Vol. 654 No. 3
8 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in view of the importance of private boat hire on inland waterways to inward tourism, he will satisfy himself by liaising with the Department of Transport that all of the safety recommendations following the investigation of the July 2006 incident on Lough Derg are implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18378/08]
I wish to advise the Deputy that five recommendations were made in the report by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board into the incident in question. One of these recommendations refers to Waterways Ireland, viz:
Waterways Ireland should, in consultation with the Maritime Safety Directorate, establish a buoyage system for inland waterways, which is internationally recognised by all users of the waterways both national and foreign.
I am informed by Waterways Ireland that there are two separate systems in use on the inland navigation system within its remit. The one in this jurisdiction is that used on the Shannon Navigation and is referred to in the Report. The system used on Lough Erne is entirely different to that on the Shannon and is also different to that recommended in the Report.
I am advised that changing from the existing system on the waterways under Waterways Ireland's remit would be a considerable financial and logistical burden. On the Shannon alone over 500 aids to navigation would have to be altered. It would also require the agreement of the authorities in Northern Ireland, where no issues have been raised in relation to the suitability of the system presently in use on the Erne. I understand that Waterways Ireland has stated that it will be happy to meet the Maritime Safety Directorate to initiate discussion on a review of the Shannon Navigation buoyage system.
I have asked that these discussions be pursued as a priority and that an implementation plan be prepared to give effect to any agreed changes as quickly as possible thereafter.
9 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Michael D. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na cainteanna a bhí aige ó thús na bliana leis an Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha, i dtaobh stádas na Gaeilge san Aontas Eorpach; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina dtaobh. [18841/08]
23 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ag Foras na Gaeilge maidir le haistritheoirí agus ateangairí cáilithe a chur ar fáil; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18839/08]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh 9 agus 23 le chéile.
Mar is eol don Teachta, tá stádas mar theanga oifigiúil agus oibre de chuid an Aontais ag an nGaeilge ó thús na bliana 2007. Sa chomhthéacs sin, tá mo Roinn-se ag obair i gcomhpháirtíocht leis an Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha, le Foras na Gaeilge agus le páirtithe iomchuí eile le cinntiú go mbeidh dóthain daoine oilte — aistritheoirí agus ateangairí cáilithe san áireamh — ar fáil ag institiúidí an Aontais Eorpaigh, agus go deimhin ag an Stát, chun freastal ar a gcuid riachtanais ó thaobh na Gaeilge de.
Tuigtear dom go bhfuil an Coimisinéir Teangacha san Eoraip sásta go bhfuil comhoibriú maith idir na Ranna cuí anseo in Éirinn agus Institiúidí an Aontais Eorpaigh ó thaobh chur chun cinn na Gaeilge ar an leibhéal Eorpach de. Cinnte, tá dúshlán fós romhainn — go háirithe ó thaobh theangairí-dlíodóirí de — ach tá beartais praiticiúla idir lámha ag mo Roinnse chun dul i ngleic leo. Tuigim chomh maith go bhfuil obair idir lámha ag Foras na Gaeilge cheana féin maidir le athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an gCaighdeán Oifigiúil.
Maidir leis na céimeanna atá tógtha chun haistritheoirí agus ateangairí cáilithe a chur ar fáil, tá Foras na Gaeilge, ar iarratas uaimse, tar éis córas creidiúnaithe d'aistritheoirí Gaeilge a fhorbairt. Tá an caighdeán cuí bainte amach anois ag 98 aistritheoir agus tá sonraí iomlána an phainéil ar fáil ar shuíomh idirlín an Fhorais, www.forasnagaeilge.ie. Tuigim ón bhForas go raibh scrúdú creidiúnaithe eile ann ag deireadh mí Feabhra agus tá súil acu go mbeidh torthaí na scrúduithe sin ar fáil laistigh de thréimhse ghearr. Tá i gceist acu freisin scrúdú eile a reachtáil i 2009. Anuas ar sin, bíonn ceardlanna d'aistritheoirí Gaeilge á reachtáil ag an bhForas go rialta ar fud an oileáin d'fhonn cabhrú le hiarrthóirí an caighdeán cuí a bhaint amach agus tuigim go bhfuil ag éirí go breá leis na ceardlanna sin. Sa bhreis ar sin, tá cúrsa ar-líne d'aistritheoirí, atá creidiúnaithe ag Ollscoil na hÉireann Má Nuad, á reachtáil ó mhí Meán Fhómhair 2006 le cabhair ón bhForas.
Ní miste a lua go bhfuil ciste ar leith bunaithe agam chun maoiniú a chur ar fáil do shainchúrsaí tríú leibhéal trí Ghaeilge d'fhonn líon na gcéimithe le scileanna sonracha Gaeilge i réimsí ar leith a mhéadú. I measc na gcúrsaí atá á maoiniú ón gciste agus atá tosaithe nó le tosú amach anseo, tá cúrsaí dírithe ar ateangairí, ar aistritheoirí agus ar theangairí-dlíodóirí. Tá mo Roinn ag tabhairt cúnamh freisin chun traenáil d'ateangairí a chur ar fáil in Ollscoil Westminster. Chomh maith leis sin, tá maoiniú á chur ar fáil do chúrsa dírithe ar ateangairí a bheidh á reachtáil ag Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh i mbliana.
Mar fhocal scoir, tá mo Roinn-se ag obair le hÓstaí an Rí chun cúrsa céime d'abhcóidí a chur ar fáil. Tá dóchas ann go dtosóidh an cúrsa i bhFómhar na bliana seo ach muna mbainfear an sprioc sin amach, is cinnte go dtosóidh sé i 2009. Idir an dá linn, cuireadh dian-chúrsa i dtéarmaíocht dlí agus gramadach na Gaeilge ar fáil in Óstaí an Rí i 2007 agus beidh cúrsa eile dá leithéid ann arís i mbliana.
10 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to extend the number of professionals who are available to serve the Irish language speaking and gaeltacht communities. [18835/08]
33 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase support for the public service to develop the capacity to provide comprehensive services through the medium of the Irish language. [18834/08]
I propose to take Questions No. 10 and 33 together.
Foras na Gaeilge has a statutory responsibility for providing advice and assistance to public bodies with regard to the delivery of services through Irish. In that context, my Department is continuing to work with Foras na Gaeilge and other interested parties in relation to putting in place resources to enhance the capacity of the public service to provide services through Irish. These include:
Development of a Quality Assurance System for Translators
Foras na Gaeilge has, at my request, developed an accreditation system for Irish language translators. To date 98 translators have achieved the required standard. The system is a significant resource for public bodies in their implementation of the Official Languages Act. In addition, support is offered to assist translators in achieving the standard required for accreditation. The accreditation system will be a continuous process and will involve examination of translators at regular intervals on an ongoing basis.
Establishment of Dedicated Fund for 3rd level courses
In 2006 I established a dedicated fund for advanced Irish language third level courses to help increase the number of professionals with particular skills in the context of the requirements arising from the Official Languages Act 2003 and from the status accorded to Irish as an official and working language of the EU. Courses being funded under this initiative include courses in the area of translation and interpretation. A number of courses have already commenced and it is hoped that further courses can be rolled out during 2008. Funding has also been provided to enable a number students with fluency in the Irish language attend a dedicated course for interpreters at the University of Westminster.
Development of Irish Language Translation Memory Resource
During 2007, my Department, in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge, began the process of developing, on a phased basis, a Translation Memory resource for the Irish language. Translation Memory is based on the reuse of already translated material in order to save time and money. The intention is that this resource will become available during 2008. When developed, this will be a very practical and important resource that will facilitate public bodies in complying with their obligations under the Official Languages Act in a more effective manner by reducing the costs associated with translation to the Irish language.
Other Resources in Place
A number of additional resources and supports have also been made available for public bodies to aid them in developing the range and quality of services they provide through the Irish language. These include a testing and certification system for adult learners of Irish developed by the Language Centre, NUI Maynooth, which involves the awarding of qualifications with Europe-wide recognition, as well as a glossary of signage and other terms established by Foras na Gaeilge on its website www.gaeilge.ie which continues to be developed and expanded. In addition, during 2007, I provided a research grant, from my Department's Ciste na Gaeilge, to Fiontar, Dublin City University, to assist in the development of a database of EU and legal terminology in the Irish language. In addition, The Honourable Society of King's Inns, with financial assistance from my Department, provided an intensive Irish language course in 2007 to assist candidates for positions as Lawyer Linguists in the EU Institutions to reach the necessary standard. The intensive course will be provided again this year and the Society has indicated that it intends to provide the three year Barrister-at-Law course through Irish as from the 2009/2010 academic year.
11 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his Department’s spending proposals in 2008 on a county or regional basis, urban and rural; the degree to which expenditure is expected to focus on drug prevention or rehabilitation programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18849/08]
I take it the Deputy is referring to Drugs expenditure.
Tackling the problem of drug misuse is a key priority for the Government and will continue to be so. This commitment is evidenced by the allocation of over €64m in my Department's Vote for drugs programmes in 2008, which is a substantial increase on the 2007 allocation.
With regard to spending proposals for 2008, my Department is providing funding for the 14 Local and 10 Regional Drugs Task Forces. Over 440 LDTF projects are being supported with funding of €22m from my Department in 2008. In the region of 270 of those projects focus on drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
Across the 10 RDTF areas, work is progressing on the implementation of their Action Plans with the level of expenditure expected to reach €10m this year in respect of approx. 200 projects. Currently, in the region of 150 of these projects focus on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
In addition, as part of a €2m funding package to support rehabilitation and to address cocaine use announced earlier this year, an amount of €750,000 is being earmarked for rehabilitation-focused projects. These will be rolled out through the Drugs Task Forces and the funding will be allocated to individual projects over the coming months.
The Deputy should also note that capital funding is available under the Premises Initiative which addresses the accommodation needs of community drugs projects in Task Force areas. Already this year, funding of nearly €4m was approved for 15 capital projects, a number of which focus on rehabilitation.
Finally, it should be noted that over €150m has been allocated to date to support a broad range of projects under the Young People's Facilities & Services Fund. The Fund assists in the development of youth facilities and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. It has a strong preventative theme and targets 10 –21 year olds. Recently, the Fund was expanded to 4 additional towns — Athlone, Dundalk, Wexford and Arklow — and arrangements to give effect to this expansion are being rolled out at present.
12 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the reported increase in drinking and anti-social behaviour along canals and waterways; the effect such drinking and anti-social behaviour is having on the use of these facilities as walkways and leisure facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18817/08]
My Department is jointly responsible with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland for Waterways Ireland, a North/South Implementation Body set up under the British-Irish Agreement in 1999. Waterways Ireland has responsibility for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of certain inland navigable waterways principally for recreational purposes. The waterways under the remit of the Body are the Shannon-Erne Waterway, the Shannon, the Erne, the Grand Canal (including the Barrow Navigation), the Lower Bann and the Royal Canal.
Waterways Ireland informs me that if any of its staff encounters incidents of drinking and anti-social behaviour at any location on the canals or other waterways in this jurisdiction, the matter is reported immediately to the local Garda Síochána, who are empowered to enforce the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the relevant legislation under the Intoxicating Liquor Acts.
While Waterways Ireland recognises that such anti-social activity may impact adversely on the environment and on other users of the waterways, the Deputy will appreciate that issues of law enforcement are a matter for the Garda Síochána.
13 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the alterations that will be made to the delivery of the new LEADER programme on foot of the value for money review carried out by his Department; when this review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18920/08]
18 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the new LEADER programme will commence. [18957/08]
36 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent of his spending proposals in 2008 under the rural development programme on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18848/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 18 and 36 together.
The new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 was adopted in July 2007 and will be delivered by my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. This Programme will see an almost three-fold increase in funding available for LEADER type activity in Ireland to €425 million over the lifetime of the Programme.
My Department is responsible for the delivery of Axes 3 and 4 of the Programme. Axis 3 focuses on the quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy, while Axis 4 deals with the administration of the Local Action Groups who will deliver the measures in Axis 3. The measures to be funded under the new programme include the following:
Diversification into non-agricultural activities for farm families
Support business creation and development
Encouragement of tourism activities
Basic services for economic and rural population
Village renewal and development
Conservation and upgrading of rural heritage
Training and information on adapted and new skills.
The selection process for the Local Action Groups who will deliver the LEADER part of the Rural Development Programme will commence in the immediate future.
As specific funding allocations are dependent on the outcome of this selection process I am unable at this time to detail the funding allocation on a county basis.
The LEADER Programmes 2000-2006 have not been subject to a value for money review by my Department. They have, however, been subject to review as required under the relevant EU regulations.
14 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation 2007 that have been implemented; if he envisages that rehabilitation services currently available are sufficiently addressing the needs of drug users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18955/08]
The Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation, published in May 2007, made a series of recommendations for the development of a comprehensive rehabilitation pillar under the National Drugs Strategy. The Programme for Government also contains a commitment to implement these recommendations.
I can assure the Deputy that I will be working to ensure that the recommendations of the Report are implemented. Indeed, I understand that my colleague Pat Carey T.D., Minister Of State met with the Minister for Health & Children, Mary Harney T.D., twice this year to pursue this matter. In this context, the Deputy should note that the HSE are taking the lead role on rehabilitation and I understand that the post of Senior Rehabilitation Co-ordinator is to be advertised shortly and that it will be filled by September. It is also proposed that the National Drugs Rehabilitation Implementation Committee, the establishment of which was recommended in the Report, will be in place for September to dovetail with the appointment of the Senior Rehabilitation Co-ordinator, who will chair it.
Overall progress on the implementation of the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation is also monitored through the Inter-departmental Group on Drugs (IDG). The following are among the recommendations on rehabilitation that are being progressed:
steps are being taken to increase the numbers on drug-specific Community Employment Schemes from 1,000 to 1,300;
the Dept of Education & Science is developing proposals for an Education Fund for drugs rehabilitation;
the Dept of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government is establishing a Working Group to progress the recommendations in regard to accommodation issues for drug misusers;
the Irish Prison Service is working to improve the operation of the Local Prisons Liaison Groups and to ensure a continuum of care for problem drug users when they leave prison; and
various research options are being considered.
In addition, my Department has provided increased funding to the Family Support Network that will help to support the role of families in the rehabilitation process.
Furthermore, it should be noted that additional funding of €12.5m was secured for the drugs area of my Department in 2008 and part of this is being used for rehabilitation initiatives. In particular, funding of €0.75m is being provided to support the development of rehabilitation initiatives through the Drugs Task Forces, building on the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation. These initiatives will assist drug users to regain the capacity for daily life from the impact of their drug use.
Overall, I am confident that progress will be made on the implementation of the recommendations of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation in the short-term and I look forward to the benefits that this will bring to recovering drug users.
15 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress on the Government’s 20 year strategic plan for the growth of the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18933/08]
17 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of people who attended each of the public meetings hosted by his Department relating to the Irish language 20 year strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18836/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 17 together.
As I indicated in my response to Questions Nos 20 and 46 on 14 February 2008, the Government's Statement on the Irish Language 2006 includes a commitment to develop a 20-year Strategy for the Irish language, which is intended to be the foundation for practical action for supporting and promoting the language, based on a modern, integrated approach. I also indicated in that response that external consultants have been engaged to advise in relation to the Strategy.
In recent weeks progress has been made on two fronts in respect of the public consultation process element of compiling the Strategy. Firstly, public meetings have taken place as follows:
Cork on 30 April — with approximately 80 in attendance;
Limerick on 1 May — with approximately 30 in attendance;
Dublin on Wednesday 7 May — with approximately 60 in attendance;
Galway on 13 May — with approximately 60 in attendance; and
Sligo on 14 May — with approximately 50 in attendance.
Secondly, a survey has been devised to facilitate input from people who were unable to attend the public meetings. This survey is available online (at www.plean2028.ie), both in Irish and English. In this regard, I would like to point out that, in order to facilitate people wishing to participate in the process but who have difficulties in operating or accessing technology, surveys can be completed in hard copy also.
In terms of the next steps in the overall process, it is proposed to commence preparation of a draft discussion document outlining principal issues for the proposed Strategy, taking into account the views and recommendations expressed by the public, both at public meetings and through the completed surveys. It is expected that this paper will be available for further public consultation in the Autumn. Thereafter, my Department will prepare a draft Strategy for my consideration and for submission for Government approval by the end of the year.
16 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the measures that have been put in place to market language tourism to the gaeltacht for foreign visitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18940/08]
Údarás na Gaeltachta works in close co-operation with Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, which are responsible for actively marketing and promoting Ireland to overseas visitors.
In 2007/8, marketing initiatives were put in place with a focus on marketing the Gaeltacht as a place in which to learn Irish and hear the language spoken, and as a tourism destination of outstanding merit. These initiatives have been rolled out over the past year with an emphasis on e-marketing as well as traditional multi-media publicity campaigns.
Examples of initiatives to date include:
the Ireland North West Marketing Campaign using TV, radio, internet and brochures;
Ireland West's Connemara Marketing Strategy;
marketing at trade shows in the United States, the UK and Europe;
the updating and revision of the Gaeltacht element of all Discover Ireland web information to include specific information on all Gaeltacht regions; and
a targeted campaign using European tour operators, which was launched in Paris in April 2008 with a focus on the Belgian, French, Italian and German markets and involved specific market segments focused on the Gaeltacht and the Islands.
I can assure the Deputy that strong working partnerships exist between Údarás na Gaeltachta and Fáilte Ireland, in particular through their regional offices and other tourism organisations, with a view to optimising the opportunities the tourism industry provides for the Gaeltacht.
19 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has investigated the practice of businesses or individuals, who posing as charities, engage in the collecting of clothes in view of the anti-social practices of some of these and their negative impact on legitimate charities such as Enable Ireland and Oxfam; if he is proposing steps for his Department to address the issue; and if he has approached other relevant Ministers to discuss the issue. [18861/08]
I am well aware that the practice of collecting goods, and particularly clothing, door-to-door, purportedly for charitable purposes, is an issue of concern both to genuine charities and to the general public. However, I should point out that I have no statutory power to regulate the hours that leaflets and other items may be delivered to households in the context of this practice.
Measures in the Charities Bill 2007, which completed Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann earlier this year, will lead to increased transparency in relation to the operations of charities and should help to ensure that the public will be able to make more informed decisions about the organisations to which they choose to donate.
At the present time, the activities of businesses and individuals purporting to collect goods for charitable purposes are unregulated. However, it will be mandatory under the Charities Bill for a charity wishing to operate in the State to register with the proposed Charities Regulatory Authority. The Bill also provides that charities on the register must state they are so registered in all public documents or such other publications as may be prescribed by regulations. It will be within the remit of the Regulatory Authority to take steps to ensure that members of the public will be easily able to check the charitable bona fides of bodies engaged in the collecting of clothes.
My Department has been engaged in further consultation with the Attorney General's Office regarding this matter and, if it is possible to enhance the relevant provisions of the Bill on the basis of legal advice available to me, I will be happy to put down an appropriate amendment at Report Stage.
20 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if research has been detailed to determine if recent articles in a national newspaper had an effect in educating parents, teenagers, volunteers and so on in the dangers of illicit substances and their misuses; if so, the action that has taken place or the funding allocated to underpin such actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18824/08]
The "Lets Talk Drugs" information booklet, published in a national newspaper last January, was welcomed by my colleague Pat Carey T.D. Minister of State, as a contribution to the overall effort to educate parents — and young people in particular — on the dangers of illicit drugs and to highlight the best ways to cope with the threats involved. No research has been carried out to date to determine the impact this booklet has had.
An earlier comprehensive broadsheet publication from the same source published in November last year, was circulated to all second level schools in December, with funding from my Department. The Deputy may be familiar with this publication as it was circulated to all Oireachtas Members. Apart from providing useful information on drugs for young people, the publication also contained inputs from various people and differing views were put forward on how best to tackle different aspects of the drugs problem. This was seen as a means of stimulating debate on the drugs issue at a time when proposals for a new National Drugs Strategy for 2009–2016 are being developed.
Also, as part of the National Drugs Awareness Campaign, which is led by the Health Services Executive (HSE), two information leaflets, "Know the facts about drugs" and "Cocaine the facts" were recently published and are available through the Health Promotion Unit of the HSE or through www.healthinfo.ie. These complement the overall campaign which is focused on cocaine.
Furthermore, in March last, funding of €0.5m was announced for cocaine awareness campaigns at Drug Task Force level to dovetail with the national campaign. This funding will be allocated to suitable projects over the coming months.
21 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Michael D. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an bhfoclóir leictreonach Béarla-Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18840/08]
Mar a mhínigh mé mar fhreagra ar Cheist Uimh 11 ar 27 Meán Fómhair 2007, cheap Foras na Gaeilge Bainisteoir Tionscadail i mí Feabhra 2007 chun an tionscadal a chur chun cinn agus fógraíodh an comórtas tairisceana do Chéim 2a den tionscadal (bunachar sonraí a chur le chéile de na hiontrálacha a bheidh san fhoclóir ó thaobh an Bhéarla de) i mí Lúnasa 2007.
Tuigim ón bhForas go bhfuil dul chun cinn sásúil déanta leis an tionscadal le roinnt míonna anuas. Ar dtús, bronnadh conradh i ndáil le Céim 2a i mí na Nollag 2007. Cuireadh tús leis an obair sin ó shin agus táthar ag súil leis an chéad charn den bhunachar sonraí Béarla i mí Iúil na bliana seo. Baineadh amach céim shuntasach eile nuair a ceapadh Eagarthóir Foclóireachta agus nuair a thosaigh an té sin i mbun dualgais i mí Feabhra na bliana seo. Maidir le Céim 2b den tionscadal (mar a bhaineann le céim an aistriúcháin), tá sonraíocht don chéim sin á ullmhú i láthair na huaire agus táthar ag súil le tairiscintí a lorg ina leith níos faide amach sa bhliain.
Is fiú dom a mheabhrú don Teachta go mbaineann na céimeanna seo leis an bunachar sonraí don Fhoclóir Nua ar fad a thiomsú, idir an leagan leictreonach agus an leagan clóite.
22 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the uptake for the new walk scheme; the number of walks and landowners that have applied for the scheme; the location of these walks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18811/08]
25 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost involved in the new walk scheme as administered by his Department; if it will improve access to the countryside; if his Department will examine new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18812/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 25 together.
The Walks Scheme is being introduced, on a pilot basis, in the following areas:
The Éamonn a' Chnoic Looped Walk in Upperchurch, Tipperary
The Sheep's Head Way in West Cork
The Suck Valley Way in South Roscommon/Galway
The Blue Stack Way in Donegal
Work is under way in agreeing workplans for maintenance with landholders. As individual payments will vary in accordance with the amount of maintenance required on the trails, it is not yet possible to calculate what the level of expenditure will be. My intention is that, when the applications for the pilot areas have been processed, the scheme will be expanded.
The scheme has been designed to ensure that permissive walks are maintained to the highest standards and remain open to walkers generally. The question of access to the countryside is being addressed by a sub-group of Comhairle na Tuaithe which is to report shortly on the legal issues involved.
24 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding provided by his Department to groups or associations in RAPID areas to provide recreational or sporting facilities in such areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18832/08]
The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within 46 designated RAPID areas nationally. I initiated the leverage schemes in 2004 in order to support small-scale projects identified locally by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by the relevant agencies and fund projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, CCTV, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds. In 2007 I agreed to co-fund the provision of certain facilities in schools located in, or mainly servicing children from, RAPID areas.
Each of the 46 RAPID areas is allocated €66,000 annually under the playgrounds leverage scheme co-funded with the Health Services Executive and the Department of Health and Children. The Sports Capital Top-up Scheme has been operated annually with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism since 2004 under which my Department provides an additional grant of up to 30% of the funds allocated under the Sports Capital Programme, subject to an overall limit of 80% of the project cost.
Disbursements from the Dormant Accounts Fund are designed to assist three broad categories of persons — those who are socially or economically disadvantaged; those who are educationally disadvantaged; and persons with a disability. Following the enactment of the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2005, funding was ring-fenced to support priority projects in RAPID areas.
With respect to 2007, the first year of adoption of this approach, 15% of funds or €1.1 million were ring fenced for sport and youth related activities in RAPID areas. Some €2.0 million of the Dormant Accounts was allocated under the 2006 and 2007 rounds of funding for equipment grants for youth groups with a particular focus on disadvantaged and marginal groups. Additionally, in March of this year, the Government approved up to €1.5 million in seed funding to support interagency initiatives delivering recreation services for children and young people.
26 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount spent by the local drugs task forces to date for each area; the amount allocated by his Department; the number employed in each task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18815/08]
Approximately €22m in current funding has been allocated in 2008 to support the work of the 14 Local Drugs Task Forces. This sum does not, however, include the €2m in funding announced early this year for initiatives to address cocaine use and to support rehabilitation at Drugs Task Force level. I will be allocating this funding to suitable projects later in the year. In addition, Drugs Task Forces may apply for capital funding under the Premises Initiative which aims to address the accommodation needs of community drugs projects.
Due to the volume of information involved from across the various Local Drugs Task forces, I am arranging for my officials to compile and forward the details requested to the Deputy as quickly as possible.
27 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the recent television programme on RTÉ that highlighted the fear that many communities have with respect to the closure of their local post office, shop and convenience store and the loneliness such events are having on rural communities; the action he will take to combat such events in rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18820/08]
My Department's range of rural development and community development programmes reflect the Government's commitment to ensuring the economic and social well-being of rural communities. However, I have no direct function for postal services or the maintenance of post offices.
28 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cé mhéid airgid a bheidh ar fáil i mbliana do Shoilse Nollag as Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18838/08]
I dtús báire, ba mhaith liom a mhíniú don Teachta nach bhfuil aon chiste airgid ar leith ar fáil ó mo Roinn-se chun soilse Nollag a chur ar fáil as Gaeilge. Sin ráite, áfach, tá maoiniú curtha ar fáil ag mo Roinn ón bhFo-Chiste Gnó de Chiste na Gaeilge d'eagrais dheonacha agus do ghrúpaí gnó chun cúnamh a thabhairt dóibh an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn i measc gnóthaí áitiúla pobail. Chun a bheith cáilithe don mhaoiniú seo, ní mór don ghrúpa plean gnó as Gaeilge a chur ar fáil le spriocanna sonracha a bhaineann le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge agus míniú cruinn ar cén chaoi a mbainfear na spriocanna seo amach. Tá an maoiniú seo ar fáil ó mo Roinn-se ar an gcoinníoll go mbíonn comh-mhaoiniú (íosmhéid de 25%) ar fáil ag an iarratasóir ó údaráis áitiúla nó ó ghnóthaí áitiúla pobail eile.
Mar fhocal scoir, cé go bhfuil fáilte roimh iarratais faoin bhFo-Chiste Gnó, ní mór dom a mhíniú gur suim theoranta airgid atá ar fáil agus, sa chomhthéacs sin, d'fhéadfadh sé tarlú nach mbeifí ábalta freastal ar gach iarratas.
29 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of meetings held to date of the Government sub-committee to agree a national plan for the Irish language; when the next meeting is due [18837/08]
39 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the Cabinet Committee on the Irish Language will next meet. [17135/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 39 together.
The Government, having noted the Report of the Linguistic Study on the Use of Irish in the Gaeltacht, decided late last year to establish a Cabinet-level Committee to consider matters arising in the context of the analysis and recommendations of the Report, and to agree an integrated action plan within a year to secure the future of Irish as the community language in the Gaeltacht.
The first meeting of this Committee took place on 10 April 2008. A number of issues have arisen for consideration by relevant Government Departments and a further meeting will be arranged when that process is completed.
30 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the success of the rural social scheme; the amount of money allocated to this scheme since its inception; his plans to further develop the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18822/08]
The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) has become a key part of many rural communities.
All 2,600 participant places and 130 supervisor positions available to the scheme have been allocated and quotas have been assigned to each of the Implementing Bodies.
The success of the scheme from the perspective of Participants, Supervisors, Implementing Bodies and Community organisations has been documented in the 2007 Case Study document, entitled The Rural Social Scheme — Making a difference in Rural Ireland. I am arranging for copies of this report to be laid before the House.
The RSS provides resources to maintain and improve local amenities and facilities in rural areas with a total of 1,766 projects supported in 2007. The flexibility and farmer/fisher-friendly nature of the scheme enables participants meet the needs of their farming/fishing enterprises while at the same time the participant is earning a supplementary income and providing valuable community services.
Since its inception, a total of €166.336m has been allocated to the RSS. While I am not considering an expansion of the Rural Social Scheme at this time, I am confident that any commitments given in the Programme for Government will be met over its lifetime.
31 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the family support initiatives available to families and communities to counteract anti social behaviour where there is a lack of recreational or sporting facilities available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18826/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, addressing anti-social behaviour is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform while responsibility for family supports rests with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
My Department does, however, operate a number of programmes, such as the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme, the Community Development Programme, the RAPID Leverage Schemes and the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund which specifically support local communities and individuals. Many of these initiatives provide co-funding for the activities of other Departments, State agencies and local authorities or provide direct support as in the case of recreational facilities for young people.
I believe that all of these initiatives make a positive contribution to addressing the issues of anti-social behaviour and the lack of recreational opportunities.
Details of all the programmes and schemes operated by my Department, including eligibility criteria, can be accessed on the Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
32 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le haerstráice ar Oileán Thoraí agus cén uair a bhfuil súil aige go gcuirfear tús leis an obair. [18794/08]
Ar iarratas ó mo Roinnse agus i gcomhairle le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta, tá Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall i mbun an phróiséis chun Orduithe Ceannaigh Éigeantaigh a chur i bhfeidhm ar an dtalamh a theastaíonn don aerstráice ar Oileán Thoraigh.
Is é an staid reatha ná go bhfuil na léarscáileanna agus na fógraí oifigiúla á réiteach ionas gur féidir seilbh dlíthiúil a fháil ar an suíomh. Tuigim go bhfuiltear ag súil go mbeidh dul chun cinn déanta ar an ghné seo den fhorbairt laistigh d'achar gairid.
34 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of meetings he has had with the national sports organisations in relation to drug misuse; the results of the meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18829/08]
In the context of his previous responsibilities relating to Drugs, my colleague Pat Carey T.D., Minister of State, met with representatives of Basketball Ireland in February this year in relation to the provision of Youth Development Officers. Their proposal in this regard is currently receiving consideration in this Department.
I want to acknowledge the importance of sport for young people, and in particular, its role in helping to divert them from exposure to the risks of involvement in illicit drugs. In this context, the Deputy should note that 20 Sports Development Officers are employed under the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) and that a further 9 "Football in the Community" Development Officers are co-funded through the YPFSF, Dublin City Council and the FAI themselves.
35 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of drug outreach workers employed in the country, and in Dublin, whose salaries are funded by his Department; the procedure for employing a drugs outreach worker; the professional and educational criteria they must meet and their typical job description; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18865/08]
My Department funds approximately 26 specific outreach posts through the Local Drugs Task Forces and 11 posts across the 10 Regional Drugs Task Forces. However, the Deputy should note that my Department also funds a number of other posts including community support workers, safety officers, education officers, prison links workers, project support workers, counsellors, prevention education workers, liaison workers, youth workers, health promotion officers, all of which operate through the Task Force structures.
Projects normally originate at community level and are submitted through the Drugs Task Forces to the National Drugs Strategy Team who make recommendations to me on funding. These projects are based on locally identified needs and priorities in the areas of prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, education and research. The educational and professional criteria that workers must meet and their typical job descriptions will vary, therefore, according to the type of projects involved and target group that the individual worker will be engaging with.
In addition, the Deputy should note that under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund, a number of outreach workers are funded — 6 in Dublin and 4 outside of Dublin. Under the Fund, a further 73 youth workers are employed in Dublin and 30 outside of Dublin, as well as 20 Sports Development Officers and 9 Football in the Community Officers.
37 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he proposes to re-categorise cannabis here in view of proposals to do so in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18827/08]
46 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the concerns raised by health agencies with him in relation to the compelling evidence that cannabis can create serious illness such as schizophrenia; the action he has taken to highlight such effects; the meetings he has had with the Department of Health and Children to determine the action that will be taken to highlight such effects and to protect the users against such effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18828/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 46 together.
In Ireland we do not utilise a similar type of drugs classification mechanism to that used in the UK. While the proposed re-classification of cannabis in the UK is a matter for their Government, I do note with interest the increased level of concern about this drug that is reflected by that proposal.
The control of drugs in Ireland is regulated by the Department of Health and Children under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 and 1984. Under these Acts the importation, exportation, production, supply and possession of a range of named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are regulated and controlled. The list of scheduled substances is kept under review on an ongoing basis. In particular, the Department of Health and Children reviews any evidence that substances are being abused and are causing significant harm to public health.
I understand that the Home Secretary in the UK made the request for the reclassification of cannabis in the light of "real public concern about the potential mental health effects of cannabis use, in particular the use of stronger forms of the drug, commonly known as skunk." In this context, the Deputies should note that skunk has higher levels of TetraHydroCannabinol (THC), the active hallucinogenic chemical in cannabis, than is found in other forms of the drug.
The 2002/2003 All Ireland Drug Prevalence Survey found a prevalence rate of 3% for skunk among current (last month) cannabis users. The corresponding figure from the second such Survey in 2006/2007 is lower at 1.2%. Cannabis resin continues to be the main form used in Ireland, though there are some indications that demand for herbal cannabis is rising.
Health agencies have not raised specific concerns with my Department in relation to the evidence that cannabis can give rise to serious illness such as schizophrenia nor have my officials had recent discussions with the Department of Health and Children on this specific matter. However, I do not underestimate the potential damage that cannabis use can cause. The National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) 2004 publication An Overview of Scientific and Other Information on Cannabis highlighted these dangers, including the heightened risk of schizophrenia, particularly for those with a predisposition towards that illness. Meanwhile, the current National Drugs Awareness Campaign focuses on cocaine, though previous campaigns targeted young people aged 13 to 17 years with messages on the dangers of cannabis use.
I can assure the Deputies that the dangers of cannabis will not be underestimated and that broad supply reduction and prevention measures will continue to focus on that drug as the National Drugs Strategy continues to be rolled out.
38 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there will be funding towards LIS schemes in the CLÁR area in 2008; if so, when he will announce same; his views on whether to carry out a proper structuring job on such lanes would take some time to prepare them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18847/08]
To date, €2.8m. has been spent under the CLÁR LIS measure in 2008 with some €250,000 remaining to be claimed.
Regarding any further LIS measure I fully recognise that it takes time to select roads under this scheme and that it would be preferable to afford Local Authorities the opportunity to do work during the Summer months. These issues will be taken into account in any further Clár LIS measure proposed in the future.
41 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is an aspect of funding under the RAPID or CLÁR programmes that will permit organisations running summer camps to draw down in order that such organisations can provide places for children of families of social welfare recipients or families on low incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18831/08]
The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within 46 designated RAPID areas nationally. While the leverage schemes, introduced by me in 2004, support small-scale capital projects identified by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas, summer camps are not eligible for funding given the capital nature of the funds provided.
The CLÁR Programme provides funding and co-funding to Government Departments, State Agencies and Local Authorities to accelerate investment in selected priority developments. These investments support physical, economic and social infrastructure across a variety of measures. The Programme supports capital projects only and so does not provide funding for summer camps.
However, I should mention the Dormant Accounts Fund disbursements which are designed to assist three broad categories of persons — those who are socially or economically disadvantaged; those who are educationally disadvantaged; and persons with a disability. Following the enactment of the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2005, funding was ring-fenced to support priority projects in RAPID areas.
With respect to 2007, the first year of adoption of this approach, 15% of funds or €1.1 million has been ring fenced for sport and youth related activities, including summer camps, in RAPID areas. Some €2.0 million of the Dormant Accounts was allocated under the 2006 and 2007 rounds of funding for equipment grants for youth groups with a particular focus on disadvantaged and marginal groups.
Additionally, in March of this year, the Government approved up to €1.5 million in seed funding to support interagency initiatives delivering recreation services for children and young people.
42 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by grandparents who become the primary carer of their grandchildren as a result of their own child’s drug addiction; and the steps he will take and the funding that will be made available to support these grandparents. [18862/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, issues regarding the safety or welfare of children are a matter for my colleague, Mary Harney T.D., Minister for Health and Children.
However, I am very aware that problem drug use has a devastating effect on families with grandparents, in some instances, taking on the parenting roles to their grandchildren.
In this context, the Deputy should note that family support has been identified as a priority under the National Drugs Strategy and many drugs projects that are funded by my Department through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Force areas focus on family support issues.
With regard to grandparents, the CUMAS project, which was approved €190,000 from my Department this year through the Clondalkin Local Drugs Task Force, provides support to parents, grandparents, siblings and children of drug users and to young drug users themselves. Of this funding, €30,000 focuses on providing child care, respite and family therapy costs for parents and grandparents living with addictions.
Furthermore, €150,000 from my Department was approved for the Family Support Network in 2007 to facilitate improved links and partnerships between the families of problem drug users and others involved in the National Drugs Strategy. The Network has been involved on an ongoing basis in the active support of grandparents or extended family members who take on the role of caring for the children of drug users. In 2004 the Network published "Supporting Grandparents . . . Supporting Children" with funding from my Department.
Finally, the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation, which was published last year, recognised that families of problem drug users have the potential to be a key element to the rehabilitative effort. The recommendations of that Report will be implemented as part of the Programme for Government.
43 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of people who have applied for CLÁR funding in 2007 and 2008 for improved ESB installation on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18846/08]
As the Deputy is aware CLÁR funds the cost of the customer contribution to the ESB for the installation of three-phase electricity for all new or existing businesses/enterprises in CLÁR areas. Applications are also accepted from Sports clubs who wish to install floodlights at sports grounds and from Community groups who wish to install three-phase electricity in order to equip community centres with catering kitchens etc. The following Table sets out the number of applications for CLÁR funding under this scheme for 2007 and 2008.
|
County |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Cavan |
7 |
13 |
|
Carlow |
1 |
0 |
|
Clare |
2 |
4 |
|
Cork |
28 |
8 |
|
Donegal |
17 |
11 |
|
Galway |
8 |
7 |
|
Kerry |
18 |
11 |
|
Laois |
2 |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
7 |
1 |
|
Limerick |
5 |
0 |
|
Longford |
8 |
3 |
|
Louth |
1 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
12 |
5 |
|
Meath |
1 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
28 |
31 |
|
Roscommon |
4 |
9 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
2 |
3 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
1 |
|
Total |
152 |
110 |
44 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for the delays and difficulties providing funding to a project (details supplied) which had the effect of forcing the project to let a staff member go despite it receiving a positive evaluation; his views on whether this practice of drip-feeding funding to projects is unacceptable as it makes the strategic planning of service delivery impossible; and the steps planned to ensure that in the future funding will be secure and seamless. [18860/08]
From 2005 to 2007, my Department allocated funding of €194,000 to the project referred to by the Deputy and a further €35,000 was approved in April this year. I understand that the project is operating with its full staff complement and this additional funding will maintain the service in the project at its current levels for the remainder of 2008.
I am fully satisfied that the funding approved by my Department has been notified to the project and the channel of funding (the HSE) in a timely and efficient manner. The Deputy may also be aware that the HSE has also provided funding to the project.
As part of the approval of the additional funding this year, the Local Drugs Task Force in which the project is located, has been requested to look at its longer term requirements and the project is currently working with the Task Force in this regard.
45 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the seminars or meetings he or his officials has attended within the EU Framework or otherwise in relation to the misuse of illicit substances; the countries involved; if there is compatibility with other countries in trends of misuse in relation to age groups, communities, employment factors and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18825/08]
Officials from my Department attend meetings of the EU National Drug Coordinators which are held twice a year. These meetings are hosted by the country holding the EU Presidency and those responsible for drug coordination in each Member State attend.
The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has the lead role on the Horizontal Working Party on Drugs, which is an European Council Working Group. These meetings are chaired by representatives of the current Presidency country and meetings are held once a month in Brussels. Officials from my Department attend on an occasional basis, depending on the relevance of the agenda items to their overall co-ordination role in regard to the National Drugs Strategy.
Officials of the Drugs Strategy Unit also attend additional EU meetings on an occasional basis. Examples include a meeting on the Evaluation of Public Policies and Programmes on Drugs held in Lisbon last year.
My Department also has the lead role on the Sectoral Group on the Misuse of Drugs under the British-Irish Council (involving eight jurisdictions). Approximately four meetings of the Group are held each year at official level, normally with one meeting at ministerial level. My Department also made a significant input to the British-Irish Council Summit Meeting held in February, where ‘Families and Drugs Misuse' was one of the main agenda items.
It is difficult to accurately assess the degree of compatibility with other countries in regard to trends of drug misuse in view of variations in the availability of data, the methodologies of collecting data and the timing of various surveys and research. However, some general points can be made. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drugs Addiction (EMCCDA) reports that opiates remain the principal drugs for which clients seek treatment in many countries and they also report that there is more drug use amongst males than females in EU Member States.
47 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of agencies established within his Department since he became Minister; the cost of running and establishing each task force for each of the years that they have been established; and the action taken as a result of the decisions or recommendations. [18830/08]
Since my appointment as Minister in 2002 one new agency, Oifig Choimisinéir na d'Teangacha Oifigúla was established. For completeness I should add that during this time Pobal was reconstituted from the former ADM, and that the Dormant Accounts Disbursement Board was replaced by the Dormant Accounts Board. The latter has no fulltime staff.
Details in relation to taskforces are set out in the following Table.
|
Purpose of Task Force/ Steering Group |
Year established |
Cost |
Action taken as a result of recommendations |
|
Steering Group to oversee the development of the National Drugs Strategy 2008-2016 |
December 2007 |
€13,781 (to date) |
No recommendations available yet. The report is due to be submitted to the Minister by end of 2008 |
|
Comhairle na Tuaithe was established in February 2004 to address the following priority issues: Access to the Countryside Developing a Countryside Code; and Developing a Countryside Recreation Strategy |
February 2004 |
2004 — Nil 2005 — €69,360.04 2006 — €55,179 2007 — €55,790.70 2008 — €51,004.77 |
Access parameters and countryside code agreed National Countryside Recreation Strategy published in September 2006 Development and launch of the ‘Walks Scheme’ Employment of 12 Rural Recreation Officers Sub group of Comhairle na Tuaithe examining outstanding legal issues regarding land access for recreational use, which is due to report by mid-June 2008. |
48 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the employment initiative programmes established by his Department in rural Ireland and in urban Ireland in agreement with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in each of the past five years; the cost of implementation; the number of jobs created; the areas where they were created; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18833/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has progressed a number of employment initiatives in both urban and rural areas over the last five years, in agreement and consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
In 2006, responsibility for the Community Services Programme (CSP) was transferred to my Department from FÁS. The cost of implementing the CSP in 2006 was €37 million and in 2007 was €43 million. 1,657 jobs were created in 2006, and this increased to 1,937 in 2007. In both years the jobs created were created in 26 counties.
The Rural Social Scheme was launched by my Department in 2004. This was launched following consultation with FÁS and other Government Departments. The details requested by the Deputy in respect of this Scheme are provided in tabular format.
|
RSS |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Cost of Implementation |
N/A |
€3.398m |
€25.464m |
€39.476m |
€47.675m |
|
Number of places available (incl. supervisors) |
N/A |
899 |
2,019 |
2,730 |
2,730 |
|
Areas where places were created |
N/A |
Places created in 16 counties |
Places created in 25 counties (nil in Dublin) |
Places created in 25 counties (nil in Dublin) |
Places created in 25 counties (nil in Dublin) |
In co-operation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, my Department has also established a special enterprise scheme for non-Gaeltacht offshore islands. Since the scheme became operational in 2006, five projects in all have been granted assisted to end of 2007. Grant applications are administered through the County Enterprise Boards in Counties Sligo, Mayo, Galway and Cork. In 2006, the cost of implementing the scheme was €56,875 and a total of 5 jobs were created in Cork. In 2007, the cost of implementing the scheme was €185,000 and 4 full time jobs and 9 part time jobs were created in Cork and Mayo.
My Department also operates the LEADER programmes, which are co-funded with the EU, and the focus of these programmes is to assist and encourage social and economic development in rural areas. The LEADER programme 2001-2006 was established over six years ago by my Department and developed in consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. As the Deputy may be aware, I intend to launch the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 in the immediate future. The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will provide a significant focus on enterprise, with almost €50 million available for the support of business creation and development.
The Deputy will be aware that responsibility for the creation of employment in Gaeltacht areas rests with Údarás na Gaeltachta, rather than directly with my Department. Information in regard to assistance provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta and numbers of jobs created is published in that organisation's Annual Report and Accounts which, under sections 18 and 19 of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979, are laid annually before each of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Western Development Commission, another body that also comes within the ambit of my Department, has responsibility for fostering and promoting economic and social development, including job creation in the Western Region. Information in relation to the assistance and support provided by the Western Development Commission, and numbers of jobs created is published in that organisation's Annual Report and Accounts, which are also laid annually before each of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
49 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 8 May 2008, the amount of tax that has been deducted from the tax credits from these tenants (details supplied); if he will refund these tax credits to the tenants as they were not aware of the requirement to deduct a portion of their rent and this was not communicated to them by their landlord; and his views on whether this rule should not be applied so inflexibly or rigidly as to create inequity. [18984/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that as the tenants in question pay rent to a non-resident landlord, they are obliged to deduct income tax at the standard rate (20%) from the rental payments and pay that amount over to the Revenue Commissioners.
Where the tenants are PAYE taxpayers, and the amount due to be withheld is not paid over directly to Revenue, it can be collected through the PAYE system by restricting total tax credits by the appropriate amount.
For the year 2008, the tenants' total tax credits are being restricted by €2,078.40 on the basis of an estimated monthly rent of €866. (The figure of €2,078.40 is 20% of €866 multiplied by twelve.) I am advised that Revenue's Dublin Region will shortly be in touch with the tenants to establish the full facts and circumstances and that any appropriate adjustments for 2008 will be made after the position has been clarified. I am further advised that Revenue will not be restricting the tenants' tax credits for any years prior to 2008.
While there is a need to ensure that Irish income tax is collected on rental income paid abroad, the application of the obligation on tenants to withhold tax on rental payments to non-residents can give rise to some practical difficulties in some circumstances — this has already been commented on by my predecessor in the course of this year's Finance Act debates and my Department and Revenue officials have been asked to review the scheme and see whether better arrangements can be made.
50 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the appointments to bodies that were made by him since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18994/08]
54 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the appointments made by him between 2 April and 7 May 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19087/08]
55 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the appointments made by him between 26 of February 2008 and 1 of April 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19101/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 54 and 55 together.
The information requested by the Deputies for the period 26th February 2008 to the 07th May 2008 is set out in the table below.
|
Name of Body |
Name of Appointees |
Date of Appointment |
Place or town of Residence |
|
Public Appointments Service |
Ms Michelle Shannon |
20th Apr 2008 |
Dublin |
|
Mr Bernard Carey |
20th Apr 2008 |
Dublin |
|
|
Mr Dan Murphy |
20th Apr 2008 |
Dublin |
|
|
Mr Des Dowling |
20th Apr 2008 |
Dublin |
|
|
Mr Michael Errity |
20th Apr 2008 |
Dublin |
|
|
Ms Breda Power |
20th Apr 2008 |
Dublin |
|
|
Ms Bernie Gray |
20th Apr 2008 |
Dublin |
|
|
Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland |
Mr Dermot O’Brien |
01st May 2008 |
Dublin |
|
Dr Brian Hillery |
01st May 2008 |
Dublin |
|
|
Mr David Begg |
01st May 2008 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
Mr John Dunne* |
01st May 2008 |
Dublin |
|
|
Mr Gerard Danaher* |
01st May 2008 |
Dublin |
|
|
Ms Deirdre Purcell* |
01st May 2008 |
Co. Meath |
|
|
Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority |
Mr Jim Farrell |
01st May 2008 |
Dublin |
|
Mr Tony Grimes |
01st May 2008 |
Dublin |
*These members were all re-appointed to the board.
51 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance the reason a grant of €20,000 promised by the Office of Public Works towards the cost of improvement of the Cloonlyon Stream, Ballygar, County Galway has not been paid; if there is a cut off date after which a proposed grant of €20,000 will be withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19013/08]
The Commissioners of Public Works have not received a request for payment of the money in question, which is a contribution towards the cost of works proposed to be undertaken by the River Suck Joint Drainage District Committee.
The work which is the subject of the contribution has not been undertaken as far as the Commissioners are aware and the conditions attaching to the making of a contribution have not been met.
Payment of the contribution will be subject to the proposers of the scheme fulfilling all the conditions attached to the offer. No formal date for expiry of the offer has been set but it cannot be held open indefinitely.
52 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at his Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19045/08]
The Minister for Finance attended 25 Council of Economics and Finance Ministers (ECOFIN) meetings between May 2005 and May 2008. The Minister of State at the Department of Finance attended four Council of Economics and Finance Ministers (Ecofin Budget Council) meetings during the same period. In excess of two hundred and fifty decisions were taken by Ecofin during the period in question (Details by year in table).
The EU operates in a manner which encourages and facilitates the search for agreement between the member states. While the treaties provide that the principal method of reaching Council decisions is by Qualified Majority Voting (QMV), recourse to voting is very rare because agreement is normally achieved through negotiation and the search for compromise.
Within the Union, whenever a Member State takes a very strong view against a draft proposal, it is normally amended to facilitate agreement and in cases where unanimity applies a Member State can prevent the proposal from proceeding. Our consistent national approach at EU level is to articulate our concerns, to seek support from partners and the EU institutions, and to advance our national interests through the process of negotiation.
|
Year |
Meeting Title |
Minister Attended |
Decisions |
|
2008 Jan-May* |
Council of Economics and Finance Ministers (Ecofin) |
5 meetings |
532 votes |
|
2007 |
Council of Economics and Finance Ministers (Ecofin) |
6 meetings |
512 votes |
|
2007 |
Council of Economics and Finance Ministers (Ecofin Budget Council) |
2 meetings attended by Minister of State |
2 by Vote |
|
2006 |
Council of Economics and Finance Ministers (Ecofin) |
10 meetings |
1,044 votes |
|
2006 |
Council of Economics and Finance Ministers (Ecofin Budget Council) |
1 meeting attended by Minister of State |
1 by Vote |
|
2005 May-Dec |
Council of Economics and Finance Ministers (Ecofin) |
5 meetings |
443 Votes |
|
2005 |
Council of Economics and Finance Ministers (Ecofin Budget Council) |
1 meeting attended by Minister of State |
1 by Vote |
* No information on Decisions for May 08 Ecofin at time of writing.
53 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works can use compulsory purchase order powers to acquire land for a school; if it has ever been done; the length of time the CPO process takes on average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19075/08]
The Office of Public Works in Ireland act as agents for the Department of Education & Science in the acquisition of sites for schools and solely on their instruction. The Office of Public Works does not have any authority to acquire sites for schools by Compulsory Purchase Order.
Questions Nos. 54 and 55 answered with Question No. 50.
56 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he has discussions or communications with the ECB, European Commission or other European Governments regarding the possibility that Ireland may breach the 3% GDP ceiling for Government borrowing in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19107/08]
In Budget 2008, a General Government Balance of -0.9% of GDP was projected for 2008 and -1.1% for 2009. As is the norm, I will publish updated figures later in the year. The European Commission's recently published Spring 2008 Economic Forecast includes a projection in Ireland's case of a deficit of 1.7% of GDP on the General Government Balance in 2009. In this regard, my euro area colleagues and I are currently engaged in the annual mid-year review of the implementation of budgetary policies and prospects for the coming year. No discussions have taken place with the ECB, European Commission or other European Governments on the possibility of Ireland breaching the 3% of GDP deficit ceiling in 2009.
57 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the amount of taxpayers’ money paid in County Donegal in each year from 2004 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19110/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the exact information sought for all taxes on a county basis is not available. Revenue Sheriffs, County Registrars or their officers operate for the purposes of enforcement of tax debt within certain geographical boundaries known as a "bailiwick" which equates geographically with "county". Data on the net receipts for most taxes can be linked to bailiwicks to provide an estimated breakdown of receipts on a county basis.
The following table sets out the estimated breakdown of net receipts for Income Tax (PAYE & non-PAYE), VAT (Domestic), Corporation Tax, and Capital Gains Tax. Basic data is not recorded in such a manner as would enable a breakdown by county to be provided in respect of the yield from Stamp Duties, Capital Acquisitions Tax (including Inheritance Tax), Customs, Excise and VAT at the point of Import.
|
Income Tax |
|||||
|
Year |
PAYE |
(non-PAYE) |
VAT (domestic) |
Corporation Tax |
Capital Gains Tax |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
2004 |
76.6 |
50.5 |
120.7 |
25.5 |
27.3 |
|
2005 |
85.0 |
54.3 |
130.9 |
28.9 |
33.4 |
|
2006 |
89.1 |
56.5 |
147.0 |
33.7 |
52.3 |
In considering the data it should be noted that the amount of tax attributed to a county may not necessarily be an indication of economic activity in that county for any of the following reasons:
The liability of a trader to VAT is generally dealt with by reference to the location of the trader's registered office even though the economic activity may be carried on in another county.
An employer's liability for PAYE is normally attributed to the county in which wages and salaries are paid, even though the employees may work in different counties.
Companies are associated on the tax record with the county address of the head-office or branch with which contact is established for tax purposes, which may be different to the city or county addresses of other branches. The distribution of corporate tax between regions can also vary from year to year as companies relocate.
Self-employed persons are associated on the tax record with the address at which the business is located, which may be in a different county to the home address.
Finally, I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the necessary detailed information which would provide a basis for estimating the breakdown of yields in 2007 from Income Tax, VAT, Corporation Tax and Capital Gains Tax is not as yet sufficiently complete or reliable to enable such an estimate to be provided for some time.
58 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the additional annual current voted Exchequer spending required in 2009 to 2012, over and above the cost of maintaining existing services, of the commitments made in the National Development Plan 2007 to 2012. [19126/08]
59 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the additional annual current voted Exchequer spending required in 2008 to 2012, over and above the cost of maintaining existing services, of the commitments made in the Programme for Government. [19127/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 59 together.
The National Development Plan 2007-2013 (NDP) sets out a seven year financial framework within which Government Departments and agencies could plan the delivery of public investment and expenditure, including existing levels of service and enhancements of service. The great bulk of projected NDP investment comes from the Exchequer and this is particularly true of current expenditure. Statutory approval for Exchequer expenditure under the NDP can only be conveyed through the approval by the Dail of the annual estimates.
The Programme for Government is a five-year programme in which a number of guiding principles in relation to economic and budgetary matters have been set out.
As the Deputy is aware, the first instalment of the delivery of NDP current expenditure took place in the Estimates approved by the Dail for 2007. The second instalment of NDP current expenditure and the first instalment of the Programme for Government — Budget 2008 — were published in December. Budget 2008 announced all new spending and taxation measures in a single, unified way and was a significant reform providing for greater transparency. The costs associated with the decisions made were set out at Budget time. Full details of NDP projected expenditure for 2007 and 2008 (both current and capital) were set out in Appendix 3 of the Revised Estimates Volumes for 2007 and 2008. The first Annual Report on NDP Implementation, covering 2007, will shortly be submitted to the Oireachtas.
As previously indicated, further instalments for both the NDP and the Programme for Government will be made in the subsequent Budgets over the lifetime of this Government.
The Stability and Growth Pact Update for 2007 to 2010 was set out in the Budget Booklet published in December 2007. This gives detailed data on the economic and fiscal projections for the period ahead and also provides relevant data on the NDP to which the Deputy might wish to refer.
60 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the number of off-licences that have been authorised in the postal districts of Dublin 6W, 8, 10 and 12; the number that have been licensed in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19130/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of off-licences that have been granted in the postal districts of Dublin 6W, 8, 10, and 12 in each of the past three years are as follows:
|
Postal District |
Year ending 30/09/2005 |
Year ending 30/09/2006 |
Year ending 30/09/2007 |
|
Dublin 6W |
12 |
12 |
15 |
|
Dublin 8 |
32 |
39 |
44 |
|
Dublin 10 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
|
Dublin 12 |
30 |
34 |
34 |
The above figures include the renewal of existing licences and the issuance of new licences.
The question of off-licences was among the issues considered by the Government Alcohol Advisory Group appointed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Group has now reported and the legislative proposals arising from the work of the Group were published recently.
61 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Paul Gogarty den Aire Airgeadais an dtugann sé faoiseamh cánach i leith an chúrsa MH51C, Ard-Dioplóma san Aistriúchán i gColáiste na hOllscoile, Maigh Nuad, agus an leagfaidh sé amach a thuairimí faoi. [19162/08]
I gcoitinne, tá faoiseamh cánach de réir an ráta chaighdeánaigh le fáil i dtaca le táillí teagaisc a íocann duine aonair maidir le hOideachas Tríú Leibhéal. Is í an uasteorainn ar tháillí incháilithe dá leithéid sa bhliain acadúil 2007/2008 ná €5,000 (an ráta caighdeánach).
Tá na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim tar éis a chur in iúl dom go bhfuil faoiseamh cánach de réir an ráta chaighdeánaigh ar fáil faoi láthair i dtaca le táillí teagaisc atá íoctha ag duine aonair maidir le Cúrsa Ard-Dioplóma san Aistriúchán ag Ollscoil Náisiúnta na hÉireann, Maigh Nuad.
Is féidir an faoiseamh a éileamh ar thuairisceán cánach an duine aonair ag deireadh na bliana cánach nó le linn na bliana cánach ina T(h)eastas Creidmheasanna Cánach ach na táillí a bheith íoctha.
62 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which he has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees already paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks engaged for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19171/08]
In general, my Department uses the services of the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Chief State Solicitor, and seeks outside legal advisers in circumstances requiring legal services of a specific and/or specialist nature. The following table details the cost and nature of such contracts entered into by my Department in the last 18 months.
|
Name of Solicitor/Barrister |
Purpose of Contract |
Value of the Contract |
|
Ms. Inge Clissman SC |
Chairperson of the Civil Service Disciplinary Code Appeal Board (contract renewed April 2007). |
The amount paid depends on the number of cases brought before the appeals board in each year. In 2007 payments totalling €2,069 were made. To date in 2008 no payments have yet been made. |
|
Ms. Denise Brett BL |
Employment Law training. |
€1,210 |
|
McCann Fitzgerald, Solicitors |
Provision of advisory services relating to the procurement of air transport/travel agency services. |
€48,400 |
In the time available to answer the question, the Office of Public Works was unable to compile the information sought by the Deputy in respect of its contracts with solicitors and barristers. However, the information will be compiled by that Office and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
In addition, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners has informed me that it did not enter into any such contract in the period in question.
63 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Finance if a child under 18 years old can own shares in a company, bearing in mind the rule on acceptance of gifts by children, which has a €3,000 limit each year; the position annually for income obtained in the form of dividends paid by a company to a child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19179/08]
There is no prohibition on a minor holding shares in a company.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that where a child under 18 years of age receives dividends flowing from shares owned by him, the following income tax implications arise.
If the child received the shares under a settlement, then the dividends are taxable in the hands of the person who made the settlement. Settlement in this context includes any disposition, trust, agreement or arrangement and any transfer of money or other property or of any right to money or other property. For example, if an individual (not necessarily the child's parents) funds the purchase of shares on behalf of a minor, or transfers shares to a minor, then the dividends flowing from such shares are taxable in the hands of the individual who made the settlement and not taxable in the hands of the child.
Even where the transfer of shares under the settlement is irrevocable and the dividends are to be accumulated for the benefit of a minor (for example, the property is put into an irrevocable trust and the person who transferred the property to the trust is not a beneficiary of the trust), any payment by the trustees of any of the income accumulated in that settlement to or for the benefit of a child is treated for tax purposes as income of the person who made the settlement and taxed accordingly.
The purpose of the relevant tax legislation is to prevent individuals purporting to transfer sources of income to children to obtain the benefit of personal tax credits and reliefs when, in reality, the person transferring the source of income retains ultimate control of the source and of the income.
As to the capital acquisitions tax (CAT) implications, a child is entitled to a tax-free threshold of
€521,208 in respect of gifts and inheritances from her/his parents;
€52,121 in respect of gifts and inheritances from an aunt, uncle, grandparent or sibling;
€26,060 in any other case.
CAT only applies where the benefits are in excess of the relevant tax-free threshold and any excess over the threshold is taxed at a rate of 20%. Also, where gifts are received, the first €3,000 received annually by a person from each individual donor is ignored for CAT purposes and does not reduce the tax-free threshold figure.
Finally, in the case of any transfer of shares, a liability to stamp duty arises at the rate of 1% on the market value of the shares.
64 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and specialty of consultants recruited in each of the years 2000 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18968/08]
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is therefore 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 directly to the Deputy.
65 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount paid to a company (details supplied) in Dublin 14 for its work on behalf of her Department pursuant to an Act. [18980/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG and McCann Fitzgerald.
The HSE has informed my Department that for the period from the commencement of the scheme in 2006 up to 31 March 2008 the company has received €132,800 for work on behalf of the scheme administrator.
66 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the appointments to bodies that were made by her since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18996/08]
81 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the appointments made by her between 2 April and 7 May 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19089/08]
82 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the appointments made by her between 26 of February 2008 and 1 of April 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee. [19103/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 81 and 82 together.
The information requested by the Deputies in respect of appointments to bodies under the aegis of my Department since 26 February 2008 is set out in the following table. The correspondence address in respect of members of boards are in many cases the business address of the members.
|
Name of Body |
Name of Appointee |
Town |
Appointment Date |
|
Office of Tobacco Control |
Stephanie Kelly |
Dublin |
26/03/2008 |
|
Pat Doorley |
Kildare |
||
|
Dennis Drought |
Cavan |
||
|
Norma Cronin |
Dublin |
||
|
Shane P A Allwright |
Dublin |
||
|
Farrel Corcoran |
Dublin |
||
|
Nessa Childers |
Dublin |
||
|
Mary Cunningham |
Dublin |
||
|
Owen Nulty |
Dundalk |
||
|
Annette Fitzgerald |
Limerick |
||
|
Rosaleen O’Grady |
Sligo |
||
|
Ken O’Byrne |
Dublin |
||
|
Drug Treatment Centre Board |
Denis McCarthy |
Dublin |
15/04/2008 |
|
Daniel McGing |
Dublin |
||
|
Ciaran Taaffe |
Dublin |
||
|
Frank Fagan |
Dublin |
||
|
Joe Barry |
Dublin |
||
|
Alice O’Flynn |
Dublin |
||
|
Ide Delargy |
Dublin |
||
|
John O’Connor |
Dublin |
||
|
Liam O’Brien |
Dublin |
||
|
Siobhan Rooney |
Dublin |
||
|
National Council for Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery |
Sheila O’Malley |
Dublin |
21/04/2008 |
|
Scientific Committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland |
Colette Bonner |
Dublin |
28/04/2008 |
|
St James’s Hospital |
Thomas Mitchell |
Dublin |
01/05/2008 |
67 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not being seen by a dentist to deal with their dental problems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19006/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, 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.
68 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for assessments for inter-country adoptions for residents of Dublin, in comparison to other counties in Ireland; her plans to cut these waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19011/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, requests for assessment for inter-country adoption are continuously increasing. The recent study on inter-country adoption, undertaken by the Children's Research Centre in Trinity College, revealed that Ireland has one of the highest rates for foreign adoption in Europe. In addition, as a result of the increased number of children coming from abroad, a new and increasing demand for post-adoption reports from sending countries has been created. Both assessments and post-placement reports are being undertaken by HSE social work staff.
The HSE has been assessing the provision of services in the context of moving from the health board system to a single executive. It has acknowledged that there is a divergence in the provision of services and is committed to addressing those differences. In a number of areas, the HSE has improved waiting times by contracting assessments out to non-statutory agencies with appropriate expertise.
The HSE has undertaken a review of the inter-country adoption service. This review examined staffing, business processes, resources, strengths and options within the service. The HSE has indicated that it will contact the Department shortly with a proposed strategy on the management of the service into the future based on this work and parallel discussions with professionals within the service. I would like to assure the Deputy of my attention to this issue and reiterate the importance of a rigorous and effective assessment system.
69 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children when speech therapy services will be made available to a child (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19024/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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.
70 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people entitled to a full medical card for each of the years 1998 to date in 2008; the number of people entitled to a full medical card for same expressed as a percentage of the population of the day; the income thresholds as they applied for each of the years since 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19025/08]
Details of the number of medical card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (and before 2005 the health boards). The table below shows the number of persons with medical cards and the proportion of the national population which this represents, in respect of the years 1998-2008.
|
Year |
National population |
No. of medical card holders |
Proportion of national population with medical cards |
|
31st December 1998 |
3,741,600 |
1,183,554 |
31.63% |
|
31st December 1999 |
3,789,500 |
1,164,187 |
30.72% |
|
31st December 2000 |
3,847,200 |
1,148,055 |
29.84% |
|
31st December 2001 |
3,917,203 |
1,199,454 |
30.62% |
|
31st December 2002 |
3,978,900 |
1,164,453 |
29.27% |
|
31st December 2003 |
4,043,800 |
1,152,908 |
28.51% |
|
31st December 2004 |
4,130,700 |
1,145,083 |
27.72% |
|
31st December 2005 |
4,234,900 |
1,155,727 |
27.29% |
|
31st December 2006 |
4,239,848 |
1,221,695 |
28.81% |
|
31st December 2007 |
4,339,000 |
1,276,178 |
29.41% |
|
2008 (as at 1st April 2008) |
4,339,000 |
1,292,086 |
29.78% |
In addition, as at 1st April 2008, 77,629 persons held a GP visit card.
In interpreting this information, it is necessary to take account of the fact that a substantial programme of work has been undertaken in recent years to improve data quality in the General Medical Services (GMS) client database. For example, in 2003 and 2004, work carried out by the health boards led to a deletion of approximately 104,000 inappropriate entries, where, for example, there were duplicate entries for the same person, the expiry date on the card had passed, the person had moved away or was deceased. This exercise did not involve any reduction in the actual number of persons who held medical cards but rather resulted in a more accurate picture of the number of individuals in receipt of GP services under the GMS Scheme.
I also provide a table for the Deputy showing medical card assessment guideline increases since 1998.
|
Year |
Single Person (under 66, living alone) |
Couple (under 66) |
Annual Percentage Increase |
|
1998 |
£89.00 |
£129.00 |
|
|
1999 |
£92.00 |
£133.00 |
3% |
|
2000 |
£93.50 |
£135.00 |
2% |
|
2001 |
£100.00 (€126.97) |
£144.50 (€183.50) |
7% |
|
2002 |
€132.00 |
€190.50 |
4% |
|
2003 |
€138.00 |
€200.00 |
4.5% |
|
2004 |
€142.50 |
€206.50 |
3% |
|
2005 (Jan.) |
€153.50 |
€222.00 |
7.5% |
|
2005 (Oct.) |
€184.00 |
€266.50 |
20% |
71 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [19029/08]
Persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services qualify for a medical card, which entitles them to a range of health services free of charge. In 2005, the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who did not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
The assessment of eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, with the exception of persons aged 70 and over, who have an automatic statutory entitlement to a medical card, is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants (income and relevant outgoings). The GP visit card assessment threshold is 50% higher than the medical card threshold.
The HSE has informed me that it has detailed operational guidelines in place for the assessment and review of medical card applications. The purpose of these is to ensure that every person entitled to a medical card or GP visit card is given the opportunity to avail of their entitlement and that there is a consistency of approach to means-testing nationally. I understand that periodic reviews are conducted by the HSE in a manner that takes due account of the personal circumstances of the card holder and that arrangements are in place to limit the need for frequent reviews where a review would normally result in the renewal of the medical card.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised 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.
72 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children when funding will be made available to the Health Service Executive to provide essential services for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19032/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
73 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at her Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19047/08]
The EU operates in a manner which encourages and facilitates the search for agreement between the Member States. While the Treaties provide that the principal method of reaching Council decisions is by Qualified Majority Voting (QMV), recourse to voting is very rare because agreement is normally achieved through negotiation and the search for compromise.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table. In general health matters are dealt with on one day of the EPSCO Council meetings. The information set out below relates to decisions taken on the dates on which a Minister from my Department was in attendance.
|
Year |
Number of Council Meetings attended by a Minister from Department of Health and Children |
Number of decisions taken at those meetings |
Number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote |
|
2005 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
|
2006 |
1 |
18 |
0 |
|
2007 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
74 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria for which people with long term illness are granted medical cards and the basis where decisions are made as to whether a medical card should be for 12 months, 18 months, 3 years and so on; the situation in respect of a family medical card and the criteria covering various lengths for which a medical card is issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19061/08]
In general, eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants (income and relevant outgoings). The main exception is persons aged 70 and over, who have an automatic statutory entitlement to a medical card. The GP visit card assessment threshold is 50% higher than the medical card threshold.
The Health Service Executive has informed me that it has detailed operational guidelines in place for the assessment of medical card applications. The purpose of these is to ensure that every person entitled to a medical card or GP visit card is given the opportunity to avail of their entitlement and that there is a consistency of approach to means-testing nationally. I am informed that the guidelines include provisions dealing with medical card review dates. The guiding principle is to set a date in each case at which an income/dependency change or other change could reasonably be expected to occur which would affect eligibility.
75 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children when a post mortem will be completed in respect of a person (details supplied). [19062/08]
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.
76 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is fully satisfied of the decision of the Health Service Executive to outsource cytology testing services to a US company in view of the different approach the US authorities have to data protection and privacy laws from that of Ireland and the loss of jobs here due to this decision. [19065/08]
Last week the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) announced a preferred bidder for the provision of laboratory testing services for the National Cervical Screening Programme. This is an important milestone which will enable the NCSS to launch the first quality assured, population based National Cervical Screening Programme for women in Ireland aged 25-60 years.
In keeping with EU procurement legislation, the procurement process is being conducted in an open and competitive manner. Submissions were invited from local and international laboratories during the process. The NCSS has concluded that the preferred bidder can deliver a service that meets all of the required quality criteria. The Deputy will appreciate that quality is a critical requirement of the new programme.
The NCSS has assured my Department that patient confidentiality will not be compromised if cytology samples are outsourced to a facility in the United States.
The National Hospitals Office (NHO) of the HSE has a commitment to staff currently employed in cytology services, and has met with their representative. Any decisions regarding reassignment of employees will be addressed after the National Cancer Screening Service has completed the procurement process for cytology services.
77 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 220 of 29 April 2008, the number of offers which have been appealed; the number which have had their offer increased on appeal; the number of applications that were refused and were appealed; the number which have been successful on appeal; if she will clarify the ambiguity between the two figures of over 13,000 offers of repayment and the 12,976 offers received; the estimated number of applications which will be outstanding by the end of June 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19066/08]
The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. I have been advised by the appeals office that as of 9 May 2008, a total of 2,935 appeals have been received, which represents less than 12% of processed claims. Of the 1,293 appeals dealt with up to 9 May 2008, 1,000 (77%) of the decisions issued by the appeals office agree with the decision of the scheme administrator.
The HSE has advised my Department that as of 2 May 2008, 13,578 offers of payment have issued under the scheme. The Appeals Office has advised my Department that as and from 2 May 2008, 650 claimants have appealed the amount offered and 171 of these appeals will result in an increased offer to claimants. The HSE has indicated that up to the 2 May 2008, 11,108 claimants have been deemed to be outside the scope of the repayment scheme and of these, 2,285 have appealed the decision of the scheme administrator. The appeals office has advised that of the 1,293 appeals decided to date, 122 of these appeals will result in an offer to claimants.
The HSE provides my Department with weekly statistical reports on the operation of the scheme. On the 28 April 2008 the HSE indicated that over 13,000 offers had been made but the most accurate statistical data available to my Department on the 29 April 2008, the day the Deputy's question on this matter was answered was for the week ending 18 April 2008 which indicated that 12,976 offers had been made. Offers issue on an ongoing basis and the difference represents offers made after the 18 April 2008 and before 28 April 2008.
The HSE has advised my Department that the scheme administrator has given assurances to the HSE that the vast majority of claims received from the public will be dealt with by the expiry of the current contract on 30 June 2008. If there are any outstanding claims at the end of the contract, such claims will be kept to a minimum and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
78 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of financial officers employed by the Health Service Executive; the number of staff employed in the finance area of the HSE with an accountancy qualification. [19067/08]
Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the health-care needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. According to the Executive's Health Service Personnel Census, there are 10 (expressed in whole-time equivalent terms) Finance Officers employed in the public health service, as at 31/03/08.
In relation to the number of staff employed in the finance area of the HSE who hold an accountancy qualification, I wish to advise the Deputy that the Executive is the appropriate body to consider this matter. 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.
79 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if persons (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will be assisted. [19069/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and 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 the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
80 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no medical card appeals officer for Dublin north at present, which has resulted in a backlog of appeals; if she will report on same and arrange for the vacancy to be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19070/08]
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for medical card assessments and appeals, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised 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.
83 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if community childcare groups have the right to make their childcare workers redundant; if these groups are in a position to re-advertise for their redundant positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19125/08]
The Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967 to 2007 and the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 1993 provide the statutory framework for dealing with redundancy in this country. These Acts, which come under the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, also provide the statutory framework for employees to seek redress if they feel they have been unfairly treated as a result of redundancy. Community Childcare Groups have the same responsibilities and obligations to their employees under these Acts as other employers in the State.
The Deputy will be aware that I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) under which capital grant aid is available to childcare providers, including community childcare groups. In addition, community childcare groups may apply under the NCIP for grant support under the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme 2008-2010 to enable them to provide reduced childcare fees to disadvantaged parents. The day to day operation of the programme is managed on behalf of my Office by Pobal. This includes assisting Childcare groups by providing general guidelines in regard to their role as employers and in recommending that they operate in accordance with best practice.
84 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when will a person (details supplied) in County Carlow be granted an appointment in Waterford Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19128/08]
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.
85 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 265 of 4 July 2006 regarding the status of the development project for a community hospital, day care unit and primary care centre, if she will provide a breakdown of these costings to include the funding estimated for each of the facilities; the funding approved to date by the Health Service Executive for the project; the timetable for construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19142/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
86 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason children in the Cork area are waiting nearly two years for tuberculosis vaccinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19147/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, 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.
87 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange an early meeting with an association (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19159/08]
The Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA) has requested a meeting with me to discuss their concerns about the future of public cytology laboratories, following the recent decision by the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) to opt for a preferred bidder from the United States.
I understand that the Association is in discussion with both the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the NCSS about this issue. The National Hospitals Office (NHO) of the HSE has a commitment to staff currently employed in cytology services, and has met with their staff representative. Any decision regarding employees will be addressed after the National Cancer Screening Service has completed the procurement process.
Since the concerns raised by the MLSA are matters for the HSE, I do not consider that a meeting with the Association would be appropriate.
88 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which she has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees already paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks engaged for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19173/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated within my Department and will be forwarded as soon as it becomes available.
89 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of social workers active in the north Tipperary area; the number of clients they currently deal with and are waiting on assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19181/08]
Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its 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 directly to the Deputy.
90 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the post of consultant geriatrician will be advertised for Kerry General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19182/08]
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.
91 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the services available for a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who is leaving school at the end of May 2008; if this person will receive a five day placement in June 2008 as initially advised by the Health Service Executive; if the psychologist report and the occupational guidance councillor report has been given full consideration in assessing the placement for this person; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this person has been prepared for adjustment for quite some time and that any change would be detrimental to this person to regress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19188/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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.
92 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a full medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19202/08]
Persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services qualify for a medical card, which entitles them to a range of health services free of charge. In 2005, the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who did not qualify for a medical card, would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
The assessment of eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, with the exception of persons aged 70 and over, who have an automatic statutory entitlement to a medical card, is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants (income and relevant outgoings). The GP visit card assessment threshold is 50% higher than the medical card threshold.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised 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.
93 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is separated and who previously made an application at Cherry Orchard Hospital, Dublin 10; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19203/08]
Persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services qualify for a medical card, which entitles them to a range of health services free of charge. In 2005, the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who did not qualify for a medical card, would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
The assessment of eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, with the exception of persons aged 70 and over, who have an automatic statutory entitlement to a medical card, is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants (income and relevant outgoings). The GP visit card assessment threshold is 50% higher than the medical card threshold.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised 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.
94 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children her views with reference to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 10 April 2008 and the response from the Health Service Executive on whether it is acceptable that a person (details supplied) in County Cork aged 74 who was referred by their general practitioner in February 2007 is still awaiting a specialist appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19250/08]
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. The Deputy will appreciate that the scheduling of appointments is a matter for the Consultant concerned and is determined on the basis of medical priority. In the event that the Patient's condition has deteriorated his General Practitioner would be in the best position to raise the case directly with the Consultant concerned.
95 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the amount of taxpayers’ money spent on Irish Rail in each year from 2004 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19109/08]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out below.
|
€ Millions |
|||
|
Year |
Current |
Capital |
Total |
|
2004 |
171.4 |
145.6 |
317.0 |
|
2005 |
180.0 |
279.6 |
459.6 |
|
2006 |
188.7 |
257.4 |
446.1 |
|
2007 |
194.9 |
408.0 |
602.9 |
|
Totals |
735.0 |
1,090.6 |
1,825.6 |
96 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding provided to Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18967/08]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out below:
|
IÉ |
BÁC |
BÉ |
Total |
|||||
|
€ millions |
€ millions |
€ millions |
€ millions |
|||||
|
Year |
Current |
Capital |
Current |
Capital |
Current |
Capital |
Current |
Capital |
|
2002 |
155.5 |
232.5 |
56.1 |
28.0 |
21.8 |
2.8 |
233.4 |
263.4 |
|
2003 |
168.3 |
274.6 |
53.9 |
12.7 |
22.9 |
15.1 |
245.1 |
302.4 |
|
2004 |
171.4 |
145.6 |
61.8 |
7.3 |
24.0 |
3.2 |
257.2 |
156.2 |
|
2005 |
180.0 |
279.6 |
64.9 |
9.6 |
25.2 |
1.8 |
270.1 |
291.0 |
|
2006 |
188.7 |
257.4 |
69.8 |
27.3 |
26.5 |
1.9 |
285.0 |
286.6 |
|
2007 |
194.9 |
408.0 |
80.1 |
28.3 |
31.6 |
32.8 |
306.6 |
469.0 |
|
Up to end April 2008 |
61.1 |
88.6 |
25.4 |
0.0 |
11.0 |
0.2 |
97.5 |
88.8 |
|
Totals |
1,119.9 |
1,686.3 |
412.0 |
113.2 |
163.0 |
58.0 |
1,694.9 |
1,857.5 |
97 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the appointments to bodies that were made by him since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19000/08]
100 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the appointments made by him between 2 April and 7 May 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19092/08]
101 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the appointments made by him between 26 of February 2008 and 1 of April 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19106/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 100 and 101 together.
The information requested by the Deputies is set out below in tables 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
|
State Body |
Name of Appointee |
|
National Roads Authority |
Mr. Eugene Moore |
|
State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Place of Residence |
|
Cork Airport Authority |
Mr. Bill Daly |
Cork |
|
Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation |
Chief Supt. Declan Coburn |
Wicklow |
|
National Roads Authority |
Mr. Eddie Breen |
Wexford |
|
State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Place of Residence |
|
Dublin Transportation Office |
Mr. Tony Kelly |
Dublin |
|
Galway Harbour Company |
Mr. Robert Molloy |
Co. Galway |
98 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the electrification of the Maynooth, Navan, Kildare and northern line rail lines; the amount of each of these lines that has been electrified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19035/08]
Transport 21 provides for the electrification of the Maynooth and Navan lines, the Kildare line to Hazelhatch and the Northern line to Balbriggan.
The detailed planning and phasing of the work including the extent of electrification by line, is a matter in the first instance for Iarnród Éireann. I understand from the company that it is currently finalising its strategy for the electrification of these lines in parallel with its planning and design work on the Interconnector project.
99 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at his Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19050/08]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the details requested by him relating to Transport Council Meetings are available on the website www.consilium.europa.eu.
102 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport the money spent to date on Transport 21 projects in County Clare; the specific projects funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19135/08]
Under the Transport 21 programme substantial funding has been provided to County Clare for the various projects which are being developed there.
Major investment has been made in the national roads programme in the county including the N18 Ennis Bypass and the N85 Western Relief Road.
However under Section 19 of the Roads Act 1993 allocation of funding in relation to the construction or maintenance of national roads is a matter for the NRA.
Up to April 2008 a total of €270 million has been spent on public transport projects specifically in County Clare or on projects which have an impact in the county.
Ennis railway station car park was upgraded from 30 car spaces to 170 car spaces. The work was completed in August 2007. Accessibility improvement works were also carried out at Ennis bus station.
Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor, which runs from Ennis to Athenry, was commenced in 2007.
The Railway Safety Programme, which aims to improve all aspects of safety across the Iarnród Éireann network and to keep risk levels as low as is reasonably practicable, and the development of a comprehensive Signalling Control Strategy and Client Requirement Specification for signalling control of all present and future signalling and level crossings schemes throughout the entire Iarnród Éireann network, are both ongoing projects.
Bus Éireann is currently in the process of renewing its fleet through the purchase of 235 new buses for deployment throughout the country including in the Limerick/Shannon region.
103 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No 237 of the 8 May 2007, if the new CBP full pre-clearance facility which is being built at Shannon Airport will be ready for processing of passengers in December 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19136/08]
I am informed by the DAA that the project for the commercial US CBP Pre-clearance facility at Shannon Airport, which includes an extension to the current Terminal Building, is ready to commence at short notice but building has not commenced.
As I have recently stated, preclearance will require the conclusion of an inter-Governmental agreement with the US and new legislation, pending conclusion of the agreement. The DAA expects that the duration of the works would be 7 months from the time that agreement with the US is notified.
104 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which he has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees already paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks engaged for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19176/08]
The following table sets out details of the solicitors and barristers engaged by my Department on a contractual basis in the past 18 months:
|
Firm or Individual |
Purpose of Engagement |
Fees paid or Expected fee |
|
Ms. Clodagh Brick (Barrister) |
Consolidated and annotated text of the extant provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts 1894 to 2005 |
€52,586 (€5,507 still to be paid) |
|
Ms. Clodagh Brick (Barrister) |
Legal advice on the Minister’s powers relating to domestic Passenger Ships under the Merchant Shipping Acts. |
€2,710.40 |
|
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer |
(1) Engaged in 2006 to provide legal advice to the Minister and Minister for Finance in relation to the EU Commission’s consideration pursuant to EC Merger Regulation of the proposed takeover of Aer Lingus by Ryanair |
(1) €1,373,523 paid in 2007 |
|
(2) Retained in 2007 to provide legal advice to the Minister in relation to the State’s intervention in the Ryanair appeal to the European Court of First Instance (CFI) concerning the EU Commission’s decision to prohibit the proposed takeover of Aer Lingus by Ryanair |
(2) To date fees amounting to €103,000 have been incurred in respect of advice relating to the State’s intervention in the Ryanair appeal to CFI. Total expenditure for this element of their engagement is not anticipated to exceed €200,000. |
|
|
Eugene Regan Senior Counsel |
Provision of advice on the transposition of Directives |
€12,100 |
|
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
Legal advice in respect of preparation of Dublin Transport Authority legislation |
€26,630 (paid) |
|
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
Seminar on State Aid in Land Transport |
€9,075 |
|
Patrick Butler, Senior Counsel |
Presiding over the Public Inquiry into the Glounthaune to Midleton Railway and reporting on same |
€33,275 |
105 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the appointments to bodies that were made by him since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18995/08]
108 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the appointments made by him between 2 April and 7 May 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19088/08]
109 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the appointments made by him between 26 of February 2008 and 1 of April 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19102/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 108 and 109 together.
There are no State boards or agencies operating under the responsibility of my Department. There are, however, four advisory committees and one educational commission which operate under its aegis. During the period in question, appointments were made in respect of only one of these bodies, namely the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee.
The Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (formerly known as the Díon Committee) advises the Government on support for our emigrant communities in Britain. The Committee, whose members serve in a voluntary capacity, has recently been enlarged and restructured. The new Committee of twelve members, appointed by my predecessor on 25 April, continues to reflect the wide range of experience, skills and commitment that has characterised previous Committees, in addition to being well balanced in terms of its regional composition.
Excluding the Committee's chair and secretary (both of whom are officials of the Embassy in London), the new members are as follows:
Mr. Michael Forde, Manchester
Ms. Theresa Joyce, Surrey
Mr. Jim O'Hara, Surrey
Mr. Seamus McGarry, Hertfordshire
Ms. Sally Mulready, London
Mr. Tony Cusack, Leicester
Ms. Breege McDaid, Liverpool
Mr. Tony Corcoran, Newcastle upon Tyne
Mr. Des Hurley, Leeds
Mr. Martin Donnelly, London
106 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at his Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19046/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table in respect of attendance by Ministers at the Department of Foreign Affairs at the General Affairs and External Relations Council of the European Union, and of the number of decisions taken at these Councils. It is comparatively rare that decisions at the GAERC are subject to a vote. In the period under review, this happened on 24 occasions. Ireland did not vote against any of these decisions.
Council decisions are prepared by a structure of some 250 working parties and committees comprising delegates from all the Member States and the Commission. The draft decisions are then forwarded to the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper), made up of the Member States' Ambassadors to the European Union. Once agreed at this level, the draft decisions go to the Council for approval.
|
Year |
Number of Council meetings attended by Ministers in the Department of Foreign Affairs |
Number of decisions taken at these Councils |
|
2006 |
13 |
333 |
|
2007 |
9 |
238 |
|
2008 |
3 |
86 |
107 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made inquiries with the Egyptian authorities regarding the whereabouts of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19076/08]
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. The person concerned was detained in connection with the alleged promotion of a general strike in Egypt on 6 April. I understand that she was released without charge on 23 April, following an instruction by the Public Prosecutor of Egypt.
The Government continues to monitor the human rights situation in Egypt through our Embassy in Cairo, and in consultation with a range of Egyptian NGOs. As the Deputy will be aware, we share the widespread concern about moves over the past year which would limit the freedom of expression which is essential to the development of a democratic society. The Government and our EU partners will continue to raise our concerns about human rights issues in the dialogue with the Egyptian Government, which was enhanced by the adoption last year of the Action Plan under the European Neighbourhood Policy. We will also continue to raise issues of concern directly with the Egyptian Government.
110 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which he has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees already paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks engaged for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19172/08]
Where my Department requires legal advice on matters other than those which are dealt with by the Department's own Legal Division, such advice is usually provided by the Chief State Solicitor's Office or the Office of Attorney General, who in turn may retain counsel if this is required. In particular circumstances, my Department may engage solicitors or barristers to assist on a particular matter within the State. However, no such engagements have been entered into within the past 18 months. In addition, the Department's Missions abroad may need to engage local lawyers from time to time to advise on matters of local law.
111 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the appointments to bodies that were made by her since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18992/08]
Since I was appointed as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 7th May 2008, I have not made appointments to State Bodies. However, the following appointments were made by my predecessor, Micheál Martin T.D. in the period 2 April to 7 May 2008.
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)
Three appointments were made to the Board of the National Standards Authority of Ireland in April 2008. The appointees were Mr. David Gargan, Ms Jennifer Murnane O'Connor and Ms Mary Ita Walsh.
Shannon Development
Two appointments were made to the Board of Shannon Development in May 2008. Dr Roger Downer was reappointed and Dr Richard Sadlier was appointed on 7 May 2008.
112 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at her Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19043/08]
The Council formations for which my Department has particular responsibilities are the Competitiveness Council and the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (ESPHCA).
The following Table provides relevant statistics related to the number of meetings attended by Ministers and the number of decisions taken in relation to these two Councils. The Councils recorded no formal votes during the period in question. Formal voting is generally avoided by EU Presidencies in favour of compromise and consensus by negotiation if possible.
|
Year |
Number of Council of Ministers Meetings Attended by Ministers |
Number of Decisions* made by the Councils at those meetings |
|
Competitiveness |
ESPHCA Competitiveness ESPHCA |
|
|
2005 |
7 |
3,328 |
|
2006 |
5 |
42,713 |
|
2007 |
5** |
32,812 |
|
2008 |
1 |
191 |
*Adopted Regulations, Directives, Decisions and Recommendations
**The meeting on 21- 22 May 2007 was attended by Mr. Kenneth Thompson, Deputy Permanent Representative.
My Department always seeks to play a constructive role in relation to all EU proposals and is anxious to ensure that Ireland's interests are safeguarded while also being mindful of our responsibilities to the Union as a whole. In the normal process of negotiation, we may and do seek amendments or identify provisions which could be improved on or take positions on amendments sought by other Member States or the Commission.
113 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date in implementing the recommendation of the Consumer Strategy Group report directed to her Department in respect of fruit and vegetable traders to apply a consistent approach to casual trading regulations across all local authorities by means of statutory based guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19072/08]
118 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts made by her to increase the number of licences granted to fruit and vegetable traders since the publication of the Consumer Strategy Group report in April 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19129/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 118 together.
The Consumer Strategy Group which reported in May 2005 recommended that more licences for fruit and vegetable sellers be issued and that, in order to ensure that casual trading regulations are applied on a consistent basis, statutory guidelines be introduced. The reference to licences refers to casual trading licences issued under the Casual Trading Act, 1995. Casual trading is defined as trading in a public place and covers the selling of fruit and vegetables in public places. The regulation of casual trading is operated by the 88 local authorities entitled to make bye laws under the Act. I have no powers to issue licences. However, I have power under Section 2(3) of the Act to exempt categories of selling from the Act. This power was last exercised in 2004 when, under S. I. No. 191 of 2004, the growers of certain soft fruits (strawberries, raspberries etc.) and new potatoes were exempted from regulation under the Act for the period 1st May to 30th September every year.
As regards the recommendation on statutory guidelines, this recommendation has been implemented by Section 98 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2007 which amended Section 6 of the Casual Trading Act, 1995. This gives me the legal capacity to issue statutory guidelines to local authorities regarding the exercise by them of their functions in relation to casual trading bye laws. Local Authorities must take into account any such guidelines in carrying out their functions in respect of bye laws.
The current Programme for Government contains a commitment to "encourage more direct selling from farmer to customer by restoring and promoting a national network of farmers markets". The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, is exploring, in conjunction with my Department, whether statutory guidelines under Section 98 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2007 could be used to regulate and promote farmers markets. In this connection, I understand that the Minister of State will shortly establish an Interdepartmental Group to examine the options available to promote and regulate farmers markets.
114 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of different Acts of the Oireachtas which may be considered to be employment law; if she has given consideration to codifying them into a single item of legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19073/08]
Schedule 1 to the Employment Law Compliance Bill 2008 lists the 17 suites of Acts under my aegis which are included in the definition of employment legislation for the purposes of that Bill. The text of those suites of Acts has been published en bloc on my Department's website for the convenience of members of this House and of Seanad Éireann in considering that Bill.
Such publication is also a necessary first step in the preparation of an Employment Law Consolidation Bill, preliminary preparation of which is under way in my Department. This Bill would update and codify employment legislation consistent with the commitment in Section 16.3 of Part 2 of Towards 2016. A Consolidation Bill will take account of the changes to employment legislation made by the Employment Rights Compliance Bill 2008 when enacted.
115 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the statement in Dáil Éireann on 30 April 2008 that a regulatory impact analysis was carried out on the Employment Law Compliance Bill was accurate; if she will make available the full RIA before the Bill is debated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19074/08]
I confirm that a Screening Regulatory Impact Analysis was conducted in relation to the Employment Law Compliance Bill 2008. The Explanatory and Financial Memorandum published with the Bill summarised the outcome of that analysis. Arrangements are in hand for the full document to be published on the Department's website in advance of the Second Stage of the Bill in Dáil Éireann.
116 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the appointments made by her between 2 April and 7 May 2008, inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19085/08]
As I was appointed as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 7th May 2008, I was not in a position to make appointments to State Bodies before that date. However, the following appointments were made by my predecessor, Micheál Martin T.D. in the period 2 April to 7 May 2008. Details of individuals' places of residence are regarded as personal data and it is not appropriate to release such information.
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)
Three appointments were made to the Board of the National Standards Authority of Ireland in April 2008. The appointees were Mr. David Gargan, Ms Mary Ita and Ms Jennifer Murnane O'Connor.
Shannon Development
Two appointments were made to the Board of Shannon Development in May 2008. Dr Roger Downer was reappointed and Dr. Richard Sadlier was appointed on 7 May 2008.
Health and Safety Authority
Mr. Francis Rochford was appointed to the Board of the Health and Safety Authority on the 22nd April 2008.
National Consumer Agency
Mr. Bill Prasifka and Mr. Edward Shinnick were reappointed to the Board of the National Consumer Agency on the 30th April 2008.
Company Law Review Group (CLRG)
The following were reappointed as Members of the Company Law Review Group on the 8th April 2008.
Dr. Thomas B. Courtney
William Johnston
Paul Farrell,
Michael Halpenny
Jim Byrne
Daryl Byrne
Noel Rubotham
Jonathan Buttimore
Nora Rice
Lyndon MacCann
Ian Drennan
Ralph Mac Darby
Paul Egan
Vincent Madigan
Mike Percival
Conall O'Halloran
Marie Daly
Jon Rock
Paul Appleby
Tanya Holly
George Treacy
Mark Pery Knox Gore
The following were reappointed as Members of the Company Law Review Group on the 28th April 2008.
Brian O'Kane
Mark Fielding
Deirdre-Ann Barr
117 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the appointments made by her between 26 of February 2008 and 1 of April 2008, inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19099/08]
As I was appointed as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 7th May 2008, I was not in a position to make appointments to State Bodies before that date. However, the following appointments were made by my predecessor, Micheál Martin T.D. in the period 26 February to 1 April 2008. Details of individuals' places of residence are regarded as personal data and it is not appropriate to release such information.
Science Foundation Ireland
There were 2 appointments made to the Board of Science Foundation Ireland on the 1st of April 2008. These were Dr. Rita Colwell and Mr. Tom Boland. Dr. Colwell is based in the United States.
IDA Ireland
Mr Lionel Alexander was appointed to the Board of IDA Ireland on 19 March 2008.
Enterprise Ireland (EI)
Ms. Helen Nugent was appointed to the Board of Enterprise Ireland on 18 March 2008.
119 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which she has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees already paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks engaged for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19169/08]
Details of the firms of solicitors or individual barristers, engaged on a contractual basis in the last 18 months, by me as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment or on my behalf as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, are set out in the following tabular statement. This does not include details of any firms of solicitors or individual barristers, engaged on a contractual basis in the last 18 months, by independent offices of my Department, acting on their own behalf or in accordance with to their prescribed statutory duties and powers. It also does not include advice given to me by the Office of the Attorney General or the Chief State Solicitor's Office.
|
Name of Firm/individual Barristers |
Purpose |
Fees already paid |
Estimate of fees expected to be paid by conclusion of task |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Mason, Hayes & Curran |
Legal advice on public procurement issues |
Nil |
10,000.00 |
|
Kilroys Solicitors |
Legal advice on export credit insurance issues |
16,263.00 |
It is not possible to give a precise estimate at this stage |
|
Noel J. Travers BL |
Drafting of S.I. No. 160 of 2007 Legal Metrology (European Conformity Assessment of Measuring Instruments) Regulations 2007 |
9,378.00 |
Task concluded — no further fees due |
|
Dowling Kilpatrick Solicitors |
Professional fee for Commissions re sale of land. |
36.30 |
Task concluded — no further fees due |
|
Matthias Kelly Q.C. |
To provide legal advice in respect of various investigations under Section 19 of the Companies Act, 1990 |
403,501.95 |
No further expenditure envisaged at present |
|
John Hennessy B.L. |
To provide legal advice in respect of various investigations under Section 19 of the Companies Act, 1990 |
136,831.75 |
Not available at present |
|
Mason Hayes and Curran, Solicitors |
(CLRG in 2006)To obtain legal advice in the form of compilation of comprehensive tables of derivations and destinations showing the relationship between the provisions of the existing Companies Acts and the proposed Companies Consolidation and Reform Bill |
110,783.90 |
Task concluded — no further fees due. |
|
Mason Hayes and Curran, Solicitors |
Advice on procurement matters (part of a consortium of three) |
14,744.57 |
50,000 |
120 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the policies and strategies that have been formed to prioritise job creation and inward investment in north Tipperary following a delegation from the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment to Tipperary in January 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19177/08]
State support for enterprise and job creation is channelled through the industrial development agencies. While I may give general policy directives to the agencies, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings, or from giving preference to one area over others.
The development agencies under the remit of my Department, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Shannon Development and the County Enterprise Boards work together to address industrial development in Tipperary North. At the end of 2007, the latest date for which figures are available, there were a total of 3,794 people employed in state supported companies in north Tipperary.
Shannon Development, which has responsibility for the provision of tailored property solutions for both foreign direct investment (FDI) and indigenous industry in north Tipperary , is particularly active in the area. It has submitted a planning application for a new building at the Tipperary Technology Park in Thurles and is also in the process of developing a Master Plan for a 60 acre site at Archerstown adjacent to Thurles. Elsewhere in the County, the Roscrea Business and Technology Park will be officially launched on May 19th, while a new Business Park is being planned for Templemore. In addition, a revised Master Plan for Lisbunny Business Park in Nenagh is under way.
Enterprise Ireland's job creation activity is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new High Potential Start-Up companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and in enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and third level institutions. As part of an initiative to encourage new start-ups in north Tipperary, Enterprise Ireland is currently running an Entrepreneurship awareness raising campaign via promotional billboards strategically located through north Tipperary. In addition, a series of Entrepreneurship workshops are scheduled for May 2008 to promote the notion of entrepreneurship as a career option and to provide information and support locally for interested individuals. Furthermore, a series of information evenings targeted at community development groups in north Tipperary will commence in early June 2008 to promote and provide information and case-studies to potential applicants under the 2nd tranche of the 2007-2009 CEC scheme which was launched in April 2008.
Meanwhile, the Tipperary North County Enterprise Board continues to support Micro businesses in the region and, during 2007, paid out over a quarter of a million euro in support of 25 projects.
In line with the National Spatial Strategy, IDA Ireland is committed to balanced regional development and the development of Tipperary North as part of the Mid-West region. The attractiveness of north Tipperary for inward investment has to be seen within a regional context, and particularly by reference to Shannon Airport, its proximity to Limerick and Cork and to its location along the corridors of Limerick/Dublin and Cork/Dublin. IDA's strategy for the area aims to attract new FDI in innovation driven, high value, high skills sectors. The Agency continues to work with their existing company base to encourage them to expand their presence in the area by the addition of increased functions of scale and increased strategic functions.
I am satisfied that the policies being pursued by Government, together with the work of the agencies on the ground as well as the roll out of the National Development Plan will continue to provide investment and job creation in Tipperary North and in the region as a whole. However, in the final analysis it is the investor who decides where to locate.
121 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 in view of the fact that their appeal was submitted within the specified 21 days but never acknowledged; if she will review the application for a work permit on these grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19200/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that this employment permit application was refused and the applicant was informed of this decision by letter on the 07/02/08. In this letter, the applicant was informed of her right of appeal within 21 days in accordance with Section 13(2) of the Employment Permits Act, 2006. It appears that the Employment Permits Section have no record of an appeal being received in this case.
122 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the appointments to bodies that were made by him since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18987/08]
124 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the appointments made by him between 2 April and 7 May 2008, inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19080/08]
125 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the appointments made by him between 26 of February 2008 and 1 of April 2008, inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19094/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 124 and 125 together.
I was appointed Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism on 7th May 2008 and have made no appointments in the meantime. My predecessor made the following appointments in the period in question.
|
Name of Appointee |
Date |
Location |
Board |
|
Mr. Arthur O’Brien |
8 April 2008 |
Dublin |
National Sports Campus Development Authority |
|
Ms. Bernadette Cronin |
8 April 2008 |
Dublin |
National Sports Campus Development Authority |
|
Mr John Mulcahy |
15 April 2008 |
Dublin |
The Board of Governors and Guardians of the National Gallery of Ireland |
|
Mr William O’Dwyer |
15 April 2008 |
Tipperary |
Bord na gCon |
|
Mr Danny Reilly |
15 April 2008 |
Meath |
Bord na gCon |
|
Mr Timothy Gilbert |
15 April 2008 |
Dublin |
Bord na gCon |
|
Dr Tom Moriarty |
23 April 2008 |
Dublin |
Irish Sports Council |
|
Mr Colm Brennan |
23 April 2008 |
Dublin |
Irish Sports Council |
|
Mr Michael Spain |
23 April 2008 |
Offaly |
Irish Sports Council |
|
Mr Éamonn Delaney |
1 May 2008 |
Dublin |
The Board of Directors of the Irish Museum of Modern Art. |
|
Ms Carol Quinn* |
1 May 2008 |
Cork |
National Archives Advisory Council. |
|
Ms Máire MacConghail* |
1 May 2008 |
Dublin |
National Archives Advisory Council. |
|
Dr Raymond Refaussé* |
1 May 2008 |
Dublin |
National Archives Advisory Council. |
|
Ms Valerie Moriarty |
1 May 2008 |
Galway |
National Archives Advisory Council. |
|
Mr Raymond Hughes |
1 May 2008 |
Dublin |
National Archives Advisory Council. |
|
Mr Michael Dixon |
1 May 2008 |
Dublin |
National Archives Advisory Council. |
*Reappointment.
123 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at his Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19038/08]
There are only two formal Councils of Ministers which make decisions in relation to matters under the remit of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. The Education, Youth and Culture Council generally meets twice a year to discuss Cultural issues. Tourism issues are dealt with by the Competitiveness Council which my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan, T.D., attends. Sport is not a Community competence at present although it is the subject of informal meetings of Sports Ministers.
Since May 2005, there have been six meetings of the Education, Youth and Culture Council at which cultural matters were discussed. In all cases, Ireland was represented by the Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU as my predecessors were unable to attend because of other diary commitments.
Decisions are normally made on a consensus basis. Ireland has not voted against any decision over the three years in question. Our approach, in line with the national approach generally, is to advance our interests through the process of negotiation.
The conclusions of EU Council configurations may be found on the EU's website: http://www.consilium.europa.eu
126 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which he has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees already paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks engaged for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19164/08]
No firms of solicitors or individual barristers have been engaged by me or my predecessor on a contractual basis in the past 18 months.
127 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the appointments to bodies that were made by her since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18998/08]
130 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the appointments made by her between 2 April and 7 May 2008, inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19091/08]
131 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the appointments made by her between 26 February 2008 and 1 April 2008, inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19105/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127, 130 and 131 together.
It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to State Boards. The following appointments were made to boards under the aegis of my Department since 26th February 2008 as follows: Mr. Michael Ryder (Dublin) IBEC nominee appointed to the Pensions Board; Mr. Dick Hickey (Co. Waterford), Ms. Brid Rocks (Co. Louth) and Ms. Muriel Walls (Co. Dublin) were re-appointed to the board of the Family Support Agency.
128 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a new regulation S.I. No. 859 of 2007 has been enacted resulting in parents retaining income from child benefit and early childhood supplement for six months after their child has been placed with foster parents; if the payments should transfer immediately to the foster parents to directly benefit the child; if she will review same as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19027/08]
Child benefit is a monthly payment, paid in respect of children up to the age of 16 years. It continues to be paid in respect of children up to and including 18 years where they are in full-time education, or where they have a physical or mental disability.
Prior to April of this year child benefit continued to be paid to the birth parent where a child was placed in foster care, regardless of the duration of foster care or the level of support provided by the birth parent. This arrangement was based on a legislative provision which deemed that the child should be regarded as normally residing with the mother, even where the child had been placed with foster parents.
New arrangements have now been put in place whereby child benefit transfers to a foster parent after a period of six months of foster care. The rationale behind this change is that the purpose of child benefit is to assist toward the ongoing cost of child rearing. However, when introducing the change, it was considered inappropriate to withdraw payment from a parent in respect of short periods of foster care, such as during a period of recuperation from illness in the case of a parent without family or other supports. Furthermore, it is recognised that the immediate withdrawal of child benefit may have an adverse financial effect on the mother who may, regardless of the duration of the foster care, maintain some level of contact with the child.
Following discussions with the Health Service Executive and the Irish Foster Care Association, it was established that the HSE initially consider the vast majority of foster care arrangements to be short-term placements. In view of this and in light of the fact that legislating for all possible scenarios would be impractical, it was decided that six months represents a reasonable ‘lead-in' time before the transfer of child benefit. The foster parent is subsequently entitled to child benefit from the seventh month of foster care.
The early childcare supplement, which is administered by the Department on behalf of the Office of the Minister for Children and paid in respect of children under six years of age, also transfers to the foster parent. As it is paid quarterly in arrears, it is issued to the person who was entitled to CB for the majority of the preceding quarter. Foster parents also receive an allowance from the Health Service Executive of €319 per week in respect of each child under 12 years of age and €346 per week in respect of children 12 years of age and over. In addition, a medical card is issued in respect of the child. I believe that these arrangements present the most equitable method of administering payment of child benefit in what can be very difficult circumstances for the families concerned.
129 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at her Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19049/08]
The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (ESPHCA) is the Council of Ministers formation of direct relevance to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. This Council formation covers a range of policy areas which are dealt with by a number of Irish Government Departments, including employment and labour law issues, which are the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment; equality and anti-discrimination issues, which are the responsibility of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and social protection and social inclusion issues, which are dealt with by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The ESPHCA Council also deals with health and consumer affairs items, which are the responsibility of the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, respectively.
Decisions concerning Ministerial attendance at ESPHCA Councils are determined having regard to the items on the agenda. Where there is a greater focus on employment issues, Ireland is represented by the Minister for Labour Affairs, with appropriate input from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
The Employment and Social Affairs Council meets formally 3 or 4 times each year. At these Councils, EU Employment and Social Affairs Ministers reach political agreement on various legislative items and also adopt and endorse a range of reports and opinions. Legislative items of relevance to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs normally require unanimity at Council, and the ESPHCA Council endeavours to reach agreement on these items through consensus, without the need for a formal vote.
The following table sets out the participation by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs at the formal ESPHCA Council meetings over the period 1st January 2005 to 15th May 2008. All of the ESPHCA Councils held during this period were also attended by the Minister for Labour Affairs at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
|
ESPHCA meeting |
In attendance |
Decisions |
Votes |
|
March 2006 |
Minister Seamus Brennan |
Council adopted a Regulation amending Regulation No. 1408/71 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons, self-employed persons and members of their families moving within the Community and Regulation 574/72 on the procedure for implementing Regulation No. 1408/71 (miscellaneous amendments 2004) |
Adopted unanimously |
|
Council reached a general approach on a draft regulation amending Regulation No. 1408/71 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons, self-employed persons and members of their families moving within the Community (miscellaneous amendments 2005) |
Agreed unanimously |
||
|
Council adopted the 2006 joint Commission and Council report on social protection and social inclusion |
Agreed unanimously |
||
|
Council endorsed the joint Social Protection Committee and Economic Policy Committee opinion on the Communication from the Commission, Working together, working better: a new framework for the open method of coordination of social protection and inclusion policies in the EU |
Endorsed unanimously |
||
|
June 2006 |
Minister Seamus Brennan |
Council reached a partial general approach on Titles I and II of a draft Regulation aimed at implementing Regulation No. 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems |
Agreed unanimously |
|
Council reached a partial general approach on a draft Regulation amending Regulation No. 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems and determining the content of Annex XI to that Regulation. |
Agreed unanimously |
||
|
Council endorsed a joint opinion of the Social Protection and Employment Committees on the review of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy |
Endorsed unanimously |
||
|
Council endorsed the joint contribution of the Social Protection and Employment Committees on flexicurity |
Endorsed unanimously |
132 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded the one parent family allowance. [19161/08]
The person concerned applied for a one-parent family payment on 3 April 2008. Her claim is currently with a Social Welfare Inspector for investigation of her circumstances. On completion of enquiries, a decision will be made as soon as possible and she will be notified of the outcome.
133 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which she has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees already paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks they were engaged for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19175/08]
The Department of Social and Family Affairs uses the services of the law officers of the State for its legal work and has not engaged any firms of solicitors or individual barristers on a contractual basis in the past 18 months.
134 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the appointments to bodies that were made by him since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18989/08]
139 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the appointments made by him between 2 April and 7 May 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19082/08]
140 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the appointments made by him between 26 February 2008 and 1 April 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19096/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 134, 139 and 140 together.
The following table provides details in relation to the appointment I have made to bodies that come within the ambit of my Department from 26 February 2008 to 7 May 2008, including details in relation to the town of residence of the appointee.
|
State Board |
Names of Persons so appointed |
Appointment date |
Town of residence of appointees |
|
Dormant Accounts Board |
Eimer O’Rourke |
14 April 2008 |
Dublin |
135 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when funding will be granted for a road (details supplied) in County Mayo. [19015/08]
An application for funding for the road referred to by the Deputy is currently being considered by my Department along with other applications under Scéim na mBóithre Áise 2008.
136 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the criteria used in relation to assessing roads in the Gaeltacht area for funding; the person who assesses the roads for inclusion for grant funding; and the way they are assessed. [19016/08]
137 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications received seeking funding for strategic roads in Gaeltacht areas in 2008; and the number of applications successful and the amount allocated on a county basis. [19017/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.
Applications under Scéim na mBóithre Áise (Gaeltacht Accommodation Roads Scheme) are assessed by officials of my Department and are approved for funding, having regard to the following criteria:
overall budget available;
necessity of work and value for money;
Irish language usage in the area;
geographical balance.
The objective of Scéim na mBóithre Straitéiseacha Gaeltachta (Gaeltacht Strategic Roads Scheme) is to ensure that the main road networks serving the Gaeltacht are of an acceptable standard. Roads chosen for inclusion under the scheme do not fall within the remit of the National Roads Authority and must be located in the Gaeltacht. At the beginning of each year, local authorities submit a costed works programme for the various Gaeltacht regions to my Department. These programmes are assessed by my officials, in consultation with officials from the local authorities as appropriate, and in line with criteria similar to that used for Scéim na mBóithre Áise.
In the period 2002-2007 over €51m has been provided by my Department for this scheme and a further allocation of €5.38m has recently been approved for 2008. A breakdown in regard to the amounts allocated on a county basis for 2008 is provided in the Table below.
In regard to County Mayo, I should clarify that it was agreed with Mayo County Council in 2007, at their request, that an increased allocation be approved for that year to enable the construction of a new bridge at Gob an Choire, Acaill, to proceed. As a result, a grant of €2m was approved to the Council in 2007 to cover the years 2007 and 2008.
|
County |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
Donegal |
1,500,000 |
|
Galway |
2,634,300 |
|
Kerry |
750,000 |
|
Cork |
300,000 |
|
Meath |
100,000 |
|
Waterford |
100,000 |
|
Total |
5,384,300 |
138 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at his Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19040/08]
The details requested by the Deputy are as follows:
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
Number of meetings attended by Ministers at this Department for each of the past three years |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
The number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
The number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
141 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which he has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees already paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks they were engaged for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19166/08]
The details requested by the Deputy are as follows:
|
Name of Solicitor or Barrister |
Purpose of Engagement |
Fees Already Paid |
Estimate of Fees Expected to be Paid* |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
A&L Goodbody |
Provision of guidance on governance and on the selection and recruitment of chief executives and other key personnel in the new unified structures. |
12,190 |
Nil (concluded) |
|
Arthur Cox Solicitors |
Professional advice in relation to the development of guidelines and model memoranda and articles of association for companies involved in the cohesion process, phases 1 and 2. |
76,678 |
Nil (concluded) |
|
Arthur Cox Solicitors & Oonagh Breen |
Review of Corporate Governance, phase 3. |
54,944 |
27,336 |
|
Mr. Alexander J. Owens, Senior Counsel |
Mr. Alexander Owens, S.C. chaired an Expert Group, established to examine and make recommendations on various legal issues relating to land access. |
25,894 |
Nil (concluded) |
*Fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks engaged for.
142 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the full extent of intended expenditure by his Department through the various schemes operated through urban, community based effort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19192/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department operates a range of schemes programmes and measures supporting the development of communities. The sources of funding for them are the Exchequer, the EU and the Dormant Accounts Fund and their operation and funding is being delivered in line with the current Programme for Government.
Details of these and my Department's intended expenditure in 2008 can be found on my Department's website www.pobail.ie and in the Revised Estimates Volume available on the Department of Finance website www.finance.gov.ie
143 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of local community based groups involved in the campaign in the fight against drugs or drug rehabilitation which he or his Department expect to fund in 2008 in both urban and rural areas, in the greater Dublin area and in the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19193/08]
144 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of drug rehabilitation programmes expected to be funded by his Department in County Kildare in 2008; the extent to which this compared with previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19194/08]
145 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of drug rehabilitation schemes expected to be funded by his Department throughout the country in 2008; the way this compares with previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19195/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 to 145, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the majority of expenditure allocated to community groups through my Department for drugs initiatives is channelled through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs). The areas covered by the Drugs Task Forces are detailed below. Projects are submitted through Drug Task Forces to the National Drugs Strategy Team who make recommendations to me on funding.
Over 440 Local Drugs Task Force (LDTF) projects, including those under the Emerging Needs Fund, are receiving funding from my Department. The 2008 allocation for such projects shows an increase of 9.5% over the amount spent in 2007. In the region of 170 of these projects focus on treatment and rehabilitation.
Across the ten Regional Drug Task Force (RDTF) areas, work is progressing on the implementation of their Action Plans with the level of expenditure expected to increase by over 40% this year. Expenditure in 2007 on the ten RDTF plans came to over €7m and the increased provision in 2008 will allow for the full year cost of the approx. 150 community projects already in progress and the start of roughly another 40 projects this year. In 2007, a total of 67 treatment and rehabilitation projects were approved for funding and this is expected to rise to around 90 in 2008.
In addition, as part of a €2m funding package announced earlier this year to support rehabilitation and to address cocaine use, an amount of €750,000 was earmarked for rehabilitation-focused projects. The funding will be allocated to suitable projects over the coming months.
The Deputy should also note that capital funding is available under the Premises Initiative which addresses the accommodation needs of community drugs projects in Task Force areas. Already this year, funding of nearly €4m was approved for 15 capital projects, a number of which focus on rehabilitation.
With regard to Co. Kildare, it is part of the South West Regional Drugs Task Force. A sum of €300,520 has been allocated to the Task Force for a Rehabilitation Mentor Service, which is aiming to get up and running this summer. The aim of this project is to assist recovering drug misusers to access services most appropriate to them over time. It also aims to develop and provide a one-to-one rehabilitation "mentor" service that will identify and facilitate a personal progression route for each individual. This will serve both Kildare and West Wicklow.
In 2007, the Community Drug Team for Kildare and West Wicklow was allocated funding and this funding will continue in 2008 in the amount of €340,112. The service will expand and complement existing treatment services along with family support and early responses to young people at the early stage of drug misuse.
Some of the other funding provided to that Drugs Task Force also provides benefit broadly across their region of operation, including Co. Kildare. In addition, a sum in the region of €170,000 has been made available to Teen Challenge, a rehabilitation project at Shechem House, Richardstown, Co. Kildare, arising from applications through the South Inner City LDTF in Dublin.
As regards capital funding, €22,354 was approved to Newbridge Family Resource Centre in June 2007 under the Premises Initiative. This is in respect of the purchase and installation of a semi-permanent structure for the Centre to provide a dedicated drop-in facility for "at risk" youth.
Local Drugs Task Force areas
Ballyfermot
Ballymun
Blanchardstown
Bray
Canal Communities
Clondalkin
Cork City
Dublin North East
Dublin 12
Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown
Finglas / Cabra
North Inner City
South Inner City
Tallaght
Regional Drugs Task Forces
East Coast Area RDTF — Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown and East Wicklow.
Northern Area RDTF — North Dublin City and Fingal.
South-Western Area RDTF — South Dublin City, South Dublin, Kildare and West Wicklow
Midland RDTF — Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois.
Mid-West RDTF — Clare, North Tipperary and Limerick.
North-Eastern RDTF — Monaghan, East Cavan, Meath and Louth.
North-Western RDTF — West Cavan, Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim.
Southern RDTF — Cork County and Kerry
South-Eastern RDTF — Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South and Waterford.
Western RDTF — Mayo, Roscommon and Galway.
146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if it is intended to extend the scope and the scale of CLÁR programmes operated by his Department; if the range of activity is in accordance with original expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19196/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 145 of 14th February 2008. The CLÁR Programme is a targeted investment programme for rural areas, which was launched in October 2001. My Department officials are in discussions with various Government Departments, State Agencies and other interested parties in relation to new measures on an ongoing basis. The development of CLÁR will be kept under review in this context.
147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications for grant aid received by his Department from voluntary or statutory groups throughout County Kildare for the provision, upgrading or development of community based facilities such as theatres or community halls to facilitate local productions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19197/08]
My Department received four applications for grant aid from voluntary organisations throughout County Kildare for the provision, upgrading or development of community-based facilities such as theatres, or community halls to facilitate local productions.
The applications were submitted under the Programme of Grants for Locally Based Community and Voluntary Organisations, in the years 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008.
Two applications were received in 2006, one in 2007, and one has been submitted to date during 2008.
148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if it is intended to extend the scope and scale of the RAPID programme operated by his Department; if the range of activity is in accordance with original expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19198/08]
The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within 46 designated RAPID areas nationally. As I have indicated to the House on a number of occasions, it is a matter for individual Departments to report progress under the RAPID programme.
I initiated the RAPID leverage schemes in 2004 in order to support small-scale projects identified locally by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by the relevant agencies and fund projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, community closed-circuit television, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds and multi-use games areas. These schemes are subject to ongoing review to ensure that they remain responsive to the demands of the RAPID communities. Where opportunities arise, the eligibility of individual schemes can be extended to reflect emerging needs identified by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas.
149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the full extent of his rural development programme in 2008 with particular reference to reductions or increases in expenditure under the various headings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19199/08]
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, axes 3 and 4 of which provide €425 million for LEADER type activities. This represents an allocation of almost treble the €150 million available for the 2000-2006 period. Although provision has been made for expenditure of €16 million across the full range of measures in 2008, the Programme will operate on a multi annual basis and expenditure of the full allocation will occur over the lifetime of the programme.
150 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will request the European Commission to publish a price series on retail wholesale processor and producer prices for each Member State on the Internet every three months in order to ensure more price transparency within the European pigmeat sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19131/08]
Producer prices in each Member State are collated by the Commission and are already in the public domain. Transparency in the area of producer prices is highly desirable and is an important tool in the management of the common organisation of the pigmeat market. Prices at later stages of the marketing chain do not have that same function and are dependent on many variable factors such as consumer preference, sales taxes, and the nature of the supply chain.
151 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an appeal of single farm payment entitlement by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18970/08]
The person named applied for consideration for an allocation under Category B of the 2005 National Reserve.
Category B catered 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 respect of B1 (purchase of land) and B2 (investment in suckler quota).
National Reserve entitlements in respect of purchased land can only be allocated on land that is declared on the 2005 Single Payment application and is free of entitlements. While the person named purchased 12.08 net hectares of land, there was only 6.31 hectares free of entitlements in 2005. Therefore the person named received the maximum allocation of 6.31 entitlements from the National Reserve.
With regard to the B2 elements the person named applied in respect of suckler quota acquired in 2001 and 2003. The person named received an allocation in respect of the suckler quota purchased in 2003. However, he did not receive an allocation in respect of the suckler quota acquired in 2001 as the documentation held by my Department indicates that this was a family transaction and not a purchase as required under the criteria for this category.
The person named subsequently submitted an appeal against my Department's decision. This appeal was forwarded to the Independent Single Payment Appeal Committee who have upheld my Department's decision.
152 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the appointments to bodies that were made by him since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18986/08]
161 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the appointments made by him between 2 April and 7 May 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19079/08]
162 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the appointments made by him between 26 February 2008 and 1 April 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19093/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152, 161 and 162 together.
The appointments made by my predecessor to bodies under the aegis of my Department during the period 26th February 2008 until 7th May 2008 are as follows:
|
Person Appointed |
Date Appointed |
Body to which appointed |
|
Dan Browne — Dawn Meats |
10 April 2008 |
Bord Bia (Board member & Chairperson) |
|
Joseph Hyland — Irish Country Meats |
10 April 2008 |
Bord Bia |
|
Vincent Cleary — Glenisk |
11 April 2008 |
Bord Bia |
|
Ray Carolan — Cavan |
11 April 2008 |
Bord Bia |
|
Paul Cusack — National Botanic Gardens |
28 April 2008 |
Bord Bia |
|
Mark Cagney — Broadcaster |
5 May 2008 |
Consumer Liaison Panel — Chairperson |
|
Kenny Jacobs — Nominated by Tesco |
5 May 2008 |
Consumer Liaison Panel |
|
Valarie Rice — Nominated by Superquinn |
5 May 2008 |
Consumer Liaison Panel |
|
Tara Buckley — Nominated by REDATA |
5 May 2008 |
Consumer Liaison Panel |
|
Gerry McCormack — Nominated by SIPTU |
5 May 2008 |
Consumer Liaison Panel |
|
Richard Donoghue — Nominated by Consumer Association of Ireland |
5 May 2008 |
Consumer Liaison Panel |
|
Carmel Dawson — Nominated by ICA |
5 May 2008 |
Consumer Liaison Panel |
|
Maeve Dineen — Kilkenny |
5 May 2008 |
Consumer Liaison Panel |
|
John McGrath — Dublin |
5 May 2008 |
Consumer Liaison Panel |
|
Mairin Ui Chomain — Galway |
5 May 2008 |
Consumer Liaison Panel |
|
Jackie Spillane — Wicklow |
5 May 2008 |
Consumer Liaison Panel |
|
Gary Brown — Dublin |
5 May 2008 |
Consumer Liaison Panel |
|
Andy Irving — Dept of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food |
5 May 2008 |
Consumer Liaison Panel |
153 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when approval for grant aid under the farm improvement scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [19003/08]
The person named is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Applications under this Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. The application concerned is, therefore, eligible for consideration and will be processed subject to funding still being available at that time.
154 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Galway, an applicant under the 40% farm grant scheme will receive approval; the circumstances of this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19004/08]
The person named is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Applications under this Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. The application concerned is, therefore, eligible for consideration and will be processed subject to funding still being available at that time.
155 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a payment of €35 per head on sheep to retain sheep farming in hill areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19019/08]
Premia payments for ewes ceased on the introduction of the Single Farm payment in 2005 and the re-introduction of a headage payment even in hill areas would not be easily achieved without consequences for the Single Farm Payment. My predecessor raised the difficulties in the sheep sector at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers last March. Commissioner Fisher Boel has indicated that the needs of the sector would be borne in mind in the CAP Health Check.
156 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will amend the three hectares of enclosed green land eligibility requirement in REP scheme four to read three hectares of farmland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19020/08]
One of the eligibility criteria for REPS 4 is that a farmer must be farming at least 3 hectares of owned or leased land, but the rule is not absolute. Other lands can be included to satisfy the three hectare requirement with the prior approval of my Department.
157 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will amend two voluntary supplementary measures in REP scheme four to include commonage as par to the 20 hectares for payment as otherwise those measures have no relevance in hill areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19021/08]
The environmental objectives of the Traditional Sustainable Grazing and the Mixed Grazing supplementary measures can be delivered only through a controlled grazing regime. It is possible to undertake these measures only on lands which are under the sole control of the farmer, which excludes commonage. Commonage land must be farmed to the farming conditions set out in the relevant Commonage Framework Plan and attracts an enhanced payment rate of €282 per hectare on up to 40 hectares in REPS 4. Subject to the separate conditions for the two supplementary measures, a farmer with both commonage and non-commonage land may apply for either measure on his or her non-commonage land, including designated non-commonage land.
158 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will remove the DED average requirement of the €6 million to special national reserve category for sheep farmers which would benefit hill farmers. [19022/08]
Category C of the 2007 National Reserve caters for sheep farmers for whom at least 40% of their Single Payment was derived from direct payments associated with sheep production (Ewe Premium/Rural Word Premium) during the reference period and where their existing Single Payment is less than €10,000.
This is a non-mandatory category. The EU Regulations provide that in allocating entitlements to successful applicants in the non-mandatory categories, the Member State must ensure that the allocation does not have the effect of increasing the value of any existing entitlements above the regional average value of entitlements. Similarly, the value of any new entitlements allocated to non-mandatory categories must not exceed the regional average. The Member State was allowed to determine what constituted the regional average.
At the commencement of the Single Payment Scheme a Single Payment Advisory Committee was established comprising representatives of the farming organisations, Teagasc and officials from my Department to assist in considering the most appropriate way of establishing the regional average value of entitlements. Having considered the Committee's views, it was decided that the regional average value of entitlements would be the average value of entitlements in the District Electoral Division (DED) associated with the applicant's herdnumber. This was considered to be a reasonable interpretation reflecting, as it did, the average value of payment entitlements and therefore the average farming activity in the DED concerned during the reference period.
My Department is seeking more flexibility for Member States in determining both the category of farmer who should benefit from the National Reserve and the most appropriate level of allocation to successful applicants. This matter will be pursued in the context of the Health Check of the CAP.
159 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at his Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19037/08]
The information requested is contained in the following schedule.
|
Council Date |
Number of Decisions |
A Points |
|
10 May 2005 (Informal) |
— |
— |
|
30/31 May 2005 |
1 × Political Agreement 1 × Vote |
14 |
|
20/21 June 2005 |
1 × Political agreement |
20 |
|
18 July 2005 |
— |
19 |
|
11 September 2005 (Informal) |
— |
— |
|
19 September 2005 |
— |
42 |
|
24/25 October 2005 |
2 × Political agreement |
13 |
|
22/24 November 2005 |
— |
9 |
|
20 December 2005 |
2 × Vote 1 × Political agreement |
52 |
|
23 January 2006 |
— |
24 |
|
20 February 2006 |
2 × Vote |
15 |
|
20 March 2006 |
2 × Vote |
2 |
|
25 April 2006 |
1 × Vote |
21 |
|
22 May 2006 |
— |
15 |
|
28/30 May 2006 (Informal) |
— |
— |
|
19 June 2006 |
1 × Vote |
11 |
|
18 July 2006 |
— |
9 |
|
18 September 2006 |
— |
13 |
|
25 September 2006 (Informal) |
— |
— |
|
24/25 October 2006 |
— |
8 |
|
20 November 2006 |
— |
21 |
|
19/20 December 2006 |
1 × Vote |
68 |
|
21 January 2007 |
1 × Political agreement |
7 |
|
February 2007 |
No Council |
— |
|
19/20 March 2007 |
— |
25 |
|
16 April 2007 |
— |
26 |
|
7/8 May 2007 |
1 × Political agreement |
23 |
|
11/12 June 2007 |
3 × Political agreement |
14 |
|
16 July 2007 |
— |
12 |
|
26 September 2007 |
1 × Political agreement |
22 |
|
18 September 2007 (Informal) |
— |
— |
|
22/23 October 2007 |
2 × Political agreement 1 × Vote |
18 |
|
26/27 November 2007 |
1 × Political agreement |
12 |
|
17 December 2007 |
3 × Political agreement 3 × Vote |
20 |
|
21 January 2008 |
1 × Political Agreement |
19 |
|
18 February 2008 |
— |
9 |
|
17 March 2008 |
1 × Vote |
26 |
|
14 April 2008 |
— |
17 |
Ireland did not vote against any of the proposals adopted.
160 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there is a prohibition on the slaughter or sale of dog meat and cat meat here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19071/08]
Regulation (EC) 853 of 2004 lays down specific rules on the hygiene of food of animal origin for food business operators. Annex I to Regulation (EC) 853/2004 defines meat as the edible parts of a specified list of animals. This list does not include canine or feline animals, and the slaughter of such animals for consumption by humans and the sale of such meat is therefore unlawful in the EU. Regulation (EC) 1774 of 2002 provides that animal by-products derived from pet animals are designated as Category 1 animal by-products and as a consequence they can not be used as raw material in the production of petfood.
163 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19141/08]
The dunes at Burrow Beach, Burrow Road, Sutton, Co. Dublin are owned by Fingal County Council and responsibility for their maintenance and development is a matter for the Local Authority in the first instance. However, I am pleased to announce that under my Department's 2008 Coastal Protection Programme, grant aid of €50,000 has been allocated towards the protection of the Dunes at Burrow Beach. All applications were decided based on Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
164 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 366 of 8 May 2008, the reason for the delay in payments under the farm improvement scheme from offices (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19145/08]
The issues that had delayed processing of schemes in these offices have been resolved and payments will commence shortly.
165 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if an application under the 2007 national reserve for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been successful. [19160/08]
The person named has submitted an application for consideration of an allocation under Category C of the 2007 National Reserve which caters for sheep farmers for whom at least 40% of their Single Payment was derived from direct payments associated with sheep production (Ewe Premium/Rural Word Premium) during the reference period and where their existing Single Payment is less than €10,000.
As category C of the 2007 National Reserve is a non-mandatory category, the EU Regulations provide that in allocating entitlements to successful applicants, the Member State must ensure that the allocation does not have the effect of increasing the value of any existing entitlements above the regional average value of entitlements. Similarly, the value of any new entitlements allocated to non-mandatory categories must not exceed the regional average. The Member State was allowed to determine what constituted the regional average. In Ireland the regional average value of entitlements is the average value of entitlements in the District Electoral Division (DED) associated with the applicant's herd number.
The person named qualifies under the criteria laid out for Category C and has now received an allocation that has brought up the value of his entitlements to the DED average value associated with his herd number. A letter outlining the allocation and relevant payment will issue shortly.
The person concerned was also successful under a measure for sheep farmers with commonage land which formed part of the 2005 National Reserve.
166 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which he has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees already paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks they were engaged for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19163/08]
In the past 18 months, the services of the following firms or barristers have been retained by my Department.
|
Solicitors |
Engagement Purpose |
Fees/Estimate |
|
Arthur Cox |
Advice and drafting in relation to environmental, ecological and EU Law |
€42,029.46 for the period 29.01.08 to 31.03.08 ongoing |
|
Philip Lee, Solicitors |
Advice on Public Procurement |
€7,708.31 |
|
Baristers |
Engagement Purpose |
Fees/Estimate |
|
Eanna Mulloy, SC |
(Forestry Division) Prosecution of offences under the Forestry Acts |
€23,050.50 |
|
Donnchadh McCarthy, BL |
(Personnel Division) Labour Relations Commission Appearance |
Estimated at €1000 approx. |
|
Donnchadh McCarthy, BL |
(Personnel Division) Employment Contract advice and drafting |
€726 |
|
Una Tighe, BL |
(Fisheries Division) Drafting |
€11,192 |
|
Margaret O’Driscoll, BL |
(Fisheries Division) Legal advice in relation to implementation of legislation |
€10,738 |
All above figures are inclusive of VAT.
167 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of education welfare officers employed to monitor school attendance in south Dublin City; the name of the schools in which they are employed; the number of EWOs in each of these schools and their typical job description; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18978/08]
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
The Board operates through 5 regional teams, with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. A service is provided from 26 locations nationwide. Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) are appointed and deployed throughout the country to discharge the Board's functions locally. EWOs employ a welfare oriented approach in the interests of the children and young people who do not attend school regularly, working collaboratively with schools and other agencies in meeting the needs of the children and the young people concerned.
I have been informed by the Board that it prioritises its resources to support the most disadvantaged areas and schools participating in DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion. EWOs provide an intensive service in these areas. Outside of these areas, priority is given to children who are out of school or have significant difficulties with school attendance.
EWOs play a pivotal role in implementing the service provided by the NEWB through monitoring school attendance and working to improve it. The EWO delivers the key front-line services of the National Educational Welfare Board, as detailed in the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, assisting schools, students and parents to comply with their legal obligations under the direction of the Board and its management.
In addition to case work on referrals from schools EWOs also provide assistance and advice to parents whose children experience school attendance difficulties by arranging for continuation of education through alternative placement or assisting with application for home tuition. They also work closely with schools offering advice and assistance on developing policies to encourage children to attend school regularly. At both school and community level EWOs work in co-operation with other agencies to integrate delivery of services to schools, families and children. Furthermore EWOs also handle queries relating to The Educational (Welfare) Act, 2000, and school attendance issues in general. Where required the EWO has responsibility to initiate legal proceedings under the Act to safeguard the educational welfare of a child.
In relation to the deputy's specific question I am informed that there are currently 8 EWOs assigned to the Dublin South area. This covers 273 schools in the South Dublin City & County. One additional post has been designated for this area from the start of the next school year bringing the total to 9. Dublin South is part of the Dublin Region of the NEWB where there are 3 Senior EWOs, 2 of whom have responsibility for Dublin South and 1 Regional Manager who has overall responsibility for the full Dublin Region.
It should, however, be remembered that the Board is just one aspect of the comprehensive framework that this Government has put in place to improve school attendance and encourage more young people to finish school. In this regard, extra supports targeted at young people in disadvantaged areas include both educational initiatives such as intensive literacy programmes and services such as breakfast clubs and homework clubs.
In fact, in addition to the NEWB, there are currently in excess of 620 staff within the education sector with a role in school attendance. Home School Community Liaison Coordinators (HSCL) through their work with parents, promote school attendance and its importance for success in school. School attendance is a central objective of School Completion Programme (SCP) with attendance tracking a core feature and one of its preventative strategies. Access to these services is available to all schools participating in DEIS the Action Plan for tackling educational disadvantage.
Work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together in collaboration. This approach aims to develop the delivery of services in a cohesive way and ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed.
168 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give approval for the extension of a bus route to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal by 1.5 miles in order that the children of Churchill can access their closest Gaeltacht school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18979/08]
Bus Éireann operates the school transport services on behalf of my Department.
Bus routes are planned in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, eligible pupils have a reasonable level of service, while, at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in an efficient and effective manner. My Department has requested Bus Éireann to investigate the background to the case, referred to in the details supplied, and to respond directly to the Deputy.
169 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the overcrowded conditions at a school (details supplied) in County Galway, the efforts being made by the board of management, the teachers and parents in this school to have a new school built, the exorbitant cost of the two prefabs on the site which are costing over €90,000 for the school year 2008, that the prefabs will cost over €20,000 in rent each year thereafter, and that due to the lack of accommodation another two prefabs will have to be made available at a similar cost; when he proposes to have the new school commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18982/08]
An application from the school referred to by the Deputy for a large scale building project has been assessed in accordance with my Department's published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects.
Following on from a technical visit by officials of my Department the Patron has confirmed the availability of additional lands for a new school building. Further progression of this proposed project will be considered in the context of my Department's multi annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
170 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the appointments to bodies that were made by him since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18991/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled and will be sent to him shortly.
171 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve funding for the replacement of prefabs in a national school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [19001/08]
A grant was sanctioned in March 2006 to enable the management authority of the school in question to extend and modernise their school.
The scheme allows Boards of Management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives them control of the building project. The Board of Management submitted an appeal for additional funding to cover extra costs regarding the installation of a waste water treatment system which was successful.
I understand that construction will be starting shortly and the initial portion of the grant will then be paid to the school.
172 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of a project (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [19030/08]
The proposed project for the schools in question is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The further progression of the project will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
173 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the ongoing academic success of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 2, he will guarantee that the school has a future on this site. [19036/08]
The position generally is that decisions in relation to the future of a school are in the first instance a matter for the Patron and Trustees of the school concerned. The long-term future of the school in question will be dependent on its enrolment trends and the demographics and overall school planning provision in the area. My Department will continue to keep an overview of trends in the area.
174 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at his Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19042/08]
I regret that it was not possible to fully collate the information which the Deputy has requested in the time available. I will respond directly to the Deputy as soon as the information is ready.
175 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made with regard to the provision of a new second level vocational educational committee college for Doon, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19052/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy is one of 27 new schools to be provided under my Departments PPP Programme. The First Bundle consisting of four post-primary schools — two in Co. Laois and two in Co. Offaly — are in procurement and are likely, subject to the successful completion of the Local Authority Planning process, to go to construction this year. The Second Bundle, consisting of six schools — 5 post primary and 1 primary school in Counties Cork, Limerick, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow — have completed pre-procurement and will be offered to the market shortly.
I intend to announce further PPP project bundles during the year and the school referred to by the Deputy is being considered in this context.
176 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a decision on the application by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 for the necessary and urgent extension and refurbishment of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19059/08]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers have applied for large scale capital funding. The applications have been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Progress on individual projects will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.
177 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the appointments made by him between 2 April and 7 May 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19084/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled and will be sent to him shortly.
178 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the appointments made by him between 26 February 2008 and 1 April 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19098/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled and will be sent to him shortly.
179 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a special needs assistant or classroom assistant will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo as recommended in the National Educational and Psychological Service report from February 2007. [19143/08]
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. 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.
I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
180 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the acquisition of a site for a new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [19155/08]
The Deputy will be aware that a suitable site has been identified for the school in question. The site comprises of three plots of land with three separate vendors. My Department is continuing to progress any outstanding issues in consultation with the CSSO.
181 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which he has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees already paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks they were engaged for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19168/08]
The following firms of solicitors have been engaged to provide legal services:
1. J.D Scanlon & Company solicitors, The Bridge Centre, O'Connor Square, Tullamore. Engaged in April 2007 to assist in the purchase of a site for Scoil Oilibhéir Naofa, Laytown, Bettystown, Co. Meath. Fees of €12,348.28 (subject to with-holding tax) paid in May 2007.
Following a tendering process, this firm has also been engaged to deal with the legalities associated with the procurement of school sites for rapidly developing areas. To date a fee of €5,461.25 (subject to with-holding tax) has been paid.
2. Farrell & Partners Solicitors, O'Connor Square,Tullamore. Engaged in May 2007 to handle the purchase of a site at Rochestown, Co. Cork. No fees paid to date but expected to be in the region of €5,950.00. Counsel has been retained to assist in drafting work. The fee was €2500 approximately.
182 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary and post primary schools from north Tipperary that had applied for the summer works scheme before it was abolished; the names of all the schools in this category and the works they applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19178/08]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to applications submitted for the 2008 Summer Works Scheme. The applications submitted range from relatively minor upgrades to substantial infrastructural works. Examples include roof works, window replacement, paths/kerbstones/fencing replacement, boiler replacement and toilet refurbishment.
The number of applications made by primary and post primary schools in north Tipperary is 40. A list of the applicant schools is given in the following tabular statement.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Summer Works Scheme was introduced in 2004. Since then, over 3,000 projects costing in excess of €300 million have been completed. With so many smaller projects having been completed over the past few years, my Department is focusing on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008. Accordingly, it is not proposed to approve projects under the Summer Works Scheme for 2008. However, it is intended to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009.
|
Tipperary NR |
||
|---|---|---|
|
School |
||
|
Primary |
||
|
1. |
02428B |
Lackamore NS |
|
2. |
12124K |
Rearcross NS |
|
3. |
13867P |
St Cronan’s NS |
|
4. |
13991Q |
Birdhill NS |
|
5. |
15778D |
St Mary’s No 2 NS |
|
6. |
16211C |
Two Mile Borris NS |
|
7. |
16979S |
St Colmcille’s Primary School |
|
8. |
17237C |
Kilbarron NS |
|
9. |
17512V |
St Flannan’s NS |
|
10. |
17543J |
St Michael’s NS |
|
11. |
17620B |
Rossmore NS |
|
12. |
17634M |
Scoil Ailbhe |
|
13. |
17653Q |
Castle Iny NS |
|
14. |
17703F |
Ardcroney NS |
|
15. |
17731K |
St. Josephs NS |
|
16. |
17940T |
Newport NS |
|
17. |
18087O |
SN Odhrain Naofa |
|
18. |
18135W |
Scoil Angela |
|
19. |
18285S |
Kilcommin NS |
|
20. |
18345K |
Corville NS |
|
21. |
18350D |
Inch NS |
|
22. |
18396E |
Rahealty NS |
|
23. |
18465U |
St Joseph’s NS |
|
24. |
18557C |
Templederry NS |
|
25. |
18559G |
SN Cill na Naomh |
|
26. |
19640R |
Scoil Mhuire |
|
27. |
19677R |
Upperchurch NS |
|
28. |
19874T |
Scoil Mhuire |
|
29. |
19879G |
St Patrick’s Jnr NS |
|
Post-Primary |
||
|
30. |
65370B |
St Joseph’s CBS |
|
31. |
65380E |
St Mary’s SS |
|
32. |
65450W |
CBS Thurles |
|
33. |
65410K |
Cistercian College |
|
34. |
65460C |
Presentation SS |
|
35. |
65470F |
Ursuline SS |
|
36. |
72370P |
Borrisokane CC |
|
37. |
72450N |
St Joseph’s College |
|
38. |
72470T |
St Sheelans College |
|
39. |
72490C |
Thurles VS |
|
40. |
76069P |
Roscrea CC |
183 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when, with regard to the application by Waterford Institute of Technology for designation as a university and the publication of the Port Report, he will make a decision as to the status of WIT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19184/08]
To date applications have been received to invoke Section 9 of the Universities Act, 1997 from Waterford Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology. These applications raise significant issues regarding Government policy towards higher education, in particular the existing roles of the Universities and Institutes of Technology which have distinctive missions from each other, provide different levels and types of academic programmes, fulfil different roles in the community and have separate academic and governance structures.
I will be reviewing the appropriate next steps in relation to these applications and would intend to present proposals to Government in this regard.
184 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the appointments to bodies that were made by him since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18990/08]
186 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the appointments made by him between 2 April and 7 May 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19083/08]
187 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the appointments made by him between 26 February 2008 and 1 April 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19097/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 184, 186 and 187 together.
In response to the Deputy's questions I wish to state that since 26 February 2008 a total of two Directors have been appointed by me to the Board of Coiste an Asgard. Mr. Noel Ryan and Mr. Joe McPeake were both appointed on 18 April 2008. The Directors reside in Caherconlish, Co. Limerick and Hollystown, Dublin 15 respectively.
Mr. Sean Nolan was re-appointed as Complaints Inquiry Officer for the Defence Forces with effect from 1 April 2008. Mr. Nolan resides in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.
185 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at his Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19041/08]
The Deputy will be aware that there is no EU Defence Ministers Council. However, twice a year — once during each presidency — the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC), which comprises Ministers for Foreign Affairs, meets with Defence Ministers in attendance.
|
Year |
Number of Council meetings attended by Minister in the Department of Defence |
|
2006 |
2 |
|
2007 |
1 |
|
2008 |
0 |
Attendance at GAERC meetings is set out in tabular form above. On my behalf, Minister of State Kitt attended one of these meeting in November 2006. I plan to attend the GAERC scheduled to take place in Brussels on Monday the 26th May 2008. Consolidated details of decisions taken at the GAERC's will be given by my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs in reply to PQ 19046/08.
188 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which he has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees already paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks they were engaged for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19167/08]
My Department engaged the services of McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors on 20 April 2007 to provide legal drafting, research and advice services specifically in relation to the drafting of new Rules of Procedure and Court-Martial Rules, following on from the enactment of the Defence (Amendment) Act 2007. A total of €43,741.50, including VAT, was paid to McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors on 12 March 2008 in respect of work completed since 20 April 2007. A further sum in the region of €16,200, including VAT, will be paid when work on the drafting of the new Rules of Procedure and Court-Martial Rules is completed.
The Chief State Solicitor's Office/Attorney General's Office and the State Claims Agency provide legal services on civil claims. These bodies engage the necessary barristers (and/or firms of solicitors in the case of the State Claims Agency).
189 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda vehicle capacity to store impounded cars with a breakdown of such storage capacity in each Garda division; the number of vehicles impounded in each by the Gardaí from 2000 to date in 2008 with a breakdown of the cars impounded which were nationally registered or which were non-national; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18969/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the capacity to store impounded vehicles in each Garda Division is dependent on a number of factors including the size of the car park contiguous to each Garda Station and the car parking requirements for the number of official vehicles and members allocated to each Garda Station. Given the fluidity of these factors it is not possible to give a definitive storage capacity for each Garda Division for the period from 2000 to date in 2008.
To ensure that each Garda Division has the storage capacity for impounded vehicles to match operational requirements, a pilot project to outsource the towing, storage and, if necessary, disposal of impounded vehicles was undertaken in Cork city. Following the completion of the pilot in Cork city and its successful evaluation, it is proposed to extend this type of arrangement to Limerick and Galway following completion of a public tendering process.
The tables hereunder provide a breakdown of vehicles impounded by Garda Division from 2002 to date in 2008. The figures for 2000 are not available and a different counting system was used for 2001 and accordingly it is not possible to provide comparable figures for that year.
|
Division |
Irish Registered |
Non-Irish Registered |
|
Mayo |
30 |
2 |
|
Clare |
118 |
7 |
|
Kerry |
95 |
6 |
|
Donegal |
42 |
9 |
|
Limerick |
1,039 |
79 |
|
Cork City |
237 |
15 |
|
Cork West |
26 |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
93 |
5 |
|
Cork North |
97 |
4 |
|
Galway West |
183 |
23 |
|
Louth/Meath |
116 |
29 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
100 |
5 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
65 |
11 |
|
Carlow/Kildare |
223 |
17 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
136 |
31 |
|
DMR East |
363 |
45 |
|
DMR West |
2,093 |
160 |
|
DMR North |
1,207 |
106 |
|
DMR South |
766 |
71 |
|
Wexford/Wicklow |
176 |
25 |
|
Longford/Westmeath |
165 |
23 |
|
Waterford/Kilkenny |
206 |
17 |
|
DMR North Central |
3,333 |
337 |
|
DMR South Central |
956 |
79 |
|
Roscommon/Galway |
83 |
17 |
|
Total |
11,948 |
1,125 |
190 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the length of time it is taking to process applications for family reunification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18983/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that family reunification applications are currently taking approximately 24 months to process.
191 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make arrangements whereby the spouse of an Irish national who applies for citizenship will be recognised as having fulfilled the period of residence requirement in respect of time while their Irish spouse was posted in an international public service organisation such as the UN, EU and so on. [18985/08]
Section 9 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 2004 Act allows applications for naturalisation to be made by persons who are married to Irish citizens who are serving in the public service outside of Ireland. For the purpose of this Act, public service is defined as "employment in the service of the Government, whether or not in the civil service, or in the service of any public corporation or authority maintained wholly or partly out of public funds or in respect of which a Minister of State is responsible."
This provision is chiefly intended to cover persons working abroad in the service of the State as a direct employee, for example embassy staff, or in a State body. While any case would need to be looked at with regard to its circumstances, this provision would not appear to cover the cases referred to by the Deputy.
Expanding the categories of eligible service would require amending legislation and there are no immediate plans to introduce such a measure. However, it is intended to review current citizenship legislation generally and I will consider the issue raised by the Deputy as part of the process.
192 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the appointments to bodies that were made by him since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18997/08]
199 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the persons appointed as peace commissioners between 26 February 2008 and 1 April 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19077/08]
200 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the persons appointed as peace commissioners between 2 April 2008 and 7 May 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19078/08]
201 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the appointments made by him between 2 April and 7 May 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19090/08]
202 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the appointments made by him between 26 February 2008 and 1 April 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19104/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 199 to 202, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputies is being compiled at present and will be forwarded as soon as it is available.
193 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the request of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare will be considered in relation to the educational needs of their son; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19034/08]
I am informed by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that the person referred to by the Deputy is serving a two and a half year sentence in the Midlands Prison for burglary.
While it is not my intention to authorise a transfer to an open centre for the prisoner at this time, the Midlands Prison has an extensive modern educational facility which is open to all prisoners. Any prisoner interested in exploring the various options available should make their interest known to a member of staff. Shelton Abbey has a far smaller education facility, albeit with an excellent teaching staff.
194 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at his Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19048/08]
The vast majority of European Union proposals which fall within the remit of my Department are dealt with by the Justice and Home Affairs Council. Details of attendance by Ministers at meetings of that Council for the years 2006 to 2008 are as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Councils Attended |
|
2006 |
3 |
|
2007 |
2 |
|
2008 |
2 |
Ministers dealt with a very large number of items at the relevant Justice and Home Affairs Councils. I believe that, having regard to the resources available to my Department, it would require an inordinate amount of time to determine the precise number of such items and to, in turn, examine each one.
With regard to voting, the position is that many of the dossiers handled by the Justice and Home Affairs Council are determined on the basis of unanimity. Where other voting arrangements operate, Ireland's consistent national approach at EU level is to articulate our concerns, seek support from partners and the EU institutions for them and advance our national interests through the process of negotiation. This approach has proved to be very successful.
195 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to expedite an application for permission to remain in the State based on family dependency by persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the information recently requested by his Department on 2 May 2008 has been submitted by registered post on the 8 January 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19054/08]
The registered postal items referred to by the Deputy were received in my Department on 9th January, 2008. However, as the documentation submitted was not sufficient an additional request was issued on 2nd May, 2008.
The first person concerned is required to submit proof of residency in the State from 2003 until August 2007 and two passport size photographs. The second person concerned is required to submit proof of residency in the State from 2003 to September 2006 and also from June 2007 to the present day. On receipt of the requested documentation the applications will be considered further.
196 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to provide a much needed new Garda station to accommodate Garda personnel together with all the attendant facilities in Athlone, County Westmeath; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is an urgency regarding the provision of this necessary accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19055/08]
The detailed allocation of Garda resources, including accommodation, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide in accordance with his identified operational requirements. The Garda accommodation programme is based on agreed priorities established by An Garda Síochána and it is brought forward in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
The provision of a new station in Athlone is a priority project in the Garda building programme. I am informed that the OPW is in the process of examining the options, including the existing site, for a new District Headquarters station in Athlone.
197 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason persons (details supplied) have not been granted a three month visa to travel to Ireland to be with their family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19056/08]
The applications referred to by the Deputy were lodged in the Visa Office, Beijing on 11 April, 2008. They were refused on 2 May, 2008 as the Visa Officer was not satisfied with the financial evidence shown and the applicant's obligations to return home were deemed insufficient. It was also noted that one of the applicants has a previous visa refusal. He was refused a Join Spouse Visa as his wife in Ireland was unable to provide evidence that she was in a position to support her husband and son without recourse to public funds.
It is open to the applicants to appeal against the refusal of the visas. Full details of how to lodge an appeal through the Visa Office in Beijing can be found on www.embassyofireland.cn
198 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposed changes in policing due to commence in County Louth and east Meath in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19068/08]
In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Acts 2005 to 2007 proposals, inter alia, to alter the boundaries of a divisional geographical area are a matter in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plan. The 2008 Policing Plan contains the Commissioner's proposals to realign Garda boundaries in a number of areas around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. This includes the separation of the existing Louth/Meath Division into two new Garda Divisions of Louth and Meath with Drogheda and Navan as the respective Divisional Headquarters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that a detailed programme of work is currently being developed to implement these planned changes and includes plans for the distribution of personnel resources to the new Divisions.
The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account and the needs of the Louth and Meath Divisions will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of all Garda Divisions throughout the country.
Questions Nos. 199 to 202, inclusive, answered with Question No. 192.
203 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which he has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks they were engaged for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19174/08]
I can inform the Deputy that my Department's legal representation/advice is in the normal course of events arranged and paid for through the Offices of the Chief State Solicitor and Attorney General, or provided directly by the staff of those Offices. In a small number of instances lawyers are engaged directly to carry out tasks not within the ordinary ambit of legal representation. Since January, 2007 the following engagements have been made under this heading:
|
Name of Solicitor/Barrister |
Purpose of engagement |
Fees paid in total/ to date |
|
€ |
||
|
Mr Patrick Gageby, SC |
To conduct an independent review of the Garda Síochána papers and any other available relevant material relating to the Garda Síochána handling of the discovery of a female infant near George’s Street Upper, Dun Laoghaire, on 4 April, 1973. |
60,500 |
|
Mr John Gallagher, SC |
To carry out an independent examination of the case made by the Stardust Victims Committee for a new inquiry |
211,750 |
|
Ms Mairead Coghlan, BL |
To assist Mr Gallagher, SC in the above examination |
75,625 |
|
Ms Margaret O’ Driscoll, BL |
To draft the smuggling of persons provisions of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008. |
7,108.75 |
204 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 585 of 12 February 2008, the country of origin of each person granted subsidiary protection either prior to or since that date; and if he will make a statement on the basis of the decision to grant the application in each case. [19185/08]
I would refer the Deputy to the Reply I gave to his Dáil Question No. 491 of Tuesday 13 May 2008. The information requested remains as set out in that Reply.
205 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide details of the drug seizures recorded in 2000 and in 2007 in Dublin and nationwide distinguishing the volume of each drug and its estimated street value. [19186/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that in the timeframe available it has not been possible for them to supply the details requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
206 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí assigned to Dublin Garda districts and to Garda districts in the rest of the country; the number of Gardaí who are in centralised operations not directly attached to Garda districts at the end of 2000 and at the end of 2007. [19187/08]
The personnel strength of each Garda District as of 31 March 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is as set out in the following table:
|
District |
31 December 2000 |
31 March 2008 |
|
Dublin Metropolitan Region |
||
|
Pearse Street |
305 |
351 |
|
Kevin Street |
213 |
224 |
|
Donnybrook |
179 |
191 |
|
Crumlin |
140 |
188 |
|
Rathfarnham / Tallaght* |
222 |
260 |
|
Rathmines |
146 |
176 |
|
Santry |
240 |
262 |
|
Coolock |
185 |
241 |
|
Raheny |
156 |
183 |
|
Balbriggan |
55 |
76 |
|
Blanchardstown |
277 |
357 |
|
Lucan |
153 |
200 |
|
Ballyfermot / Clondalkin* |
159 |
214 |
|
Store Street |
233 |
294 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
188 |
221 |
|
Bridewell |
167 |
177 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
215 |
208 |
|
Bray |
164 |
212 |
|
Blackrock |
170 |
195 |
|
Districts outside the Dublin Metropolitan Region |
||
|
Drogheda |
107 |
120 |
|
Ashbourne |
71 |
88 |
|
Dundalk |
147 |
148 |
|
Kells |
46 |
58 |
|
Trim |
48 |
51 |
|
Navan |
64 |
76 |
|
Mullingar |
90 |
124 |
|
Athlone |
61 |
84 |
|
Longford |
50 |
72 |
|
Granard |
40 |
43 |
|
Portlaoise |
124 |
131 |
|
Abbeyleix |
36 |
45 |
|
Birr |
47 |
47 |
|
Tullamore |
67 |
92 |
|
Naas |
110 |
150 |
|
Kildare |
65 |
84 |
|
Carlow |
74 |
106 |
|
Baltinglass |
54 |
68 |
|
Wexford |
81 |
104 |
|
Gorey |
69 |
92 |
|
Enniscorthy |
41 |
50 |
|
New Ross |
42 |
52 |
|
Wicklow |
55 |
71 |
|
Waterford |
138 |
175 |
|
Dungarvan |
48 |
60 |
|
Tramore |
37 |
47 |
|
Kilkenny |
75 |
103 |
|
Thomastown |
34 |
44 |
|
Thurles |
73 |
83 |
|
Clonmel |
66 |
74 |
|
Cahir |
40 |
58 |
|
Nenagh |
43 |
46 |
|
Templemore |
51 |
59 |
|
Tipperary Town |
40 |
40 |
|
Anglesea Street |
285 |
336 |
|
Togher |
124 |
127 |
|
Mayfield |
107 |
104 |
|
Gurranabrahar |
82 |
91 |
|
Cobh |
54 |
60 |
|
Fermoy |
74 |
88 |
|
Mallow |
51 |
66 |
|
Midleton |
65 |
79 |
|
Bandon |
77 |
109 |
|
Bantry |
43 |
48 |
|
Clonakilty |
42 |
50 |
|
Macroom |
37 |
48 |
|
Kanturk |
38 |
46 |
|
Tralee |
99 |
131 |
|
Caherciveen |
41 |
46 |
|
Killarney |
63 |
91 |
|
Listowel |
48 |
59 |
|
Henry Street |
213 |
338 |
|
Roxboro Road |
96 |
136 |
|
Askeaton |
40 |
40 |
|
Bruff |
40 |
41 |
|
Newcastle West |
46 |
46 |
|
Ennis |
133 |
205 |
|
Kilrush |
34 |
38 |
|
Killaloe |
36 |
46 |
|
Ennistymon |
32 |
33 |
|
Galway |
179 |
243 |
|
Clifden |
23 |
31 |
|
Loughrea |
37 |
49 |
|
Salthill |
65 |
67 |
|
Gort |
30 |
37 |
|
Roscommon |
65 |
82 |
|
Ballinasloe |
55 |
57 |
|
Boyle |
37 |
39 |
|
Castlerea |
40 |
45 |
|
Tuam |
56 |
65 |
|
Castlebar |
67 |
87 |
|
Ballina |
45 |
62 |
|
Belmullet |
24 |
29 |
|
Claremorris |
43 |
47 |
|
Swinford |
44 |
51 |
|
Westport |
35 |
40 |
|
Sligo |
129 |
161 |
|
Ballymote |
31 |
35 |
|
Carrick-On-Shannon |
40 |
57 |
|
Manorhamilton |
65 |
50 |
|
Letterkenny |
166 |
188 |
|
Buncrana |
79 |
90 |
|
Milford |
42 |
52 |
|
Glenties |
45 |
55 |
|
Ballyshannon |
102 |
94 |
|
Monaghan |
157 |
132 |
|
Carrickmacross |
72 |
86 |
|
Cavan |
57 |
84 |
|
Ballieboro |
46 |
69 |
|
Ballyconnell |
50 |
38 |
|
Total |
9,727 |
11,699 |
*Clondalkin and Tallaght were not district headquarters until after 2000 and therefore the figures shown for 2000 are for the then District headquarters of Ballyfermot and Rathfarnham respectively.
I have requested the information on Centralised Units at National, Regional and Divisional level from the Commissioner, and as soon as this information is to hand I will forward it to the Deputy directly.
207 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19204/08]
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 April 2008. I have been advised by officials in that Section that there was an error on the original application form and it was returned to the person in question on 18 April 2008 so that it could be amended. An amended application form has not been received by my Department to date.
208 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19205/08]
The person concerned applied on 1 April, 2005 for permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1 January, 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 Scheme. This application was refused, as the person in question did not meet the criteria of the scheme. On 8 May, 2008 the person concerned was invited to submit updated representations to my Department under Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999. Any representations received will be considered in due course.
209 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a Garda National Immigration Bureau renewal card will issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19206/08]
On 28/12/2005 the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State for a period of two years based on humanitarian grounds. This permission to remain has been renewed for a further three years until 28/12/2010.
210 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status, current or expected in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19207/08]
The first named person concerned arrived in the State on 1 October 2002 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 9 September 2003, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
The second named person and her child arrived in the State on 5 October 2004 and applied for asylum. The application was refused following consideration of the 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), the (second named) person concerned was informed, by letter dated 30 November 2007, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of her and her child. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her child should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The (second named) person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the (second named) person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the (second named) person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the (second named) person concerned is passed to me for decision.
211 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19208/08]
The applicant applied for asylum on 30 March, 2000. Her application was refused and a Deportation Order was made in respect of her on 28 October, 2003. The applicant instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 1 March, 2004 challenging the Deportation Order made in respect of her and accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.
212 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in the case of an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19209/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question is the subject of a Family Reunification/Permission to Remain application made by his brother in 2003. The Family Reunification/Permission to Remain application was refused in August 2004 and the brother of the person in question was notified of the decision.
213 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19210/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of Thursday, 1 June 2006 and the written Reply to that Question.
The first named person concerned, accompanied by her child, arrived in the State on 6 September 2004 and applied for asylum. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of the 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), the first named person concerned was informed, by letter dated 13 May 2005, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of her and her child. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her child should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
The second named person concerned also arrived in the State on 6 September 2004 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the second named person concerned was informed, by letter dated 25 May 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the second named person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
214 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if provision will be made whereby a person (details supplied) in County Kerry can be reunited with their family in order to enable them continue work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19211/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 196 of Thursday, 28 February 2008 and No. 243 of Thursday, 31 January 2008 and the written Replies to those Questions.
The person concerned arrived in the State on 7 July 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 7 July 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were submitted by the person concerned.
The person concerned has also submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
215 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19212/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 9 August 2005 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 31 August 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
216 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 who has previously been refused and has reapplied; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the nature of their employment necessitates their travel out of this jurisdiction on a regular basis with negative impact on their application. [19213/08]
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 September 2007. On examination of the application it was determined that the person concerned did not satisfy the residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. A letter informing the applicant of this was issued on 2 April 2008. It is open to the individual in question to lodge a new application if and when she is in the position to meet the statutory residency requirement applicable at that time.
217 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19214/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 26 October 2004 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 10 March 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
Following consideration of his case under Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended), a deportation order was signed in respect of the person concerned on 21 July 2005. On 12 September 2005, an application for revocation of the deportation order, under Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), was submitted on behalf of the person concerned. Additionally, on 21 September 2005, Judicial Review Proceedings were initiated on behalf of the person concerned. The Judicial Review Proceedings were settled with one of the terms of this settlement being that the case file of the person concerned would be re-examined. Pending this re-examination of the case of the person concerned, the deportation order was revoked. The case file of the person concerned will again be considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
218 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19215/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the persons in question have initiated judicial review proceedings relating to their application for residence in the State. Accordingly, as the matter is sub-judice, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter.
219 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant extension of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19216/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 24 November 2002 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 27 February 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19217/08]
The first named person concerned arrived in the State on 7 October 1999 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by Asylum Division and, on appeal, by the Asylum Appeals Authority.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 31 October 2000, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the first named person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
The second named person concerned arrived in the State on 24 November 1999 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), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 22 July 2002, 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 leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will arrange for the issue of temporary travel documentation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19218/08]
The person in question has submitted a travel document application to my Department. The application is currently under consideration and a decision will issue directly to the person concerned shortly.
222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19219/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 193 of Thursday 10 April 2008 and No. 161 of Thursday 29 November 2007 and the written replies to those questions.
The person concerned arrived in the State on 13 December 2001 and applied for asylum. The person concerned was requested to attend for interview at the Offices of the Refugee Applications Commissioner on two separate occasions but he failed to do so. Neither did he provide any reason for his non-attendance. As a result, the Refugee Applications Commissioner made a recommendation to the Minister that the person concerned should not be declared to be a refugee.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 5 June 2002, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him and he was made aware of the options open to him at that point in time namely; to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to deportation or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations setting out the reasons as to why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. No such representations were submitted by or on behalf of the person concerned at that time. Following consideration of the person's case file under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition on refoulement, a deportation order was signed in respect of the person concerned on 4 July 2003.
The person concerned subsequently submitted a request to be re-admitted to the asylum process, in accordance with the provisions of Section 17 (7) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) and this request was granted. As a result, the deportation order in respect of the person concerned was revoked and the consideration of his asylum application commenced anew.
The asylum application of the person concerned was refused following consideration of his case by 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), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 7 July 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to deportation or of submitting, within 15 working days, written representations setting out the reasons as to why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the application for naturalisation will be finalised for persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19220/08]
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 April 2006. On examination of the application it was determined that the person concerned did not satisfy the residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. A letter informing the applicant of this was issued on 11 August 2006. It is open to the individual in question to lodge a new application if and when he is in a position to meet the statutory residency requirement applicable at that time.
224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19221/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State and, on 8 February 2008, presented himself at the Offices of the Refugee Applications Commissioner for the purposes of lodging an asylum claim in this State. However, when it was established that the person concerned had been recognised as a refugee in another EU Member State, the Refugee Applications Commissioner made a decision in accordance with the provisions of Section 17 (4) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) i.e. that the person concerned was a person to whom a declaration of refugee status could not be given. This decision was conveyed to the person concerned by letter dated 12 June 2007. As a person recognised as a refugee in another EU Member State, the person concerned was permitted visa-free travel to the State for a period of 90 days, in accordance with the 1959 European Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Refugees. Following the expiry of that 90 day period, the person concerned became illegal in the State.
By letter dated 3 April 2008, the person concerned was notified that, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), his permission to be in the State had expired and he was advised of the options open to him as a result which were to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to deportation or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons as to why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
It was never intended that the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees would provide for a situation where a person recognised as a refugee in a State party to that Convention would be enabled to make a further asylum application in another State party to the same Convention. As such, the position in this State of the person concerned quite rightly falls to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended).
The case file of the person concerned will now be dealt with in accordance with these provisions. Following the examination of the case file, including a consideration of the representations submitted by or on behalf of the person concerned, the file will be passed to me for decision.
225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19222/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 8 February 2007 and presented himself at the Offices of the Refugee Applications Commissioner for the purposes of lodging an asylum claim in this State. However, when it was established that the person concerned had been recognised as a refugee in another EU Member State, the Refugee Applications Commissioner made a decision in accordance with the provisions of Section 17 (4) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) i.e. that the person concerned was a person to whom a declaration of refugee status could not be given. This decision was conveyed to the person concerned by letter dated 12 June 2007. As a person recognised as a refugee in another EU Member State, the person concerned was permitted visa-free travel to the State for a period of 90 days, in accordance with the 1959 European Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Refugees. Following the expiry of that 90 day period, the person concerned became illegal in the State.
By letter dated 3 April 2008, the person concerned was notified that, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), his permission to be in the State had expired and he was advised of the options open to him as a result which were to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to deportation or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons as to why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
It was never intended that the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees would provide for a situation where a person recognised as a refugee in a State party to that Convention would be enabled to make a further asylum application in another State, party to the same Convention. As such, the position in this State of the person concerned quite rightly falls to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended).
The case file of the person concerned will now be dealt with in accordance with these provisions. Following the examination of the case file, including a consideration of the representations submitted by or on behalf of the person concerned, the file will be passed to me for decision.
226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19223/08]
The immigration case histories and up to date positions of the persons concerned, a husband and wife, are almost identical. As a result, for the purposes of this reply, I will deal with the two cases as one.
The persons concerned arrived in the State on 21 March 2003 and applied for asylum. Their respective asylum applications were refused following the individual consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. Both were notified of their respective entitlements to appeal these determinations to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, however, neither did so.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), both of the persons concerned were informed, she by letter dated 7 October 2004 and he by letter dated 14 October 2004, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of them. They were each given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of deportation orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of both of the persons concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before their respective files are passed to me for decision.
227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19224/08]
The person concerned, accompanied by her three children, arrived in the State on 7 August 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), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 12 June 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her and her children. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
228 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19225/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 27 November 2006 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), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 6 November 2007, 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 leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was informed of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). An application for Subsidiary Protection in the State was submitted on behalf of the person concerned and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
229 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been here for more than seven years and has entered into commitments here, he will be granted extended residency, having particular regard to the fact that the decision to refuse his application for asylum was taken in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19226/08]
The Deputy will be aware of the history of this case from previous Dáil replies. The person concerned is the subject of a deportation order following a comprehensive examination of his asylum claim and of his application to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he has been evading his deportation since 31 October 2003 and should therefore present himself to the Garda authorities without any further delay.
As a matter of policy, I do not intend to reward persons who have failed a very fair and comprehensive asylum process, and who have thereafter proceeded to evade their deportation for several years, by granting such persons residency in the State. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if there has been a change in the circumstances of the person concerned, or new information has come to light which has a direct bearing on his case, there remains the option of applying to me for revocation of his Deportation Order pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. However I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful.
230 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19227/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 17 November, 2000 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
The person concerned was informed by letter dated 25 October, 2001, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him and afforded him three options in accordance with Section 3 (3) (b) (ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a deportation order or to submit, within 15 working days, representations to the Minister, in writing, setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
His case was examined under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended, on the Prohibition of Refoulement. On 11 December, 2003, one of my predecessors refused temporary leave to remain in the State and instead signed a deportation order in respect of him. Notice of this order was served by registered post requiring him to present himself to the Member in Charge, Carlow Garda Station, Carlow, on 22 January 2004, in order to make travel arrangements for his deportation from the State. The person concerned failed to present himself as required and was classified as evading his deportation. He should therefore present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) without further delay.
The effect of the deportation order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter outside the State. The enforcement of the deportation order remains an operational matter for the GNIB.
231 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19228/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 6 December 2002 and applied for asylum. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 30 November 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
All representations submitted by or on behalf of the person concerned will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
232 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will issue a temporary residency card to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 while awaiting closure of his case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19229/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 185 of Thursday 1 May 2008 and No. 247 of Thursday 3 April 2008 and the written replies to those questions.
The person concerned arrived in the State on 7 June 2002 and made an application for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 10 September 2003, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
The case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will be carefully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, in advance of the file being passed to me for decision. Given that the person concerned has no legal basis for being in the State, it is not possible to provide him with any form of a temporary residence card.
233 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will issue temporary travel documentation or an alternative in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19230/08]
The person in question has submitted a travel document application to my Department. The application is currently under consideration and a decision will issue directly to the person concerned shortly.
234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19231/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 22 December 2004 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 31 January 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
235 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or intended residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19232/08]
236 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19233/08]
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 January 2007.
Officials in that section inform me that processing of the application has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the coming months.
I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.
237 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or intended residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19234/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 3 August 2001 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 18 May 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
The person concerned has also submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
238 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 with a view to ensuring that adequate provision is being made to meet their special requirements arising from their health status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19235/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 211 of Thursday 6 March 2008 and the written Reply to that Question.
The person concerned arrived in the State on 20 August 2003 and applied for asylum. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 14 January 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
The Deputy may be assured that all representations submitted by or on behalf of the person concerned will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) before the file is passed to me for decision.
In relation to the Deputy's enquiry regarding provision being made to meet the special requirements of the person concerned, I would like to advise the Deputy that the person concerned has been residing in a Self-Catering Accommodation Centre since 29 November 2007 and has been facilitated with a single room at that Centre. The Deputy might also wish to note that persons in self-catering accommodation receive a higher rate of Supplementary Welfare Allowance and, as such, the person concerned is in a position to provide for his own dietary requirements. The Deputy should also note that the accommodation provided for the person concerned is rent free and free of utility costs. As a result, I am satisfied that every effort has been made to meet any special requirements the person concerned may have.
239 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19236/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 14 April 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. The person concerned lodged an appeal against the determination of the Refugee Applications Commissioner with the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. However, as the person concerned failed to attend his Oral Hearing before the Tribunal, his asylum appeal was deemed to be withdrawn. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 20 January 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
240 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19237/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State until 25 February, 2010. The person concerned was notified of this decision on 28 March, 2007. I have arranged for officials within my Department to re-issue the notification to the address provided by the Deputy.
241 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant extended or temporary residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19238/08]
The person referred to by the Deputy applied for asylum on 25 April, 2006. The claim was assessed by the Refugee Applications Commissioner who concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. The Commissioner's recommendation was communicated to him by letter dated 10 July, 2006. This communication advised the person of his entitlement to appeal the Commissioner's recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which he duly did. The Refugee Appeals Tribunal considered the person's appeal, following which the Tribunal affirmed the Commissioner's earlier recommendation to reject his claim. The outcome of the appeal was made known to the applicant by letter dated 15 April, 2008.
In accordance with normal procedures, the applicant's file was been forwarded to my Department's Ministerial Decisions Unit for final processing of the asylum claim. A letter will issue to him shortly from my Department advising him formally that his asylum claim had been rejected and affording him three options as follows:
1. Return home voluntarily
2. Consent to the making of a deportation order, or
3. Make written representations to me within 15 working days for temporary leave to remain in the State and/or make an application for subsidiary protection under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (SI No. 518 of 2006).
242 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the application for family reunification is expected to be concluded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19239/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a family reunification application on behalf of his wife and three children in November 2005.
The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department.
Further documentation was requested from the person in question in July 2007 and to date not all of the requested documentation has been received. The Immigration Division of my Department will shortly be in contact with the person in question again with a request to submit the remaining documentation. When all the required documentation is received the processing of the application will proceed further.
243 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency status regarding permission to remain in the State and family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19240/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a family reunification application in April 2006.
The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department.
This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.
244 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reconsider the decision to deport in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19241/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 3 December 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 14 March 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Following consideration of his case, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, a deportation order was signed in respect of the person concerned on 3 July 2006. This Deportation Order was formally served on the person concerned by letter dated 11 August 2006. This communication also notified the person concerned of the requirement that he present himself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau on 29 August 2006 to make arrangements for his removal from the State.
Subsequently, on 14 August 2006, the legal representative of the person concerned requested that the deportation order made in respect of the person concerned be revoked, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). Following consideration of this request, the deportation order was affirmed on 17 October 2006. The person concerned was notified of this decision by letter dated 14 November 2006 and was also notified of the requirement that he present himself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau on 23 November 2006 in order to make arrangements for his removal from the State.
The person concerned subsequently submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with Regulation 4 (2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 — Statutory Instrument No. 518 of 2006 — and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome. Pending the determination of the Subsidiary Protection application, the Deportation Order will not be enforced.
245 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or intended residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19242/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 23 August 2005 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 28 February 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
246 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if consideration has been given to highlighting road speed cameras or traffic control vans as is the case in other jurisdictions arising from which it appears to achieve a greater compliance with speed limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19243/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that both overt and covert enforcement of the speed limits in force are perceived as resulting in positive outcomes. Overt enforcement includes increasing the visibility of cameras and vehicles used. The Garda authorities are aware of practice in other jurisdictions. Which approach is used in particular circumstances is a matter for decision at the operational level by An Garda Síochána in line with policing policy.
The Garda authorities use both overt and covert approaches as they consider appropriate.
247 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the amount of funding allocated for housing starts, acquisition and maintenance to all of the town councils in the Cork east constituency for 2008 including Mallow, Fermoy, Youghal, Cobh and Midleton; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18972/08]
Funding for the Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) is allocated on the basis of local authority areas. The recently announced capital allocations for 2008 are provided for the supply of local authority housing and for a range of improvement works. The allocations for Cork County Council, and Mallow, Fermoy, Youghal, Cobh and Midleton Town Councils are detailed in the table below. This information is also available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie
|
Local Authority |
Supply |
Remedial Works |
Regeneration schemes |
Central Heating |
Total |
|
(€) |
(€) |
(€) |
(€) |
(€) |
|
|
Cork County |
52,000,000 |
700,000 |
— |
4,000,000 |
56,700,000 |
|
Mallow |
3,250,000 |
— |
— |
55,000 |
3,305,000 |
|
Fermoy |
1,250,000 |
700,000 |
— |
35,000 |
1,985,000 |
|
Youghal |
1,750,000 |
140,000 |
— |
150,000 |
2,040,000 |
|
Cobh |
1,250,000 |
— |
— |
60,000 |
1,310,000 |
|
Midleton |
1,000,000 |
— |
— |
300,000 |
1,300,000 |
In addition to these allocations local authorities can also use their own Internal Capital Resources for improvement works, subject to the approval of the relevant programmes by my Department.
248 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the appointments to bodies that were made by him since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18993/08]
252 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the appointments made by him between 2 April and 7 May 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19086/08]
253 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the appointments made by him between 26 February 2008 and 1 April 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19100/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 248, 252 and 253 together.
A number of different statutory processes are involved in appointments to State boards and bodies under the aegis of my Department. In some cases statutory selection procedures must be followed or nominations must be sought from independent nominating panels before appointments are made by the Government or by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In other cases only particular public office holders may be appointed to certain boards and bodies. In a number of situations, only some appointments to the body or board concerned are made by the Minister.
The information requested in respect of state bodies and boards under the aegis of my Department is set out in the following tables:
|
Name of State Body/Board |
Number of Appointments made since 02/04/08 |
Names of Persons Appointed |
|
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna |
13 |
Mr Mark Dearey |
|
Mr Pat McMahon |
||
|
Ms Cora Long |
||
|
Mr Des Hurley |
||
|
Mr Michael Abbey |
||
|
Mr Jim Darcy |
||
|
Ms Deirdre Ellis-King |
||
|
Ms Ruth Flanagan |
||
|
Ms Collette O’Flaherty |
||
|
Mr Robin Adams |
||
|
Mr Jim Foran |
||
|
Mr Paul Sheehan |
||
|
Ms Geraldine Moloney |
||
|
Housing Finance Agency |
1 |
Mr Philip Nugent |
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
1 |
Ms Martha Doyle |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
2 |
Mr Paul McDonald |
|
Mr Laurence Kelly |
|
Name of State Body/Board |
Number of Appointments made between 02/04/08 and 07/05/08 |
Names of Persons Appointed |
Location of Contact Address |
|
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna |
13 |
Mr Mark Dearey |
Louth |
|
Mr Pat McMahon |
Clare |
||
|
Ms Cora Long |
Kilkenny |
||
|
Mr Des Hurley |
Carlow |
||
|
Mr Michael Abbey |
Carlow |
||
|
Mr Jim Darcy |
Waterford |
||
|
Ms Deirdre Ellis-King |
Dublin |
||
|
Ms Ruth Flanagan |
Cork |
||
|
Ms Collette O’Flaherty |
Dublin |
||
|
Mr Robin Adams |
Dublin |
||
|
Mr Jim Foran |
Sligo |
||
|
Mr Paul Sheehan |
Dublin |
||
|
Ms Geraldine Moloney |
Limerick |
||
|
Housing Finance Agency |
1 |
Mr Philip Nugent |
Dublin |
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
1 |
Ms Martha Doyle |
Dublin |
|
Name of State Body/Board |
Number of Appointments made between 26/02/08 and 01/04/08 |
Names of Persons Appointed |
Location of Contact Address |
|
Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency |
1 |
Mr Eddie Lewis |
Dublin |
|
Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency |
1 |
Mr Eddie Lewis |
Dublin |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
1 |
Mr Cian Ó Lionáin |
Dublin |
249 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to address the issue of light pollution, specifically requirements that planning applications should be accompanied by lighting plans, the concerns of property owners whose dwellings are unreasonably polluted by artificial light and the issue of street light pollution; and his views on the use of full cut off lights where necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19010/08]
There is no environmental legislation pending or in force, at either EU or national level, on light pollution. However, steps have been taken at a national level to help alleviate the effects of light pollution.
Irish regulations on environmental impact assessment (of projects which are likely to have significant effects on the environment) require an environmental impact statement to include an estimate of expected residues and emissions from the operation of the proposed development. This requirement expressly covers impacts from artificial lighting.
While a very limited number of planning authorities have included objectives in their development plans in relation to the minimisation of light pollution, it is open to authorities to address this issue in the context of providing for the proper planning and sustainable development of their areas through their development plans.
There are currently no provisions in planning legislation that require planning applications to be accompanied by lighting plans. Under Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 planning authorities may attach such conditions to the grant of planning permission as they consider necessary for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
The guidance document Recommendations for Site Development Works for Housing Areas, dated November 1998, is currently being reviewed by my Department to bring it in line with the sustainability agenda. The 1998 recommendations include a section on public lighting in housing areas and in the current review the opportunity will be taken to assess recommendations to avoid light pollution. When finalised, the revised recommendations will be made available to planning authorities.
I will keep under review the need for any additional measures to address the issues raised in the question.
250 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at his Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19044/08]
The EU operates in a manner which encourages and facilitates the search for agreement between the Member States. While the Treaties provide that the principal method of reaching Council decisions is by Qualified Majority Voting (QMV), recourse to voting is very rare because agreement is normally achieved through negotiation.
The table below gives the dates for meetings of EU Environment Councils attended by Ministers in this Department in the past three years, the number of decisions taken and the number of decisions taken by vote. Ireland did not vote against any decision which was adopted.
|
Date of Environment Council attended by Ministers in DEHLG* |
Number of decisions made |
Number of decisions decided upon by vote |
|
3 March 2008 |
9 |
0 |
|
20 December 2007 |
27 |
0 |
|
30 October 2007 |
15 |
0 |
|
28 June 2007 |
25 |
3 |
|
20 February 2007 |
1 |
1 |
|
18 December 2006 |
21 |
2 |
|
23 October 2006 |
15 |
1 |
|
27 June 2006 |
29 |
0 |
|
9 March 2006 |
6 |
0 |
|
2 December 2005 |
10 |
0 |
|
17 October 2005 |
10 |
0 |
|
24 June 2005 |
11 |
2 |
|
10 March 2005 |
3 |
0 |
*Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
I should add that at the Environment Council meeting of 28 June 2007, Ireland and the Czech Republic included a statement in relation to the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Waste although neither country voted against the adopted decision and political agreement was reached on the proposal.
251 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the new public water supply scheme for the Ring Gaeltacht, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19063/08]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1329 of 30 January, 2008. The position is unchanged.
254 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s views on the recommendations directed to his Department in the area of planning in the 2005 Consumer Strategy Group report; the measures undertaken to date in implementating those recommendations; the future actions which will be undertaken in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19144/08]
The recommendations which related to planning in the 2005 Consumer Strategy Group Report focused on the requirement to ensure that the needs of consumers are taken into account within both forward planning and development management stages, the promotion of competition through retail planning guidance and ensuring that planning is not used as a barrier to entry in respect of pub and other forms of licensed business.
In accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, every planning authority is required to prepare a development plan which sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the plan area. Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans were published by my Department in June 2007. The guidelines recommend, inter alia, that planning authorities produce an Issues Paper in advance of preparing a draft development plan to assist the public in engaging in the consultation process on different policy approaches, including the development of town centres and district and local shopping centres. The guidelines also recommend that retail planning strategies, prepared as part of a development plan, should take into account the needs of consumers in terms of facilitating a competitive retail environment.
The 2005 Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Retail Planning state that it is not the purpose of the planning system to inhibit competition, preserve existing commercial interests or prevent innovation and, when interpreting the guidelines, planning authorities should avoid taking actions which would adversely affect competition in the retail market.
On 10 February 2008, I published for public consultation Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas. The consultation period closed on 6 May and I expect to finalise the guidelines later this year. The draft guidelines state, inter alia, that new developments should be delivered in tandem with essential infrastructure, with access to public transport and to community facilities such as shops. The draft guidelines, as well as those relating to development plans and retail planning, are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
255 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which he has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees already paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks they were engaged for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19170/08]
The information requested in relation to firms of solicitors or barristers engaged by my Department in the past 18 months is set out in the following table:
|
Name of Solicitors / Barristers |
Purpose of Engagement |
Fees / Estimated Fees |
|
William Fry Solicitors. |
To provide legal advice for Social Housing Section on the conveyancing aspects of the new Incremental Purchase Scheme. |
The solicitors were engaged in February 2008. No fees have been paid to date. The estimated cost is €50,000 excluding VAT |
|
William Fry Solicitors. |
Legal services in connection with proposals on tenant purchase of apartments as part of drafting of Housing Miscellaneous (Provisions) Bill. |
The estimated cost is €50,000 excluding VAT; no payments to date. |
256 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the proposed increase in the landfill levy from €15.00 to €20.00 will be brought into effect as many waste management companies are currently preparing their billing for the second half of 2008 and need to be in a position to make the necessary adjustments in this regard; when the amending primary legislation to permit further increases will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19189/08]
I have already announced my intention to increase the landfill levy from €15 per tonne to €20 per tonne. The statutory instruments necessary to give effect to the increased levy are currently being finalised. I intend to make these shortly which will allow the increased levy to take effect from the beginning of the third quarter of this year i.e. 1 July 2008.
257 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of estate management companies operating in various estates in County Kildare; the legal basis for their establishment; the number of housing units under their management; the average cost to individual householders; if all such estates have been taken in charge by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19201/08]
My Department does not hold information on the extent to which management companies are operating throughout Co. Kildare or on the number of estates currently taken in charge in Co. Kildare.
Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides, in relation to any residential estate containing roads, watermains, sewers, drains, etc, that where the estate is completed in accordance with the planning permission, the planning authority must initiate taking in charge procedures as soon as possible following a request to do so by the developer or by the majority of the owners or occupiers who are qualified electors. In relation to estates which have not been completed properly in accordance with the terms of the permission and in respect of which enforcement action has not been taken within 7 years of the expiration of the planning permission, section 180 provides that the planning authority must similarly initiate the taking in charge procedure at the request of the majority of the owners or occupiers who are qualified electors.
In February 2008 my Department issued policy guidance to planning authorities on the taking in charge of estates. Circular Letter PD 1/08 set out a framework for a taking in charge policy by planning authorities, comprising a number of elements, including protocols and time frames for responding to requests for taking in charge.
As part of the overall review and update of the local government service indicators, a new indicator in relation to the taking in charge of estates is being introduced from 2008 onwards. This will provide information, from 2009 onwards, of the number of requests for taking in charge of estates made to a planning authority in a year, the number actually taken in charge, etc.
The establishment of management companies is governed by the Companies Acts which are a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
258 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals to introduce a wood log gasifier scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18981/08]
260 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will introduce a grant for wood log gasifiers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19012/08]
262 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will give consideration to an application by the Irish Farmers Association seeking a grant aid scheme to be put in place for wood log gasifiers, which they have indicated could significantly alter the energy sector in rural Ireland; if such an application has been reviewed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19053/08]
263 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the introduction of a wood log gasifier grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19154/08]
270 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on introducing grant aid for the installation of wood log gasifiers under the greener home schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19146/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 258, 260, 262, 263 and 270 together.
The Greener Homes Scheme provides support to homeowners to invest in a range of domestic renewable energy heating technologies including solar panels, biomass boilers and stoves and heat pumps. There has been a strong interest in the scheme since it was launched in March 2006.
On foot of the achievement of the original scheme targets three years ahead of schedule, Phase I of the Greener Homes Scheme was closed on 3 September 2007. Phase II of the scheme was opened on 1 October 2007 with assistance still provided under the above mentioned headings.
The objective in Greener Homes Phase II is to consolidate the market, underpinning it with quality standards and training and providing for a long-term future that is not grant dependent. The aim is to ensure that the market for these products, services and fuels continues to develop strongly in a robust manner and that consumers continue to be guided towards the most efficient products. The scheme is helping to secure a range of objectives including more competitive offerings, revised product standards, improved training standards and stable growth across the renewable heating industry.
The Greener Homes Scheme will continue to be kept under review in the light of the maturing technologies and market developments, including the consideration of additional technologies such as wood log gasifiers.
259 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are grants available to insulate houses to improve heat conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19005/08]
I launched a pilot Home Energy Saving Scheme on 24 April. The pilot scheme, for which funding of €5 million is provided in 2008, is designed to encourage owners of older homes to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, primarily through insulation measures. The ongoing results of the pilot scheme will inform the roll-out of the full scale national scheme envisaged in the Programme for Government which I expect to take place next year.
Preliminary estimates from SEI show that a household participating in the pilot scheme could save up to €500 in energy bills every year as a result of the energy efficiency investments undertaken. The pilot scheme is expected to result in reduced CO2 emissions of 6,000 tonnes per year, while the full €100 million scheme envisaged in the Programme for Government could be expected to yield CO2 savings of 175,000 tonnes per year.
My Department's Warmer Homes Scheme has been in operation for a number of years now and also provides support for insulation and other energy efficiency improvement measures. This scheme is managed by SEI and implemented by 18 community groups. The scheme specifically targets low income homes.
My colleague, John Gormley T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, introduced a new Housing Aid for Older People Scheme on 1 November 2007, which also provides supports for insulation works.
261 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of obtaining inland fisheries licences for trout and salmon; the concessions available to the elderly and the unwaged; the changes that are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19028/08]
Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of the inland fisheries resource and in this case, the issue of salmon fishing licences, rests with the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. Licence duties are increased on an annual basis and such increases are in line with the Consumer Price Index. Licence duties are set by me, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, at rates recommended by the National Fisheries Management Executive (Fisheries Boards' Managers) and endorsed by the National Salmon Commission.
The Salmon Rod Ordinary Licences (Alteration of Licence Duties) Order 2007 (S.I. 794 of 2007) gives details of the current licence fees for salmon and sea trout angling effective from 1 January 2008. The cost of an annual salmon licence is €134; a salmon rod (annual) district licence is €64; a salmon rod (twenty-one day) licence is €50 and a salmon rod (one-day) ordinary licence is €36. Further details are available on my Department's website at www.dcenr.gov.ie.
There are no plans to apply a reduced rate for anglers other than juveniles for whom a licence costs €20 per annum. Any such reduction would require amendments to the licensing regime provided for in the primary legislation. No licence is currently required for trout fishing.
264 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the appointments to bodies that were made by him since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18988/08]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to appointments to bodies made by me since 2 April 2008, the persons who were the appointees and the bodies to which they were appointed is set out in the following table.
|
The appointments to bodies that were made since 2 April 2008 |
The persons who were the appointees |
The bodies to which they were appointed |
|
2 |
Ms Emer Daly Mr David Mackey |
Eirgrid |
|
1 |
Mr Dermot Nolan |
Commission for Energy Regulation |
|
2 |
Mr Peter Wyer Dr. Conor Skeham |
Bord Na Mona |
|
1 |
Mr Oliver Whelan |
National Oil Reserves Agency |
265 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to increase the provision of liquified petroleum gas in petrol stations here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19009/08]
The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated. There is free entry into the market. Availability of liquefied petroleum gas in petrol stations is a matter for the industry, and is determined by commercial considerations such as the level of demand, cost of the product, transportation costs and other operating costs. Neither I, nor my Department, nor, indeed, the Government, has any role in relation to increasing the provision of liquefied petroleum gas in petrol stations.
266 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at his Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19039/08]
In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested by the Deputy. My Department is in the process of identifying and assembling the information. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.
267 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will involve other sectors or stakeholders, other than the chairpersons of the present fishery boards, in drawing up a somewhat different approach to restructuring of the boards other than that recommended in the root and branch report of Farrell, Grant, Sparks into the fisheries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19058/08]
Responding to a call of the Fisheries Boards' Chairpersons late last year for a somewhat different approach to restructuring of the boards, I requested that they develop an agreed proposal for my consideration. I understand that the Chairpersons kept their Board members, who represent the spectrum of stakeholders, informed regarding this proposal.
Last week I received a presentation on a more developed proposal from the Chairpersons. On foot of this, I am considering the most appropriate way of progressing in terms of streamlining the sector. I hope to be in a position to seek Government approval for this before the summer.
268 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the appointments made by him between 2 April and 7 May 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19081/08]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to appointments made by me between 2 April 2008 and 7 May 2008 inclusive and the place or town of residence of each appointee is set out in the following table.
|
The appointments made between 2 April and 7 May 2008 inclusive |
The place or town of residence of each appointee |
Board |
|
Ms Emer Daly Mr David Mackey |
Dublin Cavan |
Eirgrid |
|
Mr Dermot Nolan |
Dublin |
Commission for Energy Regulation |
|
Mr Peter Wyer Dr Conor Skehan |
Galway Dublin |
Bord Na Mona |
|
Mr Oliver Whelan |
Dublin |
National Oil Reserves Agency |
269 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the appointments made by him between 26 February 2008 and 1 April 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19095/08]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to appointments made by me between 26 of February 2008 and 1 April 2008 inclusive and the place or town of residence of each appointee is set out in the following table.
|
Appointments made between 26 of February 2008 and 1 of April 2008 inclusive |
Place or town of residence of each appointee |
Board |
|
John Fitzgerald |
Dublin |
An Post |
271 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which he has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees already paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the tasks they were engaged for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19165/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table below.
|
Name of Solicitors/Barrister |
Engagement Details |
Fees Paid |
Estimated Fees |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Mason Hayes Curran |
Preparation of response to EU infringement proceedings |
56,995 |
70,000 |
|
Mason Hayes & Curran |
Employment Law Advice |
14,319 |
4,000 |
|
Mason, Hayes & Curran |
Legal advice in relation to the Broadcasting (Amendment) Act, 2007 |
38,579.61 |
|
|
Mason, Hayes & Curran |
Advice in the Digital Terrestrial Television trial |
0 to date |
29,279.51 |
|
Noel J. Travers (Barrister) |
Drafting of Public Service Obligation Order under Section 39 of the Electricity Regulation Act |
7,500 |
7,500 |
|
Arthur Cox Solicitors |
Advice on Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Scheme II |
1,183 |
1,183 |
|
Arthur Cox |
Advice in relation to the appointment of a Management Services Entity (MSE) for Phase 2 MANs Projects |
127,999.70 paid to March 2008 |
Fees were agreed and fixed at daily rate. As work ongoing overall fee cannot be estimated. |
|
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
Advice on the Emergency Call Answering Service procurement process |
95,608.37 |
|
|
Beauchamps Solicitors |
Advice for the Bord Gáis Éireann ESOP |
37,335 |
12,000 |
|
Margaret O’Driscoll |
Drafting of Broadcasting (amendment) Bill, 2007 |
28,435 |
|
|
Margaret O’Driscoll |
Advice on Broadcasting Bill, 2008. |
5,750 |
|
|
McCann Fitzgerald |
Legal Advice in relation to the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) |
0 to date |
Fixed price contract €80,000 Schedule of fees agreed and fixed at daily rate for ongoing work. |
