Vol. 615 No. 5
39 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding his recent visit to India; the efforts he made to promote Irish tourism and the arts here during that trip; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8192/06]
I visited India last January as part of a major mission led by the Taoiseach. The purpose of this mission, which visited Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai, was to move the long-standing relationship between Ireland and India to a broader and deeper level of co-operation and partnership, particularly in the light of India's emerging importance as a global player.
The departmental objectives of my participation in the mission to India were fourfold: (1) to sign, on behalf of the Government, a cultural co-operation agreement with India; (2) to promote tourism; (3) to promote Ireland as a location for Indian film-makers; and (4) to promote Ireland as a source of high-quality thoroughbred mares and stallions for the Indian market.
In relation to cultural co-operation, I signed an agreement with India on 19 January 2006 in the presence of the two Heads of Government. My Department has begun work on a draft implementation framework which it will submit to the Indian side in due course with a view to seeing tangible benefits flowing from this agreement.
India is now emerging as a significant outbound tourism market. Tourism Ireland has established an office in Mumbai and there were two tourism-related functions, one in Delhi and one in Mumbai. The Taoiseach and I attended and spoke at both events.
There was a very strong turn-out and an excellent response from the trade. Media presence and coverage was extensive and very positive and did a lot to start building a wider awareness of Ireland as a destination.
India is home to the largest film industry in the world, in terms of number of full length features made. The two film boards, North and South, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, used the mission to highlight the attractions of Ireland as a location for Indian movies.
In recent years India has become a growing market for Irish thoroughbreds. There were three thoroughbred-related events, including a very successful first running of the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing sponsored Irish trophy race at Mumbai racecourse which, I am pleased to say, was won by an Irish horse ridden by an Irish jockey.
40 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the ongoing closure of bed and breakfast outlets here; his further views on the general fall-off in profitability in this sector of the tourism industry; if he has had discussions with industry representatives in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8199/06]
As I have previously advised the House, I do not have responsibility for the registration and listing of tourist accommodation facilities. This is a day-to-day function of Fáilte Ireland under the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003.
However, I understand that the key issues affecting the performance of the bed and breakfast sector have been examined in a major review commissioned by Fáilte Ireland. This review identifies the reluctance of younger families to become involved in offering "Irish Home" or bed and breakfast type accommodation as other proprietors retire from the business as being a significant factor in the decline in the number of approved premises.
It is also true to say that there have been other contributory factors to the loss in market share of the bed and breakfast and guesthouse sector such as changes in consumer preferences, growth in urban and short-break holiday taking and the large addition of budget hotel accommodation stock.
Deputies will appreciate that just as visitors cannot be compelled to visit particular locations neither can they be obliged to avail of particular products or types of accommodation. The responsibility primarily lies with the individual communities and operators in the sector to identify and market persuasively unique product offerings that will provide the visitor with a quality holiday experience and deliver value for money.
Having said that, Fáilte Ireland recognises that staying in an Irish home can be a defining experience for overseas visitors and it is determined to ensure that this should remain a significant element of the Irish tourism brand. The importance of the product is reflected in the fact that over half of the 3,000 nominations received in 2005 for the Irish Welcome Awards were in respect of people running bed and breakfast accommodation.
I understand Fáilte Ireland has identified a number of actions designed to encourage suppliers to both remain in and enter the sector. In particular, the approach to marketing both individual premises and the sector overall is to be refreshed. Overall, the authority is committed to working with the relevant representative bodies and recognised marketing groups to implement the findings of the strategic review, a copy of which can be downloaded from Fáilte Ireland's corporate website www.failteireland.ie.
42 Mr. English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when work will commence on phase 1 of Campus Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8276/06]
46 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if all necessary repair works have been undertaken at the National Aquatic Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8263/06]
60 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the expenditure to date on the Campus Stadium Ireland project; the further expenditure likely to be incurred; the future plans for the development of the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8202/06]
64 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the commencement of work on the first phase of the Abbotstown Sports Campus; if the work is proceeding as scheduled; the timetable for the completion of the facilities at Abbotstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8194/06]
143 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his future plans for the development of the Abbotstown complex including Campus Stadium Ireland; the costs associated with the plan to date; the future costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8589/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 46, 60, 64 and 143 together.
Deputies will recall that in November 2005 the Government gave its assent to the commencement of phase one of the development of the sports campus at Abbotstown.
CSID, the company charged with developing the project, undertook an in-depth preparatory process and has drawn up proposals for the development of the sports campus in a series of phases. Phase one of the development control plan will provide a national field sports training centre catering for rugby, soccer, Gaelic games and hockey; a national indoor training centre which will provide world class training facilities for over 30 governing bodies of sport; accommodation for sports men and women; sports science and medical facilities; and all-weather synthetic pitches for community use.
Funds for the delivery of the project have been provided in my Department's capital envelope for 2006-10. The estimated cost of the project is €119 million, with a four to five year delivery schedule — 2006-10. A sum of €9.5 million has been provided in my Department's budget for 2006 and funding has been agreed for the period 2007-10. None of this funding has been drawn down to date. The National Aquatic Centre, the first facility developed on this site, was completed in 2003 at a capital cost of €71 million.
Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd is now proceeding with the delivery of the Abbotstown sports campus. In addition to providing the sports facilities I have just listed, discussions have commenced on the provision of a site for a hospice on land adjacent to the James Connolly Memorial Hospital. Discussions are already under way with FA Ireland about the relocation of its headquarters to the former State Laboratory building at Abbotstown.
The repair work on the National Aquatic Centre, occasioned by the damage caused during the severe weather conditions on 1 January 2005, was completed on 20 May 2005. I can assure the Deputy that all necessary repair works have been carried out and that the centre was reopened to the public on the day work was completed. There are some "snag list" issues outstanding and there is a process in train to have these completed as quickly as possible. Day-to-day repairs are a matter for the operator of the facility, Dublin Waterworld Limited.
43 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the spend on sport by his Department, both current and capital, in the most recent year for which figures are available; the proportion of this which relates to horse-racing and greyhound racing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8247/06]
In 2005, my Department's total expenditure on sport amounted to €184.5 million on the sport capital programme, the local authority swimming pool programme, the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road, Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited, the Irish Sports Council, Horseracing Ireland and Bord na gCon. Spending on horse-racing and greyhound racing accounted for 37% of total spend on sport in 2005.
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, is the primary means of providing capital funding for sports facilities to clubs and voluntary and community organisations throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. In 2005, a total of €56.8 million was paid out in respect of grants allocated under the sports capital programmes. Since 1998, a total of €395 million has now been allocated to 4,923 projects throughout the country providing for the needs of organisations and participants in the areas of physical recreation, training, coaching and competition at all levels of sport in Ireland.
Considerable progress has been made in advancing grant applications under the local authority swimming pool programme, which is administered by my Department. In 2005, €14.1 million was spent under the programme supporting the construction-refurbishment of local authority swimming pools. In that year, two new pools opened to the public in Tuam and Ballymun and two refurbished pools opened in Clonmel and Churchfield in Cork city. In addition, five projects were approved for grant assistance allowing construction-refurbishment work to commence at various locations throughout the country. Seven pool projects were approved to seek tenders for construction and a further nine projects had their preliminary reports approved allowing the preparation of contract documents.
In January 2004 the Government agreed to provide funding of €191 million, phased over five years, to the joint IRFU-FAI project for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road Stadium as a 50,000 seat state-of-the-art stadium. This project has now been taken to the planning stage and an application for planning permission was lodged with the city council in January. Expenditure in 2005 amounted to €9.5 million.
In 2005, a total of €1.4 million in current funding was provided to CSID, the company charged with the development of the sports campus. In November 2005, the Government approved the commencement of phase one of the development of facilities at Abbotstown and funds for the delivery of the project have been provided in my Department's multi-annual capital envelope for 2006-10. Phase one provides for the development of a national field sports training centre catering for rugby, soccer, Gaelic games and hockey. In addition, a national indoor training centre is planned to provide world class training facilities for over 30 sports, accommodation for sportsmen and sportswomen, sports science and medical facilities and publicly accessible, all weather floodlit synthetic pitches for community use are also included.
The Irish Sports Council was established in 1999 as the statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of sport in Ireland. It spent more than €34 million in 2005 on initiating, developing and enhancing a wide range of programmes aimed at increasing participation and raising standards in Irish sport.
Government support for the horse and greyhound racing industries is provided under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, as approved by the Oireachtas. Under the provisions of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, the fund receives a guaranteed level of finance based on the excise duty on off-course betting. A total of €68.35 million was provided under the fund in 2005 of which €54.84 million was allocated to current expenditure and €13.51 million to capital programmes. In 2004, the Oireachtas approved regulations to increase the limit of the fund from €254 million to €550 million to continue the fund for a further four years to 2008.
The 2004 Report on the Economic Value of the Horse Racing and Bloodstock Breeding Industry, completed by Indecon International Economic Consultants on behalf of Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, ITBA, and the Irish European Breeders Fund, IEBF, confirmed that horse-racing and thoroughbred breeding are significant net contributors to the Irish economy and have an important role to play in generating employment, particularly in the tourism and rural sectors. The report showed that the thoroughbred breeding industry makes a gross contribution to the Irish economy of €330 million per annum and that it pays tax of approximately €37.5 million. The report showed that Ireland is now Europe's largest producer of thoroughbreds, accounting for 42% of total output and is the third largest producer worldwide, behind only the USA and Australia, and that employment figures of 16,500 are shown to be generated from the racing, breeding and associated industries.
This unprecedented level of investment in sport is clear evidence of the importance which the Government attaches to the putting in place of modern, well equipped and well managed sporting facilities supported by a wide range of programmes which are having a real benefit to our communities.
44 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the recommendations of the tourism review report which have to date been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8256/06]
The report of the tourism policy review group was published in September 2003. To give best effect to the implementation of the recommendations of the review group, I established a tourism action plan implementation group chaired by Mr. John Travers, who had chaired the tourism policy review group. The implementation group has already presented two formal reports to me, in August 2004 and April 2005.
I refer the Deputy to the April 2005 report of the group and in particular to page 2 where it states:
Overall, the Implementation Group is satisfied that the strategy for the development of Irish tourism set out in the New Horizons Report is being well advanced both by the industry itself and by Government. A preliminary analysis of the progress reported in relation to the original 76 recommendations by the Review Group has found that by the end of March 2005, 28 actions have been delivered, 7 more have been partially delivered and good progress was reported on a further 19 and that the pace of progress is unsatisfactory in the case of some 20 actions.
The full text of both reports are availableon my Department's website, www.arts-sports-tourism.gov.ie.
I am expecting to receive the group's third and final report shortly. It is my intention to bring it to Government and to publish it as soon as possible thereafter, as was done with the first two reports.
45 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will establish a special committee to examine the role of the arts in both primary and post-primary schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8271/06]
Giving the arts a higher, more consistent profile at both primary and second level can not only benefit the arts but also bring significant benefits to the students concerned, which will stay with them all of their lives. It is important also to stress that this applies to all students, and not just to those who are recognised as being particularly gifted artistically.
Every parent in the country wants their children to be creative and imaginative, and to express that creativity and imagination as best they can. Because the future of the arts in Ireland rests with our children, it is vital that the arts are embedded into our education system at a fundamental level, beginning at primary and pre-primary level, and continuing on from there. I have always believed that the benefits of the arts for the individual are greatly increased if exposure to the arts takes place during a person's most formative years, and for that reason it is a real priority of mine to enhance the position of the arts in our education system.
Clearly, an issue of this priority merits the focused consideration that a special committee, established under the Arts Act 2003, can bring to bear. I have already announced my intention to establish such a committee. My Department is currently in consultation with the Department of Education and Science about this committee and its terms of reference and I expect to make a further announcement on the matter shortly.
An arts and education committee will make recommendations on the actions, not words, that are needed to achieve this. I will be calling on the Arts Council, our colleagues in the Department of Education and Science, teachers, parents and our arts community to join me in tackling once and for all this important task.
47 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether it is desirable that the chairperson of Bord na gCon should be appointed for an indefinite period; if there is any other board or body within the remit of his Department in respect of which the chairman is appointed for an indefinite period; if he intends to introduce an amendment to the legislation to deal with this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8181/06]
The current legislative position relating to the appointment of the chairman of Bord na gCon is set out at section 8 of the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. That section states that the chairman shall hold office at the pleasure of the Minister. There is no other State board or body under the remit of my Department in respect of which the chairman is appointed for an indefinite period.
On 31 January 2006, I requested Mr. Tim Dalton, former Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to carry out an independent assessment into issues, inter alia, relating to corporate governance in Bord na gCon. I expect to receive Mr. Dalton’s report in a matter in a matter of weeks and I intend to give immediate consideration to his recommendations.
Pending receipt of his report, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any of the issues currently under investigation by him.
48 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the efforts being made to encourage Indian film-makers to shoot their films here; if he received firm commitments in this regard during his recent visit to India; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8191/06]
The promotion of Ireland as a location for international film-making is a matter for the Irish Film Board, which is independent of Government on a day to day basis.
During my recent visit to India I attended a number of events to showcase the numerous benefits that Ireland can offer as a location for film-makers, and I met a number of Indian film-makers on whom I strongly impressed the strengths of Ireland in this context.
It would not have been realistic to expect firm commitments at this stage. These meetings were about making contacts with key players in the Indian film industry, making them more aware about the possibilities offered by Ireland as a location and opening doors which will be and are already being actively followed up by the Irish Film Board. It was a very successful visit and I would be very hopeful that it will ultimately result in Indian film-makers coming to Ireland in the future.
As a direct result of the Indian visit, Tourism Ireland and the Irish Film Board are facilitating a familiarisation trip for a group of ten to 12 Indian producers. This trip is scheduled from 29 March to 1 April.
49 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the redevelopment of the National Theatre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8268/06]
56 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the examination of the possible public private partnership procurement models for the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre at George’s Dock is complete; if he has brought a report to Government in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8197/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 56 together.
In December of last year the Government approved the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre at George's Dock and agreed that my Department, in conjunction with the Minister for Finance, the Office of Public Works and the National Development Finance Agency, would examine possible PPP procurement models.
An examination of the possible PPP procurement models is currently being undertaken and I will report back to Government on this shortly.
50 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8255/06]
58 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there is any further update on the options for the delivery of the development of the National Concert Hall; if his Department is continuing to assess these options; when he will be in a position to make a recommendation to Government in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8195/06]
63 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals to improve the accommodation available to the National Concert Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8266/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 58 and 63 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Question No. 17 of 26 January 2006 when I advised that the Government has approved, in principle, the development of a new National Concert Hall on a public private partnership basis.
A provision of €42 million has been included in the 2006-10 capital envelope of my Department for site purchase. The options for the delivery of the project, as a public private partnership initiative, will be assessed by my Department in association with the Department of Finance, the Office of Public Works and the National Development Finance Agency over the next few months following which I will report to Government on the procurement issues involved.
52 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the information available to his Department in regard to the number of management or senior staff in Bord na gCon who have had their positions terminated in the course of the past five years and in respect of whom financial settlements were made; the amount paid in respect of such settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8184/06]
Bord na gCon was established as a statutory body under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. Under the provisions of that Act, responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the organisation, including staffing issues, lies with Bord na gCon and my Department has no role in such matters. Accordingly, the information sought by the Deputy is not available to the Department and he should, therefore, address his request directly to Bord na gCon.
54 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount to be spent in 2006 promoting Ireland as a tourist destination abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8267/06]
62 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the projected North American tourist numbers for the 2006 season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8259/06]
68 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the projected tourist numbers to Ireland from European Union states for the 2006 season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8258/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 62 and 68 together.
For 2006, I secured an unprecedented level of Exchequer resources for tourism development —€138.5 million — representing an increase of over 11% on 2005. This investment will enable the tourism agencies — Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland — to deliver in full their ambitious plans for 2006. This allocation includes the largest ever allocation of €40 million to the tourism marketing fund which supports the promotion of Ireland as a tourism destination abroad.
Tourism Ireland, the all-island marketing agency, expects to receive a total of €64 million from both jurisdictions to enable it deliver its overseas marketing programme. Tourism Ireland also receive additional funding from Fáilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board for the promotion of niche tourism products overseas.
While it is too early to make predictions about this year's season, ambitious growth targets have been set for the year, with almost 5% growth sought in visitor numbers and 6.7% growth targeted for tourism revenue.
Within this overall growth target, Tourism Ireland is targeting growth of 8.5% from the North America market which will see overall numbers exceed the 1 million mark. In order to ensure that this growth can be achieved, Tourism Ireland and an industry steering group are undertaking a review of the North American market to ensure that Ireland is well positioned to grow this market.
From mainland European markets, Tourism Ireland is targeting 8.4% growth in visitor numbers for 2006. This targeted growth will, if achieved, result in visitors numbers from mainland Europe surpassing the 2 million barrier.
55 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, prior to his reply to Question No. 247 of 15 June 2005, his attention had been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) who is a member of Bord na gCon was the subject of a High Court order made on 11 November 2003 specifying that they should not for a period of five years be appointed to act in any way whether directly or indirectly as a director or secretary or to be concerned or take part in the promotion or formation of any company unless it met certain requirements; if he stands over the reply he gave to Question No. 247 of 15 June 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8183/06]
In my reply to Question No. 247 of 15 June 2005, I stated that I was not aware of any appointees to State boards under the auspices of my Department currently disqualified from holding a directorship of a private company. This remains the position.
Under the terms of the Greyhound Industry Act 1958, as amended by the Greyhound Industry (Amendment) Act 1993, I appoint the members of the board of Bord na gCon which consists of seven members, a chairman and six ordinary members. Ordinary members are appointed to serve for a three-year term on the expiry of which they are eligible for reappointment for a further term.
In the case referred to by the Deputy, I sought and obtained advice from the Attorney General's office that there was no legal impediment to his reappointment. At the time of the reappointment of the person in question there was no restriction on that person serving on the board under the Companies Act 1990.
57 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on establishing a steering committee to co-ordinate Irish participation in the 2012 Olympic Games in line with the recent recommendations of the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8198/06]
I welcome the recommendations of the recent report of the joint Oireachtas committee in relation to the staging of the Olympic Games in London 2012. Currently, I am finalising arrangements for the establishment of a committee to ensure that Ireland can capitalise on the opportunities which will be presented as a consequence of the allocation of the 2012 Olympic Games to London. This committee will address the issues outlined by the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in its report Ireland and the Olympics: From Athens to London.
There are currently a number of measures in place aimed at providing a co-ordinated structure for Irish participants in the Olympic and Paralympic Games both in Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
Arising from the Athens Review 2005, the Irish Sports Council put together an operational plan, which identifies key performance indicators, timescales and costings and the roles of the various agencies in supporting Ireland's Olympic and Paralympic preparations for Beijing and London. The plan encompasses elements such as the introduction of targeted sport performance plans including prioritising junior, development and elite athletes; a review of the international carding scheme; proposals for the development of an Irish institute of sport; maintaining and enhancing the role of the Olympic and Paralympic Performance Committees to ensure optimum co-operation in the preparation and performance of the Irish team for the Beijing and London Olympic Games; and the strengthening of the Olympic Council of Ireland's administrative capability.
The Olympic Performance Committee and the Paralympic Performance Committees have recently met on a number of occasions in this regard. The meetings have focused on strengthening co-operation between the key agencies and on athlete preparation, particularly in relation to pre-games training camps, acclimatisation and full medical and science support. The Sports Council is also finalising its proposals for the development of an Irish institute of sport. The planned facilities at the sports campus at Abbotstown and the considerable progress being made in providing a network of high quality facilities throughout the country will deliver the infrastructure needed for the further development of our elite competitors.
I am confident that this path of long-term programme delivery by the ISC will ensure maximum return from the opportunities provided by London 2012 and provide a legacy in high performance sport.
59 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the development of the national conference centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8265/06]
65 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the award of the provisional tender for the construction of the national conference centre in Dublin; if he still expects a final decision on this issue later in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8196/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 65 together.
On 17 November 2005, I informed the House that, on the advice of the national conference centre steering group and with approval by the Government, I had designated Spencer Dock International Conference Centre Consortium as the provisional preferred tenderer for the provision of a national conference centre in Dublin.
In accordance with the competition process, the contracting authority, the Office of Public Works, is currently engaging with the provisional preferred tenderer to negotiate, settle and agree any required amendments to the project agreement. Assuming that these negotiations prove successful, the next step will be the appointment of the provisional preferred tenderer as preferred tenderer. During the preferred tenderer phase, the preferred tenderer will develop and provide the full range of project documents which will require review and approval by the contracting authority. I look forward to the early completion of the next stages and to a final decision by Government by mid-2006.
66 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of tourists to Ireland who rent vehicles while on holiday here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8257/06]
My Department has no function in the collection of statistical data regarding the number of overseas visitors to Ireland who rent vehicles during their holiday in Ireland. Both tourism State agencies — Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland — have a role in tracking business from the rent a car sector and as such I have asked them to provide the Deputy with whatever information is available to them in that regard.
67 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received a copy of the findings of a recent Tourism Ireland survey, Marketing Insights — Image of the Island of Ireland; his views on its conclusion that Ireland’s cities are becoming indistinguishable from other European destinations for holidaymakers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8200/06]
I am aware of the document mentioned by the Deputy. It was published on Tourism Ireland's corporate website in December 2005 and presented to the industry at a seminar in Dublin in February 2006. The document was compiled from a number of surveys conducted on behalf of Tourism Ireland over the course of the past number of years as part of its ongoing tracking of consumer perceptions of Ireland as a tourism destination.
To me, the key message from the research is that Ireland's core appeal remains strong and attractive to potential overseas visitors. The core elements of our image remain people, place and living and historic culture.
I understand this research is based on people's perceptions of Ireland rather than their actual experience, that is, most people interviewed will not have visited Ireland.
I was interested to see that, where people have already visited Ireland, their perceptions of Ireland as a holiday destination improve significantly. This is equally the case in relation to some of the negative perceptions around prices, poor travel infrastructure, safety, etc. Fáilte Ireland's surveys of actual visitors' experience of a holiday here also bear this out.
This document highlights a key finding that I have mentioned in the House before, namely, that in some of our main markets, especially Britain, potential visitors are not clear what there is to do, see and experience while on holiday in Ireland. The perceived lack of a distinctive Irish holiday experience is very much linked to this issue.
Tourism Ireland's response to this has been the development of a €50 million marketing brand campaign which I launched in December last. This new global advertising campaign, the Discover Your Very Own Ireland campaign, brings to life the wide range of holiday choices and activities available both in rural and in urban Ireland.
Fáilte Ireland's research of actual visitor experience remains very positive, with 96% of those surveyed feeling that their holiday matched or exceeded their expectations.
There has also been a slight improvement in visitor ratings of value for money in 2005, with 67% finding it fair, good or very good which is the first improvement on this measure since 2001.
69 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his views were sought by the chairman of Bord na gCon prior to the decision to hold a press conference in Harold’s Cross Greyhound Stadium on 4 February 2006; the views he conveyed to the chairman on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8182/06]
The chairman of Bord na gCon did not seek my views prior to his decision to hold a press conference on 4 February 2006.
The position is that on 2 February 2006, I wrote to all members of the board of Bord na gCon informing them that I had requested Mr. Tim Dalton to carry out an investigation into certain matters relating to the corporate governance of Bord na gCon. In this letter, I requested that they co-operate fully with Mr. Dalton in the conduct of his investigation and that they ensure that all papers relevant to the inquiry would be made available to him. I also requested that all matters under inquiry should be dealt with in the course of the inquiry and not otherwise.
The inquiry by Mr. Dalton is under way and I expect to receive his report in a matter of weeks. I do not wish to make any further comments on this matter until I have received and considered Mr. Dalton's report.
70 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the present down-turn in the film industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8275/06]
138 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of films currently in production here; if this represents a desirable variation from previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8582/06]
139 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied with the current production levels in the film industry here; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns in the industry; his proposals to address the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8583/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70, 138 and 139 together.
The Irish Film Board is responsible for the promotion and support of film-making in Ireland. The board is funded by my Department, but is independent on a day to day basis.
My Department does not have information on the number of films in production at any given time. However, the section 481 scheme provides a tax-based incentive for investors in film production. Twenty-eight projects were certified under section 481 in 2005, representing a total project spend of €125.5 million and a total Irish spend of €63.9 million.
I am aware that difficulties have been experienced in the Irish film industry in recent times. These were due to various factors, including improved enhancements and incentives in other jurisdictions, unfavourable exchange rates, and increased competition from jurisdictions perceived to have lower cost structures than Ireland can offer.
The Government has acted decisively to address the position. Funding for the Irish Film Board has increased from €15.950 million in 2005 to €17.126 million this year, an increase of over 7%. It should also be noted in this context that the 2005 figure includes a supplementary provision of €1.5 million, which I made available to the board late last year to provide an extra stimulus to film activity. The increase in 2006 over the initial 2005 provision is of the order of 18.5%.
Critically, the Minister for Finance has announced his intention to make important enhancements to the section 481 scheme, a tax-based scheme to encourage investment in film production. The maximum amount that can be raised will increase from €15 million to €35 million, and it will now be possible to raise up to 80% of the total cost of making a film, instead of the existing limit of between 55% and 66%. While these changes require EU approval, they have been extremely well received in Ireland and overseas and are seen as doing much to restore our competitiveness as a location for international film-makers.
Informal indications are that the industry is already seeing some strengthening of activity and the changes referred to above, once they feed into the system, should make a very significant additional difference.
71 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will expand on recent comments that he views the development of a stadium for soccer exclusively as a preferable option for the new stadium for Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght; if he will withhold funding for the new stadium if it is also to be used for hosting Gaelic games; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8188/06]
An amount of €2.4 million has already been provided by my Department under the sports capital programme for the development of a soccer stadium in Tallaght. The site provided and previous works carried out were based on the requirements of a soccer stadium. The detailed design specification which South Dublin County Council has obtained and is using to finalise a contract to complete the project works is also based on soccer stadium dimensions.
My continued support to South Dublin County Council in putting together a financial package to ensure the completion of the stadium in Tallaght was always based on the plan to provide a soccer stadium for Tallaght which would serve as a viable, long-term home for Shamrock Rovers Football Club. While a final cost on the completion of the stadium has yet to be determined, it is clear that significant funding will be sought from my Department. To ensure that any such funding is justified and will provide value for money, serious consideration must also be given to the stadium accommodating two soccer clubs on a ground-sharing basis, a concept recommended for Dublin clubs in the 2005 Genesis report on the Eircom League.
That completed stadium will remain in the control of South Dublin County Council and therefore the management and additional usage of the stadium and any ancillary facilities will be a matter for the council to decide. Facilitating the possibility of ground-sharing by two Eircom League soccer clubs at the Tallaght stadium is a priority, while at the same time I would welcome the multi-usage of the facilities at Tallaght for all other sports whose organisers deem the completed facility to be suitable.
I welcome the decision taken by South Dublin County Council at its meeting of 13 February 2006 to complete the stadium at Tallaght to the specification originally planned. It means that discussions can now take place to determine the immediate priorities for the project to ensure an early commencement of works on the site. As I have already publicly stated, I am anxious that the stadium will be completed as a matter of urgency.
72 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the redevelopment of the Wexford Opera House; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8262/06]
Last December I approved a grant of €26 million towards the cost, estimated at €30.28 million, of refurbishing and remodelling the Theatre Royal in Wexford. Wexford Festival Opera will raise the balance of the capital cost. The Office of Public Works is providing project management services for the development.
Demolition of the old theatre is under way. Advertisements for the construction of the new theatre were placed in the EU Official Journal and on the eTenders Public Procurement website at the beginning of February 2006. It is anticipated that contracts will be in place by this summer and that construction will be completed by July 2008.
73 Mr. Gogarty asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the increase in the numbers of new vehicles licensed in 2005 compared with 2004; the increase in new vehicles licensed in January 2006 compared with January 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8403/06]
The CSO's annual release titled Vehicles Licensed for the First Time 2005 indicated that there were 219,284 new vehicles licensed in 2005. This represents an increase of 23,777 or 12.2% on 2004. Full details of all classes of new vehicles licensed for 2004 and 2005 are set out in Table 1.
|
Taxation Class |
Year 2004 |
Year 2005 |
Difference |
% Difference |
|
Private Cars |
149,635 |
166,270 |
16,635 |
11.1 |
|
Goods Vehicles |
31,165 |
38,396 |
7,231 |
23.2 |
|
Tractors |
2,881 |
3,168 |
287 |
10.0 |
|
Motor Cycles |
3,833 |
3,240 |
-593 |
-15.5 |
|
Exempt Vehicles |
5,099 |
4,851 |
-248 |
-4.9 |
|
Public Service Vehicles |
1,181 |
1,400 |
219 |
18.5 |
|
Machines or Contrivances |
1,241 |
1,359 |
118 |
9.5 |
|
Other Classes |
472 |
600 |
128 |
27.1 |
|
Total |
195,507 |
219,284 |
23,777 |
12.2 |
The CSO's monthly release titled Vehicles Licensed for the First Time, January 2006 reported that there were 29,962 new vehicles licensed in January 2006. When compared with January 2005, this represents an increase of 5,906 or 24.6%. Full details of all classes of new vehicles licensed in January 2005 and January 2006 are set out in Table 2.
|
Taxation Class |
Jan. 2005 |
Jan. 2006 |
Difference |
% Difference |
|
Private Cars |
19,992 |
24,605 |
4,613 |
23.1 |
|
Goods Vehicles |
2,929 |
3,899 |
970 |
33.1 |
|
Tractors |
246 |
328 |
82 |
33.3 |
|
Motor Cycles |
246 |
253 |
7 |
2.8 |
|
Exempt Vehicles |
353 |
464 |
111 |
31.4 |
|
Other Classes |
290 |
413 |
123 |
42.4 |
|
Total |
24,056 |
29,962 |
5,906 |
24.6 |
74 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to ensure that a sufficient number of speech and language therapists are trained to meet current national needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8450/06]
97 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals in regard to the crisis in the speech and language therapy service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8451/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 97 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, intensive efforts have been undertaken to improve staffing levels in speech and language therapy in the public health service. The success of these measures has contributed to an increase of 162 speech and language therapists, or 42% over the number employed at end-December 2000, and reflects significant increases in the numbers employed in promotional grades. There were 548 whole-time-equivalent speech and language therapists employed in the public health service at end-September 2005.
In addition, three new speech and language therapy courses commenced in the 2003-04 academic year in UCC, NUIG and UL. In total, these courses provide an additional 75 training places in speech and language therapy. This expansion in training numbers was identified in the Bacon report as sufficient to meet the long-term demand-supply balance for speech and language therapists in Ireland. The first graduates from the two-year Masters course in UL completed their studies in June 2005. The first graduates from the BSc courses in UCC and NUIG will graduate in 2007.
The aspect of the Deputy's question in relation to the management and delivery of health and personal social services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this aspect considered by the Health Service Executive and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
75 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the laws which apply and the procedure that should be followed if a member of the public becomes aware that a small child is being left alone regularly throughout the day and informs the gardaí about same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8286/06]
The Child Care Act 1991 as amended sets out the statutory framework within which the Health Service Executive provides family support and child welfare and protection services.
Where a member of the public has a concern about a child, he or she should inform the local health office of the Health Service Executive about it. The gardaí and the Health Service Executive work closely in relation to child welfare and protection issues. While the gardaí have power to act under section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991 as amended, in effect this would only happen in circumstances where there was a need to take a child to safety: (a) where there is an immediate and serious risk to the health and welfare of a child; and (b) it would not be sufficient for the protection of the child from such immediate and serious risk to await the making of an application for an emergency care order by the Health Service Executive. If the Deputy will let me have details of the case concerned, I will ensure that the appropriate authorities are informed.
76 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare did not qualify for 40 hours for a personal assistant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8296/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
77 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of meetings she has held with the Health Service Executive in relation to her proposal to build private hospitals on the grounds of public hospitals; the dates of these meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8307/06]
78 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of meetings officials from her Department have held with the Health Service Executive in relation to her proposal to build private hospitals on the grounds of public hospitals; if she was present at any of these meetings; the dates of these meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8308/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.
The issue of developing private hospital facilities on public sites to increase the stock of beds available to public patients was among the topics discussed at a number of meetings between officials of my Department and the Health Service Executive, HSE.
The meetings in question were held on 7 July, 26 August, 23 September, 22 November 2005 and 22 February 2006. I did not attend those meetings. The issues were also discussed, along with other topics, at a meeting I attended on 27 October 2005 with the Secretary General of my Department and the chairman and chief executive of the HSE.
79 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a medical card holder (details supplied) in Dublin 12 cannot get the cost of dental treatment covered by their medical card. [8314/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
80 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will review the nursing home subvention payments where both parents are in a nursing home at the same time and the children are being asked to contribute (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8323/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
81 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that new patients can no longer be referred to the neurological services in the mid-west; the action she will take regarding same; if she will ensure the appointment of a consultant neurologist is delivered to the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8324/06]
As part of the Estimates for health services in 2006, additional funding of €3 million was allocated specifically for the further development of neurology and neurophysiology services. This funding was provided to allow the Health Service Executive further to progress the implementation of the recommendations made by the former Comhairle na nOspidéal in respect of these services.
My Department is advised by the executive that the development of three new neurology units will commence during 2006, one in the mid-west, one in the north west and one in the south east, with the appointment of multi-disciplinary teams comprising consultant neurologists and support staff.
82 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if core funding for the prevention of violence against women, which remains fixed at 2003 levels of funding, will be increased in view of the incidents of domestic violence and lack of services for women and their families experiencing violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8377/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
83 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the names of the Health Service Executive delegation who went to the Vancouver conference; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8378/06]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the International Society for Quality in Healthcare's 22nd International Conference, which was held in Vancouver in October 2005. My Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to the information requested.
84 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the terms and conditions of those who have been appointed as consultants to Professor Drumm; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8379/06]
Section 24 of the Health Act 2004 empowers the Health Service Executive to engage such advisers as it considers necessary for the performance of its functions. My Department has therefore asked the executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to this matter.
85 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the studies which have been carried out by her Department into the risk of variant CJD from products containing or exposed to bovine-derived materials; the findings which have been published; the screening processes which are in place to ensure that such bovine-derived materials in products such as POLIO SABIN, PRIORIX or the various MMR vaccines are sourced in countries that are free from variant CJD; if her Department has ever analysed the necessity of using bovine-derived as opposed to alternative materials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8404/06]
The Irish Medicines Board is responsible for the licensing of human medicinal products in Ireland. Any company wishing to place a medicinal product on the market is required to submit a licence application, which is then assessed by the board: the board must be satisfied that the product is of an appropriate quality and that it is safe and effective for use.
In the context of variant CJD, the European Medicines Agency, EMEA, has issued a Note for Guidance on Minimising the Risk of Transmitting Animal Spongiform Encephalopathy Agents via Medicinal Products. With regard to the vaccines referred to by the Deputy, any relevant materials present in these vaccines must be in compliance with the EMEA guidance, thereby minimising any theoretical risk of transmitting variant CJD.
As appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure that medicines placed on the Irish market are safe and effective, it is not proposed to undertake any studies in this area.
86 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to a new international study which estimates that cardiovascular diseases cost Ireland more than €866 million in 2003, or €108 for every person here, with health care making up 62% of the total cost; her views on the findings of this study; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8405/06]
The study to which the question refers is the Economic Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Enlarged EU, by Leal J., Luengo-Fernández R., Gray A., Petersen S. and Rayner M. European Heart Journal, doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehi733.
I understand that the authors set out to provide an estimate of the economic costs of cardiovascular disease for EU countries. Data were obtained from published studies of health care costs and health service utilisation. It appears that all costs for health care in Ireland were extrapolated from costs in other countries.
It is unclear how some of costs were estimated, for example, annual loss of earnings or the cost for a day's inpatient care. The data on costs and resource implications were used to estimate the costs of cardiovascular disease.
Given that the authors may have underestimated the true costs in Ireland, there are question marks about the accuracy of the overall findings as they relate to this country. It is also possible that the authors did not include the costs of services provided in the private sector.
There has been rapid expansion in cardiology services in Ireland in recent years. The cardiovascular health strategy, Building Healthier Hearts, was launched in 1999. The report makes recommendations about the prevention, treatment and surveillance of coronary heart disease across a number of sectors and the full range of health service activities in health promotion, primary care, pre-hospital care, acute hospital services and cardiac rehabilitation.
Since 2000 the Government has committed over €60 million towards the implementation of the strategy. This funding has supported a wide range of new regional services and initiatives, which have had a measurable impact on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart disease. More than 800 new posts have been created, including 19 additional consultant cardiology posts.
We have made progress in addressing the key challenges in the implementation of the cardiovascular health strategy in relation to (i) improving population health by supporting inter-sectoral work for health promotion to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and improve quality of life; (ii) ensuring equitable access to services by continued provision of resources and support to fully implement outstanding cardiovascular health strategy recommendations to meet the needs of the growing numbers of older people and to provide new treatments for which there is evidence of effectiveness; and (iii) improving the quality of services by developing and implementing practice guidelines, the implementation of cardiovascular health information systems, support for clinical audit and for research to enhance the quality of services.
It appears that the study may not reflect the current level of expenditure and service provision. The study is useful, however, in drawing to our attention the high costs of cardiovascular disease both in Ireland and at European level, not just the costs of health care but also the costs to the economy and to families and carers.
87 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proportion of cardiovascular disease treated here which is related to obesity. [8406/06]
88 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proportion of cardiovascular disease treated here which is related to smoking. [8407/06]
89 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proportion of cardiovascular disease treated here which is related to childhood obesity. [8408/06]
90 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proportion of cardiovascular disease treated here which is related to alcohol abuse. [8409/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 to 90, inclusive, together.
Death rates from coronary heart disease and stroke have been decreasing steadily in Ireland in recent years. Half of all deaths in Ireland in 1980 were attributed to cardiovascular disease. By 2004, the proportion of all deaths attributed to cardiovascular conditions was 38%.
I understand that factors associated with the trends in coronary heart disease death rates between 1985 and 2000 were studied in a mathematical model by Dr. Kathleen Bennett and colleagues in the department of therapeutics, Trinity College Dublin, based at St. James's Hospital. The IMPACT model estimated that 61% of the trends in mortality were due to improved risk factors, and 49% to more effective treatments but that the decrease would have been 14% greater were it not for deterioration of factors such as body weight, diabetes and physical inactivity.
While it is not possible to state the proportion of current cases attributable to obesity, the IMPACT model estimated that deaths would have been 4% lower in 2000 but for the increase in obesity in the population.
It is too soon to see the effects of childhood obesity on deaths and sickness from vascular diseases. A slowing, a halt or even a reversal of the current decreasing death rates in middle age would be expected when the current cohort of children and teenagers enter their late 40s and 50s.
The model estimated that there were 25% fewer coronary heart disease deaths in 2000 due to lower prevalence of smoking in the population compared to 1985.
The effect of alcohol on death rates was not included in the above modelling study. High alcohol intakes are associated with increasing risk of cardiovascular disease, through increased blood pressure, increase in body weight — also associated with increased blood pressure — through deterioration in blood fats, and through poorer eating habits and higher prevalence of smoking in those with high alcohol intake. The high alcohol intakes of those currently in their 20s would be expected to increase their risk of coronary heart disease and of stroke when this cohort enters middle age.
91 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will take special steps to assist a person with the cost of two funerals in the special circumstances (details supplied). [8426/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
92 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of men on a referral list in Mayo General Hospital for urology appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8444/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
93 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of male patients awaiting urology services at Mayo General Hospital on a yearly basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8445/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
94 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of agency nurses employed in hospitals here; the breakdown of these by hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8446/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
95 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the health centres in the west Wicklow area; if the centres can be opened in order that people in need can visit the community welfare officer in their areas at regular times as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8447/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
96 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the service at the health centre in Baltinglass where the telephone answering service for the public health nurse is to discontinue due to a lack of staff, expanding area and workload; if a secretarial service can be sanctioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8448/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
98 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the recent calls by a person (details supplied) to establish the BreastCheck programme in the west of Ireland sooner than outlined; her views on whether, in view of the fact that BreastCheck will not be rolled out nationally until 2007, it will be 2009 before all eligible women are contacted and screened; her further views on whether the national roll-out of BreastCheck needs to be speeded up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8460/06]
99 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on using the national treatment purchase fund as a means of enabling women of the west of Ireland to access BreastCheck services in view of the fact that proper screening will not occur in the west of Ireland until 2009; if not, if she will offer a workable alternative to save lives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8472/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.
I recently met with representatives of BreastCheck and they are fully aware of my wish to have the programme rolled out nationally as quickly as possible. For this to happen, essential elements of the roll-out must be in place, including adequate staffing, effective training and quality assurance programmes. For this purpose, the Department has made additional revenue funding of €2.3 million available to BreastCheck this year to provide, inter alia, for the early recruitment and training of staff.
BreastCheck is confident that the target date of 2007 for the commencement of roll-out to the west will be met; a more exact date for roll-out will depend on the availability of adequately trained medical and technical staff, particularly radiographers. BreastCheck recently interviewed for a clinical director for the west and is in the process of making an appointment. BreastCheck is also recruiting radiographers and a second consultant radiologist. BreastCheck also recently received planning permission for the static unit at University College Hospital Galway and is now proceeding to tender for the construction of this unit.
The primary purpose of the National Treatment Purchase Fund is to make arrangements for the provision of hospital treatment to those waiting longest for admission to hospital particularly in relation to surgical specialties. Pending the provision by BreastCheck of the necessary facilities and staff, I do not believe that the National Treatment Purchase Fund would be in a position to source providers who could provide a service along the lines suggested by the Deputy.
Any woman, irrespective of her age or residence, who has concerns about breast cancer should contact her GP, who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.
100 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford is still waiting for an appointment; the efforts being made to reduce the unreasonable waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8475/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
101 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in relation to the Freedom of Information legislation, the Health Service Executive has a section 16 manual that has been updated in the past three years; the way in which to access this manual; if it is not available the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8476/06]
The Freedom of Information Act 1997 requires each public body to publish the rules and procedures relating to enactments and schemes administered by the body in respect of services to which the public may be entitled. The Health Act 2004 established the Health Service Executive as a public body under the FOIA and required the executive to meet this requirement by 1 June 2005. Compliance with this statutory requirement is a matter for that body.
The thrust of this provision of the FOIA is to ensure that individuals are not deprived of a service by reason only of the application of a rule or requirement of which they were unaware. There is an onus on the executive to ensure that any deficiencies in the guidance published under section 16 do not lead to unfairness in the administration of services.
Electronic publication is expressly permitted under the Act. Prior to 2005, each health board published material under this section of the FOIA. Bodies such as the Health Service Employers' Agency which were incorporated into the executive published similar material on their websites.
The Health Service Executive has yet to publish a document or digest under this provision of the Act. As the Health Service Executive is a public body in its own right under the Act, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to address this matter and respond directly to the Deputy.
102 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which the award of medical cards is assessed; if detailed guidelines are publicly available; the areas in which they can be accessed; if they are not available the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8477/06]
Responsibility for the determination of eligibility of applicants to medical cards and GP visit cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive. Under section 45 of the Health Act 1970, medical cards are provided for persons who in the opinion of the HSE are unable without undue hardship to arrange GP medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. Section 58 of the Health Act 1970, as amended, provides for GP visit cards for adult persons with limited eligibility for whom, in the opinion of the HSE and notwithstanding that they do not qualify for a medical card, it would be unduly burdensome to arrange GP medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants.
Eligibility is determined on the basis of the assessment of income and medical need. Income guidelines are used by the HSE. The income guidelines are not statutorily binding and medical cards may be granted by the HSE to persons in circumstances where the income guidelines may be exceeded but the particular circumstances of the case warrant such a decision.
Since 2005 there have been significant improvements to the way in which people's eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is assessed. In January 2005, the income guidelines used in the assessment of medical card applications were increased by 7.5%. In June 2005, the means test for both medical cards and GP visit cards was simplified. It is now based on an applicant's and spouse's income after tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, child care and travel to work. This is much fairer to applicants. On 13 October 2005, it was announced that the income guidelines for both medical cards and GP visit cards would be increased by an additional 20%. This means the income guidelines are now 29% higher than they were at the end of 2004. It will be noted that the income assessment guidelines used for GP visit cards are 25% higher than those used for medical cards.
In December 2005, the Department asked the HSE to take account of the welfare, taxation and other changes announced in the budget on the operation of the income guidelines and to identify any changes which may be required in order to ensure that medical cards and GP visit cards continue to be available to those who need them. The HSE has recently responded and its report is under consideration.
The HSE has publicised the changes, as outlined above, to encourage people to apply and has made the application process as simple as possible. It has introduced a national information line at 1850 24 1850, which operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Information is also available on the HSE's website and in local health centres where application forms for medical cards and GP visit cards are available. A copy of the current guidelines is provided. If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, I would be happy to have the matter investigated for her with the HSE on receipt of the details.
|
Single Person Living Alone |
Medical Card |
GP Visit Card |
|
Aged up to 65 years |
184.00 |
230.50 |
|
Aged between 66-69 years |
201.50 |
252.00 |
|
Single Person Living with Family |
||
|
Aged up to 65 years |
164.00 |
205.00 |
|
Aged between 66-69 years |
173.50 |
217.00 |
|
Married Couple / Single Parent Families with Dependent Children |
||
|
Aged up to 65 years |
266.50 |
333.00 |
|
Aged between 66-69 years |
298.00 |
373.00 |
|
Aged between 70-79 years (Footnote 1) |
595.50 |
745.00 |
|
Aged 80 years and over (Footnote 2) |
627.00 |
783.50 |
|
Additional Allowances for Dependent Children |
||
|
For first 2 children under 16 years |
38.00 |
47.50 |
|
For 3rd and subsequent children under 16 years |
41.00 |
51.00 |
|
For first 2 children over 16 years |
39.00 |
49.00 |
|
For 3rd and subsequent children over 16 years |
42.50 |
53.50 |
|
For a dependant over 16 years who is in full-time third level education and not grant-aided |
78.00 |
98.00 |
|
Other Additional Allowances |
||
|
Reasonable Weekly Rent/Mortgage |
||
|
Reasonable Weekly Child Card Costs |
||
|
Weekly Travel Costs to Work (Actual cost of public transport of mileage @ €0.50 per mile) |
Footnote 1: This is the weekly rate used to assess a couple where one person is aged 70 years or over and the other has not yet reached 70 years
Footnote 2: This is the weekly rate used to assess a couple where one person is aged 80 years or over and the other has not yet reached 70 years
103 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which entitlement to home help is assessed; if detailed guidelines are publicly available; if so, the areas where they can be accessed; if not, the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8478/06]
The Deputy's question refers to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
104 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the criteria used to determine whether a person obtains a place in a public nursing home; if detailed guidelines are publicly available; if so, the areas where they can be accessed; if not, the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8479/06]
The Deputy's question refers to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
105 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which entitlement to the new home care packages is assessed; if the assessment takes account of a carer on the carer’s allowance or benefit; if detailed guidelines are publicly available; if so, the areas where they can be accessed; if not, the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8480/06]
The Deputy's question refers to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
106 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of County Mayo patients on referral waiting lists for rheumatology services on a yearly basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8489/06]
The Deputy's question refers to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
107 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the planned programme for implementation of the primary care strategy in the forthcoming 12 months; the number of additional primary care teams and networks to be put in place in that period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8490/06]
The Government is fully committed to the implementation of the principles contained in the primary care strategy, which provides a template for the reform and development of primary care services over a period of ten to 15 years. The chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive has also emphasised the importance of developing primary care services as the appropriate service for the majority of people's health and social care needs and to complement the services provided by acute hospitals. This is an important priority of the executive and has my full endorsement. The implementation process at operational level is a function of the HSE which, under the Health Act 2004, is responsible for the management and delivery of health and personal social services.
In order to support further implementation of the strategy in 2006, additional revenue funding of €16 million has been provided. Of this funding, €10 million is to support the establishment of between 75 and 100 primary care teams nationally. This will enable 300 additional frontline personnel to work alongside GPs in order to provide integrated and accessible services in the community. I have been informed by the HSE that work to establish these primary care teams in development is under way. I understand that the executive will be targeting the funding so as to provide each local health office of the HSE with the potential to develop up to three primary care teams. The executive hopes to focus on areas of disadvantage and health inequalities in its planning for the establishment of these teams.
A sum of €4 million has been provided for the establishment of additional GP training places and €2 million to enhance GP out-of-hours co-operatives. This means that taking into account development funding provided since 2002, €28 million is available in 2006 specifically to support the implementation of the primary care strategy. However, other development funding will also be used to support the delivery of services in line with the principles of the strategy.
Wider implementation of the primary care strategy will focus on developing new ways of working and reorganising the resources already available to the health service in line with the service model described in the strategy. This whole-system approach to implementation means change will be required in many sectors in the health service, not solely within primary care itself.
108 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a fully qualified nurse (details supplied) from Croatia has been refused registration as a nurse here and cannot therefore obtain hospital work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8492/06]
An Bord Altranais has statutory responsibility for the registration of nurses under the Nurses Act 1985. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that An Bord Altranais must process each application thoroughly to ensure that all those entered on the register of nurses are deemed professionally qualified and competent for such registration. The protection of the public underpins this process. I am satisfied that the board discharges its functions in a professional manner.
An Bord Altranais, as the competent authority in the Republic of Ireland, utilises Directive 77/453/EEC to inform its strategy for assessing non-EU applications for registration from applicants qualified as nurses in countries outside of the EU. The assessment also includes reference to relevant post-registration education and relevant post-registration clinical practice experience. Given the statutory functions of the board it would not be appropriate for the Minister to intervene in individual applications for registration.
109 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a further three hours of home help will be allocated to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8498/06]
The Deputy's question refers to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
110 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of County Mayo patients on ear, nose and throat waiting lists for referral and appointment to University College Hospital Galway and Mayo General Hospital; the length of time they are on the lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8510/06]
The Deputy's question refers to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
111 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that requests for voluntary ambulance service providers to co-operate do not mean they will not be fully consulted and involved in decision-making, in view of the contributions they have made over the years (details supplied). [8523/06]
The Deputy's question refers to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
112 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will receive a final reply from the national repayment scheme. [8525/06]
As the Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the national repayment scheme, inquiries concerning individual cases are referred to the parliamentary affairs division of the executive. My Department has asked the HSE to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
113 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street, is given priority in terms of the McKinsey report and task group; and if support will be given to this project. [8530/06]
On 3 February, the Health Service Executive published a report on the delivery of tertiary paediatric services in this country. The report, which was commissioned by the HSE at my request and prepared by McKinsey and Company, recommends that best outcomes for children should be provided by one national tertiary paediatric centre, which would also provide all secondary paediatric services for the greater Dublin area.
Arising from the report's recommendations, a joint HSE and Department of Health and Children task group has been established to progress matters and to advise on the optimal location for the new facility. My primary concern is to ensure that we arrive at a solution which is in the best interests of the children of this country.
114 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the additional funding provided in 2004 and 2005 to programmes aimed at satisfying the mental health elements of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 and the Disability Act 2005; what these programmes are; the allocation of funds for such programmes planned for the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8591/06]
An integral part of the national disability strategy is the implementation of the provisions of the Disability Act 2005 and the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004. The multi-annual investment programme for disability services, published in December 2004 by the Government, contained details of specific commitments on the provision of specific high-priority disability services over the period 2006 to 2009. This programme, together with the enhancement of other key support services, will be a key factor in building additional capacity in health services, including mental health services.
The cumulative value of the multi-annual investment programme when published was €900 million, the bulk of which to be spent on health services. In 2005 the Department made available an additional €15 million for the further development of mental health services. Details of the services provided are a matter for the Health Service Executive.
115 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the elements of the home care package for the elderly which will be in place in 2006; the body that will deliver the services; the way in which it is intended to ensure equality of service nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8592/06]
As the Deputy will be aware, additional funding of €150 million has been allocated in budget 2006 for services for older people and palliative care, €110 million of which is to be invested in 2006 and €40 million in 2007. Approximately two thirds of this money, €109 million, has been allocated to meet the full-year cost of community support for older people. Well funded and viable alternatives to long-term residential care will be developed in the form of home care packages, additional home help hours and other supports.
Of this investment package, €55 million has been allocated for the provision of home care packages. This is a full-year cost, with the figure for 2006 being €30 million, and will provide 2,000 additional packages by the end of this year. Approximately 1,100 home care packages are being provided at present and the increase will triple the service provision. The packages are delivered through the HSE by a range of providers including the executive, voluntary groups and the private sector.
With regard to the Deputy's specific question regarding the delivery of these services, the Deputy will be aware that the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which has 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 home care packages. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
116 Mr. Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the RAPID report, which outlined the socio-economic deprivation in Tallaght west, and the report entitled How are our Kids?, which found huge inequalities in the provision of education, with 27% of children leaving school with no qualifications, while 34% finished at junior certificate level; if, in addition, according to Combat Poverty, almost one fifth of the population was at risk of poverty in 2004 and, in view of these reports, if her Department had any meeting specifically on the findings; and the new measures, sanctions or proposals she proposes to introduce in response to the considerable problems highlighted. [4562/06]
As the Deputy is aware, RAPID aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within the 45 designated areas. The priorities for each RAPID area are identified locally by each RAPID area implementation team, and are incorporated into a plan for each area. In west Tallaght, RAPID covers three areas, namely Killinarden, Jobstown and Fettercairn.
RAPID is implemented locally by a cross-sectoral area implementation team, AIT, and is supported by a RAPID co-ordinator. The city and county development boards monitor the programme locally. The RAPID national monitoring committee, chaired by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, oversees the programme nationally. Each RAPID area has produced a plan for the implementation of the programme in its community. These plans contained a variety of proposals to Departments and State agencies for the funding of new projects. They also contained proposals to improve local co-ordination of public service delivery. I assume this is the RAPID report to which the Deputy refers.
Some small-scale proposals from communities are responded to through a range of dedicated RAPID funds, which resource projects such as playground developments, small-scale housing estate enhancements, small-scale community health initiatives, equality for women measures and traffic safety measures. Larger-scale local proposals are responded to through Government prioritisation of RAPID areas in the use of mainstream departmental resources and in the allocation of funds such as dormant accounts, the equal opportunities programme, the sports capital programme and the community-based CCTV programme.
Existing programmes in the Tallaght RAPID areas include, inter alia, playground schemes, local authority housing estate enhancement scheme, sports capital programme funding, the traffic measures scheme, health projects, parenting, child and family services and after-school services, community-based CCTV, Garda diversion and drugs task force projects.
The How Are Our Kids? research project undertaken by the childhood development initiative and Dartington social research unit was published in October 2004. The report was one of eight preliminary research documents which culminated in the publication of A Place for Children, a ten-year strategy by the childhood development initiative in Tallaght west.
As the Deputy is aware, the ten-year strategy was launched by the Taoiseach in October 2005. At that time, the Government welcomed the goals and aims of the initiative and it is clear that the strategy is the result of an enormous amount of work at community level.
The objective of the strategy is to improve children's health, safety, learning and achieving and to increase their sense of community belonging. The Government has put a number of initiatives in place with the ultimate aim of improving children's lives in areas such as Tallaght west. As a Government-designated geographic area of disadvantage, namely a RAPID area, it has been estimated that approximately €27 million was spent in the year 2004-05 by statutory bodies on children's services in the part of it covered by the strategy. I know the project recognises that.
Developments through this and other programmes in the areas of education, health and youth justice at national level are mirrored in the approach outlined in the childhood development initiative's ten-year strategy.
A number of meetings between representatives of this and other related projects have already taken place with the relevant Departments' officials. In December 2005, the Government announced the bringing together of a number of functions relating to children and their well-being in the Office of the Minister for Children, OMC, to bring greater coherence to policy-making for children. In that context, the Office of the Minister for Children will co-ordinate developments on this matter on behalf of the Government.
117 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a full listing of all foods subject to VAT at 21%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8430/06]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to supply a complete listing of all food items which are subject to the 21% rate of VAT. In general, under paragraph (xii) of the Second Schedule to the Value Added Tax Act, 1972, most food sold by retail shops is liable to the zero rate of VAT. This includes most basic foodstuffs, for example, bread, butter, tea, sugar, meat, milk and vegetables. However, certain food items which are specifically excluded from the zero rate of VAT are subject to either the reduced VAT rate of 13.5% or the standard rate of 21%.
Examples of foods which are subject to the reduced VAT rate of 13.5% include flour or egg-based bakery products such as cakes, crackers and certain wafers and biscuits. These are provided for under paragraph (xxxi) of the Sixth Schedule to the Value Added Tax Act, 1972.
Examples of foods which are subject to the standard VAT rate of 21% include sweets, chocolates, wafers and biscuits wholly or partly covered or decorated with chocolate or other similar product, confectionery, crisps, ice-creams and soft drinks, and also frozen desserts, frozen yoghurts and similar frozen products.
Hot food, including hot cooked chickens, sold by retail shops or supermarkets is liable to the reduced VAT rate of 13.5%. However, freshly baked bread supplied in the course of a grocery business is liable to the rate appropriate to the same food when cold.
A dedicated VAT information leaflet, no. 19/01, on the rates of VAT applicable to food and drink is available on the Revenue Commissioners' website at www.revenue.ie. Access to a database providing VAT rates for specific items, including food items, is also available on the Revenue Commissioners' website.
118 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the practice by which builders and property developers avoid stamp duty at 9% by building under licence; the value of such transactions; the estimated cost of tax and stamp duty foregone to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8382/06]
Stamp duty is a charge on documents, which are mostly legal documents, used in the transfer of property. Where a property is purchased or swapped, stamp duty is charged on the conveyance or transfer effecting change of legal ownership of the property concerned. Under the stamp duty code, a builder or developer can obtain a licence from a vendor to build on land owned by the vendor without incurring a stamp duty charge at that stage of the venture. Once the buildings, whether commercial or residential, are completed, the conveyances or transfers of such properties to purchasers are chargeable to stamp duty in the normal manner unless specific exemptions are available to such purchasers. A similar stamp duty treatment would also arise in a situation where a builder or developer contracts to purchase land from a vendor without taking legal title to the land. The developer might complete the contract and not take a conveyance but rather, under a power of attorney given by the vendor, have the power to convey completed buildings to the ultimate purchasers. The normal stamp duty charge will arise on conveyances or transfers of the newly built properties to sub-purchasers subject to any exemptions applying. In such cases the stamp duty, if any, is paid but at a later stage.
Certain developments structured in the manner outlined above have come to the notice of the Revenue Commissioners and the situation is being kept under review. I have asked Revenue to report the outcome of its review to me and I will decide what action, if any, is required bearing in mind the effect on the housing market and the cost to the Exchequer.
As regards capital gains tax, from the point of view of the person who grants a licence to the developer rather than making an outright sale of the lands concerned, the same amount of capital gains tax would arise as if there were such a sale.
119 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the number and value of drug seizures made by customs officers at Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8400/06]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number and value of drug seizures made by customs officers at Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports in each of the past five years is as follows:
|
Year |
No. of Seizures |
Value |
|
€ |
||
|
2001 |
361 |
3,532,700 |
|
2002 |
274 |
4,173,500 |
|
2003 |
381 |
5,157,000 |
|
2004 |
1,302 |
4,725,100 |
|
2005 |
1,110 |
5,507,700 |
In total, Customs have made 3,428 drug seizures with an approximate street value of just over €23.1 million at these three airports in the past five years.
I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most significant trend in recent years has been the steady increase in the number and volume of cocaine supply detection seizures, made mainly at Dublin Airport but also more recently, in 2005, at Cork Airport. The volume of cocaine seized at airports has increased from over 19 kg in 2002 to over 60 kg in 2005. The value of drug seizures has been increasing year on year, except for 2004, when the number of seizures increased and the value decreased marginally.
The large increase in the number of seizures in 2004 and 2005 can be attributed in the main to the opening of the airport mail unit at Dublin Airport. The controls performed by this unit were previously carried out elsewhere. Drug seizures by this unit generally consist of high numbers of small user quantities concealed in letter post. The year 2003 also saw the greatest volume of khat seized in recent years, with just three seizures amounting to 1.05 tonnes of the product with a value of €2,040,000.
Revenue's Customs service is continuously engaged in the analysis and evaluation of seizure trends, routes and smuggling risks and consequential resource deployment. In the past five years, for example, the Revenue has relaunched its drugs watch programme and increased its use of drug detector dog teams.
120 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the number of customs officers based at Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports on the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8401/06]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there are 71 customs officers based at Dublin Airport. This figure includes officers engaged on both enforcement and trade facilitation work. Additionally, for special enforcement operations, the Dublin Airport resource is supported by enforcement officers from locations within the Dublin region.
There are 26 at Shannon Airport, which also includes officers engaged on both enforcement and trade facilitation work. In addition, further enforcement officers based in Limerick are available and are used to augment the Shannon Airport resource on a risk basis.
There are six officers at Cork Airport. These officers are almost exclusively engaged in enforcement work. Further enforcement officers based centrally in Cork are available and are used to augment the Cork Airport resource on a risk basis.
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners has responsibility for the collection of all import duties and the enforcement of prohibitions and restrictions which may apply at import or export. In particular, the office has the primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, and seizure of controlled drugs at importation. They have responsibility for implementing import controls at points of entry into the State, specifically at airports, ports, including licensed airfields, and on the land frontier.
All customs operations are risk-focused and staff are deployed according to the level of risk.
121 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the number of customs officers stationed at Cork Airport is sufficient, especially to deal with the drugs problem; the average number of staff on duty at weekends; if he will confirm that no customs staff are rostered for duty after 11 p.m.; the procedures in place for monitoring flights that land after this hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8402/06]
Revenue's Customs service is continuously engaged in the analysis and evaluation of seizure trends, routes and smuggling risks and consequential resource deployment. In the past five years Revenue has relaunched its drugs watch programme and increased its use of drug detector dog teams with the introduction of dog units. X-ray technology is also deployed to detect concealments in baggage and merchandise.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Cork Airport operates between 5.30 a.m. and midnight. There are six officers permanently stationed there, rostered between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., Monday to Friday. There are 13 additional officers available to augment these numbers. These additional officers are not rostered and are not confined to the 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. work period. They operate seven days a week on a risk analysis basis. They are available to augment the permanent staff from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. or to work on their own outside of those hours. Included is a dog drug detector unit. The airport is covered from a customs perspective during all hours that it is operational. I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they consider the coverage as sufficient, as witnessed by the increasing number and value of seizures at Cork Airport over recent years.
122 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if there have been an unusually high number of errors in tax credit statements in 2006; the reason for these errors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8487/06]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the overall percentage of incorrect tax credit certificates, TCCs, that issued in 2006 was relatively small. Where errors have arisen these have now been corrected and employers have been notified of the revised credits due for the majority of affected employees. Any remaining amended notices will have issued to employers by the end of this week. Amended TCCs are issuing to employees as part of this process and their entitlements will be backdated to the start of the year.
Given the scale of the operation, which involves 2.2 million certificates, it is inevitable that a small proportion of TCCs will be incorrect and will have to be revised. This year the new PAYE computer system, put in place by Revenue last October, gave rise to some additional problems with incorrect TCCs, but the overall percentage of incorrect cases remained relatively small.
Later this year Revenue intends to introduce an on-line service for PAYE taxpayers and to expand the range of other self-service and telephony options for this category of taxpayers. These initiatives will facilitate PAYE taxpayers in self-managing their tax affairs including adjusting their TCCs to reflect their correct entitlements.
123 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance, further to Question No. 108 of 2 February 2006 and subsequent correspondence received from his office, if his special adviser engaged such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8488/06]
I take it that the Deputy is referring to public relations and media advice services in the years 2003 to 2005. My special adviser did not engage such services.
124 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the case made by the Arts Council that artists’ relief should apply to dance compositions and screen direction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8575/06]
I have no current plans to change the scheme in the way suggested, having just reviewed it. As regards the areas mentioned, there are already very significant supports for the arts and film industries through the tax and public expenditure systems. I believe that demands for changes in any scheme should take account of the overall context.
125 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance if licences to install mobile phone base stations on public buildings have been granted to companies (details supplied) since December 2005, either directly through the Office of Public Works or indirectly through sub-licensing agreements with a company or other companies. [8595/06]
126 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance, further to his recent offer to meet residents affected by the installation of new mobile phone base stations at Shankill, his views on whether to meet with parents of children attending schools (details supplied), who are affected by the continued presence of mobile phone base stations on a public building adjacent to the schools. [8596/06]
127 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance the licence under which companies (details supplied) have been granted permission to operate mobile phone base stations in Dublin 6. [8597/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 to 127, inclusive, together.
Two mobile phone companies have been granted a licence by the Commissioners of Public Works to install telecommunications equipment on the State-owned building, Ardee House, in Rathmines.
The Commissioners requested that the companies deactivate their equipment on Ardee House pending the report of the interdepartmental committee on the health effects of electromagnetic radiation. The companies refused to comply with this request and, provided they continue to comply with the terms and conditions of the licence agreement, the Commissioners have no contractual basis for insisting the equipment is deactivated. The companies have not been granted any further licences in respect of State-owned buildings since December 2005.
In the circumstances, I feel a meeting with local parents would not serve any useful purpose at this stage.
128 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the procedures in place to monitor mobile phone masts from a public health point of view; if these facilities are monitored, checked or inspected on an ongoing basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8395/06]
My Department maintains a watching scientific brief on health issues relating to electromagnetic energy, also known as "non-ionising radiation", including those related to mobile phone base stations. Ireland has adopted European Union Council recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields — 0 Hz to 300 GHz, 1999/519/EC — and the guidelines established by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection, ICNIRP, and participates in the work of the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety, which sets standards in this area.
Mobile telephony equipment operators are subject to compliance with these limits in order to qualify for a licence from the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. ComReg conducts audit measurements to verify compliance with these limits.
My Department chairs an interdepartmental committee on the health effects of electromagnetic fields. This committee will provide advice to Government on the appropriate action to be taken on foot of the recommendations contained in the Joint Oireachtas Committee report on non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts published in June 2005. This committee established and is overseeing the work of an expert group that will produce a scientific report on the health effects of electromagnetic fields.
129 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if funding announced was ever sanctioned and awarded towards a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the position on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8454/06]
The Mullet Peninsula project group was set up in 2001 by the then Minister for Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Fahey, as a pilot project to devise a strategy for the development of sustainable marine based tourism in the Mullet Peninsula, County Mayo. The project was allocated a budget of €127,000 for 2002, of which this Department was to provide some €32,000. The balance of funding was to be provided by other State agencies involved in the project. The project group claimed and was paid €4,471.59 from the Department in 2002. I understand that while a number of meetings of the group were held in 2002, it did not prove possible for its work to be completed and no further expenses were incurred.
130 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has sought or received information from the various sporting codes in regard to free-to-air televised coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8586/06]
Last December I announced my intention to commence a review required under section 9 of the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act 2003. The purpose of the review is to consider if the list of events designated in 2003 should be amended. As part of the review I initiated a public consultation process and wrote to sports organisations and broadcasters. I have received submissions from event organisers, broadcasters and members of the public via written submission, e-mail and on an Internet forum. The submissions received have been made available on my Department's website. A report on the review is being prepared in my Department and I intend to complete the review shortly.
131 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if payments were made or are to be made for the work done by a person (details supplied) on the Corrib gas pipeline project; if so, the person or entity to whom these payments were or will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8312/06]
132 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a person (details supplied) who has been appointed by him to carry out work involving the Corrib gas project is receiving payments for their work; if so, the payments made to date; and the details of further payments if there is an expectation of further payments to be made in the future for this person’s work. [8313/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.
I confirm that no payment has been made to the mediator at this stage. Payment in respect of fees and expenses will be made to the mediator. The level of payment will reflect the time spent and expenses incurred by the mediator in this process.
133 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will comment on the inconsistency of his statements with regard to US use of Irish air space and ground-based facilities as against its operation of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility; the reason he is content to accept one form of diplomatic assurance while unwilling to accept another emanating from the US Administration on a congruent subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8310/06]
The two issues raised by the Deputy are separate and need to be considered on their merits, as the Government has done. On Guantanamo Bay, the Government's position on the condition and status of detainees is clear and has been consistently conveyed to the United States authorities. The United States has set out its general approach to the issue on many occasions. The Government's position, on the other hand, is as set out by me in the House on 22 February, namely, that we fully endorse the views of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, that those held in Guantanamo Bay should either be charged or released and that the United States should close the facility.
The position with respect to allegations of extraordinary rendition is completely different. In this matter, the Government has sought and received explicit assurances from the US Government. These state that prisoners have not been, nor would they be, transferred through Irish territory without the express permission of the Irish authorities. It has been made clear by the Government that, in conformity with the relevant domestic and international law, permission would not be granted for the transit of an aircraft participating in an extraordinary rendition operation or for any other unlawful act.
The Government has carefully considered the value of these assurances having regard to their obligations under international law. This has included an examination of the European Court of Human Rights' consideration of a contracting party's entitlement to rely on diplomatic assurances made to it by a third state in the different context of extradition or expulsion of known individuals to that state. The Government is satisfied that it is entitled under international law to rely on clear and explicit factual assurances given by the government of a friendly state on a matter which is within the direct control of that government.
134 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if assistance will be given to the homeless Irish in England; and the supports given to Irish emigrant groups in England. [8529/06]
In pursuit of the Government's strong commitment to the Irish abroad, some €12 million is available for emigrant services in 2006. This figure represents an increase of 45% on 2005. The needs of the Irish community in Britain is a particular priority for the Government. In 2005, more than 100 groups in Britain received grants from my Department amounting to €7.06 million. These included a range of organisations which provide support and services to homeless people, either exclusively or as part of their wider remit. The groups in question are Acton Homeless Concern; Aisling Return to Ireland; Arlington House; Broadway, London; Cara; Cricklewood Homeless Concern; Irish Centre Housing, London; Fireside Day Centre, Birmingham; St. Theresa's House, Peterborough; The Passage; The Simon Community; St. Mungo's; and Connection at St. Martin's.
In addition, many of the other centres funded by my Department in Britain, including Brent Irish Advisory Service, Irish Community Care Merseyside and Community Welfare Hammersmith, offer advice to their clients on housing issues as part of the wider information they provide on welfare entitlements.
135 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding will be provided to a club (details supplied) in County Mayo. [8449/06]
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. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. Applications for funding under the 2006 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 27 and 28 November last. The closing date for receipt of applications was Friday, 20 January. All applications received before the 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.
136 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of funding awarded by his Department to groups directly involved in the promotion of all aspects of the arts in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8579/06]
In the past 12 months my Department has awarded funding totalling €41.325 million, primarily for capital development, to groups involved in the promotion of arts. Details of the individual grants are provided in the table below.
|
Project |
Grant Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
Wexford Opera Festival |
26,000,000 |
|
Gaiety Theatre, Dublin |
4,000,000 |
|
Caherciveen Arts Centre, Kerry |
1,600,000 |
|
Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann |
2,500,000 |
|
Tipperary Excel Heritage Company, Tipperary |
1,560,000 |
|
Dún Mhuire Theatre, Wexford |
375,000 |
|
Irish Chamber Orchestra, Limerick |
100,000 |
|
Garter Lane Arts Centre, Waterford |
100,000 |
|
Siamsa Tíre, Kerry |
120,000 |
|
Triskel Arts Centre, Cork |
20,000 |
|
Belltable Arts Centre, Limerick |
320,000 |
|
Spraoi, Waterford |
40,000 |
|
CREATE, Dublin |
6,000 |
|
Graffiti Theatre Company, Cork |
10,000 |
|
Irish Film Institute, Dublin |
25,000 |
|
Thurles Arts Centre, Co.Tipperary |
40,000 |
|
Tinteán Theatre, Co. Kerry |
350,000 |
|
Strand Theatre, Co.Tipperary |
250,000 |
|
Tech Amergin Waterville, Kerry |
150,000 |
|
Abbey Theatre, Dublin |
509,000 |
|
Anna Livia Opera Festival |
250,000 |
|
Light House Cinema, Dublin |
1,000,000 |
|
Píobairí Uileann |
2,000,000 |
|
Total |
41,325,000 |
The principal source of non-capital State funding for the arts is the Arts Council which, although funded by my Department, is independent in its day-to-day operations.
137 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, having regard to its major contribution to the sporting, social and cultural life of the area, favourable consideration will be given to the application for grant aid towards its redevelopment programme in the case of a club (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8580/06]
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. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. Applications for funding under the 2006 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 27 and 28 November last. The closing date for receipt of applications was Friday, 20 January. All applications received before the 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.
140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to a fall of in tourism in areas outside the capital; his proposals to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8584/06]
I refer the Deputy to the reply given earlier in response to priority Question No. 31.
141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has issued instructions to the tourism promoting agencies with a view to maximising the promotion of tourism in tandem with the Ryder Cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8585/06]
The hosting of the Ryder Cup at the K Club in September is a key event for tourism this year and a unique opportunity to market all that Ireland has to offer as a tourism destination. In recognition of this the Government has made a significant level of resources available to Fáilte Ireland to ensure the tourism spin-off to Ireland and golfing tourism in particular is maximised. The 2006 Revised Estimates Volume published last week allocated an additional €4.5 million to Fáilte Ireland to support an enhanced programme of marketing and promotional activities around the Ryder Cup, including a national branding programme and a number of golf marketing initiatives. The aim of this programme, to be delivered in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, is to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the unique event that is the Ryder Cup, with a view to promoting an enduring positive image of tourism here. Fáilte Ireland will also engage with the European tour for delivery of an appropriate complementary programme of events around the Ryder Cup, including the official opening and closing ceremonies and other initiatives intended to raise the profile of the occasion.
Tourism Ireland's network of overseas market offices is being deployed to maximise the positive publicity the television coverage, with an expected audience of more than 1 billion in 150 countries, will generate. Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels is primarily devolved to the Arts Council, a State body funded by my Department and independent in its day-to-day operations.
142 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of community based groups involved in the production of musicals or festivals which received grant aid from his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8588/06]
Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council, a State body funded by my Department. Fáilte Ireland allocates funding to assist festivals and cultural events through its festivals and cultural events initiative. Further details on the festivals and cultural events initiative is available on the Fáilte Ireland website www.ireland.ie. Both the Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland are independent of my Department with regard to daily operational matters.
144 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of task forces which have been set up in the past five years arising from job losses in particular areas; the number of employees who lost their jobs for each of the task forces set up; the works undertaken by each of the task forces; and the number of replacement jobs found by each of the various task forces. [8311/06]
No task forces have been set up in recent years arising from job losses in particular areas. The practice of establishing task forces has changed since the establishment of the county development boards. Rather than establishing a further layer by creating task forces, the relevant CDB is now seen as the body that is best placed to oversee any additional response that is required over and above the work of the industrial development agencies under the auspices of my Department.
I should point out that notwithstanding this, there is currently an interdepartmental group, under the chairmanship of the Secretary General of my Department, which is considering a broad range of issues relevant to the future development of County Donegal.
145 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the situation with regard to a grant previously allocated for an enterprise centre at Bray, County Wicklow; if this grant is still available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8482/06]
I should point out that the allocation of grants under the community enterprise centre, CEC, scheme is the responsibility of Enterprise Ireland, the agency charged with administering the scheme, and is not a matter in which I have a direct role.
I am informed by Enterprise Ireland that in 2000, the agency approved grant support for Bray Community Enterprise Limited towards the building of a community enterprise centre in Bray and towards the management costs for the first two years. A condition of the grant agreement was that construction should commence not later than 1 September 2000 and be completed not later than 30 September 2001. The project proposal was based on the construction of the enterprise centre in a business park that was to be developed at Fassaroe. The developers had made a site available for the centre. However, in 2000 the business park was refused planning permission and the entire development, including the community enterprise centre proposal, did not go ahead.
In the intervening years, the proposers have made a number of attempts to develop an alternative project proposal. However, they have been unable to put together a viable total funding proposal. In October 2005, Enterprise Ireland stated that it was aware that there was still a commitment by Bray Community Enterprise Ltd. to drive the Bray CEC project forward and of the difficulties that the group has encountered in trying to achieve this. Enterprise Ireland also stated that in the event that a viable proposal for a CEC in Bray was submitted, Enterprise Ireland would be prepared to discuss the project with the group but given the time lapse since the original proposal was approved Enterprise Ireland could not make a commitment as to what its decision might be on such a proposal.
Enterprise Ireland is currently inviting submissions from all interested communities under the community enterprise centre 2006 scheme, which has a fund of €7 million. The closing date for receipt of applications is 27 April 2006. The programme will extend the previous Enterprise Ireland community enterprise centre 2002 scheme with some minor amendments regarding eligibility and evaluation criteria. As a result of the time lapse involved, and the recent launch on the new scheme, Enterprise Ireland is in the process of notifying proposers of projects approved under the previous schemes which have not as yet been taken up, including Bray, that the approval is under final review.
146 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Question No. 670 of 28 September 2005, the grant aid which has been returned to his Department; the discussions his Department has had with the company concerned regarding alternative employment on the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8497/06]
The company in question has not returned any grant aid to Enterprise Ireland. Discussions between the agency and the company concerning grant aid are ongoing. Progress is being made and I understand that a conclusion should be reached in the near future. The process involves the consideration of complex legal issues and a final decision will have to be made by the board of Enterprise Ireland.
The issue of further investment at Rooskey continues to be discussed with the company but, given the adequacy of its facilities nationwide, no further investment has been forthcoming for the site at Rooskey. However, I should point out that, notwithstanding this, the company has made significant investment in its overall Irish pork processing business over the last few years.
147 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the practice in a hotel (details supplied) has been brought to his attention whereby permanent and other staff are being required to seek unemployment benefit for periods of four weeks by the hotel management as a cost saving measure; his views on this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8500/06]
It appears that the employer concerned has put the staff on lay-off. An employer is not required by statute to give my Department notice of his intention to place staff on lay-off. In accordance with the provisions of the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 to 2003, a lay-off situation exists when an employer suspends an employee's employment because there is no work available, when the employer expects the cessation of work to be temporary and when the employer notifies the employee to this effect.
An employee who wishes to claim a redundancy lump sum because of lay-off must serve notice of intention to claim in writing within four weeks after the lay-off ceases. If the lay-off does not cease after four weeks, the employee can serve notice of intention to claim redundancy. Form RP9 must be used for this purpose.
In order to become entitled to claim a redundancy lump sum after a period of lay-off, that period must be at least four consecutive weeks or a broken series of six weeks where all six fall within a 13-week period. An employee who wishes to terminate his or her contract of employment by reason of lay-off must give his or her employer the notice required by his her contract or if none is required, at least one week's notice.
If an employee gives notice to claim redundancy in a lay-off situation, it is open to the employer to contest any liability to pay statutory redundancy to the employee on the grounds that it is reasonable to expect that within four weeks of the date of service of his or her notice, the employee will enter upon a period of employment of not less than 13 weeks during which he or she will not be on lay-off for any week. If the employer is not in a position to offer the employee 13 weeks unbroken service, then he must accede to the employee's claim for statutory redundancy.
An employee who claims and receives a redundancy payment in respect of lay-off is deemed to have voluntarily left his or her employment and therefore not entitled to notice under the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts, 1973 to 2001. An employee is entitled to receive unemployment benefit while on lay-off.
148 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the rules and conditions applying to the award of rent supplement; if these regulations include actions which the Health Service Executive may take where an allegation is submitted that a recipient may be engaged in serious anti-social behaviour; and his views on the introduction of amending legislation if there is no such provision (details supplied). [8491/06]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of my Department by the Health Service Executive, provides for the payment of a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of rent to eligible persons in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation needs. In order to qualify for rent supplement a person must satisfy a number of conditions including: the person must be a bona fide tenant; be habitually resident in the State; have a housing need; and satisfy a means test. In addition, the executive must be satisfied that the accommodation is suited to the person's needs and the rent payable is within the prescribed limits.
In the case of private rent accommodation, anti-social behaviour by a tenant is a matter for the landlord in the first instance. There are a number of avenues open to landlords in such cases, including the mediation service for landlords and tenants operated by the Private Residential Tenancies Board. If necessary, the landlord may seek termination of the tenancy which, if effected, would result in the termination of rent supplement.
The Health Service Executive has authority under legislation to refuse, suspend or terminate payment of a rent supplement in the case of a person who has been required to deliver up possession of a dwelling provided by a housing authority or an approved body where the reasons for that requirement include anti-social behaviour or the interests of good estate management. I am satisfied that these existing measures are adequate and I have no plans to make any changes to the social welfare legislation in this regard.
149 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Question No. 394 of 22 November 2005, the status of an application regarding rent supplement for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8294/06]
Rent supplements are payable under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department has any function in determining entitlement in individual cases. The western region of the executive has advised that the person concerned was refused rent supplement as the household income was in excess of the means limits applicable in his family circumstances. The person concerned has appealed this decision to the executive's appeals office, which has advised that the appeal is likely to be held shortly and that the person will be notified of the outcome.
150 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost in a full year of extending the over 80 allowance to the qualified adults of contributory old age pensioners in full and on a pro-rata basis. [8455/06]
The over 80 allowance is an extra payment to people receiving social welfare pensions and in budget 2006 I was pleased to raise this to €10 per week. The allowance is paid in respect of the main claimant and is not currently available to those receiving social welfare support as qualified adults on the pension of their spouse or partner.
At present, there are almost 3,700 qualified adults who are over 80 years of age on old age contributory and retirement pensions. The cost of extending the full allowance to this group is about €1.94 million per annum. The equivalent cost of paying it on a pro-rata basis, assuming payment at 77% of the maximum personal rate, is estimated at €1.5 million per annum. The matter will be kept under review.
151 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the funding which has been allocated to date to a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the costs which have been incurred to date; the category of each cost; the person to whom this funding was paid; when this project was first announced; when it is envisaged that the project will be operational; if a feasibility study has been carried out on this proposal; if so, at what cost; if the feasibility study has been published; the findings of same; and if he will provide a copy of reports and studies carried out regarding this project. [8453/06]
As the Deputy may be aware, responsibility for Westport Harbour Commissioners has transferred from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to my Department with effect from 1 January 2006. A payment of €94,276 was made to Westport Harbour Commissioners in December 2002. The Department stipulated that due to curtailment in funding this payment was made on the strict condition that there would be no expectation whatsoever of any further funding. The payment was in respect of expenditure incurred in the preparation and the implementation of the integrated development plan up to November 2002 and related to professional fees regarding the preparation of the integrated development plan and a feasibility study; project development costs including part of the salary of a marine engineer, boat hire costs and general administration expenses; infrastructure work in the harbour; improvements to the navigational channel; and lighting.
The feasibility study was carried out in 2002 by consultants appointed by Mayo County Council and Westport Harbour Commissioners. The cost of this study was €34,001. This study was not published by my Department. I will arrange for a copy of the feasibility study to be forwarded to the Deputy. There remains no possibility that funding will be provided for the disengagement measure of the NDP 2000 to 2006 in respect of regional harbours. The limited resources available for expenditure on regional harbours have been concentrated on public safety works pending the transfer of certain regional harbours to local authority control. Westport Harbour Commissioners have been a substantial beneficiary in the allocation of this funding and have received €411,319 since 2004.
152 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the position on the mandatory introduction of digital tachographs; the way in which this will be enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8288/06]
The European Parliament and the Council recently reached agreement on a new EU regulation governing driving times, breaks and rest periods for professional drivers. The regulation provides that the fitment of digital tachographs in new vehicles will become mandatory throughout the community 20 days after the publication of the new regulation in the EU Official Journal. Publication is expected to take place in April 2006 and for digital tachographs to become mandatory for new vehicles from early May 2006.
My Department has already introduced the national legislation necessary to enforce the compulsory fitting of digital tachographs in new vehicles that are registered in the State from May 2006 in line with the EU deadline. From then vehicle operators will be obliged to ensure that any new vehicle they take delivery of complies with these regulations. Where breaches of these rules are detected at checkpoints or premises visits the operator will be liable to prosecution.
153 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the extensive development currently under way at the new town site of Adamstown and the proposed opening of a new railway station on the Dublin to Kildare line in March 2007, which is intended to service the new inhabitants of the town as well as the current users of this train line, an expansion of train services to include larger trains and more frequent services is planned; if so, if such an expansion of services will take place from the opening of the Adamstown train station; if not, his views on the allocation of funding to facilitate the expansion of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8393/06]
154 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if bus services to cater for the new residents of Adamstown will come on stream; the funding which has been made available to Dublin Bus in order to cater for the new inhabitants of this town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8394/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.
I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that it plans to provide a commuter service to and from Adamstown when the station opens next year. The station will be served by existing Kildare line commuter trains and the level of service will be optimized within the constraints of the existing double track layout taking due account of InterCity demands. The service will be upgraded and extended following completion of the four-tracking scheme on the line. The public inquiry for this project concluded on 2 February 2006. When I receive the inspector's report following the inquiry, I will be in a position to consider the granting of a railway order for the upgrade works. Subject to the outcome of this statutory process, Iarnród Éireann expects that the upgrade works will be completed by 2010.
The position regarding bus services is that on 20 January 2006, Dublin Bus submitted an application for funding to me for additional fleet requirements. This application takes account of projected growth in demand from the Adamstown area. I will make a decision on this application when the assessment of the application by my Department has been completed.
155 Mr. O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of Baltimore Harbour; if there are proposals that the local authority would take over the harbour board; his plans to have an amalgamation of Baltimore Harbour Board with the Cork Port Authority; and if it is proposed to provide financial support to allow Baltimore Harbour Board continue as an independent board. [8397/06]
156 Mr. O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of Kinsale Harbour; if there are proposals that the local authority would take over the harbour board; his further plans to have an amalgamation of Kinsale Harbour Board with the Cork Port Authority; and if it is proposed to provide financial support to allow Kinsale Harbour Board continue as an independent board. [8398/06]
157 Mr. O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of Bantry Harbour; if there are proposals that the local authority would take over the harbour board; his further plans to have an amalgamation of Bantry Harbour Board with the Cork Port Authority; and if it is proposed to provide financial support to allow Bantry Harbour Board to continue as an independent board. [8399/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 to 157, inclusive, together.
The Government's ports policy statement, which was launched in January 2005, states the continued operation of many of the regional harbours under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act 1946 is unsustainable on the grounds of good governance. The policy statement reiterated the view that most of these harbours would best achieve their potential through their transfer to local authority ownership or, where this is not possible, sale to the private sector. In harbours where significant commercial traffic exists consideration will be given to bringing them under the control of a port company.
The Department is working with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to advance the implementation of the ports policy statement with regard to the transfer of the designated regional harbours to their respective local authorities, where appropriate, and to proceed individually in conjunction with the relevant local authorities and harbour authorities, having regard to local requirements in each case.
Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour and Kinsale Harbour are both candidates for transfer to local authority control. As they are situated in the functional area of Cork County Council, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government requested the council to undertake an overall assessment of the potential of both harbours for transfer. This report has now been received and is currently being assessed.
With regard to Bantry Bay, this harbour still has significant commercial traffic, in particular oil tankers using the Whiddy Island oil storage facilities. However, the level of business associated with the harbour would not be such as to justify the establishment of a separate port company under the Harbours Act 1996. In view of this, my Department is of the view that the best way forward for Bantry Bay Harbour is some form of amalgamation with the Port of Cork Company. This would help the future development of the harbour by giving it access to the best regional port management expertise and marketing skills. A due diligence process is currently underway between Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners and the Port of Cork Company to progress the matter.
158 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Transport the measures car drivers can take to reduce fuel consumption while idling in traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8429/06]
My Department supports a policy of seeking to reduce emissions and, therefore, fuel consumption in the transport sector. The significant investment provided for under Transport 21 will improve public transport and reduce road congestion, providing car drivers with alternative transport options and more free flowing traffic conditions.
With regard to the specific measures that drivers can take to reduce fuel consumption, Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, has developed a range of motoring tips for improving fuel efficiency, including advice on action to take while idling in traffic. These are available on its website www.sei.ie. SEI operates under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
SEI estimates that adopting an energy aware driving style, or "eco-driving", can save approximately 13% on fuel consumption, delivering environmental and financial gains for motorists. In recognition of this potential, my Department will be seeking to promote wider application of eco-driving techniques, including through specific initiatives in the public transport, road haulage and taxi sectors as part of Transport 21.
159 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the discussions currently taking place between his Department officials and EU Commission aviation officials; the way in which these discussions relate to the dual gateway policy at Shannon Airport and to the EU open skies agreement with the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8436/06]
My officials have liaised closely with officials from the European Commission at all stages during the negotiations of the draft air transport agreement between the United States of America and the European Community, the text of which was agreed last November, and, in particular, regarding the transitional arrangement for Shannon Airport that forms part of that agreement.
160 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the Government will be curtailed by Article 14 of the EU draft open skies agreement with the US from implementing an emissions trading scheme; his position and that of the Government’s regarding Article 14; if the Government will be proposing amendments to Article 14 to the European Commission prior to the agreement being ratified by the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8437/06]
Neither the Government nor the European Community are in any way curtailed from implementing an emissions trading scheme by Article 14 of the draft air transport agreement between the United States of America and the European Community.
Article 14 of the draft EU-US agreement deals with the environment. The draft text makes it clear that any party to the agreement, including the European Community and each member state individually, may adopt environmental measures in aviation policy without any obligation to agree those measures with the other party, such as the US, beforehand. The memorandum of consultations to the draft agreement makes this clear by stating the two delegations emphasised that nothing in the agreement affects in any way their respective legal and policy positions on various aviation related environmental issues.
The European Commission is clear that there is nothing in the draft agreement that will prevent it from proposing environmental measures such as emissions trading for aviation and I understand the Commission will be making such a proposal later this year. Ireland will consider its response when the details of the proposals are available. In light of the above, there is no reason to propose any changes to Article 14 of the draft agreement and I will not be doing so.
161 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport if a bus run currently operated by a person (details supplied) in County Galway conveying elderly people in north Galway to Tuam would come under the aegis of the rural transport initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8438/06]
I understand the service referred to by the Deputy is a private bus service operating under a licence issued by my Department but not involved in the rural transport initiative, RTI.
The RTI is a pilot scheme, under which funding is made available to 34 community based organisations across the country to address the transport needs of their rural areas through the provision of local transport services. Pobal administers the RTI on behalf of my Department and, together with the RTI groups concerned, is responsible for all the operational aspects of the initiative, including the areas to be served. My Department has no role in these matters.
The pilot period for the RTI comes to a close at the end of 2006 and I have already announced that I intend to put it on a permanent footing from 2007 onwards. Proposals for the roll out of the RTI from 2007 onwards are currently in preparation and, in due course, will form the basis for a public consultation process. In developing proposals for the post 2006 period I will pay particular attention to the needs of rural communities that do not currently have access to public transport.
162 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Transport the number of provisional licence holders that were killed on roads here as a result of a car accident; the figures for the period 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8517/06]
163 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown in figures of road deaths by nationality here for the years 2004 and 2005. [8518/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.
Statistics relating to road accidents based on information provided by the Garda Síochána, are published by the National Roads Authority, NRA, in its annual road accident facts reports. The most recent report, Road Collision Facts, relates to 2004 and is available in the Oireachtas Library and on the NRA website.
In the years 2003, 2004 and 2005, 335, 374 and the provisional figure of 399 persons respectively lost their lives in road collisions. The report does not provide a breakdown of the licence status of road users killed in traffic collisions. The report gives details of the number of cars and goods vehicles involved in fatal collisions classified by the driver's country of residence. Of 245 cars involved in such collisions in 2004, 18 or 7% were driven by drivers who were resident outside the State. In respect of goods vehicles, eight of 90 or 8% were driven by non-residents. The report does not provide data relating to the number of non-nationals who died in road collisions. Statistics relating to 2005 are not yet fully analysed or authenticated.
164 D'fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén líon iarratas ar dheontais do thithe nua a fuarthas ina Roinn ó Ghaeltacht Dhún na nGall i ngach bliain le linn na tréimhse 2000 go 2005 agus cén líon iarratas a ceadaíodh agus a diúltaíodh sa tréimhse chéanna. [8299/06]
Seo leanas an líon iarratas ar dheontas tógála faoi Achtanna na dTithe, Gaeltacht, 1929-2001 a fuarthas ó iarratasóirí i nDún na nGall i ngach bliain le linn na tréimhse 2000 go 2005. Tá an líon iarratasóirí ar ceadaíodh nó ar diúltaíodh deontas dóibh sa tréimhse chéanna leis seo chomh maith. Ní cheadaítear deontas i gcónaí sa bhliain chéanna agus a dhéantar an t-iarratas.
|
Bliain |
Líon iarratas ar Dheontais tógála a fuarthas |
Líon iarratas ar Dheontais tógála a ceadaíodh |
Líon iarratas ar Dheontais tógála a diúltaíodh |
|
2000 |
62 |
31 |
7 |
|
2001 |
64 |
58 |
2 |
|
2002 |
40 |
52 |
4 |
|
2003 |
56 |
46 |
4 |
|
2004 |
59 |
33 |
5 |
|
2005 |
81 |
50 |
7 |
165 D'fhiafraigh Mr. O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cathain a fhoilseoidh sé Tuarascáil Bhliantúil don bhliain 2005 ón gCoimisinéir Teanga; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [8495/06]
Tá tuarascáil an Choimisinéir Teanga don bhliain 2005 faighte agam uaidh le fíor ghairid. I gcomhréir le halt 30.2 d'Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003, tá sé i gceist agam cóip den tuarascáil sin a leagadh faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas go luath.
166 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received an application from a group (details supplied) in Dublin 7 for grant assistance from the emerging needs funds; when a decision will be made on this application; and if his attention has been drawn to the essential rehabilitation services that this project is providing on grossly inadequate resources. [8499/06]
I am aware of the services being provided by this project and I would like to point out that it is in receipt of substantial core funding of approximately €80,000 per annum as part of the north inner city local drugs task force development plan. In addition, FÁS provides funding through its special category CE scheme for the trainees and supervisor of the project.
An application for additional assistance from the emerging needs fund has been made on behalf of the project. That application is currently being considered, as are a large number of other applications seeking assistance from the fund. A decision on funding will be made shortly.
167 D'fhiafraigh Mr. O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an aontaíonn sé go bhfuil an Rialtas ag tabhairt neamhaird ar Fhóram na Gaeilge (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [8514/06]
Ní aontaím leis antuairim sin agus dírím aird an Teachta ar an bhfreagra a thug mé ar cheist uimhir 148 den 8 Feabhra 2006 maidir le hobair an fhóraim.
168 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of hectares of hardwoods which were harvested and sold by Coillte in the past five years. [8473/06]
169 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of hectares of hardwoods which were planted by Coillte in the past five years; the areas in which they were planted; and the native trees which were sown. [8474/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.
The number of hectares of hardwoods which were harvested and sold by Coillte in the past five years are outlined in the table below.
|
Year |
Number of Hectares |
|
2001 |
7 |
|
2002 |
5.7 |
|
2003 |
0 |
|
2004 |
2.1 |
|
2005 |
1.2 |
Coillte's policy towards the management of broad-leaved trees is to prolong the rotation to a maximum through planned thinning and understorey regeneration.
In the same period, Coillte has planted over 3,000 hectares of broad-leaved trees. The details are outlined in the following table.
|
Area |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
Wicklow-Dublin |
65 |
76 |
136 |
75 |
26 |
|
Wexford |
184 |
73 |
34 |
66 |
120 |
|
Laois-Offaly-Kildare |
66 |
29 |
63 |
54 |
53 |
|
Waterford-South Tipperary |
86 |
94 |
68 |
86 |
68 |
|
Limerick-North Tipperary |
27 |
28 |
35 |
46 |
69 |
|
Cork |
58 |
69 |
39 |
77 |
77 |
|
West Cork-South Kerry |
11 |
28 |
19 |
27 |
23 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
0 |
2 |
19 |
0 |
|
Sligo-Leitrim |
16 |
0 |
4 |
19 |
17 |
|
North Leinster |
58 |
7 |
53 |
72 |
24 |
|
Clare |
82 |
83 |
35 |
63 |
65 |
|
East Galway-Roscommon |
24 |
26 |
31 |
66 |
20 |
|
Mayo-Connemara |
58 |
46 |
35 |
90 |
64 |
|
Total |
735 |
559 |
554 |
760 |
626 |
The native trees sown in the period were predominantly ash, oak, alder, birch and rowan. Minor quantities of hazel, scots pine, maple, whitethorn and wild cherry were also used. Other broadleaves such as beech and sycamore were also sown.
170 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision will be made on an inheritance application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for entitlements under the single farm payment scheme. [8297/06]
The person named submitted an application requesting consideration in respect of the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme. The application of the person named was successful and payment will issue shortly.
171 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the difficulty with respect to an application for the single farm payment for a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8306/06]
An application for the single farm payment was received from the person named on 14 May 2005. A land parcel claimed by the applicant was the subject of a dual claim and both persons, who claimed that parcel, were contacted by my Department. This matter was resolved in favour of the applicant. A single farm payment amounting to €2,042.18 will issue to this herd owner shortly.
172 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding an application for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford for the single farm payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8384/06]
My Department has no record of receiving an application for the 2005 single payment scheme from the person named. The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the single payments scheme national reserve under category A. Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May 2005 and who had leased out his or her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000 to 2002.
The position is that more than 23,000 applications for an allocation of entitlements from the national reserve were received when account is taken of farmers who applied under more than one category. Processing of these applications is continuing and the intention is to make allocations to successful applicants at the earliest opportunity.
My Department will be in touch with individual applicants as soon as their applications are fully processed. Formal letters setting out my Department's decision will be issued.
173 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision will be made on an application for single payment entitlements from the national reserve in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8443/06]
My Department has no record of receipt of an application form for the national reserve measure of the single payment scheme from the person named.
174 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to dairy premium on milk quota held in the relevant reference years; if so, when this payment will issue; if her Department has received an application for entitlements from the national reserve from the herd owner; and when a decision will be made on same. [8452/06]
Following the adoption of Council Regulation (EC) 1782/2003, it was decided that the 2005 dairy premium and all other direct payments under the livestock premia and arable aid schemes in Ireland would be decoupled from production with effect from 2005, to be replaced by the single payment scheme. The decoupled dairy premium was based on the eligible milk quota held by dairy farmers on 31 March 2005, provided that they had delivered milk produced on their holding during the 2004-05 milk quota year, or prior to 15 May 2005. As my Department has no record of the persons named having held a milk quota on 31 March 2005, they were not entitled to payment of the dairy premium.
My Department has no record of receipt of an application form for the national reserve measure of the single payment scheme in this case.
175 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the criteria for the payment of veterinarian fees in respect of tuberculosis testing; the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who is paying for tuberculosis testing does not have the right to choose his own veterinarian; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8494/06]
Under the existing arrangements for the disease eradication schemes, individual keepers are normally responsible for arranging annual herd tests, within timescales prescribed by the Department, with an authorised veterinary practitioner, and for payment of fees directly to the practitioner who conducted the test in respect of no more than one test per annum. In the case of a disease breakdown, the Department pays for the first test and any necessary second or subsequent test such as contiguous herd tests or reactor retests and the keeper ordinarily pays for the clearance test.
However, my Department is entitled under SI 308 of 1989 to decide whether a TB test should be conducted by the Department or by an authorised PVP nominated by the herd keeper. In view of the very serious nature of the breakdown, which has been ongoing since early 2004 in the herd of the person referred to, my Department has decided that it will conduct the next test — the second reactor retest. If the test is clear and no other evidence of tuberculosis is detected in the interim it is anticipated that the herd will be de-restricted and the farmer will be due to pay for the test.
176 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to Question No. 234 of 29 September 2004, the grant aid which has been returned to her Department; the discussions her Department has had with the company concerned regarding alternative employment on the site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8496/06]
The last grant payment made by my Department in respect of the Roosky plant in County Roscommon was in June 1997.
My Department and Enterprise Ireland are examining the position regarding contingent liabilities arising from the plant's closure in the wake of a fire in 2002, and the associated legal issues. The process of recovery of any amounts identified as due will follow upon completion of this exercise.
Enterprise Ireland has had a series of discussions with the company on prospects for the Roosky plant where the cannery facility has been retained. The company has undertaken other significant investment in the pork processing sector with primary slaughtering activities at Roscrea and Edenderry, in addition to secondary added value processing facilities at Clara, County Offaly and Jamestown, County Roscommon. This investment profile has led to increased employment levels in the company's pig processing activities and has provided sufficient capacity to meet its current requirements.
177 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, following the decision to cease the provision of funding for the missing persons helpline, such a helpline could instead be funded directly through his Department or through the Garda Síochána; if same has been considered by him or the Garda authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8287/06]
In March 2005, I established a new Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime to devise an appropriate support framework for victims of crime into the future and to disburse funding for victim support measures. The commission is entirely independent in its decision making and examines each application on its merits. The commission received an application from the Missing in Ireland Support Service for €71,600 to establish, staff and operate a helpline for missing persons. After careful consideration of the application the commission decided to offer funding of €25,000; however, this offer was rejected by the Missing in Ireland Support Service. It should be borne in mind in this context that the commission is charged with funding support services for victims of crime, and that, while some persons who are missing are crime victims, most are not. It remains open to the Missing In Ireland Support Service to make an application to my Department for assistance, if it so wishes. Any such application will be carefully considered on its merits.
The missing persons bureau in Garda headquarters is responsible for maintaining data on missing persons. All cases of a person reported missing in suspicious circumstances remain open and under ongoing review and investigation until the person is located or, in the case of a missing person who is presumed drowned, a verdict to that effect by the coroner.
At present, local Garda management takes direct responsibility for missing person cases, and special investigation teams are appointed as necessary. All missing persons are recorded on the PULSE system. When a person is reported missing, the local Garda superintendent takes direct responsibility for the investigation and will appoint an investigation team to include any specialised unit deemed necessary, for example, the national bureau of criminal investigation or the technical bureau. The systems put in place by the Garda Síochána to manage and deal with reports of missing persons are in line with best international police practice, and Garda management is satisfied and has assured me that the systems in place are adequate to deal with any reported case of a missing person.
178 Mr. Eoin Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí currently patrolling the streets of Dublin; his plans to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8292/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Dublin metropolitan region as at 24 February 2006 was 3,861 — all ranks. Of this figure 3,213 members are at garda rank and 648 members are at a supervisory rank. While a majority of these are uniform personnel, a number are employed on plain clothes duty. Garda personnel are divided into four separate working units, with three working and one resting on any given day.
Garda management states that the availability of Garda personnel for patrolling changes on a daily basis and is consequent on annual leave and other absences due to sickness, court appearances, training and a variety of other reasons including meetings with community groups, non-governmental organisations, etc.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that every effort is made to provide a high-visibility presence throughout the Dublin metropolitan region. Uniform and detective units and divisional traffic corps, supplemented by community policing units and Garda mountain bike units — all of which provide a highly visible local presence — continue to police the community and to take a proactive approach to addressing anti-social-public disorder issues by way of immediate intervention, arrest and prosecution, or advice as appropriate. Policing strategies are predicated on the policy of reducing and preventing incidents of public order offending, the prevention of crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life.
The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year.
As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda college during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda college of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved. The first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí under the programme of accelerated recruitment will take place on 16 March 2006.
The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Dublin metropolitan region will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda regions throughout the country.
179 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civilian staff and Garda members working in the carriage office in respect of the present and each of the past eight years; the number of whole-time equivalents in both cases; and if he will make a statement on the adequacy of staffing levels. [8293/06]
The civilian staffing levels for the Carriage Office as at 31 December 2000-05, inclusively, and as at 28 February 2006 were as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Year |
Staff |
|
31/12/00 |
5 |
|
31/12/01 |
5 |
|
31/12/02 |
5 |
|
31/12/03 |
5 |
|
31/12/04 |
3.6 |
|
31/12/05 |
3 |
|
28/02/06 |
3 |
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the civilian staffing levels for the Carriage Office in respect of the years 1998 and 1999 are not readily available.
I made further inquiries with the Garda authorities on the other aspects of the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.
180 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to deal with the issue of corruption; if he intends bringing forward legislation to facilitate persons who may wish to come forward with evidence of corruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8301/06]
Ireland has extensive legislation dealing with corruption. Provisions are contained principally in the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act 1889, the Prevention of Corruption Acts of 1906 and 1916, section 38 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, which amends certain aspects of the earlier Acts, and the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act 2001. Collectively they are cited as the Prevention of Corruption Acts 1889-2001. This body of legislation comprehensively criminalises all forms of active and passive corruption in both the public and private sector.
In addition, the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2005 complement the penal sanctions already available by introducing provision for a corrupt enrichment order. The purpose of this provision is to deal with the situation where someone, by means of some corrupt act, is able to benefit from the enhancement of value of property legally acquired, arising from the corrupt act. This provision provides for a procedure for the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB, to obtain a court order directing an individual to pay to the Minister for Finance, or any other person specified by the court, an amount equivalent to the amount by which the court determines the person was corruptly enriched.
That Act also contains an important preventative measure by providing for the seizure of a gift or consideration which is suspected to be a gift or consideration within the meaning of section 1 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906, as amended by section 2 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act 2001. It is modelled on section 38 of the Criminal Justice Act 1994 and will mean that a suspected bribe, as an instrumentality of crime, will be automatically capable of seizure. The 2005 Act also provides for forfeiture by the court of the gift or consideration which has been seized and detained and is modelled on the forfeiture of cash provision in section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1994. The court may make an order whether or not proceedings have been brought against a person for an offence with which the gift or consideration is connected, and the standard of proof for proceedings for forfeiture is that applicable to civil proceedings.
On protection of persons who report suspicions of corruption, officials of my Department are, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, examining the legislative requirements arising from the UN Convention on Corruption, which includes provisions on the protection of so-called whistleblowers. Arising from examination of the provisions, I will, in due course, be bringing legislative proposals to Government to give effect to the convention.
181 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí based in Bray, County Wicklow for the years 1997, 2000 and January 2006. [8303/06]
182 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí based in Wicklow town, Arklow town and Blessington, County Wicklow for the years 1997, 2000 and January 2006. [8304/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength — all ranks — of the Garda stations at Bray, Wicklow town, Arklow and Blessington as at 31 December 1997 and 2000 and as at 31 January 2006 was as set out in the following table.
|
Stations |
31/12/97 |
31/12/00 |
31/01/06 |
|
Bray |
76 |
77 |
85 |
|
Wicklow |
33 |
39 |
36 |
|
Arklow |
22 |
24 |
30 |
|
Blessington |
12 |
14 |
14 |
It is the responsibility of the divisional officer to allocate personnel within his-her division. The allocation of such resources throughout the division is determined by a number of factors including demographics, administrative functions, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management continues to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed within each division with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained.
The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this process, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct 1,100 recruits this year and a further 1,100 in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda College of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.
In this regard, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí due to the programme of accelerated recruitment into the Garda Síochána will take place on the 16 March 2006.
The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources and in this context the needs of the Garda stations referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
183 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in Westport, County Mayo, for each of the past five years; and the number in each rank including sergeants, detectives, inspectors, ordinary Garda members and so on. [8305/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength — all ranks — of Westport Garda station as at 31 December 2000 to 2005, inclusively, was as set out in the following table.
|
Rank |
31/12/00 |
31/12/01 |
31/12/02 |
31/12/03 |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
|
Superintendent |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Sergeant |
3 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Garda |
20 |
21 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
21 |
|
TOTAL |
24 |
24 |
27 |
27 |
27 |
25 |
It is the responsibility of the divisional officer to allocate personnel within his or her division. The allocation of such resources throughout the division is determined by a number of factors, including demographics, administrative functions, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management continues to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed within each division with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained. The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda college during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda College of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved. In this regard, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí under the programme of accelerated recruitment will take place on 16 March. The Garda Commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources and, in this context, the needs of Westport Garda station will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.
184 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 1055 of 29 September 2004, if he will report on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8383/06]
I have nothing further to add to the details of my reply to Question No. 435 of 30 November 2004 other than to indicate the following: the Government has accepted the recommendations of the legal costs working group, which I established under the chairmanship of Mr. Paul Haran to examine ways of reducing civil legal costs. I am taking the necessary steps to implement the group's recommendations and recently secured the agreement of Mr. Desmond Miller, FCA, to act as chairman of an implementation advisory group, which will oversee the steps necessary to complete the transformation towards the new system. A family law Bill forms part of the Government's legislative programme announced by the Chief Whip on 24 January 2006.
185 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on opening a petition in the extraordinary and extremely sad circumstances of a case (details supplied). [8428/06]
Any person may apply to have a petition opened in respect of a court judgment against him or her. The circumstances, as outlined in the application, are assessed. If it is decided that the circumstances of the case are exceptional, a petition may be opened. Pursuant to a High Court judgment of 1995, a process is now in place for dealing with applications to open a petition. A form to make such an application has been forwarded to the Deputy for the person concerned. On receipt of the completed application, I will be happy to give the matter every consideration.
186 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an appeal not to allow a grant application for a crèche to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8439/06]
As the Deputy may be aware, responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 has been assigned to the Department of Health and Children as part of the establishment of the new Office of the Minister for Children, under the Minister of State responsible for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan.
With regard to the application by the private provider in question for capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, the private provider was not recommended for funding under the EOCP as the project is located in close proximity to a child care project that has received EOCP capital funding, and there was a consequential potential for duplication and displacement between the two child care services. I am advised that the private provider in question has recently submitted an appeal regarding the decision. This appeal will undergo a thorough assessment by Pobal before being submitted to the programme appraisal committee and a subsequent decision being made, of which the applicant will be advised of the outcome.
187 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway under a dealing number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8440/06]
I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question.
188 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in the Letterkenny division during 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8469/06]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the Letterkenny Garda district in the Donegal division. I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength — all ranks — of the Letterkenny Garda district as at 31 December 1997, 2000 and 2002 to 2005, inclusively, was as set out in the following table.
|
Station |
1997 |
2000 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
Letterkenny |
90 |
93 |
92 |
101 |
94 |
97 |
|
Carrigans |
12 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
|
Castlefin |
18 |
10 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
|
Brocach |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Newtowncunningham |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Raphoe |
5 |
9 |
7 |
6 |
4 |
6 |
|
Lifford |
22 |
19 |
15 |
17 |
15 |
14 |
|
Ballybofey |
20 |
20 |
24 |
23 |
24 |
21 |
|
Convoy |
2 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
|
TOTAL |
174 |
166 |
158 |
166 |
154 |
153 |
The decrease shown in Garda personnel assigned to the Letterkenny district reflects the fact that the necessity for the large Garda presence in the Border counties has significantly diminished since the Good Friday Agreement. The allocation of resources within the Donegal division is a matter for the local divisional officer, who takes into account a number of factors including population, crime trends and the operational policing needs of the division. The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this process, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct 1,100 recruits this year and a further 1,100 in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda College of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved. In this regard, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí due to the programme of accelerated recruitment into the Garda will take place on the 16 March 2006. The Garda Commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the Letterkenny Garda district will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
189 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes detected across all headings in Galway Garda division during 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8470/06]
The introduction of the PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999 has led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. Consequently, the statistics provided for 1997 are not comparable to statistics provided for 2000 and subsequent years.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the attached table shows the ten headline group totals for the Garda division of Galway West, which includes the Garda district of Galway.
It should be borne in mind that any interpretation of the crime figures should factor in the increase in our population in the past ten years. In 1995, with a population of almost 3.6 million people, there were 29 crimes per 1,000 of the population. In 2005, with a population of over 4.1 million, there were 24.6 crimes per 1,000 of the population, a reduction of 4.4 crimes per 1,000 of the population. A certain proportion of the increase in the figures for recorded headline crime is due to the increases in recording rates resulting from the phasing in of the Garda PULSE IT system from 1999 to 2002.
|
2005* |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|||||||
|
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
|
|
Homicide |
5 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assault |
170 |
110 |
128 |
84 |
183 |
130 |
257 |
175 |
165 |
119 |
62 |
55 |
|
Sexual Offences |
77 |
23 |
79 |
36 |
108 |
88 |
237 |
197 |
88 |
51 |
57 |
49 |
|
Arson |
37 |
0 |
40 |
8 |
30 |
5 |
55 |
13 |
64 |
8 |
20 |
5 |
|
Drugs |
51 |
48 |
61 |
60 |
57 |
56 |
72 |
71 |
57 |
55 |
58 |
58 |
|
Theft |
2,136 |
817 |
1,847 |
732 |
1,893 |
826 |
1,842 |
578 |
1,543 |
518 |
905 |
339 |
|
Burglary |
1,096 |
147 |
629 |
89 |
864 |
179 |
1,008 |
239 |
763 |
121 |
554 |
135 |
|
Robbery |
54 |
14 |
49 |
13 |
53 |
21 |
69 |
35 |
46 |
10 |
40 |
14 |
|
Fraud |
95 |
48 |
97 |
69 |
120 |
73 |
259 |
191 |
219 |
166 |
196 |
142 |
|
Other |
39 |
25 |
47 |
38 |
39 |
28 |
36 |
26 |
31 |
16 |
6 |
5 |
|
Total |
3,760 |
1,234 |
2,977 |
1,129 |
3,348 |
1,407 |
3,836 |
1,526 |
2,977 |
1,065 |
1,899 |
803 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
190 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes recorded across all headings in Naas Garda division during 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8471/06]
The introduction of the PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999 has led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. Consequently, the statistics provided for 1997 are not comparable to statistics provided for 2000 and subsequent years.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the attached table shows the ten headline group totals recorded for the Garda division of Carlow-Kildare, which includes the Garda district of Naas, for the years 2000-05 inclusive.
It should be borne in mind that any interpretation of the crime figures should factor in the increase in our population in the past ten years. In 1995 with a population of almost 3.6 million people, there were 29 crimes per 1,000 of the population. In 2005, with a population of over 4.1 million, there were 24.6 crimes per 1,000 of the population, a reduction of 4.4 crimes per 1,000 of the population. A certain proportion of the increase in the figures for recorded headline crime is due to the increases in recording rates resulting from the phasing in of the Garda PULSE IT system from 1999 to 2002.
|
2005* |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|
|
Rec |
Rec |
Rec |
Rec |
Rec |
Rec |
|
|
Homicide |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
6 |
|
Assault |
197 |
203 |
222 |
283 |
119 |
70 |
|
Sexual Offences |
79 |
87 |
162 |
121 |
77 |
41 |
|
Arson |
71 |
61 |
62 |
55 |
50 |
51 |
|
Drugs |
113 |
86 |
91 |
84 |
82 |
77 |
|
Theft |
2,406 |
2,289 |
2,298 |
2,047 |
1,661 |
1,210 |
|
Burglary |
1,635 |
1,633 |
1,608 |
1,676 |
1,434 |
1,384 |
|
Robbery |
97 |
75 |
75 |
80 |
80 |
59 |
|
Fraud |
169 |
171 |
211 |
200 |
203 |
215 |
|
Other |
62 |
62 |
53 |
84 |
38 |
10 |
|
Total |
4,832 |
4,667 |
4,782 |
4,631 |
3,748 |
3,123 |
* Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
191 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for a visa for a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8481/06]
The application in question was received in my Department on 24 November 2005. The application sought to enable a non-EEA national join his spouse, who is an Irish citizen, in the State.
The visa officer who assessed the application was not satisfied on the basis of documentation supplied in support of the application, that sufficient finances were available to guarantee the support of the applicant without recourse to public funds or resources. The decision was appealed and following a re-examination of the application by the visa appeals officer, the decision to refuse the visa was upheld.
As each application is entitled to only one appeal, no further review can be facilitated. However, any new application will be fully examined by my Department. In this regard, evidence of increases in salary will be taken into consideration.
192 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in Lucan and Ronanstown Garda stations assigned to purely administrative duties. [8519/06]
193 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in Clondalkin Garda station assigned to purely administrative duties; if this work could be carried out by civilian personnel; his plans to increase the number of civilian personnel supporting the primary work of the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8520/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that there is currently one garda employed in an administrative post at Clondalkin Garda station and one garda employed in an administrative post at Lucan Garda station. In this context administrative posts are defined as those whose holders are in receipt of designated post and ex gratia allowances and as such are specifically employed on administrative duties. I am further informed that there are no gardaí employed on administrative duties atRonanstown Garda station.
The civilianisation programme approved by Government in 2001 is to be implemented on a phased basis over a number of years. I am pleased to say that significant progress has been made with the appointment of 113 civilian finance officers who are doing the district finance officer duties which were hitherto performed by gardaí. Moreover, the recent establishment of the Garda Information Service Centre, GISC, in Castlebar, and the pending transfer of civilian staff from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the Garda Síochána as civil servants of the State are significant developments in the context of greater Garda civilianisation.
The establishment of the GISC alone will, when fully operational, allow for the equivalent of up to 300 gardaí to be freed up for frontline outdoor policing duties. While the immediate focus is on providing the necessary staffing, training and resources so that the GISC will be fully operational during 2006, it is also the case that my Department, on an ongoing basis, reviews the possibility of civilianising other posts where possible, and progress is being made in this regard. However, the civilianisation programme has to be implemented within the confines of the Government decision of 4 December 2002 which placed a cap on numbers across the Civil Service and public service.
Having said that, I assure the Deputy that I am committed to the ongoing implementation of the civilianisation programme. I am also determined that the additional gardaí being recruited under the current historic expansion of the force will be deployed to frontline, visible and effective policing duties.
In this regard, the timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in the agreed programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government's approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year.
As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda College of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved. In this regard, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí under the programme of accelerated recruitment will take place on 16 March.
194 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda numbers stationed at Lucan and Ronanstown Garda stations allocated to community policing duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8521/06]
195 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda numbers stationed at Clondalkin Garda station allocated to community policing duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8522/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the number of garda community officers, all ranks, attached to Lucan, Ronanstown and Clondalkin Garda stations as at 31 December 2005 were as set out in the following table:
|
Station |
Total |
|
Lucan |
8 |
|
Ronanstown |
13 |
|
Clondalkin |
16 |
These figures are compiled on a quarterly basis and, therefore, 31 December 2005 is the latest date for which figures are readily available.
The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this process, 1,125 garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct 1,100 recruits this year and a further 1,100 in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda College of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.
In this regard, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí due to the programme of accelerated recruitment into the Garda Síochána will take place on the 16 March 2006.
The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and, in this context, the needs of the Garda stations referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
196 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Land Registry office will complete the boundary amendment for a person’s land (details supplied) in County Galway and if a new folio will be issued as a matter of priority. [8526/06]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that there is no record of an application pending with the details supplied by the Deputy at present. If the Deputy can provide me with the date of lodgement and a Land Registry reference number, or folio number, I will make further inquiries on his behalf.
197 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if gardaí were on duty on Richmond Road on the night of the Shelbourne versus Glentoran match; the reason windows were smashed at the Ballybough end; and if security on the night of matches at Tolka Park will be improved. [8527/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a comprehensive policing and security plan was in place for the football match mentioned in the Deputy's question, which included high-visibility patrolling on all adjacent roads and streets.
The incidents of criminal damage in the area concerned are under investigation and there is no evidence at this time to suggest these incidents are connected with the football match.
Local Garda management is satisfied with the policing plan for events such as these, which remains under constant review to ensure that it meets requirements.
198 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the Stardust fire evidence; and if an investigation will be carried out. [8528/06]
The position remains as set out in my response to Question No. 392 on 28 February.
199 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda hours which were dedicated to administrative work in each of the Garda stations (details supplied) over the same period; what the overall Garda hours amounts to in each station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8569/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources relative to the information sought.
200 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí based at Garda stations (details supplied) over the past five years; and their rank within the Garda Síochána. [8570/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength, by rank, of Donnybrook, Pearse Street, Irishtown, Harcourt Terrace, Rathmines, Terenure and Kevin Street Garda Stations as at 31 December 2001 to 2005, inclusively, was as set out in the tables hereunder.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that during the period concerned the overall Garda strength of the seven stations in question rose by 8.6%, from 730 to 793.
|
Rank |
31/12/01 |
31/12/02 |
31/12/03 |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
|
Superintendent |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Inspector |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Sergeant |
14 |
15 |
16 |
15 |
12 |
|
Garda |
97 |
94 |
102 |
105 |
104 |
|
TOTAL |
116 |
114 |
123 |
125 |
121 |
|
Rank |
31/12/01 |
31/12/02 |
31/12/03 |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
|
C/Superintendent |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Superintendent |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Inspector |
8 |
8 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
|
Sergeant |
26 |
24 |
27 |
28 |
28 |
|
Garda |
179 |
179 |
202 |
214 |
215 |
|
TOTAL |
216 |
214 |
238 |
252 |
253 |
|
Rank |
31/12/01 |
31/12/02 |
31/12/03 |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
|
Inspector |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Sergeant |
10 |
10 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
Garda |
43 |
39 |
46 |
48 |
47 |
|
TOTAL |
54 |
49 |
55 |
57 |
56 |
|
Rank |
31/12/01 |
31/12/02 |
31/12/03 |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
|
Inspector |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Sergeant |
9 |
10 |
9 |
9 |
7 |
|
Garda |
70 |
68 |
65 |
67 |
66 |
|
TOTAL |
80 |
79 |
75 |
77 |
74 |
|
Rank |
31/12/01 |
31/12/02 |
31/12/03 |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
|
Inspector |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Sergeant |
10 |
8 |
8 |
9 |
9 |
|
Garda |
70 |
58 |
62 |
62 |
61 |
|
TOTAL |
81 |
67 |
71 |
72 |
70 |
|
Rank |
31/12/01 |
31/12/02 |
31/12/03 |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
|
Superintendent |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Inspector |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
|
Sergeant |
11 |
15 |
12 |
11 |
13 |
|
Garda |
50 |
64 |
70 |
75 |
80 |
|
TOTAL |
66 |
84 |
87 |
91 |
97 |
|
Rank |
31/12/01 |
31/12/02 |
31/12/03 |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
|
Superintendent |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Inspector |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Sergeant |
18 |
19 |
17 |
14 |
15 |
|
Garda |
93 |
91 |
93 |
98 |
100 |
|
TOTAL |
117 |
117 |
117 |
119 |
122 |
It is the responsibility of the divisional officer to allocate personnel within his or her division. The allocation of such resources throughout the division is determined by a number of factors including demographics, administrative functions, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management continues to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed within each division with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained.
The time scale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána, in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government, remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength of both attested gardaí and recruits in training of 14,000 by the end of this year.
As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 recruits were inducted to the Garda college during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007, by way of intakes to the college of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí due to the programme of accelerated recruitment into the Garda Síochána will take place on 16 March.
The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources and, in this context, the needs of the Garda stations referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
201 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda strength at the end of 2005 in each of the 18 Garda districts within the Dublin metropolitan area. [8573/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength, all ranks, in each of the 18 Garda districts within the Dublin metropolitan area as at 31 December, 2005 was as set out in the table hereunder:
|
District |
Strength |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
|
|
A |
203 |
|
B |
327 |
|
E |
177 |
|
D.M.R. North Central |
|
|
C |
271 |
|
D |
162 |
|
U |
209 |
|
D.M.R. South |
|
|
G |
152 |
|
M |
237 |
|
P |
167 |
|
D.M.R. North |
|
|
H |
236 |
|
R |
193 |
|
J |
171 |
|
D.M.R. West |
|
|
K |
312 |
|
Q |
181 |
|
L |
186 |
|
D.M.R. East |
|
|
F |
197 |
|
N |
182 |
|
W |
179 |
|
TOTAL |
3,742 |
The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána, in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government, remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year.
As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this process, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct 1,100 recruits this year and a further 1,100 in 2007, by way of intakes to the college of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved. In this regard, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí due to the programme of accelerated recruitment into the Garda Síochána will take place on 16 March 2006.
The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources and, in this context, the needs of the Garda districts within the Dublin metropolitan area will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
202 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the headline offences recorded and detected in 2005 under each of the ten groupings used for classification in each of the 18 Garda districts within the Dublin metropolitan area. [8574/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following tables show the number of headline offences by group, recorded and detected in the Garda districts of the Dublin metropolitan region for 2005.
It should be borne in mind that any interpretation of the crime figures should factor in the increase in our population in the past ten years. In 1995, with a population of almost 3.6 million people, there were 29 crimes per 1,000 of the population. In 2005, with a population of over 4.1 million, there were 24.6 crimes per 1,000 of the population, a reduction of 4.4 crimes per 1,000 of the population. A certain proportion of the increase in the figures for recorded headline crime is due to the increases in recording rates resulting from the phasing in of the Garda PULSE IT system from 1999 to 2002.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
7 |
4 |
|
Assault |
98 |
51 |
|
Sexual offences |
35 |
13 |
|
Arson |
26 |
2 |
|
Drugs |
217 |
215 |
|
Theft |
1,055 |
228 |
|
Burglary |
812 |
128 |
|
Robbery |
159 |
66 |
|
Fraud |
75 |
47 |
|
Other |
43 |
25 |
|
Total |
2,527 |
779 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
3 |
3 |
|
Assault |
163 |
86 |
|
Sexual offences |
40 |
12 |
|
Arson |
12 |
2 |
|
Drugs |
165 |
164 |
|
Theft |
3,918 |
1,311 |
|
Burglary |
651 |
159 |
|
Robbery |
118 |
46 |
|
Fraud |
177 |
50 |
|
Other |
14 |
13 |
|
Total |
5,261 |
1,846 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
0 |
0 |
|
Assault |
90 |
50 |
|
Sexual offences |
25 |
11 |
|
Arson |
16 |
4 |
|
Drugs |
152 |
152 |
|
Theft |
4,016 |
2,386 |
|
Burglary |
303 |
103 |
|
Robbery |
127 |
44 |
|
Fraud |
157 |
49 |
|
Other |
18 |
12 |
|
Total |
4,904 |
2,811 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
1 |
1 |
|
Assault |
49 |
29 |
|
Sexual offences |
24 |
15 |
|
Arson |
8 |
0 |
|
Drugs |
72 |
71 |
|
Theft |
639 |
190 |
|
Burglary |
236 |
50 |
|
Robbery |
69 |
25 |
|
Fraud |
42 |
16 |
|
Other |
16 |
9 |
|
Total |
1,156 |
406 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
0 |
0 |
|
Assault |
28 |
17 |
|
Sexual offences |
17 |
5 |
|
Arson |
10 |
2 |
|
Drugs |
15 |
15 |
|
Theft |
963 |
172 |
|
Burglary |
700 |
139 |
|
Robbery |
34 |
21 |
|
Fraud |
73 |
38 |
|
Other |
9 |
6 |
|
Total |
1,849 |
415 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
1 |
1 |
|
Assault |
54 |
37 |
|
Sexual offences |
12 |
7 |
|
Arson |
21 |
4 |
|
Drugs |
58 |
57 |
|
Theft |
861 |
309 |
|
Burglary |
645 |
95 |
|
Robbery |
44 |
21 |
|
Fraud |
74 |
26 |
|
Other |
14 |
11 |
|
Total |
1,784 |
568 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
1 |
1 |
|
Assault |
48 |
37 |
|
Sexual offences |
21 |
4 |
|
Arson |
51 |
4 |
|
Drugs |
62 |
62 |
|
Theft |
708 |
274 |
|
Burglary |
485 |
100 |
|
Robbery |
68 |
43 |
|
Fraud |
37 |
16 |
|
Other |
19 |
11 |
|
Total |
1,500 |
552 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
28 |
26 |
|
Assault |
151 |
119 |
|
Sexual offences |
60 |
44 |
|
Arson |
33 |
7 |
|
Drugs |
116 |
116 |
|
Theft |
1,042 |
388 |
|
Burglary |
436 |
101 |
|
Robbery |
63 |
19 |
|
Fraud |
192 |
133 |
|
Other |
92 |
58 |
|
Total |
2,213 |
1,011 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
1 |
0 |
|
Assault |
49 |
30 |
|
Sexual offences |
24 |
6 |
|
Arson |
12 |
2 |
|
Drugs |
35 |
35 |
|
Theft |
836 |
162 |
|
Burglary |
434 |
81 |
|
Robbery |
74 |
39 |
|
Fraud |
57 |
15 |
|
Other |
11 |
4 |
|
Total |
1,533 |
374 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
6 |
1 |
|
Assault |
99 |
47 |
|
Sexual offences |
48 |
21 |
|
Arson |
44 |
3 |
|
Drugs |
84 |
84 |
|
Theft |
2,074 |
828 |
|
Burglary |
658 |
65 |
|
Robbery |
191 |
45 |
|
Fraud |
114 |
50 |
|
Other |
80 |
31 |
|
Total |
3,398 |
1,175 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
7 |
3 |
|
Assault |
80 |
36 |
|
Sexual offences |
28 |
8 |
|
Arson |
28 |
0 |
|
Drugs |
94 |
94 |
|
Theft |
1,059 |
250 |
|
Burglary |
470 |
56 |
|
Robbery |
80 |
22 |
|
Fraud |
56 |
27 |
|
Other |
42 |
14 |
|
Total |
1,944 |
510 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
3 |
0 |
|
Assault |
146 |
58 |
|
Sexual offences |
78 |
25 |
|
Arson |
55 |
3 |
|
Drugs |
92 |
92 |
|
Theft |
2,030 |
721 |
|
Burglary |
1,211 |
129 |
|
Robbery |
122 |
37 |
|
Fraud |
116 |
47 |
|
Other |
68 |
29 |
|
Total |
3,921 |
1,141 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
1 |
0 |
|
Assault |
69 |
24 |
|
Sexual offences |
28 |
6 |
|
Arson |
45 |
7 |
|
Drugs |
42 |
42 |
|
Theft |
1,045 |
162 |
|
Burglary |
751 |
73 |
|
Robbery |
76 |
32 |
|
Fraud |
37 |
15 |
|
Other |
26 |
14 |
|
Total |
2,120 |
375 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
0 |
0 |
|
Assault |
42 |
25 |
|
Sexual offences |
22 |
7 |
|
Arson |
17 |
2 |
|
Drugs |
16 |
16 |
|
Theft |
761 |
145 |
|
Burglary |
770 |
73 |
|
Robbery |
49 |
27 |
|
Fraud |
46 |
8 |
|
Other |
13 |
7 |
|
Total |
1,736 |
310 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
3 |
3 |
|
Assault |
94 |
62 |
|
Sexual offences |
67 |
40 |
|
Arson |
33 |
4 |
|
Drugs |
134 |
132 |
|
Theft |
1,395 |
441 |
|
Burglary |
550 |
74 |
|
Robbery |
67 |
22 |
|
Fraud |
72 |
39 |
|
Other |
62 |
28 |
|
Total |
2,477 |
845 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
6 |
4 |
|
Assault |
89 |
52 |
|
Sexual offences |
26 |
9 |
|
Arson |
21 |
2 |
|
Drugs |
130 |
130 |
|
Theft |
1,206 |
296 |
|
Burglary |
592 |
124 |
|
Robbery |
141 |
53 |
|
Fraud |
68 |
22 |
|
Other |
43 |
30 |
|
Total |
2,322 |
722 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
1 |
1 |
|
Assault |
63 |
33 |
|
Sexual offences |
14 |
3 |
|
Arson |
13 |
1 |
|
Drugs |
50 |
50 |
|
Theft |
1,118 |
331 |
|
Burglary |
806 |
94 |
|
Robbery |
50 |
30 |
|
Fraud |
84 |
29 |
|
Other |
12 |
9 |
|
Total |
2,211 |
581 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
|
Recorded |
Detected |
|
|
Homicide |
3 |
2 |
|
Assault |
88 |
32 |
|
Sexual offences |
40 |
15 |
|
Arson |
13 |
1 |
|
Drugs |
121 |
121 |
|
Theft |
1,261 |
387 |
|
Burglary |
401 |
41 |
|
Robbery |
63 |
20 |
|
Fraud |
82 |
37 |
|
Other |
58 |
26 |
|
Total |
2,130 |
682 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
203 Mr. Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the answer to Question No. 511 of 7 February 2006 in view of the information (details supplied) now furnished to her Department. [8285/06]
An official from my Department has been in contact with the management of the school in question to discuss how best to address its most urgent needs in a timely manner. I expect that agreement will be reached shortly on how best to progress the works in question.
204 Mr. Eoin Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who sat their leaving certificate in Dublin in 2005; and the number of children who sat their leaving certificate in Dublin’s south-east inner city and in the Pembroke-Rathmines area in 2005. [8290/06]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations subject to policy matters being determined by my Department. While the State Examinations Commission holds details of the centres in which candidates sat examinations, disclosure of a detailed breakdown of numbers of students by areas-centres would lead to the compilation of league tables. Section 53 of the Education Act enables the refusal of access to data which would enable league tables on the comparative performance of students or schools to be determined. I am on record as opposing the publication of such tables as they provide an unbalanced and grossly limited indication of a school's performance.
My Department publishes reports on school retention in second level schools. The most recent report, published in September 2005, gives details of the cohort of students who entered the first year of second level in 1996 and shows the proportion who remained in school and sat the leaving certificate examination in 2001 and 2002. It can be accessed at www.education.ie. Table 4.2 of the report shows the retention rates for each county and gives separate information for Dublin city, Dublin south, Fingal and Dún Laoghaire.
205 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if schools (details supplied) in County Kerry will be allowed to appoint a French teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8315/06]
The modern languages initiative in primary schools supports the teaching of Italian, Spanish, German and French in almost 400 schools nationwide. The number of schools partaking in the initiative is limited and a waiting list system is now in place. Schools which opt out of the initiative are replaced with schools from the waiting list. The applications of the schools referred to by the Deputy have been approved in principle by the initiative's consultative group and the schools have been placed on a waiting list for inclusion on the Initiative.
206 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the special educational measures that have been put in place and will be put in place for the 100 children with autism who have lost their home tuition grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8325/06]
My Department considers that school-based education provision is the most appropriate intervention for all children, including those with special educational needs. In this regard, home tuition is only intended as an interim measure until a suitable school placement is secured.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department referred the cases of school going pupils who were in receipt of home tuition grant to the local special educational needs organisers with a view to ensuring that an appropriate educational response is available in the pupils' school. My officials are considering the outcome of this exercise and it is intended that contact will be made with the parents-guardians of all the pupils in question as well as the relevant schools as quickly as possible.
207 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will support the application of a school (details supplied) for a technology teacher; and if the maximum support will be given to the school on this priority issue. [8381/06]
Teacher allocations for second level schools are approved by my Department on an annual basis in accordance with generally applied rules based on recognised pupil enrolments on 30 September of the preceding school year.
Each school management authority is required to organise its curriculum, teaching time-table and subject options having regard to pupils' needs within the limits of its approved teacher allocation.
The rules for allocating teaching posts provide that where a school management authority is unable to meet essential curricular commitments, my Department will consider applications for additional short term support. The closing date for such applications for the 2006-07 school year is 3 March 2006. To date my Department has not received an application from the school in question for curricular concessions for the 2006-07 school year.
208 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if income and gains from SSIA investments will be included in means testing for student support grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8386/06]
I would refer the Deputy to my previous replies to questions on this matter, reference nos. 16760/03, 25116/03, 25167/03, 2713/05, 25279/05 and 26267/05.
For the purposes of determining grant eligibility under my Department's maintenance grants schemes, all investments must be declared, including deposit accounts, savings certificates, life assurance bonds and other financial instruments where the interest-profit is accumulated and paid out as a lump sum at the end of the investment period.
The amount of income to be included in respect of special savings incentive accounts, SSIAs, is the Government grant earned on the savings in the relevant tax year plus in the case of savings accounts, the gross interest earned in the relevant tax year, and in the case of investment accounts, the investment profit earned in the relevant tax year. Investment losses sustained in the relevant tax year are deductible.
Where income is paid out annually, as happens with a bank deposit account, the amount so paid is required to be included in reckonable income. Where income is not paid out annually but is "rolled-up" and paid out with the original investment at the end of a defined term, the annual amount required to be included in reckonable income is the "rolled-up" income divided by the number of years in the term of the investment. This procedure has been in place for the past ten years.
Given its similarity with "roll-up" savings products it was deemed appropriate to include, as reckonable income, income from SSIAs on an annual basis. The treatment of the SSIAs in this regard is consistent with the treatment of similar financial products such as Post Office savings certificates.
209 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that 21% of Donegal third level students attend institutions in Northern Ireland and the UK; if, in view of the fact that college fees have been so drastically increased in the North and UK in recent months a scheme is being planned to facilitate Irish students who have to attend colleges there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8387/06]
Under my Department's free fees initiative the Exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending approved third level courses in the State. There are no plans to extend this initiative to cover third level institutions in Northern Ireland or the UK.
Under my Department's higher education grant schemes, maintenance grants are available to eligible students pursuing approved undergraduate courses in other EU member states, including Northern Ireland and the UK. In general, approved courses are those pursued in a third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds. However the payment of undergraduate tuition fees under these schemes does not extend to approved courses outside the State and there are no plans to change this position at present.
Section 473A Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 also provides for tax relief on tuition fees, at the standard rate of tax in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU and non-EU member states.
210 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed extension-refurbishment of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8388/06]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, in August 2005, my Department gave devolved authority to County Donegal Vocational Educational Committee for the project in question to proceed to tender and construction.
211 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a new post-primary school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8389/06]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the delivery of the new post-primary building project for the school in question through the architectural planning process has been devolved to the vocational education committee. Consequently, the committee will take full responsibility for the progression of this project through architectural planning to the appropriate standards in terms of quality, sustainability, educational requirements and durability using the guidelines as outlined in my Department's design team procedures.
212 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of additional accommodation to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [8390/06]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy.
The project is being considered in the context of the schools building and modernisation programme, 2006 to 2010. The Deputy will be aware that I have made a number of announcements already this year regarding the 2006 schools building programme and will be making further announcements in this regard over the course of the year.
213 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding extension-refurbishment and development of an educational facility (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8391/06]
I recently announced the provision of a €900 million multi-annual capital programme for the period 2006 to 2010 for the third level sector. Funding for the educational facility referred to by the Deputy is included in this announcement.
Officials from my Department have been in contact with the education facility concerned and are exploring the options available to progress this project.
214 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending primary schools in the Lucan area who were absent for more than 20 days in 2004-05; the number who were absent for more than 40 days in 2004-05; the percentage of the student population each figure represents; the way in which this compares with the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8410/06]
215 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending primary schools in the Palmerstown area who were absent for more than 20 days in 2004-05; the number who were absent for more than 40 days in 2004-05; the percentage of the student population each figure represents; the way in which this compares with the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8411/06]
216 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending primary schools in the Brittas area who were absent for more than 20 days in 2004-05; the number who were absent for more than 40 days in 2004-05; the percentage of the student population each figure represents; the way in which this compares with the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8412/06]
217 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending primary schools in the Newcastle area who were absent for more than 20 days in 2004-05; the number who were absent for more than 40 days in 2004-05; the percentage of the student population each figure represents; the way in which this compares with the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8413/06]
218 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending primary schools in the Saggart area who were absent for more than 20 days in 2004-05; the number who were absent for more than 40 days in 2004-05; the percentage of the student population each figure represents; the way in which this compares with the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8414/06]
219 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending primary schools in the Rathcoole area who were absent for more than 20 days in 2004-05; the number who were absent for more than 40 days in 2004-05; the percentage of the student population each figure represents; the way in which this compares with the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8415/06]
220 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending primary schools in the Clondalkin area who were absent for more than 20 days in 2004-05; the number who were absent for more than 40 days in 2004-05; the percentage of the student population each figure represents; the way in which this compares with the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8416/06]
221 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending second level schools in the Lucan area who were absent for more than 20 days in 2004-05; the number who were absent for more than 40 days in 2004-05; the percentage of the student population each figure represents; the way in which this compares with the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8417/06]
222 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending second level schools in the Palmerstown area who were absent for more than 20 days in 2004-05; the number who were absent for more than 40 days in 2004-05; the percentage of the student population each figure represents; the way in which this compares with the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8418/06]
223 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending second level schools in the Clondalkin area who were absent for more than 20 days in 2004-05; the number who were absent for more than 40 days in 2004-05; the percentage of the student population each figure represents; the way in which this compares with the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8419/06]
224 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending second level schools in the Newcastle area who were absent for more than 20 days in 2004-05; the number who were absent for more than 40 days in 2004-05; the percentage of the student population each figure represents; the way in which this compares with the national average. [8420/06]
225 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending second level schools in the Saggart area who were absent for more than 20 days in 2004-05; the number who were absent for more than 40 days in 2004-05; the percentage of the student population each figure represents; the way in which this compares with the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8421/06]
226 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending second level schools in the Rathcoole area who were absent for more than 20 days in 2004-05; the number who were absent for more than 40 days in 2004-05; the percentage of the student population each figure represents; the way in which this compares with the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8422/06]
227 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending second level schools in the Brittas area who were absent for more than 20 days in 2004-05; the number who were absent for more than 40 days in 2004-05; the percentage of the student population each figure represents; the way in which this compares with the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8423/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 to 227, inclusive, together.
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board, NEWB, as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general function of the board is to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
Up to 2004, Ireland had no national data on the levels of student attendance in our schools. This matter was addressed by the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, which requires all schools to submit a report to the NEWB on levels of school attendance. In 2004, the NEWB initiated the collection and analysis of the first set of school attendance data relating to the school year 2003-04. Based on the analysis of data for the 2003-04 report, the findings indicated that non-attendance is a national issue and not just confined to areas of disadvantage. At primary level, the average number of days missed is 11 out of 183. At post-primary level, the average absence is 15 days out of 167. The findings indicated that absenteeism is higher in more disadvantaged areas. In the RAPID city areas, the average absence is 20 days. One in four post-primary students misses 20 days or more. Beyond RAPID areas, the average absence at post-primary level is 14 days and almost one in five misses 20 days or more. In RAPID city areas, the average absence at primary level is 17 days, while almost one in four pupils misses 20 days or more. In other areas, the average absence is ten days and one in ten misses 20 days or more.
The average attendance in the most disadvantaged post-primary schools is 86.1%, or 23 days absence, and the average attendance in the least disadvantaged schools is 94.6%, or nine days absence, implying a difference of 8.5%. This difference is also evident in respect of the number of children who miss 20 days or more, that is, 38% of students in the most disadvantaged schools and 8.5% in the least disadvantaged areas, a difference of 29.9%.
The Government has put in place a variety of measures to deal with the traditionally high levels of absence from school of children from disadvantaged areas. We set up the NEWB to monitor school attendance, help parents to get a school place for their child and run promotional campaigns on the importance of regular attendance. Working with parents to promote school attendance is also an important part of the work of the home-school-community liaison co-ordinators appointed to schools serving disadvantaged communities. Through the school completion programme, we are providing increased resources for schools in disadvantaged areas to improve attendance and school completion rates by offering extra supports for their students. These include extra educational supports and services such as breakfast clubs.
In May 2005, my Department launched the DEIS initiative, a new programme for educational inclusion, under which even greater funding will be given to schools serving the most disadvantaged communities to help young people to do better at school. The process of identifying which schools will benefit from the new programme is now complete and those schools which will be receiving support under DEIS have now been contacted and invited to participate in the initiative.
With regard to the issue raised by the Deputy pertaining to the level of absenteeism in particular areas, my Department has requested the NEWB to respond directly to him on this matter.
228 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of education welfare officers currently employed to cover areas (details supplied) incorporating the Dublin mid west constituency. [8424/06]
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. To discharge its responsibilities, the board is developing a nationwide service that is accessible to schools, parents, guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, educational welfare officers have been appointed and deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the board's functions locally.
The service is developing on a continuing basis. The total authorised staffing complement of the board is 94 comprising 16 HQ and support staff, five regional managers, 12 senior educational welfare officers and 61 educational welfare officers. Towns which have an educational welfare officer allocated to them include Dundalk, Drogheda, Navan, Athlone, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Bray, Clonmel, Tralee, Ennis, Sligo, Naas, Castlebar, Longford, Tuam, Tullamore, Letterkenny and Portlaoise. In addition, the board will follow up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education. Since September 2005, every county in Ireland is served by an educational welfare service. In addition to the NEWB staff there are around 490 staff in education disadvantage programmes whose work involves a school attendance element. My Department is anxious to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived from these substantial personnel resources. Consequently, work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for integrated working between the different services involved.
Regarding the Deputy's question on the number of education welfare officers who are currently working in the Brittas, Clondalkin, Lucan, Newcastle, Palmerstown, Rathcoole and Saggart areas, the National Educational Welfare Board has been requested to respond directly to the Deputy on the matter.
229 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of education welfare officers currently rolled out nationwide. [8425/06]
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The service is developing on a continuing basis. The total authorised staffing complement is currently 94, comprising 16 HQ and support staff, five regional managers, 12 senior educational welfare officers and 61 educational welfare officers.
In deploying its service staff, the National Educational Welfare Board has prioritised the provision of services to the most disadvantaged areas and most at-risk groups. Five regional teams are in place 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. Towns which have an educational welfare officer allocated to them include Dundalk, Drogheda, Navan, Athlone, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Bray, Clonmel, Tralee, Ennis, Sligo, Naas, Castlebar, Longford, Tuam, Tullamore, Letterkenny and Portlaoise. In addition to the staff of the NEWB, there are around 490 staff in educational inclusion programmes whose work involves a school attendance element. My Department is anxious to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived from these substantial personnel resources. Consequently, work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for integrated working between the different services involved.
230 Mr. Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to run a school bus service for the children of Claregalway and Carnmore to a school (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8434/06]
Under the terms of my Department's post-primary school transport scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if he or she resides 4.8 kilometres or more from the centre serving the catchment area in which he or she lives. The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post-primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside of their own catchment area, which is otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. Children will have to make their way to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside have been catered for. As the pupils referred to by the Deputy reside outside the catchment area of the centre attended, they may apply for catchment boundary transport subject to the conditions outlined.
231 Mr. Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding schools (details supplied); when she expects construction on these two schools to commence; the expected date for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8435/06]
The building project for the first school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. A full design team has been appointed and my Department's architects are currently drawing up proposals as to the layout of the school. The civil and structural engineer has been instructed to carry out topographical surveys and site investigation studies. On receipt of the requested information, a full design team meeting will be organised so that the project can be progressed further.
An application for a new school building has been received from the management authority of the second school referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria which were revised following consultation with the education partners. The project, including the acquisition of a site, is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2005-09.
232 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the meetings which took place regarding a proposed project (details supplied) in County Mayo between her Department, Mayo Vocational Education Committee and other interested parties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8456/06]
233 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the studies or reports which were carried out for a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the costs involved for same by her Department and Mayo Vocational Education Committee; and the person to whom the payments were made. [8457/06]
234 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the costs which were incurred by her Department and by Mayo Vocational Education Committee on a project which had been proposed in County Mayo from the first date the project was mooted to date; the moneys which have been paid to date to architects, auctioneers, land owners and so on; the moneys involved; the expenditure to date on every aspect of this matter. [8458/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 232 to 234, inclusive, together.
The VEC is an independent statutory body. Accordingly, the information requested by the Deputy regarding the VEC should be sought directly from the chief executive officer.
My Department has not participated in any meetings in recent years regarding the proposed project. The commission on school accommodation recently produced an area development plan on the overall area, which included recommendations on the proposed new school referred to by the Deputy. The cost of this report is within the remit of the commission's budget.
Capital funding of in the region of €400,000, including €247,000 for purchase of site, was expended by my Department on the proposed new school project referred to by the Deputy. It is expected that the sale of this site at an appropriate time in the future will at least recoup moneys expended.
235 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to pay school secretaries directly from her Department rather than from the school grant scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8483/06]
My Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial services in primary and secondary schools under two separate schemes. One is the 1978 scheme under which my Department meets the full cost of salary. These secretaries are paid directly through my Department's payroll. The 1978 scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant and no new posts are being created.
The 1978 scheme has been superseded by a more extensive school support grant scheme towards the funding of ancillary services in schools, including secretarial services. The scheme is flexible in nature, giving boards of management and schools discretion as to the manner in which secretarial services are provided. There are no plans to pay the school secretaries funded under this scheme directly through my Department's payroll.
236 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the long delay in appointing a chairperson for the Grangegorman Development Agency. [8515/06]
I am, at present, giving active consideration to the appointment of the chairman and membership of the Grangegorman Development Agency and expect to be in a position to make an announcement shortly. As the Deputy will be aware, a sum of €1 million is included in my Department's 2006 Estimates to facilitate the establishment and operation of the agency.
237 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if funding of the ABA unit will be sanctioned as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8594/06]
My Department, in the first instance, is most anxious that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, receive an education appropriate to their needs. In this regard, the preferred approach to the provision of appropriate education for all children, including children with autism, is through the primary and post-primary school network, whether through placement in mainstream classes, in special classes or in special schools. My Department would also support an eclectic approach in regard to the education of children with autism where a range of teaching methods are available, for example, treatment and education of autistic and related communication handicapped children, TEACH, applied behavioural analysis, ABA, picture exchange communication system, PECS.
This Department sanctioned two pre-school special classes for children with autism to St. Catherine's special school in February 2005. The school established a third pre-school class without approval from my Department or the National Council for Special Education, NCSE. As indicated to the Deputy on 21 February last, it is now a matter for the school to proceed with the process of applying for sanction for further classes for children with ASD as outlined to it in my Department's letter of 8 February. When this process is complete, the NCSE, through the relevant special education needs organiser, SENO, will contact the authorities of St. Catherine's special school regarding the outcome. My Department provided further clarification on the process to St. Catherine's in a letter dated 28 February 2006.
I can confirm that I will continue to prioritise the issue of special needs education for children with autism and, in co-operation with the NCSE, ensure that all children with special needs are adequately resourced to enable them to meet their full potential.
238 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether the findings and recommendations in the recent report entitled Inequality and the Stereotyping of Young People, (details supplied), that the working of school councils needs to be improved and that young people should be consulted more with regard to the running of the schools they attend; her plans to follow these recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8598/06]
The report Inequality and the Stereotyping of Young People, published on 22 February 2006 by the Equality Authority and the National Youth Council of Ireland, is valuable piece of research which I welcome. This report provides a valuable insight into how young people see their relationships with, inter alia, the Garda, teachers, politicians and the media. The research centres on ten focus groups of young people from different parts of the country, including young people with different identities and circumstances and provides an insight into young people’s views on how they are perceived by adults.
The report sets out a number of recommendations which it considers would help to address or reduce these inequalities and stereotypical perceptions. These include a suggestion that recommendations for the improved working of school councils emerging out of recent research should be adopted and supported. This is consistent with my and my Department's objectives in this regard.
In 2002 my Department produced and distributed to schools guidelines on the establishment and operation of student councils. Student councils are established in the majority of post-primary schools. I believe strongly that we cannot just teach students about rights and responsibilities in the CSPE class, we also have to give them actual responsibilities in the place where they spend much of their day. I have stressed to teachers' groups the need to not only ensure that each school has a student council but also that councils are given a meaningful role in school decision-making. A working group on student councils in second level schools was established by the National Children's Office in June 2003, in co-operation with my Department, to promote the establishment of democratic student councils in second-level schools.
In order to develop a better understanding of the operation of student councils and discover the needs of students, teachers, principals and schools, the working group contracted the Children's Research Centre at Trinity College to carry out research. The aim of the research study was to describe barriers, enablers and supports to the development and operation of student councils in Ireland as perceived by key stakeholders and to situate this within the international context. The research report was formally launched by my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, on 25 April last.
The working group also designed a leaflet and poster aimed at students, promoting the establishment of student councils, which were launched by the Minister of State with responsibility for children and distributed to all second level schools in 2004. A student council website was also launched and information on establishing and running student councils is posted on this site. The website is proving to be a valuable resource to students and teachers around the country.
239 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Defence, further to his letter of 25 January 2006 arising from a parliamentary question of 3 November 2005, the sources for the assertion that it was a Baluba custom that they bore off from the field of battle their most courageous victim; the steps he will take to reconcile the differing accounts of Trooper Browne’s death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8493/06]
240 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the reason a person (details supplied) is reported to have died twice in two different locations in the Congo in 1960; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8559/06]
241 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the reason he contends that a person (details supplied) died at Niemba despite the fact that this is disputed by the two survivors of the massacre as well as by the officer in charge of the search party that failed to find the person in November 1960; if his officials have made an attempt to contact the two Niemba survivors to ascertain their opinions; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8561/06]
242 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the reason he states that a person (details supplied) died on the battlefield in an attempt to save his comrade’s life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8564/06]
243 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the reason he states that a person’s body (details supplied) was removed from the scene by the ambushers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8565/06]
244 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the disparity of opinions concerning the Niemba controversy; if he will commission an independent assessment of the known facts, rather than an army inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8566/06]
245 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the reason the Army’s version of events has been seriously challenged, not least by a new book entitled The Irish Army in the Congo 1960-1964: The Far Battalions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8567/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 to 245, inclusive, together.
I undertook during Priority Questions last Thursday, 23 February 2006 to ask the military authorities to revisit the matter in light of questions raised by Deputy Finian McGrath. I have asked them to so do and to specifically deal with points raised both last Thursday and those raised in these questions. I expect that this process will be completed shortly. I will communicate further with both Deputy Gregory and Deputy Finian McGrath as soon as possible.
246 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Arklow sewage treatment plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8289/06]
The Arklow main drainage scheme is approved for construction in the Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 and the necessary capital funding has been allocated for the scheme in the programme. I am conscious of the urgent need for wastewater treatment facilities to be provided to service the Arklow area and, accordingly, I am anxious for the scheme to proceed as quickly as possible. However, the location of the site for the proposed wastewater treatment plant is the subject of ongoing proceedings in the High Court. Further progress will depend on the outcome of these proceedings which, I understand, are due to resume on 7 March.
247 Mr. Eoin Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of green flags which have been awarded to schools in Dublin South-East. [8291/06]
256 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of schools in Clondalkin and Lucan which have received green flags; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8516/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 256 together.
The green schools programme implements in Ireland an international environmental education programme known as eco-schools, a programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education, FEE. FEE is an organisation founded to raise awareness of environmental issues through education. In Ireland more than 2,000 schools participate in the programme which is administered by An Taisce. Inquiries regarding the number of green flags awarded to schools in the specified geographical areas may appropriately be directed to An Taisce, 5A Swift's Alley, Francis Street, Dublin, or greenschools@antaisce.org.
248 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position with regard to the upgrading of the sewerage scheme at Dromcollogher, County Limerick. [8298/06]
The Dromcollogher sewerage scheme, which is being procured in conjunction with a number of other schemes in the county, is included in the Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 to advance through planning. I approved Limerick County Council's brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare a preliminary report for the grouped project in June 2005. I understand that the council will shortly submit the selected consultant's fee proposals and an economic assessment of the scheme to my Department for approval and these will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
249 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the items which are recycled here; the items which are exported for recycling and to where; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8300/06]
National waste statistics for all waste streams are published at three-yearly intervals by the Environmental Protection Agency with the most recent national waste report being in respect of 2004. As outlined in successive national waste reports, we are substantially reliant on foreign-based materials recycling infrastructure, which dealt with 73.8% of recycled waste in 2004.
The export of waste is regulated by local authorities, in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No. 259/93 of 1 February 1993 on the supervision and control of waste within, into and out of, the European Community. In this context, it should be noted that clean segregated materials are a sought after resource which are freely traded under EU and international law. This is supported by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD, Decision of C(92)39 Final on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Wastes Destined for Recovery Operations which notes that the recovery of valuable materials and energy from wastes is an integral part of the international economic system and that well established markets exist for, and can contribute to, the collection and processing of such materials within OECD member countries.
The following table sets out the tonnage of non-notified waste recycled aboard and waste recycled, not including imports, in Ireland during 2004:
|
Materials |
Waste recycled in Ireland (tonnes) |
Waste recycled abroad (tonnes) |
|
Paper / Cardboard |
118,358 |
257,240 |
|
Glass |
3,124 |
65,680 |
|
Plastic |
8,718 |
47,186 |
|
Ferrous |
3,757 |
430,232 |
|
Aluminium |
3,450 |
15,642 |
|
Other Metals |
3,849 |
34,929 |
|
Textiles |
4,713 |
5,822 |
|
Wood |
147,909 |
13,242 |
|
Others |
21,751 |
21,273 |
|
Total |
315,628 |
891,240 |
Spain and the UK are the principal destinations for recyclables exported from Ireland for subsequent reprocessing, accounting for some 82% of total exports in this area. Europe as a whole accounts for almost 92% of all recyclable waste exported from Ireland for further treatment with the remaining 8% exported for reprocessing to the Asian continent, with China being the principal recipient.
While international trade in waste is consistent with Government policy in so far as it supports improved performance in recycling, the Government also recognises the value of a more developed recycling infrastructure in Ireland. To this effect, a market development group was established by Government in 2004 with a view to identifying market opportunities for materials recovered for recycling. A market development programme will be developed by the group in 2006.
250 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he received a request from a council (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8302/06]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 134 and 184 of 25 October 2005. I am considering advice recently received from the Office of the Attorney General on this matter.
251 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has reviewed the operation of the ministerial directive in respect of exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission for communication masts; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this allows masts to be erected on the flood lights of clubs and effectively bypasses efforts by local authorities to only locate those masts in residential areas as a last resort. [8309/06]
Communications masts are not exempt from the requirement to obtain planning permission. The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 do, however, set out certain exemptions in this area including, subject to certain conditions, the attachment of additional antennae to an existing antenna support structure, the erection of an antenna support structure in place of an existing antenna support structure and the attachment of antennae to certain existing structures, such as telegraph poles, electricity pylons and certain public or commercial buildings. These regulations were the subject of extensive debate in the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government, and were subsequently approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources report on non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts, in 2005 recommended, inter alia, that planning guidelines and planning exemptions be examined with a view to ensuring that no “electromagnetic emissions” or “radio frequency emissions” emitting equipment be permitted to be sited near health centres, schools or other sensitive sites such as playgrounds or pitches etc.
On receipt the joint committee's report, the Government, in September 2005, approved the establishment of an interdepartmental advisory committee and an expert group, working to the committee, on the health effects of electromagnetic fields. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is represented on the committee. It is understood that the committee expects to report to the Government before the end of 2006 on the appropriate action to be taken on foot of the recommendations contained in the report. In the interim period it is not proposed to amend the planning regulations.
252 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the directive he has issued regarding the upgrading of the Enniscrone sewerage scheme, County Sligo; the negotiations that have taken place; when funding will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8317/06]
The Enniscrone sewerage scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to commence construction in 2006 at an estimated cost of €2.04 million.
Sligo County Council's tender documents for the Enniscrone sewerage scheme are under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible. Once the tender documents have been approved, the council will be able to invite tenders for the scheme.
253 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the regulations applying to the award of rent supplement to people in need of housing; if those regulations include actions which the Health Service Executive and local authorities may take where an allegation is submitted that a recipient may be engaged in serious anti-social behaviour; and his views on the introduction of amending legislation if there is no such provision. [8484/06]
254 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the system of providing private rented accommodation through rent supplement will be brought within the housing function of the local authorities under the Housing Acts so that the public provision and proper estate management of housing accommodation will be regulated under the Housing Acts. [8485/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.
Section 16 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 amends the Social Welfare Acts to enable the Health Service Executive to refuse or withdraw rent or mortgage interest supplementation for private houses under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in the case of persons evicted, excluded or removed from, or refused housing on grounds of anti-social behaviour or in the interests of good estate management. The executive's discretion in this matter also applies where persons have been evicted or excluded from housing provided by a voluntary body.
Legislation to underpin the new rental accommodation scheme — under which local authorities are providing accommodation for certain recipients of SWA rent supplement who have been assessed as having a long-term housing need — will be made in a housing (miscellaneous provisions) Bill currently being prepared by my Department. The Bill will also strengthen the powers of housing authorities in dealing with anti-social behaviour. I expect to publish the Bill before the end of the year.
255 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received a copy of correspondence (details supplied); if, in the context, he will have same examined due to the situation outlined therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8486/06]
The letter in question was received by my Department on 23 February 2006, and a response is being prepared.
A portion of Connaught Street, Athlone, was designated for residential, commercial and industrial tax incentives under the urban renewal scheme 1999, and I understand that major development is currently under way on that site.
With the phasing out of area-based tax incentives, as announced in budget 2006, the question of new tax-based renewal incentives does not arise at this time.
257 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the assessment which was carried out by his Department regarding a company (details supplied) which has been approved as a private partner for the design, construction and operation of the proposed incinerator in Poolbeg, prior to his Department’s decision to agree contractual terms with the company. [8571/06]
As I have previously stated, my Department's role in the approval process for the proposed waste-to-energy plant is limited to validating compliance with PPP procurement norms, as laid down in guidelines issued by the Department of Finance. Having reviewed the detailed proposals of Dublin City Council, and consulted the National Development Finance Agency, my Department was satisfied that the project is designed to provide value for money within the parameters of the above guidelines and certified its compliance accordingly.
My Department is not the promoter of the project and has not purported either to negotiate or to agree contractual terms with the company.
258 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application for funding from Wicklow County Council for upgrading the water main and the access road along which it is laid at Devil’s Glen, Ashford, County Wicklow (details supplied); if, in view of the circumstances funding can be approved as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8578/06]
I understand that the pipeline works concerned were preliminary proposals being considered by Wicklow County Council in the context of the planning of the Wicklow water supply scheme, which has been approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007. The council has since determined that the proposed upgrade is not required and has informed the landowner accordingly.
