have cost in the region of €5.5 million in respect of employers contributions.
My Department currently provides scope for employers in this sector and others to avail of reduced PRSI contributions through the PRSI exemption scheme. This scheme allows employers to employ additional eligible workers and be exempt from liability to pay the employers contribution of PRSI for the first two years of the employment.
293 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost to the Exchequer of abolishing all means tests for social welfare payments; if savings will arise on administrative costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18162/05]
There are currently three types of payments within the social welfare system: universal, which is payable regardless of contributions or income, for example, child benefit; insurance, which is payable according to contributions paid into the social insurance fund; assistance, which is payable based on need and subject to certain contingencies such as unemployment or old age — these payments feature a means test which is intended to ensure that available resources are targeted at those most in need.
The abolition of means tests for social welfare purposes would represent a fundamental change in income maintenance provision in the State. Such an abolition would also directly impact on the existing social insurance system. It would, therefore, be necessary to determine the underlying conditions attaching to any new non-means tested scheme or schemes which might replace the existing means tested schemes and, possibly, social insurance based schemes, before a tentative estimate of the cost and associated administrative implications could be provided.
294 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the revenue to be raised by a one point increase in PRSI contributions. [18164/05]
As part of the annual Estimates and budgetary cycles, my Department estimates the level of PRSI contribution revenue which can be expected in the coming year and also the impact of any possible changes in the key parameters within the PRSI system, such as contribution rates, earnings thresholds for different payment rates, the employee PRSI free allowance and the ceiling on employees contributions. Estimates for the 2006 fiscal year will be undertaken later this year when Department of Finance projections for employment and earnings changes are undertaken.
Pre-budget 2005 Estimates provided an opportunity to estimate the possible impact of rates changes on social insurance contribution revenue in the 2005 fiscal year. Estimates were based on a random sample of class A employments from our main client database in respect of fiscal year 2002 and then uprated to take account of changes in the labour force and in earnings since then. It was estimated that a one percentage point increase in the higher employer PRSI contribution rate, leaving all other parameters unchanged, would have yielded in the region of €360 million over and above an unchanged rates scenario. An increase in the lower employer PRSI rate would have yielded around €57 million in a full year if all other parameters were left unchanged. An increase of one percentage point in the main, class A, contribution rate for employees would have yielded in the region of €262 million in a full financial year.
The Estimates shown are those for a full financial year and the precise impact in any budgetary year would depend on the date of implementation.
295 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the carer’s allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [17800/05]
The person concerned applied for carer's allowance on 14 April 2005. The principal conditions for receipt of the allowance are that full-time care and attention is required and being provided and that the means test that applies is satisfied. Her application was refused on the grounds that full-time care and attention as prescribed in regulations was not required in this case. She was notified of this decision on 11 May 2005. She has been afforded the opportunity to request a review of this decision by sending to my Department any further medical evidence.
Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
296 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a diabetic allowance of €22 per month was stopped in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will review the decision and restore the allowance. [17809/05]
Subject to certain conditions, including a means test, recipients of social welfare or Health Service Executive payments, who have been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specific medical condition, may qualify for a diet supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. This scheme and other supplements are administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive.
The southern area of the executive has advised that during the course of a routine review of this case in November 2004, the then health board became aware that the person concerned had an occupational pension income in addition to her social welfare old age pension. When this previously undeclared additional income was taken into account the person concerned no longer satisfied the conditions for receipt of diet supplement on means grounds. The board, accordingly, terminated payment of her diet supplement in November 2004. She was advised at that time by the board of her right of appeal against this decision but she has not done so to date.
297 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has to fill out an application form again for the carer’s allowance even though they filled it out in 2004 and qualified for the carer’s allowance. [17887/05]
The person concerned was previously awarded carer's allowance at a reduced rate for the period August 2003 to 12 May 2004. However, due to a change in her circumstances she was disallowed carer's allowance with effect from 12 May 2004. She subsequently made contact with my Department again on 29 April 2005 seeking to have her claim reopened. Given the time span that has elapsed since she first applied for carer's allowance and the fact that her claim was terminated with effect from 12 May 2004, a new application form issued to her on 17 May 2005 for completion. This is my Department's standard procedure in cases where a considerable period of time has elapsed since a claim was terminated.
In the circumstances it will not be necessary for her to submit further medical evidence. However, it will be necessary that my Department is provided with current details of her spouse's income from employment. On receipt of this information and the completed claim form, her entitlement to carer's allowance will be further examined.
Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in deciding individual claims.
298 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of man days lost in sick leave, the rate per person employed, and the percentage of total man hours lost in this way in his Department. [17929/05]
In 2004, the total number of sick days recorded in my Department, of a total workforce of approximately 4,730, was 63,998 working days. This accounted for 6.6% of the potential working days in the year. The average number of sick days per employee was 13.5 working days and 92.4% of the total number of sick days were covered by medical certificates.
A considerable proportion of the total number of sick days was accounted for by a small number of staff who were on long-term sick leave in the year. A total of 22% of all the sick days were accounted for by 74 staff who were on sick leave for at least six months in 2004. When the sick leave for these staff members is factored out, the average number of sick days per employee was 10.5 working days. A total of 22.7% of my Department's staff took no sick leave during the year and, overall, 38.8% took less than two days.
My Department has identified the issue of addressing and minimising absenteeism as one of the priorities of its human resources strategy. It has now finalised, through its partnership process and in consultation with unions and staff associations, a comprehensive attendance management policy aimed at addressing the issues arising in the context of sickness absence in an effective and balanced manner.
299 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare did not qualify for dental treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17996/05]
The treatment benefit scheme operated by my Department provides a range of benefits in the areas of dental, optical and aural treatment for qualified PRSI contributors and their dependent spouses. The availability of these benefits is subject to certain PRSI contribution conditions. The PRSI contribution classes which qualify for treatment benefit are A, E, H and P.
The PRSI contribution conditions relating to treatment benefit vary depending on the age of the insured person. A person under 21 years of age requires 39 weeks reckonable PRSI contributions paid since entry into insurable employment. An insured person aged between 21 and 24 years is required to have 39 weeks reckonable PRSI contributions paid since entry into insurance and 39 weeks paid or credited in the tax year on which the claim is based. An insured person over the age of 25 years is required to have 260 weeks PRSI contributions paid since entry into insurable employment and 39 weeks reckonable insurance contributions paid or credited in the tax year on which the claim is based. For claims made in 2005 the relevant tax year is 2003.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has 38 reckonable contributions in the 2003 tax year. She does not, therefore, qualify for dental benefit.
300 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the carer’s grant and disability allowance for a person (details supplied). [18060/05]
Since 1999, my Department has provided an annual respite care grant to people who are in receipt of a carer's allowance. One condition for receiving the grant is that the person must be receiving a carer's allowance during the specified period. This year the specified period is 2 June to 8 June.
The person concerned was in receipt of carer's allowance, in respect of her son, from 10 June 1999 to 25 May 2005. Her son died on 13 April 2005. She was paid the allowance for a further six weeks after the death, up to 25 May 2005, when payment ceased. Unfortunately, as she is not in receipt of the allowance during the specified period, she does not qualify for the respite care grant.
Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
301 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the funding provided by his Department to asylum seekers in 2004; his views on whether it is adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18217/05]
Details of social welfare recipients' immigration status are not held on my Department's computer systems. Accordingly, it is not possible to quantify expenditure relating specifically to asylum seekers. However, my Department's records show that expenditure in 2004 under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in cases where the head of household was a non-national was approximately €117 million, through basic supplementary welfare, rent supplement and exceptional needs payments. The cost of the payment of weekly allowances to asylum seekers in direct provision in 2004 was €800,000, which is included in the overall total of €117 million set out above.
The needs of asylum seekers are catered for under the direct provision system operated by the Reception and Integration Agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Through this service they are provided with accommodation and other facilities to meet their basic living requirements. An allowance of €19.10 per adult and €9.60 per child is payable weekly to people in direct provision facilities.
Following the introduction of the statutory habitual residency condition in May 2004, asylum seekers are generally not entitled to receive social welfare support. Since then, payment of this weekly direct provision allowance is being made on an administrative basis by Health Service Executive community welfare officers. This is an interim measure pending finalisation of arrangements by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to integrate payment of an allowance with its management of accommodation and related services for asylum seekers.
It continues to be open to any asylum seeker to seek assistance for a particular once-off need by way of an exceptional needs payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. A small number of asylum seekers are in receipt of other social welfare payments such as unemployment payments, one-parent family payments, pensions, disability allowance and child benefit. Details of the numbers and costs involved in these categories are not available.
Overall, I consider that payments to asylum seekers and their families are adequate, given the accommodation, food and other services available to them free of charge through direct provision facilities.
302 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the additional funding necessary to raise qualified adult allowances to 70% of full adult rates. [18218/05]
The qualified adult allowance rate payable in the case of old age contributory pension, retirement pension and invalidity pension, where the qualified adult is aged 66 or over, and in the case of invalidity pension, where the qualified adult is aged under 66 currently exceeds 70% of the relevant personal rate. The full year cost of increasing all other qualified adult allowances to a rate equivalent to 70% of the relevant personal rate is €23 million.
303 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he is taking to tackle food poverty in 2005; the funding being allocated in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18219/05]
My Department through its various social assistance schemes provides income supports to people to meet their basic living needs, including food, clothing, heat and light. Supplements are also payable in certain circumstances for specific needs, for example fuel allowances, rent supplements, living alone allowance for older people or the household benefits package for pensioners, eligible disabled people and carers.
Where people on low incomes have particular medical conditions or dietary requirements, diet supplements are available through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive.
My Department also provides funding for school meals under two strands, namely the urban school meals scheme and the local projects scheme. The urban school meals scheme operates in conjunction with certain local authorities and is co-funded by my Department. The local projects scheme provides funding to secondary, national, pre-schools and community groups in both urban and rural areas who provide school meals.
For families with school-going children, school meals can make a real and important contribution to ensuring that children receive better nutrition. Such services can also contribute to improved school attendance and quality of learning.
The 2005 provision for the school meals programme is €6.38 million. In addition, it is expected that expenditure on diet supplements under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme will amount to €7 million this year.
In recent years, budgetary increases in social welfare payment rates have consistently exceeded increases in the cost of living. This key policy is the primary focus of budget allocations to my Department each year, and it has helped ensure that those depending on social welfare experience real improvement in their ability to meet their basic needs, including provision of adequate food, heating etc.
In this regard, consumer price index information from the Central Statistics Office indicates that the cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages has increased by less than 3% in aggregate in the three and a half year period since 2001. The cost of these items has actually decreased in recent months and now stands at levels comparable to those in 2002. Social welfare rates have been increased very significantly in this period.
I consider that this policy of providing real increases in primary social insurance and assistance payment rates is the most effective way overall of improving the standard of living of those who depend on social welfare income, with measures to support and encourage people of working age to take up employment or educational opportunities to help improve their financial position.
At a broader level, I endorse the calls made recently for the food industry to take an active and responsible attitude in improving the nutritional quality of food and to inform and educate people generally about better nutrition and healthy eating options at affordable prices.
I will continue to keep this issue under review, particularly in the context of the recent task force report on tackling obesity.
304 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding rent supplement in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18464/05]
As I stated to the Deputy in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 297 of 26 April 2005, the Dublin and mid-Leinster area of the Health Service Executive was unaware then of the recent death of the husband of the person concerned. The forms sent by the executive to the family around that time were to facilitate a routine review of the family's continued entitlement to rent supplement. The executive has advised that a community welfare officer visited the person concerned very recently and assisted her with the completion of the application forms. The person concerned has been asked to provide additional documentation and a decision on her claim will be made when this is received.
305 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent support has been reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18465/05]
In my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 24 February 2005, I stated that the rent supplement in payment in this case would be reviewed when the person concerned completed her community employment scheme. The Dublin and mid-Leinster area of the Health Service Executive has advised that it has asked the person concerned to confirm the date on which her community employment ceases. As soon as she provides this information, the executive will be in a position to complete its review and determine the revised rate of rent supplement payable in her new income circumstances.
306 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the request by an association (details supplied) that some of the proceeds of the sale of State shareholding in companies should be used to strengthen the pension funds which have been unable to match the expected pension benefits in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17840/05]
311 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport his assessment of the pension deficit in the Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta pensions; if he has met the Retired Aviation Staff Association to discuss the possibility that some of the proceeds of the partial privatisation of Aer Lingus will be used to strengthen the pension fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17842/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 311 together.
Numerous meetings have taken place between the Retired Aviation Staff Association, RASA, representatives and the companies and also with previous Ministers and officials from my Department and the Departments of the Taoiseach and Finance to discuss the pension scheme. I met representatives of the group on 19 January last. The main RASA claim relates to salary and CPI indexation of their pensions.
As the pensions are being paid in line with the terms of the scheme, there has been no obvious solution to the RASA concerns despite detailed examination. However, I indicated at that meeting that I would ask the companies concerned to keep the matter under review. One of the difficulties with the scheme is that it is a multi-employer scheme which, in addition to Aer Lingus and DAA staff, also includes a private sector company, SR Technics, formerly FLS Aerospace.
While the payment of CPI is discretionary, I understand that other than for six years in the 1980s following a period when Irish inflation was at a very high level, the trustees have been able to increase pensions annually in line with the increase in CPI. In 2000, pensions were adjusted to the level they would have been at, had the full CPI increases been paid in the 1980s and since 1988, the scheme has increased pensions annually by the change in the CPI, including this year.
In relation to claims about a deficit in the pension scheme, the last actuarial valuation which was carried out in March 2003 satisfied the minimum funding standard included in the Pension Act 1990. The next full actuarial valuation was due in March 2006 but the trustee decided to bring this forward to end March 2005. I understand that the report is expected to be finalised by the end of June.
While the payment of pensions is always dependent on the actuarial position of the scheme, I understand that actuarial advice to date has been that the scheme is able to continue to pay the current level of pensions to existing pensioners. However, the question of whether such pensions can continue to be increased in line with inflation depends on the performance of the scheme going forward.
If a deficit did arise, the rules of the pension scheme provide that the trustee has to decide what action to take but the rules also indicate that there is no obligation on the part of either employers or members to increase contributions. I assume that the trustee, employers and staff would work together in those circumstances to try and agree a mutually satisfactory outcome.
I emphasise that the pension entitlements for employees of commercial State bodies, including Aer Lingus and the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA, formerly Aer Rianta, are matters primarily for the trustee, the members of the relevant scheme and the companies involved. The State has no involvement in the funding of these schemes. The question of an injection of State funds into the pension scheme, from whatever source, does not arise as any such proposal would run counter to established policy in this area and would, in all likelihood, be challenged by the European Commission as a state aid.
307 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if a date for a driving test has been offered to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [18056/05]
A driving test was arranged for the person concerned for 25 May 2005. Notification of the test appointment issued to her on 10 May 2005.
308 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if a date for a driving test has been offered to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [18057/05]
The applicant is on my Department's waiting list for a driving test. No documentary evidence has been submitted to my Department indicating that an early driving test is required.
309 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of specimens tested by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety in 2003; the breakdown of these which were taken from blood or urine samples; the number of persons who tested positive for drugs and who were successfully prosecuted in the courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18231/05]
Details relating to the number of specimens tested by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety are published by the bureau in their annual reports. The most recent report is in respect of 2003 and that report, along with reports relating to previous years, are available in the Oireachtas Library. The bureau's 2003 annual report shows that a total of 11,332 blood, urine and breath specimens were analysed for alcohol concentration during that year. This number includes 3,733 blood and urine specimens. The Bureau tested 416 specimens for the presence of a drug or drugs in 2003. Of those, 179 specimens were confirmed as being positive in respect of the presence of drugs. Matters relating to prosecutions in the courts are a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
310 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 54 of 12 May 2005, if he has requested traffic flow modelling for the M50-M1 junction for pre-port tunnel traffic and post-port tunnel traffic. [17828/05]
The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port tunnel and the assessment, through traffic flow modelling and otherwise, of its impact on traffic on the M1 and M50, is a matter for the National Roads Authority and local authorities concerned.
312 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the landing of helicopters on a site off the Rock Road in Dublin with regard to regulation of such landings and take-offs in a residential area and if a licence is required. [17943/05]
The registration and certification of helicopters and helicopter operators is the responsibility of the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA. It is the responsibility of helicopter pilots to operate safely, and pilots may land anywhere it is safe to do so with the permission of the landowner. A licence is not normally required for a particular site. The IAA will investigate any allegations of unsafe operations and take appropriate action where such is warranted. Helicopter operators must also comply with the requirements of planning law in regard to land use, as administered by the local authorities.
313 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing legislation to compel bus companies to have seat belts fitted to buses, especially school buses, for safety reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17997/05]
326 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure that all school buses have seat belts and that only two children sit in each set of seats. [18434/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 326 together.
At present, buses with a design gross weight not exceeding 3,500 kilograms, that is, minibuses, first registered since 1 January 1992 are the only buses which require to be fitted with safety belts, in which case safety belts are required for the driver and each forward facing front seat passenger. Persons occupying these seats are required to use the safety belts.
EU Directive 2003/20 requires safety belts to be used where they are fitted. Implementation of this directive will mean that the "three for two" rule will no longer apply in respect of any bus, including school buses, which are fitted with safety belts. The directive must be transposed into national law by 9 May 2006.
Separately, proposals to extend the requirement for safety belts to be fitted to all seats in all new vehicles, except for buses used on stage stop routes, have been developed at EU level. Following the approval of the proposals by the European Parliament on 25 May 2005, the way is now open for their early adoption as directives so that new buses, including school buses, being registered from a date yet to be settled, perhaps late 2007, would require to be fitted with safety belts. This will eliminate the "three for two" rule for all newly registered buses.
Notwithstanding the position arising from Directive 2003/20 and the EU proposals in relation to the fitment of safety belts to all seats in new motor vehicles, it is understood that the Minister for Education and Science is reviewing the scope to phase out the "three for two" arrangement in relation to buses used for school transport purposes.
The question of safety belts in existing school buses is being considered by the Department of Education and Science and my Department within the framework outlined above.
314 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take in order that the reopening of Killucan railway station will be included in the new ten-year transport plan; if the feasibility study which has been requested by his Department and Iarnród Éireann will be carried out; if his Department and Iarnród Éireann will contact Westmeath County Council with a view to having this matter progressed without further unnecessary delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17999/05]
I understand that the midlands regional planning guidelines, which were approved in mid-2004, do not include specific reference to Killucan railway station. It is imperative that a sufficient population is in place in the catchment area of a station to justify its opening. The present position is that Iarnród Éireann is in discussions with Westmeath County Council to establish if proposals for the development of the Killucan area will provide this necessary population growth.
315 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider carrying out a joint feasibility study with Westmeath County Council to advance the Mullingar to Athlone railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter [18000/05]
The crucial factor to be considered in any decision to reopen a railway line, is the likely scale and pace of development along the rail corridor in question. The greater the critical mass of population and economic activity, the more likely a sustainable case can be made for rail investment. I have already made it clear to local authorities in other parts of the country that it is for them to develop and implement land use strategies which would support the case for rail investment. The best practical demonstration to date of such an approach is the development of the Midleton rail corridor.
While there are no immediate plans to reopen the Athlone to Mullingar line, the issue will be kept under review having regard to the matters to which I have already referred.
316 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he has received correspondence (details supplied); when he will meet the group involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18073/05]
My Department recently responded to a request from north Tipperary County Council for a meeting with a deputation from that council, Nenagh Town Council and the Mid-West Regional Authority concerning improved services on the Roscrea-Limerick rail line and inclusion of the Limerick-Ballybrophy line in the Shannon rail link feasibility study. The response indicated that, as the issue of service provision on the Roscrea-Limerick rail line is a day-to-day operational matter for Iarnród Éireann to consider, the relevant correspondence has been forwarded to Iarnród Éireann for attention and direct reply.
317 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the details of the remuneration package awarded to the new CEO at the Dublin Airport Authority. [18125/05]
It is the responsibility of the board of Dublin Airport Authority to agree the terms and conditions, including remuneration, of the chief executive. Details of the remuneration received will be published in the Dublin Airport Authority annual report for 2005.
318 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the details of the remuneration package agreed with the new CEO at Aer Lingus. [18126/05]
It is the responsibility of the board of Aer Lingus to agree the terms and conditions, including remuneration, of the incoming chief executive who will take up duties in August 2005. Details of the remuneration received will be published in the Aer Lingus annual report for 2005.
319 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the funding that has been provided by the private sector by means of public private partnerships in the building of our roads networks since 1997. [18151/05]
I understand from the National Roads Authority that private sector funding of €480 million has been invested in the national roads programme to date through public private partnerships.
320 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the rural transport initiative pilot project to serve Carrickroe, Clara, Ballyoisin, Mullan, Emyvale and Glaslough areas of County Monaghan which are not served by public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18180/05]
321 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the rural transport initiative pilot project to serve areas in County Monaghan which are not served by public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18181/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 320 and 321 together.
My Department is funding the provision of public transport in rural areas through the rural transport initiative, RTI. This is a scheme, operating since 2002, to provide funding on a pilot basis for 34 community organisations to address the particular transport needs of their rural area through the provision of local transport services. It is not proposed to expand the number of RTI projects until the conclusion of the pilot phase at end 2006.
Area Development Management Limited, ADM, administers the RTI on behalf of my Department. ADM and the individual RTI groups are solely responsible for all the operational aspects of the RTI, including the areas to be served, and neither I nor my Department has any role in these matters.
This year I have allocated €4.5 million for the RTI, which is a 50% increase on the allocation for 2004. I have also decided to put the initiative on a permanent financial footing from 2007. In developing proposals for a more permanent RTI, I will pay particular attention to the views of all those involved in the pilot phase of the RTI and to the transport needs of rural communities such as those referred to by the Deputy.
322 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the year of bus manufacture when structural changes to the body of the Bus Éireann fleet were such as to allow fitting of safety belts. [18182/05]
The retrofitting of safety belts in existing buses is a complex issue and would have to be considered having regard to a range of factors including the age of the vehicle, the type of safety belt proposed to be fitted, and the suitability of the vehicle for modification. It would therefore be necessary to carry out a detailed assessment of each vehicle to assess its suitability for retrofitting safety belts.
The Bus Éireann fleet comprises a range of different vehicle makes and models. Given this diversity, the suitability of the year of vehicle manufacture as a basis to determine the potential for retrofitting of safety belts would vary depending on the vehicle model type concerned.
323 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the €42 million funding from capital carry-over from 2004 has been allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18234/05]
The capital carry-over of €42.7 million from 2004 into 2005 has been allocated as follows:
|
€ |
|
|
B1. Road Improvement and Maintenance |
42,000,000 |
|
D2. Regional Airports |
200,000 |
|
D5. North South Co-operation |
500,000 |
324 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if the toll scheme has been agreed for the use of the port tunnel. [18235/05]
The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads and to make toll by-laws is vested in the National Roads Authority, NRA, under Part V of the Roads Act 1993, as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000. A revised toll scheme for the use of the port tunnel has not yet been made by the NRA.
325 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the specific anomalies in the penalty points system that his Department has under review. [18236/05]
The penalty points system, which was provided for in the Road Traffic Act 2002, has been operating since October 2002. Penalty points apply to four major traffic offences. These are speeding, seat belt wearing, driving without insurance and careless driving offences and by 30 April 2005 points have been recorded in respect of 232,820 drivers.
The penalty points system was designed on the basis that its operation would be supported by a series of linked IT projects. The national driver file is fully operational and other IT support systems being developed by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, which will be available later this year, will facilitate a major extension of the operation of the system. This will augment the level of deterrent against poor driver behaviour and thus further enhance road safety.
327 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish the details of the agreement concerning their terms and conditions of employment at the second terminal at Dublin Airport reached between the Government and ICTU, which formed part of the mid-term review of Sustaining Progress in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18441/05]
In tandem with the negotiations last year between the Government and the social partners on the mid-term review of Sustaining Progress the following agreement was reached between the Government and ICTU:
Airport capacity/Second Terminal Both the Government and the trade unions are committed to the ongoing development of the transport infrastructure together with the promotion of a high standard of quality secure employment in the industry. Accordingly, the Government and the ICTU are agreed, in the context of any development of airport capacity, and recognising the voluntarist nature of industrial relations, to support the objective of the maintenance of pay and terms and conditions of employment in line with the collective agreement then in place in the industry and to reflect the Government's support for the right to trade union membership for the purpose of collective bargaining in accordance with the principles of Sustaining Progress.
328 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a decision that has been made to divert all Dublin Port bound and originating traffic via the new port tunnel; if so, if this arrangement will be operational from the date of the tunnel completion in 2006 or postponed until the upgrade of the M1-M50 junction in 2012. [18471/05]
The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port Tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the local authorities concerned. The traffic management and control arrangements that will apply following the opening of the port tunnel, including requirements for Dublin Port related HGV traffic to use the tunnel from its opening in 2006, are a matter for Dublin City Council.
329 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expected lifetime of the RAPID programme; his views on the success of the programme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17846/05]
As the Deputy is aware the RAPID programme is running in conjunction with the National Development Plan 2000-2006. While no formal decisions have been taken on the lifetime of the RAPID programme, the indications are that it will continue post-2006. Against the background of my work as chair of the RAPID national monitoring committee I believe that the RAPID programme can claim significant successes.
330 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding for and allocated to groups or organisations in County Kildare under the dormant accounts scheme for the years 2003 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17861/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 114 on 19 May 2005.
331 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding applied for and allocated to groups or organisations in County Kildare under the grant programmes for locally based community and voluntary organisations in 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17862/05]
332 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding applied for and allocated to groups or organisations in County Kildare under the programme of community support for older people in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17863/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 332 together.
Details of organisations which received grant aid under the 2004 programme of grants for locally based community and voluntary organisations are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie, as are details of funds awarded to groups throughout the country under the 2004 scheme of community support for older people.
I advertised this year's scheme of community support for older people from the week beginning 11 April 2005 with a closing date of 24 May 2005. I hope to be in a position to advertise the 2005 programme of grants for locally based community and voluntary organisations in the coming weeks.
333 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which a group or organisation based in a town with RAPID classification applying for grant funding will be prioritised by her Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17864/05]
As the Deputy is aware my Department, supported by Area Development Management, ADM, Limited is responsible for co-ordinating the RAPID programme. The manner in which applications from RAPID areas are treated in my Department varies depending on the funding stream.
A dedicated fund of €7.5 million is provided in my Department's Vote in 2005 to co-fund small-scale proposals from RAPID plans with other Departments or local agencies. This fund is aimed exclusively at RAPID areas.
In addition, special provision was made for RAPID areas under the dormant accounts plan. Under the current round of funding €60 million is being allocated by the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, of which a minimum of 52% is being targeted for RAPID, CLÁR and drugs task force areas.
RAPID areas are also included in the areas that are funded under the local drugs task force and young people's facilities and services fund. Therefore funding allocated under these measures, by their nature, support RAPID areas and groups.
Funding under the programme of grants for locally based community and voluntary organisations operated by my Department supports the activities of local voluntary and community groups which address disadvantage in their communities. While this is not specifically aimed at RAPID areas, projects from RAPID areas benefit from this funding.
In the most recent and final expansion phase of the community development programme, priority was given to the inclusion of projects that were based in RAPID and CLÁR areas. Fifteen such projects were included in the community development programme in 2003. If the Deputy has a particular group or organisation in mind and he contacts my Department, more precise information will be supplied.
334 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will hold consultations on the new EU regulation on rural development. [18051/05]
Rural development measures implemented under the draft Council regulation will be funded from the European agricultural fund for rural development, EAFRD. The regulation stipulates that in relation to assistance from the fund:
member states shall create the conditions for a broad and effective involvement of all appropriate bodies, in accordance with national rules and practices . . . The involvement provided for will include consultation with: (a) the competent regional, local authorities and other public authorities; (b) the economic and social partners; (c) any other appropriate body representing civil society, non-governmental, especially environmental, organisations and bodies responsible for promoting equality between men and women.
Accordingly, my Department looks forward to arranging a stakeholder consultation process later this year.
335 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to support the development of sub-post offices in rural areas or in CLÁR areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18052/05]
Under the White Paper on rural development, Ensuring the Future: A Strategy for Rural Development in Ireland, the Government remains committed to the retention of the post office network and to its use for the delivery of the most comprehensive range possible of State services to all citizens. The issue of development of sub-post offices is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
I refer the Deputy to my colleague's reply of 4 May 2005 to a related question by Deputy Billy Timmins. As indicated in that reply, the Government is committed to a viable and sustainable rural post office network providing a range of services to meet customer needs as set out in the programme for Government. The network is geared towards customer demand in both urban and rural locations and must be adaptable to changing circumstances and trends but the core objective of the Government continues to be the retention of access to post office services in as many locations as possible.
I do not have any proposals at present to support the development of sub-post offices in rural areas or in CLÁR areas.
336 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will extend the scheme of community support for older people for all pensioners; the cost of such a move (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18053/05]
The purpose of the scheme of community support for older people is to encourage and assist the community's support for older people by means of a community-based grant scheme to improve the security of its older members. The scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department. There is no means test in connection with the scheme. The only criteria are that the individual applicant is over 65 years of age and has, in the opinion of the local community group, a genuine need for the security equipment in each case. There are no plans at present to further extend this scheme.
Prior to 2004, funding was provided at 90% of the cost of equipment. In 2004, following a review of the scheme, I replaced the 90% limit on funding with individual maximum grants in respect of the various scheme elements. In the case of socially-monitored alarm systems the maximum grant provided is €300. The grant level was fixed at a realistic sum on the basis of grants sought and paid in the previous year by my Department.
My officials have advised me that a number of suppliers of socially-monitored alarm systems quote under €300 for the installation of socially-monitored alarms which are therefore, 100% grant aided and installed at no cost to the applicant.
The scheme also provides grants for security equipment other than socially-monitored alarm systems as follows: €150 in respect of door locks, window locks and door chains; €150 in respect of security lighting; and €50 in respect of smoke alarms.
A figure of €2.8 million has been allocated to the scheme of community supports for older people in 2005. This constitutes a 17% increase on the 2004 scheme, which received an allocation of €2.4 million.
337 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when it is proposed that a review of the rate of pay for rural social schemes supervisors will take place; if agreement was reached that such a review would take place in 2004; if he has contacted the Department of Finance regarding such a review; the response to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18111/05]
A review of the grant paid for rural social scheme supervisors has taken place and my Department has had contact with the Department of Finance in this regard.
An increase in the grant towards employment to supervisors has now been sanctioned from the current rate of €357 per week to €407.79 per week with effect from 1 July 2005. In addition, RSS supervisors shall receive all general round increases payable at the same time that these are received by public service workers.
338 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made to date under the White Paper, A Framework For Supporting Voluntary Activities; the extent of the funding committed at the outset of the programme; the progress to date in allocating that funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18223/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 34 of 14 April 2005.
339 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a decision will be reached in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has appealed the decision of his Department concerning their force majeure application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17830/05]
Following a full examination of the circumstances outlined in the appeal, the independent single payment appeals committee found that the original decision taken by my Department should be upheld.
However, my Department has re-examined the circumstances of this case and are satisfied that force majeure should be applied. As a result, the single farm payment entitlements will be based on 2002 only and the years 2000 and 2001 will be excluded. The person named was notified of this decision and an updated statement of provisional entitlements, reflecting this position issued on 30 May 2005.
340 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in the context of the expected visit to this country of the European Commissioner for Agriculture in May 2005, she will raise with her the special beef premium overshoot, the projected loss of €80 million to farmers resulting from this problem and since the previous European Commissioner assured the farming community that there would be no loss to farmers arising from the re-negotiation of CAP and decoupling, and that the additional funds are secured from the EU. [17831/05]
341 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress which has been made concerning the special beef premium overshoot which was identified as far back as 2003; the number of applications and the extent of the overshoot; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17832/05]
342 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has raised the matter of the special beef premium overshoot with the European Agriculture Commissioner; the date of her discussions with the Commissioner on this important matter; and the response from the Commissioner. [17833/05]
343 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the estimated projected loss to farmers in Westmeath; if, owing to the special beef premium overshoot, a reduced rate of payment will be made to those persons. [17834/05]
344 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will bring forward a Supplementary Estimate to compensate beef farmers who may lose out on payments due to the special beef premium overshoot. [17835/05]
345 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the matter of the special beef premium overshoot for 2004 was first discussed in her Department; when this matter was first brought to her attention; and the action taken by her on foot of becoming aware of this problem. [17836/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 to 345, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland implemented the single payment scheme in January 2005. The special beef premium scheme, along with the slaughter premium scheme, were the only schemes where the deadline for the receipt of applications was 31 December 2004. This meant that as many farmers as possible submitted their applications in late December 2004 in order that they could benefit from the special beef premium. Under the 2004 scheme, applications for in excess of 2.4 million animals were lodged, of which almost 1.4 million were quota animals, that is, first age bull animals. The application figure in each of the previous three years was 1.9 million animals. During December alone, applications in respect of 930,000 animals were submitted compared with 600,000 during December 2003.
Following the receipt of such a large volume of applications in December, I took immediate steps to ensure that the applications were processed promptly. In the first instance, procedures were put in place to return the animal passports to the applicants prior to the end of the retention period. This was achieved, as it was important in order that farmers were in a position to dispose of their animals after the end of the retention period if they so wished.
The processing of applications went ahead simultaneously in an efficient and effective manner. This processing involved computer validation and, where errors or inconsistencies were highlighted in such validation, those cases required individual attention. In many instances it was necessary to write to farmers to clarify the queries. Despite the number of December applications my Department was in a position to commence advance payments on these animals in early March.
The issue of full balancing payments is dependent on the eligibility of all animals being established. As this required in many instances writing to farmers whose animals were not eligible for payment, it was clear to me that establishing the definitive overshoot reduction would take some months. This would mean that, in view of the integrated nature of the bovine premia schemes, the balancing payments on the suckler cow scheme, the special beef premium scheme and the slaughter premium scheme could not be paid prior to June 2005 for applicants who claimed in excess of 25 animals under the special beef premium scheme.
However, I was determined to make balancing payments to all farmers as soon as possible. In that regard, on 6 April 2005 measures were implemented which enabled the balancing payments to be made to special beef, suckler cow and slaughter premium applicants based on an estimated special beef premium scheme overshoot reduction. These balancing payments commenced in April 2005 and consequently farmers received payments in respect of the three schemes two months ahead of when they would otherwise have received them.
I am fully aware of the impact that the overshoot reduction will have on beef farmers who claimed on more than 25 animals. The decision to opt for full decoupling was arrived at following careful consideration of all options and following a widespread public consultation process. A very persuasive factor in this process was the suggestion that farmers in those member states who fully decoupled would not be disadvantaged during the transitional period. The level of the overshoot of the regional ceiling is attributable to the ending of the special beef premium scheme in 2004 and application patterns, both in terms of total numbers of animals applied upon and the timing of lodging of applications, strongly suggest this to be the case.
I am seeking a solution to this issue and will continue to do so with the European Commissioner. I have already raised the issue with the Commissioner on a number of occasions during various meetings. My Department also forwarded a detailed submission to the European Commission dealing with this matter on 25 April 2005. The matter has been discussed with the Commissioner's Cabinet and with the most senior officials of the European Commission. Arrangements are being made for a meeting between my officials and the various services of the Commission's DG Agri.
I am availing of every opportunity to press for appropriate measures be put in place to alleviate the difficulties encountered by beef farmers in Ireland as a result of the ending of the special beef premium in 2004. I will continue pursue the matter with the Agriculture Commissioner and Commission officials.
Given the current position with regard to the processing of the 2004 scheme and the ongoing discussions with the Agriculture Commissioner on the quota overshoot, it is not possible at this stage, to be definitive about some of the issues raised.
346 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will re-examine an application for entitlements from the 2005 national reserve which was forwarded five days prior to the final closing day of the 18 February 2005 but was not received until the 23 February 2005. [17847/05]
An application to the 2005 single payment scheme national reserve under category C was received in my Department from the person named on 23 February 2005. Since the final closing date was further extended to 16 May 2005, his application has been accepted.
Category C caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, sold their milk quota into the milk quota restructuring scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under livestock premia and-or arable aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002.
In excess of 17,200 applications have been received under the national reserve in my Department's Castlebar office and are being processed at present. In view of the number of applications received and the documentation submitted, it will be some time before a decision is reached on whether or not the person named is entitled to an allocation from the reserve. He will be notified of his eligibility or otherwise as soon as all applications are processed.
347 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food what constitutes force majeure as an acceptable explanation for not achieving 20 income units from farms within 12 months of start up; if it is necessary for this person to apply for consideration under this heading within the 12-month period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17856/05]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the farm income requirements set out in the installation aid scheme. The scheme sets out the following examples of force majeure which may be recognised where an applicant is unable to meet the conditions of the scheme: death of the applicant; serious illness-incapacity of the applicant; compulsory acquisition of all or part of the agricultural holding which was not anticipated on joining the scheme; a natural disaster; the accidental destruction of livestock and-or farm buildings on the farm; an outbreak of disease affecting birds or animals on the farm; an order of court for separation or divorce resulting in the land subject to the scheme having to be divided or sold; and other court order. Other circumstances may also be recognised by my Department as constituting force majeure. Applicants, or their representatives, are required to inform the Department in writing, without undue delay, of any likely request of force majeure.
348 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to an application for installation aid, the reason for the requirement that the person achieve 20 income units from farming within 12 months whereas there is a 30-month period to achieve the general minimum requirement of 50 income units; if the 30-month period will be allowed to cover both requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17857/05]
The installation aid scheme provides a grant of €9,523 to farmers under the age of 35 who have been set up in farming for the first time and who meet certain education and income criteria. By virtue of the provisions of Article 8 of Council Regulation 1257/1999 on support for rural development from the EAGGF, grant aid may only be paid under the scheme in respect of, inter alia, farm holdings whose economic viability can be demonstrated. The farm income criteria set out in the scheme implement that provision as far as Ireland is concerned. I have no plans to seek EU approval to alter these requirements.
349 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to Question No. 216 of 23 February 2005, when she intends to publish the animal health Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17869/05]
Work on drafting the animal health Bill is proceeding in my Department. There is still a significant body of preparatory work to be completed and it is not possible at this stage to indicate a date for publication.
350 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to Question No. 189 of 28 April 2005, if a person (details supplied) in County Clare has received the REP scheme payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17901/05]
My Department has received an application from the person named but there is an issue relating to the area included in her REPS plan which must be resolved before the application can be processed further. The applicant and her REPS planner have been made aware of the issue.
351 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the research and analysis his Department has carried out on the relevance of anaerobic digesters as an assistance to dealing with pollution in the river system; if his Department has examined the potential of combining anaerobic digesters with reverse osmosis membrane technology in the delivery of pure water; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17958/05]
A possible role for anaerobic digesters in dealing with organic waste from the both the agricultural and agrifood sector and, in particular, from the pig and poultry sectors has been under consideration by my Department for some time. Some years ago my Department grant aided an anaerobic digestion facility on a pilot project basis with a view to examining its feasibility and potential to process livestock manure. My Department's examination of the issue has continued over recent years in the context of the national climate change strategy, October 2000, and more recently in the context of water pollution and the nitrates action programme. The evaluation of anaerobic digestion to date indicates that while it is a proven technology applicable to the processing of livestock manure, its economic feasibility is dependent on a number of factors including sources of high-energy feedstock for co-digestion, price support for green energy and-or a viable outlet for excess heat produced as an offshoot of electricity production.
As a stand-alone process, anaerobic digestion has a limited potential for improving water quality as it does not reduce the volume or nutrient content of slurries. To reduce the volume or nutrient content of slurries, anaerobic digestion would need to be combined with some other treatment technology. The removal of water from digestate using reverse osmosis technology has been suggested as a way to address this issue. However, while reverse osmosis is a proven technology for the treatment of water, its suitability for the further processing of digestate has not been fully established.
An additional factor with implications for the financial viability of anaerobic digestion in Ireland is legislation governing the type of animal-derived wastes that can be digested and spread on land. Ireland's requirements, which are stricter than those laid down by the EU, are designed to ensure the safety of consumers of beef and to prevent the exposure of cattle to the infective BSE agent through feed. The need to prevent the spread of this disease has been of central importance to Ireland since its discovery here in 1989. As a result, high-energy abattoir wastes or other wastes containing meat cannot be anaerobically digested if the resulting digestate has to be spread on any land, which is almost always the case. These restrictions are currently under review in my Department.
352 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if no penalties will be imposed on the single payment application of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo in view of a recent bereavement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17905/05]
My Department operates a number of schemes which are aimed at developing viable full-time farming.
Under the installation aid scheme which is operated by my Department, a grant of €9,523 is available to farmers under the age of 35 who are set up for the first time in farming and who meet the education and income criteria set out in the scheme. Preliminary applications, IAS 1 forms, must be received within six months from the date of set up to avoid the application of penalties.
Furthermore, the current scheme of early retirement from farming 2000-2006 facilitates full-time farming through the replacement of older farmers by farmers who are able to improve, where necessary, the economic viability of the remaining agricultural holding.
Young trained farmers have priority access to up to 25% of the quota available in a co-operative-dairy's milk quota restructuring scheme. Subject to certain conditions, a young trained farmer who wishes to establish a dairy enterprise but holds no milk quota has priority access to purchase milk quota in the milk quota restructuring scheme as a new entrant to dairying or, if he is already a milk producer, has priority access to additional quota as a recent entrant. A young person who is not a producer may, subject to certain conditions, establish a new entrant-parent milk production partnership provided they are already in milk production.
In addition, any land owner, including a farmer, can avail of 100% grants to afforest land, as well as drawing substantial annual premiums thereafter. Higher rates of premium apply to farmers and are paid for a longer period than for other land owners — 20 years — making the option of a combined farm-forestry enterprise very attractive.
In the event that the herd owner has any further inquiries, they may be addressed to the district veterinary office of my Department, Michael Davitt House, Castlebar, County Mayo, telephone 094 9035300. The relevant local office of Teagasc will also be equipped to offer appropriate advice to the person concerned.
353 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her proposals to implement the finding of the recently published report on the early retirement scheme from farming (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18046/05]
I received the report of the Oireachtas joint committee formally on 7 April. I have asked my officials to consider the recommendations contained in the report, having due regard to the terms and conditions of the early retirement scheme and of the European Commission regulations under which the current and previous schemes were introduced.
354 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding payments to a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the EU single payment scheme. [18055/05]
Some 142,000 applications for the single payment scheme were received by my Department by the closing date of 16 May 2005. While processing of the applications has commenced, it is not possible at this early stage to detail the position of any individual case.
355 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to Question No. 258 of 17 May 2005, if the same regulations are applied on the import of lamb direct from the UK or via Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK; if the inspection procedure is in place in order that the regulations are complied with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18070/05]
356 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to Question No. 258 of 17 May 2005, if the same regulations are applied on the import of lamb direct from Northern Ireland; if the Northern Ireland authorities have a derogation from these regulations; if so, the restrictions there are in order that such a derogation is not abused; the inspection procedure in place in order that the regulations are complied with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18071/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 355 and 356 together.
Trade in sheep between member states of the European Union is subject to the provisions of, inter alia, Council Directive 2003/50/EC, which amends Council Directive 91/68/EEC as regards reinforced controls on the movement of sheep and goats. These controls, which were introduced in the aftermath of the foot and mouth disease outbreak in 2001, came into effect on 1 July 2004.
They provide as a minimum requirement that breeding and fattening sheep must be certified as having been continuously resident on a holding for at least 30 days prior to export, including a standstill period of 21 days prior to export during which time no sheep or goats have been introduced on to the holding. Slaughter sheep require a 21-day residency period and a 21-day standstill period but the standstill period may be derogated from in the case of sheep going directly for slaughter from the holding of origin. In accordance with EU veterinary certification requirements under this directive, all sheep that are exported to another member state must be certified as to their health status by an official veterinarian within 24 hours of departure.
The foregoing arrangements apply to trade in sheep to and-or from the United Kingdom except that derogations from the residency and standstill arrangements are applied in the case of trade in sheep for slaughter to and from Northern Ireland. The sheep, however, must be inspected and certified for export within 24 hours of export.
I am advised that specific measures are applied by DARD, Northern Ireland, to monitor movements of sheep from Great Britain into Northern Ireland.
357 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the single payment force majeure appeal in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18207/05]
The person named submitted an application on 9 May 2005 for consideration of his circumstances under the second tranche of the force majeure-exceptional circumstances measure of the single payment scheme. Ill health of his new born son was cited on the application form as giving rise to the circumstances outlined. However, having examined the medical evidence furnished in support of the application, my Department deemed that more detailed medical evidence was necessary. The person named has been advised of this requirement on 30 May 2005 and informed that, on receipt of this medical evidence, his force majeure application will receive further consideration.
358 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures which are in place to prevent the spread of avian flu to poultry here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18208/05]
The control of avian influenza is governed by EU legislation. Council Directive 92/40/EEC requires that all suspected cases of avian influenza must be investigated and appropriate measures taken in case of confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI. To limit the spread, infected poultry must be killed in a humane way and disposed of safely. Feeding stuffs, contaminated equipment and manure must be destroyed or treated to render the virus inactive.
Under Article 17 of this Council directive each member state must have a contingency plan specifying the national measures to be implemented in the event of an outbreak of avian influenza. Among other things, the plan must provide for access to facilities, equipment, personnel and all other appropriate materials necessary for the rapid and efficient eradication of the outbreak. Ireland's plan also gives details on movement controls and procedures to be followed in the investigation of a suspect premises. Ireland's contingency plan is currently being updated in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children. In addition, operational and other aspects are being reviewed and various elements are being updated.
The EU has also enacted legislation placing an embargo on imports of poultry and certain poultry products from the affected Asian countries — Commission Decision 2004/122/EC — and also suspending the import of pet birds from south-east Asia — Commission Decision 2004/93/EC. Further bans are in place for Canada and the United States.
The European Commission has also recently tabled proposals on updating the current community measures on avian influenza with a view to improving prevention and control, reducing the health risks, the costs and losses and the negative impact to society of this disease. These proposals are under detailed technical discussion at Council working group in Brussels.
359 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she proposes to seek a derogation from the terms of the nitrates directive for farming here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18209/05]
The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In keeping with the commitment given in the Sustaining Progress agreement, Ireland has already submitted proposals to the European Commission for a derogation from the general limits laid down in the nitrates directive which would allow farmers to operate, under appropriate conditions and controls, up to a level of 250 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare. These proposals were developed by my Department and Teagasc in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Commission has stated that it will not consider the application for a derogation until Ireland's action programme under the nitrates directive is agreed and in place. A revised action programme, on which my Department has been consulted, is being finalised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
360 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has received an application for single payment entitlements from a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the extent of the entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18210/05]
As the person named did not lodge applications under the relevant livestock and arable schemes during the reference years 2000, 2001, 2002, no entitlements under the single payment scheme were established.
Some 142,000 applications for the single payment scheme were received by my Department by the closing date of 16 May 2005. While processing of applications has commenced, it is not possible at this early stage to detail the position of any individual case. However, it should be noted that where entitlements have not been established, the submission of a single payment scheme application will not, in itself, result in a payment being made under the scheme.
361 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the timescale for the implementation and the designation of the remaining 16% of County Monaghan as severely handicapped; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18263/05]
The position is that the case made by Ireland to the European Commission last November for reclassifying all the less severely handicapped townlands of County Monaghan to more severely handicapped status has been cleared through the approval process in Brussels. This means that under the disadvantaged areas scheme for 2005 and onwards, all forage land designated as lowland in County Monaghan will be paid at the rate of €88.88 per hectare up to an overall limit of 45 hectares per holding.
362 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if holders of work permits have been refused entrance to or have been deported from this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18456/05]
The employment permit application form issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment makes it clear that the issuance of an employment permit in respect of a named non-EEA national does not in itself authorise that person to enter or reside in the State. Decisions on entry to or residence in the State are a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform under the provisions of section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004. Thus a non-EEA national who is the subject of an employment permit may be refused permission to land in the State on a number of stated grounds. For example, failure to be in possession of a valid passport constitutes one such ground.
Similarly, section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 sets out the circumstances in which a deportation order can be made. These include, for example, circumstances where the person's deportation has been recommended by a court in the State before which such person was indicted for or charged with any criminal offence. Possession of an employment permit does not invalidate the application of section 3, although the Minister is under a statutory obligation to consider the employment record and employment prospects of the person in question in determining whether a deportation order should be made.
Figures are not maintained in such a way as to enable statistics to be gleaned in respect of the number of persons who are the subject of an employment permit who have been refused permission to enter the State or have been deported from the State since the employment permit is one of a number of factors to be taken into account. I can say, however, that the type of case comprehended by the Deputy's question would be extremely rare. In fact, decisions on visa applications in respect of persons who are the subject of employment permits are generally made under delegated sanction at Irish missions abroad without the need to refer them to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
363 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the timeframe involved in processing an application for naturalisation; the date an application was received by the Department in the name of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; if the application is in order; and if a decision in the case will be expedited. [17815/05]
The average time for processing applications for naturalisation is 24 months. An application was received in my Department from the person referred to by the Deputy on 12 July, 2002. The applicant's solicitors were informed of my decision to refuse the application and of the reasons for that refusal in a letter dated 3 December 2004.
364 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 297 of 1 September 2005, the progress in the case; if the further information submitted is acceptable; and when a decision is likely in the case. [17816/05]
The refugee in question made an application for family reunification in respect of his wife and children under section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. In support of his application he submitted four passports. Doubts arose as to the authenticity of the passports in question. Subsequent checks by document experts concluded that one of the passports had been fraudulently altered and that there were doubts concerning the authenticity of the other passports. The family reunification application was refused in January 2005. At present the refugee has no current application for family reunification with my Department.
The passports were forwarded to the Garda national immigration bureau for further investigation. The refugee has now submitted a second set of documents to the Garda and these are being examined.
365 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if prisoners are permitted to have mobile phones in Mountjoy Prison or in any other prison; if not, the steps taken to enforce this ban; if a message sent by mobile phone has been implicated in the murder of a person (details supplied) outside Mountjoy on 5 May 2005; if the jail was searched for phones after that murder and, if so, the number of phones recovered; the further steps which were taken to maintain as confidential any information relating to arrangements for the day release of prisoners in general and of this person; if the prison or Garda authorities had any information that might have given rise to a suspicion that this person was at risk of violence outside of jail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17837/05]
Prisoners are not permitted to have mobile phones in their possession either in Mountjoy Prison or in any of the other penal institutions in the State. However, one of the major difficulties in prisons today lies in preventing access to contraband items, primarily mobile phones and drugs, which for obvious reasons are viewed as highly valuable commodities among elements of the prison population.
Huge efforts are made on a continuous basis to prevent the flow of contraband into Mountjoy Prison. These measures include thorough searching of prisoners returning from court or temporary release, on suspicion, following visits or following committal. Furthermore, the installation of nets over exercise yards, vigilant observation of prisoners by staff, CCTV monitoring, random searches of cells and their occupants and searching of correspondence have all been successful in intercepting significant quantities of contraband in recent years.
Information regarding individual prisoners' temporary release is not shared with the general prison population. However, each individual prisoner will be told the outcome of their applications and have numerous opportunities to relay such information to other prisoners and also to members of the public by, for example, their permitted land line telephone calls or during a visit.
The Garda investigation into this matter is continuing and it would not therefore be appropriate for me to comment on or speculate about the factors individual to this case. I can inform the Deputy, however, that the cell occupied by the victim was searched by the Garda as part of its investigation. While there were no specific phone searches by the prison authorities as a result of this incident, daily searches take place in the prison for such contraband. Furthermore, the victim had not indicated to the prison service authorities that he considered his safety to be at risk.
366 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 674 of 12 April 2005, if a decision in the case will be expedited given that this is an appeal; and if the timeframe outlined in the answer has passed. [17845/05]
As the Deputy was informed in my reply to his parliamentary question of 12 April 2005, applications are not, in general, expedited. Contrary to the Deputy's suggestion, this application was not an appeal but was a stand-alone application and was dealt with as such. However, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application in question was approved by my Department on 23 May 2005. The applicant will be notified of this decision by the Department of Foreign Affairs as soon as possible.
I acknowledge that this application took slightly more time to process than is the norm. However, as I stated in my previous reply to the Deputy, processing time for visa applications can vary from time to time as a result of workloads and the complexities of individual applications. It should be noted that many applications are also processed in less than the stated processing times.
367 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17858/05]
The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me, in the light of the independent role of the director of the Equality Tribunal in investigating or mediating complaints, to comment on any individual case, other than to indicate the following.
Since October 2000 direct and indirect discrimination in the provision of goods and services is prohibited under the Equal Status Act 2000 on nine grounds, including the grounds of race, which includes colour, nationality, national or ethnic origin. The Act covers all goods and services which are available to the public, whether on payment or not. "Services" are defined broadly to include access to public places, banking and insurance services, entertainment, travel, transport, professional services, education, disposal of premises and provision of accommodation and private registered clubs.
Under equality legislation, there are two independent bodies with statutory roles: the Equality Authority and the Equality Tribunal. The Equality Authority, which has the role of working towards the elimination of discrimination, provides information and advice to any person who feels that he or she has been discriminated against on any of the grounds covered in the equality legislation, whether in an employment or non-employment area.
A person who claims that he or she has been discriminated against in the non-employment area may seek redress by referring the case to the Equality Tribunal. The director of the Equality Tribunal has the power under the Equal Status Act to refer the case for mediation or to investigate and decide such a case. If the director finds in favour of the complainant, she may make an order for compensation for the effects of discrimination and-or order a specific course of action to be taken.
Complaints of discrimination are considered, in the first instance, by the Equality Tribunal. Once a case has been determined by the director, the complainant or respondent involved may appeal against the decision to the Circuit Court.
The Equality Tribunal has neither the power nor the resources to pay expenses to claimants. However, the Equality Authority, at its discretion, may assist a claimant where an important point of principle is at issue or where it would not be reasonable to expect the claimant to present his or her case without assistance.
The Equality Tribunal is committed to the provision of a timely service and has worked consistently towards the achievement of this goal. With the levelling out of referral numbers following the establishment period and the development of a body of case law under the Acts, considerable improvements have been made. For example, the number of decisions given under the Equal Status Act in 2004 compared with 2003 has increased by 31%.
368 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of funding applied for and allocated to groups or organisations in County Kildare under the equal opportunities child care programme 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17859/05]
While funding applications received to date from County Kildare for assistance under the EOCP amount to €11 million approximately, many projects are withdrawn by the project proposers prior to the selection process. Grants totalling almost €6.6 million have been approved including more than €3.1 million in capital grant assistance to nine community-based not-for-profit groups; almost €1 million in staffing grant assistance to five community-based not-for-profit projects; almost €1.4 million in capital grant assistance to 47 private sector child care projects; more than €900,000 to Kildare county childcare committee to enable it to carry out its day-to-day activities and to implement its annual action plans; and almost €200,000 for the support of childminders. It is anticipated that this funding will lead to the creation of more than 1,000 new child care places and will enhance a further 660 existing places. In addition, child care services in County Kildare can benefit from support given to the national voluntary child care organisations to enhance quality awareness.
In 2004, my Department published a comprehensive review of progress under the equal opportunities childcare programme, EOCP, 2000-2006, entitled Developing Childcare In Ireland, which was circulated to all Members of the Oireachtas and was also posted on the Department's website. Much of the detailed information sought by the Deputy to the end of 2003 is included in this report and this will be updated shortly.
369 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which a group or organisation based in a town with RAPID classification applying for grant funding will be prioritised by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17860/05]
My Department operates a number of different grant schemes designed to achieve a broad range of community-wide objectives. As such, and with the exception of funding specifically allocated for RAPID areas, groups or organisations from RAPID areas are not necessarily prioritised over others. However, in the case of many of these schemes, my Department considers, inter alia, matters such as the socioeconomic and demographic profile of an area as well as the filling of geographic gaps in existing services when making grant decisions. As a result, some funding decisions may take into consideration a project’s location in a RAPID area.
370 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason persons are refused visas by his Department while other persons appear to have no such difficulty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17894/05]
An extensive set of criteria is applied when assessing any visa application. These criteria, to a large extent, depend on the context in which the application is made, the personal circumstances of the applicant and the nature and purpose of the application. In assessing any visa application various matters will be considered, including whether the applicant will fully honour the conditions of the visa, for example, it is unlikely that the applicant would over-stay the length of time applied for. The visa officer will have regard to information provided and to such factors as the applicant's ties and general circumstances in their country of origin in coming to a decision. Therefore, the Deputy can be assured that each application is dealt with on merit and if criteria for the approval of the visa application is met, the visa will be approved.
371 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the passport of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be returned to them as they require it for their application for housing with their local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17911/05]
The person concerned entered the State in May 2003 and claimed asylum. On 29 October 2003 it was decided by the Refugee Applications Commissioner that the person's application should be transferred to Germany in accordance with the provisions of article 8 of the then Dublin Convention. Germany agreed to accept responsibility for the application. The person appealed the decision which was considered by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The Refugee Appeals Tribunal decided to uphold the original decision and the person was informed of this on 20 January 2004.
Before the person could be transferred to Germany, his country of origin, the Czech Republic, joined the EU on 1 May 2004. As a result of this, he now enjoys EU Treaty rights in Ireland for the purpose of seeking employment or self-establishment. The person concerned should contact the Department on 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, telephone 616 7700, for the purpose of making arrangements for the return of his passport.
372 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of man days lost in sick leave in the prison service, the Garda Síochána, the probation service and the court system and the rate per person serving, and the percentage of total man hours lost in this way. [17930/05]
In light of the scale of this query and the number of agencies involved, it has not been feasible for my Department to prepare a response in the time available. Accordingly, my Department will respond directly in writing to the Deputy with the information requested.
373 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps his Department has taken to deal with the issue of anti-social behaviour in urban communities and that the protection of the rights of the individual as a victim of anti-social behaviour is paramount; the legislation which has been put in place to support the Garda Síochána in dealing with anti-social behaviour; the guidelines which are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17931/05]
Strong provisions are in place to combat vandalism and anti-social behaviour. The primary basis for the law regarding public order offences is the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.
Because of my concerns about the abuse of alcohol and its contribution to public order offending and broader social problems, I brought forward tough new provisions to deal with alcohol abuse and its effect on public order in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003. One of the provisions is the use of temporary closure orders. The Act broadened the application of the temporary closure order penalty, which was introduced to combat under-age drinking, to cover also convictions for a series of public order offences, such as supplying intoxicating liquor to drunken persons and the duty on licensees to preserve order on licensed premises.
The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 has also been enacted, the main purpose of which is to provide the Garda Síochána with additional powers to deal with late night street violence and anti-social conduct attributable to excessive drinking. It does this by providing for the closure of premises such as pubs, off licenses, late night clubs and food premises, as well as the making of exclusion orders on individuals, in addition to any penalty they might receive under the 1994 Public Order Act.
I am pleased that I received Government approval for the recruitment of 2,000 additional gardaí to increase the strength of the force to 14,000. Clearly, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic law enforcement duties. One thing I have promised is that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties but will be put directly into front-line, operational, high-visibility policing.
I was pleased to note a reduction in assault causing harm in 2004 compared with 2003. This trend has continued in 2005 with a 15% reduction in assaults causing harm in the first quarter compared to the same period last year.
The House will be aware that in July last year I published the Criminal Justice Bill 2004. That Bill is currently on Second Stage in the House. It provides a comprehensive package of anti-crime measures that will enhance the powers of the gardaí in the investigation and prosecution of offences. In particular, I would draw the Deputy's attention to section 29 of the Bill which provides for a fixed penalty procedure in relation to lesser public order offences. This procedure will apply to certain offences under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. These are intoxication in a public place and disorderly conduct in a public place.
It is also my intention to bring forward an amendment to the Bill to provide for the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders. I am proposing that gardaí should be able to apply to the courts by way of civil procedure for an anti-social behaviour order which would prohibit the person from behaving in an anti-social way.
As the Deputy is aware, Garda youth diversion projects are funded by my Department. They are a crime prevention initiative designed to engage with young people who have been identified as being at risk of involvement in criminal or anti-social behaviour. Each project is managed by a multi-agency and community based committee, which is responsible for the strategic direction of the project. The projects are a tangible measure of crime prevention and reflect a commitment to multi-agency partnerships in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour at community level. The work of the projects involves linking young people with non-offending peer groups and the forming of stable and trusting relationships with adults in the community. The intended impact of this process is that those so engaged develop into responsible citizens and that they do not progress into the criminal justice system.
I attach great importance to the development of a real partnership between the Garda Síochána and local authorities on matters affecting policing. My intention, as set out in the Garda Síochána Bill, is that joint policing committees and local policing fora will provide an arena where the Garda Síochána and local authorities can co-operate and work together to address local policing and other issues.
The Bill specifically provides that among the functions which the committees will be particularly mandated to carry out is keeping under review the levels and patterns of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in their area, including the patterns and levels of misuse of alcohol and drugs, and the factors underlying and contributing to those levels of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour. Local policing fora will discuss and make recommendations to their committee concerning these matters as they affect their neighbourhoods. These are significant innovations that will strengthen policing at local level. They will ensure that the new committees and their sub-structures will provide a permanent forum to address the issue of anti-social behaviour.
I have mentioned legislation which I have already introduced to combat the abuse of alcohol and the public order problems to which it gives rise. I have recently published the general scheme of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2005, which will carry forward this work. The main purpose of the proposed Bill is to streamline and modernise our liquor licensing laws. It will also contain provisions which will combat anti-social behaviour.
This Government is strongly committed to the reduction and prevention of crime through strong and effective crime prevention methods. However, I cannot stress enough that while legislative measures can help to curtail the problem of anti-social behaviour, they cannot be viewed as the only solution. All those with an interest in this area have to play their role in helping to address the problems of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in our society.
374 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason applications for family reunification (details supplied) were refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17956/05]
The applications were received in my Department on 13 April 2005. There is no scheme currently in operation for family reunification of Vietnamese programme refugees. I have contacted the Reception and Integration Agency and I have been advised that the sponsor of the group was advised of the conditions and procedures involved in family reunification by letter dated 31 March 1999. The conditions clearly stipulated that relatives should understand that they will have no right to seek the admission of further relatives by way of family reunification after 31 March 2000.
My Department treated the applications as visit visa applications. Visit visas by their nature require supporting documentation which will satisfy the visa officer that they have ties of an economic, social or professional nature to ensure that they will return following the visit. As the visa applications sought were long term in nature they were refused by the visa officer.
375 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a holiday visa to visit here. [17964/05]
The visa application in question was received in my Department on 21 January 2005. The visa application was for the stated purposes of enabling a non-EEA national travel to the State for a four month visit to his brother-in-law in the State. The visa officer who assessed the application sought further information following an initial evaluation of the application by letter dated 3 March 2005.
Following receipt of further information, the visa was refused as the applicant failed to show that he had obligations to return home following the visit. The visa officer could not be satisfied that the applicant would observe the conditions of the visa and the documentation provided regarding finances was insufficient. The decision was sent to the applicant on 8 April 2005.
It is open to the applicant to appeal the refusal in writing to the Visa Appeals Officer, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, within two months of the notice of issue of the refusal notification.
376 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a land transfer will be completed for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17965/05]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for conversion of title which was lodged on 29 April 2005, to which dealing No. D2005GY005687M refers. I am further informed that this application was rejected on 16 May 2005 as it did not comply with Land Registry requirements.
377 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average length of time it takes to process an application for a holiday visa, made through embassies and offices abroad, to visit here; if applications made by persons (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17966/05]
378 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average length of time it takes to process an application for a holiday visa, made through embassies and offices abroad, to visit here; if applications made by persons (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17967/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 378 together.
The Deputy has referred to two applications in his parliamentary question, but has omitted to include application reference numbers. However, my officials believe they have identified the applications in question. Both applications were received by my Department on 20 May 2005, having been forwarded by the Department of Foreign Affairs the previous day.
In general, visa applications take on average four to six weeks to process from the date they are received in my Department's visa section. Any application made in an embassy or consular post abroad must, if not falling within the terms of the delegated sanction arrangement, be forwarded to my Department's visa section in Dublin. The time required for an application to reach Dublin from abroad varies considerably from country to country.
Applications are generally dealt with strictly in date received order. This guarantees the fairest, most transparent service for all our customers. In exceptional cases, where it can be demonstrated that there are extenuating circumstances to be taken into account, applications may be given priority, however based on the information available, it does not appear that any such circumstances exist in this case.
379 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received representations by or on behalf of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 in relation to the killing of a person four years ago as a result of an arson attack; if he will have the investigation reviewed by a person from outside that Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17992/05]
First, I once again express my sympathy to the family on their tragic loss. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, I have received representations regarding this matter and I have corresponded directly with the family. The situation remains that this Garda investigation is ongoing and that the Garda authorities have been in regular contact with the family. The issue of requesting a person from outside the Garda Division to review the investigation is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
380 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if permission to remain here will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17993/05]
The person concerned was granted, as an exceptional measure, permission to remain in the State for an initial period of one year with effect from 29 April 2004. Representations have been submitted to my Department requesting that the person in question be granted further leave to remain in the State. Consideration will be given to the request shortly and the decision will be notified to the person concerned in due course.
381 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for the Bantry Garda district in west Cork for each of the years 2000 to 2004; and if he will give consideration to establishing a further Garda presence in the area. [18038/05]
It has not been possible to compile the information requested in the timeframe allowed. I will arrange for the information to be forwarded directly to the Deputy at the earliest possible opportunity.
382 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason persons (details supplied) in County Cork who attended for interview at the Garda national immigration bureau on 18 May 2005 were taken to the Turkish Embassy; if they were then interviewed at the embassy; if it is normal procedure to bring persons to the embassy of the country from which they are seeking asylum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18112/05]
The family concerned, a mother and two sons, arrived in the State in October 2002 and claimed asylum. Their application was refused by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and they were notified of this recommendation by letter of 11 June 2003. Their subsequent appeal was refused by the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal and they were notified of this recommendation by letter of 21 October 2003.
The family was notified of the decision to refuse them refugee status by letter of 21 January 2004 in which they were informed of the three options open to them at that point, that is, to leave the State before their case was considered for deportation; to consent to the making of deportation orders in respect of them; or to make written representations, within 15 working days, to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform setting out the reasons they should not be deported, that is, why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Representations were made on behalf of the family by the Refugee Legal Service. These were considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 — prohibition of refoulement. On 28 June 2004 deportation orders were made in respect of the three family members. Notice of these orders was served on them by registered post requiring them to attend at the Garda national immigration bureau on Thursday, 20 January 2005. They attended as required and are due to present again on 15 June 2005, when it is expected that travel arrangements will have been put in place.
As part of the travel arrangements, it was necessary for the Garda national immigration bureau to obtain travel documents from the Turkish Embassy. This required the attendance of the family at the embassy. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the family was brought to the Turkish Embassy where they were interviewed by a consular official in the presence of a member of the Garda national immigration bureau. The interview was described as cordial by the attending garda. This has been confirmed by the Turkish Embassy in an open letter to The Irish Times, published on 25 May.
The Garda Commissioner has further advised that the practice for obtaining travel documents for persons being deported is dictated by the issuing Embassy and this practice varies between embassies. In the case of the Turkish Embassy, it is normal practice for them to request to interview the person or persons concerned to establish their true identity and nationality before issuing travel documents.
I should point out that, following examination of their asylum and leave to remain applications, the family was found not to be in need of refugee status or other international protection from the Turkish state. The safety of their return to Turkey is, therefore, not an issue.
383 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a Garda sergeant will be appointed for a station (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18138/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that there is currently one sergeant allocated to Malin Garda station. I have been further informed that the sergeant at Malin is due to retire from the Garda Síochána on 2 June 2005.
It is the responsibility of the divisional officer for County Donegal to allocate personnel within the division. When this vacancy arises consideration will be given to filling it in conjunction with other similar vacancies when newly promoted sergeants are being allocated.
384 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the repair of the Garda station (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18139/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 486 of Tuesday 22 March 2005, which sets out the position in relation to this Garda station. In view of the condition of the existing station, the Office of Public Works has been asked to provide suitable temporary accommodation as a matter of urgency pending the construction of the proposed new station.
385 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the acquisition of a new site was considered when plans were being drawn up for the upgrading of a Garda station (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18140/05]
It is proposed to build an extension to the station mentioned by the Deputy. I understand from the Garda authorities that the acquisition of a new site was not considered necessary as the proposed plans adequately meet the needs of the local Gardaí for the foreseeable future.
When the Garda authorities have signed off on the scheme, the Office of Public Works will be requested to progress the works to conclusion.
386 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18147/05]
I refer to my reply to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question No. 205 of 2 March 2005. It is still open to the persons concerned to provide evidence that they have applied for and have been unreasonably refused a passport in their country of origin. They should also provide their passports, which I understand from their legal representative are expired. I note the document referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy, which is a translation of an information statement relating generally to the issue of passports from the authorities of the country concerned. It does not however demonstrate that return to the country of origin is not an option for the persons concerned.
387 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the costs involved in establishing the Morris tribunal and the average annual running costs of the tribunal since its inception. [18152/05]
The cumulative cost of the Morris tribunal, from April 2002 to the end of April 2005, is €16.9 million. This equates to an annual average cost of approximately €5.63 million.
388 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused a visitor visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18224/05]
The visa application referred to by the Deputy was for the stated purposes of enabling a non-EEA national travel for a holiday to the State.
An initial assessment was made by a visa officer who sought further documentation from the references in Ireland by letter dated 18 April 2005. Further supporting documentation was provided but the visa officer was not satisfied based on all of the information provided that the applicant would observe the conditions and return home after the length of time applied for.
If the applicant still wishes to travel he may appeal this refusal by writing to the visa appeals officer in my Department and submit any additional documentation that it is felt may address the reason for refusal outlined above.
389 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the decision to cut back funding by 10% to a project (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18261/05]
Garda youth diversion projects, which are overseen by my Department in conjunction with the Garda Síochána, are a crime prevention measure which aim, through both intervention and prevention, to divert young people from becoming involved in criminal activity. The number of projects has increased from 12 in 1997 to 64 at present, by funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. A budget of €5.471 million has been provided for Garda youth diversion projects and local drugs task force projects in 2005, an increase of 2.9% over last year.
The Garda youth diversion project referred to by the Deputy will receive a total grant of €106,920 this year. If it is considered that additional funding is required for the project a submission may be made through the community relations division of the Garda Síochána for consideration by my Department.
390 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application to remain in the State based on the parentage of an Irish born child in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18264/05]
The person concerned made an application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of parentage of an Irish citizen child under the revised arrangements announced on 15 January 2005. The application was acknowledged on 9 March 2005.
Applications are being dealt with in order of receipt in so far as is possible and as expeditiously as possible. Given the number of applications being processed, it will take several weeks before the processing of the application from the person concerned will be completed.
391 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the headline offences recorded and detailed for each of the districts within the Waterford area in the years 1997, 2000 and 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18311/05]
409 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the headline offences recorded and detailed for the Enniscorthy district for the period 2000 to 2004. [18436/05]
410 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the headline offences recorded and detailed for the Gorey district for the period 2000 to 2004. [18437/05]
411 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the headline offences recorded and detailed for the Wexford district for the period 2000 to 2004. [18438/05]
412 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the headline offences recorded and detailed for the New Ross district for the period 2000 to 2004. [18439/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 391 and 409 to 412, inclusive, together.
It has not been possible to compile the information requested in the timeframe allowed. I will arrange for the information to be forwarded directly to the Deputy at the earliest possible opportunity.
392 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a request in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth to report to the Garda national immigration bureau on 8 June 2004 will not be proceeded with; if he will give the usual undertaking and assurance so that steps will be taken to implement this person’s deportation from the State pending the ultimate determination of the legal proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18312/05]
The person concerned has instituted judicial review proceedings challenging a deportation order made in respect of him. The matter is therefore sub judice and I do not propose to comment further in this case other than to confirm that an undertaking was given that the deportation will not be effected pending the determination of legal proceedings.
393 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the training procedure for Garda drivers; the duration of such training; and the number of times this training is updated. [18316/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of the Garda Síochána are allowed to drive official vehicles in two circumstances: they have completed an official driving course or they hold at least a class B driving licence and have been authorised to drive by the chief superintendent.
The following driving courses for members of the Garda Síochána are conducted at the driving schools at the college in Templemore and in Garda HQ on an ongoing basis.
|
Course |
Duration |
|
Standard Driving Course |
2 weeks |
|
Advanced Driving Course |
3 weeks |
|
Van/Personnel Carrier Course |
1 week |
|
Four Wheel Drive Course |
1 week |
|
Four Wheel Drive Course with Trailer |
1 week |
|
Heavy Goods Vehicle Course |
2 weeks |
|
Tow Wagon Course |
1 week |
|
Special Driving Course |
9 days |
|
Standard Motor Cycle Course |
4 weeks |
|
Advanced Motor Cycle Course |
2 weeks |
|
Motor Cycle Escort Course |
1 week |
|
Instructors Course (Motor Cars) |
3 weeks |
|
Instructors Course (Motor Cycles) |
4 weeks |
I am further informed that driver training programmes and training needs are continually revised and updated to reflect best international practice.
394 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and the options available to this person to extend their visa or secure residency. [18318/05]
The immigration division of my Department has recently been in correspondence with the person concerned requesting documentation regarding her current position in the State. On receipt of this documentation her case will be considered and she will then be informed of all the options available to her in respect of residency in the State.
395 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding plans for the replacement station for the expanding Dundrum area. [18369/05]
There are plans to build a new Garda station in Dundrum, County Dublin, and to this end the Office of Public Works is actively seeking a suitable site. When the site is secured, the provision of a new station will be progressed as quickly as overall priorities within the Garda building programme and the availability of resources allow.
396 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding plans for the replacement station for the expanding Stepaside area. [18370/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are considering the current and future accommodation requirements of the Garda in Stepaside, including the option of a move to a greenfield site in the context of a feasibility study carried out by the Office of Public Works. As with all such projects, it will be progressed as quickly as overall priorities within the Garda building programme and the availability of resources allow.
397 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will make a decision on an application for a citizenship for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if a decision will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18376/05]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have decided to grant the application for naturalisation from the person to whom he refers. She was informed of my decision by a letter of 24 May 2005.
398 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the resources available to the central vetting unit; the number of applications for vetting being processed by the unit each week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18377/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda central vetting unit, GCVU, comprises one Garda inspector, two Garda sergeants, one staff officer, eight clerical officers and three temporarily assigned clerical officers. I am further informed that the GCVU processes an average of 5,250 individual vetting applications per week.
As part of the Government's decentralisation programme, the GCVU will be decentralised to Thurles, County Tipperary later this year, from where it will commence an expansion of its vetting services to all appropriate sectors and groups. This will involve the allocation of substantial additional resources to the unit.
399 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí based in Ballyfermot Garda station; the units or special squads they are attached to; the number available for duty in Ballyfermot on each shift; the number of community gardaí based in Ballyfermot Garda station; and if he proposes to increase these numbers. [18383/05]
400 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí based in Kevin Street Garda station; the units or special squads they are attached to; the number available for duty in the south inner city on each shift; the number of community gardaí based in Kevin Street Garda station; and if he proposes to increase these numbers. [18384/05]
401 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí based in Crumlin Garda station; the units or special squads they are attached to; the number available for duty in the Crumlin area on each shift; the number of community gardaí based in Crumlin Garda station; and if he proposes to increase these numbers. [18385/05]
403 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí based in Kilmainham Garda station; the units or special squads they are attached to; the number available for duty in Kilmainham on each shift; the number of community gardaí based in Kilmainham Garda station; and if he proposes to increase these numbers. [18388/05]
404 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí based in Sundrive Garda station; the units or special squads they are attached to; the number available for duty in the Crumlin area on each shift; the number of community gardaí based in Sundrive Garda station; and if he proposes to increase these numbers. [18389/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 399 to 401, inclusive, 403 and 404 together.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength and number of community gardaí, all ranks, attached to each of the Garda stations at Ballyfermot, Kevin Street, Crumlin, Kilmainham and Sundrive Road, as at 31 May 2005, is as set out in the following table:
|
Station |
Strength |
Community |
|
Ballyfermot |
76 |
10 |
|
Kevin Street |
119 |
9 |
|
Crumlin |
89 |
5 |
|
Kilmainham |
81 |
6 |
|
Sundrive Road |
64 |
4 |
I have been further informed that Garda personnel throughout Garda stations in the Dublin metropolitan region are attached to uniform, detective, task force, special resource, mountain bike, community policing and drugs units. Resources are augmented from within each district-division, as required. For security and operational reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of personnel who will perform duty in any particular area over a specific period.
As regards Garda resources generally, I am pleased that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the commitment in this regard in An Agreed Programme for Government. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The Garda Commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the Garda stations mentioned will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country. Additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government.
The programme identifies particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to increase significantly the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing and will have a real impact.
402 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the increase in muggings and assaults in the Thomas Street-Francis Street-Meath Street areas of Dublin 8; and the steps he will take to tackle this problem. [18386/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the areas referred to by the Deputy are regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes gardaí from Kevin Street station, with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible presence in the area. I understand the policing consists of high visibility patrolling by uniformed gardaí, detective units, the divisional crime task force, the special resource unit, the Garda mountain bike unit, the drugs unit and the community policing unit. I am also informed that current policing plans in the area are predicated on the prevention of public order offences, the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and crimes against property, and the maintenance of an environment conducive to improving quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question.
405 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the continuing open drug dealing on the Ballyfermot Road; and the action he intends to take to address this problem. [18390/05]
406 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the open drug dealing in the Thomas Street-Francis Street-Meath Street areas; and the action he intends to take to address this problem. [18391/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 406 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, operational matters are an issue for the management of the Garda Síochána. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the local drugs units responsible for the areas mentioned carry out searches on suspects identified as being involved in drug activity and that a number of successful detections and prosecutions have been made. I am further informed that the Ballyfermot Road is patrolled on an ongoing basis by community gardaí and the national drugs unit. The divisional task force also carries out patrols in the area.
The gardaí in this area utilise Operation Clean-Street to target drug dealers operating at street level and have had considerable success in this regard. This operation is co-ordinated by the Garda national drugs unit and is run in conjunction with personnel based in local drugs units.
With regard to the Deputy's question concerning the Thomas Street-Francis Street-Meath Street areas, I am informed by the Garda Síochána that the policing of these areas is carried out by officers based at Kevin Street station and consists of patrolling by uniformed gardaí, detective units, the divisional crime task force, the special resource unit, the Garda mountain bike unit and the community policing unit. The district drugs unit at Kevin Street station also constantly patrols these areas.
407 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the increased vandalism on buses in the Dublin 10 area. [18392/05]
I am aware that there have been some incidents of vandalism on buses in the Dublin 10 area and I understand that the Garda Síochána is working closely with Dublin Bus on this matter.
408 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the headline offences recorded and detailed for each of the districts within the Cork metropolitan area and Cork county area in the years 1997, 2000 and 2004. [18435/05]
It has not been possible to compile the information requested in the timeframe allowed. I will arrange for the information to be forwarded directly to the Deputy at the earliest possible opportunity.
413 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average length of time it takes for a judicial review application by an asylum seeker to be processed; the average length of time that elapses between the date the notice of motion issues grounding application for leave to apply by way of judicial review against a decision of his, the Office of the Refugee Appeals Commissioner or the Refugee Appeals Tribunal and the hearing of the leave application; the average time that elapses between the date of the hearing of the leave application and the hearing of the full judicial review application. [18442/05]
Judicial reviews of recommendations, determinations or decisions of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the Refugee Appeals Tribunal are dealt with, as appropriate, by the independent offices involved. Judicial reviews of the Minister's decisions in this area involve mostly challenges to deportation orders, proposals to deport and related matters. My Department has a judicial review unit to deal with these matters. Both the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal have been consulted regarding this question and the following is the position.
The various offices involved do not keep records of the length of time it takes to have cases determined at either the leave or substantive stages. It is not possible to state an average length of time for the determination of a judicial review case. There are so many factors and circumstances which can arise in any case that attempting to calculate an average time would involve a disproportionate amount of time and resources which could not be justified in the context of the more urgent demands on the resources of the various offices involved.
A small number of cases have been determined within a matter of a month or two of their being filed in the High Court. These were cases where urgent matters were involved, for example, the applicant was in detention or an injunction was sought. On the other hand, there were cases which progressed on appeal to the Supreme Court and where, obviously, significantly more time was involved. While cases are pending before the courts, various matters can arise which might add to or curtail the time involved, for example, requests for discovery, separate applications for residency, settlement negotiations, etc. Progress in these cases is also dependent on the availability of a hearing date. For those reasons, almost every case is unique and it would not be possible to identify a mean average length of time for each stage of the judicial review process without, as I mentioned above, devoting a disproportionate amount of time and resources to the task.
414 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants assigned to each national school in County Kildare in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; her plans for the expansion of the service in County Kildare national schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17803/05]
There are 273.31 whole-time equivalent special needs assistants employed in 80 primary schools in County Kildare and paid salary on my Department's payroll. The corresponding details for previous years are as follows:
|
No. of Schools |
Special Needs Assistants |
|
|
December 2002 |
72 |
207.95 |
|
December 2003 |
77 |
239.11 |
|
December 2004 |
79 |
250.98 |
The Government has put in place an unprecedented level of support for children with special needs. Since 1998, the number of SNAs has increased from under 300 to nearly 6,000 nationally.
The Deputy may also be aware that the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which became operational on 1 January 2005, now processes applications for special educational needs, SEN, supports. At this stage, the NCSE has dealt with all new applications from schools for SNA assistance that will be required from the beginning of September 2005. Therefore, there should be no reason a child enrolling in a school in September 2005 who needs SNA assistance does not have that assistance in place from his or her first day in school. Where it has been established that additional SNA posts are required, these posts continue to be allocated on an ongoing basis.
415 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Kildare has had to put second class pupils into class sizes of 35 pupils from September 2005; if this is acceptable and the best way of giving pupils the best chance of an education; if she will consider appointing an additional teacher to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17804/05]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule is outlined in primary circular 15/05 which issued to all primary schools recently. This is in line with guidelines 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. The average class size in the school in the current year is 27.
In the current school year the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy comprises of a principal and 19 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 534 pupils at 30 September 2003. The school also has two learning support posts, a resource post and a temporary language support post. The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal and 18 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 504 pupils at 30 September 2004.
To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department primary circular 19/02 which is also available on my Department's website. The appeals board will meet in June, July and October to consider appeals on the mainstream teaching allocation to schools for the 2005-06 school year. The closing dates for appeals are 3 June, 24 June and 7 October. Appeals must be submitted to primary payments section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
416 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a youth club (details supplied) in County Sligo has 63 members in the nine to 15 age group; if funding will be provided to them to allow them to carry out their training programmes as well as doing the different activities requested by the group and allow the club to carry out its objectives; if it is important for young persons to be involved in activities such as this to prevent alcohol abuse; when funding will be granted; the timescale involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17908/05]
I fully appreciate the importance and value of youth work programmes and services in supporting the development of young people in out-of school settings. In this connection, my Department operates a number of schemes which provide support for youth work and youth organisations. In particular, the local youth club grant scheme provides for the support of youth work activities at local level. These grants are made available to youth clubs and groups through the local vocational education committees that administer the scheme on behalf of my Department.
This scheme has two grant categories: youth grants which are designed to aid the ongoing costs of youth clubs and groups and, special youth grants. The latter grants are once-off in nature and are intended to aid special youth work initiatives, particularly those aimed at disadvantaged young people.
417 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the option which she has under consideration as an alternative to the construction of a school (details supplied) on a site identified by the Office of Public Works; the terms of reference of the assessment of this alternative option; and the deadline which she has set for completion of the assessment. [17802/05]
The option under consideration as an alternative to the construction of a new building for the school to which the Deputy refers is the possible rationalisation of primary school provision in the area where the school is located to enable the use of existing accommodation to be maximised. This possibility is being examined as part of an overall review of primary educational infrastructure in the area. The purpose of this review is to ascertain the likely demand for pupil places in the medium to long-term and to ensure that existing provision is maximised to meet this demand. The review is expected to be completed shortly.
418 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 935 of 12 April 2005, if a decision has been made regarding an application for a full-time resource teacher for Travellers for a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17818/05]
I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. The school in question currently has the services of a resource teacher for a Traveller post shared with another school. I can confirm that the school has submitted an application for a resource teacher post for Traveller pupils to be based full time in the school. A decision on the application will be conveyed to the school as soon as the application has been fully considered.
419 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will introduce a similar scheme to the CLÁR outdoor play enhancement scheme for all primary schools not associated with CLÁR; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17820/05]
425 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions she has had with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding the playground scheme; if a joint funding scheme between her Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will enable communities and schools to work together to develop such facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17848/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 419 and 425 together.
The CLÁR primary school outdoor play facilities enhancement scheme launched in March 2004 is operated by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with joint funding from my Department. This scheme is aimed at improving outdoor play facilities in small rural primary schools in CLÁR areas. Funding is provided for projects such as provision of tarmacadam for play areas, sporting equipment and other recreational facilities for outdoor areas.
To date, my Department has provided funding of €500,000 towards this jointly funded scheme. While there are no plans to expand this scheme to all primary schools, it is open to schools to apply for funding to improve external facilities, including play facilities, under the annual summer works scheme. While I have not had discussions with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding the playground scheme, my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, launched Ready, Steady, Play: A National Play Policy. Under this scheme, €2 million, in the form of 32 grants, was allocated to local authorities for the provision of playgrounds around the country.
It is open to all primary schools to use their annual minor works grant for such purposes provided it is not required for more urgent uses. A total of €18.7 million was paid out by my Department to all primary schools under the minor works grant scheme in November 2004. In addition, improvements to play facilities are generally considered within the design brief for building projects at schools. In terms of resources, almost €2 billion has been invested in the period 1998 to 2004 in order to provide modern accommodation, including improvements to play facilities, in schools.
420 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if school transport will be provided for persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to the Loreto secondary school, Kilkenny, in view of the fact that a school bus with capacity travels from the area to Kilkenny each day and could take in the Loreto Convent without much cost or inconvenience; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17821/05]
A report on this case has been requested from the transport liaison officer in the County Kilkenny VEC. The Deputy will be advised of the position when the report has been received and assessed.
421 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide the appropriate support for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17822/05]
443 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if appropriate educational supports will be put in place for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18120/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 421 and 443 together.
The most recent professional report indicates that the pupil's special educational needs, SEN, fall within the high incidence disability category. These SEN will therefore be catered for from within the general allocation system of resource teaching support recently communicated to all primary schools.
The introduction of this new system will involve the provision of an estimated additional 340 permanent posts in primary schools from September next. A further 320 posts are being provided on a temporary basis to facilitate the transition to the new system. It is a matter for schools to make arrangements to provide teaching support to those pupils who qualify for such support from its general allocation.
My Department has now issued a letter to all primary schools notifying them of their general allocation and their clustering arrangements, if appropriate. The allocation for the school referred to by the Deputy is 0.4 of a post. My Department is also finalising a circular for schools which will contain detailed information on how the new system will operate. It is intended that this circular will issue before the end of the current school year.
422 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding approved for capital works in respect of primary schools in Drogheda during the past five years on a project by project basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17823/05]
423 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding approved for capital works in respect of post-primary schools in Drogheda during the past five years on a project by project basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17824/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 422 and 423 together.
I will arrange for a response to these queries to be forwarded to the Deputy.
424 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the staffing arrangements that will apply in a proposed amalgamated school (details supplied) in Dublin; the number of pupils who will be attending from September 2005; the number of teachers approved; the effective pupil-teacher ratio which will apply; the number of job losses which the amalgamation will entail and the options available to staff who wish to resign or retire. [17825/05]
Teacher allocations to second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. Each school management authority is required to organise its teaching time-table and subject options having regard to pupils' needs within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The rules for allocating teaching resources provide that where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments, my Department will consider applications for additional short-term support. An independent appeals mechanism is available to school authorities who wish to appeal the adequacy of their teacher allocation.
The school in question applied for a curricular concession allocation and was allocated 7.22 whole-time equivalent teacher posts. The school was notified of this allocation on 10 May 2005 and advised that, in the event of its not being satisfied with this allocation, it could appeal in writing to the independent appeals committee. To date, the school has not availed of the independent appeals mechanism.
The total teaching staff allocation to the school for the 2005-06 school year is 61.32 whole-time equivalent teacher posts. Based on a projected enrolment of 790 pupils, this level of allocation leaves the school with an actual pupil teacher ratio of 12.88:1. Additional resources to cater for the needs of Traveller and non-national pupils will be considered by my Department upon application by the school authority. It is also open to the school authority to apply to the National Council for Special Education for additional teaching support and-or special needs assistant support to cater for the special educational needs of pupils enrolled.
Regarding teaching staff who wish to retire, a range of options, including the early retirement scheme for teachers and cost neutral early retirement, is available. My Department has received a number of applications for early retirement from teachers in the school concerned and is currently awaiting further information from the school authority on these applications. Full details of retirement options are available by contacting my Department's pensions unit.
426 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which the allocation of additional resources to a school (details supplied) was calculated at 1:1.50 and another school in the same area and a short distance away had its allocation calculated at 1:1.80; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17851/05]
The school referred to by the Deputy received a teaching allocation based on its status as a mixed school, that is, the first post is allocated at 145:1. Schools whose allocations are based on 80:1 are those disadvantaged schools eligible for additional staffing under the urban dimension of the Giving Children an Even Break scheme.
My Department has now issued a letter to all primary schools notifying them of their general teaching allocation and their clustering arrangements, if appropriate. The allocation for the school referred to by the Deputy is 1.41 posts. The school has also received a transitional allocation of 0.6 of a post.
My Department is finalising a circular for schools which will contain detailed information on how the new system will operate. It is intended that this circular will issue before the end of the current school year.
427 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which a school in a town with RAPID classification will be prioritised in terms of resources made available to it, and in terms of capital projects it might have; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17855/05]
The RAPID programme is designed to harness the opportunities and resources of the national development plan through the front-loading and prioritisation of investment to the 45 most deprived communities in the country, 25 urban areas and 20 provincial towns. This does not involve additional funding over and above that being provided under the NDP. In accordance with the aims of the RAPID programme, my Department endeavours, where possible, to front-load resources to support proposals submitted from RAPID areas.
428 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans she intends to take to reduce the 3:2 ratio on school buses in practice within the next five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17875/05]
436 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Science if legislation to compel bus companies to have seat belts fitted to buses, especially school buses, will be implemented without delay for safety reasons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17983/05]
444 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if seat belts will be installed on all buses for the new school terms commencing in September 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18121/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 428, 436 and 444 together.
My Department is considering a number of options regarding safety on school buses including the wearing of seat belts. The Deputy will be aware that legislation in this area is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport, but my Department is working closely with that Department regarding this and other safety issues. My Department is examining various options with a view to phasing out the three for two seating arrangement as quickly as possible.
With regard to the Deputy's reference to the recent tragic accident, I do not propose to make any comment on this specific incident pending the outcome of the inquiries being conducted.
429 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be provided for a resource room, library room and computer room for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7; when storage facilities will also be provided at this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17896/05]
The school referred to by the Deputy has an application with my Department for a new school building. This application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and its progress is being considered in the context of the school buildings and modernisation programme from 2005 onwards.
430 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has an application from a school (details supplied) in County Wexford for additional rooms needed in the school; when they will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17899/05]
My Department has not received any application for the provision of additional accommodation at the school to which the Deputy refers. If there is a need for additional accommodation at this school then the school authority should contact the school planning section of my Department.
431 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department’s attention has been drawn to the fact that the average class size for 2003-04 was 23.9; if, in such circumstances her Department would review the requirement to have 29 additional pupils to obtain an additional classroom teacher and change this requirement to 23.9 to be in line with the average class size. [17921/05]
433 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will review the changes made three years ago where a 16-classroom school with 450 pupils had its pupil-teacher ratio reduced to 441; and if consideration will be given to provide further similar reductions at this time to assist the overall school number. [17924/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 431 and 433 together.
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.
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. The staffing schedule for a particular school year is outlined in a circular which is issued to all primary schools. The circular in respect of the 2005-06 school year was issued recently.
The Deputy will be aware that significant improvements have been made in this area in recent years. The average class size at primary level is now 23.9, down from 26.6 in 1996-97. The pupil-teacher ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in 2003-04. More than 4,000 additional teachers have been employed in our primary schools since 1997.
I recently announced that an additional 660 special needs teaching posts will be put in place from next September to facilitate the implementation of the new general allocation system of resource teaching support. In line with Government policy, the position will be further improved in the future 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.
432 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will provide a recommendation to a senior primary school (details supplied) receiving five classes of second class pupils from a junior primary school which has no teacher to teach one of these five classes as there are only four sixth classes leaving the school, in circumstances where the junior school involved is receiving five junior infant classes and does not have a teacher to release to the junior school. [17923/05]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule is outlined in primary circular 15/05 which issued to all primary schools recently. This is in line with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners.
In the current school year, the staffing of the junior primary school referred to by the Deputy comprises of a principal and 17 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 480 pupils at 30 September 2003. The school also has a resource teaching post, a special class post and the services of a learning support post based in the school.
The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal and 17 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 497 pupils at 30 September, 2004. In the current school year the staffing of the senior primary school in question comprises of a principal and 16 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 455 pupils at 30 September 2003. The school also has a resource teaching post, and a learning support post. The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal and 16 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 454 pupils at 30 September 2004.
The schedule referred to can only be deviated from when a school experiences rapid growth in its enrolment. In the case of a school with an enrolment of 299 or more pupils, rapid growth is defined as an increase in its enrolment in one year relative to the previous year of 30 pupils plus a stipulated excess of ten pupils on the appointment figure. If the board of management of the school feels that the enrolment of the school will increase by this amount, it may apply for a post under the developing schools criteria as outlined in Department circular 15/05.
To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department primary circular 19/02 which is also available on my Department's website. The appeals board will meet in June, July and October to consider appeals on the mainstream teaching allocation to schools for the 2005-06 school year. The closing dates for appeals are 3 June, 24 June and 7 October. Appeals must be submitted to primary payments section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
434 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of man days lost in sick leave, the rate per person employed, and the percentage of total man hours lost in this way in primary education, second level education and third level. [17926/05]
According to the payroll records held by my Department in respect of 26,393 teachers employed in primary schools, 212,584 days of sick leave occurred in the calendar year 2004. This represents an average rate of sick leave of 8.05 days per teacher in 2004 and, in annual percentage terms, 2.2% overall. Payroll records held in respect of 17,206 teachers employed in voluntary secondary, community and comprehensive schools indicate that a total of 132,693 days of sick leave occurred in the calendar year 2004. This represents an average rate of sick leave of 7.7 days per teacher in 2004 and, in annual percentage terms, 2.1% overall.
Vocational education committees and third level institutions are autonomous bodies and the issue of the number of days lost due to sick leave is a matter for each committee and higher education institution. I have no role in these internal administrative matters.
435 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will continue to receive one to one tuition after 1 June 2005. [17968/05]
My officials have recently been in contact with the school in question concerning the matter referred to by the Deputy. The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which became operational on 1 January 2005, now processes applications for special educational needs, SEN, supports. The NCSE has outlined this process in its circular 01/05 which issued to all primary schools. Currently, 71 special education needs organisers, SENOs, have been recruited throughout the country and will be a focal point of contact for schools and parents. The school has been advised to liaise with the local SENO concerning the special educational needs of the person referred to by the Deputy.
437 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the exact criteria by which primary schools are designated disadvantaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18034/05]
The Giving Children an Even Break scheme introduced in 2001 subsumes the previous process of designation of primary schools that serve areas of educational disadvantage and my Department's approach is now refined to ensure that individual "at risk" pupils are targeted. Rather than the old method of designating additional schools, my Department provides support that is commensurate with the levels of concentration in schools of pupils with characteristics that are associated with educational disadvantage.
The levels of disadvantage were established as a result of a comprehensive survey of primary schools carried out by the Educational Research Centre in March-April 2000 at the request of my Department. The criteria considered as part of this survey were those which have been proven to have a high correlation with educational disadvantage, including employment status of pupils' parents, medical card possession, and type of housing.
The Deputy will be aware that yesterday I launched a new action plan on educational inclusion. This plan builds on the success of existing programmes while addressing the issues that have diluted the overall effectiveness of some measures. The new plan 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.
A key element of this new plan is the better identification of levels of disadvantage in our schools, which will result in improved targeting of resources at those most in need. The first stage of the identification process, which is being conducted on behalf of my Department by the Educational Research Centre, is already under way. Questionnaires have issued to all mainstream primary schools and are due to be returned by close of business today. The identification process is being supported by an advisory group which includes representation from the INTO and the Irish Primary Principals Network.
438 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when approval will be given for a bus service for post-primary students at a school (details supplied) in Kilkenny city who travel from Carlow; and the stage the application is at. [18035/05]
A report on this case has been requested from the transport liaison officer of the County Kilkenny VEC. The Deputy will be advised of the position when the report has been received and assessed.
439 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the consultation which has taken place with teachers, school principals, boards of management, local authorities, VECs, schools and so on in the course of the preparation of the school planning draft plan for north Dublin, east Meath and south Louth; and if further consultation will take place before the plan is published. [18045/05]
The draft area development plan for the north Dublin, east Meath and south Louth area is nearing completion in the school planning section of my Department and I hope to be in a position to publish it shortly.
Following publication of the draft plan, the commission on school accommodation will conduct a public consultation process where parents, trustees, sponsors of prospective new schools and all interested parties in the locality will have the opportunity to make submissions on the draft plan. These submissions, which will also be published, will be taken into consideration before a final development plan is drawn up for the area.
440 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for home tuition for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18047/05]
My Department recently sanctioned a home tuition grant for the pupil in question. This decision has been conveyed to the pupil's parents.
441 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of educational welfare officers employed by her Department on a county basis; when vacancies will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18065/05]
Since its formal launch in December 2003, the aim of the National Educational Welfare Board has been to provide a service to the most disadvantaged areas and most at risk groups. Five regional teams have been established with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and staff have been deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. Some 13 towns with significant school going populations, 12 of which are designated under the Government's RAPID programme, also now have an educational welfare officer allocated to them. In addition, the board will follow up on urgent cases nationally where children are not receiving an education.
I understand that the board is in the process of filling 13 positions arising from the current recruitment process, including one senior educational welfare officer post and 12 educational welfare officer posts. The intention of the board is to have the positions filled prior to the commencement of the next school year. My Department has asked the board to convey details directly to the Deputy of the number of educational welfare officers in each county.
442 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the dilemma facing a school (details supplied); the stage in the building process the school is at; the length of time it has been at this stage; when funding will be allocated to the school; the reason the project has not progressed to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18066/05]
The extension project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at the early stages of architectural planning. Given a significant decrease in enrolment at the school since the project was first approved, my officials need to engage with the school authorities on its precise accommodation requirements at this time and to cater for the long term projected enrolment. When this matter is finalised, consideration will be given to progressing the project in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005-2009.
445 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a second teacher will be removed from a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [18122/05]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule is outlined in circular 15/05 which issued to all primary schools recently. This is in line with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners.
In the current school year the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy comprises a principal and one mainstream class teaching post. This is based on an enrolment of 13 pupils at 30 September 2003. The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal teacher. This is based on an enrolment of ten pupils at 30 September 2004.
To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department primary circular 19/02.
The board of management of the school has submitted an appeal to the staffing appeals board. The appeal will be considered by the appeals board at a meeting which is scheduled to take place in mid-June. The board of management will be notified of the outcome of the appeal as soon as possible thereafter. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
446 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the proprietors of a private secondary school (details supplied) in Limerick have announced the closure of the school from September 2005; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that no provision to provide alternative places for pre-junior certificate students has been made; the arrangements she will put in place in order that these students are offered places in second level schools in Limerick city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18123/05]
I am aware that the private college in question has signalled its intention to close on completion of the current school year. Any pupils currently attending the college who may wish to obtain a place in a second level school recognised by my Department in the Limerick area, should make application directly to the schools in question.
My Department's responsibility is to ensure that recognised schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking second level places in that area. I am confident that all pupils requiring a place in the Limerick area can be accommodated.
447 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason resource teaching hours will be withdrawn from 1 September 2005 for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposal to have this person included under a special education teacher will dramatically reduce the amount of individual tuition urgently needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18228/05]
I understand that the special educational needs, SEN, of the pupil in question fall within the high incidence disability category and therefore these SEN will be catered for from within the general allocation system of resource teaching support recently communicated to all primary schools.
The introduction of this new system will involve the provision of an estimated additional 340 permanent posts in primary schools from September next. A further 320 posts are being provided on a temporary basis to facilitate the transition to the new system. It is a matter for schools to make arrangements to provide teaching support to those pupils who qualify for such support from their general allocation. However, the general allocation model does not preclude the provision of support on a one-to-one basis for those children with high incidence special needs or learning support needs who require such intervention.
My Department has now issued a letter to all primary schools notifying them of their general allocation and their clustering arrangements, if appropriate. The allocation for the school referred to by the Deputy is 0.9 of a post. The school has also received a transitional allocation of 0.2 of a post. My Department is also finalising a circular for schools which will contain detailed information on how the new system will operate. It is intended that this circular will issue before the end of the current school year.
448 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science when a course (details supplied) will be recognised as an approved course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18241/05]
Following my previous parliamentary response of 16 November 2004 to the Deputy with regard to the admission of the course in question under the terms of my Department's 2005 higher education grant, HEG, scheme, my Department has received correspondence from the college concerned seeking approval for this course, and one other, under the scheme. My Department has recently issued a response to the relevant authorities at the college advising them that in order to fully consider the application, more detailed information is required in respect of the courses. The application will be examined further on receipt of the additional details required.
449 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review and reconsider the decision to remove the first mainstream teacher from a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [18242/05]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule is outlined in primary Circular 15/05 which issued to all primary schools recently. This is in line with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners.
In the current school year the mainstream staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy comprises a principal and one mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 12 pupils at 30 September 2003. The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal teacher. This is based on an enrolment of ten pupils at 30 September 2004.
To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department primary circular 19/02 which is also available on my Department's website. The appeals board will meet in June, July and October to consider appeals on the mainstream teaching allocation to schools for the 2005-06 school year. The closing dates for appeals are 3 June, 24 June and 7 October. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
My Department has now completed its review of the general allocation system of teaching support for those pupils within the high incidence disability category and those pupils with learning support needs. The new model replaces that which was notified to schools in June 2004 which has been reviewed to take account of difficulties that it may have caused for smaller schools.
The introduction of this new system will involve the provision of an estimated additional 340 permanent posts in primary schools from September next. A further 320 posts are being provided on a temporary basis to facilitate the transition to the new system. It is a matter for schools to make arrangements to provide teaching support to those pupils who qualify for such support from their general allocation.
My Department has now issued a letter to all primary schools notifying them of their general allocation and their clustering arrangements, if appropriate. The allocation for the school referred to by the Deputy is 2.5 hours per week. The school has also received a transitional allocation of 2.5 hours per week. My Department is also finalising a circular for schools which will contain detailed information on how the new system will operate. It is intended that this circular will issue before the end of the current school year.
450 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science if the cap on public service recruitment will be relaxed to enable the National Educational Psychological Service to recruit additional psychologists for this developing service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18257/05]
The complement of psychologists in NEPS has increased almost three-fold from 43 psychologists on establishment to 128 psychologists at present.
All schools that do not have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, SCPA, whereby the schools can commission assessments from a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the fees directly to the psychologists concerned. Details of this scheme, including the conditions that apply to it, are available on my Department's website.
NEPS also provides assistance to all schools that suffer from critical incidents, regardless of whether they have a NEPS psychologist assigned to them. Also, with regard to all schools, NEPS processes applications for reasonable accommodations in certificate examinations.
On behalf of my Department, the Public Appointments Service has recently initiated a new recruitment competition for NEPS. Any increase in the overall numbers of psychologists in NEPS must take account of Government policy on public sector numbers.
451 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science if primary schools will be informed in sufficient time of their special needs staffing allocation for the 2005-06 school year to enable school principals, staffs and parents to plan and make adequate provision for the children’s needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18258/05]
My Department has now issued a letter to all primary schools notifying them of their teaching allocation under the new general allocation model for the 2005-06 school year. The letter also includes details of any clustering arrangements that may apply. My Department is also finalising a circular for schools which will contain detailed information on how the new system will operate. It is intended that this circular will issue before the end of the current school year.
The introduction of the new system of teacher allocation for pupils with high incidence disabilities will involve the provision of an estimated additional 340 permanent posts in primary schools from September next. A further 320 posts are being provided on a temporary basis to facilitate the transition to the new system. It is a matter for schools to make arrangements to provide teaching support to those pupils who qualify for such support from its general allocation.
The Deputy may also be aware that the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which became operational on 1 January 2005, now processes applications for pupils with low incidence disabilities. Under the new arrangements, the council through the local SENO will process the relevant application for resources and inform schools directly of the outcome.
452 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if another teacher at a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18259/05]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule is outlined in primary circular 15/05 which issued to all primary schools recently. This is in line with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners.
In the current school year the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy comprises a principal and eight mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 209 pupils at 30 September 2003. The school also has the services of a learning support teacher. The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal and seven mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 204 pupils at 30 September 2004.
The schedule referred to above can only be deviated from when a school experiences rapid growth in its enrolment. In the case of a school with an enrolment of less than 299 pupils, rapid growth is defined as an increase in its enrolment in one year relative to the previous year of 25 pupils plus a stipulated excess of five pupils on the appointment figure. If the board of management of the school feels that the enrolment of the school will increase by this amount, it may apply for a post under the developing schools criteria as outlined in Department circular 15/05.
To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department primary circular 19/02 which is also available on my Department's website. The appeals board will meet in June, July and October to consider appeals on the mainstream teaching allocation to schools for the 2005-06 school year. The closing dates for appeals are 3 June, 24 June and 7 October. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
My Department has now completed its review of the general allocation system of resource teaching support. I can confirm that 660 additional special needs teaching posts will be put in place in primary schools from next September to facilitate the implementation of the new general allocation system. The introduction of this new system will involve the provision of an estimated additional 340 permanent posts in primary schools from September next. A further 320 posts are being provided on a temporary basis to facilitate the transition to the new system.
My Department has now devised school clusters in respect of allocations to be made under the general allocation system. These have been notified to schools together with the details of each school's individual allocation. This communication clarifies the position regarding the resource and learning support allocation available to each school. My Department is also finalising a circular for schools which will contain detailed information on how the new system will operate. It is intended that this circular will issue before the end of the current school year.
453 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance her Department has given to a club (details supplied) in Dublin 1; if additional funding and staff will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18260/05]
A request for funding under the special projects for youth scheme has been received in my Department on behalf of the club referred to by the Deputy. My Department is currently giving consideration to this request and to other applications made for youth work funding in 2005, having regard to the overall level of financial resources for the youth sector. I would expect that decisions regarding the funding applications will be made shortly.
454 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a building project for the provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the building unit will examine the proposed site to determine its suitability and progress the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18300/05]
My Department has no current plans to relocate the school to which the Deputy refers nor has it an application from the school authority to this effect. However, the school planning section of my Department will carry out an examination of primary and post-primary provision in the area where the school is located later this year to determine long-term demand for pupil places and how best this demand can be met from an infrastructural viewpoint. The school to which the Deputy refers will be included in this review. The school in question received €22,000 under the summer works scheme last year to carry out roof repairs.
455 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person who has an allocation of special needs resource teacher support on a one-to-one basis will retain the same level of support on a one-to-one basis following the introduction of the weighted scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18304/05]
From the next school year, each primary school will be allocated resource teaching hours based on its enrolment figures to cater for the needs of pupils with high-incidence special educational needs, such as dyslexia. Resources for these pupils were previously only considered on an individual application basis supported by psychological assessments. The time-consuming nature of this individual allocation process often led to delays in children getting the support they needed. Under the new system, the resource teachers will be in place in the school from the start of the school year, so that any child who needs their assistance can get it straight away.
This model reflects the fact that pupils with high-incidence special needs are distributed throughout the education system while taking into account the differing needs of the most disadvantaged schools and the evidence that boys have greater difficulties than girls in this regard.
Pupils with lower incidence special needs such as autism will continue to be catered for on an individual application basis as these children are not equally distributed throughout the school system. However, the establishment of the National Council for Special Education last January and the recruitment of 71 local special needs organisers throughout the country should greatly enhance the speed of response to such applications.
Transitional arrangements are being put in place that involve an interim allocation to certain schools to address the position of pupils with high incidence special education needs, SEN, who had been granted individual resource allocations by my Department under previous staffing allocation systems and who are in schools that would be due to have their staffing allocation in respect of high incidence children reduced if the new system were implemented without alteration. Any such schools with individualised resource allocations in respect of children in the high incidence categories will be allowed to retain the allocation for those pupils until the pupils leave. Schools are required to reduce the transitional allocations as pupils with these individual allocations leave. Schools that are entitled to a transitional allocation have been notified of that allocation by my Department. These transitional arrangements involve the allocation of more than 300 posts on a temporary basis.
Aside from these transitional arrangements, where a pupil has a high incidence disability or a learning support need, these needs will now be catered for from within the general allocation system. However, the general allocation model does not preclude the provision of support on a one-to-one basis for those children with high incidence special needs or learning support needs who require such intervention.
456 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if consideration will be given in the context of the introduction of the weighted scheme to persons for whom a psychological report had been submitted to her Department recommending resource teaching support but for whom a decision had not been made pending the introduction of the weighted system; if she will include these persons in the transitional arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18307/05]
The transitional arrangements involve an interim allocation to certain schools to address the position of pupils with high incidence special education needs, SEN, who had been granted individual resource allocations by my Department under previous staffing allocation systems and who are in schools that would be due to have their staffing allocation in respect of high incidence children reduced if the new system were implemented without alteration. Any such schools with individualised resource allocations in respect of children in the high incidence categories will be allowed to retain the allocation for those pupils until the pupils leave. Schools are required to reduce the transitional allocations as pupils with these individual allocations leave. Schools that are entitled to a transitional allocation have been notified of that allocation by my Department. I do not intend to extend scope of the transitional arrangements that have been put in place.
Aside from these transitional arrangements, where a pupil has a high incidence disability or a learning support need, these needs will now be catered for from within the general allocation system. However, the general allocation model does not preclude the provision of support on a one-to-one basis for those children with high incidence special needs or learning support needs who require such intervention.
457 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if third level college students on courses where a placement with children or vulnerable adults is necessary, are being vetted by the central vetting unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18378/05]
458 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if all new teachers and other staff at schools are being vetted prior to employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18379/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 457 and 458 together.
Ensuring the protection, health and welfare of children in schools is a key concern for me, parents, schools and society generally. The central vetting unit run by the Garda Síochána is responsible for vetting requests with regard to prospective employees of designated agencies with substantial unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults. The designated agencies comprise more than 900 organisations. In the education sector, vetting is available in respect of requests for clearance from my Department with regard to bus escorts and special needs assistants provided to children with special educational needs and to staff working in children detention schools.
A cross-governmental working group, established to put forward proposals for reform of vetting by the central vetting unit, has recommended the expansion of its services to include all people working with children and vulnerable adults. To this end, the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, has announced a major increase in the resources to be provided to the Garda vetting unit to improve the level of vetting available to employers who employ people to work with children and vulnerable adults. The initiative includes more than doubling staff resources for the unit.
Employment of school staff is primarily a matter for the boards of management of schools who have a statutory responsibility in this regard. School authorities have a duty of care to their pupils and normal practice is to insist on letters of reference from previous employers before offering a position. In addition, Part 4 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001 obliges convicted sex offenders, which includes persons convicted abroad as well as in this jurisdiction, and before as well as after the commencement of the Act when seeking or accepting employment or a voluntary position involving unsupervised access to children to inform their prospective employer of the fact of the conviction. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.
459 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance which will be given to provide extra school places for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18398/05]
My Department has not received any application for the provision of additional accommodation at the school to which the Deputy refers.
If there is a need for additional accommodation at this school then the school authority should contact the school planning section of my Department.
460 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance which will be given to provide extra school places for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18399/05]
My Department has not received any application for the provision of additional accommodation at the school to which the Deputy refers. If there is a need for additional accommodation at this school then the school authority should contact the school planning section of my Department.
461 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if assistance will be given to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5 in their efforts to retain their facilities and to urge the board of management to reconsider its course of action. [18402/05]
The school referred to by the Deputy is listed among the 122 large-scale projects on the current school building programme for moving to tender and construction over the next 12 to 15 months. The project is for the refurbishment of the existing accommodation and an extension consisting of classrooms and general purpose rooms for the three primary schools on this site.
I understand that owing to rising enrolments, the board of management of the school in question is no longer in a position to accommodate a pre-school facility in its school building. I further understand that the management of the pre-school facility has been advised of this position. The use of school facilities for such purposes is ultimately a matter for the school authority.
462 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance which will be given to provide an extra 28 school places for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18426/05]
My Department has not received any application for the provision of additional accommodation at the school to which the Deputy refers. If there is a need for additional accommodation at this school then the school authority should contact the school planning section of my Department.
463 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance which will be given to provide an extra 20 school places for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18427/05]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have sanctioned the provision of two additional temporary classrooms for the school to which he refers. The classrooms will be in place for September 2005 to meet the anticipated demand for pupil places as identified by the school authority.
464 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance which will be given to provide extra school places for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18428/05]
The property management section of the Office of Public Works, which generally acts on behalf of the Department of Education and Science in respect of site acquisitions, is pursuing the acquisition of a site for the provision of a new building for the school to which the Deputy refers. The delivery of the building will be considered in the context of the capital programme after the site acquisition process has been finalised.
465 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to assist in the preservation of a building (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17895/05]
Statutory protection of architectural heritage is primarily a matter for the planning authorities to which the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government provides advice in the exercise of their functions in that regard under the Planning and Development Act 2000. Under the provisions of that Act, each planning authority must, for the purpose of protecting structures or parts of structures which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, include in its development plan a record of protected structures within its functional area. That may be done when a development plan is being prepared or at any other time, where appropriate. The 2000 Act places a duty of care on owners of protected structures and gives planning authorities enhanced powers not only to deal with development proposals which affect them but also to safeguard their future.
The Department has published architectural heritage protection guidelines for planning authorities, a copy of which is in the Oireachtas Library. Paragraph 2.5.8 of the guidelines, which provide extensive guidance on the assessment of structures for protection, deals with buildings of historic interest. I understand that the building referred to by the Deputy is not included in Dublin City Council's record of protected structures.
466 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason Ireland has not ratified the Aarhus Agreement taking into account Article 29.5.1 given that the European Union has already ratified the agreement on 17 February 2005; and the reason Ireland has not ratified the agreement almost seven years after signing it on 25 June 1998. [17962/05]
Ireland signed the Aarhus Convention on access to information, public participation in decision making and access to justice in environmental matters on 25 June 1998. Progress towards the ratification of the convention is closely aligned with work at EU level. The European Union has adopted two directives as part of the convention's ratification process. The directives deal with public access to environmental information, Directive 2003/4/EC, and public participation in certain environmental decision-making procedures, Directive 2003/35/EC. The ratification of the convention will take place after the directives have been transposed into Irish law. Work is continuing in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in this regard. When work on the transposition of the directive has been completed, the instrument of ratification will be submitted to the Government and laid before the Oireachtas in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution.
467 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason 80% of the nationally proposed SAC areas are in counties Galway and Mayo; if there will be a more even distribution of proposed designated areas throughout the country; if the EU directive sought 70% of land to be designated; the reason it is proposed that 14% of land nationally be designated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18054/05]
The EU habitats directive requires member states to propose areas for designation as special areas of conservation to conserve the habitat types listed on Annex I of the directive and the animal and plant species listed on Annex II of the directive. In selecting suitable sites, member states are required to use the scientific criteria set out in Annex III of the directive.
The directive does not specify a percentage of land to be designated but it requires member states to designate special areas of conservation for habitats and species on Annexes I and II which occur in their territories. In Ireland, this has led to the designation of special areas of conservation for 60 habitat types and 25 animal or plant species. Some 420 candidate special areas of conservation have been publicly notified. Most of the areas have now been formally transmitted by Ireland to the European Commission and adopted as part of a European list. They cover approximately 10.2% of Ireland's land and freshwater area. The figure of 14% is arrived at when marine areas covered by special areas of conservation designations are included and expressed as a percentage of the land and freshwater area.
Approximately one third of the total area of Ireland's proposed special areas of conservation is in counties Galway and Mayo. The extent of designations in the counties reflects their higher than average proportion of the habitat types and habitats of species warranting designation. Important habitat types well represented in counties Mayo and Galway include raised and blanket bogs, heaths, turloughs, sand dunes and machair, as well as rivers and estuaries containing Annex ll species.
468 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the greater Dublin strategic drainage study; if the study has been completed; the main recommendations of the study; his Department’s response to funding the recommendations; the funding set aside in the Estimates for 2005 to act on this report; and when he expects to publish the report. [17799/05]
The greater Dublin strategic drainage study is funded under the water services investment programme of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It has been undertaken by Dublin City Council on behalf of the seven local authorities in the greater Dublin region. I understand that the final study report is being examined by the local authorities concerned and will be submitted to the Department shortly. The study's conclusions on the need for new water services infrastructure will be considered under the Department's water services investment programme.
469 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to section 3 of the Local Government (No. 2) Act 2003, if he has made regulations under subsection (3) of this section relating to the members of the Houses of the Oireachtas; if the regulations apply to all local authorities in the State; the specified documentation or other specified information mentioned in sections 3(3)(b)(c)(d) and (e); if he is satisfied that the regulations are being implemented in full and in a manner that keeps members of the Houses of the Oireachtas fully informed; his plans to make regulations to assist further the Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas under this section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17829/05]
From the commencement of the single mandate for elective local government, local authorities were required to make specific arrangements to provide a reasonable level of service for Members of the Oireachtas and to facilitate them in carrying out their work on behalf of local communities. The statutory regulations which have been made in this regard have been in operation since 1 August 2003. Copies of the regulations, known as the Local Government Act 2001 (Section 237A) Regulations 2003, are available in the Oireachtas Library, along with an information note.
The regulations, which apply to all local authorities, provide inter alia for the supply by the local authority of specified documentation, such as the local authority budget and the draft development plan, to Members of the Oireachtas. Equivalent systems, procedures and timeframes to those used in respect of correspondence from members of local authorities also apply in respect of Members of the Oireachtas. Managers are required to meet local Members of the Oireachtas at least once a year and thus provide an opportunity for an update on developments and for any difficulties encountered to be raised and addressed. That is in addition to normal and regular contact between public representatives and local authority officials about particular problems or issues.
Apart from the regulations in this area, I expect that issues relating to the operation of the arrangements will be resolved as local authorities and Members of the Oireachtas become more familiar with the process. I intend to contact local authorities this year to obtain information on the practical application of the scheme to date. Arising from this, I will issue supplementary guidance to local authorities, if necessary. I am concerned that local authorities should at all times facilitate parliamentary representatives, in both the spirit and the letter of the regulations, by providing local authority documentation in a timely manner.
470 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Question No. 213 of 3 February 2005, if he will approve funding for a sewerage scheme in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17872/05]
471 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of a sewerage scheme application (details supplied) in County Roscommon which is with his Department; the status of the other 15 schemes in the bundle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17873/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 470 and 471 together.
The Roscommon towns and villages sewerage scheme, of which Ballyleague, Creagh and 14 other locations are part, is included in the water services investment programme of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as a scheme to commence construction in 2006. The Department is awaiting the submission by Roscommon County Council of a design review report for the scheme. The council will be in a position to prepare contract documents when this report is approved by the Department in due course.
472 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Question No. 208 of 10 March 2005, the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17876/05]
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government's assessment of Roscommon County Council's reports on design review, water services pricing policy and implementation strategy for the grouped project made up of the Arigna and three other water supply schemes has almost been completed following site visits by Department officials last month and the subsequent receipt of certain outstanding information from the council. I expect to communicate a decision to Roscommon County Council on these matters shortly.
473 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the sewerage scheme for Straffan, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17881/05]
The Straffan sewerage scheme, which will cost approximately €4 million, is being funded under the water services investment programme of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as part of the lower Liffey Valley sewerage scheme, which will cost €30 million. I recently approved Kildare County Council's tender recommendation in respect of the civil works element of the Straffan scheme. The works are proceeding in advance of the main scheme to enable them to be undertaken in conjunction with road works in the village.
474 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding provided by his Department to Athy Town Council, under the block road grant programme 1997 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17882/05]
The block grants and special block grants paid by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to Athy Town Council from 1997 to 2004 and the allocations for 2005 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Block Grant |
Special Block Grant for Footpath/Carriageway Restoration |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
1997 |
82,533 |
— |
|
1998 |
90,151 |
— |
|
1999 |
90,151 |
54,599 |
|
2000 |
90,151 |
121,895 |
|
2001 |
90,151 |
126,974 |
|
2002 |
90,000 |
150,000 |
|
2003 |
90,000 |
150,000 |
|
2004 |
95,000 |
158,000 |
|
2005 (allocation) |
98,000 |
162,000 |
|
Total |
816,137 |
923,468 |
475 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding sought by and provided to Kildare County Council, Athy Town Council and Naas Town Council under his Department’s central heating programme in 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17883/05]
No application for funding under the 2004 central heating programme was received from any of the three local authorities referred to in the question. I recently approved an application from Kildare County Council for an allocation of €180,000 under the 2005 programme. Athy Town Council recently wrote to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government stating that the council proposes to seek an allocation of €120,000 in the current year. A fully completed application is still awaited from the council, having regard to the detailed requirements outlined in the Department's circular letter HPSS 2/2005 of 28 January 2005. No application in respect of 2005 has been received from Naas Town Council.
476 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if Mayo County Council have made an application for funding to extend the Westport sewerage scheme; the areas of Westport which have applied for same. [17889/05]
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has not received a proposal from Mayo County Council about any extension of the Westport sewerage scheme, which was commissioned in 2003. No such proposal was included in the list of water and sewerage schemes submitted by the council in response to the Department's request to all local authorities to undertake fresh assessments of the needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments. It is open to the council to consider funding extensions of the scheme to service new areas under the small schemes measure of the devolved rural water programme, for which the council receives an annual block grant allocation from the Department.
477 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to a recent statement by Cork City Council that its tenant purchase scheme for apartments and flats is closed and that a working group in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is looking at the question in relation to the sale of flats to its tenants, when the working group was set up; the number of times it has met; when it is expected to submit its report; and the members of the working group and when they were appointed. [17892/05]
Draft proposals to introduce a tenant purchase scheme for local authority flats were forwarded to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government by Dublin City Council in June 2004. Arising from that, a working group was established and held its first meeting in January 2005. The group, which consists of officials from the Department and Dublin and Cork city councils, has met on three occasions to date. Revised proposals are being prepared by Dublin and Cork city councils for submission to the Department.
478 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider expanding the role played by local authorities in the provision of child care facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17954/05]
Many local authorities provide community facilities, including child care facilities, in association with the construction of new social housing. Such facilities are usually funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as part of the capital cost of the project. The ongoing management and operational costs of such facilities are matters for local authorities.
Local authorities also have a role in ensuring that the planning process supports the provision of adequate child care facilities. Guidelines for planning authorities on child care facilities were issued by the Department in July 2001. The guidelines advise local authorities on including specific child care objectives in local development plans and on assessing development proposals for child care facilities. Local authorities were advised that it is appropriate to provide for one child care facility, with a minimum of 20 child care places, for every 75 dwellings in new housing areas. This helps to promote a consistency of approach throughout the country to the treatment of planning applications for child care facilities. The question of what further role local authorities can play in this area will be kept under review in the context of the Government's overall child care policies.
479 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the revised plans for a sewerage treatment plant for an area (details supplied) in County Westmeath were submitted to his Department in December 2004; if these plans have been approved; the expected cost of this project; and when approval to proceed to tender stage will be sanctioned for this project. [18058/05]
Finnea sewerage scheme, which will cost approximately €2 million, is included in the water services investment programme of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as a scheme to complete planning. Westmeath County Council's preliminary report on the scheme is under examination in the Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible. The council will draw up contract documents when the preliminary report has been approved by the Department.
480 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the reason the owners of the National Housing Agency are charging 12% interest on house loans. [18117/05]
The loans in question, which were issued by local authorities before the introduction of variable rates in December 1987, reflect the long-term costs of the funds prevailing when the loans were advanced. Rates were fixed for the life of the loan. The subsequent introduction of variable interest rates for local authority mortgages has given borrowers increased flexibility and choice.
Borrowers with fixed rate local authority repayments are permitted to redeem such loans without any interest rate penalty and refinance them in the private sector. This represents a significant concession, having regard to the redemption penalties of up to six months' interest or more applied by commercial lending agencies in the event of early redemption of such mortgages. In 2001, the position regarding high fixed interest rates on local authority loans was reviewed in consultation with the Department of Finance. The review determined that a State subsidy to reduce such interest rates would not be appropriate.
481 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, as a result of the energy performance building directive, article 10, it is envisaged that all new buildings will require an energy certificate by 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18142/05]
The EU Directive on the energy performance of buildings, Directive 2001/91/EC, will be legally transposed by 4 January 2006, as required under Article 15(1) of the directive. However, Article 15(2) of the directive provides for a longer period, up to 4 January 2009, for the practical implementation of more complex provisions regarding mandatory energy performance rating or labelling of newly constructed buildings and existing buildings when existing buildings are sold or let; the improvement of the energy efficiency of boilers; and the mandatory inspection of air conditioning systems. The longer implementation period is needed to allow qualified or accredited experts for certification and inspection work to be trained, as required by article 10.
The draft action plan for the implementation of the directive in Ireland was published on 27 April 2005 by Sustainable Energy Ireland, on behalf of an interdepartmental working group comprising senior officials from the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, and Sustainable Energy Ireland. A copy of the draft action plan is available in the Oireachtas Library. The draft plan provides for the phased implementation of building energy rating certification between 2007 and 2009.
I issued a press statement welcoming the publication of the draft action plan and pointing out that the public have three months, ending on 29 July 2005, to submit comments on the draft to Sustainable Energy Ireland. I expressed the hope that this opportunity will be availed of by a wide cross section of the public, including people involved in the construction industry and the auctioneering and legal professions. The definitive implementation plan will be drawn up following careful consideration of all the submissions received during the consultation process.
482 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of upgrading a sewerage scheme at Kilmallock, County Limerick. [18188/05]
The Kilmallock sewerage scheme has been approved for construction under the water services investment programme of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Limerick County Council's preliminary report on the scheme was approved by the Department in May 2004. The council's brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare contract documents is under examination in the Department. A response will issue to the council within the next few weeks.
483 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the preparation and publication of a restated version of the Electoral Acts under the Statute Law (Restatement) Act 2002 or, alternatively, of an informal consolidated version of the Electoral Acts, in particular the Electoral Act 1992, will be arranged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18240/05]
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government maintains an extensive programme of legislative activity covering primary and secondary legislation. While I have no specific proposals for restatement or consolidation of electoral law, the matter will be kept under review in the light of available resources and the priorities of the Government's ongoing statute law modernisation programme.
484 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has issued regulations or guidelines covering the letting of local authority houses which local authorities are obliged to follow; if so, the way in which these regulations and guidelines were drawn up; the persons who were consulted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18248/05]
It is a matter for individual local authorities to decide on the allocation of houses to various categories of needs on their waiting lists in accordance with their schemes of letting priorities. The making of a scheme of letting priorities by local authorities is a reserved function in accordance with section 11 of the Housing Act 1988. Guidelines were issued to local authorities in 1989 on the preparation of schemes of letting priorities. The guidelines indicate that it should be the aim of a scheme of letting priorities to promote equality of opportunity in getting access to local authority housing based on relative housing needs to ensure that a dwelling, if suitable, is let to the person in greatest need and to ensure that no category of needy persons is at a permanent disadvantage when compared with other categories.
485 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of hares removed from the wild under licence by coursing clubs in each of the years 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05. [18249/05]
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government issues an annual licence under section 34 of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended, to the Irish Coursing Club allowing affiliated clubs to net hares. According to the club, which is required to give details of the number of hares netted on foot of the licences, the number of hares netted in the 2001-02 season was 6,005, the number of hares netted in the 2002-03 season was 5,877, the number of hares netted in the 2003-04 season was 5,751 and the number of hares netted in the 2004-05 season was 5,929. The Irish Coursing Club is also required, as a condition of the licence, to make returns of the numbers of hares released back into the wild. Some 97% of the hares netted in the years in question were released back into the wild.
486 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether noise pollution is acceptable in a special area of conservation (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18433/05]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 400 of 24 May 2005. Noise pollution is a cause for concern under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations if the special area of conservation in question is designated as such to protect species which are adversely affected by noise. That is not the case, however, in the site referred to in the question.
Section 107 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 gives local authorities powers to require measures to be taken to prevent or limit noise generally. Section 108 of the Act provides that a local authority, the Environmental Protection Agency or any person may complain to the District Court about noise which is giving reasonable cause for annoyance. The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation. A public information leaflet outlining the legal avenues available to people experiencing noise nuisance is available on the website of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, www.environ.ie.
