Vol. 663 No. 1
131 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the discussions he has had with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources regarding the film channel to be finalised by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33887/08]
The proposal for a new Irish film channel is contained in the Broadcasting Bill that was published earlier this year, and is currently before this House. The draft legislation provides regulatory framework to allow for the broadcasting of the film channel, under the aegis of the Irish Film Board, that will showcase Irish, European and world film on a free-to-air basis by Digital Television Transmission (DTT).
As this legislation is currently before the House, further comment by me at this stage would be inappropriate. However, on the passing of the Bill I will consider in consultation with the Irish Film Board what initiative needs to be taken in relation to any such film channel within the available financial resources.
132 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made on the refurbishment works required at the National History Museum and on the promised work on the provision of additional storage facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33937/08]
Since the National Museum of Ireland became an autonomous statutory body under the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997 on 3rd May 2005, the Board of the National Museum is statutorily responsible for operational matters concerning its collection and I, as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, do not have a statutory function in respect of operational matters.
I understand that the National Museum has decided to display some of the Natural History collection in the Riding School, Collins Barracks from the end of January 2009, when other exhibitions taking place in or already scheduled for the Riding School will have ended. The National Museum of Ireland also intends to carry out long-needed conservation works on many of the exhibits in the Natural History Museum and the opportunity to address this work, which is provided by the closure of the Museum for repairs and redevelopment, will be fully utilised.
As negotiations are on-going in relation to the National Museum's storage requirements, including the requirements for the decantation of the Natural History Museum, it would be inappropriate to give further details at this time. Clearly the proposed expenditure on these projects will be dependent on the current Estimates process and in the context of the overall Exchequer position.
133 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the discussions he has had or will have on foot of remarks by Tourism Ireland regarding the impact of harsh treatment by immigration officers of some legitimate tourists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33895/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, immigration policy is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and its implementation is a matter for the relevant authorities, including the Garda National Immigration Bureau and the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.
Tourism Ireland has made my Department aware of some incidents where visitors encountered difficulties entering Ireland. The main thrust of Tourism Ireland's communications was to put forward some ideas for discussion in respect of the implementation of immigration policy as it impacts on the promotion of inbound tourism.
My Department in turn has engaged with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in relation to these issues. While any such difficulties and misunderstandings are regrettable, it must be recognised that the number of such incidents has not been significant when seen in the light of over 8 million overseas visitors coming to Ireland in 2007. This performance clearly demonstrates that the vast majority of visitors experience few difficulties entering Ireland.
Furthermore, the valuable and largely unrecognised work done by the Gardaí in assisting visitors to Ireland from all countries should also be acknowledged.
134 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide information on the local sports partnership scheme; the location of such schemes; the number of young people involved; if an evaluation of the scheme has taken place; and if this scheme has had a high level of participation from young girls. [33395/08]
The Agreed Programme for Government commits to the roll out of the Local Sports Partnership programme on a nationwide basis to provide for the development of sport at local level. The Irish Sports Council has a statutory role in the promotion and development of sport, including initiatives such as the Local Sports Partnership network, through which sports initiatives at local level are delivered and coordinated.
The Local Sports Partnerships are charged with increasing participation at a local level, ensuring that local resources are used to best effect and making sure that the experiences of participants in sport are positive.
Following an independent review of the LSPs by Fitzpatrick Associates in 2005, the then Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, gave approval to the ISC to extend the LSP network from 2006 on a national basis. Accordingly, funding has been provided to the ISC to facilitate continued extension of the network.
The ISC has informed me that 33 LSPs have been established in the following locations: Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork City, County Cork, Donegal, Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Galway City, Galway County, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick City, Limerick County, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, North Tipperary, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, South County Dublin, South Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.
The Fitzpatrick Report identified the need for the introduction of a formal monitoring and evaluation framework for the LSPs. In April 2008 the Irish Sports Council published the first SPEAK report detailing the work of the Local Sports Partnerships and its evaluation of the impact that this has on the clubs and communities across the country.
The ISC recognises the importance of the use of an enjoyable multi-sport and non-competitive model to introduce our children to sport that will complement and enhance both our school and community sport programmes. With this in mind the Council has developed the Buntús Programmes (Generic and Start), which are exciting programmes developed to support teachers and childcare practitioners in introducing young people to sport and physical activity. The programmes are rolled out through the Local Sports Partnerships.
456,000 children have participated in Buntús and Buntús Start. These schools and playgroups have a 48% female attendance, therefore it is estimated that more than 220,000 girls have participated in the programme.
In addition to the Buntús programme, other programmes such as "Girls Active" in Sligo/Donegal and "Teen Scene" in Kerry target girls in 2nd level schools and youth clubs. These are initiatives developed between LSPs and local agencies.
I look forward to the Local Sports Partnership Network having a major impact at local level in introducing our people, particularly the young, to sport and physical activity.
135 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied with the standard of sporting facilities here; his views on whether this influenced the outcome for Irish athletes at Beijing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33772/08]
143 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on action necessary to ensure that the Irish team is properly prepared for the 2012 Olympics in London; if he will appreciate that Ireland demands in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33569/08]
151 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to build on the performance of the national team at the Beijing Olympics; if a review has been initiated of the performance to see the way to improve on training and preparation; if he will issue a report on these findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33775/08]
178 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to target increased funding towards the sports at which it is thought that we have a greater chance of success in view of the performance of the Irish Olympic boxing team in Beijing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33571/08]
180 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will initiate a review of the performance of athletes at the Beijing Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33771/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 135, 143, 151, 178 and 180 together.
Since 1998, over €700 million has been provided for the development of sporting facilities at national, regional and local levels. Through this investment my Department is funding the development of a network of top quality facilities around the country designed to meet the training, coaching and competition needs of our elite competitors in a wide spectrum of sports. Among the major projects, which have been supported are the National Aquatic Centre, the National Rowing Centre at Inniscarra, the National Tennis Centre at Glasnevin, the National Boxing Stadium and the National Hockey Stadium at UCD and a number of athletic facilities throughout the country.
The Irish Sports Council (ISC), which is funded by my Department, has statutory responsibility for encouraging the promotion, development and co-ordination of competitive sport and the achievement of excellence in competitive sport. In this regard the ISC works in partnership with the Irish Institute of Sport, the Olympic Council of Ireland, the Paralympic Council of Ireland and the relevant governing bodies of sport in the preparation of Irish athletes for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The planning for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games was comprehensive and well funded with plans implemented by top quality professionals at every step. The performances of the Irish Olympic and Paralympic teams in Beijing exceeded the targets set by the ISC prior to the Games.
I understand that the ISC has established a review group to examine the preparations and performances at the 2008 Beijing Games in order to prepare for the 2012 London Games. The overall aim of the review is to make recommendations to the ISC in respect of structures, programmes and investment policy which should be pursued based on the outcomes of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
I also intend to meet with the key stakeholders involved in the support of our elite athletes to discuss how we can best build on the success we had in Beijing and the supports required in terms of coaching, programmes, facilities and funding to ensure the optimum performance of Irish athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
136 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to introduce a second round of sports capital grants in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33927/08]
137 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the fact that the sports capital programme gave €85 million funding in 2007, but only €50 million in 2008; his views on whether this cutback will impact negatively on the development of sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33764/08]
139 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applications for funding that were received in the 2008 sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33765/08]
280 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding to date allocated by his Department for the provision of major or minor sporting facilities; the extent to which he expects to provide further funding under these headings in the remainder of 2008; his expectations for 2009 in terms of the likelihood of extra funding from the proceeds of the National Lottery or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34230/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 137, 139 and 280 together.
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The aim of the Programme is to maximise participation in sport through the provision of modern high quality, safe, well-designed and sustainable facilities and sports equipment. The provision of such facilities allows for increased numbers to participate in sport.
Applications for funding under the 2008 Programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on 13th and 14th of January 2008 and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for online applications. A total of 1,453 applications were received under the 2008 programme. I announced the provisional grant allocations at the end of July and a list of the allocations is available on the Department's website at www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie.
In excess of €725m has been allocated in sports capital funding since 1998 to 7,401 sports projects and has supported the provision of greatly enhanced sports infrastructure across the country. I am satisfied that the level of allocation provided in 2008 builds on the very high levels of support provided over the past decade and will further assist in the development of sports facilities. I do not propose at this point that there will be any further allocations under the Sports Capital Programme in 2008. The date of the next round of the Programme has not yet been decided.
138 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of the funding to the horse and greyhound fund that was provided from the central Exchequer; the amount that was provided from the excise duty on off-course betting for each year since 2001; if he will make this information available in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33763/08]
176 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will extend the horse and greyhound fund into the period beyond 2008; the amount of funding that has been paid from the central Exchequer to this fund since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33756/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 176 together.
The Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund was established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001 for the purpose of giving support to both racing industries. Under the provisions of the Act, the Fund is calculated on the basis of excise duty on off-course betting in the preceding year, subject to a minimum level based on the year 2000 amount adjusted for inflation. Any shortfall in the amount generated by the excise duty is made up by direct Exchequer subvention.
In accordance with the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, 80% and 20% of the moneys paid into the Fund each year are distributed between Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Bord na gCon respectively. By the end of 2008, a total of almost €546 million will have been paid out of the Fund. Of this, HRI will have received €437 million and Bord na gCon will have received €109 million.
Since 2001, income from the Fund has been used by both bodies towards increasing prize money levels, meeting administration and integrity costs together with a programme of capital investment which has underpinned a significant growth in both sectors.
Since the establishment of the Fund a major period of development of both industries has resulted. The funding has allowed Ireland to develop into a world centre of excellence for horseracing and greyhound racing.
In 2004, HRI launched a €250 million Capital Development Fund for Irish Racecourses, which is being spent over five years, to continue the substantial upgrading of racecourses. HRI will provide up to €135 million in grant aid and the racecourses will finance the balance from their own resources.
To date the Fund has not only helped towards providing some top class racing venues and facilities, but it has also underpinned significant employment in the industries. Horse breeding is a significant net contributor to the Irish economy and has an important role to play in generating employment, particularly in the tourism and agri-economy sectors, making it a significant regional employer and an important contributor to rural communities. The Irish greyhound industry is also regarded as one of the most vibrant and successful in the world.
Prior to 2001 the Horse and Greyhound Racing Bodies were funded with annual grant-in-aid allocations as well as a fixed fee from off-course betting and 0.3% of turnover from off-course betting.
The rationale of the Fund was that horse and greyhound racing needed certainty in relation to its funding support on a multi-annual basis and that such funding to develop the industries should be derived from the duty generated from off-course betting. When the Fund commenced in 2001, Excise Duty on off-course betting was 5%, which was subsequently reduced by the Minister for Finance to 2% from 1st May 2002. The resulting fall in revenue caused the yield for 2002, 2003 and 2004 to fall below the guaranteed minimum level. In the Budget 2006, the Minister for Finance further reduced the Excise Duty on off-course betting from 2% to 1% from 1 July 2006 with the intention that the tax is borne by the industry and not the customer. This has also resulted in revenue below the guaranteed minimum level up to 2008.
The shortfall met from direct Exchequer revenue sources was €110.58m during the period 2001-2007 and is likely to be a total of €150.43m up to the end of 2008. In 2004, the Government put in place regulations to increase the limit of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund from €254m to €550m to continue the Fund for a further four years to 2008.
The current round of the Fund is due to expire early in 2009. A review of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund is currently underway. Any extension of the Fund will require the approval of the Government and the Oireachtas.
|
Fund Year |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Previous Year excise duty on off-course betting |
(2000) €58.89m |
(2001) €68.07m |
(2002) €47.95m |
(2003) €38.42m |
(2004) €45.55m |
(2005) €45.82m |
(2006) €54.30m |
(2007)* €36.44m |
|
2000 duty revenue + CPI — minimum amount |
€58.89m |
€68.06m |
€64.19m |
€66.91m |
€68.35m |
€70.06m |
€73.11m |
€76.29m |
|
Shortfall to be met i.e. Exchequer subvention |
Nil |
Nil |
€16.24m |
€28.49m |
€22.80m |
€24.24m |
€18.81m |
€39.85m* |
|
% of Fund provided by duty |
100% |
100% |
75% |
57% |
67% |
65% |
74% |
48%* |
*Provisional.
The 2007 figure for Betting Duty Receipts is provisional — the final figure is not yet available but the Office of the Revenue Commissioners do not expect a significant variance.
140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals to further the development of the tourism industry in 2009 having particular regard to the experience of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33837/08]
146 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a review of the new Horizon programme is envisaged; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33914/08]
148 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to review the national development plan and its targets for tourism development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33753/08]
276 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will take initiatives to assist in the further development and promotion of the tourism industry in the remainder of 2008 or 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34226/08]
285 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals to improve the competitiveness in the tourism sector in view of the need to compete on national and international markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34235/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140, 146, 148, 276 and 285 together.
I would refer the Deputy to my detailed reply to the Priority Question No. 121 on this subject today.
141 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will undertake to initiate a review of the sports capital programme to ensure its funding best helps increase participation in sports across all sections of society; his views on the fact that the sports capital programme grants continue to be awarded without the guidance of the national facilities audit which is attempting to map the sports facilities across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33773/08]
142 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to improve regional balance sports capital funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33754/08]
147 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will initiate a review of sports policy with a view to making significant changes to the sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33766/08]
166 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the national audit of sports facilities will be completed; the stage this project is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33782/08]
172 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of the National Sports Facilities Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33783/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 142, 147, 166 and 172 together.
Work on the National Sports Facilities Strategy is at an advanced stage in my Department. The aim of the strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment/grant assistance at national, regional and local level. It is intended to identify the facilities requirement for sport so that participation at reasonable cost is feasible for those who wish to engage in sport at either amateur or elite level.
A nationwide audit of sports facilities is being carried out in conjunction with the strategy and is being completed in stages to help speed up the availability of information. Phase one, which focuses on national and regional sports facilities, has now been completed within my Department. Phase two of the audit, which is a more complex undertaking to establish a record of existing sports facilities at local level and identifying the need for future provision, is underway with the assistance of local authorities. Guidelines have been issued to local authorities to assist them in carrying out the audit.
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department funding is allocated towards the provision of sports facilities at national, regional and local level. It is the primary vehicle for promoting the development of sports and recreational facilities in Ireland. Through the Sports Capital Programme the Government has allocated over €725 million in over 7,400 separate sports projects since 1998. The Programme has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improved facilities in virtually every village, town and city. The facilities funded range from new equipment for the smallest clubs, to regional multi-sport centres and national centres of sporting excellence. In applying the assessment criteria of the Sports Capital Programme the Department aims to have a good spread of funding between different geographical areas of the country and the allocations reflect this policy.
The National Sports Facilities Strategy will address future sports facility funding and provision and will inform future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme.
144 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to provide €100 million funding to the Arts Council as recommended by the Partnership for the Arts document; the strategy for the development of the arts here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33777/08]
165 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals for the funding, development, encouragement and promotion of the arts in 2009; the areas most likely to receive support in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33838/08]
277 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his role in the promotion, encouragement and generation of interest in the arts in the country generally and specifically in County Kildare having particular regard to such requirements in areas of rapidly expanding population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34227/08]
284 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals for the promotion of the arts in County Kildare, whether through agencies connected to his Department or by direct intervention with particular reference to the need to encourage community groups such as musical or dramatic societies involved in local productions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34234/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144, 165, 277 and 284 together.
The Government's priorities for the Arts are set out in the Programme for Government and are elaborated further in my Department's Statement of Strategy and the Arts Plan 2008, which has been placed in the Oireachtas Library.
Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved primarily to the Arts Council. The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Under the Arts Act, 2003, the general functions of the Council include the following:
to stimulate public interest in the arts;
to promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts;
to assist in improving standards in the arts.
The Arts Council is a statutorily independent body, funded by my Department and independent in its day-to-day operations, including in relation to its funding decisions.
As Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism I am committed to securing the best possible funding deal for the Arts Council and the arts sector generally throughout the country. The Arts Council's funding requirement for the year ahead however, can only be addressed in the context of the consideration of the Estimates for the Public Services for 2009. In doing so, the Government must balance competing demands from every part of our economy and society, in a declining Exchequer revenue environment.
Funding for the Arts Council has increased from €47.67 million in 2002 to €81.6 million in 2008 — an increase of over 71%. These are significant amounts of money in any context. This funding has transformed the arts, increasing access to and participation in the arts, and has provided an excellent platform for future development.
My policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life.
The following table shows the funding provided to the Arts Council between 1997 and 2008.
|
Year |
Funding (€m) |
% Change |
Supplementary Estimate |
Total including Supplementary |
% Change |
|
1997 |
26.410 |
26.41 |
|||
|
1998 |
33.140 |
25.5 |
33.14 |
25.5 |
|
|
1999 |
35.550 |
7.3 |
35.55 |
7.3 |
|
|
2000 |
45.080 |
26.8 |
45.08 |
26.8 |
|
|
2001* |
46.370 |
2.9 |
1.77 |
48.14 |
6.8 |
|
2002 |
47.670 |
2.8 |
47.67 |
-1.0 |
|
|
2003 |
44.100 |
-7.5 |
44.10 |
-7.5 |
|
|
2004** |
52.500 |
19.0 |
2.00 |
54.50 |
23.6 |
|
2005*** |
61.000 |
16.2 |
5.23 |
66.23 |
21.5 |
|
2006 |
72.310 |
18.5 |
10.00 |
82.31 |
24.3 |
|
2007**** |
80.000 |
10.6 |
3.00 |
83.00 |
0.8 |
|
2008 |
82.102 |
2.6 |
81.60 |
-1.7 |
145 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has had representations from the Federation of Irish Sport on the desirability of tax relief for private investment in sport; if he has had discussions with the Department of Finance on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33925/08]
I have received the representations referred to by the Deputy. The tax relief on donations to certain sports bodies scheme, established under section 847a of the Taxes Consolidation Act came into effect from 1st May 2002. It allows for tax relief on donations made to approved sports bodies for the funding of sports capital projects.
This scheme applies to donations of over €250 made toward expenses incurred by an approved sports body in relation to a capital project after the 1st of May 2002. The donation must be freely given with no benefit derived in return by the donor.
If the donor is a PAYE taxpayer the sports body claims the tax relief at the donor's marginal rate, e.g. an individual on the higher rate of tax (41%) makes a donation of €590 to a sports body. The sports body will then be able to claim €410 from Revenue at the end of the tax year i.e. the amount of tax already paid to Revenue by the donor on the net amount of €590.
Individual taxpayers on the self-assessment system will be able to claim relief on their annual tax returns as a deduction from their total income. A corporate entity may claim relief on a donation by treating it as a deductible trading expense.
Projects that are valid under the scheme include the following:
the purchase, construction or refurbishment of a building or structure, or part of a building or structure to be used for sporting or recreation activities provided by the approved sports body,
the purchase of land to be used by the approved sports body in the provision of sporting or recreation facilities,
the purchase of permanently based equipment (excluding personal equipment) for use by the approved sports body in the provision of sporting or recreation facilities,
the improvement of the playing pitches, surfaces or facilities of the approved sports body, and
the repayment of, or the payment of interest on, money borrowed by the approved sports body on or after 1 May 2002 for any of the above purposes.
I believe that the scheme is working well with 217 projects worth over €156 million approved to date.
Any changes to this scheme would be a matter for the Minister for Finance to consider in the context of overall taxation policy.
149 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the way he is liaising with the office for integration; if he has developed a policy to ensure funding criteria, together with those of his Department’s subsidiary bodies to actively promote integration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33767/08]
The Minister for Integration, in his statement, Migration Nation, announced that new funding lines would be established to promote integration. One of these was for sporting bodies. I understand the Minister will be in contact shortly in this regard with a number of these bodies to assist them to reach out to newcomers and get them involved in sport as part of their overall integration into Irish society.
I am very conscious of the importance of this objective and the Department will make every effort to contribute in a co-ordinated way to the promotion of integration in delivering the range of services within its remit.
150 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the outcome of the review of the operation of the Heritage Fund; if legislation to renew the fund is envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33944/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question number 74 on the 24th June 2008. A draft Scheme of a Bill to amend the Heritage Fund Act, 2001 is being considered by my Department. I intend to seek Cabinet approval for the formal drafting of the Bill in early course, in accordance with normal procedure in relation to legislation.
152 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in the provision of appropriate accommodation for the National Archives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33930/08]
The provision of appropriate accommodation for the National Archives is under active consideration by my Department in consultation with the Office of Public Works.
153 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made on the capital works planned for the National Library; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33934/08]
Recognising the inadequacy of the premises occupied by the Library, the State has, since 1999 supported a major redevelopment programme of those premises. This programme which is being overseen by the Office of Public Works comprises nine separate phases and includes the upgrading of the security and sprinkler systems in various buildings, the refurbishment of the former NCAD building and the redevelopment of No. 4 Kildare Street as the Library's administrative offices which have been completed.
The provision of a purpose built extension and major storage facility for the National Library is among the cultural infrastructure projects included in the National Development Plan 2007-2013. Planning permission has been obtained for the building and my Department is working closely with the National Library and the Office of Public Works to ensure that this vitally important project is progressed as soon as possible. The proposed facility will address the Library's accommodation needs and will also provide a vital link between all of the Library's premises on Kildare Street thus improving efficiency and enhancing service delivery.
154 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a programme is in place to enable organisations which receive funding from his Department and the Irish Sports Council to share best practice initiatives which would be applicable across all sports, such as volunteer and coach education initiatives or the Football Association of Ireland’s inter-cultural strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33768/08]
The Irish Sports Council (ISC), which is funded by my Department, has statutory responsibility for encouraging the promotion, development and co-ordination of competitive sport and for increasing participation in recreational sport.
I am informed by the Irish Sports Council that the ISC has already in place programmes which are rolled out across all National Governing Bodies of Sport for example Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport, Anti-Doping, Strategic Planning, Financial Guidelines. The Council is also in the process of developing a CD Rom/Web resource for Governing Bodies to share best practice in key areas such as governance, volunteers, membership development etc. Case studies of best practice by NGBs will feature in each area.
155 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there is a national policy of registration and vetting of volunteers and workers within the arts and sports environment similar to a Garda vetting process; if not, his plans to introduce such a scheme to ensure the protection of the young and vulnerable; if best practice amongst organisations who receive funding is considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33770/08]
Garda vetting is an important component of good recruitment practice. Good recruitment practice, in turn, forms one element of an organisation's overall Child Protection Policy. Arts & Sports organisations come within the remit of the existing Garda vetting process managed by the Garda Central Vetting Unit. There is, therefore, no separate arrangement for access to vetting by Arts and Sports organisations.
The Arts Council's approach to this matter is informed by its Children First guidelines. However, the procedure which requires organisations to have a through-put of in excess of 200 job applications per year effectively excludes most arts organisations funded by the Arts Council from direct access to the vetting process. The Arts Council has been working with the Garda Central Vetting Unit to try and address this issue. To date three arts organisations are registered as ‘authorised signatory' with the Garda Central Vetting Unit (Create, the National Association for Youth Drama and more recently, Poetry Ireland). These organisations facilitate their own sectors/membership (community arts in the case of Create; youth theatres in the case of NAYD; writers in the case of Poetry Ireland). The Arts Council has an interim arrangement with the National Youth Council of Ireland for vetting the Council's own designated staff [currently the Council's Young People Children and Education (YPCE) Team, Advisers and HR personnel]. This is an interim measure and, for obvious reasons, NYCI can only offer this facility to the YPCE staff, not the entire organisation and certainly not to the arts sector at large. Comprehensive access to vetting by arts organisations is a matter currently under consideration.
In addition, in 2007 my Department wrote to all of the National Cultural Institutions under its aegis to reinforce the necessity for appropriate recruitment policies and vetting checks where contact with young people was concerned.
The Irish Sports Council (ISC), which is funded by my Department, has a statutory role in the promotion and development of sport. In that context the ISC provides funding and support to National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport.
The Irish Sports Council and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland (now Sport NI) published a joint Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in 2000. A review of the Code was carried out in 2005 and the Code updated. The Code ensures that the policies and procedures that are implemented at all levels in sport are up-to-date and in line with relevant documents, current best practice and legislation throughout the island of Ireland.
The Code has been adopted and implemented by NGBs, local sports partnerships and community/voluntary groups on an on-going basis since 2000. Compliance with the Code of Ethics is one of the criteria for ISC NGB eligibility.
With specific reference to Garda vetting the ISC is represented on the Implementation Group on Garda Vetting and, with the approval of the Group, is rolling out Garda vetting on a phased basis to its NGBs, At present, 25 NGBs are registered with the Garda Central Vetting Unit and are in receipt of vetting. Another 10 NGBs have registered but are still awaiting training and 27 NGBs have yet to commence the registration process.
The Irish Sports Council notifies the Garda Central Vetting Unit when an NGB is in a position to apply for registration with the unit and of the person nominated in the organisation to manage the process. The Garda Central Vetting Unit then liaises with the nominated person in the NGB and the registration process is commenced. On registration, Authorised Signatories are trained in the NGB concerned and the Garda Vetting service is then extended to that Organisation.
Each NGB is responsible for how they roll-out the vetting process within their organisation.
156 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the supports his Department has offered to the Football Association of Ireland with regard to their efforts to hold the 2011 UEFA cup final at the redeveloped Lansdowne Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33769/08]
It would be a great honour if Ireland where selected to host the 2011 UEFA Cup Final and showcase the newly developed stadium at Lansdowne Road to the world at one of European football's premier events. In 2004 the Government allocated a sum of €191m towards the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road into a 50,000 capacity stadium. The construction of the stadium is well underway and on target for completion in Spring, 2010 and will be well equipped to meet the highest of standards needed to showcase such an important event as the UEFA cup Final.
My predecessor met with the President of UEFA last year and indicated his support for the staging of the game at Lansdowne Road. My Department also participated with Dublin City Council and the FAI in a presentation to UEFA officials about the merits of Lansdowne Road Stadium hosting the final. I look forward to a successful outcome of the bidding process.
157 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the impact, in view of the announcement in respect of decentralisation made in July 2008, this will have on his Department in view of the large numbers already operating from Killarney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33900/08]
163 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of the planned decentralisation of his Department; when he expects this decentralisation to be completed; if it is planned to continue with this decentralisation programme; the costs to the Exchequer to date in relation to this decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33762/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 163 together.
The Department of Arts Sport and Tourism was designated for relocation to Killarney, Co. Kerry, under the Government's Decentralisation Programme, which was announced in the 2004 Budget. The Department, which has a staff of 130, excluding the National Archives, was designated an "early mover" by the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG). To date, 76 staff have relocated to temporary accommodation in Fossa, Killarney, 34 of whom were previously located in Dublin with the remainder joining the Department from provincial locations. The objective is to complete the decentralisation process of the Department by early 2009 by which time it will be operating from the new purpose built offices in Killarney.
The OPW are responsible for costs relating to both the temporary and the permanent accommodation and therefore these do not fall within my Department's Vote. The non-property costs to date amount to approximately €880,000.
158 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there are requirements on groups which have constructed arts venues using funding from the ACCESS one and two schemes to offer their venues for use by the wider community for a certain period of time; if they are required to develop educational links with local community, particularly the youth audience; if this is not the case his views on introducing such a requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33781/08]
The Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS) is a key element in the Government's regional arts strategy and has greatly improved access to and participation in the arts for large numbers of people nationwide. The scheme has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of quality cultural spaces.
Facilities funded to date include integrated arts centres, theatres, galleries, studio, and creative and performance spaces. In this manner my Department provides the bulk of capital funding for building and refurbishing arts facilities around the country, mainly in the not for profit sector, while the Arts Council provides the ongoing revenue support for many of the facilities.
While there is no specific obligation on arts groups who have received funding under the ACCESS scheme to offer the use of these venues to the wider community and in particular to the local youth community, the criteria in the ACCESS guidelines refers specifically to the extent to which the facility will:
improve and extend access to, or participation in, the arts within the catchment area of the relevant facility:
implement works that will ensure the continued availability of the relevant facility into the future:
To obtain funding under the objectives of the ACCESS scheme applicants for grant aid are required to indicate how their proposed grant aided facility will encourage as wide a range of participation as possible from the local community in all art forms. This would include all age groups. The independent Selection Committee has regard to this and other criteria when making recommendations to the Minister.
159 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of the Abbey Theatre project; when this will be completed; if the funding for this programme is guaranteed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33778/08]
In 2006 the Government decided to proceed with the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre by way of a public private partnership on a site at George's Dock, on a build, finance and maintain basis. This site was chosen following an extensive search exercise conducted by the Office of Public Works.
The project is complex and there are a myriad of technical, procedural and legal factors to address in making progress on it and these are being progressed. It remains a priority for the Department and Government in the Programme for Government and the National Development Plan.
160 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the way he will achieve the reduction of 3% in payroll costs for his Department, as announced by the Minister for Finance in July 2008; the cost saving measures initiated and the amount saved by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33759/08]
167 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if it is intended to effect a reduction in staffing levels in the private or constituency offices of himself or his Ministers of State arising from the requirement to achieve a reduction of 3% in payroll costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33760/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 167 together.
A range of measures are being put in place in order to achieve the reduction of 3% in payroll costs for the Department. The existing prioritisation of staff resources in line with the business needs of the Department is being examined and, in this context, the need to fill each vacancy that arises in the normal course or from the transfer of staff from the Department under the Government's Decentralisation programme will be reviewed. In addition it is proposed to reduce the current level of overtime. It is not possible to give a detailed breakdown of the savings that will arise but they are expected to be of the order of €400,000 in 2009.
In the case of my private and constituency offices, the staffing level is at a total of 10, 5 serving in my Private Office and 5 in my Constituency office. This is well within the permitted limits set out in the Department of Finance Guidelines on the staffing of Ministerial Offices. While I consider the present number to be a minimum requirement in the context of the business needs and the satisfactory functioning of the offices, I will keep the matter under review.
The Minister of State, Mr. Martin Mansergh, T.D. does not have private or constituency office facilities at this Department.
161 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding allocated in the national development plan or otherwise to provide the storage facilities required by the Irish Museum of Modern Art; the status of that project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33940/08]
Funding of €30 million has been earmarked under the Culture Sub Programme of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013 for off site storage for the National Cultural Institutions, including the Irish Museum of Modern Art. The individual off-site storage needs of the National Cultural Institutions, are being dealt with progressively on an individual basis. The OPW are aware of the importance of storage matters for the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the OPW have been working on both IMMA's on-site and off-site storage facilities.
162 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of the National Concert Hall redevelopment project; when this will be completed; if the funding for this programme is guaranteed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33779/08]
The Government has decided to redevelop the National Concert Hall. The primary objective of the project is to provide three performance auditoria in a single complex, offering capacity for about 2,050 seats in a newly built Main Hall; the existing hall of just over a 1,000 seats as a mid size performance space; and a smaller more flexible hall of 400 seats, respectively and the related public and management spaces associated with a concert hall complex developed to the highest international acoustic and architectural standards. This three-hall configuration will enable the National Concert Hall to provide for public demand including the staging of key performances by top-class world artists at reasonable ticket prices, and will meet the requirement for universal access. It is envisaged that the Earlsfort Terrace buildings will be re-united with the Iveagh Gardens, facilitating increased public access, and new public rooms, cafes and restaurants would over-look the Gardens and the city.
Work is advancing well on the project. The redeveloped National Concert Hall will be procured through a Design / Build / Finance / Maintain PPP contract. In accordance with those procedures the Official notification of the tender was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 29th May 2008 with a closing date of the 7th of July. In early September three applicant consortia were shortlisted and invited to participate in the competitive dialogue process. This dialogue commenced on the 23rd of September 2008.
It is intended to close the dialogue process and invite the participants to submit tenders by end June 2009. The successful tenderer should be selected by Autumn 2009.
Within the Cultural sub-programme of the National Development Plan 2007-2013, provision has been made for the National Concert Hall redevelopment project. The tenders received will determine the cost of the project.
I look forward to this project progressing speedily through the PPP process so that Dublin will have a Concert Hall which will be on a par with leading concert halls in capital cities throughout Europe, and which will enable the current and expanding market demand for musical entertainment to be met.
164 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support a bid to stage the World Equestrian Games here; if funding will be made available in support of staging the event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33683/08]
171 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the level of dialogue that has taken place between his Department and Horse Sport Ireland in relation to the hosting of the World Equestrian Games; the detail of meetings that have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33684/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 171 together.
I understand that Horse Sport Ireland is at present examining the feasibility of hosting the World Equestrian Games in Ireland in 2014.
The Department has had no formal meetings with Horse Sport Ireland in relation to a possible Irish bid to host the World Equestrian Games 2014, although there have been some informal contacts between both sides.
The Department and I have had a number of meetings with those involved in hosting the 2010 Games in Kentucky. In January 2008, the Department met with representatives of the commercial sponsors and in April 2008, my predecessor, the late Séamus Brennan TD, along with officials of the Department, met again with the commercial sponsors and others where the modalities for a possible Irish bid for the WEG 2014 were discussed.
More recently, in August, I met with a representative of the 2010 WEG commercial sponsors, while in September 2008 I, along with the Secretary General of the Department and the Chairman of Fáilte Ireland, met with representatives of the commercial sponsors and organisers of WEG 2010.
Before determining any possible Government involvement — through Fáilte Ireland's International Sports Tourism Initiative or otherwise — in a bid for the 2014 Games, it would be necessary to have a full assessment of the total costs involved and the potential benefits in terms of visitor numbers and international media coverage arising from the event.
168 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when, in view of the fact that the current programme for the construction of swimming pools here closed in 2000, it is envisaged to re-open this programme for grant applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33860/08]
A sum of €184m has been provided in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 to support existing projects in the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme and for new projects to be selected following the launch of a new round of the Programme. However, given the current budgetary constraints, it is not intended to launch a new round of the Programme at this time.
A total of 57 applications were received under the current round of the Programme. Of these 37 projects have been completed and opened to the public, 8 other pools, which have been allocated funding, are under construction and another 12 are at various stages of development and will be allocated funding by my Department in due course.
The current round of the Programme has made noteworthy progress over the last 8 years when consideration is given to the lead in time in the development of pool projects. Our priority now is to work with the relevant local authorities in bringing into public use the remaining 20 pools which are included in the current round.
A Value for Money and Policy Review Report of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was carried out by the Department to examine, among other things, how the Programme has worked to date, and what changes, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. The Report has now been published and the recommendations will be considered in the context of future rounds of the Programme.
170 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he had meetings with his opposite number in the Northern Ireland Assembly or the UK towards the increased development of the island of Ireland as a tourism product; the success of such a meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33822/08]
North South cooperation on tourism has been ongoing for a number of years and continues on a regular basis between the relevant Departments North and South and the respective tourism agencies.
As the Deputy will be aware, tourism was specifically identified in the Good Friday Agreement as an area of cooperation. Even before the Agreement however, there was significant co-operation in tourism. Joint marketing started in the mid 1990s through the Overseas Tourism Marketing Initiative (OTMI).
Most recently, on the 29th May I met with the then Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland, Nigel Dodds MP, MLA at a North South Ministerial Council Meeting in Tourism Sectoral format. The meeting was held in Enniskillen and was also attended by Michelle Gildernew, MP, MLA, the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development. Among the issues discussed at the meeting were:
Progress on the implementation of Tourism Ireland's Business Plan for 2008
Current challenges facing the tourism sector on the island of Ireland
Tourism Ireland's proposals to open a New and Developing Markets hub office to service markets such as China and India
The scope for further cooperation on tourism statistics.
A further North South Ministerial Council Meeting in Tourism Sectoral format is scheduled for the 20th November at which I look forward to meeting the current Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster MLA. Work is ongoing on finalising an agenda for this meeting.
In addition to formal North South Ministerial Council meetings, I would also occasionally meet my counterpart from the Northern Ireland Assembly at various tourism related events arranged by Tourism Ireland.
173 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the semi-State bodies, boards or agencies for which his Department has responsibility, which it is intended to abolish or merge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33758/08]
There are a large number of statutory and other agencies under the remit of the Department providing a wide range of functions. I am currently examining the scope for efficiencies through the rationalisation of those agencies, whether through the development of synergies or through amalgamations. Any final decisions in this regard will be announced in due course.
174 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress between his Department and the Department of Education and Science towards implementing the arts and education committee report; if he will issue a time-line for implementing the recommendations of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33780/08]
The recommendations contained in the report of the Arts and Education Committee charts a possible way forward for the development of an arts in education practice. They highlight the benefits of systematic collaboration between schools and local artists and through visits by schools to arts events and performances — so as to normalise and mainstream arts experience in the minds and lives of our future generations.
My colleague the Minister for Education and Science and I are committed to moving to implement the key recommendations of this Report. We must be realistic and practical, however, in pursuing these comprehensive and relatively costly proposals.
Decisions on their implementation will fall to be considered in the light of available resources to my Department, the Department of Education and Science and the Arts Council.
175 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made on the establishment of a museum of Irish literature; the funding available for this project under the national development plan; his views on providing support to securing external funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33784/08]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish a Museum of Irish Literature in Parnell Square. A Steering Committee chaired by the Department has been established. It has been agreed to conduct a Scoping Study into the project and the Committee is finalising the Terms of Reference for that Study.
Funding for this project is not provided specifically in the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The issue of funding for this project, including funding from external sources, will be reviewed as the proposals develop having regard to the resources available.
177 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the discussions he has had with the Department of Transport on the independent status of Cork and Shannon Airports in view of the ever increasing threat to the aviation industry, market turbulence, and the downturn in the overall tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33861/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, decisions regarding the status of Cork and Shannon Airports are matters for my colleague the Minister for Transport although my Department obviously monitors developments in this regard.
I understand that the Minister for Transport has recently received the Cork and Shannon business plans and expects to receive a finalised commentary on those plans by the DAA shortly when they submit their own plan under the Act. The DAA's commentary is expected to address recent trends in the aviation market, the challenges facing the State airports and the financial and operational aspects of restructuring.
Obviously good and competitive access is critical for the continued success of Irish tourism and a well managed and efficient airport system is crucial in this regard. The Department and I will continue to closely monitor developments with regard to Cork and Shannon airports and liaise as appropriate with the Department of Transport.
179 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress on negotiations with the Department of Education and Science on the way sports halls for school and community use will be provided under the sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33755/08]
Under sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations and, in certain circumstances to schools and colleges, throughout the country. It is the main vehicle for development of sports facilities at local, regional and national level throughout the country. Under the programme priority is given to the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of sports facilities.
Primary and post-primary schools wishing to be considered for funding under the programme may apply for funding jointly with local sports clubs or community groups and must meet other conditions including a requirement that the local community will have significant access to the proposed facility, at least 30 hours a week throughout the year, when it is not being used by the school itself. Any sports facility proposed for funding by a sporting organisation and which would be located within school grounds would have to meet these same conditions.
Applications from primary and post-primary schools and colleges on their own are not considered under the programme.
Work on the development of a National Sports Facility Strategy is at an advanced stage in my Department. The aim of the strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment at national, regional and local level. An inter-agency steering group is overseeing this work and includes representation from the Department of Education and Science. The work of this group has included discussions with the Department of Education and Science on how its policy on the provision of sports hall facilities and my Department's policy for the provision of sports facilities might be complementary.
181 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to introduce the Irish Sports Council (Amendment) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33757/08]
As I have previously indicated to the House, my Department has been working on a Bill to enable the Irish Sports Council to establish subsidiaries. Issues have arisen during the drafting of the Bill that are the subject of discussion between my Department, the Department of Finance, the Irish Sports Council and the Attorney General's Office. I have said previously that I am not convinced, particularly in light of the recent OECD Report, of the need to establish new bodies on a statutory basis. When the issues arising from the proposed legislation are clarified I will decide on how best to proceed.
182 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of the issue of special visas for artists coming here; the progress his Department has made, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, towards ensuing special visas will be obtained by visiting artists more promptly than is the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33776/08]
There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to "create a new combined Cultural Visa and Work Permit that simplifies and speeds up entry by incoming artists and groups to Ireland". Discussions regarding the practical implementation of this commitment are ongoing with the other relevant Departments — Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform and Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment — and further progress is expected over the coming months.
183 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the number of homeless people who have died in all counties in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the gender of each; the average age and the circumstances of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34045/08]
The information requested by the deputy is not available. There is no indicator on death certificates to specify that the deceased was homeless, hence mortality statistics relating to homeless people cannot be produced by the Central Statistics Office.
184 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach if the Central Statistics Office has been asked to collect, collate and analysis accurate and timely data on homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34105/08]
The CSO invited submissions on the questionnaire content of the 2011 Census of Population in a public consultation initiated on 14th August 2008. The office received over 80 submissions from individuals and organisations in response to this consultation. A number of these related to the enumeration of homeless persons.
A Census Advisory Group consisting of representatives of Government departments, local authorities, public bodies, the social partners, universities and research institutes was set up and met on 25th September 2008 to consider the various submissions. The group decided that the best way to progress issues relating to the enumeration of the homeless was for CSO to convene a specialist sub-group with expertise in this area. Such a group has been set up and an initial meeting has been arranged for Tuesday 14th October in CSO. The group has representatives of the homeless agencies, central government and local authorities along with CSO.
185 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Taoiseach if he will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations international day for the eradication of poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34223/08]
I am unable to attend the ceremony to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. My colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who has primary responsibility for such matters will mark the day with an address to the Biennial Conference of the Irish Forum for Global Health in Cork on the same date.
The eradication of extreme poverty and hunger is the central objective of Ireland's overseas development programme and the UN International Day is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the scale of the challenge and to renew our commitments. It is appropriate that it falls so shortly after the high level event on the Millennium Development Goals at the UN in New York last month, at which leaders from national governments, civil society and the private sector re-committed themselves to these important objectives.
The presence of myself, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of State for Overseas Development in New York on that occasion, is a clear indication of our desire to play an important role in global efforts to combat poverty.
186 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the numbers of people working in manufacturing in counties Donegal, Roscommon, Galway, Kerry, west Cork, Clare, Leitrim and Sligo. [34010/08]
Employment data in respect of companies supported by the Enterprise Agencies (Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Shannon Development) is collated by Forfás on a county and annual basis only, and accordingly data is not available for 2008 nor can figures be provided on a town or sub-county basis. The following table outlines the number of persons in permanent employment in Enterprise Agency assisted manufacturing firms in the counties in question in 2007.
Please note that the figures do not include persons in permanent employment in manufacturing firms supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta which falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs.
|
Manufacturing 2007 |
|
|
Donegal |
3,474 |
|
Roscommon |
2,521 |
|
Galway |
12,971 |
|
Kerry |
4,073 |
|
Cork |
29,410 |
|
Clare |
6,673 |
|
Leitrim |
905 |
|
Sligo |
3,583 |
187 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the social economy scheme was transferred from FÁS to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33962/08]
188 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on transferring community employment to the social economy programme; the implications such a change would have for those organisations availing of the community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33963/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.
The FÁS Social Economy Programme transferred to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on 1 January 2006, where it was subsequently renamed the Community Services Programme. It was transferred because the Social Economy Programme was better suited to the mandate of the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs.
I have no plans to transfer the Community Employment Programme to another Department. However, contacts do take place from time to time with other Departments as to particular projects.
189 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will request the Companies Registration Office to provide a telephone help line or e-mail helpline to assist people making an application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34021/08]
The Companies Registration Office (CRO) has a dedicated Information Unit to assist the public. The Unit operates a telephone helpline which can be contacted at 01 8045200 and Lo Call: 1890 220 226. The CRO also has a dedicated e-mail address, info@cro.ie., to assist the public.
In addition, the CRO has a public office where callers can get information on their filing obligations. The address of the Public Office is Parnell House, 14 Parnell Square, Dublin 1.
190 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the length of time it takes the Companies Registration Office to process an application to register a new company, change directors or change the company name; her views on this time for processing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34022/08]
The target for processing applications to register a new company made through the "CRO disk" scheme is 5 working days. At present, and provided all required information is in order, such applications are processed within 24 hours of receipt.
Over 90% of applications are received using this scheme. The target for processing paper-based applications is 15 working days provided all documentation is in order. At present, such applications are processed within 48 hours of receipt.
The registration of forms conveying changes in director details takes approximately 2 weeks at present. Processing times vary in accordance with the volume of submissions received.
Applications for a change of company name are generally processed within 7 working days provided all relevant information is submitted.
191 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the revenue received from the national training fund in 2007; and if she will provide an estimate for year end 2008. [34112/08]
The total income of the National Training Fund in 2007 was €433.3 million. For 2008 the income is estimated to be €440.6 million.
192 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the FÁS funds administered locally by training centres; the monitoring procedures in place for the control of such funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34130/08]
I understand from FÁS that funds administered by Training Centres are accounted for under the heading Direct costs and are controlled by the local Training Centre.
Direct costs are costs directly associated with the running of individual training courses in each Training Centre and all costs can be attributed to the individual training course.
A large proportion of the costs of training for each course are paid out in respect of allowances to the trainees. This is administered through a trainee and payroll system. This is a computerised system that pays trainees directly into their bank account via electronic fund transfer.
When a trainee is registering with FÁS they must provide an approved F103 form from Social Welfare which indicates the allowance they are entitled to. In addition to the F103, FÁS seeks the trainee bank account details to ensure payment is made via electronic fund transfer. Full supporting documentation is on file and held in the local Training Centre to support any allowances paid.
Other costs, for example materials, are purchased locally by each Training Centre in line with FÁS procurement procedures and documentation is kept on file to support these transactions.
All payments made by Training Centres are periodically audited by the FÁS Internal Audit department. The Training Centres may also be audited by the Controller and Auditor General as required and also by European Union auditors.
The FÁS Finance & Administration units in each FÁS Region also monitor and review payments issued by Training Centres.
All staff costs are controlled and paid centrally from FÁS Head Office.
A detailed budget for each Training Centre is allocated at the beginning of each year.
Monthly management accounts for each Training Centre are produced showing budget performance and budget variances.
These Training Centre management accounts are consolidated into both regional and national accounts that are reviewed monthly by FÁS management.
193 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if all FÁS suppliers have been required to undergo a tender process at all times; the normal period for which supply contracts are granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34131/08]
I understand that FÁS has developed a procurement manual that is in accordance with the EU Procurement Directives and the Irish Government Contract Regulations. The manual was approved by the Board of FÁS in April 2005. It is the policy of FÁS to tender for goods and services in accordance with current financial authority levels as set out in these procurement procedures. The calculation of the estimated value of the goods or services is based on the amount payable by FÁS.
For goods/services with an estimated value below €50,000 a restricted procedure is used and up to five qualified suppliers are invited to quote/tender. Where the value is greater than €50,000, it is the policy of FÁS to publish an expression of interest on the government E-Tenders website. Where the goods are over current EU thresholds the competition is automatically advertised on the Official Journal of the European Community website through the E-Tenders website. The duration of the order depends upon the nature of the goods/service provided. Duration can range from weeks/months (once off deliveries) to four years (Supply contracts such as catering/cleaning contracts).
194 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount spent on the maintenance of each FÁS training centre and the amount paid to authorised and approved contractors in each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34132/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table. All contractors involved in the maintenance of FÁS training centres are authorised and approved.
|
YTD Actual Sept. 2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
Total 2000-2008 |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Dublin |
||||||||||
|
Baldoyle |
0.096 |
0.155 |
0.098 |
0.088 |
0.105 |
0.099 |
0.126 |
0.311 |
0.419 |
1.497 |
|
Cabra |
0.080 |
0.134 |
0.108 |
0.118 |
0.101 |
0.046 |
0.110 |
0.450 |
0.768 |
1.915 |
|
Jervis Street |
0.019 |
0.020 |
0.038 |
0.056 |
0.067 |
0.076 |
0.211 |
0.159 |
0.101 |
0.747 |
|
Finglas |
0.122 |
0.142 |
0.122 |
0.127 |
0.114 |
0.110 |
0.208 |
0.166 |
0.320 |
1.431 |
|
Ballyfermot |
0.118 |
0.093 |
0.114 |
0.141 |
0.155 |
0.107 |
0.167 |
0.129 |
0.207 |
1.231 |
|
Tallaght |
0.036 |
0.041 |
0.091 |
0.131 |
0.094 |
0.048 |
0.667 |
0.777 |
0.080 |
1.965 |
|
Loughlinstown |
0.065 |
0.113 |
0.081 |
0.078 |
0.082 |
0.072 |
0.296 |
0.207 |
0.415 |
1.409 |
|
South East |
||||||||||
|
Waterford |
0.291 |
0.589 |
0.390 |
0.263 |
0.274 |
0.232 |
0.535 |
0.577 |
0.833 |
3.984 |
|
South West |
||||||||||
|
Cork |
0.143 |
0.224 |
0.167 |
0.193 |
0.222 |
0.118 |
0.287 |
0.551 |
0.785 |
2.690 |
|
Tralee |
0.059 |
0.064 |
0.069 |
0.099 |
0.085 |
0.080 |
0.490 |
0.279 |
0.145 |
1.370 |
|
Mid-West |
||||||||||
|
Limerick |
0.041 |
0.101 |
0.121 |
0.330 |
0.084 |
0.119 |
0.418 |
0.534 |
0.642 |
2.390 |
|
Shannon |
0.099 |
0.109 |
0.038 |
0.047 |
0.080 |
0.074 |
0.194 |
0.403 |
0.348 |
1.392 |
|
West |
||||||||||
|
Galway |
0.133 |
0.145 |
0.175 |
0.099 |
0.104 |
0.093 |
0.088 |
0.402 |
0.646 |
1.885 |
|
North West |
||||||||||
|
Sligo |
0.029 |
0.052 |
0.070 |
0.038 |
0.023 |
0.088 |
0.107 |
0.319 |
0.138 |
0.864 |
|
Gweedore Letterkenny |
0.026 |
0.049 |
0.046 |
0.096 |
0.053 |
0.072 |
0.081 |
0.132 |
0.086 |
0.641 |
|
North East |
||||||||||
|
Dundalk |
0.078 |
0.151 |
0.131 |
0.108 |
0.108 |
0.003 |
0.248 |
0.086 |
0.136 |
1.049 |
|
Midlands |
||||||||||
|
Athlone |
0.064 |
0.103 |
0.092 |
0.058 |
0.062 |
0.049 |
0.124 |
0.134 |
0.248 |
0.934 |
|
Total |
1.499 |
2.285 |
1.951 |
2.070 |
1.813 |
1.486 |
4.357 |
5.616 |
6.317 |
27.394 |
195 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount spent on payments to sponsored and unsponsored trainees nationally and in each FÁS training centre in each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34133/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will, as far as practicable, be provided in the near future.
196 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funds spent on training materials nationally and in each FÁS centre in each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34134/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will, as far as practicable, be provided in the near future.
197 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the budget provided for sponsored and unsponsored training nationally and in each FÁS centre in each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34135/08]
The budget provided for training provided nationally in FÁS centres is set out in the following table. The other information requested by Deputy will, as far as practicable, be provided at a later date.
|
September YTD Actual |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|
Actual |
Actual |
Actual |
Actual |
Actual |
Actual |
Actual |
Actual |
||
|
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
|
|
Bridging Foundation |
16.101 |
21.226 |
20.561 |
21.863 |
15.142 |
12.799 |
10.716 |
10.454 |
7.023 |
|
Return to Work |
1.913 |
2.833 |
2.753 |
2.684 |
2.850 |
4.428 |
4.971 |
3.959 |
3.063 |
|
Specific Skills Training |
29.238 |
37.364 |
37.586 |
37.985 |
36.408 |
39.105 |
43.878 |
43.670 |
40.216 |
|
Traineeship |
19.611 |
25.191 |
22.699 |
20.633 |
14.262 |
15.110 |
10.137 |
6.956 |
5.668 |
|
Training for Employment |
66.863 |
86.614 |
83.599 |
83.165 |
68.662 |
71.442 |
69.702 |
65.039 |
55.970 |
|
Apprenticeship Phase 2 |
48.021 |
68.189 |
59.958 |
51.327 |
43.302 |
42.139 |
47.879 |
44.383 |
32.543 |
|
Sponsored Training |
0.583 |
1.157 |
1.308 |
0.909 |
1.086 |
1.100 |
1.026 |
0.395 |
0.555 |
|
Sub-Total |
48.604 |
69.346 |
61.266 |
52.236 |
44.388 |
43.239 |
48.905 |
44.778 |
33.098 |
|
Total |
115.467 |
155.960 |
144.865 |
135.401 |
113.050 |
114.681 |
118.607 |
109.817 |
89.068 |
198 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of 24 September 2008, the amount of resources, in terms of staff and funding, she is committing to her Department’s review of labour market programmes including training programmes; when this review will be finished; the stakeholders that will be consulted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34155/08]
My Department is currently commencing a review into labour market programmes, including training programmes. This review will examine these programmes in terms of efficiency and effectiveness and draw conclusions about the adequacy and balance of resources in the context of current and future labour market policy challenges taking into account the recommendations of the National Skills Strategy.
The Steering Group for this review has held its inaugural meeting. But the details requested by the Deputy have not, as yet been finalised.
199 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount paid for materials purchased as scrap and used for training in each FÁS centre in each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34157/08]
The amount paid for materials purchased as scrap and used for training in each FÁS centre in each year since 2000 to date in 2008 is set out in the following table.
|
Centre |
Year |
Amount |
|
|
€ |
|||
|
NW |
Sligo |
2002 |
1,210 |
|
2005 |
726 |
||
|
2007 |
2,160 |
||
|
2008 |
1,900 |
||
|
SE |
Waterford |
2008 |
5,750 |
|
2007 |
7,162 |
||
|
SW |
Cork |
2001 |
152 |
|
2002 |
627 |
||
|
2003 |
2,410 |
||
|
2004 |
1,190 |
||
|
2005 |
1,400 |
||
|
2006 |
3,630 |
||
|
2007 |
799 |
||
|
2008 |
2,400 |
||
|
Tralee |
2001 |
496 |
|
|
2002 |
1,541 |
||
|
2003 |
847 |
||
|
2004 |
2,509 |
||
|
2005 |
1,200 |
||
|
2006 |
1,920 |
||
|
2007 |
1,200 |
||
|
NE |
Dundalk |
2001 |
1,253 |
|
2002 |
269 |
||
|
2003 |
2,086 |
||
|
2004 |
1,409 |
||
|
2005 |
1,137 |
200 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the external audits of FÁS operations which have been carried out in each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34158/08]
The following external audits were completed for FÁS internal audit during the period:
2000 Anderson Consulting — Computer Network Audit;
2003 — Spollen Report on Services to Business;
2007 Pixalert: 1 images audit on the staff network and 4 images audits on individual training centre networks (Cabra, Finglas, Sligo and Tralee);
2008 Pixalert: image audit on the Cork Training Services network.
In addition, every year, the C & AG completes an audit in respect of the FÁS financial statements.
The FÁS Closed Scheme Pension Fund is audited annually by a private firm of auditors.
The ESF Financial Control Unit in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment completed external audits in 2002 and 2007. Fieldwork has been carried out for a further two reports.
The EC Commission Financial Control also completed external audits in 2002 and 2007.
201 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes made in FÁS operations as a result of the publication of the Spollen report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34159/08]
The Spollen Report of October 2003 is an internal FÁS report commissioned "To review the approval and administrative processes and procedures, which support the operation of the Safe Pass and Construction Skills Certification Schemes (CSCS) and any matters arising there-from; to report thereon and make recommendations as to how any deficiencies identified can be remedied.
As a result of the report FÁS and Enterprise Ireland have:
appointed an independent chairperson of the National Register of Trainers;
developed and implemented a Procedures Manual for CSCS and Safe Pass;
put a monitoring system in place to ensure compliance by trainers to the rules of the scheme; and
developed Monitoring and CSCS Trainer packs.
202 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations international day for the eradication of poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34216/08]
I have not received an invitation to the ceremony in question.
Unfortunately, I am not available to attend due to other official commitments on that date.
203 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the latest estimate of the accrued liability to the State for public service occupational pensions; and the increase in the accrued liability each year since the establishment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund. [34004/08]
The total accrued liability in respect of public service occupational pensions is estimated at €75bn as of 2007. This figure represents the current liability for future superannuation payments to serving public service employees and their dependents in respect of service to date along with the liability for all future payments to current pensioners and their dependents. In the past estimates of the accrued liability were not made on a regular basis. However, the Report of the Commission on Public Service Pensions (2000) provided an estimate of €25bn for the value of accrued liabilities as of 1997. The National Pension Reserve Fund was set up in April 2001 and the value of funds in the NPRF as at end 2007 was €21bn
204 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the revenue received from the construction industry each year from 2000 to 2004 reflecting the amount of VAT, PAYE, PRSI, corporation tax and income non-PAYE, site, labour and profit taxes. [34005/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information furnished on tax returns does not generally require the yield from a particular sector or sub-sector of economic activity to be identified. Consequently, the precise figures of net yield of tax revenues from the construction industry cannot be readily identified.
Information in relation to VAT, Income Tax and Corporation Tax can, however, be provided as to the estimated gross amounts of taxes paid (i.e. before allowing for repayments) by taxpayers in the construction industry. In considering this data, it is important to bear in mind the specific assumptions that have been made and are set out in the notes below.
The gross yield of VAT (not including VAT on imports), PAYE/PRSI, Income tax non-PAYE and Corporation tax from taxpayers in the construction industry within the tax head is estimated as follows for 2004:
|
Tax head |
2004 |
|
€ million |
|
|
VAT |
2,041 |
|
PAYE/PRSI |
1,878 |
|
Income Tax non-PAYE |
244 |
|
Corporation Tax |
404 |
Please see accompanying Notes. Data for previous years are not readily available.
I am also informed by the Revenue Commissioners that data for earlier years are not readily available and could not be obtained without conducting a protracted examination of Revenue records.
Notes: These figures are gross receipts as provided by the Revenue Commissioners and differ slightly from the Exchequer receipts due to timing and accounting issues. "Income Tax (non-PAYE)" includes direct Income Tax and PRSI payments received from self-assessed taxpayers and the estimated Relevant Contracts Tax not offset to other taxes, attributable to the construction industry but excludes certain "deduction" taxes such as Deposit Interest Retention Tax, Withholding Tax on professional fees, Dividend Withholding Tax as well as yields from audit and other back duty settlements. The sector identifier used on the tax records is based on the 4 digit "NACE code (Rev. 1)" which is an internationally recognised economic activity code system. The NACE codes are not essential for the assessment and collection of taxes and duties and the correct allocation and maintenance of these codes is subject to the limit of available resources. While the accuracy of the NACE codes on tax records is sufficient to underpin broad sector-based analyses there will undoubtedly be some inaccuracies at individual level. This should be borne in mind when considering the information provided. The figure provided for the estimated gross yield from the construction industry has been expanded to include the yield from activities and businesses which are related, either in whole or in part, to the construction sector. An example of these would be architecture, engineering and the manufacture of products used in construction, but not real estate activities.
205 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of the economy here in terms of output and employment that was dependent on the construction industry each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and the comparative information for the EU and USA. [34006/08]
Given that the Deputy has asked for data going back to 2000 i.e. before the recent enlargements of the EU, the data published by Eurostat for the EU 15 over the period in question is used in order to provide a comparable set of data. It should be noted that the data for the contribution of construction to output is published by Eurostat on a Gross Value Added (GVA) basis and not as a proportion of GDP. Also, figures for 2008 have not yet been published. Therefore Table 1 sets out the figures for construction and employment in the EU 15 with the equivalent figures for Ireland also shown.
|
Ireland |
Output as % of GVA |
Employment as % of total employment |
EU 15 |
Output as % of GVA |
Employment as % of total employment |
|
2000 |
7.4 |
10.0 |
2000 |
5.5 |
7.8 |
|
2001 |
7.7 |
10.5 |
2001 |
5.6 |
7.9 |
|
2002 |
7.7 |
10.5 |
2002 |
5.7 |
7.8 |
|
2003 |
8.1 |
10.7 |
2003 |
5.7 |
7.9 |
|
2004 |
9.0 |
11.5 |
2004 |
5.8 |
7.9 |
|
2005 |
9.9 |
12.6 |
2005 |
5.9 |
8.0 |
|
2006 |
10.2 |
13.3 |
2006 |
6.1 |
8.1 |
|
2007 |
9.9 |
13.4 |
2007 |
6.2 |
8.2 |
Source: Eurostat and CSO.
In relation to the US, output data relates to the construction sector, which like the Eurostat figures, is provided on a value added basis. However, the published employment data for the US do not separate out construction, but combine it in a category called "Construction and Extraction" and as such are not as readily comparable with the Irish and European data. It is this aggregate data which is contained in Table 2.
|
Output as % of GVA |
Employment as % of total employment |
|
|
2000 |
4.4 |
5.6 |
|
2001 |
4.6 |
5.8 |
|
2002 |
4.6 |
5.8 |
|
2003 |
4.5 |
5.9 |
|
2004 |
4.6 |
6.1 |
|
2005 |
4.9 |
6.5 |
|
2006 |
4.8 |
6.6 |
|
2007 |
4.1 |
6.5 |
|
H1 2008 |
— |
6.0 |
Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis & Bureau of Labour Statistics.
206 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the provision that allows property developers to seek refunds on their tax payments to the Revenue Commissioners on the basis that the value of their land has reduced; the amount of money in such refunds that have been paid out in the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 per year or part of a year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34015/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a property developer may be entitled to claim a refund of tax paid as a result of losses arising from a reduction in the value of land and property where certain requirements have been met, as follows:
The developer would have to be engaged in a trade of land dealing and development so that any land and property held by the developer forms part of their stock in trade;
The method used for valuing trading stock must be in accordance with generally accepted accountancy standards and be applied on a consistent basis; a developer would have to show good reason for any change in the basis of valuation;
As trading stock is stated in the accounts at the lower of cost and net realisable value, any write-down in the value of trading stock would have to be of a sufficient amount as to reduce the value of land and property holdings to a net realisable value which is below cost; and
The write-down in value would also have to be of a sufficient amount to either (i) generate a trading loss for the chargeable period, which may be carried back and set off against profits for the previous chargeable period, or (ii) reduce a person's tax liability for the current chargeable period below the amount of preliminary tax already paid for that period, thereby generating a claim for refund of preliminary tax paid.
A tax refund may also arise in the case of a developer going out of business and claiming terminal loss relief under which trading losses in the last 12 months of the trade may be set off against trading income in the preceding three years. There has to be a permanent cessation of the trade for such loss relief to apply.
I should add that loss relief is not available in respect of a write-down in the value of property assets held as investments. Where property is held for investment purposes, losses are only allowed on disposals of assets and such losses may only be offset against current or future capital gains.
I am advised by Revenue that separate figures are not available on the amount of tax refunds paid to property developers on foot of refund claims made by them in respect of property re-valuations in 2006, 2007 and 2008. However, the Revenue Commissioners are not aware of significant refunds being claimed to date in this respect and there is no evidence so far to show that the issue has impacted in any material way on the overall tax yield. However, the position is being kept under review.
207 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he has estimated the increased cost of Exchequer borrowing in 2008 and 2009 as a consequence of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Bill 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34023/08]
The nature of the guarantees to be provided by the Government under the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008 are such that they will not be included in the General Government Balance or the Debt. The Deputy may wish to note that over the two year period of the guarantee the covered institutions will pay a significant charge for the guarantee.
I am informed by the NTMA that there are no apparent immediate effects on the cost of short term borrowing. In relation to the cost of long term borrowing this is a function of a range of factors including short term volatility in the markets, the underlying trend in spreads, the weakening budget position. It is difficult at this time to give any estimation of the impact of the introduction of the guarantee scheme over the longer term.
208 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the evidence basis for his assurance to Dáil Éireann on 30 September 2008 that the assets of the banks exceed their liabilities by €80 billion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34024/08]
During the debate on the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008 I referred to an estimate that the total assets of the six credit institutions referred to in the Government's announcement of 30 September exceed their guaranteed liabilities by approximately €80 billion. This estimate was based on the end-2007 published accounts of the credit institutions concerned. Work is currently underway by the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (CBFSAI) to refine and update this figure to 29 September 2008.
209 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance the number of transactions completed under the farm consolidation stamp duty relief scheme announced in budget 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34052/08]
In 2005 my predecessor introduced a special stamp duty relief relating to an exchange of farm land between two farmers for the purposes of consolidating each farmer's holding. The relief was extended in 2007 to qualifying exchanges of land where only one farmer is consolidating his/her holding.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that from 1 July 2005 to 30 September 2008 there have been 57 cases where farm consolidation relief was allowed. The numbers of such transactions in 2007 and to 30 September 2008 alone were 37.
210 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the refusal of a number of financial institutions to offer tracker mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34055/08]
Last week against the backdrop of unprecedented difficulties in international financial markets, the Government acted quickly and resolutely to guarantee the depositors and lenders with Irish financial institutions and ensure these institutions can access the funding necessary to enable them to continue to provide the financial services and liquidity needed for the proper functioning of our economy and society.
The Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act, 2008 provides the necessary legal underpinning to the Government's announcement and I will shortly bring before the Houses of the Oireachtas the scheme provided for in the Act, which will set out in greater detail the terms and conditions on which assistance will be provided.
In taking its decisive move, the Government has done its part to create the conditions that will enable credit institutions to access funding so that they are in a position to fulfil their role in providing credit in our economy and society. It is now up to these institutions to respond to the Government's action by ensuring the flow of finance is channelled to sustain economic activity.
However, as the Deputy is aware, the decision as to the range and scope of the particular products to be provided by financial institutions is ultimately a commercial one for those organisations and one in which neither I nor the Financial Regulator has an operational role.
211 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he has reviewed the trend for top-up loans or deposits being offered by property developers; his views on this type of activity in the mortgage sector; if these financial offers are being fully invigilated by the relevant regulatory authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34056/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to his PQ Dáil Question No. 74 (Ref: 31317/08), taken together with Dáil Question No. 52 (Ref: 31336/08) tabled by Deputy Sean Sherlock, for oral answer on Thursday 25 September 2008. He will have noted that my Department has asked the Consumer Director in the Financial Regulator to review current practices of seller financing of deposits for housing sales and that I will advise the Deputy of the outcome of this assessment.
212 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance his views on measures that make more attractive the provision of lower or fixed rate mortgage and other associated financial products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34057/08]
I would point out to the Deputy that this Government has provided significant supports to first-time buyers through the mortgage interest relief measure fulfilling the commitment contained in the programme for Government. Cumulatively, as a result of Budget 2007 and Budget 2008, first-time buyers have obtained additional relief of up to €100 per month, if single, or €200 per month, if married or widowed, subject to paying sufficient mortgage interest to avail of the relief.
In addition to the increase in mortgage interest relief, the limit of the exemption from income tax which applies to rent received when a person rents out a room or rooms in his or her principal private residence was increased from €7,620 to €10,000 in Budget 2008.
These are substantial measures and I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost of all mortgage interest relief in 2008 is expected to be approximately €665 million.
The question of any change in the rate of mortgage interest relief would be a matter to be considered in the context of future Budgets. However as it is a long-standing practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax or expenditure matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions. I do not propose to depart from that practice.
Furthermore, last week against the backdrop of unprecedented difficulties in international financial markets, the Government acted quickly and resolutely to guarantee the depositors and lenders with Irish financial institutions and ensure these institutions can access the funding necessary to enable them to continue to provide the financial services and liquidity needed for the proper functioning of our economy and society.
The Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008, provides the necessary legal underpinning to the Government's announcement and I will shortly bring before the Houses of the Oireachtas the scheme provided for in the Act, which will set out in greater detail the terms and conditions on which assistance will be provided.
In taking its decisive move, the Government has done its part to create the conditions that will enable credit institutions to access funding so that they are in a position to fulfil their role in providing credit in our economy and society. It is now up to these institutions to respond to the Government's action by ensuring the flow of finance is channelled to sustain economic activity.
Finally, as the Deputy is aware, the decision as to the range and scope of the particular products to be provided by financial institutions is ultimately a commercial one for those organisations and one in which neither I nor the Financial Regulator has an operational role.
213 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance his views on initiating a full review of the operation of the mortgage sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34058/08]
The function of the Minister is to provide an appropriate and robust legislative framework for regulation of the financial services sector with a particular focus on the consumer.
The Financial Regulator has a wide regulatory remit in respect of financial matters, including banking supervision, which relates to the prudential supervision of mortgage providers i.e. banks and building societies. The objectives of supervising financial institutions are to foster a stable banking system and to provide a degree of protection to depositors with individual credit institutions.
As part of its banking supervision role, the Financial Regulator supervises the financial institutions on an ongoing basis and develops supervisory guidance and requirements for their operation. It also involves prudential supervision which includes monitoring the business of banks and building societies and how it is planned, managed, and controlled and checking compliance with statutory and non-statutory requirements.
In recent times various initiatives have been introduced by the Financial Regulator for the financial services sector, including the mortgage sector, to encourage responsible lending and lending of products that are appropriate to a consumer's particular circumstances.
At present, there are a number of regulations that financial institutions must have regard to when engaging in mortgage provision activities. Firstly, the Financial Regulator and the Irish Banking Federation have agreed guidelines on a stress testing requirement applying at the level of individual loan applications under which the lender must stress test the borrower's ability to repay the loan in the event that the interest rate applied were to increase to ECB + 2.75%.
Secondly, the Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code contains "Know the Consumer" and "Suitability" requirements, which must be followed by both lenders and intermediaries at point of sale. The mortgage provider must demonstrate that it has gathered sufficient information from the consumer to allow it to provide a recommendation to that consumer. The mortgage recommended must be suitable to the consumer having regard to the facts disclosed by the consumer. A written statement setting out the reasons why a mortgage product/selection of mortgage products offered to the consumer are suitable must be given to the consumer. Mortgage intermediaries must submit to a mortgage lender a signed declaration that it has had sight of all original supporting documentation including banks statements, P60/certificate of earnings and other supporting documentation evidencing the consumer's identity and ability to repay.
In addition, when a consumer falls into arrears, the Code requires that regulated entities must inform the consumer in writing of the arrears, the date the account fell into arrears, the number of and total payments missed, the amount of arrears interest charged to date and the interest rate applicable to the arrears. Supporting the specific provisions of the Code is the overarching principle that regulated entities must "act honestly, fairly and professionally in the best interests of its customers and the integrity of the market."
In mid 2007 the Financial Regulator carried out survey of the sales process of mortgage providers to examine how firms were planning to comply with Code provisions relating to mortgage suitability and to issue feedback to regulated mortgage lenders on key issues.
Overall, the findings showed that those institutions surveyed were well advanced in planning and implementing amendments to their systems and processes, in order to comply with the Code provisions relating to mortgage suitability.
In its feedback to mortgage providers, the Financial Regulator advised, inter alia, that whilst affordability is a prime component of suitability, there are other factors directly related to the consumer's individual situation that should be taken into account in order to fully assess the suitability of a mortgage sale e.g. purpose of borrowings, age of consumer, attitude to fixed/variable interest, type and length of loan.
The Financial Regulator will also continue to monitor compliance with the Consumer Credit Act, 1995 which imposes various obligations on mortgage lenders and mortgage intermediaries, including, calculation of APR, warning on loss of home if repayments are not kept up to appear on mortgage applications, and provisions covering the advertising of housing loans.
In addition, the Deputy may wish to note that the EU Commission December 2007 White Paper on the Integration of EU Mortgage Credit Markets, COM(2007)807, summarises the conclusions of a comprehensive review of the functioning and the level of integration of EU mortgage credit markets. It presents a package of measures to improve the efficiency and the competitiveness of EU residential mortgage markets. My Department is working with the Commission on this initiative which involves amongst other things examining various aspects of the mortgage credit market here in Ireland on an ongoing basis.
Last week against the backdrop of unprecedented difficulties in international financial markets, the Government acted quickly and resolutely to guarantee the depositors and lenders with Irish financial institutions and ensure these institutions can access the funding necessary to enable them to continue to provide the financial services and liquidity needed for the proper functioning of our economy and society. The Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008, provides the necessary legal underpinning to the Government's announcement and I will shortly bring before the Houses of the Oireachtas the scheme provided for in the Act, which will set out in greater detail the terms and conditions on which assistance will be provided. In taking its decisive move, the Government has done its part to create the conditions that will enable credit institutions to access funding so that they are in a position to fulfil their role in providing credit in our economy and society. It is now up to these institutions to respond to the Government's action by ensuring the flow of finance is channelled to sustain economic activity.
Accordingly, I do not see the need at this time to initiate a full review of the operation of the mortgage sector in Ireland.
214 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the revenue received in income tax, VAT, capital gains tax, capital acquisitions tax, excise, stamp duty, customs, motor tax and corporate tax from 2004 to 2007; and if he will provide an estimate for 2008. [34111/08]
Details of Exchequer taxes for the years 2004 — 2007 are published in the Finance Accounts and the relevant information is set out below for completeness. In relation to 2008, I will be publishing my latest Exchequer tax estimate for the 2008 outturn in the White Paper on Estimates and Receipts this coming weekend and, as is the norm on Budget day, 14 October, I will publish my Department's estimated outturn for 2008 for Exchequer Taxes.
Motor tax, unlike all other taxes, is not paid into the Exchequer. Under the Local Government Act, 1998 motor taxation is paid directly into the Local Government Fund. The Fund is used generally to finance local authority general purposes needs and non-national road grants. The motor tax figures for 2004 to 2007 have been provided by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which estimates that the 2008 yield will be approximately €1,079 million.
|
End Year |
End year |
End year |
End year |
|
|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
|
|
(€m) |
(€m) |
(€m) |
(€m) |
|
|
VAT |
14,497 |
13,448 |
12,089 |
10,693 |
|
Capital Gains Tax |
3,105 |
3,100 |
1,960 |
1,516 |
|
Capital Acquisitions Tax |
392 |
353 |
249 |
190 |
|
Excise Duties |
5,838 |
5,589 |
5,233 |
4,928 |
|
Stamp Duty |
3,186 |
3,717 |
2,725 |
2,088 |
|
Customs |
266 |
257 |
226 |
173 |
|
Corporation Tax |
6,391 |
6,683 |
5,492 |
5,332 |
|
Motor Tax |
946 |
880 |
800 |
745 |
215 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance his plans to waive VAT on the purchase of computer equipment for schools in view of the Government’s inability to provide adequate provision for such equipment through Exchequer funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34154/08]
The position is that bodies supplying educational services and non-profit organisations are exempt from VAT under the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. This means they do not charge VAT on the services they provide and cannot recover VAT incurred on goods and services that they purchase. Essentially only VAT registered businesses which charge VAT are able to recover VAT.
I would point out that it is normal for state funded services, such as schools and hospitals, to bear VAT on their purchases. However, Exchequer funding for such services, including primary and secondary schools, takes account of VAT when allocations are being made by the Government. I, therefore, have no plans to introduce a mechanism to relieve VAT incurred by schools on the purchase of computers.
216 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Finance his views, in view of the concerns surrounding the high rate of alcohol consumption, and taking into account that supporting Irish companies is of increased importance, on reducing the level of duty on ciders of below 3% alcohol rate, in order that they are taxed in a similar way to low alcohol beers on the market, at €41.62 per hectolitre, rather than at €83.25 as per standard cider in budget 2009. [34176/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, it is a long-standing practice for the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax or expenditure matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions. I do not propose to deviate from this practice.
217 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34218/08]
I will not be attending the ceremony to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty as outlined in the Deputy's question.
218 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide funding and appropriate tax reliefs for the Cork Docklands development following the recent publication of the Wrixon report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34241/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, it is not customary for the Minister of Finance to comment on possible tax and expenditure changes in advance of the Budget.
219 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will amend the terms of the nursing homes repayment scheme to include persons who were resident in private nursing homes as no place in a public nursing home was available even though on a means test and health assessment basis they would have qualified for such a place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34059/08]
The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 provides a clear legal framework to repay recoverable health charges for publicly funded long term residential care. All those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged and are alive will have their charges repaid in full. The estates of all those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged for publicly funded long term residential care and died since 9 December 1998 will have the charges repaid in full. The scheme does not allow for repayments to the estates of those who died prior to that date.
Recoverable health charges are charges which were imposed on persons with full eligibility under the Health (Charges for In-patient Services) Regulations 1976 as amended in 1987 or charges for in-patient services only, raised under the Institutional Assistance Regulations 1954 as amended in 1965. It is not my intention to extend the parameters of the health repayment scheme.
220 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in appointing and funding a multi-disciplinary team in the north east and in particular in Portrane (details supplied); when the team will be in place; if funding has been ring-fenced for the team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34326/08]
230 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the full multi-disciplinary team will be appointed for the outpatients and inpatients of St. Ita’s, Portrane, County Dublin; the reason there has been such a delay in appointing the full multi-disciplinary team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34054/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 230 together.
The Deputies questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputies.
221 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when intervention services will be provided to a child (details supplied) in County Cork. [33960/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
222 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children further to previous parliamentary questions and the reply received from the Health Service Executive south on 29 September 2008, if she or the HSE will quantify the number of dedicated beds that will be provided at Cork University Hospital for the transfer of breast services from Kerry General Hospital in October 2008; the number of the ten staff itemised in the reply of 29 September 2008 who are in place; the details of the new staff in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33967/08]
The HSE's reply of 29 September to the Deputy's earlier question deals with both the estimated number of dedicated beds that will be required in Cork University Hospital and the number of staff to be recruited. It also notes that the recruitment process for these posts is at an advanced stage. If the Deputy would like further information he is welcome to raise it with me or directly with the HSE specifying what additional details he requires.
223 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to an incident (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33982/08]
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, including ambulance 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 a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
224 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason detailed replies have not issued to parliamentary questions previously placed (details supplied); and if a comprehensive reply will issue for each of the questions placed. [33986/08]
225 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will explain her understanding of a situation (details supplied). [33987/08]
226 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will seek full disclosure of all the comments in a case (details supplied) from the Health Service Executive, particularly from the two sets of investigators in this case. [33988/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 to 226, inclusive, together.
The previous Parliamentary Questions referred to by the Deputy related to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to furnish a report to me as soon as possible. On the basis of the information received from the HSE, I then wrote to the Deputy on 29 August 2008 to provide the relevant information to him.
In light of the further questions raised by the Deputy in relation to this particular case, my Department has requested the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy setting out the present position. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to intervene in a case of this nature, which has been the subject of proceedings before the Employment Appeals Tribunal.
227 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage take-up of BreastCheck appointments in each region; the numbers screened each year in each region since the introduction of BreastCheck; when she will extend the service to women in the 64 to 69 age bracket; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34008/08]
BreastCheck commenced roll-out in the Western Region last May and in the Southern region last October. I officially opened the BreastCheck clinical static units in Cork and Galway last December. The programme is designed to offer repeat screening within an interval of 21-27 months.
The expert advice from BreastCheck and from the National Cancer Forum, as contained in the National Strategy for Cancer Control, is that following the national extension of the programme, the upper age limit should be extended to women aged 69 years. The priority of BreastCheck is to screen women who have not yet been screened and accordingly it is fully focused at present on the completion of the first round of screening in the West and South. I will consider extending the age limit as recommended when the national roll-out of the programme is sufficiently developed and it is assured that a quality service is being delivered. Any woman irrespective of her age who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.
The Deputy's specific questions in relation to the take up of BreastCheck appointments and the numbers screened in each region are the responsibility of the National Cancer Screening Service. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the Service to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matters raised.
228 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the packaging of prescription medicines; the regulations that exist in regard to packaging; if all such medicines should be provided in child-proof bottles rather than in foil blister packs or cardboard boxes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34013/08]
The Irish Medicines Board is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of medicinal products in Ireland. The Board, in cooperation with its European counterparts, keeps the status and other safety issues of all medicinal products under review and any issues arising are examined and appropriate regulatory action taken if required.
National and EU law require medicinal products to be labelled with a statement on medicinal products to "Keep out of reach of children". The only specific legislation relating to child-resistant proof containers is in the Medicinal Products (Control of Paracetamol) Regulations 2001 which specify use of blister packs in certain circumstances. The regulatory authorities in Europe are generally assessing products on the basis of specific need and as such the needs of elderly and those with mobility-related illness also need to be part of the assessment.
I also understand that the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland published guidelines for Dispensing Prescriptions in June 1997 which encourage pharmacists to use where possible child-resistant containers.
229 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the evidence basis for her assertion to Dáil Éireann on 30 September 2008 that 30% of the population are carriers of MRSA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34025/08]
The Infection Control Sub-committee of the Strategy for Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland (SARI) published guidelines for the control and prevention of MRSA in hospitals and the community in 2005. This document represents the expert opinion of the sub-committee, following a review of the scientific literature and an extensive consultation exercise. In this document it explains that MRSA stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.
Staphylococcus Aureus is a bacterium that is found in about one third of individuals, mainly in the nose but can also reside on the skin. It is generally not a problem except when it gains entry to deep tissues, bloodstream and the lungs. This can lead to surgical site or wound infection, bloodstream infection or bacteraemia.
Early penicillin antibiotics were effective in the treatment of such infections. However, many strains have become resistant and as methicillin was amongst the first anti-staphylococcal agents used, these strains have subsequently been known as MRSA. This resistant form is much less common in the general community and would be probably around 1-2% in the general population. However, in certain groups, the elderly or people who have recently been in hospital or are receiving antibiotics, this will be higher.
231 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount the Health Service Executive dedicates to health promotion out of its overall budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34139/08]
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.
232 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount the Health Service Executive spent on tobacco control initiatives in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34140/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the amount spent by the Health Service Executive on tobacco control initiatives.
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.
233 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people awaiting a position emission topography CT scan in the six major hospitals in the Dublin region; the average waiting times; the steps being taken to reduce the waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34146/08]
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 issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
234 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for a prostate operation at Beaumont Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34147/08]
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.
235 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the revenue generated from the car parks in Beaumont Hospital for the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and the first nine months of 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34148/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including services at Beaumont Hospital, is a matter for the Health Service Executive. 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.
236 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34220/08]
Due to existing diary commitments I regret that I will not be in a position to attend at this event.
237 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when renewal of medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34236/08]
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for the medical card benefit, 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.
238 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who are in private nursing homes whose care is being fully paid for by the State, by way of subvention, with the patients not making contribution themselves; and the breakdown of the number on a county basis of the number of people in private nursing homes paid for by the State. [34239/08]
The aim of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme is to provide financial assistance to older people towards the cost of maintenance in a private nursing home.
The existing subvention scheme is governed by the Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Act, 2007. Under the Act, the maximum amount for basic subvention is €300 per week. The Act also provides for enhanced subvention to be paid. However, there is no maximum amount set for enhanced subvention. The amount paid is at the discretion of the HSE and will vary depending on the following criteria:
the assessed means of the applicant,
the cost of care in the individual case compared to the level of fees in the locality,
the amount of basic subvention payable,
the amount of resources available for the scheme,
the need for the HSE to ensure that the available resources are distributed in a way that supports applicants as evenly as possible across the country.
In order to qualify for a subvention, an individual must be:
(a) sufficiently dependent to require maintenance in a nursing home, and
(b) unable to pay any or part of the cost of maintenance in the home. In order to determine this, they must undergo a means assessment which takes account of their income and assets.
At present, there are approximately 8,500 people in receipt of subvention. A further 3,000 are in contracted beds in private nursing homes. People in contract beds pay public nursing home charges and the State pays the balance of the cost.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to provide the breakdown requested, on a county basis. 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.
239 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the reason there is a discrepancy between the Vehicle Registration Office and the Motor Tax Office whereby a vehicle (details supplied) is recorded as having two owners on the Vehicle Registration Office database and five owners on the database of the Motor Tax Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34012/08]
The information conveyed to the Deputy by letter in May 2007 by the official in charge of the National Vehicle and Driver File Office of this Department in relation to this letter is correct.
240 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Transport the supports available to people training as pilots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33964/08]
There is no State support available to people training as pilots.
241 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made regarding the renovation of Ballinagare Bridge, Lixnaw, County Kerry. [33975/08]
The provision and improvement of regional and local roads, including bridges, in its area is a matter for Kerry County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants.
A road grant of €100,000 was allocated to Kerry County Council in 2008 for Ballinagare Bridge under the Specific Improvement Grant Scheme. My Department recently invited applications from road authorities for funding under the regional and local roads Specific Improvements Grant scheme in 2009. The proposals submitted by Kerry County Council included an application for further grant aid for that project.
All applications received for funding under the scheme will be considered by my Department, having regard to compliance with eligibility criteria, the need to prioritise projects, competing demands from other local authorities and the funds available for the scheme in 2009. The 2009 regional and local road grant allocations to local authorities will be announced early next year.
242 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport when the decision was made that school buses have to be to pull-test standard; the authority which was responsible for this decision; the basis for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34018/08]
243 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the reason Bus Éireann was given the responsibility to set the standard for seat belts in school buses; the reason that standard was not set by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34026/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 243 together.
In June 2006 my predecessor approved certification criteria for safety belt installations in buses (both school buses and other buses) based on the standards for safety belt installations under the EU motor vehicle type-approval system, and with a indicative introduction date of 1 September 2008. Prior to June 2006, Bus Éireann had already fitted safety belts to its buses used in the school transport scheme, based on those same standards.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006), the Road Safety Authority is now responsible for vehicle standards including standards for safety belt installations on buses.
In January 2008 the RSA notified stakeholders of its intention to review the certification requirements for safety belt installations in buses and that the September 2008 planned introduction of these requirements was being deferred pending the outcome of that review. That review is continuing.
244 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the reason he intends to repeal the provision whereby local authorities nominate three of the directors on each harbour board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34160/08]
The Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 has been introduced in the Seanad and will shortly commence its passage through the Houses. The primary purpose of the Bill is to give effect to certain aspects of the Ports Policy Statement, which was launched in January 2005.
One of the key recommendations of the Ports Policy Statement was the need to enhance port company performance through reform of the board structure. This is one of the matters to be addressed in the recently published Harbours Bill. There will be ample opportunity to debate this and related matters during the passage of the Bill through the Oireachtas.
245 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport when he will appoint a chairman to the Cork Airport Authority; when he will grant Cork Airport Authority the autonomy it requires in order to develop its own business strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34161/08]
The position is as set out in replies to previous Parliamentary Questions, Numbers 52 and 31, on 1 October 2008.
Reply to PQ No. 52: The State Airports Act, 2004 provides the framework for the establishment of Shannon and Cork as independent airports. As part of the airport restructuring process the boards of Cork and Shannon airport are required to prepare business plans for eventual separation.
All three airport business plans have to be coordinated by the Dublin Airport Authority for eventual approval by the Minister for Finance and myself. Among the requirements to be satisfied in advance of separation is the need to ensure the financial sustainability of all three state airports.
I have already received the Cork and Shannon business plans but I expect shortly to receive a finalised commentary on those plans by the DAA when they submit their own plan under the Act. I would expect DAA's commentary to address recent trends in the aviation market, the challenges facing the State airports and the financial and operational aspects of restructuring.
Reply to PQ No. 31: I would like to put on record my appreciation of the work of Joe Gantly as Chairman of the Cork Airport Authority until his resignation in August. I hope to make an announcement on it in the near future.
246 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport if he will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34224/08]
247 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps taken to implement the recommendation contained in the All-Party Committee on the Constitution ninth progress report on property rights published in 2004 to prepare legislation to abolish ground rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34029/08]
A legal challenge to the constitutionality of certain provisions of existing ground rents legislation was heard in the High Court during 2005. The High Court's judgment upholding the constitutionality of the legislation was delivered in early 2006 but it has since been appealed to the Supreme Court. While operation of the law in relation to ground rents continues to be reviewed in my Department, there are no proposals for changes pending the outcome of the appeal that I have mentioned.
It should be noted that the law already provides a statutory scheme for the acquisition of the fee simple in dwelling houses which is set out in the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act 1978. Part III of that Act makes provision for a streamlined procedure, operated by the Property Registration Authority, whereby a person may acquire the fee simple in their dwelling house.
248 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps taken to implement the recommendation contained in the All-Party Committee on the Constitution ninth progress report on property rights published in 2004 that all titles be registered by a specified date and auctioneers and estate agents be regulated by a State body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34030/08]
The introduction of compulsory registration of title is already provided for under the Registration of Title Act 1964 (as amended). The position is that 3 counties were designated compulsory registration areas in 1970 (Carlow, Laois and Meath) and 3 more in 2006 (Longford, Roscommon and Westmeath). On 1 October 2008, six further counties — Clare, Kilkenny, Louth, Sligo, Wexford and Wicklow — became compulsory registration areas. This means that nine counties have become compulsory registration areas since publication of the 2004 Report.
The Property Registration Authority has been established under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006. One of the principal functions of the Authority is to promote and extend the registration of ownership of land. The Authority's Strategy Statement 2008 — 2010 sets out a number of strategies designed to advance the completion of the Irish Land Register including the introduction of compulsory certification of title by solicitors and the extension of compulsory first registration on a phased county-by-county basis in line with the roll out of digital mapping.
My Department is in consultation with the Law Society, the Property Registration Authority and others on the development of a scheme for implementation of a system of compulsory registration in all the remaining counties.
The Government Legislation Programme published on 23 September 2008 provides for publication of the Property Services (Regulation) Bill during the current Dáil session. The Bill will establish the Property Services Regulatory Authority on a statutory basis. The primary task of the new Authority will be to maintain and improve standards in the provision of property services by auctioneers, estate agents and property management agents through a new licensing regime and a system for investigating and adjudicating on complaints against property service providers.
249 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps taken to implement the recommendation contained in the All-Party Committee on the Constitution ninth progress report on property rights published in 2004 to establish a special division of the High Court to deal with legal challenges to infrastructural and environmental planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34035/08]
As the Deputy will appreciate, the President of the High Court is responsible for the allocation of business among its judges. On application to the President, major infrastructural cases may be accorded priority. Between the institution of proceedings and the fixing of a hearing date, case management is applied to ensure that matters are put in order for hearing as quickly as possible.
I understand that, where possible, the President, subject to other judicial commitments, allocates a judge with particular expertise and experience in infrastructural and environmental planning matters to deal with such cases.
In addition, since 2004 significant steps have been taken to facilitate the work of the High Court, including the hearing of legal challenges in infrastructure and environmental planning cases. In 2004, the Government appointed 3 additional judges to the High Court following the enactment of the Civil Liability and Courts Act, 2004 and a further 4 were appointed in May 2007 following the enactment of the Courts and Court Officers (Amendment) Act, 2007.
Pending the completion of the new 22 room Criminal Court Complex due in early 2010, there is a shortage of court rooms available to the High Court in Dublin. In order to tackle waiting times in the interim, the President of the High Court has directed that High Court judges (who normally only sit outside Dublin for a limited number of cases and appeals) are to sit in a number of refurbished and enlarged Circuit Court venues throughout the State to deal with judicial review and non-jury cases. As a result, courtrooms have been freed up in Dublin, which has had a significant impact on waiting times. For example, cases of less than two days duration now have a waiting time of less than one year with cases of one day's expected duration having a waiting time of three weeks. Further reductions are expected.
I should also point out that it is open to a party to proceedings involving infrastructure to apply for their admission to the Commercial List of the High Court where the proceedings meet the criteria for admission. The introduction of this list in 2004 has greatly reduced the time in which cases on the list are disposed of. I understand that 50% of cases are concluded in less than 14 weeks, 75% are concluded in less than 25 weeks and 90% in less than 45 weeks.
250 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33968/08]
Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
251 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the uses that a premises (details supplied) has within the prison system; the cost to his Department in terms of maintenance, security and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33978/08]
I am informed that the property in question is no longer used by or under the care and management of the Irish Prison Service.
The keys to the premises were formally returned to the Department of Defence on 18 March last. Costs of €21,612 have been incurred in 2008 in respect of maintenance, security and, ultimately, in respect of the decommissioning of the property as a place of detention.
252 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the establishment of the new Kildare Garda division; the facilities this will bring to the service within the county; the changes necessary to ensure a seamless transfer from the old Carlow-Kildare division; the number of new gardaí that have been assigned to the new division; the number of community gardaí assigned; the number of gardaí assigned to the drug units within the division; the number of such units within the division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33979/08]
I have outlined the position with regard to the creation of the new Garda Division for Kildare in response to Parliamentary Question 33251/08 of 2 October.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that a project board under the chairmanship of the Divisional officer of the Carlow/Kildare Division is progressing all aspects of the establishment of the new Division including the smooth transition to the new Division together with human resource, transport and technical requirements so that service delivery to the community is maintained to the highest standard.
253 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers or people awaiting decisions from his Department on leave to remain or subsidiary protection cases who have been expelled from direct provision accommodation in each of the past 18 months; the reason for the Reception and Integration Agency withdrawing accommodation from an asylum seeker; the avenues for appeal available to asylum seekers expelled from direct provision; and the process and criteria for re-entering direct provision accommodation after being expelled. [33998/08]
254 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the provision made for asylum seekers with possible or diagnosed mental health problems who are expelled from direct provision accommodation; the average length of time spent by asylum seekers in direct provision who subsequently become homeless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33999/08]
255 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures in place for asylum seekers who are denied access to direct provision; the person under whose remit and responsibility this comes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34000/08]
256 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the impact of the system of direct provision on the mental health of asylum seekers; and if he will provide information on studies carried out for or on behalf of his Department on this issue and to provide information on mental health care available to asylum seekers. [34001/08]
257 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures the Reception and Integration Agency has in place to deal with asylum seekers whose behaviour is in conflict with house rules possibly due to their mental ill health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34002/08]
258 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the policy and protocols with regard to caring for and accommodating asylum seekers with special needs who may also require special accommodation conditions and rehabilitation. [34003/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 to 258, inclusive, together.
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision. Direct provision allows asylum seekers to be provided with full board accommodation and certain ancillary services while their applications for asylum are being processed. Today, there are 62 accommodation centres around the country accommodating just over 6,900 persons.
Given the general thrust of the questions being asked here, I need to make two points clear. Firstly, no asylum seeker is denied access to direct provision, because of mental ill health issues or otherwise. Secondly, RIA does not expel — nor has it ever expelled — any person from direct provision due to their mental health.
All asylum seekers can access direct provision from the date of their application for asylum. It needs to be understood that there is no obligation placed upon asylum seekers to avail of the accommodation offered by RIA. Some choose to live with relatives or friends, or make use of their own resources to source accommodation.
All asylum seekers are offered free medical screening on arrival in the State which, inter alia, allows them to link with appropriate health supports, including mental health supports. The State provides access to health services for asylum seekers on the same basis as for Irish citizens. Asylum seekers in direct provision accommodation will generally qualify for a medical card whereby they are eligible to receive a wide range of health services free-of-charge including GP services and prescribed medicines. Other HSE-provided supports include Public Health Nurse and Community Welfare Supports as well as a dedicated asylum seeker psychological service. My Department has not carried out any study in relation to the mental health of asylum seekers in direct provision accommodation.
Asylum seekers presenting to RIA accommodation with special needs are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Persons with special medical needs can discuss their requirements at medical screening or with other HSE service providers during their time in the State. Families who have children with special educational needs can link in to supports through the schools. Where appropriate and feasible, the RIA will make special arrangements at its accommodation centres to address the needs of such clients.
Ireland honours its international obligations in allowing asylum seekers entry into the State so that their international protection claims can be assessed in accordance with the law. In doing so, the State allows to asylum seekers generous access to services, including the direct provision system. The system delivers a high, consistent standard of service and value for money to the taxpayer, through coordinated service delivery to asylum seekers. The treatment of asylum seekers in this country is, at a minimum, on a par with the best on offer in this context anywhere in the EU. No alternative model would deliver the same level and consistency of service to asylum seekers. No other State body is obliged to provide accommodation to asylum seekers, even when — through their own actions — they effectively lead to their own departure from a centre.
The rights and obligations of an asylum seeker in a RIA accommodation centre are clearly spelt out in a document entitled ‘Direct Provision Reception and Accommodation Centre Services, Rules and Procedures', a copy of which is provided upon arrival in the centre. Specific reference is made to the right of RIA to expel a resident in extreme circumstances. It is a matter for an individual asylum seeker to decide, and made manifest through his own behaviour, whether he wishes to continue to avail of the benefits of the direct provision system.
In this respect, while every effort is made by the RIA and other State service providers in each centre to facilitate its smooth running, a very small number of residents have chosen — through their own actions — to exclude themselves from such accommodation. Expulsion arises as a result of, inter alia, persistent violent and aggressive behaviour, threats to persons and property, assault, violence, vandalism and damage to property. The RIA has a duty of care towards the 6,900 residents in its care, to centre staff under contract to it, to staff providing services on-site and to visitors, and cannot turn a blind eye to such behaviour.
The RIA has had to withdraw accommodation from 22 asylum seekers in the past 18 months. Of these, 14 were at the ‘Leave to Remain' or Subsidiary Protection phase of the process. The other eight were either at the primary stages of the asylum process or were involved in a judicial review process. The mean average length of time spent in direct provision in all of these cases prior to expulsion was 30 months. Note that at all points in the asylum process, it is open to an applicant to withdraw from the process and seek a voluntary return to his or her country of origin.
A decision to expel an asylum seeker from a direct provision centre is usually one of last resort. That said, asylum seekers who have caused themselves to be expelled from RIA accommodation may make an appeal to RIA clearly stating why they feel that they should be re-accommodated. It is a matter for the appeals officer to decide whether the person could be safely readmitted to RIA accommodation, taking into account the person's history and the rights to health and safety of other residents in the system, centre staff providing services on-site and to visitors.
259 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application will be processed for a visa to visit here in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34047/08]
The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 1 October 2008 and is currently awaiting consideration by a Visa Officer.
Visa applicants are advised to allow six to eight weeks to allow for processing of a visa, although times may vary depending on the complexity of the application. The current processing time in our Dublin Visa Office for ‘Visit' visa applications is approximately seven working days from the date of receipt for straightforward applications. If all the required documentation and information has been submitted, a decision in this case can be expected before 10 October 2008.
260 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to put a limit on the length of time the record of a criminal conviction in the District Court is held in court records and available to members of the public, when the convicted person does not reoffend over many years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34097/08]
261 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to put a limit on the length of time the record of a criminal conviction in the District Court is held by the Garda Síochána when the convicted person does not reoffend over many years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34098/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.
I can inform the Deputy that earlier this year the Government accepted a proposal from my predecessor that it should take over the Spent Convictions Bill 2007, introduced into the Dáil in October 2007 as a Private Members Bill by Minister of State Mr Barry Andrews, TD (prior to his appointment to that position), and adopt it as a Government Bill.
The Bill reflects the recommendations contained in the Law Reform Commission's report on spent convictions which was published in July 2007. The report recommends the establishment of a procedure that will allow for the non-disclosure of certain convictions where certain conditions are met, i.e. the convictions may, in those circumstances, be regarded as ‘spent'. The conditions include a requirement that a conviction — free period must elapse before a conviction could be regarded as ‘spent'. A period of 7 years without a further conviction is proposed in cases where a sentence of imprisonment had been imposed or 5 years in cases where fines had been imposed. It is important to note that the procedure proposed by the Commission and reflected in the Bill is a non — disclosure procedure: it does not entail a deletion of the conviction from the Garda records.
The Bill is currently awaiting Second Stage. As a result of the Government decision, and subject to certain procedural requirements, it is intended that the Second Stage debate in the Dáil and all subsequent Stages in both Houses should be taken in Government time.
262 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people who have been refused permission to land here, having arrived by plane or ship in each of the past five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34141/08]
The table shows the number of people refused leave to land pursuant to the provisions of Immigration Act, 2004, at Ports of Entry to the State for 2003 — 2008. The figures provided detail the number of persons Refused Leave to Land who were removed from the State and those who, having been identified as persons who should otherwise be Refused Leave to Land, made an application pursuant to Refugee Act, 1996, and were consequently permitted entry to the State for the purpose of pursuing such applications:
|
Year |
No of persons removed |
No. of persons who made application for asylum |
Total |
|
2008* |
2,998 |
163 |
3,161 |
|
2007 |
5,854 |
477 |
6,331 |
|
2006 |
5,366 |
519 |
5,885 |
|
2005 |
4,433 |
460 |
4,893 |
|
2004 |
4,477 |
440 |
4,917 |
|
2003 |
4,827 |
1,061 |
5,888 |
*Up to 31 July, 2008.
263 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of additional officers assigned to the Garda air support and Garda mounted units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34142/08]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the Garda Air Support and the Garda Mounted Unit at the 30 September 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 19 and 15 respectively. A competition is presently underway to fill three vacancies at Garda rank within the Garda Air Support Unit.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. In that regard, the needs of the Garda Units referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.
264 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda vehicles in the Dublin region which have full access to automatic number plate recognition; his plans to extend the scheme nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34143/08]
I am informed by Garda Authorities that following the completion of a pilot study to evaluate the suitability of various Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, a procurement process for the supply and implementation of a nationwide mobile ANPR system is now nearing completion.
It is planned that over one hundred camera systems will be installed in Garda vehicles nationwide. However, the number to be allocated to the Dublin Metropolitan Region has yet to be finalised by Garda management.
265 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress being made by Operation Oak; the number of Garda personnel involved; the successes to date of the operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34144/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that Operation Oak commenced in November 2005 under the direction of a Detective Chief Superintendent at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation who was tasked with targeting a person suspected of being involved in organised criminal activity, and his associates. The subject of this investigation was considered at that time to be a senior figure in an organised criminal group, and his suspected activities included armed robbery, the importation and distribution of drugs and firearms, theft of vehicles, tax evasion, etc.
This was a joint operation involving personnel from various sections of An Garda Síochána within National Support Services and other National and Divisional Units. Given the numbers of units involved since 2005, it would not be possible, without the expenditure of an inordinate amount of time and resources, to attribute precise figures to the numbers of Garda personnel involved.
As a result of the operation, twenty eight key members of this organised criminal group were arrested, charged, and brought before the courts, with a number of them receiving lengthy prison sentences. The remainder are awaiting trial for serious offences, including attempted robbery, possession of firearms and the importation and sale / supply of illegal drugs. The operation also resulted in the seizure of substantial quantities of illegal drugs and firearms, cash, and stolen vehicles.
Property linked to the target of this operation has also been seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau, while other members of this organised crime group continue to be targeted under ongoing initiatives against those suspected of being involved in organised criminal activity.
266 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide an additional public order van to Coolock Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34145/08]
The detailed allocation of Garda resources, including transport, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide in accordance with his identified operational requirements and priorities. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are two public order vans permanently allocated to Coolock Garda Station and that there are currently no plans for an additional public order van in Coolock.
267 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the application by persons (details supplied) for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34151/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
268 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34221/08]
I have not received an invitation, formal or otherwise, to the event to which the Deputy refers.
269 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the matter of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34237/08]
I refer to the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of Thursday 26 June 2008 and the written Reply to that Question. The person concerned applied for asylum on 15 June 2005. She gave birth to a child in this State in June 2005. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, 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 August 2006, 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 Deportation Orders 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 were submitted on behalf of the person concerned at that time.
The Deputy might wish to note that in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of Thursday 26 June 2008, I inadvertently stated that the person concerned had submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State. On further examination by Officials in my Department of her case file, it was discovered that the person in question had not, in fact, submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State. Arising from this error, and in the interests of fairness to the person concerned, she has now been invited 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). In the event that the person concerned decides to submit an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State, this will be fully considered in my Department. Upon completion of this consideration, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that a possible Subsidiary Protection application is received and refused, or if no such application is received, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (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.
270 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34219/08]
Unfortunately I will be unable to attend the event in Dublin on 17 October to which the Deputy refers. I will, however, mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty with an address to the Biennial Conference of the Irish Forum for Global Health, which is being held at University College Cork on 17-18 October. The theme of this year's Conference is Global Health Challenges: Environment, Hunger and Diseases of Poverty.
271 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his EU and UN colleagues are in discussions in the matter of the Arab-Israeli conflict; the degree to which he can report progress in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25952/08]
Together with its partners in the EU, Ireland is strongly committed to a negotiated and comprehensive settlement in the Middle East, with a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at its core. EU Foreign Ministers regularly discuss the Middle East Peace Process, and the EU, together with the US, Russia and the United Nations, participates in the Quartet, which seeks to advance and underpin the search for peace in the Middle East.
Ireland strongly supports the Annapolis process, launched under US auspices in November 2007, aimed at reaching agreement between Israel and the Palestinians by the end of this year. While few now expect that this deadline will be met, it is understood that some progress has been made in the discussions, which have been led by out-going Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, and Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas. President Abbas briefed me during his recent visit to Dublin, explaining that while considerable work remained to be done, greater clarity and understanding has been achieved between the parties.
Following its most recent meeting in New York on 26 September, the Quartet commended the parties for their serious and continuous efforts to reach agreement, and expressed its desire to see the process continue. I hope that such progress as has been made can be built upon when new administrations are in place in Israel and the US, and that the process will lead to a lasting and just settlement.
I welcome the improved security situation in the West Bank, and hope that it will result in the urgent lifting of restrictions on access and movement for ordinary Palestinians, facilitating greater economic activity and growth.
The situation in Gaza, however, remains of serious concern. While I welcome the ceasefire that has been observed by Hamas and Israel since June, I believe that the situation on the ground remains critical. I have consistently called for an end to the isolation of the people of Gaza, in particular through the re-opening of crossing points for people and goods.
In my recent speech to the General Assembly of the United Nations, I stated my strong view that improving conditions on the ground in the Palestinian Territories would make a significant and critical contribution to creating the right context for talks between Israel and the Palestinians to succeed. I urged Israel to listen urgently to the concerned voice of the international community on the question of settlements, which continue to be built in the occupied Palestinian Territories. An end to their construction would be a strong and welcome signal of good faith. I also raised these concerns directly with Israeli Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, when I met with her in July.
272 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of joint applications that were made by schools and sports clubs under the 2008 sports capital programme; the number of these applications that were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33796/08]
273 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of joint applications that were made by two or more sports clubs under the 2008 sports capital programme; the number of these applications that were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33797/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 273 together.
Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations and, in certain circumstances to schools and colleges, throughout the country. It is the main vehicle for development of sports facilities at local, regional and national level throughout the country.
Primary and post-primary schools wishing to be considered for funding under the programme may apply for funding jointly with local sports clubs or community groups and must meet other conditions including a requirement that the local community will have significant access to the proposed facility, at least 30 hours a week throughout the year, when it is not being used by the school itself. Any sports facility proposed for funding by a sporting organisation and which would be located within school grounds would have to meet these same conditions.
Applications from primary and post-primary schools and colleges on their own are not considered under the programme. Responsibility for the provision of sports facilities in schools and colleges is a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Education and Science.
Under the 2008 Sports Capital Programme my Department received 9 applications made jointly by schools and sports clubs. One of these applications was successful. However, these figures may not reflect applications made to develop community and multi-sport facilities that benefit schools and clubs alike.
It is not possible to give a precise figure for the number of joint applications made by one or more clubs. Many clubs join together to build and use sports facilities. However, such clubs may apply under the names of the clubs or the name of the club or organisation that owns the land where the facilities are to be built or under a separate name. However, in assessing applications consideration is given to applications for facilities that will accommodate several sports in one location.
Significant funding is allocated under the programme for the provision of community and multi-sports facilities with over €9.35 million invested in 103 separate projects in 2008 alone. Since 1998 sports capital funding of over €135 million was allocated to community and municipal multi-sport projects. These projects include sports facilities built by local authorities, community sports facilities and multi-sport clubs.
274 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason a club (details supplied) in County Westmeath who sought capital funding under the sports capital scheme was not awarded a grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34065/08]
Letters have issued to each of this year's unsuccessful applicants, including the one in question, setting out the reasons why they were not awarded a grant. As that letter pointed out, given the level of demand for funding and the amount of funding available under the Programme, it is not possible for my Department to allocate grants to every applicant. In this instance, the club did not meet a number of the qualifying conditions of the Programme in that the evidence of own funding and the evidence of planning compliance provided was not sufficient.
275 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34211/08]
I have not been made aware of the ceremony to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty nor have I received an invitation to attend.
278 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applications for grant aid from the proceeds of the National Lottery from the various groups throughout County Kildare; the extent to which it has been possible to favourably respond to such applications to date; the number and value of those outstanding; if and when it is his intention to make awards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34228/08]
283 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which his Department will offer assistance to community based sporting groups involved in the provision of community based facilities aimed at addressing deficiencies in respect of active and passive recreational facilities throughout the country in general and specifically in County Kildare which have an ever growing requirement arising from population expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34233/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 283 together.
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations. It is the main vehicle for development of sports facilities at local, regional and national level throughout the country.
Since 1998 the Sports Capital Programme has allocated over €725m to 7,401 sports facility projects. This investment has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improved facilities in virtually every village, town and city. The facilities funded range from new equipment for the smallest clubs, to regional multi-sport centres and national centres of sporting excellence.
For a project to be considered for funding under the programme it must first meet a certain number of basic requirements such as showing evidence of the minimum required level of own funding or evidence of freehold or sufficiently long leasehold to ensure that the facility stays in sporting use. All projects that do not meet these minimum requirements are considered ineligible and are not assessed for funding.
When assessing applications that have met these minimum requirements the Department uses a number of criteria. Applications are scored according to how well they meet these criteria and then ranked in order of priority within their own county. The amount of funding available for distribution under the Programme in each county is determined on a pro-rata basis based on the 2006 Census of Population. This method of assessment and allocation ensures that all counties, including those with growing populations, receive proportionate levels of funding. However, if a county does not have a sufficient number of eligible projects it is of course not possible to allocate that county's share of the total allocations. In these cases the funding is distributed to projects elsewhere.
The 2008 programme was advertised on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for online applications. Prior to the deadline for the 2008 programme a total of 44 applications were received from County Kildare seeking a total of €8,295,720 for projects totalling €13,542,722. I announced the allocations under the 2008 programme at the end of July and a list of the grant allocations, including €1,336,500 to 21 clubs in Kildare for 2008 together with allocations to projects in Co. Kildare under previous years allocations, is available on the Department's website at http://www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie/.
279 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of bodies, groups or agencies to which his Department has awarded capital or other grant aid in the past 12 months; the way this compares with previous years awards; his expectations for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34229/08]
In the calendar year to date, the Department has estimated that capital or other grant aid has been awarded to approximately 1,000 bodies, groups and agencies. This number is expected to increase to over 1,050 by year end.
Details of the capital or other grant aid awarded in 2007 is set out on the Department's website www.dast.gov.ie.
It is not possible to provide an estimate of the number likely to receive capital or other grant aid in 2009, as, inter alia, some of the Department's funding schemes and programmes are demand led and are subject to the criteria and arrangements for the schemes and programmes in question and to the budgetary situation.
281 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he received a request for assistance, funding or administrative guidance for a group (details supplied) in County Kildare; the extent to which his Department has previously assisted in similar situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34231/08]
My Department has not received any request for funding from this group. Request for capital arts grants are normally dealt with under my Department's ACCESS (Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme) scheme; however this scheme is currently closed for applications.
Revenue funding for the arts is provided by the Arts Council and I would refer the Deputy to the Council's website www.artscouncil.ie for details of the Council’s funding schemes.
282 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the degree to which he has disbursed funding for the arts to date in 2008; the organisations, bodies, groups or agencies that have received such funding; the amounts which have gone directly to those involved in the promotion of the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34232/08]
Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Under the Arts Act, 2003, the general functions of the Council include the following:
to stimulate public interest in the arts;
to promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts;
to assist in improving standards in the arts.
The Arts Council is a statutorily independent body, funded by my Department and independent in its day-to-day operations, including in relation to its funding decisions.
Funding for the Arts Council has increased from €47.67 million in 2002 to €81.6 million in 2008 — an increase of over 71%. These are significant amounts of money in any context. This funding has transformed the arts, increasing access to and participation in the arts, and has provided an excellent platform for future development.
My Department does provide some of current funding for the arts and six projects have been allocated grants totalling €555,000 in 2008. My Department also provides capital grants to arts organisations under the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS). ACCESS is a key element in the Government's regional arts strategy and has greatly improved access to and participation in the arts for large numbers of people nationwide. The scheme has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of quality cultural spaces.
Facilities funded to date include integrated arts centres, theatres, galleries, studio, and creative and performance spaces. In this manner my Department provides the bulk of capital funding for building and refurbishing arts facilities around the country, mainly in the not for profit sector, while the Arts Council provides the ongoing revenue support for many of the facilities.
In 2008 16 projects were allocated funding under ACCESS, this comprised 13 ACCESS II reserve list projects and 3 other capital grants. These grants amounted to €17.39m in addition to grants allocated in previous years.
286 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when funding will be provided from his Department or any of its agencies to a group (details supplied) to allow to progress their project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33977/08]
289 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when funding will be released for a project (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [34164/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 289 together.
I recently approved funding of approximately €2.3m to support the capital development of 16 projects in Regional Drugs Task Force (RDTF) areas under the Regional Youth Initiative. The project in question was one of those approved in the amount of €437,000.
As part of the conditions of approval, payment or part-payment of the funding will only issue on foot of supporting evidence being submitted of works being satisfactorily completed or at an advanced stage of completion. To date, we have received no such evidence from the project. My officials have been in contact with the co-ordinator in the South East RDTF with a view to progressing this issue.
287 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the use the Irish language on local radio; his plans to provide funding to such outlets for the provision of Irish education programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33980/08]
Policy responsibility for the regulation of the content of local radio, including the provision of services and programmes in Irish, is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I have no proposals to provide funding as suggested in the Deputy's question.
288 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding changes to the Leader programme; when offices, staff, budgets and programmes will be agreed; and when the programme will be back up and running in south Tipperary. [33983/08]
Under the 2007-2013 programming round, LEADER will be implemented through the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2007-2013. The LEADER elements will be delivered through Axes 3 & 4 of the Programme and will see €425m available for LEADER type activities, an almost threefold increase on the level of funding available under the 2000-2006 programming round.
The most significant changes include increased rates of aid from 50% to 75% for community projects and an increase in the aid ceilings for capital projects from €100,000 to €200,000 in most cases. In exceptional circumstances, provision has been made for grant aid of €500,000 for non-commercial community flagship projects.
The process for selecting Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme is now at an advanced stage. I expect to announce the selection of the Groups to implement the Programme and the allocation of funding shortly. I anticipate that the Programme will be open to applications to the Local Action Groups for funding in all areas of the country shortly thereafter.
The Rural Development Programme provides that the contribution by the Programme to the administration budget of each Local Action Group is set at a maximum of 20% of the public funding awarded to the Group. Within this administration allocation, it is a matter for the Board of each individual Local Action Group to provide, as it deems appropriate, for the appointment of staff and the necessary accommodations to implement the Programme. My Department will, of course, continue to provide guidance to all Local Action Groups in this regard.
290 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34213/08]
Because of other official commitments on that day I will not be in a position to attend the ceremony to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
291 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will waive the unemployment requirement in the back to education allowance in order that those affected by job losses can avail of the opportunity to upskill, retrain or re-educate themselves in order to regain employment at a later stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34125/08]
The back to education allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.
To qualify for participation an applicant must, be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment and must be at least 21 years of age prior to commencing an approved full time course of study. A person must have been in receipt of a social welfare payment for at least six months (156 days) for a second level option course and 12 months (312 days) for a third level option course immediately prior to commencing an approved course of study.
The qualifying period for access to the third level option is 9 months for persons who are participating in the National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) process and where a FÁS Employment Services Officer recommends pursuance of a third level course of study as essential to the enhancement of the individuals employment prospects. With effect from 1 September, 2007, people who are awarded Statutory Redundancy are allowed immediate access to the BTEA scheme provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study.
292 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the revenue received in PRSI, distinguishing between employer, employee and self-employed contributions, from 2004 to 2007; and if she will provide an estimate for 2008. [34113/08]
The following table sets out the information requested by the Deputy.
|
Year |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
|
Estimate |
Actual |
Actual |
Actual |
Actual |
|
|
€ million |
€ million |
€ million |
€ million |
€ million |
|
|
Employers |
6,144 |
5,762 |
5,167 |
4,512 |
4,000 |
|
Employees |
1,655 |
1,539 |
1,380 |
1,218 |
1,258 |
|
Self-Employed |
450 |
421 |
374 |
380 |
357 |
|
Total |
8,249 |
7,722 |
6,921 |
6,110 |
5,615 |
293 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34222/08]
I very much welcome the commemoration of the UN day here in Ireland, the attention it draws to the challenges of eradicating poverty and the measures in place to meet these challenges. I wish to commend the organisers for all their work in organising such a fitting event and choosing the Famine memorial for its location. A significant feature of the programme is the time given to the voices of those experiencing poverty.
I regret that due to prior commitments I am unable to attend the ceremony on this occasion. However, I am arranging to be represented by an official who will report back to me on the event.
294 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent support will be reinstated in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34238/08]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE), as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
Rent supplement is currently in payment in this case. The Executive has advised that following a review of the person's rent supplement entitlement, it was established that his rent had increased and is in excess of the prescribed maximum rent limits for his area of residence and the size of his household. He has been advised that rent supplement would be paid in excess of the prescribed maximum limit, as an exceptional measure, for a three month period, from September 2008. This three month period was granted in order to allow him time to secure accommodation within the prescribed rent limits. The Executive has further advised that he has been afforded a right of appeal to the HSE Appeals Office.
295 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason persons (details supplied) in County Kildare had their rent subsidy stopped; when the matter will be rectified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34240/08]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE), as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The Executive has advised that a notification of a change of address, in relation to the Jobseeker Allowance claim of the person concerned, was issued in error to the Community Welfare Officer dealing with his rent supplement claim. As a result his rent supplement payment was stopped. The change of address related to another person with a similar name. As the person to whom this question refers has not changed address, his rent supplement payment will be reinstated with retrospective effect as soon as possible. The error is regretted.
296 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a notice to vacate by 30 October 2008 has been issued by his Department to a number of families living in Cathal Brugha Barracks married quarters in Rathmines, Dublin 6; and if he will meet with the families concerned who have resided in the quarters for more than 30 years. [34119/08]
Defence Forces Married Quarters are provided to serving members until their retirement or resignation. The Defence Forces Regulations state that the Quarters must be vacated within 15 days of leaving the service. The current situation has arisen as a result of a failure to do so.
Following previous attempts to resolve the situation regarding the unauthorised occupation of the quarters in question, a letter was sent to the occupiers on the 11 September 2008 as a first stage in commencing a process of dialogue. The occupiers were requested to make arrangements to vacate the premises and make alternative arrangements for their accommodation as soon as possible, but no later that the end of October 2008. On the 18th September a further letter issued to the occupiers inviting them to a meeting with the Department on the 23 September. At that meeting they were informed that the deadline was not set in stone and that, if at all possible, my Department would welcome the opportunity to work with them to achieve a solution favourable to all parties. It would appear now, that arising from that meeting, all occupiers wish to purchase the quarters.
My officials undertook to review the possibility of selling to the occupiers and a further meeting has been scheduled for the end of October. It is hoped that substantial progress will have been made by that time to facilitate a solution that meets the needs of both the occupiers and the Defence Forces. I am encouraged that the process of dialogue has commenced and hope that it will come to a satisfactory conclusion. As discussions are currently ongoing I do not consider a meeting between myself and the residents is necessary or appropriate at this time.
297 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if he will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34214/08]
There is no record of an invitation having been received by my office. I have contacted the organisers and asked them to forward any material or information issued at the event to me.
298 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide funds under the gateway innovation fund to enable the construction of the eastern gateway bridge as part of the Cork docklands development; when such funds will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34244/08]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 155 of 1 October 2008. The position is unchanged.
299 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a civic amenity centre planned for an area (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33959/08]
The civic amenity centre planned for the area in question was approved for grant assistance at the rate of 75% of approved costs under the terms of the Waste Management Infrastructural Grant Scheme, which was launched in 2002. One of the eligibility criteria for this scheme was that all expenditure had to be incurred by the local authority by 30 June 2008 in order to be guaranteed funding.
To ensure the continuing development of recycling infrastructure a new scheme, the Waste Recycling Capital Grant Scheme, was established in July 2008. Under the terms of this scheme expenditure which has been incurred by local authorities since 1 January 2008 is eligible for grant assistance. A grant rate of 75% of approved costs is generally applicable for civic amenity sites under this scheme.
My Department has been in contact with Wexford County Council regarding the civic amenity site in question. It is anticipated that Wexford County Council will shortly be submitting a request that the planned facility be considered under the terms of the new grant scheme. This will enable the local authority to draw down grant aid on all eligible expenditure which has been incurred since 1 January 2008, as well as future eligible expenditure on the planned civic amenity site.
300 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position on the guidelines for strategic policy committees; if these committees that are established on planning by local authorities should have an opportunity to debate proposals that are put to county or city councils to vary development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33965/08]
The making, reviewing and varying of a development plan is a function of the elected members of the relevant local authority. It is the duty of such elected members to adopt the plan with the advice and guidance of their council officials and following extensive public consultation. Strategic Policy Committees, which are comprised of councillors and stakeholder interest groups, have an important role in the process. Guidelines for local authorities in relation to development plans, which were issued by my Department in 2007, set out best practices in this regard.
301 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of shared ownership applications that were successful in each local authority area for each of the past three years; the amount of funding allocated as a result of the applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33984/08]
Information to end March 2008 on the numbers of shared ownership transactions in each local authority area is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Information is also published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
Loan finance of €220 million, from the Housing Finance Agency, was available in each of the past three years to underpin activity under the Shared Ownership Scheme. Some €129 million, €99 million and €137 million was drawn down by local authorities from these allocations in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.
302 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the commitment in the Programme for Government to bring forward legislation on foot of the recommendations of the All-Party Committee on the Constitution on property rights that was published in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34027/08]
303 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken to implement the recommendation contained in the All-Party Committee on the Constitution ninth progress report on property rights published in 2004 to implement the Kenny report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34028/08]
304 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken to implement the recommendation contained in the All-Party Committee on the Constitution ninth progress report on property rights published in 2004 that all transaction details be gathered and published by the State, all lands be registered by a specified date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34030/08]
305 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken to implement the recommendation contained in the All-Party Committee on the Constitution ninth progress report on property rights published in 2004 that the Government devise a scheme whereby local authorities can secure the release of development lands where development of the land is not being actively pursued by the developers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34031/08]
306 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken to implement the recommendation contained in the All-Party Committee on the Constitution ninth progress report on property rights published in 2004 that in case of compulsory purchase orders relating to the provision of social and affordable housing public bodies should not have to pay the full market value of the land acquired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34032/08]
307 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken to implement the recommendation contained in the All-Party Committee on the Constitution ninth progress report on property rights published in 2004 to establish a national forum on the built environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34033/08]
308 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken to implement the recommendation contained in the All-Party Committee on the Constitution ninth progress report on property rights published in 2004 that strategic transport, sewerage and water supply infrastructural projects should be regulated by a specific statute and there should be a one stop shop planning procedure for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34034/08]
309 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken to implement the recommendation contained in the All-Party Committee on the Constitution ninth progress report on property rights published in 2004 that legislation relating to compulsory purchase rules and procedures be consolidated and reconfigured in a form that could be attached to any statute giving compulsory purchase powers to an authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34036/08]
310 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken to implement the recommendation contained in the All-Party Committee on the Constitution ninth progress report on property rights published in 2004 that the right to compensation for the acquisition of property below a specified depth under the surface be removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34037/08]
311 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken to implement the recommendation contained in the All-Party Committee on the Constitution ninth progress report on property rights published in 2004 that guidelines on residential density be subject to a monitoring review of their impact and their integration into the policies of planning authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34038/08]
312 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken to implement the recommendation contained in the All-Party Committee on the Constitution ninth progress report on property rights published in 2004 that research be commissioned into the indirect and direct costs of rural housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34039/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 302 to 312, inclusive, together.
The principal recommendation in the Ninth Progress Report of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution (APOCC), on Private Property, was for the implementation of the central proposal of the 1973 majority "Kenny Report", a "designated area scheme" under which local authorities would be empowered to compulsorily acquire land for general development purposes, at its existing use value plus 25%, rather than at open market value. In the light of a range of substantive legal, practical and financial considerations, successive Governments since the 1970s have not proceeded with such a scheme.
The Government has approved the drafting of a Designated Land (Housing Development) Bill to provide for a "use it or lose it" scheme. The General Scheme of the Bill provides for:
powers for planning authorities to enter into a binding agreement with, or impose requirements on, the owners of designated land in order to bring such land into housing development;
an amended compensation mechanism whereby designated land, if not developed in agreement with, or in accordance with requirements imposed by, the relevant planning authority, could be compulsorily acquired at below market value; and
as a possible alternative to compulsory acquisition, the imposition by planning authorities of an annual development incentive levy on designated land. It is anticipated that the Bill will be drafted by the end of 2008.
The General Scheme also provides for the mandatory registration of land purchase options by the Property Registration Authority, a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The registration and publication of information on property transactions generally would appear to be a matter for consideration by that Authority in the first instance. I am considering what other mechanisms might be appropriate to achieve the goals of the "Kenny Report".
The APOCC recommended the establishment of a body drawn from planning, construction, property and environmental interests, as well as State regulatory bodies concerned with planning, to meet as a national forum which would aim to inform national planning policy based on experience and research commissioned from appropriate research agencies. The Housing Forum, first established under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, was reconstituted under the National Agreement Towards 2016 in December 2006, and continues to provide the social partners with an opportunity to contribute to housing policy development. In addition, the Towards 2016 Review and Transitional Agreement 2008-2009 provides that a High Level Working Group involving representatives of the Social Partners will be established to consider, within overall Government economic and budgetary policy, measures for achieving more balanced regional development, including progress in implementation of the National Spatial Strategy, taking account of the analysis by the NESC.
The Strategic Infrastructure Act, which has been fully in force since 31 January 2007, amended the Planning and Development Act 2000 to provide for:
the introduction of a streamlined ‘strategic consent process' for strategic infrastructure of national importance provided by statutory bodies and private promoters, and
the restructuring of An Bord Pleanála to allow for the establishment of a Strategic Infrastructure Division to handle all major infrastructure projects.
The types of infrastructure eligible to be considered under this Act include major transport, environmental, and energy related projects. The final decision as to whether a particular project will be processed under the Strategic Consent Process is a matter in each case for An Bord Pleanála having regard to specified criteria as laid down in the Act.
Notwithstanding its recommendations, the APOCC acknowledged that legislation on compulsory acquisition of land provides a sophisticated and subtle set of rules that brings considerable rigour to the assessment of compensation, and provides an exacting but fair arbitration system for determining such compensation. This legislation is supported by a very significant body of case law that has established relevant precedent and principles across a very wide range of circumstances. The consolidation and amendment of this legislation would be a major and very time-consuming task, and I am satisfied that this is not a legislative priority. Accordingly, I have no proposals to undertake such an initiative at this time.
The Strategic Infrastructure Act 2006 amended the rules of compulsory acquisition to provide that the value of any land lying 10 metres or more below the surface is to be taken to be nil, unless it can be shown to be of greater value by a claimant.
Following a review by an expert steering group, draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas were published for public consultation in February 2008 and are intended to replace the 1999 Residential Density Guidelines. These draft guidelines are accompanied by an Urban Design Manual that illustrates essential criteria and best practice for sustainable urban residential development. It is intended to finalise the guidelines before the end of this year and to publish them under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which requires planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála to have regard to them in the performance of their functions.
While my Department has appropriate links with academic institutions to inform and assist policy-making in the broad area of rural and regional planning, no specific research has been commissioned by my Department to date into the direct and indirect costs of rural housing. I have no proposals at this time to commission such research.
313 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are proposals to lower the threshold of a population greater than 15,000 to allow smaller towns and zones to be included in the smokeless fuel policy; and if a review of the policy has been carried out. [34050/08]
The question of extension of the areas subject to smokeless fuels is kept under review in consultation with local authorities and having regard to the need to ensure good air quality. Monitoring at permanent and mobile monitoring stations by the EPA and local authorities confirms that air quality in Ireland is good and does not, at this time, provide any data in support of any such extension.
The question of the need for extending the air quality monitoring network including to cover additional urban areas due to population changes has been raised with the Environmental Protection Agency in the context of an overall monitoring review which has been requested by my Department as part of the Programme for Government commitment on monitoring air quality. I expect the EPA will conclude this review by year end.
This morning the Solid Fuel Trade Group and I signed a new voluntary agreement to maintain low levels in the sulphur emissions of bituminous coal and petcoke and to maintain existing limitations through smokeless zones on the marketing, sale and distribution of solid fuels. The agreement also provides that in the towns and environs of Athlone, Carlow, Clonmel and Ennis, SFTG Ltd. will maintain the smokeless fuel market penetration level of 75%, as a percentage of overall solid fuel sales, as set out in previous agreements. These 4 towns are additional to those already covered by smokeless zones.
314 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on putting in place a committed multi-annual budget for homeless initiatives by local authorities in conjunction with his Department and thus allowing for the front loading of a large percentage of future years funding for the homeless initiative by local authorities in order that they can buy or build accommodation in the current market conditions and to reduce the number of those who are homeless and in need of emergency accommodation, and thus allow the reduction of the existing budget allocation towards the end of a given five year period. [34102/08]
317 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he is taking to provide sufficient emergency accommodation with the onset of winter to ensure that the increasing number of homeless persons in towns and cities do not have to sleep rough. [34106/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 317 together.
The Government's new strategy The Way Home: A Strategy to address Adult Homelessness in Ireland 2008-2013 sets out a comprehensive framework within which the complex range of issues involved in meeting the Government's objectives in relation to homelessness can be addressed. Since 2000, over €620 million has been provided for homeless services, between accommodation-related costs met through my Department and the local authorities, and care services funded through the Health Service Executive. In 2008 alone, almost €92 million in current funding is being provided. Further significant capital funding has also been provided for the development of new facilities.
Future funding of actions under the strategy will be a matter for consideration in the context of the annual Estimates process and it will also be essential to ensure that optimum efficiency and value for money are secured from funding provided. In that context, the Homeless Agency in Dublin has been undertaking a comprehensive review of services and a value for money review; when completed shortly, these will play an important role in informing the development of the strategy's implementation plan and consideration of associated funding issues.
Central interlinked objectives of the new Government strategy are the elimination of the need to sleep rough and the long-term occupation of emergency homeless accommodation. Accordingly, while it is essential that there is adequate capacity in emergency accommodation to respond to underlying need, this should be achieved mainly through eliminating long-term occupation of existing emergency accommodation, rather than providing additional accommodation of this kind. Nevertheless, it is recognised that surges may arise in the demand for emergency accommodation from time to time. The situation in this regard is kept under review at local level, with appropriate responses, in certain cases through the adoption of specific winter strategies, being put in place as necessary.
315 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a single definition of homelessness will be agreed upon in order that all stakeholders are working from the same sheet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34103/08]
Under the Government's new homeless strategy The Way Home: A Strategy to address Adult Homelessness in Ireland 2008-2013, a review of the operational definition of homelessness is to be carried out by the end of 2009. The Homeless Agency is currently working with the Centre for Housing Research to develop a position paper regarding a common operational definition for the Dublin area. This paper will input into the review of the operational definition to be undertaken by the Cross Department Team on Homelessness, in consultation with the National Homeless Consultative Committee.
316 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on using the rental accommodation scheme to address the housing needs of the long-term homeless and those in transitional housing. [34104/08]
The Government's new homeless strategy The Way Home: A Strategy to address Adult Homelessness in Ireland 2008-2013 sets out a comprehensive framework for tackling the issue of homelessness.
One of the key strategic aims of the strategy is to ensure that an adequate supply of housing is made available to meet the long-term housing needs of homeless persons. The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) has been identified as one of a range of options offering potential in meeting the needs of certain homeless households, particularly single person households who are capable of independent living. This is supported by the initial feedback from a number of pilot projects already in operation where RAS is used to accommodate homeless households.
318 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the enactment of, and orders made or planned to be made, under Section 161 of the Local Government Act 2001 in respect of persons employed by local authorities and eligibility to be a member of a local authority; the way this will be implemented in respect of sitting councillors who wish to run for election in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34107/08]
Under the Local Government Act 2001, and subsequent (Section 161) Order, 2004, local authority employees whose maximum remuneration does not exceed the maximum remuneration for the grade of Clerical Officer are eligible to be members of a local authority.
Sitting councillors who wish to stand for election in 2009 will be subject to the above legislation. There are currently no plans for further orders.
319 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the value of commercial rates and of local authority development levies and the value of motor taxation raised in 2006, 2007 and a forecast for year end 2008, which have been used by his Department in planning the financial demands of the local authority sector. [34114/08]
The information relating to the value of commercial rates and motor taxation is set out in the following table.
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
|
€M |
€M |
€M |
|
|
Commercial Rates |
1,191.61 |
1,245.22* |
1,343.54* |
|
Motor Taxation |
878.00 |
955.00 |
1,080.00** |
*2007 and 2008 Commercial rates figures are derived from local authority budget data.
**2008 AEV.
My Department has no role in forecasting the annual development contributions income across local authorities. Details of individual development contribution schemes are available directly from each planning authority. Each planning authority is also required to include details of contributions received and contributions owing to it, together with information on how the contributions have been expended, in the statutory annual report of the authority.
My Department's Annual Planning Statistics for 2006, which gives an unaudited breakdown of Development Contribution income for Local Authorities, are available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. The 2007 Annual Planning Statistics are currently being finalised and I expect to make them available on my Department's website within two weeks.
320 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm that he received and has seen correspondence from a person (details supplied); if he has read this correspondence; his views on its contents; his further views on the appointment of a senior official from his Department to carry out an examination based on the information supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34120/08]
I recently received and responded to the correspondence referred to indicating that I would address any relevant planning matters in the context of my role as statutory consultee on draft local area plans under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. I am also aware that Meath County Council replied directly to the correspondence referred to addressing the issues raised.
My Department received a copy of the draft local area plan for the area concerned and, following examination of the draft Plan, forwarded the statutory comments to the Council last week which addressed a range of issues.
In accordance with Section 20 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, the Meath County Manager is required to prepare a report for the members consideration on any submissions or observations received during the public consultation. This Report will then be considered by the members who can decide to make, amend or not make the plan, within their reserved functions under the Act.
321 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the councils which have failed to comply with the requirement to prepare and adopt annual reports not later than 30 June 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34136/08]
The information requested is not available in my Department.
322 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views, in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008, on the provision of an extension to 15 or more years of the 3% discount allowed as an incentive to local authority tenants to purchase their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34137/08]
To assist local authority tenants purchase their homes, a discount of 3% of the market value of the house is allowed for each year of tenancy, up to a maximum of 30%. In addition to this, a further discount of €3,809 is provided. Thus, a local authority house with a market value of €140,000 would be available for purchase at some €94,200 by a tenant of ten or more years' standing. By any account, this is a generous discount.
The proceeds of the sale of local authority houses to tenants are used to part-fund improvements to, and planned maintenance programmes in, the local authority housing stock. I consider that the terms of the present tenant purchase scheme strike a reasonable balance between the aspirations of certain tenants to own their own homes and the needs of all other local authority tenants. While I have no proposals to amend the financial terms of the current scheme, I will continue to keep them under review.
323 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce a specific payment for national heritage areas that are not eligible for top up payments under REP scheme four; the steps he is taking to address this situation; if he will remove the designation from these lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34166/08]
REPS 4 participants who farm land formally designated as a Natural Heritage Area (NHA) are paid, by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, at the higher NATURA 2000 payment rate in REPS 4. Land that is proposed for future NHA designation is paid at the standard REPS payment rate pending formal designation. There are currently no plans to remove the proposals to designate the areas concerned as NHAs.
324 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34217/08]
I attended the event held at the Famine Memorial to mark the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October 2007. Regrettably, due to prior commitments, it will not be possible for me to attend this year.
325 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason, in view of the revelations regarding the water supply in Galway and other areas here, the Aarhus Convention has yet to be adopted particularly as the adoption of the Aarhus Convention was to have been included in the programme for Government; and when this will happen. [34242/08]
Ireland signed the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters on 25 June 1998. Progress towards ratification of the Convention is closely aligned with work at EU level and in that context the European Union has adopted two Directives as part of the ratification process for the Convention. These deal with public access to environmental information (2003/4/EC) and public participation in certain environmental decision making procedures (2003/35/EC).
Regulations transposing the European Communities (Access to information on the Environment) Directive 2003/4/EC were signed and came into effect on 1 May 2007.
The process to transpose Directive 2003/35/EC is well advanced with legislation completed to amend the majority of the relevant consent systems pertaining to that Directive in the Irish legislative framework. Work is continuing on the outstanding issues, and will be finalised by the Departments concerned at the earliest possible date.
Upon completion of the full transposition of Directive 2003/35/EC, I, along with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, will ensure that the instrument of ratification of the Aarhus Convention is submitted to Government and laid before the Dáil.
326 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the regulation of internet domain matters, including name disputes and protections afforded to a company (details supplied) that is fully registered in the State for taxation, VAT, for a .ie domain name and the Companies Registration Office, which faces competition from a company based outside the State that uses a similar name and website name in the promotion of its services to the detriment of the indigenous company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33970/08]
I have no responsibility in relation to the issue raised by the Deputy.
The IE Domain Registry Limited (IEDR) is the company responsible for the management of the .ie Internet domain name space. It has a dispute resolution process in place where a complainant can address a grievance in respect of .ie domain names in use on the Internet.
The dispute resolution process is handled by the internationally respected organisation WIPO the World Intellectual Property Organisation. This process is available to any complainant and the process and procedures are available on the IEDR website.
Where a complainant remains unsatisfied with the outcome of this process they have the right to have the matter determined before the Irish courts.
327 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the broadband service charges for ASDL services in Counties Donegal, Galway, Kerry and Dublin. [34009/08]
The provision of telecommunications services including broadband is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. I have no direct function in relation to pricing arrangements for broadband in particular areas.
328 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the arrangements for people who are developing power from wind turbines and who wish to connect to the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34062/08]
I announced earlier this year a new support programme to underpin approximately 50 trials of small scale wind and photovoltaic electricity generators operating domestic and commercial appliances. It is also the case that amendments of the rules associated with small scale generators will enable them to connect to the electricity grid without prior authorisation. A guide to connecting renewable electricity generators to the electricity network will be published shortly by Sustainable Energy Ireland.
Under the Planning and Development Regulations 2007 and 2008 exemptions from the requirement to apply for planning permission for certain categories of micro-generation have also been introduced.
329 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34212/08]
I will not be attending the ceremony referred to above due to prior diary commitments.
330 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the claim that access by EU member states to the fishing waters of other member states, as embodied in Regulation 2141/70, was without legal basis as none of the relevant sections of the accession treaty actually refer to fisheries and that this situation was only rectified in Article 3 of the Maastricht treaty. [33961/08]
I am not aware of the apparently historical issue raised by the Deputy. In any case this would not appear to impact upon access arrangements which are currently in place which were set down in the basic CFP Regulations of 1983, 1992 and 2002.
331 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will propose, as part of the review of the Common Fisheries Policy, that states take primary responsibility for determining management rules within their own 200-mile limit. [33974/08]
The Common Fisheries Policy is up for review in 2012 at the latest. An informal discussion, involving Fisheries Ministers, to mark the start of the debate on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy took place in Brussels on the 29th September 2008. This debate on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, in which I actively participated, is at a very early stage. The Commission will bring forward a Green Paper for discussion next year.
I will continue to work closely with the FIF (Federation of Irish Fishermen) to progress all matters of importance to the Irish fishing industry and have our national priorities taken on board as far as possible in the discussion on the Reform of the CFP following the publication of the Green Paper.
332 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been awarded their area based payment in respect of 23 hectares when in effect they own 37 hectares of land; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this person, currently undertaking a green cert in agriculture, purchased 14 hectares from a neighbouring farmer in early 2008; if the are entitled to entitlements from the national reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34053/08]
Under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, the person named applied for 31.47 hectares, which was an increase of 8.24 hectares from 2007. These land parcels were found to be slightly over-claimed and when the applicant was queried about this, he agreed that the area determined by the Department, 7.92 hectares, was correct. As this error had not been rectified when the Disadvantaged Areas payment issued, payment was issued in respect of the area which was not in error, 23.23 hectares. However, as the matter has since been rectified, payment will issue shortly in respect of 7.92 hectares.
With regard to the National Reserve, the person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category B which 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 could include purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments. The person named applied under Category B(i) in relation to investment in leased land and was granted an allocation of 23.83 entitlements.
The National Reserve does not provide for the allocation of entitlements on land purchased in 2008. The person named did not submit National Reserve applications for the years 2006, 2007 or 2008.
333 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the steep increase in herds affected by tuberculosis outbreaks in parts of County Galway, he will provide for extra field personnel to help eliminate the badger problem and the increasing evidence of deer as a contributory factor to TB infection in herds; if he will co-ordinate the activities of development agencies such as National Roads Authority, rail development projects and gas line construction and the part these activities have played in the outbreak of TB in many herds where such work is in progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34128/08]
While there has been an increase in reactor numbers and herd incidence in Galway this year, the herd incidence for Galway remains below the national average.
Studies to date have failed to demonstrate any association between enhancements to infrastructure and deteriorating levels of animal disease. In the same way that my Department is required to negotiate permissions to capture badgers with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the promoters of roads, rail projects or gas lines are also required to have regard to environmental considerations and must equally obtain prior approvals for their plans from the NPWS. Officials from my Department do not participate in such deliberations, which in any event fall within the competence of the NPWS.
Issues relating to wild deer are primarily the responsibility of the Parks and Wildlife Divisions of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My Department does not operate an official programme for the eradication of tuberculosis in deer and therefore does not routinely test or sample deer herds for TB. It does, however, provide ongoing advice to keepers on disease control measures and biosecurity in relation to wildlife, including deer. Further, when an outbreak of TB is identified in a cattle herd, an epidemiological investigation is carried out by my Department to identify the likely sources of the infection and thus to provide relevant advice to the farmer. These investigations reveal that deer are seldom implicated in bovine TB outbreaks.
I am advised that the likely causes for the increase in infection emanates from infected local badger populations and residual infection. The policy of my Department is to deal with the former source of breakdowns by removing badgers where appropriate, and I am satisfied this is being done effectively in Galway. The residual component of the problem is being addressed by the application of a more stringent severe test interpretation and a greater use of ancillary tests, such as Gamma Interferon blood testing, which may result in a higher reactor removal rate but which should, in the longer term, help to clear the infection more rapidly.
With regard to field staff resources, currently 2 Technical Agricultural Officers and 8 Farm Relief Service (F.R.S.) operatives are responsible for implementing the Wildlife programme in Co. Galway. Department and F.R.S. staff, as a matter of routine, are upskilled on a regular basis and avail of improving methodology and technology. The percentage of agricultural land under treatment in Co. Galway increased from 11.1% in December 2006 to 14.5% in December 2007, a significant increase in such a large county. The percentage of agricultural land under treatment in the county was 15.2% as at 1 July 2008. I believe that the existing staffing resource available for badger capturing in Galway is adequate.
334 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason, in view of his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 1 October 2008, the regional inspector dealt with the imposition of the penalty at local level in the first instance, before it became necessary to go to appeal; the person who attended the appeal in respect of the Galway office and their costs; the cost of the venue and the appeals officers’ costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34129/08]
The penalty in this case arose as a result of an inspection carried out by an Assistant Agricultural Inspector (AAI) and was appealed locally in accordance with standard procedures. Again, following these procedures, the local appeal was dealt with by the Regional Inspector (RI) who is the next higher grade. Both the AAI and the RI attended the Agriculture Appeals Office appeal in Loughrea. Travel and subsistence costs arose only in the case of the AAI and, including costs associated with another appeal hearing in Barna on the same day, amounted to €57.23.
In relation to the Agriculture Appeals Office the oral hearing was held in conjunction with a number of other cases in County Galway and the costs attributed to the Agriculture Appeals Office arising from this specific case amounted to €114.18 (€74.18 for travel and subsistence and €40 for meeting room costs).
335 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason national heritage areas are not eligible for top-up payments under REP scheme 4; the steps he is taking to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34165/08]
Land designated as a Natural Heritage Area (NHA) by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is paid at the higher NATURA 2000 payment rate in REPS 4. Land that is currently at proposal stage for NHA designation is paid at the standard REPS payment rate. When proposed NHA sites are formally designated by the NPWS the higher NATURA 2000 payment rate will apply.
336 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34210/08]
Unfortunately, I am unable to attend this ceremony owing to a long-standing previous commitment. I have conveyed my regrets to the organisers.
337 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has allocated funding for a school building project (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the progress to date of this project. [33969/08]
The project to provide a new building for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at stage 2a (developed sketch scheme) of architectural planning. The revised stage 2a is being assessed at present by the Department and it is expected that the Department will back in touch with the school authorities on this matter shortly.
The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to tender and construction, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
338 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 665 of 17 June 2008, if he will report on the appointment of a design team for a school (details supplied) in County Clare. [33972/08]
As stated in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 655 of 17 June, 2008, the development of a building project for the school in question is at an early stage.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.
339 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 568 of 17 June 2008, when a technical visit to a school (details supplied) in County Clare will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33973/08]
The development of a building project for the school in question is at an early stage. My Department was in contact with the School Authorities earlier this year informing them that it is not in a position to organise a technical inspection of the school at this time due to demands for higher priority projects.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.
340 Deputy Seán Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in having the VEC teachers salaries and pensions paid centrally by his Department rather than by the VECs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34007/08]
There are no specific proposals to centralise the payment of VEC salary and pensions. However, the Department is exploring the possibility of increasing the use of shared services across the Education sector in order to ensure value for money and efficiency in the delivery of services.
341 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if the €6 million being allocated to fit seat belts on school buses has been awarded; the persons to whom it was paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34016/08]
342 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if private operators have received funding to retrofit their school buses with seat belts; the amount of money that has been disbursed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34019/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 341 and 342 together.
The cost to-date of the safety belt programme for buses under the school transport scheme is approximately €6.4 million — €5 million for the Bus Éireann school bus fleet and €1.4 million for private contractors' buses. The amount includes costs associated with the development of pull test specifications, retrofitting of safety belts and inspections of safety belts fitted to school buses.
343 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of male and female teachers in primary education in each county; his views of the number of male teachers entering the profession; the steps he is taking to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34040/08]
I am aware that there are more females than males entering the teaching profession and believe that it is important to attract more men into teaching for a number of reasons, not least of which is the positive role models that teachers provide in children's lives and the desirability of having both male and female role models in our schools.
I believe that teaching is an attractive profession for both men and women. Teaching is fulfilling work which makes a huge social contribution. This Government wants to attract and reward the best teachers and has undertaken a number of initiatives to enhance the status of the profession. Not least of these is the establishment of the Teaching Council as a professional regulatory body.
In November 2005 the Report of the Primary Education Committee, ‘Males into Primary Teaching' was launched. The Primary Education Committee was established in order to examine a range of issues in relation to males entering primary teaching, and to make recommendations on short-term and long-term strategies to increase the numbers in this regard. The Report draws on the professional insight of key experts in this area as well as drawing on a number of relevant research studies.
One of the key recommendations in this report was that a co-ordinated promotion campaign, which would encourage boys as well as girls to enter primary teaching should be undertaken. This promotion campaign commenced in 2006 and promoted the rewards of being a teacher such as the value to society, work/life balance, career satisfaction, diversity of skills, professional development, conditions of employment and job security.
The number of male and female primary school teachers in each county is not available. In June 2008 the position nationally was 4,838 male and 25,346 female primary school teachers.
344 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the average cost to educate a primary school going pupil for the day to day running costs; the amount this figure has increased since 2000; the percentage of this cost that comes from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34041/08]
The issues referred to in the question from my Department's perspective are that of funding for schools to help deal with their day to day running costs. Firstly, I wish to state that my Department is aware of the funding pressures on schools. It is also clear that there is a need for further improvements on funding levels. However, this can only be achieved in a manner that is consistent with prudent management of the Irish economy.
It is important to recognise that progress has been made in recent years that has seen the primary school capitation grant increased from €81.26 per pupil in 2000 to its current rate of €178.58. This represents an increase of nearly 120% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 2000. This compares to a cumulative increase in the Consumer Price Index between 2000 and 2008 of over 30%.
The value of the ancillary services grant for the employment of caretakers and secretaries in our schools has almost trebled in the same period, from €50.79 under the PESP (Programme for Economic and Social Progress) scheme, to the current rate of €151.50 per pupil.
In 2008 alone the Department has paid around €167m to primary schools to meet their day to day running costs. The improvements in the capitation and ancillary grants mean that the combined day-to-day funding for primary schools has increased this year by €21 to €330 per pupil. Furthermore enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €457 to €880 per pupil — an increase of 42% from the rate in 2006.
In 2000, a primary school with 300 pupils was in receipt of less than €40,000 to meet its day to day running costs. That same school today is receiving almost €100,000, which is all paid from my Department. This excludes the salary of teachers and Special Needs Assistants which are paid by the Department. By any standards this is a very significant improvement within a relatively short period of time.
I am committed to increasing the funding for primary schools as resources permit.
345 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the low number of applications for principals in the primary school system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34042/08]
The scheme of release time for principals enables teaching principals of primary schools to be released from their teaching duties for a specified number of days annually to undertake administrative leadership and management functions. The number of days release time allowed varies between 14 and 22 and is determined by the number of mainstream class teachers in the school.
The recruitment of teachers is managed at local level by individual Boards of Management and my Department does not have information on the number of applications for posts including Principal by these management bodies.
346 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of walking primary school principals in each county; the number of pupils in each of the schools in which there are such principals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34043/08]
The precise information which the Deputy has requested is not readily available. However, data in relation to the number of primary school administrative principals by county for the 2007/08 school year is as follows:
|
County |
Non-Teaching Principals |
|
Carlow |
11 |
|
Cavan |
9 |
|
Clare |
19 |
|
Cork City |
46 |
|
Cork County |
66 |
|
Donegal |
31 |
|
Dublin South County |
80 |
|
Dublin City |
160 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
64 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
46 |
|
Galway City |
19 |
|
Galway County |
26 |
|
Kerry |
20 |
|
Kildare |
55 |
|
Kilkenny |
15 |
|
Laois |
12 |
|
Leitrim |
4 |
|
Limerick City |
24 |
|
Limerick County |
22 |
|
Longford |
9 |
|
Louth |
37 |
|
Mayo |
23 |
|
Meath |
46 |
|
Monaghan |
12 |
|
Offaly |
21 |
|
Roscommon |
8 |
|
Sligo |
15 |
|
Tipperary |
35 |
|
Waterford City |
15 |
|
Waterford County |
12 |
|
Westmeath |
20 |
|
Wexford |
32 |
|
Wicklow |
29 |
|
Total |
1,043 |
347 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of males and females studying postgraduate diploma courses in primary education in publicly funded colleges; the number in each of the years; the average age of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34044/08]
The level of student intake to the Colleges of Education is determined annually by my Department and it takes account of the supply of, and demand for primary teachers.
348 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a new school (details supplied) in County Cavan; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that full planning permission and all other issues needed to start building are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34061/08]
The project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning and a tender report has been received by my Department.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
349 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science when approval will be given to a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath to proceed to provide additional accommodation to facilitate pupils, resource teachers and other facilities at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34066/08]
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
350 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be provided to allow refurbishment and additional new accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath as same is required to facilitate increased numbers at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34067/08]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's Multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
351 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding funding (details supplied) in view of the fact that the funding was committed; if this funding is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34089/08]
The proposed project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
352 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for accommodation works in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34090/08]
The proposed project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
353 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for accommodation works in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34091/08]
The proposed project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
354 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason funding in respect of the only specially trained teacher for visually impaired children in County Mayo was withdrawn; the way the 60 children affected by his decision are to be assisted in integrating into mainstream classes; if he will review his decision in the interests of the children; and the reason for his actions in view of his previous commitment not to slash front-line services due to Government cutbacks. [34118/08]
An interim telephone advisory service has been arranged to give schools and parents in Co. Mayo continuing contact with the Visiting Teacher who has worked with them to date in assisting their children to access the full range of educational opportunity. New referrals continue to be received and assessed in the normal way for attention by the Visiting Teacher service as soon as is practicable. While it has been necessary to make this arrangement in the short-term, the management of the service is currently examining ways in which to serve the needs of visually impaired children in the county in the medium and longer term. I can assure the Deputy that there has been no reduction in the overall Visiting Teacher numbers nationally.
355 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of permanent full-time teachers employed at second level for each of the years 2005-2006, 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 in second level schools, private secondary schools, community schools, comprehensive schools and vocational schools; the student numbers enrolled in each category; the number of temporary and part-time teachers; the number of support teachers in each of the categories mentioned; and the number of students receiving these supports. [34122/08]
The number of permanent teaching posts available in individual schools at any one time is determined in accordance with the agreed criteria relating to the application of the pupil teacher ratio. It is a matter for the individual school authority, as employer, to determine whether any particular post when vacated may be filled on a permanent basis. The number of wholetime teacher equivalents and the number of Learning Support teacher equivalents allocated to second level schools in the 2005/2006, 2006/2007 and the 2007/2008 school years is outlined in the following tables. The ‘List of Post Primary Schools' which contains detailed information on all post primary schools, including school enrolment details, is provided each year for distribution to each member of the Oireachtas. I will arrange for a copy of the most recent publication to be forwarded to the Deputy.
|
Vol Secondary |
VEC Schools |
C & C Schools |
|
|
2005/2006 |
13,304 |
8,464 |
4,094 |
|
2006/2007 |
13,424 |
8,548 |
4,180 |
|
2007/2008 |
13,502 |
8,805 |
4,248 |
The following table gives the number of support teachers (wholetime equivalents) allocated at second level
|
Vol Secondary |
VEC Schools |
C&C Schools |
|
|
2005/2006 |
896 |
822 |
461 |
|
2006/2007 |
1,017 |
897 |
506 |
|
2007/2008 |
1,084 |
978 |
505 |
356 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of permanent teachers employed by his Department at primary level for each of the years 2006-2007, 2007-2008 and 2008-2009; the corresponding number of registered students for each of these years; the number of part-time and temporary teachers for these years; the number of special needs assistants and other support teachers employed; the number of pupils at this level receiving support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34123/08]
Data as requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table in respect of the school years 2006/07 and 2007/08. Data for the current school year 2008/2009 has not yet been compiled in my Department. The number of pupils benefiting from additional supports is not available.
|
School Year |
2006/2007 |
2007/2008 |
|
Teachers (permanent/temporary) |
27,515 |
28,735 |
|
Pupils |
471,519 |
486,444 |
|
Special Needs Assistants |
7,410 |
8,375 |
|
Learning Support Resource & Resource Posts (including whole time equivalents under part-time scheme) |
5,217 |
5,628 |
|
Language Support Posts |
1,068 |
1,517 |
357 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make additional funding available for adult education programmes organised by the vocational educational committees in view of the increase in unemployment that has occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34124/08]
My Department has put substantial resources and supports in place to ensure that there are a wide range of course options available in the Further Education sector for people who wish to continue their studies after second-level or return to education later in life. The priority target group of Further Education programmes generally is those who are educationally disadvantaged and who lack basic skills.
Between 2002 and 2007 expenditure on these areas increased by over 50%, from €256 million to €392 million. This increased investment helped to improve opportunities by expanding the number of places in further education programmes from 44,000 in 2002 to 49,000 in 2007.
These include:
More than 30,000 places in the Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme;
5,000 places on the Vocational Training Opportunities (VTOS) Scheme;
9,500 places on the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI);
Almost 3,700 Youthreach places; and
Almost 1,100 places on the Senior Traveller Training Centre programme.
In addition the adult literacy programme provided for 44,000 learners in 2007 compared with 28,000 in 2002.
Other significant improvements have been made in the further education area in recent years:
the Adult Guidance Initiative has been expanded to cater for the increased number of learners
funding for childcare has been expanded to include learners on the Back to Education Initiative
free tuition on BTEI programmes has been extended to include all those with less than upper second level education
We are committed to developing adult education programmes as resources permit.
358 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on a public private partnership scheme for the provision of badly needed school accommodation which in turn will help to maintain employment within the construction industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34126/08]
The Schools Public Private Partnership Programme of 4 primary and 23 post primary schools was announced in September 2005. These projects are now progressing through procurement with the 1st Bundle of 4 post primary schools likely to commence construction by the end of the year. Procurement of the 2nd Bundle of 6 schools (5 post-primary schools and 1 primary school) commenced in September 08. Work is continuing on identifying the 3rd and 4th bundles of School Projects. A number of schools are being considered for inclusion in these bundles.
On the Third Level programme 17 projects in 9 institutions were announced in November 2005 and I intend that the first bundle of these will be offered to the market this year.
My Department will continue to use the PPP model as appropriate in order to supplement the programme of school construction under the traditional route.
359 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the core grant and grant in lieu of fees paid by his Department to the university sector in each year since the abolition of college fees in 1996 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34173/08]
My Department allocates recurrent funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for disbursement to the University Sector. This funding includes a block grant to cover core teaching and research activities, grant in respect of undergraduate tuition fees and earmarked funding for specific purposes.
There have been substantial improvements in the funding of the university sector in recent years. Recurrent funding allocated to the University sector has increased from €631m in 2004 to some €831m in 2008. This excludes separately provided programmes of funding for capital, for research and development and from the Strategic Innovation Fund. This represents an increase of some 32% since 2004 and an increase of some 150% since 1997.
The following table sets out the recurrent funding allocated to the HEA for the university sector since 1996 together with the amount of this funding which covered the grant in lieu of tuition fees.
|
Year |
Recurrent Grant incl. Free Fees |
Grant in lieu of Free Fees |
|
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
1997 |
332,175 |
86,914 |
|
1998 |
381,985 |
102,849 |
|
1999 |
428,430 |
134,783 |
|
2000 |
467,341 |
150,868 |
|
2001 |
538,059 |
165,574 |
|
2002 |
592,323 |
178,627 |
|
2003 |
628,775 |
185,714 |
|
2004 |
630,549 |
195,000 |
|
2005 |
671,863 |
215,481 |
|
2006 |
753,866 |
228,245 |
|
2007 |
790,404 |
242,217 |
|
2008 |
830,788* |
*2008 Provisional figure.
Details of the cost of free fees in 2008 will not be available until the return of student registration data to the HEA.
360 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students within the university sector in each year since the abolition of third level college fees in 1996 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34174/08]
361 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number within higher education in each year since the abolition of college fees in 1996 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34175/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 360 and 361 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows.
Since 1980 the HEA has commissioned surveys on participation rates on six-yearly intervals and the most recent survey was carried out in 2004. From 1980 to 2004 the participation rate grew from 20% to 55%, one of the highest increases among OECD countries. The very steady improvement in the educational profile of the Irish population can be observed by comparing the educational attainment levels of different age groups in the population, for example, the proportion of persons aged 25-34 (41%) with higher education is double the equivalent proportion of 45-54 year olds (21%).
|
Year |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Total |
|
1996-97 |
57,389 |
8,415 |
65,804 |
|
1997-98 |
60,562 |
9,354 |
69,916 |
|
1998-99 |
108,509 |
27,764 |
136,273 |
|
1999-00 |
66,181 |
11,297 |
77,478 |
|
2000-01 |
68,490 |
11,308 |
79,798 |
|
2001-02 |
71,360 |
13,802 |
85,162 |
|
2002-03 |
70,082 |
13,623 |
83,705 |
|
2003-04 |
72,437 |
13,066 |
85,503 |
|
2004-05 |
75,843 |
15,710 |
91,553 |
|
2005-06 |
75,037 |
15,303 |
90,340 |
|
2006-07 |
76,524 |
15,083 |
91,607 |
|
Year |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Total |
|
1996-97 |
100,204 |
22,795 |
122,999 |
|
1997-98 |
104,439 |
25,439 |
129,878 |
|
1998-99 |
108,509 |
27,764 |
136,273 |
|
1999-00 |
115,696 |
31,469 |
147,165 |
|
2000-01 |
119,991 |
32,265 |
152,256 |
|
2001-02 |
124,589 |
349,65 |
159,554 |
|
2002-03 |
129,283 |
34,680 |
163,963 |
|
2003-04 |
133,887 |
34,000 |
167,887 |
|
2004-05 |
133,691 |
34,509 |
168,200 |
|
2005-06 |
136,719 |
31,354 |
168,073 |
|
2006-07 |
138,362 |
Not available |
362 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the length of time a retendering process will take in respect of a project (details supplied) in County Mayo which has been sanctioned; and when work will commence at this location. [34209/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, from February 2008 all Capital Works Projects must use the new GCCC Forms of Construction Contracts for Public Works and, as a result, Co. Mayo VEC has been informed that it must re-tender this project before proceeding to construction.
Co. Mayo VEC, as client on the project, will determine, in conjunction with the Design team on the project, how quickly this process can be progressed.
363 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will attend a ceremony (details supplied) to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34215/08]
I have been invited by the organisers to attend the ceremony at Custom House Quay to commemorate the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Unfortunately, due to prior commitments I am unable to attend the ceremony. However, I am arranging to be represented by an official from my Department.
