Vol. 639 No. 2
99 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if and when he will limit rent increase to a 5% increase above inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22750/07]
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2004 provides that rents in the private rented sector cannot be set at greater than the open market rate and that rent reviews cannot, in the normal course, occur more frequently than once a year. Any tenant who considers that the rent sought exceeds the market rate can refer the issue to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) for resolution. It is a function of the PRTB to review the operation of the relevant legislation, particularly the provisions relating to rent, and to make recommendations regarding any amendments considered necessary. There are no proposals currently to amend the provisions relating to rent levels.
It is important to note also that, in certain circumstances, a provision allowing rent increases up to 5% above inflation, as suggested by the Deputy, could result in tenants being subject to increases in rents greater than underlying market levels. Indeed, looking at the average increases over the most recent 5 year period, the regime proposed by the Deputy would have permitted rent increases significantly beyond those actually recorded.
100 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the entire cost to date of the electronic voting project including purchase of the machines, maintenance and storage, publicity and all other costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22753/07]
The total cost incurred to date in the development and roll-out of the electronic voting and counting system is €51.3 million (including some €46 million in respect of hardware costs and €2.6 million in respect of awareness and education initiatives). In addition, information provided by returning officers to my Department indicates that the total annual storage costs incurred by them in respect of the electronic voting machines and ancillary equipment in 2006 was some €706,000, with figures for 2005 and 2004 amounting to some €696,000 and €658,000 respectively.
Significant progress has been made in the transfer of the electronic voting equipment to centralised premises in Gormanston; arrangements are being made to transfer further such equipment to Gormanston. It is not possible to detail conclusively at this stage the total costs which will be associated with the centralised storage arrangements. Costs incurred in respect of the work to date amount to some €254,000. Further costs will be incurred in relation to the completion of the centralised storage arrangements, including buy-out costs.
The Government decision to proceed with the movement of the electronic voting equipment to centralised premises was made taking into account a range of factors, including costs of current and centralised arrangements and the likely benefits to be realised.
101 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to support the establishment of a wilderness park in the north midlands cut away bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22295/07]
I assume that the Question refers to the proposal from a local group to establish what it calls a ‘North Midlands Peatlands Park' — formerly titled a ‘National Wetlands Wilderness Park' — in the cutaway area of the Mount Dillon group of bogs in Longford and Roscommon, which is owned by Bord Na Móna plc.
It is estimated that some 80,000 hectares of cutaway Bord na Móna bog will become available by 2050. While I have no direct role in this, in principle I would very much welcome any arrangement between Bord na Móna and local groups to restore the natural and amenity value of harvested bogs as, for example, in the case of Lough Boora, County Offaly. In this regard, it would be essential for the local group proposing this initiative to secure the full support of Bord na Mona, as owners of the bogs concerned.
From enquiries made by my Department, I understand that the group concerned has yet formally to approach Bord na Móna for its support. Furthermore, I understand that the Mount Dillon group of bogs is contracted to supply Lough Ree Power for at least another fifteen years and that the bogs may have a commercial life beyond that time.
102 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will set a target to cut Ireland’s carbon emissions by 3%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22736/07]
Ireland's commitment under the Kyoto Protocol is to limit emissions to 13% above 1990 levels. The Government's approach to meeting Ireland's Kyoto Protocol commitment is set out in the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012, published in April 2007. This Strategy provides a framework for reducing emissions across all sectors of the economy and sets out a series of measures that, collectively, will reduce emissions by over 17 million tonnes each year over the period 2008-2012.
The Agreed Programme for Government sets a challenging target of a 3% reduction per year on average in our greenhouse gas emissions over the lifetime of the Government. While my absolute priority is to ensure that Ireland meets its legally binding Kyoto Protocol commitments, progress in reducing Ireland's emissions can now be measured with reference to our international commitments under the Kyoto Protocol and to this Government's commitment to a 3% average annual reduction over the same period. The target to which the Deputy refers is therefore already in place.
In meeting these commitments, I will be aiming to introduce further measures to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions and minimise the requirement to supplement domestic action through the purchase of credits through the Kyoto Protocol flexible mechanisms. This will leave Ireland better prepared to manage more demanding emissions reductions in the period to 2020 and beyond.
103 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason urban councillors are finding that they are unable to make representations for constituents who voted for them due to the fact that they are deemed to be outside the town boundary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22734/07]
The Local Government Act 1994 provided that the boundaries of certain town councils could be altered by regulation, solely for local electoral purposes, following agreement by the relevant local elected councils. This was done in order to extend the franchise to individuals living in built up areas that form part of the towns but are outside of the towns' administrative boundaries. These provisions do not prevent councillors making representations on behalf of constituents to the relevant local authority.
It is also open to any local authority to initiate an application for a boundary alteration to have effect for all statutory functions. A number of applications for town authority boundary alterations, to have effect for all purposes, have been determined and implemented in recent years.
Irrespective of the precise location of the boundary between town and county, the Local Government Act 2001 has facilitated improved access, interaction, linkages and service provision for all towns and areas with their respective county councils. A modernised legal framework and structures at local level are in place providing the necessary powers and flexibility to local authorities to work in partnership to co-ordinate the provision of integrated public services.
In addition, in accordance with the Programme for Government, my Department will be publishing a Green Paper on local government reform in the coming months. The Green Paper will examine a number of issues with the objective of making local government more transparent and responsive, including the provision of quality customer service to the public, and certain issues relating to town councils. The reform process presents an opportunity to strengthen town and county structures nationally.
As part of the reform process I will be giving consideration to Part 11 of the Local Government Act 2001 which provided for a Local Government Commission, but which has not been commenced. It was envisaged that the proposed Commission would make formal recommendations on boundary changes between local authorities.
104 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the basis on which he placed a Temporary Preservation Order on a National Monument at Rath Lugh on the route of the M3; the reason he did not take similar action in regard to the National Monument at Lismullin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22825/07]
In relation to the National Monument at Rath Lugh, I refer to the reply to Question No. 89 on today's Order Paper.
The National Monument at Lismullin is a previously unknown national monument discovered during the course of the archaeological works on the route of the M3 Clonee-North of Kells motorway scheme. The monument fell, therefore, to be dealt with under the provisions of section 14A(4) of the National Monuments Act, 1930, as amended by the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 2004. Following the report to my Department from the National Roads Authority of the discovery of the previously unknown National Monument and the required consultation with the Director of the National Museum, my predecessor issued directions on 12 June 2007 for the excavation of the National Monument. The unequivocal legal advice available to me is that without a material change in circumstances, I have no power to review the decision of my predecessor in this matter.
Before directions were issued in this case, all of the available options, as specified by law, including the option of preservation in situ, were carefully considered. The conclusion reached was that, because of the fragility of the features and the location of the site in a natural hollow, preservation in situ could not guarantee the actual preservation of the monument. This view is shared by the Advisory Committee appointed on the advice of the Director of the National Museum to advise on the conduct of the archaeological works carried out under the directions. The only viable archaeological option was, therefore, preservation by record, which involves the full archaeological excavation and recording of the exposed features within the land-take of the motorway project. This will ensure the recovery of all the archaeological evidence from the site and, in conjunction with subsequent scientific analysis, will provide valuable information on the site itself and its surroundings.
105 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the general location of each of the municipal waste incinerators which it is proposed to build in the State; the status of each planned incinerator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22813/07]
My Department has no role in determining the location of municipal waste incinerators. Such decisions are taken by local authorities, in the context of the regional waste management plans for which they have statutory responsibility, and by commercial enterprises in relation to private sector facilities, and are subject to the statutory planning and waste licence approval processes.
However, my Department is aware that a private company has secured planning and licensing approval for a municipal waste incinerator at Carronstown, Co. Meath and a hazardous waste incinerator at Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. In relation to the latter the company has indicated that approval for the treatment of municipal waste at this facility may be sought in the future.
Applications by Dublin City Council, on behalf of the Dublin local authorities, for planning and licensing approval for a waste to energy facility at Poolbeg are, in the context of that region's statutory waste management plan, currently before An Bord Pleanala and the Environmental Protection Agency respectively. The other waste management regions in their respective waste management plans identify various approaches to the use of thermal treatment in waste management.
106 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he voted at the Environment Council in Luxembourg in favour of new draft regulations on the production and labelling of organic products which allow products to be labelled as organic if they contain up to a maximum of 0.9% GMO content, especially when the European Parliament had recommended that the limit be set at 0.1%; his views on whether the Council decision may undermine public confidence in organic products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22817/07]
The substantive political and policy decision on the item referred to was taken at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers on 11 June 2007 at which Ireland was represented by the then Minister for Agriculture and Food. In accordance with EU procedures, all political decisions are subject to further legal and other processes — unrelated to the relevant political or policy decision — and subsequently come to the next available Council for formal approval which, in this case, was the Environment Council held on the 28 June. That Environment Council gave formal approval to a whole range of decisions in addition to the item referred to in the question, including decisions on trade policy, fisheries and the EU budget.
As Ireland had not opposed the substantive political and policy decision on this specific organic food labelling issue at the Agriculture Council, it would not have been appropriate to have opposed its formal adoption at the Environment Council, irrespective of the merits or otherwise of the proposal from a policy perspective.
107 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the legislative restrictions in which the Private Rented Tenancies Board operates, he is considering the putting in place of a licensing system for landlords which will ensure a minimum standard for the renting of residential properties. [22821/07]
All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority.
In September 2006 a comprehensive Action Programme to promote improvement in standards of private rented accommodation was announced, involving a range of measures including improved regulation, enforcement, funding and information. Good progress is being made with this Programme, an important element of which is the updating of the existing standards regulations in consultation with relevant interests. Submissions received in that regard are being considered and revised regulations should be available later this year.
While there is no proposal currently to introduce a landlord licensing system, landlords are required, under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, to register tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). Failure to do so is an offence, subject, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €3,000, or a term of up to six months in prison or both. In addition, under the Finance Act 2006, landlords must register a tenancy with the Board in order to claim tax relief on qualifying mortgage interest and refurbishment expenditure against rental income.
I believe that the registration system is operating well, with a very high number of tenancies currently registered, providing a valuable source of data for the purpose of enforcing the standards regulations as well as the PRTB's dispute resolution functions. It is a function of the PRTB to keep the operation of the legislation under review and to make recommendations regarding any amendments considered necessary.
108 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 148 of 12 December 2006, if the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System has been implemented in all local authorities; the details of same; the initiatives in place with each local authority to specifically combat the illegal dumping of household waste throughout the countryside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22877/07]
The Litter Monitoring Body's 2006 National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Results report, released in June 2007, is based on an analysis of data received from 72 local authorities, or almost 80% of all local authorities. The number of local authorities operating the system has increased significantly in the last three years and steps continue to be taken by the consultants who manage the system with a view to achieving full implementation at the earliest possible date. Results were submitted by 66 local authorities in 2005, 61 in 2004 and 34 in 2003. Further details regarding the implementation of the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System can be found on the website www.litter.ie.
Actions against illegal waste activity are a matter for the local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement and my Department does not compile information on the level of such activity or any particular initiatives. I am satisfied that appropriate powers are available to these enforcement authorities.
The 2005 report of the Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE), The Nature and Extent of Unauthorised Waste Activity in Ireland, identified the unauthorised collection and fly-tipping of waste as one of the problem areas in regard to waste management which needed to be further tackled. The report drew attention to the measures already being taken, including the appointment of over one hundred additional enforcement officers across the local authorities funded by my Department, and the stepped up enforcement activity generally being led by the OEE and the local authorities. The OEE, through its Environmental Enforcement Network, monitors on a continual basis the enforcement activities in this area to ensure that the momentum to tackle illegal waste activity is maintained.
109 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will publish comprehensive legislation on noise pollution as promised in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22816/07]
My Department is currently examining options to strengthen legislation on noise pollution, with a view to meeting the Programme for Government commitment as a matter of priority.
110 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the new building regulations announced recently will result in 60% lower heat energy demand in new housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22738/07]
130 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an assessment has been done by his Department of the expected additional cost of each new dwelling unit arising from the Draft Building Regulations, dealing with energy efficiency for homes published by him on 21 September 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22799/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 130 together.
To meet the commitment in the Programme for Government in this area, I published draft Building Regulations and an associated Technical Guidance Document under Part L of the Building Regulations, which deals with the Conservation of Fuel and Energy, on 21 September 2007.
These draft Regulations provide for a 40% improvement in energy efficiency and a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions for new homes. In addition, for the first time, the draft Regulations will provide for a mandatory minimum requirement for the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar heating or biomass systems. Measures to ensure energy-efficient artificial lighting and heating systems, with effective controls; to provide for air tightness testing to limit air infiltration; to place a new emphasis on workmanship; and to require vendors to provide consumer information to buyers on the operation of their home's heating and energy control systems, are also included. The intention is that the new rules will apply to all new planning applications for residential development after 1 July, 2008. From 1 July, 2009, they will apply to all new homes that have not been substantially built at that stage.
The Technical Guidance Document accompanying the draft Regulations includes a commitment to review and improve the Regulations to achieve a 60% reduction over current standards in 2010, with the ultimate aim of achieving a zero carbon standard for new houses. It also advises that new homes should be future-proofed in order to be easily upgraded to higher energy and CO2 standards in the future.
Consultants — the UCD Energy Research Group — have been retained by my Department to assist in the elaboration of proposals to achieve the 40% target. Preliminary estimates supplied by the consultants suggest a cost in the order of €10,000, including VAT, per typical dwelling, of which some €6,500 relates to provisions to meet the requirements regarding renewables (in this case solar panels). The balance of the cost arises from such items as insulation of all elements; higher quality windows; reduced thermal bridging; reduced air infiltration; higher efficiency boilers; and low energy lighting. In accordance with Government requirements, a Regulatory Impact Assessment of the overall proposals which I have announced is now under way and the work undertaken by the consultants will feed into this. I expect to have the Regulatory Impact Assessment completed by November, at which time I will arrange for it to be posted on my Department's Website.
The draft Regulations are now the subject of a public consultation process, which will continue until 26 October, 2007. I look forward to hearing the views of all stakeholders, which will be fully considered prior to finalising new Part L Building Regulations before the end of the year.
The significance of these draft Regulations should not be under-estimated. The proposed 40% improvement is the largest ever proposed in Ireland. Moreover, for the first time ever, energy efficiency is linked directly to national climate change obligations via the setting of specific standards relating to CO2 emissions.
Taken together, the measures provide for a step change in the approach to energy efficiency standards in new Irish homes. They are aimed at ensuring that new housing stock in Ireland is built to the highest international standards, and will be cheaper to run, easier to maintain and have a much lower impact on the environment.
I will be working closely on the implementation of these new measures with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, who has announced complementary measures to provide the necessary support to installers and the building industry to meet these challenging requirements.
111 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to improve security of tenure for those in the private rented sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22749/07]
The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 provides for significantly improved security of tenure in the private rented sector while respecting the rights of accommodation providers to regain possession where there are valid grounds for this. In particular, the Act provides for 4-year tenancy cycles, and, once a tenancy has lasted 6 months, it can only be terminated during the remaining three and a half years of the cycle for a limited range of specific reasons set out in the Act. The Act also includes a number of requirements relating to termination of tenancies, including a significant increase in the length of notice — related to the duration of the tenancy — that landlords are required to give in order to terminate a tenancy. Disputes or complaints in relation to these or other provisions of the Act can be brought to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB).
I understand that the security of tenure provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 are operating well, and there is no proposal currently for amendments to these provisions. It is a function of the PRTB to keep the operation of the legislation under review and to make recommendations regarding any amendments considered necessary.
112 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will commit to making homelessness a thing of the past by 2010 as requested by the Make Room campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22745/07]
The stated aim of the Make Room campaign by Focus Ireland, the Simon Communities of Ireland, the Society of St Vincent de Paul and Threshold is to end homelessness by 2010. The Campaign has indicated that by this it means that "nobody will sleep rough; nobody will stay in emergency accommodation for longer than is absolutely necessary and nobody will become homeless because of a lack of appropriate services".
The social partnership agreement Towards 2016 contains a commitment to the elimination of the long-term occupancy of emergency homeless accommodation by 2010. This is well aligned with the goals of the Make Room campaign. It should also be noted that the Homeless Agency, which is the partnership body which coordinates homeless services in Dublin, has already defined as its overarching goal the elimination of long-term homelessness and the need to sleep rough in Dublin by 2010.
The Independent Review of Implementation of Homeless Strategies, published in February 2006, examined the implementation of the Government's Integrated and Preventative Homeless Strategies and concluded that they should be amalgamated and updated. The Government has accepted the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Review and work is under way on the preparation of a revised and updated Strategy on Homelessness. As part of this process, a National Homeless Consultative Committee, which includes representatives from homeless service providers (including a representative from the Make Room campaign), was established in April 2007 to provide input into the development of the revised homeless strategy and ongoing Government policy on addressing homelessness.
Very significant resources are being made available to address the issue of homelessness at national level in a comprehensive and co-ordinated manner. Since 2000, the Government, through my Department and the Department of Health & Children, has provided over €450 million in capital and current funding nationally for the provision of accommodation and care related services for homeless persons.
Nationally, through the work of the local homeless fora, there has been significant progress in reducing the numbers of homeless persons. In the Housing Needs Assessment 2005, local authorities recorded a 46% fall in the numbers of homeless persons nationally, from 5,581 persons in 2002 to 3,031 persons in 2005.
There is now a wide range of accommodation and services for homeless persons across the country — from emergency hostels, transitional accommodation programmes to outreach and resettlement services and long term supported accommodation. A key task and a particular focus of attention in the future is to assist homeless persons who can live independently to move into mainstream long-term accommodation as soon as possible. This will involve refocusing efforts on the provision of accommodation in the social, voluntary and private rented housing sectors, exploiting the significant potential of the Rental Accommodation Scheme in this area and ensuring the availability of appropriate outreach and resettlement support.
113 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of affordable houses that will be delivered under Part V in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22751/07]
Predictions of future delivery of homes under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006 are necessarily subject to a number of variables. These include the volume of housing development for which planning permission is granted, the finalisation of individual agreements between local authorities and developers, the timing of commencement and phasing of individual developments and the general level of activity within the industry itself. Notwithstanding the uncertainty associated with these variables, it is estimated that some 2,400 affordable homes will be delivered nationally under Part V in 2007.
114 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason provision will not be made for a directly elected mayor with executive powers for Dublin until 2011; if it is intended to have an election for this position in 2011 or if it will have to await the next scheduled local elections which would not be until 2014; if it would be more logical and convenient to have this election with the local elections in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22805/07]
128 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the Government’s plans for directly elected mayors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22735/07]
147 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Green Paper on Local Government Reform will be published; if the deadline given in the Programme for Government of 14 December 2007 will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22806/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 128 and 147 together.
In accordance with the Programme for Government, my Department will be publishing a Green Paper on local government reform in the coming months. The Green Paper will examine a number of issues with the objective of making local government more transparent and responsive, and will set out options for reform in advance of a subsequent White Paper. Issues to be considered in the Green Paper include:
Ensuring a proper balance of power at local levels between the manager and the elected representatives;
The issue of directly elected Mayors/ Chairs;
The establishment of town councils in those towns that have shown significant population growth in recent years, including the upgrading of the former Town Commission towns, where appropriate to full Town Councils; and,
The provision of quality customer service to the public.Work on the Green Paper should be finalised by the end of the year, with a White Paper to follow next year.
The Government's programme states that a directly elected Mayor for Dublin with executive powers will by introduced by 2011. The remit of an elected Mayor for Dublin and all other practical matters involved in establishing such an office will be given consideration as a part of the reform process outlined above.
115 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of the proposed purchase by Ireland of additional allowances through the Kyoto Protocol flexible mechanisms; and the cost of same over the commitment period 2008 to 2012. [22674/07]
The Government has designated €270 million for the purchase of carbon allowances over the period 2007-2013. This sum is in addition to €20 million provided in my Department's Vote in 2006.
Following the enactment of the Carbon Fund Act in March 2007, the National Treasury Management Agency is now statutorily designated as the Government's purchasing agent for the acquisition of carbon allowances. The Agency is developing a purchasing programme on foot of the Government commitment that the State will purchase up to 18.035 million allowances in partial fulfilment of the State's obligations pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol. A national policy framework on the purchase of allowances, which is set out in Annex 3 to the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012, provides guidance for the Agency in this regard.
In 2006, Ireland committed to investing €20m in the Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund offered by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and a further €20m in Funds offered by the World Bank, namely the Carbon Fund for Europe and the second tranche of the BioCarbon Fund. No other commitments were made prior to the designation of the National Treasury Management Agency as purchasing agent. I also refer to the reply to Question No. 102 on today's order paper.
116 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will set up a housing authority under the auspices of his Department whose objective will be to shape and influence the development of housing policy through research, market analysis, information and advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22741/07]
In line with the Government's housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, my Department, in fulfilling its lead role in developing and implementing Government housing policy, works in partnership with other stakeholders, housing authorities and other supporting agencies.
At Government level, integrated approaches are advanced through the Cabinet Committees on Social Inclusion and on Housing, Infrastructure and PPPs, and their supporting cross-departmental teams. In terms of wider interactions with stakeholders, the Minister of State for Housing, Urban Renewal and Developing Areas chairs the Housing Forum which provides social partners with an input to policy development.
Sharing of best practice on housing policy and implementation also forms an important aspect of ongoing dialogue with Northern Ireland counterparts. In addition, engagement with EU and UN structures provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge and forms an important component of evidence based policy development.
My Department works jointly with local authorities across the full range of delivery mechanisms. In addition, support for the implementation of programmes is provided by the work of a number of bodies which operate under the Department's aegis. These include—
The Private Residential Tenancies Board supporting the modernisation and development of the private rented sector;
The Affordable Homes Partnership supporting the expanded affordable housing programme, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area;
The National Building Agency assisting in the delivery of housing, including regeneration programmes;
The Housing Finance Agency providing finance for local authorities and the voluntary and co-operative sector;
The Dublin Docklands Development Authority progressing development, including housing, in the Dublin docklands area, working closely with Dublin City Council;
The Centre for Housing Research undertaking research to inform policy and the development of best practice guidance and delivery of training to support housing practitioners.
I am satisfied that these arrangements provide a robust framework for the development and implementation of effective housing policy. Our approach has been responsive to housing need, reflected in both the level of overall housing output and a major expansion of social and affordable housing programmes.
117 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the concerns of wildlife officers in his Department that the deer hunted by a hunt (details supplied) are tame, farmed deer and should not be subjected to a hunt by hounds; if he will defer the granting of a licence to hunt farmed deer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22294/07]
Section 26(1) of the Wildlife Act 1976 provides that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government may grant to the master or other person in charge of a pack of stag hounds, a licence authorising the hunting of deer by that pack, during such period or periods as is or are specified in the licence. I sought advice from the Attorney General as to the view that this section might not apply to domesticated deer. The Attorney General has confirmed that Section 26 provides for the licensing of hunting for deer by stag hounds irrespective of whether the deer are wild or captive-bred. That advice has addressed this concern in relation to the licensing of the hunt. I will be making a decision on the licence application shortly.
118 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the files which have been requested from his Department by the Mahon Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16815/07]
The Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments is empowered by relevant Oireachtas resolutions to carry out such preliminary investigations in private, as it thinks fit. My Department has cooperated with all requests by the Tribunal to make files available. However, it would not be appropriate to disclose details of material provided in this way to the Tribunal, on a strictly private and confidential basis, in the course of its investigations.
119 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to tackle anti-social behaviour in housing estates and in particular the activities of so-called boy racers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22755/07]
A number of legislative measures have been put in place to ensure that local authorities have the capacity to fulfil their responsibilities under the Housing Acts for the management and maintenance of their housing stock. These measures are kept under continuous review in my Department.
The tenancy agreement, which is the legal basis of the relationship between the local authority and its tenants, will generally contain provisions in relation to behaviour which is acceptable and that which is not. The local authority is empowered under section 62 of the Housing Act 1966, to initiate proceedings to secure an eviction where a tenant has breached the conditions of the tenancy agreement.
The primary purpose of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 is to provide for a range of measures to assist local authorities in addressing problems arising on their estates from drug dealing and serious anti-social behaviour. The Act gives recognition to the role of local authorities in actively promoting the interests of tenants and other occupiers in their housing estates and also in working towards the avoidance, prevention and abatement of anti-social behaviour. One of the main provisions of the 1997 Act enables a local authority tenant, or the local authority itself in certain circumstances, to apply to the District Court for an excluding order against an individual member of the household who is believed to be engaging in anti-social behaviour. The measures contained in the 1997 Act are essential to ensure that local authorities have the capacity to take effective action in this area.
In fulfilment of commitments in the housing policy statement — Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, I am reviewing the provisions of this Act with a view to strengthening their powers.
The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 contains a number of provisions to address the issue of anti-social behaviour in private rented accommodation and also extends the local authority power to obtain excluding orders in respect of the occupants (other than the owner) of tenant purchased houses. It also provided for the local authority power to refuse to sell a house under the Tenant Purchase Scheme to a person it has reason to believe may engage in anti-social behaviour to be extended to the Shared Ownership Scheme, the 1999 Affordable Housing Scheme and affordable houses deriving from Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
In addition, the Centre for Housing Research, which is funded by my Department and local authorities, has produced good practice guidelines on preventing and combating anti-social behaviour. The Centre has also organised training courses for local authorities in this regard. In this wider context, my Department has put in place a Housing Management Initiative scheme, which includes funding for programmes to improve estate management, tenant liaison and training initiatives, and also supports the activities of local authorities to tackle anti-social behaviour through the Sustainable Communities Fund.
In relation to the activities of so-called boy racers, it is, of course, open to local authorities to consider introducing revised road layouts and traffic calming measures in estates to counter such activities. In addition, I consider that close liaison between local authorities and An Garda Síochána is essential in addressing many types of anti-social behaviour, particularly in relation to the dangerous misuse of motor vehicles, given the criminal nature of such activities. Moreover, the Joint Policing Committees, established on a pilot basis in 29 local authorities, provide an excellent forum for members of a local authority and the senior Garda officers responsible for policing the area, together with Oireachtas members and community and voluntary interests, to consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of their community. In particular, it is the function of the Joint Policing Committees to keep under review the levels and patterns of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in their area and the underlying and contributory factors. Together with my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I am examining what lessons can be learned from the operation of the pilot and we intend to have Joint Policing Committees up and running in all local authority areas in 2008.
120 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals for a review of the role, procedures and legislation governing the Environmental Protection Agency as promised in the Programme for Government; the persons by whom the review will be undertaken; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22815/07]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1108 of 26 September 2007. The position is unchanged.
121 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for his decision to withdraw without notice funding for the local authority playground grant scheme which provided for €120,000 grant aid per local authority for the construction of playgrounds; his views on whether many playground projects countrywide which had matching funding in place in anticipation of this grant aid being available may now have to be abandoned; if he will give serious consideration to reinstating this grant in view of the crucial importance of playground facilities in the fight against childhood obesity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22289/07]
Ready, Steady Play: A National Play Policy, which was published in 2004, provides a framework for the development of public play facilities in Ireland, with the overall aim of ensuring that children have access to a range of quality play opportunities to enrich their childhood. As part of the implementation of this policy, my Department has allocated funding of over €8 million to County and City Councils for the development of 167 new or refurbished playgrounds since 2004. Grant aid of approximately €4.1m in respect of over 80 playgrounds remains to be drawn down from my Department by local authorities.
There has been no decision to withdraw funding from these schemes. The question of inviting further proposals from local authorities is being kept under review in the light of experience gained under the current schemes.
122 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and location of applications for capital funding for the various sewerage treatment schemes throughout the country received in his Department; the number and location of those already approved; the ones pending; his intentions for the approval of the remainder with a view to alleviating the ongoing problem of pollution of water courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22848/07]
313 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number, location and extent of sewage treatment augmentation or replacement works submitted to his Department by the various local authorities in County Kildare; his intention to meet these requirements in full in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23145/07]
316 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to ensure the availability of an adequate supply and storage capacity of domestic drinking water in view of the increased and expected demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23153/07]
317 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received reports from the various local authorities in connection with the need to upgrade various sewage treatment systems throughout the country; the projected costs in meeting such requirements; when he expects to make the necessary funding available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23154/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 313, 316 and 317 together.
Local authorities were asked by my Department in 2006 to carry out detailed assessments of the needs for capital water services infrastructure in their areas and to prioritise their assessments, taking account, inter alia, of:
national and EU environmental and public health requirements and standards, including the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations, 2001 and the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations, 2000,
relevant reports produced by the Environmental Protection Agency, on the quality of drinking water, on water quality generally and on urban wastewater discharges,
specific reports and studies such as the National Urban Waste Water Study, County Sludge Management Plans and any other relevant studies/reports commissioned locally,
the provisions of their Development Plans or any draft Development Plans and any strategic regional planning guidelines or local area plans,
National Spatial Strategy objectives,
Any remaining non-compliant water schemes listed in Annex 12 of the EU Commission's application to the European Court of Justice in respect of Ireland's implementation of the Drinking Water Directive,
the adequacy of existing collection networks and, in the case of anticipated development, the adequacy of the capacity of existing treatment plants,
the need for continued support for social and economic activity and development,
the need to address infrastructural deficits in small rural towns, and
River Basin District Management Projects and Characterisation Reports completed in 2005 under the Water Framework Directive.
The priorities adopted by the local authority elected members in their 2006 needs assessments were taken into account in the preparation of the €5.8 billion Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 which I published in September 2007 and which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Details of individual needs assessments may be obtained from the relevant local authorities.
123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local authority houses built by the various local authorities in each of the past five years excluding those provided by voluntary housing organisations; the number of three bedroom or family homes included; his intentions for the public housing programme in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22849/07]
Data in relation to local authority social housing output, including new-build homes, in each of the past five years is set out in the table below:
|
Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
Completions1 |
4,403 |
4,516 |
3,539 |
4,209 |
3,968 |
|
Acquisitions |
671 |
456 |
971 |
918 |
1,153 |
|
Total Output |
5,074 |
4,972 |
4,510 |
5,127 |
5,121 |
1Includes newly-built homes acquired under Part V agreements.
Output details for individual City and County Councils for the years 2002 to 2006 are provided in my Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletin 2006 which is available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. My Department does not collate statistical information in relation to the size of houses provided under the social housing programmes.
The Government's commitment to an ambitious social housing programme in the years ahead is evident in the Programme for Government and in the housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities published in 2007. Under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 (NDP), some €18 billion has been earmarked for housing programmes to meet the accommodation needs of some 140,000 households over the period of the plan, including the delivery of an ambitious programme to deliver 60,000 new units of social housing. Under the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, 27,000 of these are to be delivered over the three years 2007 to 2009.
Significant progress is already being made in expanding the social housing programme to meet these targets. A total of 3,167 homes were completed or acquired by local authorities and the voluntary and co-operative housing sector in the period 1 January to 30 June 2007, representing an increase of 33% on the same period of 2006. In addition, a further 450 new units were acquired under the Rental Accommodation Scheme.
124 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will sanction Fingal County Council’s application for additional staff in order to enable them to open the newly refurbished Malahide and Garristown libraries. [22298/07]
I am aware of the current staffing needs identified by Fingal County Council in relation to the opening of the new library in Malahide, and use of enhanced facilities at Garristown library, and am more generally reviewing the overall employment levels in the local government sector having regard to the need to deliver front line services and achieve value for money within the parameters of Government policy on public service employment generally.
As part of my review, my Department is consulting the Department of Finance in relation to the current ceiling on local authority staff numbers, including increased servicing requirements in areas which have experienced high population growth.
125 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs to date of the development, roll-out, and promotion of the electronic voting and counting system; the costs to date of storage and maintenance of the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22811/07]
150 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Cabinet Committee on Electronic Voting last met; when a final decision will be made as to whether or not to proceed with electronic voting; if he has plans for the disposal of the electronic voting machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22802/07]
301 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs associated to date per year with the electronic voting machines (details supplied); the estimate of further financial expenditures already contracted for; and the amount of moneys already expended including VAT payments. [22976/07]
312 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is his intention to authorise the use of the electronic voting machines in the possession of the State and local authorities for the 2009 local and European Elections or any referendum that might be held before that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23139/07]
322 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for the future use of e-voting technology with a view to disposing of the project to an alternative jurisdiction which might be willing to utilise such a system; if he or his Department have received any cash offers in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23160/07]
I propose to take Question Nos. 125, 150, 301, 312 and 322 together.
The total cost incurred to date in the development and roll-out of the electronic voting and counting system is €51.3 million (including some €2.6 million in respect of awareness and education initiatives). In addition, information provided by returning officers to my Department indicates that the total annual storage costs incurred by them in respect of the electronic voting machines and ancillary equipment in 2006 was some €706,000, with figures for 2005 and 2004 amounting to some €696,000 and €658,000 respectively. The electronic voting machines do not require maintenance on an ongoing basis.
The following tables set out annual costs for the purchase and transport of the voting machines and information provided by returning officers regarding storage arrangements entered into by them in each of the 25 locations involved:
|
Year |
Cost of Purchase of Voting Machines (incl. VAT) |
Cost of Transport of Voting Machines (incl. VAT) |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2001 |
34,776 |
914 |
|
2002 |
5,548,350 |
8,106 |
|
2003 |
32,728,080 |
80,597 |
|
2004 |
2,716,431 |
24,716 |
|
2005 |
0 |
121 |
|
2006 |
0 |
0 |
|
2007 to date |
0 |
25,118 |
|
City/County |
Location of Storage Premises |
Annual Storage Costs 2006 (incl. VAT) |
Lease |
|
€ |
|||
|
Carlow-Kilkenny |
Mortarstown |
30,166.00 |
2 years |
|
Cavan-Monaghan |
Monaghan Town |
27,075.32 |
25 years |
|
Clare |
Ennis |
3,600.00 |
Monthly basis |
|
Cork City |
Togher |
53,942.33 |
10 years |
|
Cork County |
Ballygarvan |
35,124.00 |
Annual basis |
|
Donegal |
Letterkenny |
16,685.80 |
Annual basis |
|
Dublin City |
Ballycoolin |
71,265.00 |
8 years |
|
Dublin County |
Finglas |
49,034.86 |
Annual basis |
|
Galway |
Galway City |
Nil |
N/A |
|
Kerry |
Tralee |
22,624.96 |
10 years |
|
Kildare |
Clane |
31,984.21 |
9 years 9 months with 5 year break clause |
|
Laois-Offaly |
Portlaoise |
27,647.60 |
5 years |
|
Limerick |
Limerick City |
64,465.30 |
4 years 9 months |
|
Longford |
Longford Town |
18,439.88 |
4 years 9 months |
|
Roscommon |
Roscommon Town |
9,816.00 |
2 years 6 months |
|
Louth |
Dundalk |
593.47 |
N/A |
|
Mayo |
Castlebar |
37,426.00 |
Annual basis |
|
Meath |
Navan |
21,976.51 |
9 years 9 months |
|
Sligo |
Sligo Town |
Nil |
N/A |
|
Leitrim |
Carrick-on-Shannon |
3,150.00 |
1 year |
|
Tipperary (N&S) |
Clonmel |
31,200.00 |
5 years |
|
Waterford |
Waterford City |
57,699.17 |
10 years |
|
Westmeath |
Mullingar |
21,772.62 |
4 years 9 months |
|
Wexford |
Drinagh |
19,064.76 |
Monthly basis |
|
Wicklow |
Kilcoole |
54,241.29 |
Annual basis |
Significant progress has been made in the transfer of the electronic voting equipment to centralised premises in Gormanston; arrangements are being made to transfer further such equipment to Gormanston. It is not possible to detail conclusively at this stage the total costs which will be associated with the centralised storage arrangements. Costs incurred in respect of the work to date are some €254,000. Further costs will be incurred in relation to the completion of the centralised storage arrangements, including buy-out costs.
The Government decision to proceed with the movement of the electronic voting equipment to centralised premises was made taking into account a range of factors, including costs of current and centralised arrangements and the likely benefits to be realised.
The Cabinet Committee on Electronic Voting established by the previous Government last met on 13 February 2007. I am at present considering the next steps to be taken in relation to the electronic voting and counting project, in association with the provisions in the Agreed Programme for Government relating to electoral reform generally.
My Department has had no approach from other jurisdictions along the lines outlined in Question no. 322.
126 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review local authority electoral area boundaries in advance of the next local elections particularly having regard to the significant population changes experienced in many areas since the boundaries were last reviewed in 1998 and the need for certainty in regard to the areas, with elections now less than two years away; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22804/07]
Unlike for Dáil and European Parliament constituencies, there are no legal requirements in relation to the frequency of local electoral area reviews. The last review of local electoral areas was carried out in 1998; the next local elections are due to take place in 2009. I am at present considering the issues around a review of local electoral areas and I expect to be in a position to make a statement on the matter shortly.
127 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress of his consideration of legislation to regulate lobbyists as promised in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22809/07]
Arising from previous research completed by the Institute of Public Administration on behalf of the Department in 2004, my Department commissioned further research by a Trinity College / Dublin City University joint team to establish a clear profile of formal systems for regulating lobbyists in public life in certain jurisdictions, thereby facilitating an assessment of their relevance to public life in Ireland. This research report, entitled "Examining and Assessing the Regulation of Lobbyists in Canada, the USA, the EU institutions, and Germany" has been published electronically on my Department's website and copies of the report were placed in the Oireachtas Library in June 2007.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to consider legislation to regulate lobbyists, and this will be taken forward having regard to the conclusions of the Trinity College / Dublin City University report and emerging developments at international level.
129 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will deliver 10,000 social and affordable housing units in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22744/07]
The Government's housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, and the National Development Plan 2007-2013 (NDP) reflect the strong commitment to expand social and affordable housing provision contained in the social partnership agreement Towards 2016. The NDP provides the resources — some €18 billion in total — which will support increased output from social and affordable housing measures and result in the needs of some 140,000 new households being met in this period.
These resources will be used to meet the needs of some 100,000 households by commencing/ acquiring 63,000 new social homes in the period 2007-2013, through a combination of local authority, voluntary and co-operative housing and new units for the Rental Accommodation Scheme. Further households will benefit either as they transfer to the Rental Accommodation Scheme with their existing landlords or from naturally occurring vacancies. Over the period 2007 to 2009, sufficient resources will be made available to commence/acquire some 27,000 new units of social housing.
In addition over the period of the NDP some 40,000 households will benefit from affordable housing. 17,000 of these will be delivered in the first three-year period, in line with the agreement in Towards 2016.
To ensure that these programmes are delivered in a coherent and coordinated manner City and County Councils have put in place multi-annual Housing Action Plans which encompass delivery of social and affordable housing in their areas, including Town Councils. Meetings are being held currently with local authorities, as part of the ongoing interaction on Housing Action Plans, to support delivery in the period from 2008 to 2010.
131 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he has taken to empower local authorities to designate brown field sites in need of development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22743/07]
Local authorities are statutorily empowered to acquire, either by agreement or compulsorily, land, including brown field and derelict sites, for the purposes of developing or securing or facilitating the development of such land. These powers include the power to acquire sites for the establishment of strategic development zones.
Under both the 1999 Urban Renewal Scheme, which encompassed the five cities and thirty-eight large towns, and the 2000 Town Renewal Scheme, which encompassed 100 smaller towns, relevant local authorities were requested to propose areas for designation for the purpose of tax incentives to support residential and commercial development, especially of brown field sites. Tax reliefs in respect of projects under these schemes are being phased out in the period to end-July 2008.
132 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the fact that the activities of commercial shoot operators are frequently unregulated and the need to regulate the shooting of wild animals and birds in the interest of conservation and sustainability, he will give a commencement date for section 36 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 which deals with the licensing and regulation of shoot operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22300/07]
Section 36 of the Wildlife Amendment Act, 2000 provides for the regulation of commercial shoot operators. This section, which is permissive in scope, has not yet been commenced because of the increasing demands of other high priority nature conservation requirements, in particular those associated with the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations.
133 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the directives his Department have issued to local authorities with respect to the use of funding for the building of social houses since 1 May 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22614/07]
My Department has issued several circulars to housing authorities in relation to the social housing investment programme since 1 May 2007. These are outlined below:
10 May 2007: Best Practice Guidelines — Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities — This circular draws attention to the publication of the new Department Guidelines Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities.
23 May 2007: Policy Framework for Regeneration of Local Authority Estates — This circular sets out the administrative arrangements for the submission of proposals for the regeneration of local authority estates and, as appropriate, their environs.
31 May 2007: Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) — This circular updates housing authorities on administrative changes in relation to the recoupment of costs and the extension of RAS to the Back to Work Scheme.
27 June 2007: Construction Procurement Reform: Revised Arrangements for the Procurement of Public Works Projects and for the Engagement and Payment of Construction Consultants — This circular advises housing authorities of revised arrangements for the implementation of new "fixed price contracts" for construction projects.
24 July 2007: Arrangements for provision of Social Housing through Turnkey Projects — This circular advises authorities of new arrangements in relation to the provision of social housing and mixed developments through "turnkey" arrangements.
8 October 2007: Social Housing Investment Programme 2007 — End-of-Year Recoupment Arrangements — This circular advises of the administrative arrangements for end of year recoupment claims under the social housing investment programme.
134 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will as a matter of urgency be appointing a specific project team to carry out a programme of regeneration and refurbishment of local authority flat complexes. [22889/07]
The Government's Policy Statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities provides for an expanded programme of works, including the regeneration and refurbishment of flats complexes, to improve the local authority housing stock.The development of proposals for, and the advancement of, individual projects is a matter for individual housing authorities.
135 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when legislation will be introduced to provide for the Independent Electoral Commission to take responsibility for electoral administration and oversight as promised in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22808/07]
146 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend the Electoral Acts to provide for increased transparency in the funding of political parties and for greater scrutiny of political party expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22810/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 146 together.
The Agreed Programme for Government contains a commitment to the establishment of an independent Electoral Commission which will take responsibility for electoral administration and oversight, implement modern and efficient electoral practices, revise constituency boundaries, take charge of compiling a new national rolling electoral register, take over the functions of the Standards in Public Office Commission relating to election spending, and examine the issue of financing the political system. I will be developing appropriate proposals in this regard.
In addition, the Agreed Programme for Government commits to publishing a Green Paper on local government reform. One of the issues which the Green Paper will address is the question of expenditure limits at local elections. There are currently no such limits, although expenditure, as well as donations over a €635 threshold, must be disclosed. I have set in train a process of public consultation prior to the preparation of the Green Paper and have established a related Consultative Committee. Work on the Green Paper should be completed by the end of this year with final proposals to be settled in a White Paper next year.
I am satisfied that the proposals for the Electoral Commission, together with the initiatives which will emerge from the Green Paper, provide an appropriate framework to progress our extensive and complex agenda for electoral and local government reform.
136 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action being taken to ensure that local authorities are required to take into account the potential impact on carbon emissions of development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22803/07]
Development plans provide the over-arching strategic framework for sustainable development within their areas, with a view to ensuring that all development is sustainable in economic, social and environmental terms. As such, the development plan must offer clear guidance on sustainable development policies and objectives, both national and local, which address the full range of sustainability issues involved, including climate change, waste management, transport, urban development, sustainable communities, use of natural resources and so on.
It is imperative that the objectives and strategies set out in development plans are compatible with the Government's commitment to reducing energy consumption and modifying the impacts of climate change. My Department has provided extensive guidance on development planning, in Development Plans — Guidelines for Planning Authorities, published in June 2007. These state that development plans should be consistent with the objectives of national initiatives that will address energy and climate change issues such as the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 (NCCS), which builds on the commitment to sustainable development set out in Towards 2016 and the National Development Plan 2007-2013. They also emphasise that the objectives of the NCCS require implementation by all sectors of society, and that it is imperative that the objectives and strategies set out in development plans are compatible with the Government's commitment to reducing energy consumption and modifying the impacts of climate change. Moreover, the conclusions in the EPA State of the Environment Report, and other evidence in relation to environmental quality and trends, should inform the drafting of development plans and be reflected, as appropriate, in their objectives and implementation.
The Strategic Environmental Assessment carried out as part of the preparation and review of the development plan can help to bring environmental issues into sharper focus during the consultation phases, and should improve the overall sustainability of the plan-making process by facilitating the identification and appraisal of alternative plan strategies, by raising awareness of the environmental impacts of plans, and by encouraging the inclusion of measurable targets and indicators.
In addition to the statutory requirements in relation to the planning code for development plans, and in keeping with Ireland's obligations on greenhouse gas emissions and the need to reduce carbon fuel energy consumption, I published, on 21 September 2007, draft regulations under Part L of the Building Regulations. These draft Regulations provide for an average reduction of at least 40% in primary energy consumption and a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions. Moreover, for the first time, the Regulations will introduce:
a minimum requirement for the use of renewable energy sources;
energy-efficient boilers;
energy-efficient artificial lighting systems; and
improved airtightness of the building fabric. The draft Regulations provide for a commencement date of 1 July, 2008.
The draft Regulations and associated Technical Guidance Document are now the subject of a public consultation process, which will continue to 26 October 2007. All submissions received will be comprehensively assessed and given due consideration prior to finalising new Building Regulations before the end of the year.
137 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the steps he will take to reduce waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22819/07]
The most recent assessment of need for social housing was undertaken by local authorities in March 2005. The results of that assessment indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority housing waiting lists. More comprehensive data in relation to the 2005 assessment at an individual local authority level were published in the Annual Bulletin of Housing Statistics 2005, a copy of which is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. The next statutory assessment of housing need will take place in March 2008.
The Government is well placed to deliver on the commitments in Towards 2016 to start or acquire some 27,000 new homes for those in need of social housing over the next three years. The total Exchequer provision for social housing in 2007 is almost €1.4 billion — an increase of 10% on the 2006 provision. The funding will support the commencement of a significant number of new social housing units, further progress under the regeneration programmes, as well as bringing to completion a large number of units under both the local authority and voluntary housing programmes.
138 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of full time fire services there are; the location of same with a breakdown of the number of full time firemen with each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22613/07]
A full-time fire service operates in Cork City, Dublin City, Limerick City and Waterford City. Dublin City Council, in addition provides a full time service on behalf of the other three Dublin authorities: — Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown, Fingal (excluding Skerries and Balbriggan which are covered by a retained fire service) and South Dublin County Councils. Galway County Council provides a full-time service for Galway City. Drogheda Borough Council and Dundalk Town Council each provide a full time service between the hours of 09.00 and 23.00.
The number of full-time personnel employed in these fire authorities at 1st January 2006 is 1,296. This figure is broken down as follow: — Cork City Council — 148, Drogheda Borough Council — 19, Dublin City Council — 962, Dundalk Town Council — 21, Galway County Council — 42, Limerick City Council — 67 and Waterford City Council — 37.
139 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding available for the recruitment of litter wardens in tandem with the increase in litter fines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22754/07]
141 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of his decision to increase on-the-spot fines for litter offences, he will provide resources to local authorities for the employment of additional litter wardens to ensure that litter laws are enforced; the number of litter wardens employed nationally in each of the five years; if all local authorities employ litter wardens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22801/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 141 together.
Under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2003, primary responsibility for developing and implementing responses to litter lies with local authorities, who are required to take all practicable measures for the prevention, control and disposal of litter in their functional areas. The appointment of litter wardens is a matter for individual local authorities within each authority's current authorised staffing level and is one in which I have no function.
Statistics on local authority enforcement action on litter, including the numbers of litter wardens employed, are submitted by local authorities to my Department every six months; these figures are available in the Oireachtas Library. The litter enforcement statistics show that litter wardens are employed in each county council functional area.
140 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the income that has been received by each local authority from the Private Residential Tenancies Board to date; if these finances are ring-fenced to inspect dwellings for suitability; the number of inspections of dwellings that have been undertaken by each individual council that has received these funds to date. [22823/07]
Details of funding provided to local authorities to date by the Private Residential Tenancies Board from the proceeds of the tenancy registration fees, are set out in the following table. This funding is specifically to assist local authorities in carrying out their functions in relation to private rented accommodation standards and rent books. Details of dwellings inspected on a county/city basis are published in the Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins, which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.
|
2004 (1/9/04-31/12/04 only) |
2005 |
2006 |
|
|
County Councils |
|||
|
Carlow |
3,905 |
12,991 |
15,210 |
|
Cavan |
3,212 |
7,088 |
7,430 |
|
Clare |
3,178 |
11,194 |
19,547 |
|
Cork |
13,218 |
48,588 |
44,815 |
|
Donegal |
659 |
11,115 |
65,095 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
19,980 |
92,951 |
102,310 |
|
Fingal |
10,531 |
77,196 |
117,205 |
|
Galway |
8,705 |
19,250 |
22,482 |
|
Kerry |
1,116 |
9,102 |
16,313 |
|
Kildare |
11,089 |
43,099 |
52,473 |
|
Kilkenny |
5,105 |
5,291 |
7,658 |
|
Laois |
1,471 |
8,292 |
9,261 |
|
Leitrim |
2,569 |
5,015 |
16,021 |
|
Limerick |
11,731 |
15,755 |
18,157 |
|
Longford |
152 |
6,357 |
13,955 |
|
Louth |
2,214 |
5,647 |
19,396 |
|
Mayo |
118 |
7,877 |
14,556 |
|
Meath |
507 |
16,387 |
17,711 |
|
Monaghan |
507 |
3,771 |
3,306 |
|
North Tipperary |
2,096 |
7,522 |
9,549 |
|
Offaly |
1,099 |
5,311 |
10,209 |
|
Roscommon |
727 |
8,095 |
10,056 |
|
Sligo |
558 |
6,160 |
7,318 |
|
South Dublin |
3,093 |
68,963 |
95,842 |
|
South Tipperary |
963 |
5,489 |
5,669 |
|
Waterford |
7,640 |
7,581 |
10,529 |
|
Westmeath |
1,031 |
12,497 |
14,995 |
|
Wexford |
1,995 |
11,569 |
13,387 |
|
Wicklow |
2,688 |
16,742 |
19,270 |
|
City Councils |
|||
|
Cork |
39,047 |
93,957 |
136,019 |
|
Dublin |
112,965 |
555,156 |
666,241 |
|
Galway |
60,734 |
97,709 |
100,349 |
|
Limerick |
11,951 |
36,308 |
60,948 |
|
Waterford |
6,795 |
23,810 |
39,707 |
|
Town/Borough Council |
|||
|
Carlow |
7,843 |
4,107 |
3,790 |
|
Cavan |
51 |
1,086 |
2,000 |
|
Ennis |
9,449 |
11,668 |
10,345 |
|
Kilrush |
625 |
336 |
2,000 |
|
Fermoy |
270 |
2,448 |
2,600 |
|
Macroom |
2,214 |
987 |
2,000 |
|
Mallow |
2,958 |
3,514 |
3,706 |
|
Kinsale |
389 |
2,211 |
2,260 |
|
Midleton |
51 |
2,725 |
3,339 |
|
Youghal |
2,062 |
2,073 |
2,160 |
|
Clonakilty |
727 |
1,599 |
2,000 |
|
Cobh |
727 |
2,132 |
2,420 |
|
Skibbereen |
2,164 |
1,145 |
2,000 |
|
Buncrana |
0 |
908 |
2,000 |
|
Bundoran |
254 |
355 |
2,000 |
|
Letterkenny |
338 |
4,699 |
4,073 |
|
Ballinasloe |
2,857 |
4,758 |
3,644 |
|
Killarney |
2,079 |
6,081 |
6,522 |
|
Listowel |
406 |
987 |
2,000 |
|
Tralee |
8,976 |
16,762 |
21,215 |
|
Athy |
625 |
1,619 |
2,170 |
|
Naas |
4,429 |
4,995 |
5,177 |
|
Kilkenny |
101 |
10,089 |
9,578 |
|
Longford |
423 |
2,705 |
5,070 |
|
Drogheda |
1,318 |
12,359 |
11,691 |
|
Dundalk |
6,356 |
4,758 |
4,190 |
|
Ballina |
4,412 |
3,692 |
3,040 |
|
Castlebar |
372 |
4,284 |
4,032 |
|
Westport |
51 |
2,744 |
2,553 |
|
Kells |
51 |
948 |
2,000 |
|
Navan |
2,299 |
3,416 |
3,172 |
|
Trim |
1,082 |
711 |
2,000 |
|
Carrickmacross |
1,200 |
671 |
2,000 |
|
Castleblayney |
490 |
592 |
2,000 |
|
Clones |
304 |
415 |
2,000 |
|
Monaghan |
1,910 |
1,441 |
2,000 |
|
Nenagh |
575 |
2,172 |
2,380 |
|
Templemore |
51 |
316 |
2,000 |
|
Thurles |
2,045 |
1,974 |
2,110 |
|
Birr |
879 |
632 |
2,000 |
|
Tullamore |
2,265 |
4,995 |
5,515 |
|
Sligo |
9,398 |
12,162 |
14,636 |
|
Carrick-on-Suir |
292 |
1,027 |
2,000 |
|
Cashel |
406 |
809 |
2,000 |
|
Clonmel |
5,646 |
10,780 |
9,451 |
|
Tipperary |
287 |
888 |
2,000 |
|
Dungarvan |
2,130 |
3,455 |
3,266 |
|
Athlone |
4,648 |
13,169 |
11,359 |
|
Enniscorthy |
304 |
3,534 |
3,290 |
|
New Ross |
778 |
1,441 |
2,210 |
|
Wexford |
5,680 |
13,800 |
13,350 |
|
Arklow |
372 |
4,916 |
6,373 |
|
Bray |
2,924 |
13,149 |
11,090 |
|
Wicklow |
1,318 |
3,277 |
3,130 |
|
Total |
463,510 |
1,582,350 |
2,025,896 |
143 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 989 of 20 March 2007, if he has given further consideration to a request to meet with a delegation from Midleton Town Council regarding the Midleton Town boundary alteration; if so, when such a meeting will take place; his views on such an alteration; the action he has taken or intends to take on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22878/07]
I understand that my predecessor was invited to meet with a delegation in early 2007. I have recently received an invitation to meet with a delegation of Midleton Town Council, to which I will reply shortly. I also intend to respond to Midleton Town Council's application for a boundary extension as soon as possible.
144 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on increasing the maximum grant available from local authorities for disabled persons grants to at least €30,000 due to the escalating cost of building recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22291/07]
300 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the new disabled persons grant maximum limits will be increased. [22956/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 300 together.
In order to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability, my Department has reviewed the operation of the Disabled Persons, Essential Repairs and Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Grant schemes. Details of the revised framework of grant aid to assist older people and people with a disability were announced earlier this year as part of the Government's new Housing Policy Statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities.
As part of the new framework, a revised grant scheme to be known as the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability will be introduced on 1 November 2007, and will assist in the provision/adaptation of accommodation to meet the needs of people with a disability. The maximum grant available under the revised scheme will be €30,000, covering up to 95% of the approved cost of works. Under the revised framework, the grant level will increase annually in line with the building cost index, thus protecting its value into the future.
145 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps being taken to implement the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that local authorities prioritise the provision of community and recreational facilities as part of their development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22807/07]
Development plans provide the blueprint for the sustainable development of an area, including the co-ordinated provision of infrastructure and services. Requirements for public open space and recreation space provision in connection with development proposals, particularly residential development, should be clearly set out in the development plan.
Planning authorities must respond to the circumstances of their own local communities when formulating their development plans, and identify the appropriate facilities required. Generally, appropriate policies and objectives for inclusion in plans will relate to allocation and reservation of land, setting appropriate development control standards and indicating provision of specific facilities. Development contributions can also be sought by planning authorities to help pay for facilities servicing new developments including community and other recreational amenities.
My Department has issued guidelines to planning authorities on preparing and managing development plans which emphasise the need for integrated provision of both infrastructure and supporting services to facilitate the development of sustainable communities, and provide for a better quality of life in working, home and leisure environments.
Section 10(2)(d) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requires a development plan to include objectives for "the integration of the planning and sustainable development of the area with the social, community and cultural requirements of the area and its population." This objective allows for linkage to be made between the development plan and the County Development Board's strategy which is intended to bring the socio-economic and physical planning processes closer together. The land use policies of the development plan should be informed by and reflect the socio-economic and cultural considerations of the strategy.
Similarly, section 10(2)(l) of the Act requires a development plan to include objectives for "the provision, or facilitation of the provision, of services for the community including, in particular, schools, crèches and other education and childcare facilities." Community facilities falling within this mandatory objective can include places of worship, hospital and health centres, facilities for the elderly and persons with disabilities, facilities for children's play including playgrounds, skateboard parks and other facilities, libraries and community halls.
The priority the Government attaches to achieving greater integration between planning, housing and infrastructure provision is also reflected in the assignment of specific responsibility for "developing areas" to Minister Batt O'Keeffe, Minister of State at my Department.
148 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on nominating Georgian Dublin as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. [22890/07]
In order to nominate a site for World Heritage Status, it must be on the tentative list of sites submitted to UNESCO. The current tentative list was compiled in 1992 by an internal Departmental committee, following a public consultation process, and formally submitted to UNECSO in accordance with the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Georgian Dublin was not included in the tentative list at that time. My Department will be reviewing the tentative list of sites next year and Georgian Dublin can be considered in the context of that review.
149 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he plans to introduce legislation on foot of the recommendations of the All Party Committee on the Constitution on property rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22818/07]
156 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will legislate to allow for the compulsory purchase of land by local authorities at agricultural or existing value plus 25% for the purpose of social or affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22742/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 156 together.
The principal recommendation in the Ninth Progress Report of the All Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution (APOCC), on Private Property, was for the implementation of the central proposal of the 1973 majority "Kenny Report", a "designated area scheme" under which local authorities would be empowered to compulsorily acquire land for general development purposes, at its existing use value plus25%, rather than at open market value. In the light of a range of substantive legal, practical and financial considerations, successive Governments since the 1970s have not proceeded with such a scheme, and I have no proposals to do so.
However, the Government has approved the drafting of a Designated Land (Housing Development) Bill to provide for a "use it or lose it" scheme. The General Scheme of the Bill provides for—
powers for planning authorities to enter into a binding agreement with, or impose requirements on, the owners of designated land in order to bring such land into housing development;
an amended compensation mechanism whereby designated land, if not developed in agreement with, or in accordance with requirements imposed by, the relevant planning authority, could be compulsorily acquired at below market value; and
as a possible alternative to compulsory acquisition, the imposition by planning authorities of an annual development incentive levy on designated land.
€18 billion is being made available under the National Development Plan (NDP) to support expanded social and affordable housing programmes. As a result, it is estimated that the housing needs of some 140,000 households will be met over the life of the NDP. Activity under these programmes has increased significantly this year. With some 4,350 units delivered, output of social and affordable housing for the first half of 2007 is up 24% on same period in 2006; this includes an increase of 51% in the delivery of housing units under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
The APOCC report recommended, inter alia, that—
there should be a ‘one stop shop' planning procedure for strategic infrastructural projects,
the right to compensation for the acquisition of property rights below a specified depth under the surface should be removed, and
the existence of land purchase options should be made public to achieve transparency in property markets generally.
The Strategic Infrastructure Act 2006—
introduced a streamlined planning consent procedure for strategic infrastructure developments, and
amended the rules of compulsory acquisition to provide that the value of any land lying 10 metres or more below the surface shall be taken to be nil, unless it can be shown to be of greater value by a claimant.
The General Scheme referred to above also provides for mandatory registration of, and the imposition of a levy on, land purchase options.
151 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to the call by UK Environment Secretary Hilary Benn to end the sale of 150 watt light bulbs by January 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22752/07]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1102 of 26 September last. The position is unchanged.
152 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the income received by individual local authorities, he will put a national waiver scheme in place in relation to the collection of refuse charges which could be availed of by households on low income and whereby putting in place such a national waiver scheme he would ensure that local government is compensated by central Government through means of a direct payment to individual councils participating in the scheme. [22800/07]
Waste management services have traditionally been provided at a local level, with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. The present legal framework, as determined by the Oireachtas, reflects this. In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges, and any associated waiver schemes, is a matter for the relevant local authority, where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges. My Department has completed a public consultation on issues surrounding the regulation of the waste management sector, including the need for any public service obligations in respect of collection services to certain households or in specific areas. The various submissions received and the issues raised will be considered further in the context of the review of waste management generally provided for in the Government's policy programme and which will shortly be initiated.
153 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend the Litter Pollution Act, 1997 which enables local authorities to only take action against properties which accumulate high densities of refuse and other waste materials that are within public view and prohibits action being taken in other circumstances. [22824/07]
The Litter Pollution Acts, 1997 to 2003, prohibit the leaving or throwing litter in a public place or in any place that is visible from a public place. This includes the creation of litter in the carrying on of a business, trade or activity or in the loading, transporting or handling of items. The legislation also places an onus on owners and occupiers of property to keep their properties litter free to the extent that they are public places or are visible from a public place. The Litter Acts do not stipulate a minimum quantity of refuse or other waste material in order for a breach of the legislation to occur in this regard; therefore, it is not necessary for a high density of refuse to be visible prior to action being taken by the relevant authorities.
Local authorities are responsible for implementing the litter laws in their own areas. In effect, this means they have responsibilities in relation to preventing and controlling litter, and they can take action against persons who break or ignore these laws. Gardaí also have the power to issue on-the-spot fines for litter offences.
Separate legislative provisions also prohibit illegal dumping; section 32 of the Waste Management Acts 1996-2007 places a general duty on the holder of waste and provides that a person shall not hold, transport, recover or dispose of waste in a manner that causes or is likely to cause environmental pollution. Section 39 of the Waste Management Acts 1996-2007 provides that waste cannot be disposed of or recovered at a facility except in accordance with a licence issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Waste Management (Permit) Regulations, 1998 provide that for certain specified activities, a waste permit issued by the local authority rather than a waste licence will be required.
Section 10 of the Waste Management Acts 1996-2007 details the penalties for any person found guilty of offences under the Act. The penalties range from a minimum fine of €3,000 or 12 months imprisonment or both on summary conviction, to a maximum fine of €15 million or 10 years imprisonment or both in the case of conviction on indictment. I am satisfied that the penalties and enforcement powers under existing litter legislation are adequate and appropriate, and there are no proposals to change the law along the lines mentioned in the question.
154 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made to date with regard to implementation of the recommendations made in the Farrell Grant report on the fire service; if it is intended to establish the National Authority for Fire and Civil Protection/Emergency Services as recommended in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22812/07]
306 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to provide a fire service fit to meet Ireland’s needs in the 21st century; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23028/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 306 together.
The Department has implemented a number of the important recommendations of the report: Review of Fire Safety and Fire Services in Ireland (Farrell Grant Sparks Report). These include in particular the enactment of the Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003, which addressed a number of legislative changes called for in the Review. In addition, the high level of capital investment in the fire service has been continued and now stands in excess of €20 million per annum. The Inter-Departmental Committee on Major Emergency Planning, chaired by the Department, completed a review of the Major Emergency Management Framework on which local authority, Health Service Executive and Garda Síochána Major Emergency Plans are based and the updated Framework is being implemented.
In February 2005, the previous Government announced a Fire Services Change Programme, 2005 to 2007, to implement key fire services and fire safety recommendations of the Farrell Grant Sparks Report. This Programme set out the strategy for the future development of the fire service and included a number of priority measures addressing the development of community fire safety programmes, the development of a risk based approach to safety management, the introduction of a competency-based approach to recruitment, retention and career progression in the fire service and the enhancement of health, safety and welfare programmes within the fire service. Work under the Change Programme was carried out by a dedicated Project Team, with a number of supporting structures, and all of the stakeholders participated fully in the process. A report on progress achieved over the two year period was published in June 2007 and is available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. I am reviewing the options for the next phase of the change programme having regard to the Farrell Grant Sparks recommendations and the need to continue to bring about real and substantive change so that the fire service is in line with international standards.
155 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his special incentives to encourage owner/occupier, especially family owner occupier, apartment living in dockland and city centre areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22293/07]
My Department is progressing a wide range of policies and measures to ensure that the unprecedented rate of housing and related development in Ireland is planned for in a manner that supports the creation of sustainable communities within a high quality environment. Apartment design in city centre locations, which prioritises a good quality of life for the occupants, can make a significant contribution to achieving sustainable communities and a compact urban environment, as envisaged under the National Spatial Strategy.
To this end, my Department issued planning guidelines on Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for Apartments on 18 September 2007 with the aim of promoting sustainable urban housing by ensuring that the design and layout of new apartments provide satisfactory accommodation for a variety of household types and sizes, including families with children. The guidelines have a strong emphasis on family living and the minimum floor areas and other dimensions reflect this. They pay particular attention to the needs of children — for play space, for quiet study areas and for places to store bikes and buggies.
In addition to better internal layouts, apartment developments need to be located in neighbourhoods which, through good design, provide integrated services and access to public transport, schools, health services, crèches, shops and so on. Together with the suite of other complementary guidance on sustainable residential development, these guidelines should facilitate the creation of sustainable integrated neighbourhoods in city centre and dockland locations.
Under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, it is open to local authorities to earmark up to 20% of houses in new developments for affordable housing purposes. This assists in ensuring that first-time buyers, at whom affordable housing is targeted, have opportunities to acquire homes at affordable prices in developments in city centre areas.
Furthermore, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority carried out an Audit of Social Infrastructure in 2004 which identified a number of key requirements to encourage family living such as schools, larger apartments, play areas and community facilities. These requirements have been addressed and taken into account in DDDA planning schemes.
157 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to enshrine in law the principle of housing as a right; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22740/07]
While I do not consider it appropriate to legislate for a specific right to housing, Government policy on housing has the overarching aim of enabling every household to have available an affordable dwelling of good quality, suited to its needs, in a good environment and, as far as possible, at the tenure of its choice. The Government's approach to achieving this policy aim is that those who can afford to do so should provide for their own housing, with the aid where available of certain fiscal incentives or subsidies, and that those unable to access housing in this way should have access to social housing or income support to rent private housing. Existing legislation and funding programmes support this strategy and have been effective in delivering increased outputs.
158 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the targets outlined in the first National Climate Change Strategy 2000 have not been met; if any body has accepted responsibility for this failure; and the lessons to be learned therefrom. [22673/07]
As the targets in question relate to the period 2008-2012, there is no basis for asserting that there has been a failure to meet them.
The National Climate Change Strategy, published in 2000, sets out indicative reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that would be achieved during the period covered by the Kyoto Protocol, 2008-2012, through the implementation of proposed measures.
The National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012, published in April 2007, confirms the measures by which Ireland will meet its commitments pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol. Measures put in place since the publication of the first National Climate Change Strategy in 2000 will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 8.6 million tonnes per annum. The new Strategy sets out an additional annual saving, of approximately 5 million tonnes, from a range of measures subsequently adopted by Government. When combined with Ireland's purchase of additional allowances through the Kyoto Protocol flexible mechanisms, annual emissions savings of over 17 million tonnes will be achieved during the 2008-2012 period.
The new Strategy also sets out areas where further measures are being developed, and indicates the level of reductions in national greenhouse gas emissions that may be required on foot of EU targets for 2020.
159 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Taoiseach if his Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22993/07]
Our records indicate that the Department has suffered no loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding from 2004 to date.
160 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Taoiseach if his Department has entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for the use of his Department; the details of the lease; the level of occupancy of the buildings; and the use to which the buildings is currently being put. [23008/07]
My Department has not entered into any leasing arrangements for properties.
161 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach the extent of funds available to the commemoration fund for project allocation; the criteria that apply for eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23103/07]
The amount of funding available for Commemoration Initiatives for 2007 is €200,000.
The Fund was established to make resources available to groups and organisations for the study and commemoration of historic events of national importance. By providing financial support to local organisations, the aim is to assist and encourage the development of local programmes of commemoration.
The following issues are taken into account when assessing projects for funding: impact, significance and relevance, geographic spread, balance between popular and academic, educational content and viability. Total funding committed to date this year is €91,127.
162 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his plans, directly or in conjunction with Kildare County Council, to address the ongoing issue of flooding of properties at an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare arising form the vicinity of the retaining wall at Captain's Hill, the condition of which may have safety implications; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23147/07]
The Office of Public Works and Kildare County Council have agreed a programme of works to alleviate the flooding on the Rye River, Leixlip, including the Dun Carrig estate. These works have received planning approval in accordance with Part 8 of the planning and development regulations and works have commenced on this project. It is envisaged that this work will be completed in 2008.
I am advised that the retaining wall at Captain's Hill is a matter for the Local Authority and while it may be contributing to surface water drainage problems in the area, it is not a factor in flooding from the Rye River, which the aforementioned works are intended to address.
163 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, directly or in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, he has proposals for the maintenance, upgrading and preservation of Connolly’s Folly, Maynooth, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23150/07]
A programme of routine maintenance on Connolly's Folly has begun that will take place over 2007/2008. The interior of the structure has been cleaned and the site fenced in preparation for the erection of scaffolding in order to assess its structural stability and plan detailed conservation works. It is proposed, in the future, to allow visitor access to the interior and parapet of the Folly. To this end, the matter of the presentation of the site consisting of 4 acres, the question of car parking and visitor facilities is under consideration.
164 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he or his Department have carried out studies in relation to drainage needs or cleaning of watercourse, streams or rivers throughout the country with a view to the alleviation of flooding likely to arise in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23159/07]
The Office of Public Works has carried out many studies since 1995 when the Arterial Drainage (Amendment) Act was enacted and has resulted in a large number of flood relief schemes being implemented. Currently, OPW is involved in a large number of studies at various stages from Pre-Feasibility to where works are being implemented. These include:—
River Tolka, Dublin and Meath
River Suir (Clonmel), Tipperary
Munster Blackwater (Mallow), Cork
Munster Blackwater (Fermoy), Cork
River Fergus (Ennis), Clare
River Barrow (Carlow), Carlow
John's River (Waterford), Waterford
River Slaney (Enniscorthy), Wexford
River Mall (Templemore), Tipperary
River Slaney (Tullow), Carlow
Mornington River, Meath
Avoca River (Arklow) Wicklow
River Pill (Piltown), Kilkenny
River Lee, Cork
River Dodder, Dublin
Tullamore, Offaly
Portarlington, Laois/Offaly
Harry's Mall, Limerick City
Rye River (Leixlip), Kildare
Silleachain River (Leixlip), Kildare
Dargle River (Bray) Wicklow
New Ross, Wexford
Letterkenny, Donegal
Raphoe, Donegal
River Shannon
Decisions to proceed to works on all schemes can only be decided upon the completion of Feasibility Studies.
The Office of Public Works is also working with a number of Local Authorities, to identify the cause of localised flooding which occurred early this year and possible solutions which can be implemented through minor local works and which can be shown to be environmentally acceptable and to have adequate social and economic benefit.
The Office of Public Works also maintains Arterial Drainage Schemes undertaken since 1945 and while these were designed primarily to provide improved land drainage, the standard of design was raised in urban areas and there is evidence that these schemes are effective in preventing flooding in such areas.
The Office of Public Works will commence work next year on the preparation of Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and management studies of river catchments throughout the country where it is considered that a significant risk of flooding exists. These studies will lead to the preparation of plans to manage the flood risks. The studies referred to above, which are currently under way on the River Lee and the River Dodder are pilot studies to prepare for this national programme.
165 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position in regard to discussions between his Department, the Office of Public Works and Kildare County Council in regard to the alleviation of flooding at Mill Lane, Leixlip, County Kildare and the Slate River, Allenwood, County Kildare; when it is expected that the proposed works will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23161/07]
The Office of Public Works and Kildare County Council have agreed a programme of works on the Silleachain River, which will alleviate flooding at Mill Lane, Leixlip, Co. Kildare. These works have received planning approval in accordance with Part 8 of the planning and development regulations and work on this project commenced in September this year. It is expected that this work will be completed in 2008.The Slate River forms part of the Rathangan Drainage District and maintenance of this river is therefore a matter for the local authority. The Office of Public Works carried out drainage works on the River Slate in 2003, as agents for Kildare County Council and there are no proposals to carry out further cleaning or drainage works.
166 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in site acquisition for the proposed relocation of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food staff to County Cork (details supplied). [22914/07]
The evaluation of the shortlisted property solutions for Macroom is at an advanced stage and it is hoped that a decision as to the preferred option will be made shortly.
167 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the timeframe for the planning process to be completed and the contracts to be signed for the site by the Office of Public Works in regard the decentralisation of the Department of Defence to Newbridge, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22915/07]
168 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when the Office of Public Works expects development work to commence in relation to the decentralisation of the Department of Defence to Newbridge, County Kildare; the timescale of the completion of the development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22916/07]
169 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has plans or proposals to rent accommodation in relation to an advance section of the Department of Defence’s decentralisation programme moving to Newbridge County Kildare; if there are delays in relation to the proposed offices there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22925/07]
170 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works completed its negotiations with Kildare County Council in relation to the purchase of lands at Newbridge, County Kildare in regard to the decentralisation of the Department of Defence to Newbridge; the reason for such a delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22927/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 to 170, inclusive, together.
The Commissioners of Public Works have agreed terms to purchase a site comprising 1.76 hectares/4.5 acres at Station Road, Newbridge from Kildare Co Council. The terms agreed were approved by Kildare Co Council in January 07. The site is currently being used as a soccer pitch by a local sports club.
The Commissioners will shortly complete the planning process which has been conducted under Part 9 of the Planning & Development Regulations, 2001.
The Contract for Sale will be executed by the Commissioners as soon as a number of related issues are resolved. The key issue is obtaining vacant possession of the site. In this regard, the Commissioners have been informed recently by Kildare County Council that it is likely to be early in the new year before the site will be vacated by the soccer club. Another issue is the provision of a footbridge to provide safe pedestrian access to the railway station and Newbridge town. The Commissioners are awaiting confirmation as to when a planning application for the construction of the bridge will be lodged by a private developer with Kildare County Council.
As soon as the Commissioners are given a firm date for vacant possession of the site, and are satisfied that the construction of the footbridge will proceed, the Contract for Sale will be completed and the construction of the new headquarters building for the Department of Defence will commence.
It is expected that the building will be ready for occupation approximately 18 months after the commencement date. The Commissioners are satisfied that all of the issues related to the site purchase and adjoining developments in the Station Road area are very close to being resolved.
In the circumstances, the Commissioners have not been requested to provide temporary accommodation in Newbridge pending completion of the permanent headquarters building.
171 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views regarding the incidence of resort to contracts for difference in the stock market here; his plans to outlaw the use of CFDs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22941/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, Contracts For Difference (CFDs) relate to taking a position on the future movement of a price, either up or down, of a share, a commodity or an index such as a stock market index. There is nothing inherently wrong in this, and appropriate use of derivative products such as these by sufficiently sophisticated investors can help to provide liquidity and depth to the market in Irish equities.
At present, few Irish authorised investment firms actually write CFDs. Most investors who are dealing in these products do so with UK authorised entities. The investors may carry out these dealings through Irish stockbrokers or investment firms, who would act as introducing brokers. On the other hand, it cannot be excluded that they may deal through UK brokers or directly with the underwriter, in which circumstances, it is clear that, in practice, the specific oversight of this activity by the Irish Financial Regulator is limited.
However, I would like to assure the Deputy that, financial CFDs will be regulated as from 1 November next under the new Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MIFID) regime as they are classified as "financial instruments" under Part 3 of Schedule 1 of S.I. No. 60 of 2007. Therefore, from that date, financial spread contracts, such as on specific shares, bonds or indices of shares, will become a regulated activity and firms providing this service will have to be authorised.
Irish authorised firms will have to comply with all the requirements, including the rigorous client protection requirements, set down in S.I. No. 60 of 2007. Investment firms will have to categorise clients as either "retail" or "professional" investors. They will have to perform suitability and appropriateness tests for clients and potential clients, taking account of the knowledge and experience of the client, outlining the specific risks associated with particular types of financial instruments. Clearly, as they are regarded as a high risk activity, the specific risks associated with CFDs will have to be highlighted prominently.
Spread betting on matters other than on financial instruments, e.g. on sporting events, is not covered by the MIFID or the transposing Regulations and thus will not be regulated under the new regime as from 1 November next.
These financial instruments are now a widely established feature of market activity across several continents and can serve a useful purpose in the market. Since they are shortly to be formally regulated across the EU under the MIFID Directive, it would neither be feasible nor appropriate for Ireland to outlaw such activity.
There are no firm statistics on the extent of CFDs in the Irish market available at present. However, when the new regime comes into force on 1 November next, under S.I. No. 60 of 2007, firms will have to comply with detailed reporting requirements for transactions and the Financial Regulator will be in a position to collect data on the incidence of FCD activity.
172 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when he will establish a clear system whereby persons who are opting to remain in Dublin rather than decentralise with their posts will have a detailed range of vacancies on offer for which they can apply, as has been the stated intention of the body advising Government on the implementation of the decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22962/07]
From the outset both the Government and I have made it clear that participation in the decentralisation programme is voluntary. Across the public service, recruitment and promotion practices generally are being managed in a way which facilitates the achievement of the Decentralisation Programme in an efficient manner. In that context agreement has been reached with the Civil Service unions representing general service staff that an assignment will not be made to a decentralising post until alternative arrangements have been identified for an existing post holder who does not wish to decentralise with it.
The primary mechanism for placing Civil Servants who are in posts which are due to decentralise but wish to remain in Dublin is by way of bilateral transfer. As staff who have applied to decentralise continue to be transferred into decentralising organisations, the posts they vacate become available to those wishing to remain in Dublin. Further arrangements have been initiated for general service grades. The objective of these arrangements is to provide to the Public Appointments Service details of staff who wish to remain in Dublin at each grade level so that a proportion of vacancies arising in Dublin based posts may be filled by those staff. The arrangements seek to balance the need to facilitate the effective achievement of the decentralisation programme with the business needs of departments and the aspirations of staff to be placed in appropriate posts in Dublin. To achieve this, they allow for prioritisation at certain times of staff in organisations who have an immediate need to be placed in Dublin posts due to the timing of the relocation of their current department or office.
It is intended that the arrangements will continue over the full transition phase of the Programme and my department is monitoring them in co-operation with Departments and the relevant unions to ensure that they are operating efficiently. Discussions are ongoing with the unions representing professional and technical staff in relation to individual organisations.
The position in relation to the State Agencies is of course more complex. The Labour Court recommendation in relation to the dispute between FÁS and SIPTU provides a renewed opportunity for both unions and management to address the relevant issues. As part of their recommendation, the Court states that it believes that the stated policy of effecting decentralisation on a voluntary basis could best be achieved if individuals who are unwilling to relocate are provided with realistic alternative career options, which take account of the proprietary rights and legitimate expectations which they have accrued in their current employments. The Court goes on to say that it believes that the appropriate authorities should address the issues arising in the broader context of decentralisation of non-commercial State Bodies overall. This aspect of the Labour Court finding is very much in line with the previously expressed view of the Decentralisation Implementation Group.
In relation to the state bodies generally, it is now a matter, in the first instance, for each body together with its parent Department, to manage their approach to implementation taking account of the implications of the Labour Court recommendation. My Department has written to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to establish how progress can be made on this aspect of the Labour Court recommendation.
173 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the properties, excluding heritage properties, owned by the State; the properties leased by the State; the purpose to which they are put; the date of the acquisitions of each of these properties, either leased or purchased; the level of occupancy of each; and the plans he has for additional acquisitions or disposals. [22979/07]
The information regarding the properties owned/leased by the Department of Finance/Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland will take significant staff time to compile. I propose to provide the information directly to the Deputy as soon as possible. Information regarding additional acquisitions and disposals is commercially sensitive and will only be made public when appropriate.
174 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22988/07]
My Department has suffered no loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding during the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007. However, I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that during the period in question a number of laptops with a replacement value of approximately €17,000 inclusive of VAT were stolen from Revenue Offices. The thefts were reported to Gardaí for investigation.
In relation to the Office of Public Works I have been informed that timber storage sheds were damaged in St. Stephen's Green in 2006 following an arson attack with the loss of assets amounting to €13,000 approx. There have been two instances of apparent malpractice at heritage sites involving admission fees totalling over €30,000 during this period and these are the subject of ongoing separate Garda investigations. There have been a number of incidents of floods at various heritage sites without any tangible loss of assets.
175 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department has entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for the use of his Department; the details of the lease; the level of occupancy of the buildings; and the use to which the buildings are currently being put. [23003/07]
Details of the leased space used/occupied by Department of Finance staff are set out in the table below.
|
Building Name |
Address |
Location |
Use |
Commence |
Expiry |
Annual Rent |
|
€ |
||||||
|
Hatch Street 13-15 |
13-15 Hatch Street (part) |
Dublin 2 |
Office |
01 Sep. ’78 |
31 Aug ’13 |
303,308 |
|
Merrion Row 2-4 |
2-4 Merrion Row (part) |
Dublin 2 |
Office |
01 Aug ’02 |
01 Aug ’22 |
312,116 |
|
Mount St. Lr. 73-79 Ballaugh House |
73-79 Lower Mount Street |
Dublin 2 |
Office |
01 May ’96 |
11 Nov ’14 |
933,500 |
|
Finglas Finance Storage |
Unit 9 Jamestown Business Park, Finglas |
Dublin 11 |
Warehouse |
01 Jan ’03 |
01 Jan ’24 |
61,677 |
|
Unidare OPW Store Warehouse 2 |
Unidare Industrial Estate, Jamestown Road. |
Dublin 11 |
Warehouse |
01 Nov ’96 |
25 Dec ’07 |
15,236.86 |
176 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the plans the Office of Public Works has to ensure that flooding does not recur in an area (details supplied) in County Mayo as local residents believe that blocked drains are a contributing factor in the flooding problems. [23032/07]
The Office of Public Works is currently engaged with Mayo County Council in investigating the cause of the problem at the area referred to. It is intended to undertake a survey of the area shortly with a view to identifying measures to reduce the flood risk.
177 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has plans to alter the qualifications for the drivers and passengers in the disabilities tax relief scheme in order that persons with severe disabilities are entitled to the relief even though they do not hold a primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23037/07]
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit) on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, as well as relief from excise on the fuel used in the car, up to a certain limit. The disability criteria for these concessions are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of these Regulations.
I am aware of the difficulties experienced by various groups and individuals who would prefer a wider level of access across the scheme; and as Deputies are aware, there was an interdepartmental review of the topic, which explored these issues. However, given the scale and the scope of the scheme, any possible changes can only be made after careful consideration and with regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme and the available resources. In this context, I consider any possible changes within the framework of the annual Budgetary process.
178 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will qualify for tax relief of disabled drivers status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23100/07]
The initial application for a Primary Medical Certificate under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994, is made to the Senior Medical Officer of the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area. If the Primary Medical Certificate has been refused in this case, the named person may appeal the refusal to the Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.
179 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position regarding the decentralising of Ordnance Survey Ireland to Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23107/07]
As part of the decentralisation programme it is intended that Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) will decentralise 200 of its Dublin based Headquarter posts to Dungarvan, Co Waterford. Arrangements to decentralise are proceeding in accordance with the OSI implementation plan and a site has been acquired by Office of Public Works Dungarvan for the OSI headquarters. A schedule of accommodation based on OSI's space requirements has been prepared and supplied to the OPW.
The latest statistical information to hand shows that applications to decentralise to Dungarvan have been made by forty-nine(49) civil and public servants as well as sixteen (16) existing OSI staff. In addition seventy-six (76) staff have been assigned to Dungarvan as a result of recruitment or promotion. A further eleven (11) trainee recruits based in Dublin on two year contracts would also be obliged to transfer to Dungarvan if on completion of their two year contracts they secure full time positions with the OSI.
180 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the State contribution to the National Pension Reserve Fund in each of the years since its inception; the growth rate expressed in real terms of the National Pension Reserve Fund in each of the years since its inception; and the cost of administering the fund in each of these years. [23113/07]
The National Pensions Reserve Fund was established on 2 April 2001 under the provisions of the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000. Section 18 of the Act provides for the payment from the Exchequer each year into the Fund of a sum equivalent to 1% of Gross National Product (GNP). Under the provisions of the Act, €6,515 million was transferred from the Temporary Holding Fund for Pensions Liabilities to the National Pensions Reserve Fund in 2001. That amount included contribution amounts equivalent to 1% of GNP for the years 1999 and 2000, along with the proceeds of the sale of Telecom Éireann.
The following table sets out (i) the amounts paid to the Fund from 2001 to 2006, (ii) the administrative expenses paid by the Fund for each of those years, (iii) the costs borne by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) as Manager of the Fund — these are charged directly on the Central Fund in accordance with section 23 of the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act — and (iv) the return on the Fund's investments as provided by the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission in their Annual Reports, adjusted for the change in the Consumer Price Index (the Commission calculates the Fund's performance in accordance with the Global Investment Performance Standards):
|
Contribution from Exchequer |
Administrative expenses (excluding costs borne by NTMA as Manager) |
Costs borne by NTMA as Manager |
Return adjusted for change in Consumer Price Index |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
% |
|
|
2001: from Temporary Holding Fund for Pensions Liabilities |
6,514,881,176 |
|||
|
2001 |
971,984,499 |
951,598 |
1,940,000 |
-0.4% (April-December) |
|
2002 |
1,034,500,000 |
8,864,460 |
2,488,942 |
-20.7 |
|
2003 |
1,103,000,000 |
14,080,090 |
3,163,667 |
9.2 |
|
2004 |
1,177,000,000 |
18,295,164 |
3,420,775 |
7.1 |
|
2005 |
1,320,250,000 |
23,813,896 |
4,375,838 |
17.1 |
|
2006 |
1,446,500,000 |
28,858,229 |
5,748,400 |
8.4 |
|
2007 (to end-June) |
807,750,000 |
16,000,000 |
3,000,000 |
4.4 |
The market value of the Fund at the end of June 2007 was €21,032 million.
Budget 2007 provides for the payment of €1,615,500,000 into the Fund from the Exchequer in 2007.
181 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number and percentage of taxpayers paying income tax at the higher rate. [23114/07]
The information requested by the Deputy in a format which presents the data in terms of the numbers who are actually paying tax at the higher rate is set out in the following table.
|
Tax year |
Exempt (Standard rate liability fully covered by credits or Age Exemption Limits) |
Paying tax at the standard rate (including those whose liability at the higher rate is fully offset by credits) |
Higher rate liability NOT fully offset by credits |
All cases |
|||
|
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
||
|
2007 |
868,000 |
38.0 |
939,400 |
41.1 |
478,000 |
20.9 |
2,285,400 |
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2004 adjusted as necessary for income and employment growth for the year in question and are rounded to the nearest hundred. It is therefore provisional and likely to be revised. It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
182 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the criteria for qualification for the mobility allowance to take account of disabilities other than the very narrow criteria that now apply. [22957/07]
183 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the mobility allowance ends when the recipient reaches 66 years and that many over that age, particularly in rural areas, have no transport service they are capable of using; if she will consider ways in which this anomaly can be removed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22958/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.
The mobility allowance is a monthly payment administered by the Health Service Executive, which provides financial support to severely disabled people who are unable to walk or use public transport and is intended to enable them to benefit from a change in surroundings, for example, by financing the occasional taxi journey. To be eligible to receive the mobility allowance applicants must satisfy the following conditions: be over 16 years and under 66 years — however, an allowance, once granted, will be continued after the age of 66 as long as the other criteria for eligibility are met. I currently have no proposals to amend this scheme.
184 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the community playgroups are being required to process applications for grant aid to parents for each child that qualifies for grant aid; the further reason the proposed new arrangements for funding grant aid applicants will create a two tiered system of payment which is discriminatory; and the justification for same. [23027/07]
The main supports the Government makes available to parents to assist them with their child care costs are Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement. The latter payment, which is in recognition of the higher child care costs of pre-school children, is the responsibility of my Office, and it alone amounts to expenditure of over €400m in a full year. These payments are universal and benefit all parents, regardless of their income, labour market status or the type of child care they choose and regardless of whether they live in urban or rural areas. In addition to these universal supports, Government child care policy has also recognised the need to target additional supports towards disadvantaged families.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit child care providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures would be implemented by the services in question.
As signalled at the launch of the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP, a new scheme to support community child care services with a focus on disadvantage will be introduced on 1 January 2008 and will continue to complement the universal supports in place for all parents. The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme. Under the new scheme, services will be grant aided according to the service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. As part of their application for funding under the new scheme, services will be required to ask parents using their services to complete a simple declaration form which will be included in a return to my Office and on which basis the level of subvention for each service will be determined. The subvention received by services will, in turn, be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.
In practice, this will mean that parents with children in such services and in receipt of most social welfare payments (or participating in a scheme such as Community Employment which demonstrates an underlying entitlement to same) will see a €80 weekly subvention in respect of full day care (with pro-rata reductions in respect of shorter hour services). Parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS) will see a €30 weekly subvention in respect of full day care (with pro-rata reductions). A further subvention of €30 per week will be paid where the subvented child is a baby, in recognition of the higher costs associated with the care of children aged under 1 year. Parents who do not qualify under either of these categories will be charged the cost price for their child care service, however, as community not-for-profit services will, generally, have availed of capital grant aid under the EOCP or NCIP removing the requirement to cover rent or a mortgage, and as the services are run on a not-for-profit basis, this should still be significantly below the market price.
It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community child care services generally. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.
The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. Existing EOCP staffing grant recipients who enter the new scheme will continue to be funded at their current levels until July 2008. My Office has engaged in a series of meetings with existing grant recipients to outline to them the details of the new scheme and to gather feedback from the services themselves. A meeting with representatives of the City and County Childcare Committees has also taken place.
Transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008. This is to ensure that existing child care services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures. As signalled when I announced the new scheme in July this year, the transitional period between now and 1 July 2008 will also be used to monitor and review the impact it will have on individual groups, on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data which will be generated under the new grant application process. If appropriate, any adjustments necessary to the scheme to secure the best outcomes for child care services and for disadvantaged parents and their children will be considered on the basis of these data and well in advance of the commencement of the new funding levels in July 2008.
185 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children when payments due to members of the ambulance corps in the Health Service Executive area west will be awarded; the numbers involved and extent of payment following acceptance of a Labour Court recommendation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23099/07]
Sanction for payment of pay increases due under the final phase of the previous Social Partnership Agreement, Sustaining Progress, and the first and second phase of the current Social Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016, was refused in relation to ambulance personnel, HSE West, members of SIPTU, due to their non-co-operation with a move to a new combined ambulance and fire control centre — Camp West (Computer Aided Mobile Project) in the HSE West.
Work is ongoing on resolving this situation. The National Joint Council, identified in these National Agreements as the primary forum for managing industrial relations in the health services, has been made aware of this situation and it is hoped that a solution will soon be found.
186 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have applied for the motorised transport grant over the past five years on a county basis; the number of applications granted on a county basis; the number of applications refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22900/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal 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.
187 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath must wait for an appointment to see a consultant urologist; if she is satisfied with the length of time this person must wait; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22922/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My 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.
188 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will assist in the matter of support for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22937/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal 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 his matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
189 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take the necessary steps to cause transport to be provided for a child (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22938/07]
The Department of Health and Children has no statutory responsibility in relation to paying the private transport costs of a child with special needs who is attending a pre-school.
190 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation and status of the proposed one stop shop health centre in Athlone, County Westmeath; and if her attention has been drawn to the decision by the previous person in the Health Service Executive responsible for the project to unilaterally alter the design and monetary basis for the this project despite the fact she had earlier agreed all details. [22944/07]
The Primary Care Strategy aims to increase health service capacity through the development of services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of occupational therapists, general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists and others.
It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services.
The provision of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of primary care services is being considered by the HSE, having regard to a number of factors. These include the type and configuration of the services involved, the mixed public/private nature of our health system, the suitability of existing infrastructure and the capital requirements of the health services generally over the coming years.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. 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.
191 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients who were re-admitted to hospital within one week of discharge in 2005. [22946/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. 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.
192 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with arrangements for air ambulance services provided in the State; the number of times helicopters were used for air ambulance purposes in each of the past three years; if she has examined air ambulance provision in other EU countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22949/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My 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.
193 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a group (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make funding for heart operations a priority. [22950/07]
Applications for funding from the Health and Children National Lottery allocation are received from individuals, groups, and organisations with an involvement in the provision of health services to specific client groups and national groups providing information and support regarding disability and illness and groups with a specific interest. To date, no application for National Lottery funding has been received from the organisation referred to by the Deputy.
194 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of complaints received in relation to the doctor on call service in County Louth since the inception of this service; if investigations were carried out as a result of such complaints; the time scale involved; if the complainant was dissatisfied; if so, the further action that was taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22951/07]
Out of hours co-operatives allow general practitioners to put in place arrangements to provide services to their patients, while their surgeries are closed in the evenings, on weekends and bank holidays. The development of GP co-operatives is in line with the overall health service policy of strengthening primary care services and ensuring that to the greatest extent possible, people's care needs are met in the primary care setting.
Out of hours co-operatives are now in place in all Health Service Executive (HSE) areas, providing coverage in all or in part of all counties. In 2007, almost €37 million is available to the HSE to fund the operation of GP out of hours services. This figure does not include the fees of the participating doctors.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for this service, it is the appropriate body to provide the information sought by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
195 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for waiting times for physiotherapy at a health centre in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22959/07]
The Primary Care Strategy aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, physiotherapists, nurses, home helps, occupational therapists and others.
It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services.
The HSE received an additional €10m in funding in 2006 to enable the establishment of up to 100 Primary Care Teams in development; a further €22m is being provided in 2007 to meet the full year costs of the 2006 developments and to enable a further 100 Primary Care Teams in development to be established. The development of these teams will facilitate a significant increase in capacity for delivery of physiotherapy services in primary care settings.
The Government has committed under the Towards 2016 agreement to the establishment of 300 Primary Care Teams by 2008; 400 by 2009; and 500 by 2011. A review of these targets will be undertaken in 2008.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. 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.
196 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who is in receipt of assistance under the equal opportunities childcare programme, now the NCIP 2006 to 2010, until the end of December 2007; if they can be informed that funding will be provided; his views on having each funding period run until the end of the academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22960/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. The Group in question was approved a total of €220,000 staffing grant assistance under the scheme including €108,800 to cover the period to the end of December 2007. The Group has also been approved a total of €22,297 in capital grant assistance under the EOCP.
As signalled at the launch of the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP, a new scheme to support community childcare services with a focus on disadvantage will be introduced on 1 January 2008. The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme. Under the new scheme, services will be grant aided according to the service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. In turn, the subvention received by the services will be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.
Transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients can continue to be funded at their current levels until 1 July 2008. This is to ensure that existing childcare services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures. As signalled when I announced the new scheme in July this year, the transitional period between now and 1 July 2008 will also be used to monitor and review the impact it will have on individual groups, on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data which is due to be received from applicants in November, which will determine the grant aid for the second half of 2008. If appropriate, any adjustments necessary to the scheme to secure the best outcomes for childcare services and for disadvantaged parents and their children will be considered on the basis of this data and well in advance of the commencement of the new funding levels in July 2008.
In 2008, it is proposed that applications for funding in respect of 2009 will be assessed on the basis of information collected and returned to my Office in September, with a similar arrangement applying in 2009 in respect of 2010. Experience has shown that this is generally the best time for childcare services to establish an accurate and representative profile of their service.
197 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has required that the Health Service Executive would report instances where ambulances are prevented from leaving accident and emergency departments due to the lack of trolleys to receive patients; if she has indicated to the HSE that such occurrences represent a threat to patient safety; if she has requested the introduction of protocols to prevent same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22963/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My 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.
198 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding her proposals in respect of cancer services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22974/07]
The implementation of the National Strategy for Cancer Control is a major priority for me and for this Government. The delivery of cancer services on a programmatic basis will serve to ensure equity of access to services and equality of patient outcome irrespective of geography. The recent decisions of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in relation to the designation of four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis. The HSE plans to have completed 80-90% of the transition of services to the cancer centres by the end of 2009.
My Department and the HSE have been working closely on the examination of procurement options in order to expedite the delivery of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology. The HSE has confirmed that it will have in place radiation oncology capacity to meet the needs of the population by 2010. After 2010 the HSE will continue to increase capacity to ensure that these needs continue to be met.
I fully support the appointment by the HSE of Prof. Tom Keane as Interim National Cancer Control Director. Investment in cancer control will be based on the reform programme now being implemented by the HSE. I consider it essential that the National Cancer Control Programme is delivered as rapidly as possible and I am particularly keen to see early progress in this regard. I intend to chair regular review meetings involving the HSE and Prof. Keane to monitor delivery of the programme. Progress will also be considered on an ongoing basis by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Health & Children.
199 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a copy of the recently published research study titled Taking the First Steps to a Healthier Fettercairn; if this community in Tallaght west needs its own general practitioners' services; if she will have the recommendations considered by the Health Service Executive and her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22975/07]
I am conscious of the complex range of social and environmental circumstances which affect Fettercairn and a number of other disadvantaged urban areas around the country. The health services have a key role to play working with communities and a range of other statutory and non-statutory interests in ensuring a co-ordinated and integrated response in such areas.
I am also aware of the research study titled ‘Taking the First Steps to a Healthier Fettercairn' which was launched recently. In this regard, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has indicated to my Department that it proposes to meet with the Fettercairn Community Health Project in order to discuss and progress activation of the report's recommendations on health services.
The Programme for Government commits to ensuring that there is a primary care team serving every community, with particular reference to new and rapidly growing areas. Five hundred new primary care teams will be funded by 2011. Primary Care services are provided by a wide range of community based, directly employed health care professionals, and private contractors, such as GPs; Community Pharmacists; Dentists; Community Ophthalmic clinicians and Chiropodists/Podiatrists and their practice staff. Funding totalling €32m has been provided in 2006 and 2007 for the establishment of 200 Primary Care Teams involving 600 new frontline professionals (300 per year).
Under the Health Act 2004, the management and delivery of health and personal social services are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. This includes operational responsibility for the selection and recruitment of general practitioners to provide services under the General Medical Services Scheme and also the selection of locations for Primary Care Teams. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
200 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed by each of the health boards in an administrative capacity prior to the formation of the Health Service Executive; the level of staffing in an administrative capacity on the formation of the HSE; the level of administrative staffing now. [22977/07]
Under Part 10 of the Health Act 2004, the health boards were dissolved and their functions and employees transferred to the Health Service Executive. Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement, including the number of staff employed in an administrative capacity. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
201 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children the financial savings that have been made in the administrative areas, both staffing and accommodation, by the absorption of all health boards into the Heath Service Executive. [22978/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, health services in Ireland were, for many years, delivered through a combination of public, voluntary and private suppliers. Eight Health Boards were established under the Health Act (1970) to provide health and personal social services for the population. The Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA) was established on 1 March 2000, replacing the Eastern Health Board. The ERHA comprised three area health boards which covered the same region as the former Eastern Health Board.
Apart from the establishment of the ERHA in 2000, the system of delivery of health and personal social services remained unchanged for over thirty years, during which time the complexity of services and the degree of inter-working between different agencies and sectors had greatly increased. The location of specialist and tertiary level services and the planning of new services had a regional rather than a national focus. There were inequalities in the level of services provided in different health board areas and inconsistencies in the interpretation of eligibility for services. Duplication of services in adjacent areas and lack of provision in other areas occurred. Different and incompatible IT systems were developed in different health boards and in voluntary hospitals, making the sharing of information difficult or impossible. Administration costs in supporting what were, in effect, eleven different health boards were higher than necessary. The decision was taken to develop a new health strategy to review the existing situation and plan for the future of the health system in Ireland.
The Health Service Reform Programme, which was approved by Government in June 2003, outlined a range of reforms to help deliver a more responsive, adaptable health system that meets the needs of the population effectively and at an affordable cost. The reform programme comprises a range of reforms to help modernise the health services to better meet the needs of patients. The reforms are designed to achieve a health service that provides high quality care, better value for money and improves health care management. The structural aspects of the Reform Programme emerged largely from the recommendations in the Prospectus and Brennan commission reports and reflected Government decisions in relation to reforming the other areas outlined as Frameworks for Change.
Under the Health Act 2004, the health boards, Eastern Regional Health Authority and the area health boards were abolished and all staff, powers, functions and resources were transferred to the HSE. The HSE is tasked with delivery of health and personal social services through a single national structure. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is a unitary system, a single organisation delivering health services nationwide. This unitary system allows for clear accountability structures and modern financial management systems to allow key decision makers in the health service to link activities with budgets and thus to evaluate the effectiveness of their decisions.
The HSE is undertaking the task of unifying the formerly fragmented healthcare delivery into a single unitary system. The HSE has recently launched its Transformation Programme based on six transformation priorities which include:
developing integrated services across all stages of the care journey,
configuring primary, community and continuing care services to deliver optimal and cost effective results
configuring hospital services to deliver optimal and cost effective results
implementing a model to prevent and manage chronic illness
implementing standards based performance measurement and management throughout the HSE
ensuring all staff engage in transforming health and social care.
Some of these projects are already under way and most will have significant impact right across the organisation and will alter the way the HSE itself is organised. Indeed, the HSE continues their dialogue with some unions regarding the final configuration of staffing structures. All projects will be subjected to rigorous ongoing assessment, however, it is too early in the process to be definitive regarding overall financial savings emerging to-date.
202 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22990/07]
The Office of Public Works is responsible for property in use by my Department. In respect of such property, there has not been any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in the years referred to by the Deputy.
203 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for the use of her Department; the details of the lease; the level of occupancy of the buildings; and the use to which the buildings is currently being put. [23005/07]
The Office of Public Works is responsible for the provision of property in use by my Department. My Department has therefore not entered into any leasing arrangement for such property.
204 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the high costs being experienced by pharmacists operating the methadone programme in the north inner city; and if she and the Health Service Executive will engage in meaningful talks with the IPU on the issues involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23010/07]
The 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.
205 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of law suits her Department and the Health Service Executive are in receipt of regarding the failure to provide adequate and timely assessment of children with autism, cervical cancer screening, breast cancer screening and other such services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23011/07]
My Department is a named Respondent/Defendant in approximately 70 ongoing High Court actions taken by parents of children with Autism seeking to obtain specific educational and health related support services for their children.
Neither my Department nor the National Cancer Screening Service has received notice of legal proceedings in relation to breast cancer screening or cervical cancer screening. I am committed to ensuring that the BreastCheck and Irish Cervical Screening Programmes are rolled out nationally as soon as possible. That is why I established a National Cancer Screening Service in January this year. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening. BreastCheck will commence roll-out later this month and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme will commence roll-out in January 2008.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department does not have responsibility in relation to the provision of services to individuals. The Health Act 2004 provided for the creation of the Health Service Executive (HSE) which was established on 1 January 2005. Pursuant to the Act, the HSE has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for all health related supports. Accordingly as the HSE is a separate legal entity, 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.
206 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress her Department has made in implementing the recommendations in the Pollock Report and in particular the number of isolation rooms available for cystic fibrosis; her plans to provide more in the near future; the number of specialised nurses the Health Service Executive has employed taking into account the Pollock Report recommendations; her further plans to provide specialised home care staff and assistance for cystic fibrosis patients; if the extra funds allocated in 2006 and 2007 of approximately €7 million have been used for the purpose they were allocated to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23012/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My 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.
207 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the rules for short-listing candidates in regard to training schemes in psychiatry; her Department’s policy on ageism at interviews for such courses; the reason that an additional 10% credit for proficiency in Irish and English and in accordance with the legitimate expectation in Administrative Circular 10/71 is apparently being disregarded by interviewing panels in the Health Service Executive western area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23013/07]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for recruitment procedures with regard to training schemes in psychiatry (other than Senior Registrar training schemes which are run by the Irish Psychiatric Training Committee, Corrigan House, Fenian Street, Dublin 2).
The Health Service Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
The Department of Health and Children does not have a specific policy relating to ageism at interviews for training programmes in psychiatry or other specialties. However, training bodies and health employers are bound by the relevant statutory provisions in this regard, including the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2007, which prohibit discrimination (with certain exemptions) on nine grounds, including grounds of age. Vocational training and work experience are aspects of employment covered by the Acts, and the Acts apply to vocational training bodies.
208 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she plans to increase the income limits for the medical card for persons in receipt of the new half rate carer's allowance on top of another social welfare payment, so this increase will not be used as means to refuse the medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23018/07]
The assessment of eligibility to medical cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, with the exception of persons aged over 70 who have an automatic entitlement to a medical card, is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants. 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 general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants.
In assessing eligibility, the HSE uses guidelines based on people's means, which includes their income, certain allowable outgoings and the effect of other factors which may impact on people's ability to meet the cost of GP services. There are also a number of income sources, including the Carer's Allowance, which are disregarded in assessing an applicant's income. Furthermore, people whose sole source of income is from social welfare or HSE allowances and benefits are allowed a medical card.
The existing assessment arrangements will not be affected by provisions announced in Budget 2007 whereby people in receipt of a social welfare payment, who are also providing full time care and attention, will be able to retain their main welfare payment and receive another payment, the maximum of which, depending on their means, will be equivalent to a half rate Carer's Allowance.
209 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the long waiting list of five months for outpatient physiotherapy services for patients in the Bray, County Wicklow area; her views on whether unless patients are seen within a few weeks for physiotherapy, the long-term effects of postponement of treatment are deleterious to the health of the patient; and if she will assure the patients awaiting appointments in physiotherapy in this area of an improvement in the waiting list through public procurement processes if necessary. [23025/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My 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.
210 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans her Department has for the mammogram unit and machine in Ennis Hospital; if it will be used in Ennis for cancer screening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23030/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular questions raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to the matters raised.
211 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department in its regulatory role or the Health Service Executive is in receipt or expects to receive law suits for damages arising out the debacle regarding testing for cancer at Barrington’s Hospital, taking into account that the NTPF may have sent patients there and that she as sole shareholder in VHI also facilitated patients to attend Barrington’s Hospital, and that her Department despite information supplied 19 months ago on seven concerns at the hospital failed to act on the information in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23031/07]
My Department has not received notice of legal proceedings in relation to the care of breast cancer patients attending Barrington's Hospital, Limerick. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to whether it has received notice of such proceedings.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund does not refer breast cancer patients to Barrington's Hospital. However, it does refer large numbers of patients there for the treatment of other conditions and it has advised that it is entirely satisfied with the standard of care provided.
I have no function in relation to the selection of health care providers by the VHI or any other provider of private health insurance.
212 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the location in the 2006 Health Service Executive accounts where the charge for agency staff is; the amount this item cost in 2006 with a breakdown of the staff hired from agencies in 2006 by type and numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23073/07]
The 2006 Health Service Executive Annual Financial Statements submitted to me do not provide detail in relation to charges for agency staff. 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.
213 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a bed will be provided in Galway for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in order that they can commence their treatment. [23108/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
214 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of rehabilitation beds for persons over 65 who have completed acute treatment for stroke, fractures and surgery and who need a period of non-acute rehabilitation; the locations of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23115/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My 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
215 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport and the Marine his plans to compensate local authorities for the fact that the implementation of health and safety regulations has eaten into the roadworks improvements budget. [23016/07]
Overall responsibility for local government finance is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
In so far as roads are concerned, the improvement and maintenance of non-national roads in its area is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Accordingly, in the case of works on non-national roads, costs associated with the proper and safe management of such works are a matter for local authorities to be funded from their own resources supplemented by State road grants provided by my Department.
My Department provides grants to local authorities for works on non-national roads under a number of grant categories. The level of grants allocated to individual authorities is determined each year having regard to a number of factors including the total funds available in a particular year, eligibility criteria for the different grant schemes, road pavement conditions, length of road network, the need to prioritise projects and competing demands from other local authorities. In determining the annual non-national road grant allocations, the overall objective is to resource each local authority appropriately in relation to their ongoing and special needs.
All non-national road grants for 2007 have now been committed and there are no additional funds at my disposal from which further grant allocations could be made at this time. Road grants for 2008 will be determined early in the New Year.
Funding of works on national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority.
216 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport and the Marine if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to a disabled person's sticker for their car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23041/07]
The Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997 empower local authorities, the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disabled Drivers Association, to grant a disabled person's parking permit to a person who is suffering from a disability that is of a nature that prevents him or her from walking or causes undue hardship to the person in walking. Eligibility is based on impaired mobility so a person must be unable to walk i.e. is a wheelchair user or, if mobile, is only able to walk with extreme difficulty. A person who has a disability affecting his or her hand is not eligible under the 1997 scheme.
217 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport and the Marine if he will take the necessary steps to cause transport to be provided for a child (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22940/07]
My responsibilities relate to Public Transport and not to individuals with special transport needs.
218 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport and the Marine if he will introduce legislation requiring the compulsory usage of bicycle helmets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22952/07]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) this is now a matter for the Road Safety Authority.
219 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport and the Marine the number of applications for exemptions from the prohibition on the carriage of munitions on civilian aircraft either landing or overflying this country for each year since 2000; the number of such applications that have been refused; the reason given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22953/07]
The carriage of weapons and munitions of war is prohibited under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973, unless an exemption from this prohibition is granted by the Minister for Transport. The Department of Transport seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Justice and the Irish Aviation Authority in relation to all applications for an exemption from this prohibition. If any of these bodies objects, an exemption will not be granted. A copy of the application is also sent to the Department of Defence for information.
The number of applications for exemptions from the prohibition on the carriage of weapons and munitions of war and the number of applications refused in each year since 2000 are set out in the table below. For security reasons, it is not the practice to comment on any reasons given for refusal in any particular case unless the cargo is of a nature that its carriage is specifically prohibited under international law (e.g. the carriage of landmines is prohibited under the provisions of the Ottawa Convention).
|
Year |
Number of Applications Received |
Number of Applications Refused |
|
2000 |
19 |
None |
|
2001 |
26 |
None |
|
2002 |
31 |
None |
|
2003 |
904 |
5 (landmines) |
|
2004 |
989 |
2 |
|
2005 |
1,492 |
None |
|
2006 |
1,384 |
2 |
|
2007 (to date) |
1,170 |
None |
220 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport and the Marine when the safe routes programme will be implemented; and if a school (details supplied) will be eligible for this scheme. [23067/07]
My Department has provided funding to the Dublin Transportation Office who initiated the Safer Routes to School project in 2000, with 6 pilot schemes being implemented. The objectives of the Green Schools Initiative are to raise awareness of sustainable travel and transport, increase the number of children who walk and cycle, increase the number of families who ‘park and stride' or ‘carpool', improve safety on the school run by promoting safe practices and awareness of hazards, reduce school-related congestion, and improve physical health and fitness. The programme was extended and currently has 29 schools with a combined student population of approximately 10,400 with 545 teachers. Results from the initiative show that, of journeys to school, between March and June 2006, walking increased by 7% to 40%, and car use decreased by 8% to 46%, while, on the journey from school, walking increased by 4% from 37% to 41% and car use fell by 9%. A further roll-out of the programme is being considered but the actual selection of schools is a matter for the DTO.
221 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport and the Marine the plans in place to improve the quality of rural transport in County Westmeath with particular reference to bus services for the elderly to access hospitals and other services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23072/07]
Under the Rural Transport Programme, initiatives to expand and develop rural transport services are a matter for local communities, in consultation with Pobal. Community groups in County Westmeath seeking to establish a scheme should make contact with Pobal at Holbrook House, Holles Street, Dublin 2.
222 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 286 of 2 October 2007, the modes of transport other then airport transport which adequately serve the Waterford/Dublin route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23163/07]
Public transport services between Dublin and Waterford are currently provided by Iarnrod Éireann which operates 6 return train services per day; Bus Éireann which operates 14 services, Monday to Saturday from Waterford to Dublin and 9 services on Sundays and 14 services from Dublin to Waterford, Monday to Saturday and 11 services on Sundays and licensed bus operators which provide 11 return services per day.
223 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will oppose the Portuguese Presidency inviting President Robert Mugabe to the proposed African Summit; if he will attend or be represented in the event of the Zimbabwean President attending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22917/07]
I continue to be gravely concerned at the ongoing deterioration in the situation in Zimbabwe. The dire situation gives added urgency to the efforts being made by President Mbeki of South Africa and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) to broker a political accommodation between the parties and an economic rescue plan which will respond to the catastrophic current situation. We strongly support President Mbeki's efforts. I believe that Zimbabwe's neighbours are best placed to keep up the necessary pressure on President Mugabe's government to alter the failed policies which have brought economic collapse and misery to its people.
Ireland supports and looks forward to the EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon from 8-9 December 2007. I believe that this Summit will be timely and important for strengthening Europe's overall relationship with Africa and reaffirming our tradition of mutual engagement. The EU and Africa share an interest in working together to tackle the full spectrum of global challenges, including achieving the Millennium Development Goals, peace and security, human rights, migration, the environment, energy and trade. There are also specific country situations on which we share common concerns. The preparation of a Joint EU-Africa Strategy which will be adopted at the Lisbon Summit this December gives us an opportunity to define together how we can co-operate on these issues going forward. The EU and the African Union will have to work together to find a formula for Zimbabwe's representation at the Lisbon Summit. The question of how the situation in Zimbabwe might be addressed at the Summit is also under consideration.
Ireland believes that it would be better if President Mugabe did not attend the Summit, and we have urged the Portuguese Presidency to explore creatively all other options for Zimbabwean representation. For example, at EU-ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Summits, Burma/Myanmar has been represented by its Foreign Minister, although representation at Summits is usually at Head of State or Government level. However, I am aware that many African countries feel strongly about this issue. Likewise, many EU Member States do not wish the EU's relations with an entire continent to be held hostage to one country's problems. Invitations to the EU-Africa Summit have not yet been issued, and until all avenues have been explored it would be premature to comment further on how the issue will unfold.
Partnership with Africa is a priority for the Government and a focus of Ireland's foreign policy. This, as well as our deep concern about the sit Partnership with Africa is a priority for the Government and a focus of Ireland's foreign policy. This, as well as our deep concern about the situation in Zimbabwe, will be fully weighed when the time comes to decide at what level to attend the Summit.
224 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government have plans for the establishment of an embassy in Thailand in view of the number of Irish citizens living and visiting the country. [22973/07]
The opening of further resident diplomatic missions abroad, including in Thailand, is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. However, any expansion of our overseas network can only be undertaken on the basis of clear priorities. The current position is that our Ambassador to Malaysia is also accredited to Thailand on a non-resident basis, and there are no plans at present to change this arrangement. Ireland's Honorary Consul in Bangkok, Mr Gary Biesty, continues to provide an excellent service to our citizens who live in or visit Thailand. In addition, following a review of our representation after the Tsunami and as part of my commitment to strengthen the range of assistance we provide to Irish citizens in the region, I appointed Ms Helene Fallon-Wood as our first Honorary Consul in Phuket in February 2006. Her presence proved invaluable in assisting those Irish citizens involved in the recent plane crash on that island.
225 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22989/07]
In 2004, a fire occurred in the temporary residence of the Permanent Representative of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels. The remedial costs were shared between the lessor and the Permanent Representation and the net amount paid by the latter was €43,268. In June 2004 an individual, who had been working on contract in the Department of Foreign Affairs, received a four year suspended sentence for the theft of eight laptop computers. The estimated value of the computers amounted to €14,800.
226 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for the use of his Department; the details of the lease; the level of occupancy of the buildings; and the use to which the buildings are currently being put. [23004/07]
The Department's headquarters, Iveagh House, is owned by the State. All of the other properties used by the Department in the State are leased. With one exception, these properties are leased by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Department. The one property directly leased by the Department is Hospitality House in South Cumberland Street and the relevant details are as follows:
|
Premises |
Level of Occupancy — Current Use |
Owners |
Rent Level |
Terms of Lease |
|
Part Floor, Hospitality House, South Cumberland Street, Dublin 2. |
All space is currently in use by staff of the Passport Office for training purposes. |
AIB Custodial Nominees Ltd. |
€144,900 per annum |
Expires 2015; rent reviews provided for at 5 year intervals |
All our buildings are fully occupied and are used for purposes for which the Minister, the Ministers of State and the Department have responsibility. Finally, though the Department owns thirty-four properties overseas, the majority of its premises abroad are leased.
227 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the criteria set out by the interdepartmental committee on the reconciliation fund for eligibility for finance allocation for property development; the extent of funds allocated to date; the extent of funding available for allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23101/07]
The eligibility criteria as listed in the guidelines to the Fund are:
Reconciliation through education, courses, dialogue and culture
Developing and maintaining cross-Border links
Promoting improved Anglo-Irish relations
Promoting cross-community and interdenominational activities
Promotion of tolerance and acceptance of cultural diversity
Academic research aimed at promoting reconciliation
Contribution to political reconciliation.
All applications to the Fund are reviewed by an Advisory Committee established for this specific purpose. The Committee meets three to four times a year and comprises representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Recommendations for funding by the Advisory Committee are made to the Minister for Foreign Affairs after consideration of the following:
The strength of the reconciliation elements in the application
The track record of the organisation concerned
The level of funding available
The overriding aim is to ensure a widespread and equitable distribution of the Fund based on the merit of the individual proposals. A particular consideration is to assist small organisations involved with peace work on the ground. As the Fund has limited resources available, applications for property purchase or development would not usually tend to be approved.
The Estimates provided a sum of €3m under subhead F1 on my Department's Vote for 2007. As of 8 October, a total of €1,066,778 has been charged to this subhead. Further moneys have also been committed and will be drawn on supply of the relevant documentation by applicants. The Committee will meet again before the end of this month to consider applications received to date and further grants will be announced by me before the end of the year.
228 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22986/07]
My Department's Asset Register records and monitors all assets purchased and owned by the Department. In addition, the Asset Register monitors the value of all assets worth over €1,000 each. No asset with a value over €1,000 or any of the properties under the control of my Department have suffered any loss through fire, theft or flooding in the past four years.
229 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for the use of his Department; the details of the lease; the level of occupancy of the buildings; and the use to which the buildings is currently being put. [23001/07]
My Department has not entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for use by my Department. All buildings occupied by the Department are leased by the Office of Public Works and all issues concerning the details of leases and the level of occupancy of buildings are the responsibility of that Office.
230 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a small business owner (details supplied) in County Longford is being forced to join a specific pension scheme rather than being free to shop around. [23070/07]
The issue raised relates to pensions which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. I have no direct function in this matter.
231 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress to date in regard to the provision of the proposed public swimming pool at Leixlip, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23148/07]
The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was closed to applications on 31 July 2000 and no application was made in respect of a public swimming pool for Leixlip before that date.
My Department is completing an Expenditure Review of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme at present. The Review is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. The Review is currently being finalised and following consideration of any recommendations in the review it is my intention to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. When the Programme is re-opened, it will be open to all local authorities to submit applications under the terms that will apply.
232 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will respond to the many requests from the arts bodies for increased funding to implement the Arts Council’s Government endorsed plan Partnership for the Arts 2006 to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22907/07]
As Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism I am committed to securing the best possible funding for the Arts Council and the arts sector generally. The Arts Council's funding requirement for the year ahead will be addressed in the context of the 2008 Estimates. In doing so, the Government must balance competing demands from every part of our economy and society.
The Arts Council strategy Partnership for the Arts sets out a programme of work aimed at bringing the arts sector to a level of stability and sustainability. The total cost of implementing the strategy in full is estimated at €272m over three years and my Department has been working towards providing the funding required for full implementation of the strategy. To date (since 2005) the Department has provided funding of €162.3m.
Funding for the Arts Council has increased from €47.67 million in 2002 to €80 million in 2007 — an increase of almost 68%. These are significant amounts of money in any context. This funding has transformed the arts, increasing access to and participation in the arts, and has provided an excellent platform for future development. My policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life.
The table below shows the funding provided to the Arts Council between 1997 and 2007.
|
Year |
Funding (€m) |
% Change |
Supplementary Estimate |
Total including Supplementary |
|
1997 |
26.41 |
26.41 |
||
|
1998 |
33.14 |
25.5 |
33.14 |
|
|
1999 |
35.55 |
7.3 |
35.55 |
|
|
2000 |
45.08 |
26.8 |
45.08 |
|
|
2001 |
46.37 |
2.9 |
1.77 |
48.14 |
|
2002 |
47.67 |
2.8 |
47.67 |
|
|
2003 |
44.10 |
-7.5 |
44.10 |
|
|
2004 |
52.5 |
19.0 |
2.00 |
54.50 |
|
2005 |
61.00 |
16.2 |
5.23 |
66.23 |
|
2006 |
72.31 |
18.5 |
10.00 |
82.31 |
|
2007 |
80.0 |
10.6 |
80.00 |
233 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22981/07]
I am not aware of any loss of assets in my Department's offices through fire or flooding during the period for which the Deputy requested information. One laptop to the value of €1135 went missing in 2006. The loss was reported to the police who investigated the matter but the item was not recovered.
234 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for the use of his Department; the details of the lease; the level of occupancy of the buildings; and the use to which the buildings is currently being put. [22996/07]
The Office of Public Works enters into leasing arrangements on behalf of my Department in respect of all properties in use by my Department.
235 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the definition being used for sport in the Programme for Government which states that only 10% of women are engaged in sport; and when the council for female participation in sport will be established. [23066/07]
Under the Irish Sports Council Act 1999, competitive sport is defined as "all forms of physical activity which, through organised participation, aim at expressing or improving physical fitness and at obtaining improved results in competition at all levels" and recreational sport is defined as "all forms of physical activity which, through casual or regular participation, aim at expressing or improving physical fitness and mental well-being and at forming social relationships".
ESRI research commissioned by the Irish Sports Council highlighted the fact that only a small minority of women in Ireland — less than one in five — came close to the levels of physical activity deemed to constitute the minimum necessary for good health by the World Health Organisation. That is, an accumulated 30 minutes of physical activity per day for at least five days per week. The research highlighted that more than three quarters of women do some recreational physical activity (principally walking, swimming or aerobics) but the majority do so with insufficient regularity or intensity of effort to meet the minimum standard.
In order to address this problem, the Women in Sport programme has received significant Government funding since it was launched in 2005. Through the Women in Sport programme, this Government supports the work of the Irish Sports Council in encouraging women — young and old alike — to become involved in sport as participants, players, officials and administrators.
In relation to Forum on Female Participation in Sport, which is provided for in the Programme for Government, my Department will be liaising with the Irish Sports Council on this matter.
236 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the complaint that AVCs are sold to public servants without a clear comparison of the relative benefits of opting to buy back national years of service; and if he or the agencies who monitor pension issues would consider developing codes of practice that would ensure better information in the hands of public service workers when they make decisions regarding additional pension cover. [22909/07]
The Pensions Board has responsibility under the Pensions Act to monitor and supervise the operation of pension schemes. The Pensions Act includes provision for the disclosure of a range of information to scheme members in relation to pension benefits. The issues in this case relate to the sale of financial products, which is regulated by the Financial Regulator, who comes under the aegis of the Department for Finance.
237 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22992/07]
The information requested is currently being compiled within my Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.
238 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for the use of his Department; the details of the lease; the level of occupancy of the buildings; and the use to which the buildings is currently being put. [23007/07]
My Department has not entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for its use. This responsibility is vested in the Office of Public Works. The office accommodation currently used by my Department includes: 13 Headquarter buildings in Dublin (3 of which are used by agencies of the Department); 7 Decentralised Offices (two in Sligo and one each in Longford, Letterkenny, Waterford, Dundalk and Carrick-on-Shannon; 135 regional and Local offices throughout the country. All of these buildings are fully occupied and are currently used for the administration of my Department's schemes and services.
239 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the income limit for a single parent applying for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance is €331.30 and that of a couple is €353.30 whereas in other social welfare payments the income limit for couples and single parents are similar. [23026/07]
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a one-off payment to assist eligible families with the extra costs when their children start school each autumn. The allowance is not intended to meet the full cost of school clothing and footwear but only to provide assistance towards these costs. Lone parents or couples may qualify for payment of an allowance if they are in receipt of a social welfare payment or Health Service Executive (HSE) payment; are participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course; and have household income at or below certain set levels.
Different income limits apply for single parents and couples across different social welfare schemes, for example in the BSCFA and Fuel Allowance schemes. The rationale for the different income limits for lone parents and couples is to take account of the fact that there is an extra adult in the couple household who has to be provided for, and the income limit for couples reflects this.
The income limits for the BSCFA scheme for 2007 are based on the maximum rate of State Pension (contributory) (under 80), plus the qualified adult allowance, plus €100 in the case of married and cohabiting couples; and the maximum rate of widow's/widower's contributory pension (under 80) plus €100 for Lone Parents, plus child dependant allowance in each case. Income Limits for 2007 are:
|
Couple |
Lone Parent |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
1 child |
470.80 |
331.30 |
|
2 children |
492.80 |
353.30 |
|
3 children |
514.80 |
375.30 |
|
4 children |
536.80* |
397.30* |
*The limit is increased by €22.00 for each additional child.
Any changes to the current income limits for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme would have cost implications and would have to be considered in a budget context and in the light of the resources available to me for improvements in social welfare generally.
240 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount spent by his Department on add-on cash benefits and non-cash benefits to persons of pension age in each of the years this century with a breakdown by benefit type and the number of recipients; and the number of people at pension age receiving any welfare payment from his Department in each of these years. [23109/07]
Due to the level of detail required it has not been possible to collate the information in the limited time available. The data requested are currently being prepared and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy when they become available.
241 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average or typical equivalent monetary value received by pensioner households in each of the years this century for each of the non-cash benefits available to certain households of people of pension age; the equivalent monetary value in each of these years and for each of these benefits for a pensioner who was maximising their benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23111/07]
The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity, natural gas allowance, telephone allowance and free television licence are non-cash benefits available to pensioners living permanently in the State who satisfy specific qualifying conditions. The scheme is also available to customers under age 66 years who satisfy the conditions of the scheme. There are currently some 350,000 customers in receipt of the household benefits scheme at an annual cost of €315 million, of which some 285,000 of these customers are aged 66 years and over.
The free travel scheme is also a non-cash benefit which permits some 600,000 customers, of which 450,000 are aged over 66 years, to travel free on a range of transport services at an annual cost of €64 million. The monetary value of the electricity allowance, natural gas allowance, telephone allowance and free travel pass to an individual customer depends on usage and may vary from customer to customer.
The monetary values of each of the components of the household benefits on 1st January 2000-2007 are as follows:
|
Year |
Electricity Allowance (Urban) |
Electricity Allowance (Rural) |
Natural Gas Allowance |
Telephone Allowance |
Free TV Licence |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Jan 2000 |
165.00 |
169.00 |
173.00 |
226.00 |
89.00 |
|
Jan 2001 |
165.00 |
169.00 |
173.00 |
226.00 |
89.00 |
|
Jan 2002 |
168.00 |
173.00 |
205.00 |
260.00 |
107.00 |
|
Jan 2003 |
274.00 |
305.00 |
205.00 |
281.00 |
150.00 |
|
Jan 2004 |
294.00 |
327.00 |
225.00 |
296.00 |
152.00 |
|
Jan 2005 |
339.00 |
381.00 |
250.00 |
296.00 |
152.00 |
|
Jan 2006 |
345.00 |
386.00 |
313.00 |
296.00 |
155.00 |
|
Jan 2007 |
490.00 |
523.00 |
490.00 |
*296.00 |
158.00 |
*My Department increased the value of the telephone allowance in line with industry price increase effective from August 2007 to €311.00 per annum.
For accounting purposes within my Department, the average value of a free travel pass is calculated using the total number of recipients at year end and the overall cost of the scheme in an individual year. Based on this method of calculation the average values of a free travel pass since 2000 are as follows:
|
Year |
Average Value of Free Travel Pass |
|
€ |
|
|
2000 |
77.00 |
|
2001 |
75.00 |
|
2002 |
72.00 |
|
2003 |
82.00 |
|
2004 |
84.00 |
|
2005 |
87.00 |
|
2006 |
92.00 |
|
2007 |
105.00 |
242 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of administering the State contributory pension; the proportion this represents of the total value of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23112/07]
Most of the administrative expenditure incurred by my Department is not brought to account on a scheme specific basis. In many cases, services are shared between several scheme areas. Accordingly, it is not possible to identify all the costs associated with administering the State contributory scheme.
The further development of systems to support the Management Information Framework and the Annual Output Statement should facilitate the development of accounting arrangements, over time, which will enable expenditure to be linked more closely to services. Estimated expenditure for my Department in 2007 is nearly €15,335 million of which administrative expenditure from Vote 38 and the Social Insurance Fund amounts to around €467.85 million. This represents 3% of total estimated expenditure.
243 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount spent by his Department in each of the years this century on welfare payments to pensioners broken down by year, and by pension type and the absolute number of recipients by pension type and by year in each case. [23136/07]
The information required by the Deputy is contained within the following tabular statement:
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
|
State Pension Contributory |
577,365 |
716,474 |
868,529 |
946,902 |
1,050,348 |
1,152,849 |
1,293,702 |
|
State Pension Transition |
594,239 |
697,349 |
803,413 |
898,981 |
983,706 |
1,060,052 |
1,144,636 |
|
State Pension Non-con |
456,230 |
490,718 |
537,308 |
565,006 |
599,988 |
631,299 |
727,767 |
|
Widow’s Pension Contributory |
597,473 |
672,959 |
761,539 |
826,135 |
906,449 |
998,524 |
1,094,969 |
|
Widow’s Pension Non-con |
94,377 |
107,164 |
116,493 |
116,834 |
122,300 |
126,944 |
103,684 |
|
Invalidity Pension* |
311,511 |
354,459 |
403,617 |
440,263 |
487,375 |
548,285 |
602,421 |
|
Carer’s Allowance* |
99,561 |
130,325 |
160,042 |
183,273 |
210,277 |
223,059 |
284,574 |
|
Carer’s Benefit* |
36 |
2,457 |
5,807 |
6,943 |
7,698 |
9,588 |
16,681 |
|
Blind Pension* |
12,302 |
13,156 |
14,221 |
14,816 |
15,868 |
16,661 |
16,963 |
|
Death Benefit* |
4,704 |
5,054 |
5,558 |
5,813 |
6,185 |
6,523 |
7,047 |
*These schemes provide for people of working age and pension age. It is not possible to provide a breakdown of the total expenditure into the two segments.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
|
State Pension Contributory |
86,217 |
94,871 |
105,295 |
113,970 |
118,383 |
124,611 |
139,724 |
|
State Pension Transition |
78,370 |
80,326 |
83,055 |
86,509 |
88,870 |
91,047 |
91,086 |
|
State Pension Non-con |
90,652 |
89,061 |
87,823 |
86,733 |
85,172 |
84,454 |
97,404 |
|
Widow’s Pension Contributory |
100,374 |
101,267 |
102,494 |
103,831 |
105,338 |
109,017 |
110,146 |
|
Widow’s Pension Non-con |
17,367 |
16,811 |
16,318 |
15,783 |
15,284 |
14,729 |
2,168 |
|
Invalidity Pension** |
48,663 |
50,615 |
52,147 |
53,414 |
55,864 |
58,352 |
51,954 |
|
Carer’s Allowance** |
16,478 |
18,785 |
20,395 |
21,316 |
23,030 |
24,970 |
27,474 |
|
Carer’s Benefit** |
50 |
425 |
615 |
639 |
679 |
867 |
1,647 |
|
Blind Pension** |
2,229 |
2,125 |
2,095 |
2,061 |
2,027 |
1,985 |
1,476 |
|
Death Benefit** |
665 |
676 |
668 |
664 |
652 |
647 |
646 |
** These schemes provide for people of working age and pension age. The numbers of people of pension age on these schemes are shown in the table below.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
|
Invalidity Pension |
4,845 |
6,194 |
6,834 |
7,647 |
9,276 |
10,995 |
9,596 |
|
Carer’s Allowance |
1,839 |
2,137 |
2,403 |
2,657 |
2,870 |
2,949 |
4,150 |
|
Carer’s Benefit |
0 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
12 |
|
Blind Pension |
655 |
630 |
590 |
561 |
524 |
525 |
47 |
|
Death Benefit |
309 |
332 |
324 |
328 |
332 |
332 |
355 |
244 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position of an appeal in relation to supplementary welfare allowance payments by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23142/07]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Apart from a number of excluded categories, anyone in the State who satisfies a means test, has applied for any other benefit or allowances, has registered for work with FÁS if they are of working age and satisfies a habitual residency test may qualify for basic SWA. Under the legislation a number of categories are specifically excluded from receiving assistance. These are people in full-time work, people in full-time education and people involved in trade disputes.
The Dublin/Mid-Leinster Area of the HSE has advised that the person concerned was refused basic SWA in June 2007 as he failed, at the time, to provide credible evidence that he satisfied the habitual residence condition and also because he was unable to provide evidence of his sources of income. The person concerned appealed the decision to the designated appeals officer of the Executive in July 2007. His appeal was allowed in August 2007 subject to the provision of additional relevant information that would enable the Executive to make a decision regarding his application.
The Community Welfare division of the Executive wrote to the person concerned in September 2007 requesting the provision of additional information in order to examine his application. To date the Executive has not received a reply.
245 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the grants he or his Department have to allow persons in receipt of the State pension to purchase house alarms; if he or his Department have plans to introduce such grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23042/07]
249 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the grants he or his Department have to allow persons in receipt of the State pension to purchase house alarms; the plans he or his Department have to introduce such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23040/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 249 together.
My Department manages the Scheme of Community Support for Older People, which assists qualifying older people, aged 65 years and older, by means of a community-based grant scheme. This provides funding towards the once-off cost of installing socially monitored alarm systems, door locks, window locks, door chains, security lighting, smoke alarms and interior emergency lighting for qualifying older people living on our offshore islands. The Scheme does not cover house alarms and I have no plans at present to extend the Scheme.
246 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if funding is available from his Department for all schools wishing to install flashing amber lights on the roads immediately outside the schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22913/07]
Under the CLÁR Programme, my Department provides 100% funding specifically for flashing amber safety lights at all primary schools in CLÁR areas that do not already have such lights. The Local Authority selects the projects and has responsibility for the administration of this scheme.
247 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for the delay in paying down moneys to a group (details supplied) in County Cork; his views on whether by paying this money in instalments, it creates extra costs to the scheme; when they can expect to draw down the balance of the DAF grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22934/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 199 of 3 October, 2007.
248 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22983/07]
My Department has suffered no loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007.
250 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the genetically modified crops grown here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22901/07]
There are no genetically modified crops grown in Ireland.
251 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will meet with multiples operating in the Irish retail industry to emphasise the urgency of the situation facing pig and poultry producers here and the need to ensure they get a higher price for their produce. [22902/07]
I am fully aware of the issues facing the pig sector at present particurlary those concerning high feed prices. I met recently with representatives of the sector at which meeting this issue was discussed.
While I appreciate the argument for increased pigmeat prices to compensate for higher input costs, the Deputy will be aware that I do not have a role in price setting. I am glad to see, however, that the recent trend in Irish producer prices is upwards with an increase of 7% in the past couple of months.
The issue of labelling of pigmeat was also discussed at the meeting.The situation on this is that draft legislation is currently with the Department of Health and Children which will require the origin of pig, poultry and sheepmeat to be shown on its label. A public consultation on this proposal is currently taking place on the website of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland after which it will be necessary to seek the approval of the European Commission.
I have also asked Bord Bia to intensify its autumn pork and bacon campaign.
252 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the responsibilities her Department has assumed for the fisheries industry. [22912/07]
In line with a recent Government decision, my Department will assume responsibility for Sea Fisheries, Aquaculture, Marine Engineering, Marine Research, Pier and Harbour Development and Foreshore so far as that relates to Fisheries and Aquaculture. Arrangements to give effect to this are in train and the functions in question will transfer formally to my Department shortly.
253 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the clawback provision where single farm payment entitlements are traded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22967/07]
The position is that the EU Regulations governing the transfer of Single Payment entitlements provide that the Member State may apply a claw-back in respect of entitlements sold with or without land in order to replenish the National Reserve. The claw-back arrangements are non-mandatory. Claw-back arrangements were applied in respect of entitlements sold in 2006 and 2007 with a maximum rate of 30% claw-back in 2006 reduced to 15% in 2007.
The total amount of money raised through claw-back proved negligible and did not justify the amount and cost of administration associated with the process. Therefore having consulted with the Single Payment Advisory Committee comprising members of the farming organizations, Teagasc and my Department, I decided earlier this year to abolish the claw-back on the sale of Single Payment entitlements. As a result, entitlements traded with or without land from 2008 will no longer be subject to claw-back.
This will have the effect of simplifying the process of transferring entitlements for farmers and administrators alike.
254 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive the balance of single payment due to them from 2006; if she will have payment made or an explanation as to the reason it is being held up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22969/07]
The position is that the person named submitted three applications to transfer entitlements in 2006, two of which involved transferring in leased entitlements and the third involved transferring the original entitlements established for him into a Milk Partnership arrangement.
All applications have been fully processed and full payment on 73.72 entitlements for 2006 has issued to the person named. The final payment issued on 6th February 2007.
255 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be awarded their area aid; if there is a problem with the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22970/07]
An application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Area Scheme was received from the person named on 2 May 2007. Payments under the 2007 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 21 September, with payments issuing to all applicants whose applications were clear on that date. Payments continue to issue as individual cases are confirmed eligible for payment. Payment in full issued to the person named on 9 October, for an amount of €2,287.44.
The person named does not hold any Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme and, therefore, no payment is due to him.
256 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cavan has never had payments made to them regarding single premium transferred after their fathers death; her views on whether two years is a long time to do without payments; and if she will make every effort to have this issue sorted out. [22971/07]
The position is that the person named did not submit an application for the transfer of single payment entitlements from his father as his father did not establish any entitlements during the reference period 2000-2002. The person named did however submit an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 and 2006 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve.
As indicated in reply to a previous question from the Deputy, the person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Categories A, B and D.
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/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000 to 2002. The person named was deemed unsuccessful under this category as the leased land was not acquired free of charge or for a nominal fee.
Category B caters for farmers who made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000-2002. Investments can include purchase or long term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments. The person named applied in relation to investment in land and was deemed successful.
A formal letter outlining my Department's decision on the National Reserve has issued to the person named and the relevant payment due has issued.
Category D caters for farmers who inherited or purchased land and who commenced farming after 31 December, 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. The person named was deemed unsuccessful under this category as leased land was not eligible under this category in 2005.
The person named submitted an appeal against this decision. This appeal was forwarded to the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee who have completed their review and they have upheld my Department's decision. A letter outlining the decision of the Committee has issued to the person named.
The person named also submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2006 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category B.
Category B in the 2006 National Reserve caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December, 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year.
The person named has been deemed eligible under this category. A letter outlining my Departments decision issued on 18th September, 2007 and the relevant payment has now been made.
257 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22980/07]
During the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007, my Department has not suffered any premature retirement of assets due to any of the specified occurrences.
258 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department has entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for the use of her Department; the details of the lease; the level of occupancy of the buildings; and the use to which the building is currently being put. [22995/07]
All leasing arrangements for my Department's properties are organised by the Office of Public Works.
259 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will apply health regulations 2006, S.I. No. 307 of 2006 to require caterers to provide information on the country of origin of beef sold on their premises to customers and to retailers; and if not, when she will apply these regulations to the retail sector. [23024/07]
I collaborated with the Minister for Health & Children to ensure introduction of the legislation to which the Deputy refers. The legislation provides that all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required to carry an indication of the country of origin. Responsibility for enforcement of this legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
260 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the factors that inform her decisions when issuing felling licences; the sanctions available to her if false and misleading documentation is supplied to her Department upon which she partially relies when making her decision; the number of felling licences issued by her Department during 2005 and 2006; if it is Departmental policy not to refuse felling licence applications where planning permission has been granted by a local authority; the number of applications refused where planning permission has been granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23137/07]
The consideration of applications for felling licences takes into account a range of factors. The most important of these include extent of the area in question, location, age of the trees, species and environmental considerations.
The decision to issue felling licences is taken by my Department following assessment of each application by the Forest Service Inspector for the area concerned and following consultation with the Planning Section of the relevant local authority. In addition, if considered relevant to the felling application in question, further consultations are carried out by my Department with bodies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Regional Fisheries Boards on environmental and water quality considerations pertaining to the proposed felling site.
The supply of false or misleading information in connection with an application for a felling licence is an offence under Section 64 of the 1946 Act, attracting both a fine and potentially imprisonment following summary conviction. If a licence has already issued on the basis of such information, it may be suspended or terminated under the terms of the Act.
A total of 569 and 632 felling licences were issued by my Department for the years 2005 and 2006 respectively. The granting of planning permission by a local authority does not confer automatic entitlement to a felling licence. Felling licence applications are assessed by my Department on their own merits.
Information concerning the number of applications where planning permission has been granted but a felling licence has been refused is not captured. In all cases, the decision to grant a licence is informed by the factors outlined above. The existence of planning permission on a site is not a material factor in the assessment of an application.
261 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science when the jobs announced by her for a location (details provided) will commence. [22903/07]
My Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and I recently announced that an additional €1million would be allocated to An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta over the next three years to provide a support and development initiative for the Irish language which is to be located at Coláiste Íosagáin. Four additional staff will be assigned to an Chomairle for this purpose.
262 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the provision of a new primary school (details supplied) in County Cork; the commitments given by her regarding the procurement and payment for a site for the school; and when the project will proceed to construction. [22904/07]
Officials from the School Planning Section of the Department met with a delegation from the two primary schools involved in order to discuss issues surrounding the acquisition of a proposed Greenfield site. On foot of that meeting technical staff from the Department carried out an assessment of the proposed Greenfield site. The technical report raised a number of issues which need to be addressed by the school authorities and a reply is awaited.
The long term projected staffing, on which the school's accommodation needs are based, is being considered in the Department at present. Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities, the building project will be considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
263 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the standard procedure regarding the procurement of sites for new schools; if this varies where the site is needed for a new school or where existing schools are amalgamating; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22905/07]
The Office of Public Works generally acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions. Sites are generally identified either through advertisements and/or through consultations with the relevant local authority. In some circumstances site acquisitions can be handled by the Department directly or through the relevant VEC. School Building Projects are progressed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria which was agreed with the Education Partners.
264 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the services she will make available to assist an autistic person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22908/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
265 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will include the Grangegorman Development Agency Act, 2006 within the remit of the Freedom of Information Act 1997. [22919/07]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the inclusion of the Grangegorman Development Agency within the remit of the FOI Acts 1997 & 2003 is currently being considered by my Department. A decision on the matter is due to be taken shortly.
266 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has purchased a site for a proposed new school (details supplied) in County Cork; and when the proposed new school will be put on her Department’s school building programme. [22920/07]
The Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to sites acquisitions, has secured a site for the provision of a new school. The building programme required to deliver the new school building will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
267 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the overcrowding at a school in County Galway and the increase in pupils over the past few years; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that the resource teacher must use the staff room to teach, the school still uses two portocabins as staff rooms, the special teacher for the non Irish national population is confined to the classroom and the overcrowding at the only two toilets at the school; the stage the proposed extension has reached in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22931/07]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The assessment of the long term projected staffing, on which the schools accommodation needs are based is required. Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities the building project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
268 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the expected completion date of the construction of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; when it is expected that children might be able to move in to occupy the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22961/07]
I wish to inform the Deputy that Planning Permission for the construction of the school to which he refers has been received. It is expected that construction will commence shortly with a construction period of approximately four months, if there are no unforeseen issues. Upon completion of the new building, the school will be informed to make the necessary arrangements to take up occupation.
269 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department withdrew a Supreme Court appeal in respect of a case (details supplied). [22972/07]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the management of child abuse claims taken against the State was formally delegated to the State Claims Agency (SCA) by Government Order made in July 2005. The effect of a delegation order was that the SCA would act in place of my Department in instructing a legal team in defending and, where appropriate, settling claims made against the Minister for Education and Science.
The decision to withdraw the Supreme Court appeal in the case referred to by the Deputy was taken by the State Claims Agency having regard to the facts of this particular case. It is not the policy of my Department to comment on individual cases and I do not intend to diverge from that practice in this instance.
270 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22985/07]
Two laptops owned by my Department have been stolen in recent years — one in 2006 from my Department's offices in Marlborough Street (valued at €896) and the other in 2007 from a school inspector's car (valued at €1,120). Neither laptop was recovered. The cost of replacing each of the laptops was €1,400, respectively. There were no other losses resulting from fire, theft or flooding during the years in question.
271 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for the use of her Department; the details of the lease; the level of occupancy of the buildings; and the use to which the buildings is currently being put. [23000/07]
My Department has not entered into any leasing arrangements for office properties. The leasing of office property is a matter for the Office of Public Works which acts as an agent for all Government Departments.
272 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the construction of a new secondary school in Ballinamore, County Leitrim. [23038/07]
The Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to sites acquisitions, has secured a site for the provision of a new school. The building programme required to deliver the new school building will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
273 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of requests received for special needs assistants in private junior schools in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007. [23063/07]
My Department provides for special education resources to State recognised schools to ensure that children have access to an appropriate education with additional supports as necessary. These resources are provided through the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the local Special Educational Needs Organisers.
The Deputy should be aware that private junior schools are not State recognised schools. The information requested by the Deputy is not retained by my Department. I will forward the Deputy's question to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply in the event that they keep a record of such requests.
274 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in Dublin 4 is not included in the National Educational Psychological Service scheme which provides psychologists to primary and post-primary schools; and her views on adding this school to the list as soon as possible. [23064/07]
The Deputy will be aware that all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA), full details of which are available on my Department's website. Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them, such as the school to which the Deputy refers in the question, may avail of the SCPA and have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. The prioritisation of urgent cases for assessment is a matter for the school principal in the first instance.
The Deputy may be aware that since NEPS was established, we have trebled the number of psychologists in the service. We are committed to increasing its staffing further, so that by 2009 there will be 200 NEPS psychologists. In this regard recruitment of additional psychologists is currently ongoing and as appointments are made to particular NEPS regions, including the Dublin South West Area, the assignment of further schools to the NEPS service will be expanded.
275 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education and Science if in view of the long delays in accessing educational psychologists in the south County Dublin area there are plans to increase the panel as a matter of urgency. [23065/07]
The Deputy will be aware that all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA), full details of which are available on my Department's website. Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them, such as the school to which the Deputy refers in the question, may avail of the SCPA and have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. The prioritisation of urgent cases for assessment is a matter for the school principal in the first instance.
Should schools authorities have issues in relation to the commissioning of assessments I would suggest that they make direct contact with the relevant NEPS Regional Director to discuss the matter.
276 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the timeframe for the transfer of higher education grants from county councils to VECs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23069/07]
As the Deputy may already be aware, I plan to introduce a single unified scheme of maintenance grants for students and to consolidate the administration of this unified grants scheme in the VEC sector. This will, I believe, provide for a more coherent administrative system. The scheme, which will be underpinned by a new Student Support Bill, will facilitate consistency of application, improved client accessibility and timely delivery of grants.
The Student Support Bill is at an advanced stage of preparation, and I hope to be in a position to publish it shortly.
277 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if parents of Irish born children are eligible for education grants or assistance for return to college or education; if not the reason for same; the further reason this situation differs from parents of children who are refugee or asylum seeking applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23095/07]
My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students. These are the Higher Education Grants Scheme, the Vocational Education Committees' Scholarships Scheme, the Third Level Maintenance Grants Scheme for Trainees and the Maintenance Grants Scheme for Students attending Post Leaving Certificate Courses.
The Higher Education Grants Scheme is administered by the Local Authorities. The other three schemes are administered by the Vocational Education Committees. Under the terms of the maintenance grants scheme grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to nationality, residency, means and previous academic attainment.
The Nationality requirement as set out in the 2007 Grant schemes states:-Candidates must:
hold E.U. Nationality; or
have Official Refugee Status; or
have been granted Humanitarian Leave to Remain in the State (prior to the Immigration Act 1999); or
be a person in respect of whom the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has granted permission to remain following a determination not to make a deportation order under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999; or
have permission to remain in the State by virtue of marriage to an Irish national residing in the State, or be the child of such person, not having EU nationality; or
have permission to remain in the State by virtue of marriage to a national of another EU Member State who is residing in the State and who is or has been employed, or self-employed, in the State, or be the child of such a person, not having EU nationality; or
be nationals of a member country of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
A non-EU national who has been granted permission to remain in the State on the basis of an Irish born child does not comply with the above conditions and is ineligible for grant assistance under the nationality requirement of the Schemes. Likewise, those in the asylum seeking process, and their children, do not satisfy the nationality requirement of the Schemes.
Any extension to the scope of the maintenance grants schemes can be considered only in the light of available resources and in the context of competing demands within the education sector.
278 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for an autistic unit for County Mayo; the funding arrangements for this pilot scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23096/07]
The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism, receive an education appropriate to their needs. With regard to specific provision for children with autism, the Government believes that as each child with autism is unique; such children should have access to a range of different interventions to meet their individual needs. Applied behavioural analysis, or ABA, is one of the methodologies used in special classes for children with autism.
Advice received from international experts on autism, the National Educational Psychological Service and the inspectorate inform the Department of Education and Science's view that a range of approaches should be used, rather than just one. An analysis of research, including the report of the Irish Task Force on Autism, also supports this approach, and autism societies in other countries also caution against relying on just one intervention. By enabling children in special classes to have access to a range of methodologies, including ABA, the Government is doing what we are advised is in the best interests of such children.
The use of ABA as part of the range of interventions is particularly useful for addressing behavioural issues. My Department therefore supports the use of ABA and training is provided for teachers in its use. It is important that children have access to a range of methods so their broader needs can be met. Whereas ABA helps to improve behaviour, other interventions, such as TEACCH and PECS, are important in developing children's communication skills.
Children in special classes have the benefit of fully-qualified teachers trained in educating and developing children generally and who have access to additional training in autism-specific approaches, including ABA. The level of such training available to teachers has significantly improved in recent years and is a major priority for the Government. Children in special classes also have the option, where possible and appropriate, of full or partial integration into mainstream classes and of interaction with other pupils.
In excess of 265 autism-specific classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level and the National Council for Special Education will continue to establish more such classes where the need arises. At primary level there are a maximum of six children in each special class with a teacher and at least two special needs assistants (SNAs). Extra assistants are provided where the children need them. An individual child can have access to full-time support from an individual SNA if he or she needs one.
My Department is currently funding an ABA pilot scheme which was established in the absence of this network of special classes in our schools. The Government is committed to long term funding for the centres participating in the scheme, subject to agreement on standards that will enable my department to support them as primary schools for children with autism. In terms of autism provision in other locations including Co. Mayo, we will continue to work to ensure that all children can have access to a broad programme, with provision for ABA as appropriate, in special classes.
279 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be deemed eligible for approval for a course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23097/07]
I understand the Deputy is asking about eligibility for a grant under the maintenance grant schemes rather than eligibility to attend a course.
My Departments Maintenance Grants Schemes, which are assessed by the relevant Local Authority or the local VEC's, define a mature student to mean a person of not less than 23 years of age, on the 1st day of January in the year of entry to an approved course in an approved institution.
Mature students may be categorised as either independent mature students or mature students dependent on parents. An independent mature student is defined to mean a mature student who was not ordinarily resident at home with his/her parents from the October preceding their entry to an approved course. Independent mature students are assessed without reference to either their parents' income or address.
When assessing the means of students, other than Independent Mature Students, the Acts specify that the students' means and those of their parents or guardians must be below a prescribed limit. This provision requires that parental income be taken into account irrespective of the individual circumstances in any case where the student is not an independent mature student.
The condition relating to residency requires, in the case of a candidate under 23, the candidate's parents or guardians to have been resident in the administrative area of a Local Authority from 1st October of the previous year. In the case of an ‘Independent Mature Candidate' the candidate himself/herself must have been resident in the administrative area of a Local Authority from 1st October of the previous year. The Scheme specifies that the Local Authorities have discretion to waive this requirement in exceptional circumstances.
From the information provided by the Deputy it would appear that the student referred to is currently 22 years of age- DOB 16/09/1985 — and, therefore, does not qualify to be assessed as a mature student and must be assessed with reference to parental income and address.
280 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the need to change school bus catchment boundaries in the Goatenbridge Ardfinnan area of County Tipperary in order to give local parents the choice of sending their children to schools in Clonmel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23138/07]
Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if s/he resides 4.8 kilometres or more from her/his local post primary education centre.
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 — otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their local post-primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way to the nearest pick-up point within that catchment area.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to review the school transport scheme, including catchment boundaries. My Department is currently considering how best to progress this task.
281 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Defence if his Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22984/07]
It has not been possible in the time available to compile the information requested. I will forward the information to the Deputy as soon as possible.
282 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for the use of his Department; the details of the lease; the level of occupancy of the buildings; and the use to which the buildings is currently being put. [22999/07]
The Civil Defence Board occupies a leased property in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary which accommodates twenty-six clerical, training and managerial staff members. Some adjoining land is also leased for the development of a training range for Civil Defence exercises. Office space is also leased in Park House, North Circular Road, Dublin 7 to accommodate some twenty military personnel.
The leasing agreements outlined are managed and maintained by the OPW. All other buildings occupied by the Department of Defence are State-owned under the control of the OPW.
283 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will bring forward legislation to abolish ground rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22955/07]
The law already provides for a statutory scheme for the acquisition of the fee simple in dwelling houses which is set out in the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act 1978. Part III of that Act provides a special procedure, operated by the Property Registration Authority, whereby a person may acquire the fee simple in their dwelling house.
A legal challenge to the constitutionality of certain provisions of existing ground rents legislation was heard in the High Court during 2005. The Court's judgment upholding the constitutionality of the legislation was delivered in early 2006 but it has been appealed to the Supreme Court. It is likely that the appeal will be heard later this year.
Operation of the law in relation to ground rents continues to be reviewed in my Department. There are no proposals for change pending the outcome of the appeal that I have mentioned.
The law already provides for a statutory scheme for the acquisition of the fee simple in dwellinghouses which is set out in the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act 1978. Part III of that Act provides a special procedure, operated by the Property Registration Authority, whereby a person may acquire the fee simple in their dwellinghouse.
A legal challenge to the constitutionality of certain provisions of existing ground rents legislation was heard in the High Court during 2005. The Court's judgment upholding the constitutionality of the legislation was delivered in early 2006 but it has been appealed to the Supreme Court. It is likely that the appeal will be heard later this year. Operation of the law in relation to ground rents continues to be reviewed in my Department. There are no proposals for change pending the outcome of the appeal that I have mentioned.
284 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will intervene to ensure the safe delivery of a person (details supplied); and the situation with the Dutch authorities. [22906/07]
My Department has no record of an application for permission to remain in the State or for permission to enter the State from the person in question and no communication has been received from the Dutch authorities regarding his detention in the Netherlands. It should be noted that the fact that the person's parent has been granted permission to remain in the State under the IBC05 scheme does not in any way confer on him any entitlement or legitimate expectation to enter the State.
285 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether it is acceptable that families who have lived and worked here are being asked to leave on a technicality; the way he will enforce the provision of Regulation 3(2) which requires that in order to avail of residency rights under the Regulations, applicants must submit evidence showing lawful residence in another EU Member State prior to arrival in Ireland; if he envisages making exemptions to this rule when families have had children here and are living here and have had a vote in the general election here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22921/07]
The European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No. 2) Regulations 2006 (SI No. 656 of 2006) amended earlier regulations which transposed the European Directive (dated 29 April 2004) on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States. As provided for in Regulation 3(2) the Regulations do not apply to non-EEA family members unless they were lawfully resident in another EU Member State and they are seeking to accompany the EU citizen to Ireland or to join the EU citizen in Ireland. Consequently, non-EEA family members who do not satisfy the condition in Regulation 3(2) cannot benefit from the entitlements set out in the Regulations.
In cases where the non-EEA spouse of an EU citizen does not qualify for the entitlements as a result of Regulation 3(2) it is not the result in every such case that the right to remain in the State is refused and the non-EEA national must leave. Applicants who are refused under the above Free Movement Regulations may be entitled to permission to remain under national immigration measures and the outcome of each case depends on its particular circumstances. The persons who are required to leave the State are those who do not have permission to be in the State under EU or national measures or who were already under an instruction to leave. That requirement to leave the State does not arise from a technicality but relates to the unlawful presence of the person in the State. The Deputy refers to cases of families who had a vote in the general election. That would suggest that one of the family members is an Irish citizen (or possibly a British citizen) and if that is the case then there are other criteria apart from the above matters relating to any non-EEA family members of an Irish citizen who wish to remain in the State.
286 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí stationed at the various stations throughout County Kildare; the increase over the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22924/07]
287 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community Gardaí stationed in County Kildare; the stations at which the community Gardaí are stationed; his plans to extend the number of community Gardaí in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22928/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 287 together.
As of 31 August 2007, the latest date for which Garda numbers are readily available, the personnel strength of the Carlow/Kildare Division was 393. This represents an increase of 35 members over the 358 members in the Division on 31 August 2006. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc. It is the responsibility of the Garda Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his or her Division taking everything into account.
The following table shows the strength of Gardaí in the Carlow/Kildare Division broken down by Station as of 31 August 2006 and 31 August 2007:
|
District |
Station |
31/08/06 |
31/08/07 |
|
Naas |
Naas |
88 |
99 |
|
Celbridge |
20 |
23 |
|
|
Clane |
7 |
7 |
|
|
Kill |
3 |
2 |
|
|
Maynooth |
15 |
13 |
|
|
Kildare |
Kildare |
29 |
29 |
|
Robertstown |
3 |
4 |
|
|
Kilcullen |
2 |
4 |
|
|
Monasterevin |
3 |
5 |
|
|
Rathangan |
2 |
4 |
|
|
Carbury |
2 |
4 |
|
|
Newbridge |
35 |
33 |
|
|
Carlow |
Carlow |
57 |
69 |
|
Leighlinbridge |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Ballon |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Myshall |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Muinebheag |
7 |
7 |
|
|
Athy |
18 |
17 |
|
|
Castledermot |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Baltinglass |
Baltinglass |
24 |
33 |
|
Blessington |
18 |
15 |
|
|
Dunlavin |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Hollywood |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Donard |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Shillelagh |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Tinahely |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Hacketstown |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Rathvilly |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Ballymore Eustace |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Tullow |
9 |
9 |
|
|
Ballytore |
1 |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL |
358 |
393 |
There are four Community Gardaí stationed in Co. Kildare, one (1) at Naas Garda Station and three (3) at Leixlip Garda Station. All Gardaí have a responsibility, inter alia, to be involved in Community Policing issues as they arise.
The situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of each of the Garda Divisions will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.
288 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the Civil Partnership Bill, 2004; when further progress will be made on its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22929/07]
As I indicated in my response to Question number 482 on 2 October 2007, legislation providing for Civil Partnership is being developed in my Department in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government and as provided for in the Government Legislative Programme published by the Chief Whip on 25 September last.
289 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons from County Kildare that have joined the Garda Reserve; the number of persons from County Kildare who applied to join; the location of the Garda stations throughout the county that have Garda Reserve members working in them; his plans to increase the number of Garda Reserve members working in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22930/07]
Recruitment for the Garda Reserve is being carried out by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and, since August 2006, 475 people from Kildare have expressed an interest to the PAS in becoming Garda Reserve members.
All of those people from Kildare who expressed an interest in joining were subsequently contacted by the PAS and many have not, to date, come forward for interview. As the nature of the Reserve is that participation is purely voluntary, Garda Reserve members have work, family and other commitments which they have to balance with their service in An Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána and the PAS is offering maximum flexibility in order to accommodate those who wish to put themselves forward for service. Recruitment is ongoing and new applications are accepted at any time. It is open to those who have initially shown interest in becoming Garda Reserve members to renew that interest now, or at any stage in the future, and An Garda Síochána and the PAS will continue to facilitate those who are interested. I have been informed that the PAS intend contacting people from Kildare again in the near future in order to arrange interviews for them in the coming months.
There are currently five members of the Garda Reserve on Phase IV training who are due to qualify in November, 2007 and will be allocated to Carlow / Kildare Division — two to Naas and Blessington and one to Newbridge.
A further two members of the Garda Reserve are on Phase II training and are due to qualify in December, 2007 and will also be allocated to Carlow / Kildare Division.
290 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made in relation to an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22933/07]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in February 2007. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in the beginning of 2005 and have approximately 12,400 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in the second half of 2009.
I will inform the Deputy when I have reached a decision on the application.
291 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for leave to remain for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22942/07]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 28 June, 2005 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, she was informed by letter dated 22 March, 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
292 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the approximate number of women lured into Ireland for sex purposes; if he will provide full details of a recently announced initiative to tackle this issue; and his plans to introduce legislation to underpin European directives relating to this matter. [22943/07]
A number of initiatives have been undertaken by An Garda Síochána, on both a unilateral basis and, as appropriate, by working in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, in particular with the UK, in the context of the common travel area to uncover the extent of trafficking in human beings, especially women.
The initiative to which the Deputy refers is known as Operation ‘Pentameter II' and is one such particular initiative. Operation Pentameter II was launched in London by the UK Home Secretary on 3 October 2007. Officials from my Department and senior Garda officers have been participating in planning meetings since earlier this year and it is intended that An Garda Síochána will run complementary enforcement operations in this jurisdiction at the same time as the United Kingdom.
The operation which is led by Gloucestershire Constabulary is a proactive and co-ordinated campaign of activity to tackle the trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation throughout the common travel area of Ireland and the United Kingdom. The sharing of intelligence between police in both jurisdictions is occurring on a regular basis, and co-operation in investigating suspected cases of human trafficking which impact on both the UK and Ireland is ongoing.
Through Operation Pentameter, a significant level of cooperation has developed, particularly in the area of training, with input from the UK authorities into training courses run by staff from the Garda Training College. An Garda Síochána is in the process of providing training, relating to human trafficking, to over one hundred officers to enable them to recognise the indicators of trafficking and, through intelligence-gathering, to enhance our knowledge-base surrounding this type of criminal activity.
A senior officer at Detective Superintendent rank from An Garda Síochána has been appointed as a liaison officer with Operation Pentameter and he continues to meet with his counterparts in the UK on a regular basis with a view to ensuring that co-ordination of activity between the two jurisdictions in tackling human trafficking is in place. Furthermore, a member of the Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) is also currently seconded to the Garda National Immigration Bureau in relation to this issue and this will maximise the co-operation between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI with regard to the problem of human trafficking.
Operation Pentameter II is linked to a larger initiative on human trafficking being undertaken in a number of European countries including Ireland and this larger initiative will be launched in Brussels soon.
As part of Operation Pentameter 1, a poster campaign was launched in both Ireland and the UK to encourage victims of human trafficking to report their plight to State authorities. The undertaking of additional awareness raising initiatives in both the UK and Ireland during Operation Pentameter II has been discussed and plans are being formulated in this regard.
Legislation providing for the criminalisation of trafficking in persons for the purpose of exploitation will be published in the very near future. This legislation will criminalise trafficking in human beings as provided for in EU Council Framework Decision on combating trafficking in persons. The criminal law provisions in other international instruments, including the Council of Europe Convention on action against trafficking in human beings, are also being taken into account in the legislation. The term "exploitation" in the Bill is defined as meaning sexual or labour exploitation or the removal of a person's organs for the purpose of transplanting into another person.
The legislation will be the first in a series of measures to be rolled out over the next year and I intend to make a further public announcement in relation to the issue of human trafficking later on this week. Because of the clandestine nature of the activity there are inherent difficulties in making an estimate of the kind sought by the Deputy but while there is no evidence of a substantial human trafficking problem in Ireland, the Government is determined that all necessary actions are taken to ensure that it does not become a significant problem in the future.
293 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide data tracking the growth in assaults using knives in recent years; if he is satisfied that the existing legislation treats the carrying of such offensive weapons with sufficient seriousness; if he monitors the number of prosecutions and the outcome of such prosecutions in the Courts to ascertain if there is a high probability of detection and a high probability of meaningful penalties for such offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22964/07]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act, 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
The Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 sets out very strict provisions for the control of knives and offensive weapons. The Act makes it an offence for any person, irrespective of age, to:
possess any knife or any other article which has a blade or which is sharply pointed in any public place, without good reason or lawful authority;
trespass with a knife or any article made for causing injury to or incapacitating a person, and
produce any article, capable of inflicting serious injury, in a manner likely to intimidate another person in the course of committing an offence or appearing to be about to commit an offence or in the course of a dispute or fight.
Any person found guilty of such offences is liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for a term of up to five years or both.
A person found guilty of murder through stabbing or otherwise is liable to the highest possible penalty of a mandatory penalty of life imprisonment.
The legislative provisions dealing with offensive weapons, and any other measures which might be taken to counteract this problem, are kept under constant review by my Department.
Prior to the commencement of the new sentences for a range of firearms offences provided for in the Criminal Justice Act 2006, an amnesty was granted for persons who were in possession of firearms and offensive weapons, including knives, to dispose of them.
As the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on penalties handed down by the courts.
I have the power under the Garda Síochána Act to set policing priorities for the Garda Síochána, and I am in the course of determining these priorities for 2008. One of the areas I intend to prioritise is targeting the use of knives in violent attacks.
294 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will modify the present Irish language competency requirement which is a precondition for a qualified barrister to practise at the Irish Bar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22965/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 176 of 27 September 2007. Consultations are ongoing and I expect to bring proposals to Government shortly.
295 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of acceptable behaviour contracts that have been agreed since the commencement of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22966/07]
Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act relating to anti-social behaviour by children was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour by adults and children. With regard to children, these range from a warning from a member of An Garda Síochána, to a good behaviour contract involving the child and his or her parents or guardian, to referral to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and to the making of a behaviour order by the Children Court.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that 202 behaviour warnings have issued to adults up to 31 August, 2007 and 59 behaviour warnings issued to children in the same period.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that there have been two formal good behaviour contracts, which are used only in the case of children, agreed up to 30 September, 2007.
Some inaccurate conclusions have been drawn from the fact no ASBOs have yet been applied for by the Garda authorities. In setting up the regime, the intention was that behaviour warnings or good behaviour contracts would address the problem behaviour. It is only if they fail that an ASBO will be applied for.
296 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22991/07]
297 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for the use of his Department; the details of the lease; the level of occupancy of the buildings; and the use to which the buildings is currently being put. [23006/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 297 together.
I can inform the Deputy that the accommodation occupied by my Department is, in the main, sourced by the Office of Public Works and I have requested that Office to respond directly to you with information in respect of any lease arrangements it has in place to meet this need. I have also asked that any information that Office has in respect of losses due to fire, flood or theft be included in that response. In addition, in a certain number of instances, my Department has entered directly into lease arrangements. A note on these is being collated at present and will forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible, together with the information sought concerning any losses incurred due to fire, theft or flood.
298 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to remain in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23141/07]
The person in question submitted an application on 24th February, 2005 for permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for non EU national parents of Irish children born prior to 1st January, 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. The application was refused as the applicant did not satisfy the continuous residency criteria of that scheme.
My Department is currently appealing a number of matters related to the IBC/05 scheme, including the issue of continuous residency, to the Supreme Court. The application in question may be considered further in the light of the findings of the Court.
299 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals he has to extend the Waterford City borough boundary (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22954/07]
The procedures currently governing boundary alterations are set out in Part V of the Local Government Act 1991 and in the Local Government (Boundary Alteration) Regulations 1996. Under these provisions, it is open to a local authority to initiate a proposal for the alteration of its boundaries. This involves preparation of a formal boundary alteration proposal by the authority concerned including financial, organisational and other implications, invitation of public submissions, and consultation with the other local authorities affected by the proposal, prior to submitting a formal application to the Minister. I understand that Waterford City Council is developing a boundary alteration application under the above legislation.
302 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22987/07]
There was no significant loss of assets in the years in question as a result of fire, theft or flooding. In 2005, a building at Coole Park, Gort, Co Galway was destroyed by fire as a result of an electrical storm. The building has not been rebuilt as alternative accommodation was available. Some equipment has been stolen in the period. While some has been recovered with the cooperation of the Gardaí, items to the value of €14,000 had to be replaced.
303 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for the use of his Department; the details of the lease; the level of occupancy of the buildings; and the use to which the buildings is currently being put. [23002/07]
Met Éireann, a constituent part of my Department, currently lease offices from Airport Shared Services (formerly Dublin Airport Authority) on an annual basis. The lease agreement was entered into in January 2002 for offices located at Dublin Airport (17 staff), Cork Airport (11 staff) and Shannon Airport (30 staff), at an annual cost of €126,165. The provision of these offices is essential to enable Met Éireann provide a wide range of meteorological services to civil, military and general aviation. All other buildings used by my Department are leased by OPW on our behalf.
304 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding funding for village enhancement programmes on a county basis. [23014/07]
The 2007 grant allocations to local authorities under the Urban and Village Renewal Programme are set out in the following table.
|
County |
2007 Allocation |
|
€ |
|
|
Carlow |
618,422 |
|
Cavan |
518,770 |
|
Clare |
1,013,301 |
|
Cork City |
Funding Completed |
|
Cork County |
1,028,113 |
|
Donegal |
398,029 |
|
Dublin |
4,668,841 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
1,175,915 |
|
Fingal |
1,663,556 |
|
Galway City |
Funding Completed |
|
Galway County |
729,685 |
|
Kerry |
488,668 |
|
Kildare |
997,394 |
|
Kilkenny |
683,122 |
|
Laois |
804,689 |
|
Leitrim |
529,977 |
|
Limerick City |
Funding Completed |
|
Limerick County |
455,619 |
|
Longford |
359,102 |
|
Louth |
621,547 |
|
Mayo |
340,070 |
|
Meath |
351,070 |
|
Monaghan |
559,718 |
|
North Tipperary |
700,706 |
|
Offaly |
544,614 |
|
Roscommon |
541,279 |
|
Sligo |
539,567 |
|
South Tipperary |
632,233 |
|
South Dublin |
1,019,641 |
|
Waterford City |
Funding Completed |
|
Waterford County |
760,792 |
|
Westmeath |
397,317 |
|
Wexford |
758,169 |
|
Wicklow |
689,728 |
305 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the arrangements being made to lift the embargo on the recruitment of council staff in view of the increased emphasis on health and safety for staff and public. [23015/07]
I am reviewing the overall employment position in the local government sector, having regard to the need to deliver front line services, and achieve value for money within the parameters of Government policy on public service employment generally. As part of my review, my Department is consulting the Department of Finance in relation to the current ceiling on local authority staff numbers, including impacts in relation to increased servicing requirements and other obligations in the local government sector.
307 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social houses that will be delivered under part V in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23029/07]
The delivery of social housing on foot of agreements under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006 is contingent on a range of variables, including the scale and pace of completion of housing developments and the proportionate sharing of the Part V obligation between social and affordable housing in individual local authority housing strategies. While it is not possible to provide a definitive figure for the ultimate delivery of social housing under Part V agreements in 2007, it is projected that delivery of the order of 800 units will be achieved.
308 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when an inspection for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo in respect of rural renewal application will be carried out. [23039/07]
A further inspection with a view to issuing a Certificate of Reasonable Cost, if in order, will be carried out as soon as possible.
309 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when, in view of the fact that residents have agreed the regeneration of their flats a number of months ago, he will sign off on the council plans for the refurbishment of flats (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23068/07]
Under the Housing Management Initiative, local authorities have been given direct control, from 1 January 2007, in relation to their internal capital receipts from the sale of local authority dwellings, which are to be used primarily for their improvement works programmes. While my Department approves the overall programmes, it is the responsibility of local authorities to prioritise and advance individual projects. The overall programme proposed by Dublin City Council was approved by my Department on 24 April 2007.
In progressing individual elements of programmes, local authorities must comply with certain project appraisal and assessment requirements. In that context, Dublin City Council was asked by my Department on 30 July 2007 to prepare a cost benefit analysis for projects under their precinct improvement programme, including the flats complex in question. In addition, my Department has raised concerns regarding some design elements of the proposed works.
A response from Dublin City Council is awaited.
310 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to announce a date for the banning of the sale of the invasive weed lagarosiphon major here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23098/07]
Lagarosiphon major, also known as the curly-leaved pondweed, is a native of southern Africa. It has been widely sold for many years as an oxygenating plant for garden ponds and aquaria. However, it is now viewed as a major threat to Irish lakes and their associated wildlife since it became established in Lough Corrib in 2005.
Section 52(6)(a) of the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) provides for regulations prohibiting the possession or introduction of any species of wild flora which may be detrimental to native species. Work is under way in my Department in preparing regulations as part of a range of measures being taken on an all-Ireland basis to address the threat posed by a number of invasive plant and animal species.
311 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the decentralisation of part of his Department to Waterford City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23106/07]
Under the decentralisation programme, all Dublin based operations of my Department are being decentralised, with the exception of Met Éireann, ENFO, the Private Rented Tenancies Board and a small co-ordination section which it is proposed to retain in Dublin to assist with the Department's Dáil and other business. A total of 682 Dublin based posts will be transferred to four locations in the South East: Wexford (270 posts); Waterford (225 posts); New Ross (125 posts) and Kilkenny (62 posts).
The OPW has identified a suitable site in Waterford City for the Department's offices and purchase terms have been agreed with Waterford City Council. The contract of sale for the 2.9 acre site located at Bolton Street/Catherine Street is being finalised. It is hoped to go to tender for the construction of the offices, as part of a larger mixed development in 2008.
The indicative timescale for the completion of the Department's offices in Waterford as outlined in the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) report published on 8 October is Quarter 3 2010.
314 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects to provide the funding for the upgrading of sewage treatment facilities at Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23149/07]
The provision of a new waste water treatment plant in Ballymore Eustace has been approved for funding under the Serviced Land Initiative measure of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at an estimated cost of €1.4 million. My Department is awaiting submission of a revised Design Review Report for the scheme by Kildare County Council. Following approval of the design, the Council will be in a position to prepare Contract Documents and to advance the scheme to construction.
315 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received confirmation regarding dangerous levels of radon gas at any or many locations throughout the country or in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23152/07]
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) carried out a nationwide survey of radon gas in domestic dwellings between 1992 and 1999. The survey involved the measurement of radon for a 12-month period in a random selection of homes in each 10 km x 10 km grid square throughout the country. The results of the survey were used to predict the percentage of houses in each grid square with radon concentrations in excess of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3), which is the National Reference Level in respect of houses. Grid squares where this percentage is greater than 10% are designated as High Radon Areas and such grid squares exist in every county. The RPII's website, www.rpii.ie, contains a comprehensive map which shows the location of High Radon Areas throughout the country. County radon maps and survey results can be viewed also on that website by clicking on the county by name. The RPII has measured over 30,000 homes in Ireland since establishing its radon measurement programme in the early 1990s. The following table gives summary results of the radon measurements carried out in each county up to 31 July 2007:
|
Number of houses in categories of radon concentration |
|||||
|
County |
Number of houses measured |
0-199 Bq/m3 |
200-999 Bq/m3 |
>1000 Bq/m3 |
Highest concentration of radon found (Bq/m3) |
|
Carlow |
644 |
528 |
114 |
2 |
1,725 |
|
Cavan |
341 |
330 |
11 |
0 |
780 |
|
Clare |
2374 |
2,061 |
286 |
27 |
2,980 |
|
Cork |
3,518 |
3,211 |
300 |
7 |
2,309 |
|
Donegal |
1,000 |
952 |
48 |
0 |
512 |
|
Dublin |
2,086 |
1,957 |
128 |
1 |
1,410 |
|
Galway |
4,320 |
3,455 |
816 |
49 |
3,434 |
|
Kerry |
2,859 |
2,470 |
323 |
66 |
49,000 |
|
Kildare |
913 |
867 |
45 |
1 |
1,114 |
|
Kilkenny |
842 |
740 |
99 |
3 |
2,444 |
|
Laois |
469 |
452 |
17 |
0 |
565 |
|
Leitrim |
278 |
262 |
15 |
1 |
1,630 |
|
Limerick |
970 |
895 |
72 |
3 |
1,857 |
|
Longford |
254 |
236 |
18 |
0 |
552 |
|
Louth |
500 |
434 |
66 |
0 |
751 |
|
Mayo |
2,885 |
2,419 |
452 |
14 |
6,203 |
|
Meath |
652 |
594 |
58 |
0 |
932 |
|
Monaghan |
233 |
218 |
15 |
0 |
794 |
|
Offaly |
399 |
387 |
12 |
0 |
495 |
|
Roscommon |
501 |
450 |
50 |
1 |
1,387 |
|
Sligo |
1,293 |
986 |
279 |
28 |
5,508 |
|
Tipperary |
1,455 |
1,305 |
139 |
11 |
2,394 |
|
Waterford |
920 |
724 |
177 |
19 |
3,023 |
|
Wexford |
1,200 |
1,034 |
160 |
6 |
2,926 |
|
Westmeath |
467 |
425 |
42 |
0 |
699 |
|
Wicklow |
1,482 |
1,236 |
230 |
16 |
16,438 |
|
Total |
32,855 |
28,628 |
3,972 |
255 |
According to the RPII, County Kildare is not considered to be a high radon area with the exception of a very small area in the south of the county. To date, the RPII has carried out 913 radon measurements in homes in County Kildare. Of these, 46 were found to be above the National Reference Level of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³), with the highest level being 1,114 Bq/m³ in a house in Naas.
318 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken or proposes to take to address the issue of the leaking of methane gas from sewage treatment plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23155/07]
Sludge is a waste water treatment by-product and the generation of methane gas for use as a fuel is a potentially beneficial feature of sludge treatment, in particular anaerobic digestion. Sludge treatment facilities should not release methane into the environment in the course of normal operation, nor should methane gas be released from a well-operated and maintained waste water collection or treatment system. The European Communities (Waste Water Treatment) (Prevention of Odours and Noise) Regulations 2005 require sanitary authorities to ensure that waste water treatment plants in their control are operated and maintained in a manner that does not cause a nuisance through odours or noise emissions. The authorities are also required to maintain records of odour and noise incidences occurring in treatment plants and to provide details of any such incidences in their annual report to the Environmental Protection Agency.
319 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will enhance the public housing programme by way of increased house building by the local authorities with the specific intention of meeting the requirements of first time house buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23156/07]
The Government's housing policy statement — Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities — and the National Development Plan 2007-2013 reflect the strong commitment to expand social and affordable housing provision contained in the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016. The NDP provides the resources — €18 billion in total — which will support increased output from social and affordable housing measures and result in the needs of 140,000 new households being met in this period. Within this, a significant programme of activity to assist house purchase is provided for. In particular, over the period of the NDP, 40,000 households will benefit from affordable housing. Some 17,000 of these will be delivered in the first three-year period, in line with the agreement in Towards 2016. My Department is working closely with local authorities and the Affordable Homes Partnership to achieve the significant increase in delivery required to meet these ambitious targets. In addition, NDP resources will be used to meet the needs of 100,000 households through a range of social housing measures. Some 63,000 new social homes will be commenced or acquired in the 2007-13 period, through a combination of local authority, voluntary and co-operative housing and new units for the rental accommodation scheme. Further households will benefit as they transfer to the rental accommodation scheme with their existing landlords or from naturally occurring vacancies. Over the 2007-09 period, sufficient resources will be made available to commence or acquire 27,000 new units of social housing. To ensure that these programmes are delivered in a coherent and co-ordinated manner, City and County Councils have put in place multi-annual Housing Action Plans which encompass delivery of social and affordable housing in their areas, including Town Councils. Meetings are being held with local authorities, as part of the ongoing interaction on Housing Action Plans, to support delivery in the 2008-10 period.
320 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he has studied the results of air pollution monitoring at various locations throughout the country; the action or actions expected to be taken arising from such studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23157/07]
321 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the results of air pollution monitoring at various locations throughout County Kildare; if the results indicate the requirement for particular action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23158/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 320 and 321 together.
Air quality assessment is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency and air quality management is a matter for local authorities informed by air quality measurement data. The EPA report, Air Quality in Ireland 2006, which was published earlier today, contains details of the monitoring and assessment of national air quality and incorporates data from all air quality monitoring stations operated by the EPA and local authorities, including monitors in County Kildare. Air quality was good throughout the country in 2006 and complied with the air quality standards in force for all pollutants. The report is available on the EPA's website, www.epa.ie. If the indicative level for any pollutant is exceeded, the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002 require the local authority concerned, following notification by the Agency, to develop a long-term air quality management plan to ensure compliance with the thresholds for the relevant pollutant or pollutants, including those arising from traffic. As the monitoring in 2006 indicated that air quality in Ireland is good and complied with the air quality standards in force for all pollutants, I understand that the EPA required no local authority to develop a long-term air quality management plan.
323 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if has in mind a policy to carry out excavations at historical monuments or sites with a view to making information available with the objective of utilisation for educational, heritage and tourism purposes as opposed to excavation in conjunction with motorways, bridges or other modern structures; if his attention has been drawn to the best practice overseas in this regard; the way he proposes to introduce this here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23162/07]
Excavations at sites listed on the statutory Record of Monuments and Places are licensed by my Department under section 26 of the National Monuments Act 1930, as amended, with the exception of excavations associated with approved road developments. In the latter case, archaeological excavation works are carried out in accordance with ministerial directions issued under section 14A of the National Monuments Act 1930, as amended, following consultation with the Director of the National Museum of Ireland. The specific reasons for any application for an excavation licence or for ministerial directions are carefully considered by my Department on a case-by-case basis and licences and directions are issued, with conditions as appropriate, in line with national and international best practice. All excavations carried out under licence or directions, including those undertaken in association with development projects, have the potential to add to the overall state of knowledge of our past. My Department will continue to support the development of this information resource and to disseminate knowledge and awareness of the archaeological heritage as widely as possible.
For the past number of years my Department has provided grants, through the Royal Irish Academy, for archaeological excavations aimed at increasing the body of archaeological knowledge. For each of 2006 and 2007, these grants amounted to €200,000. I am currently considering measures that could be taken to further enhance archaeological research. My Department funds all excavations associated with conservation works to National Monuments in State ownership or guardianship and provides financial support for the publication of the annual Excavations Bulletin which summarises the results of all licensed archaeological excavations undertaken in the State. The Discovery Programme, which undertakes targeted research excavations, is supported by the Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department. My Department continues to fund the publication of reports on various archaeological research projects. Last week, for example, I launched Volume 5: The New Survey of Clare Island; Archaeology. Further publications on Kells Priory in County Kilkenny, Ardfert Cathedral and a national shipwreck inventory for Counties Louth, Meath, Dublin and Wicklow are due for publication soon.
To further assist in disseminating archaeological knowledge my Department is live-testing a dedicated archaeology website, www.archaeology.ie. My Department has initiated and implemented a number of tailored education and awareness raising projects highlighting Ireland’s archaeological heritage such as the Archaeology in the Classroom project for primary schools undertaken in conjunction with the Limerick Education Centre. A further version of this project tailored for Transition Year is at an advanced stage of development. It is my intention that the review of archaeological policy and practice in Ireland, which I have initiated and which will include public consultation with relevant stakeholders, will address in-depth issues of the type raised in the question.
324 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22982/07]
In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble all of the information requested. I am arranging for the compilation of data and a detailed reply will issue to the Deputy shortly.
325 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for the use of his Department; the details of the lease; the level of occupancy of the buildings; and the use to which the building is being put. [22997/07]
Leasing of property and accommodation occupied by my Department is in the main managed by the Office of Public Works — my Department has no direct role in these matters. My Department has a direct involvement in leasing or renting only two small properties and details of these arrangements are set out in the table that follows this reply. The Government has decided that responsibility for the areas involved should transfer to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
|
Property name or address |
Length of Lease |
Name of Lessor |
Specific Conditions entered into, if any |
Details of Payments or Cost |
Details of Upward rental Clause |
|
Seafood Control Office, Cobh, Co. Cork |
Annual rental |
Mr. Michael Whelan |
none |
Annual rental: €3,000 |
none |
|
Seafood Control Office, Greencastle, Co. Donegal |
Annual rental |
Foyle Fisheries Co-operative |
none |
Annual rental: €7,200 |
none |
