Vol. 668 No. 4
73 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made on allowing members of the Reserve Defence Forces to participate in overseas duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42800/08]
108 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding members of the Reserve Defence Forces who wish to serve abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42753/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 108 together.
The organisational changes, enhancements to clothing, equipment, training and the piloting of the integrated reserve, all delivered as part of the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan, have significantly improved Reserve Defence Force capabilities. It was intended, as part of the plan, that these improvements in capability would build towards overseas service by members of the Reserve. In line with the plan provisions, it is hoped that a small number of Reservists will be able to undertake overseas service in late 2009. The military authorities have identified a small number of posts requiring specific skills that may be filled by members of the Reserve. Expressions of interest have been sought from suitably qualified Reservists who have completed integrated training. Any commitment to overseas service by members of the Reserve will be on a voluntary basis.
Work on the necessary regulatory changes is progressing and terms and conditions of service are being examined. The Representative Associations will be consulted in due course. I am happy that such work is proceeding on schedule in line with plan provisions.
76 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Defence if a Defence Forces representative association was admonished by his officials or the military authorities for its response to the announcement of barracks closures; if such admonishment was administered at his direction or under his authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42830/08]
I am pleased to have an opportunity to clarify this matter. Representation in the Defence Forces was established under the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990. The Act sets out the scope of representation and the purpose for which Representative Associations are established. The legal and regulatory provisions surrounding representation in the Defence Forces are particular to the Defence Forces. As the Deputy will appreciate, they represent a carefully crafted compromise between the rights of the association to represent members and the unique requirements of a disciplined military organisation. These provisions bind both sides to the process.
Section 2 (1) of the Act excludes matters "relating to any operation and the raising, maintenance, command, constitution, organisation and discipline of the Defence Forces". The Regulations made pursuant to the Defence Amendment Act 1990 prescribe the arrangements for interaction between the Representative Associations and the media and commentary on political matters. They go on to state that "The Association shall not sponsor or resort to any form of public agitation as a means of furthering claims or for any other purpose whatsoever".
The clear intention of the Oireachtas when the legislation was enacted was to preclude representatives of the Defence Forces from questioning or campaigning against legitimate decisions of the civil power. The provisions of the act were not framed with a view to restricting the Association in any of its legitimate activities. On the contrary, the Act has served to vindicate and protect the Association's rights over the years and sustain representation in a manner that has met the needs of the Associations and the modernisation agenda of the Defence Forces.
My Department has an obligation to seek to ensure that the representative process operates in accordance with the relevant legislation and in the best interests of the parties to the process. In meeting this obligation, my Department has correctly expressed concern to PDFORRA about specific actions taken by them that could damage the system of representation in the long term. I have also expressed my disappointment to PFORRA in this regard. I am aware of the views of PDFORRA on the decision to close these barracks. This does not, however, confer a right on PDOFRRA to depart from the scope of representation as enacted by the Oireachtas.
I can assure the deputy that my Department remains fully committed to the system of representation as established by the 1990 Act. My Department has engaged with PDFORRA in discussing all of the issues that PDFORRA have raised with regard to the implementation of the decision to close these barracks.
77 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that there are sufficient resources available to the Naval Service to allow it to discharge its role in regard to the prevention and interception of drug smuggling; the proportion of sailing time for Naval Service vessels devoted to anti-drug patrolling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42748/08]
Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking rests primarily with An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners. However, the White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for the Naval Service to assist and support the civil authorities in this important work. The Joint Task Force on Drug Interdiction was established in 1993 as a Government measure to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs and consists of members of an Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and the Naval Service. Drug Interdiction is carried out by Naval ships on receipt of intelligence from the Joint Task Force.
The Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Fishery Limits. The primary day-to-day role of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. All Naval ships on patrol are multi-tasked. Although the majority of effort is concentrated on fishery protection, general maritime surveillance is also carried out on an ongoing basis while ships are on patrol, including surveillance for illegal activities. Given the multi-role nature of naval patrols, it is not possible to separate out drug patrolling from other types of patrolling and surveillance.
The number of Patrol Vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and eight. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time. In 2007, the Naval Service completed 1,661 days patrolling at sea. The successful seizure of a large quantity of cocaine by the Naval Service off the South West coast earlier this month was as a result of the close co-operation that exists between the services who form the Joint Task Force and demonstrates how Naval Service resources are being maximised effectively in combating drug trafficking. I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the Naval Service again on such a well executed operation in what I understand were extremely difficult circumstances.
78 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel tested under the drug testing programme in 2007 and to date in 2008; the number and rank of those who tested positive; the type and class of drugs detected; the action taken when a member tests positive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42649/08]
Defence Force policy on drug and substance abuse or misuse is centered on the premise that the unlawful possession, supply or use of a controlled drug is incompatible with membership of the Defence Forces. In October 2002 the Defence Forces introduced a Compulsory Random Drug Testing (CRDT) programme. Since then, 8,422 tests have been conducted with 34 tests yielding a positive result (0.4%). In 2007 a total of 1,905 tests were conducted of which 7 proved positive. The positive tests included 3 where cannabis was detected, 3 where amphetamine was detected and 1 refusal to undergo testing which is classed as a positive test result. Of the 7 personnel who tested positive 1 held the rank of corporal, 5 held the rank of private or equivalent and one was a recruit.
In 2008, to date, a total of 1,871 tests have been conducted of which 5 proved positive. The positive tests included 2 where cannabis was detected, 2 where cocaine was detected and 1 where barbiturates were detected. All 5 personnel who tested positive, held the rank of private or equivalent. The CRDT programme now incorporates Reserve Defence Forces personnel. Personnel serving overseas are also liable for testing.
Personnel who test positive for a controlled substance are liable to administrative actions terminating their service in the Defence Forces. Following a High Court judgment earlier this year, the procedures that apply in the case of a positive test result are being updated. Revised procedures have now been developed. Discussion on the introduction of these new procedures is currently taking place with the Representative Associations through the Conciliation and Arbitration process. I expect that this will be completed in the very near future.
Pending the introduction of new procedures, the administrative processing of positive test results has been put on hold. In the meantime, the programme of Random Drug Testing has not been affected. Tests continue to be conducted in accordance with the planned schedule. The schedule consists of annual testing of 10% of the Permanent Defence Force and 10% of all Reserve Defence Force (RDF) personnel who report on annual camp. Any positive results will be processed under the revised procedures.
80 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Defence the agencies other than the Naval Service that assisted an officer of the Naval Service (details supplied) in calculating the movements and journey of a yacht (details supplied); the number of man hours involved in calculating this journey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42730/08]
134 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a detailed statement on the tracking of a yacht (details supplied) that he referred to on a radio show on 6 November 2008; when he first became aware that this yacht had been tracked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42729/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 134 together.
After the seizure of 1.5 tonnes of cocaine at Dunlough Bay in July 2007 the Naval Member of the Joint Task Force on Drug Interdiction was asked to assist the Garda Síochána in the maritime phase of their investigations. He completed a survey on the RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) used in the attempted importation of the drugs and in the course of his investigations was able to trace the RHIB ownership to an individual with an address in Capetown and also the company which sold the RHIB. He plotted co-ordinates from 3 satellite phones on Admiralty Charts which helped to prove the connection between Colombia, a yacht, "Lucky Day", which transported the drugs across the Atlantic from Trinidad and Tobago and the RHIB which was used to offload the drugs from the "Lucky Day" and transport them to Irish shores. The coordinates from the phones which were plotted on admiralty charts gave a historic view of the passage of the drugs across the Atlantic.
He further downloaded navigational information from equipment confiscated from the RHIB and from the "Lucky Day" which helped piece together the case in respect of the movements of the vessels at sea. It is estimated that approximately four months was dedicated solely to the task of establishing the movement of the yacht. On the 6th November 2008 I gave a radio interview in which I indicated that the passage of the yacht "Lucky Day" had been tracked prior to the capture of its illicit cargo off the south west coast in July 2007. As was detailed at the trial of those charged in relation to that capture, the route of the yacht "Lucky Day" was established in the course of the preparation of the prosecution. I may not have clearly conveyed the retrospective nature of this tracking exercise and I am happy to now clarify and detail the work of the Naval Service in this regard.
The Maritime Analysis Operations Centre (Narcotics) (MAOC(N)) based in Lisbon is designed to tackle smugglers bringing drugs into Europe from Latin America and West Africa. It is operated by seven countries namely, Ireland, the UK, Portugal, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. MAOC(N) opened in Lisbon on the 25th July 2007 and the official inauguration was held on the 30th September 2007. The seven countries concerned began informal cooperation on the issue in April 2007. I wish to acknowledge the huge contribution made by members of the Naval Service, an Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners and the Irish Coast Guard in capturing all evidence which ensured a conviction against those charged with the possession of the drugs concerned.
81 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Defence when he will make a decision on the extension of the Chad mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42779/08]
102 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to extend the mandate of the Irish contingent serving with EUFOR beyond March 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42765/08]
114 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the implications for Ireland and for the Defence Forces, of the United Nations taking over direct command of the EUFOR mission in Chad and the Central African Republic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42722/08]
126 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the EUFOR military mission in Chad. [42764/08]
129 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish troops serving as part of the UN mandated EU mission in Chad; the nature of the duties they are undertaking; the current level of risk; if the mission has assisted displaced persons in returning home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42683/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 102, 114, 126 and 129 together.
The European Union military mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, EUFOR TCHAD/RCA, established under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1778 (2007), was formally launched by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 28 January 2008. A total of 400 Defence Forces personnel are currently serving with EUFOR – 18 at the Operational HQ in Paris and 382 in Chad (23 at the Force Headquarters, and 359 as part of the 98th Infantry Battalion). The headquarters of the 98th Infantry Battalion are located at Goz Beida in south east Chad. The threat level is currently assessed as low/medium.
Ireland is the second largest contributor to the mission with 400 personnel. The aim of the mission is to protect civilians in danger, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and protect UN personnel. The mandate of the EUFOR mission is due to expire on 15 March 2009. The nature of the duties includes, inter alia, long range patrolling, situational awareness patrols, familiarisation patrols. The EUFOR Tchad/RCA Mission is progressing most satisfactorily. Despite the challenges that have faced EUFOR Tchad/RCA a solid foundation has been laid, which will help prepare the way to build future successes and contribute to the long-term beneficial impact of a safe and secure environment for those most vulnerable in Eastern Chad and North Eastern Central African Republic.
The return in recent months of some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their villages of origin in the vicinity of Kerfi, which is near Goz Beida, has been a positive development. They primarily returned due to the presence of the EUFOR troops and the deteriorating conditions in the camps with regard to the lack of water and reduced rations.
There was a number of isolated incidents of banditry and criminality in the Irish area of operations recently. Notwithstanding this, the presence of the 98th Infantry Battalion patrols in theatre have resulted in an increased feeling of security among the Non-Governmental Organisations, the international organisations and the local community. The commencement of the harvest season and the associated movement of nomads has not brought about any rise in ethnic tension and only minor incidents have occurred in areas previously affected by criminality. The overall situation in the Irish Battalion's area of operations is assessed as calm but volatile.
On 24 September 2008, the UN Security Council, (UN Security Council Resolution 1834 (2008) expressed its intention to authorise a United Nations military component to follow-on the EUFOR mission when its mandate expires on 15 March 2009. The Security Council requested the Secretary-General to submit a report on the follow-on operation concerning its size, structure and mandate. A decision on the matter will be taken by the Security Council by 15 December 2008. I very much welcome the authorising of a United Nations military component to follow-on the European Union Mission when its mandate expires on 15 March 2009. It is important that we do not have an interregnum in the security situation and continue to facilitate the UN's Operation Planning and the Force Generation process.
The Government has approved, in principle, the Defence Forces continued participation in the UN follow-on mission. Final approval will be considered in the context of the UN mandate, the extent to which other current EU Member States contribute to the follow-on mission and the level of logistics support that will be provided. Ireland will require, at a minimum, that the current level of logistical support available to Irish Defence Force personnel continues to be provided.
82 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Defence if any equipment from previous barracks closures remains unpacked or in storage following the move; the range of the equipment; the barracks the equipment was moved from; the length of time the items have been in storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42921/08]
The use and storage of military equipment etc. is an operational matter for the Defence Forces. The military authorities have advised that it is not possible to give a detailed breakdown of storage of equipment due to the extensive effort involved in compiling the information required in the time available.
83 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Defence the way it is intended to achieve the 19% reduction in medical expenses projected in the Estimates for defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42832/08]
The 2008 Defence Estimate included an increased provision in respect of additional medical costs related to the initial deployment by the Defence Forces to the EUFOR Chad mission. The reduction in the 2009 Estimate is due to the fact that such additional costs will not arise in 2009.
84 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Defence the situation for people who wish to apply to join the Defence Forces over the coming months; the situation with those who were in the process of applying in 2008 and who have been attending interviews or fitness/medical examinations and are awaiting to hear if they have been successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42651/08]
93 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Defence the recruitment targets that had existed for 2009 prior to the announcement of financial restrictions in and as a result of budget 2009; the recruitment targets set as a result of budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42923/08]
98 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the number of recruits that will be taken into the Defence Forces throughout 2008, broken down in respect of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service; the number expected to be recruited during 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42772/08]
111 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence, further to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of 22 October 2008, the way in which recruitment to the Defence Forces will be rescheduled in order to meet the reduction of 3% in payroll costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42747/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 93, 98 and 111 together.
To date in 2008, a total of 507 recruits have been enlisted into the Permanent Defence Force. 441 were recruited to the Army and 66 to the Naval Service. In addition, 41 cadets commenced their cadet training in September, 2008. I have been advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 31 October 2008, the most recent date for which figures are available, was 10,489.
In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs will apply to the Defence Forces. The initial step towards achieving this reduction has been to stop further recruitment for the remainder of 2008. Recruitment in 2009 will be rescheduled. The situation will be closely monitored. This monitoring will take account of projected and actual natural wastage in establishing the appropriate level of recruitment in 2009. The priority for recruitment is likely to be in specialist areas such as cadets, medical and apprentices. The military authorities have advised that they will continue to accept application forms from those interested in general service recruitment. The applications will be kept on a register, applicants will be issued with an acknowledgement letter advising them of the position in relation to recruitment and they will be kept informed on the status of their applications on an on-going basis.
Similarly, those who have already applied and have completed some of the recruitment selection process have been informed in writing of the current status regarding recruitment and that the Defence Forces will keep their applications under review. In addition to notifying each applicant individually a note to this effect has been placed on the Defence Forces internet site www.military.ie.
85 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Defence when he will move the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces to alternative accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42777/08]
The Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was established under the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004. On the 19th September 2005, Ms. Paulyn Marrinan-Quinn SC was appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the Government, as the first Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. Her term of office was recently extended for a further three years from 19th September 2008.
The Office of the Ombudsman is currently located in Hatch Street, Dublin 2. The Ombudsman has sought alternative accommodation and I have supported her request to the Office of Public Works in this regard. I understand that the Office of Public Works has identified a premises which has been inspected by an official from the Ombudsman's office. I understand that the Ombudsman is awaiting responses from the OPW regarding some issues that she raised before finalising her response.
86 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the implementation by his Department of the Government decision on decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42774/08]
The Government decision on decentralisation provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin-based civil service staff, together with a number of military personnel, to Newbridge, Co. Kildare, and for the decentralisation of the Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) to the Curragh. The number of posts to be relocated to Newbridge is approximately 200 civil service posts together with 43 military. A further 335 military posts together with 78 support staff will decentralise to the new DFHQ building in the Curragh. Close to 90% of clerical/administrative staff are now in place in preparation for the move to Newbridge. The building is under construction and is expected to be ready for occupation by December 2009.
In relation to the decentralisation of DFHQ to the Curragh, a state-owned site has been chosen for a new building. The total cost and timescale for completion of the project will be determined by the outcome of the proposed tender competition that is currently being prepared by OPW. It is expected that tenders will be invited in the near future.
87 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he still intends to replace three naval vessels in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42781/08]
112 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the expected timetable for the acquisition of three new vessels for the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42771/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 112 together.
The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. In the 2000 White Paper on Defence, the Government decided that the Naval Service would be based on an 8-ship flotilla and committed to a modernisation and replacement strategy to maximise the operational capacity of those 8 vessels consistent with the roles assigned to the Naval Service. The White Paper specifically provides that "New vessels will be brought on stream to replace older ones as these fall due for replacement". Naval Service Vessels are replaced when they have come to the end of their useful life, which is normally around 30 years. Three ships will fall due for replacement over the next 3 to 5 years — LE Emer, commissioned in 1978, LE Aoife, commissioned in 1979 and LE Aisling, commissioned in 1980.
Following a detailed examination of the needs of the Naval Service within my Department, a vessel replacement strategy for the Naval Service was put in place to cover the period up to 2012. The strategy combined with a continuous process of refurbishment will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level. Following Government approval in July 2007, notice of a tender competition for the purchase of replacement vessels for the Naval Service was sent to the Official Journal of the European Union on 24 August 2007. The competition is for the purchase of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV's) with an option of a third and one Extended Patrol Vessel (EPV) with an option on a second. The options provide an effective value for money opportunity, at locked in prices, to provide replacements for Naval Service vessels, which will reach the end of their service life in the years immediately following the current replacement programme.
Following Stage 1 of the tender competition for the OPVs, Stage 2 of the competition commenced on the 12th September 2008 with the issue of an Invitation to Tender to the shipbuilders who had been short-listed as part of the Stage 1 process. This document included a very detailed ship specification. The detailed tender responses were returned to the Department by the shipbuilders on the 11 November last. Tender evaluation commenced immediately and is expected to continue into the beginning of 2009. Subject to Government approval on funding, it is intended to award a contract for the OPVs to the preferred bidder in the first half of 2009.
The decision to proceed with the final award of contract to purchase the vessels will be subject to Government approval and agreement on funding, the full requirement for which will not be known until the tender competition has concluded. Subject to Government approval on funding, it is expected that the new vessels will be delivered for acceptance by the Naval Service on a phased basis between 2011 and 2013. It is expected that the delivery date for the first OPV will be 30 months after the date of signing of the contract whilst the specified delivery date for the second OPV will be 37 months after the date of signing of the contract. If the Department exercises its option of purchasing a third OPV, a mutually agreeable delivery date shall be negotiated. The timelines are indicative and shall not prejudice the right of the Department to adjust or alter the delivery schedule at the contract stage. At the evaluation stage, marks will be awarded on the basis of the indicative timeline provided by the tenderer.
In the current difficult economic environment, it will be important that we look to the efficiencies which all parts of the public sector can make so as to continue to deliver high quality public services within a more constrained financial resource envelope. However, it is also important that we continue to invest in public services so as we can maintain service levels into the future. We need to continue the process of modernisation and reinvestment in the Defence Forces into the future and in particular, in the Naval Service Ships Programme. The acquisition of these modern new vessels will ensure that the Naval Service will be fully equipped to carry out its day to day roles in enforcing the state's sovereign rights over our waters and our fisheries and meeting Ireland's obligations in the area of maritime safety and security and fisheries protection.
In relation to the larger EPV, the Department intends to undertake further analysis of the proposals received, following Stage 1, before the second stage is initiated. As with the OPVs, any decision to award a contract for the purchase of an EPV must be approved by the Government.
88 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the discussions he has had with the military authorities regarding the offensive use of computer technology in military operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42751/08]
The Defence Forces are aware of the existence of a capability to use computer technology for offensive operations. This capability is not being developed by the Defence Forces. The use of current technology is concentrated on Information and Communications, both domestic and overseas, and the management of internal administrative systems. There has been no discussion between myself and the military authorities regarding the use of computer technology in offensive operations and there are no immediate plans to do so.
89 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the action he has taken to develop a pro-active approach to cyber defence at national level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42750/08]
103 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the dialogue he has engaged in and the co-operation mechanism he has set up with other states facing the same cyber risks and threats as Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42749/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 103 together.
Cyber security, cyber crime and internet security represent challenges that are constantly evolving and require vigilance and appropriate responses. Cyber security is multi facetted. The nature of the threat and the potential impact also varies considerably depending on the approach and objective of those with malicious intent.
In the first instance, each State agency, business and individual should take every precaution with regard to their security. Awareness of security, the risks and available safeguards, can be seen as the first line of defence for the security of information systems and networks. I am aware of considerable activity in this regard. My colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has undertaken a number of awareness campaigns aimed at individuals, SMEs, the education sector, the public Sector and business. My colleague the Minister for Justice and the Garda Siochana are also active in areas such as cyber crime and cyber bullying. The legislative programme includes the Criminal Justice (Cybercrime) Bill, being prepared by the Department of Justice. This Bill gives effect to the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime as well as to the EU Framework Decision on attacks against Information Systems.
My Department and the Defence Forces focus on the risks and threats arising in the context of the roles laid down by Government for the Defence Forces. My Department and the Defence Forces implement a programme of continuous review in relation to ICT security in order to keep up to date with current threat levels. This risk assessment is carried out by a high-level Board comprising civil and military personnel and is supported by sub-groups who carry out specific reviews where a security risk is identified. Detailed policies and guidelines are provided to all users of ICT systems and considerable resources are invested in assessing weaknesses and protecting systems against cyber attack and malicious security breaches.
I would also point out that the Defence Forces take comprehensive measures with regard to the security of their information and communications systems when deployed, in Ireland and overseas. Details of measures taken are not publicised for security reasons, but given the levels of upgrading and increased protection put in place in recent years, the vulnerability to such attacks has been greatly minimised.
90 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the full extent of proposed participation by members of the Army, Navy and Air-Corps in EU or UN sponsored overseas peacekeeping or peace maintenance engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42802/08]
100 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish troops serving overseas; the number of troops who have served overseas in 2007 and 2008; if this number will rise or fall in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42652/08]
122 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a breakdown of the locations of Defence Forces members who are overseas; and the number in each location. [42803/08]
212 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel on overseas duty under the EU or UN flag; the number of applications for such services pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43098/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 100, 122 and 212 together.
Ireland is currently contributing 736 Defence Forces personnel to 13 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the table. While personnel from all services are liable for and do serve overseas, as a matter of policy Air Corps and Naval assets are not deployed overseas. In 2007, members of the Permanent Defence Force completed 1,646 individual tours of duty. In 2008, 1,411 tours of duty are expected to be completed by members of the Permanent Defence Force. It is envisaged that approximately 1,500 tours will be undertaken by Defence Forces personnel in 2009.
Officers volunteer for overseas service on a six monthly basis. Currently 220 Officers are on the list of officer volunteers for the period January – June 2009. Officers volunteer by mission duration (i.e. six-month or one-year missions). Enlisted Personnel volunteer for overseas service on a mission-by-mission basis. These applications are processed at Unit and Formation level. In the case of the next rotation for the EUFOR TCHAD/RCA mission (99th Infantry Battalion), the bulk of the volunteers for this mission will be selected from the Eastern Brigade, which is the current Lead Brigade. It is not possible at this stage to confirm the total number of applications received for service with this mission. On occasions, mandatory selection of personnel may be required for specialist posts.
With regard to future deployments, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. When considering any particular request, the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a long-term solution, consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy and the degree of risk involved are amongst the factors considered.
|
Number |
|
|
1. UN Missions |
|
|
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ |
7 |
|
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon |
12 |
|
(iii) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
3 |
|
(iv) UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo) |
4 |
|
(v) MONUC (United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
3 |
|
(vi) UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) |
2 |
|
TOTAL |
31 |
|
UN Mandated Missions |
|
|
(vii) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
44 |
|
(viii) EUFOR TCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) OHQ — Paris |
18 |
|
EUFOR TCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) FHQ — Chad |
23 |
|
EUFOR TCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) 98th Inf Battalion |
359 |
|
(ix) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
15 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) 39th Inf Group |
218 |
|
(x) ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) |
7 |
|
Total number of personnel serving with UN missions |
715 |
|
2. Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) |
|
|
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina |
2 |
|
(ii) OSCE Mission in Belgrade — Serbia |
1 |
|
(iii) OSCE Mission in Skopje — Macedonia |
1 |
|
(iv) Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
Total number of personnel serving OSCE |
5 |
|
3. EU Military Staff |
|
|
Brussels |
6 |
|
New York |
1 |
|
4. Military Representatives/Advisers/Staff |
|
|
(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
(iii) Military Representatives to EU (Brussels) |
4 |
|
(iv) Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
2 |
|
Military Representative to NATO/PfP Co-ordination Cell/Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
736 |
91 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence if the authority of the Secretary General of his Department under the three year administrative budget arrangements to configure the grading of his staffing, up to and including the level of principal officer, within agreed overall numbers and the agreed budgetary ceiling, extends to organisations, such as the Defence Forces, and agencies for which he is the Accounting Officer; the number of additional appointments or promotions at principal officer and assistant principal officer grade that have been created or made within his Department using this authority since it was given to the heads of Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42807/08]
In line with other Government Departments, the Administrative Budget arrangements for my Department apply only to subheads A1 to A8 of the Defence Vote. However, a substantial amount of day-to-day Defence Forces' expenditure is delegated to the Chief of Staff. The detailed information requested by the Deputy on appointments and promotions is not readily available. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
92 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence his plans on the expansion and development of the role of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42799/08]
The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan provides for the phased enhancement of Reserve Capabilities over the period to end 2009. To date there have been significant changes and the Reserve is now organised along similar lines to the PDF with three brigades and a dedicated Naval Service Reserve. There have been significant improvements to clothing, equipment and training.
A pilot scheme initiating the Integrated element of the Reserve commenced in 2007 and the pilot was extended into 2008. Although the numbers participating in these pilots was disappointing, valuable lessons have been learned and the military authorities are currently preparing a report for my consideration outlining recommendations with respect to Integration. All of these changes are key enablers in preparing members of the Reserve for possible participation in overseas missions. It is planned that a small number of Reservists with appropriate training and specialist skills, will be available to participate on overseas duties by the end of 2009.
95 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Defence if any weapons handed in by members of the public under the Firearms (Dangerous Weapons) Order, 1972 are held in storage by the Defence Forces; if so when these were handed in; the number, nature and type of weapons and his plans for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42650/08]
An Garda Síochána have the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power (meaning in practice to assist, when requested, an Garda Síochána), which duties include the protection and guarding of vital installations and the provision of certain security escorts.
Under the Firearms (Dangerous Weapons) Order, 1972, weapons were surrendered to An Garda Síochána. Some 5,000 weapons are held in storage by the Defence Forces in the Eastern, Southern and Western Brigades. The weapons are retained in optimum storage conditions and as such most of the weapons will be in a similar condition to when they were handed in originally. The weapons range in condition from almost beyond economic repair to pristine condition. Any future decisions regarding these weapons is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
96 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to proceed with the acquisition of new light tactical armoured vehicles for the Defence Forces; when these are expected to be acquired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42770/08]
A tender competition is well advanced for the acquisition of Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles for the Defence Forces. The intention is that the LTAV will complement the Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in the conduct of conventional and Peace Support Operations and will fill a gap that exists between soft-skinned vehicles and the Mowags.
The acquisition of Light Tactical Vehicles is regarded as a priority by the Defence Forces given the nature of their roles on overseas Peace Support Missions, the threat from improvised explosive devices and the potential for hostile fire in certain threat environments. As Deputies will appreciate, force protection is a key issue in overseas peace support operations. Taking account of recent operational experience of overseas contingents, it is important that any potential gaps identified are addressed as a matter of urgency so as the State can discharge its duty of care to deployed troops.
The proposal is to acquire an initial twenty-seven vehicles (17 for overseas missions and 10 at home for training). The tender competition will allow for the option to acquire up to another twenty-seven vehicles over the next few years to meet any further requirements, depending on the threat faced by the Defence Forces in operational deployments. There is a sum of €6m in this year's Estimates provision as a down payment on an LTAV contract. The results of the tender competition will dictate the overall cost of the project. Three vehicles were selected to go forward to the trials stage of the tender competition. They were the RG 32M from BAE Systems, the LMV from Iveco Defence Vehicles and the Eagle 4 from Mowag. Trials were conducted on a standard vehicle from each company.
It is my intention to have a contract for the acquisition of the LTAVs in place shortly. As I mentioned already, the acquisition is seen as a top priority for the Defence Forces and the cost of the programme will be covered over a number of years taking into account the current economic conditions. The purchase of the vehicles is in line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government to continue investment in the most modern of equipment for Defence Forces personnel and the obligations of the State to provide appropriate support and force protection assets to deployed personnel.
97 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the reason, in respect of the published Estimates for the Public Service 2009, the total estimated expenditure for 2009 under the administration sub-heads for his Department, that is, those relating to his Department itself, is estimated to decrease by 1% from 2008, while the estimated decrease under the sub-heads relating to the Defence Forces and other services is 4%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42920/08]
The Administration subheads of the Defence Estimate for 2009 represent a small proportion (less than 3%) of the total Estimate. Pay of the civil service staff of the Department accounts for the bulk of the expenditure under these subheads. In that regard the pay provision for 2009 represents a reduction in real terms of 3% on the 2008 allocation.
In the current economic situation, it is not possible to continue the same level of expenditure on Defence Forces' equipment and infrastructure as has taken place in recent years. A number of capital building projects will be deferred and some equipment replacement programmes are likely to be completed over a longer period. However, the allocation for 2009 will enable the Defence Forces to maintain their current level of operations at home and abroad, including the overseas peace support operations in Chad and Kosovo.
99 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if he has explored the possibility of ending inefficient spending practices as an alternative to closing barracks. [42804/08]
As I have said in response to many questions in this House, Defence Forces expenditure and properties are kept under constant review in terms of addressing Defence Force requirements and ensuring the most appropriate organisation of the Defence Forces taking account of the operational requirements and available resources. The procurement and purchasing procedures are designed and operated to ensure the Department achieves value for money in accordance with Government financial procedures. Expenditure undertaken by my Department is also subject to examination and audit by the Comptroller & Auditor General.
The closure of barracks and the consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the White Paper on Defence. The closure of the Barracks is more than just a financial or value for money issue. The consolidation process is designed to facilitate higher training standards, while also freeing up under-utilised resources and personnel for operational duties. The dispersal of personnel over an extended number of locations is a major impediment to essential collective training. It also imposes increased and unnecessary overheads on the Defence Forces in terms of barrack management, administration, maintenance and security.
The development and increased capability of the modern Defence Forces when taken together with the improved security situation along the border has removed the rationale for having seven barracks/posts along the border and provided the opportunity for consolidation of units in a smaller number of locations.
101 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with fitness levels within the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42754/08]
Members of the Reserve Defence Force undertake both paid and unpaid training on a part-time voluntary basis. Given the limited time that members of the Reserve can devote to training, the primary thrust of such training is on developing the requisite military skills. In light of this limited availability, it would be impractical to introduce extensive physical training regimes during periods of Reserve Training. The military authorities are developing a Physical Training Concept for the Reserve to pragmatically support Reservists in developing their physical fitness levels. It is anticipated that this concept will be approved for implementation in 2009.
104 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the number of tenders received to date for the re-floating of the Asgard II; when a decision will be made on the possible re-floating of the vessel; the progress that has been made with regard to the possible use of a temporary replacement vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42760/08]
119 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the recovery of the Asgard II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42780/08]
215 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in deciding to salvage the Asgard 11: the outcome to the tender process to salvage the vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43171/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 119 and 215 together.
Allianz Plc., with which Asgard II was insured in the sum of €3.8m, has conducted a tender competition for the salvage of the vessel. The proposals submitted are still under consideration. I expect that a decision as to whether to proceed with a salvage operation will be made within about two weeks. The question of procuring a temporary replacement vessel for Asgard II is still under consideration.
105 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence the procedures involved in selling off large items of disused military equipment such as aircraft, ships and APCs; if he is satisfied that the system is working effectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42731/08]
The position is that tender competitions are usually run by my Department for the disposal of major assets such as aircraft and ships when they have reached the end of their economic working lives in the Defence Forces. Examples of these are the sales of the Naval Service ship, L.E. Deirdre in 2001 and a Gazelle helicopter, four Dauphin helicopters and six Marchetti helicopters in 2006. Earlier this year my Department ran a tender competition for the disposal of six Alouette helicopters. It is expected that the sale of the Alouettes will be completed before the end of the year.
In the particular case of the sale of the Dauphins which attracted recent newspaper headlines, the position was that the sale of the helicopters was advertised on the Department of Finance's e-tender website. The tender documents were also available from the Department of Defence's website and were made available to military attachés. An advertisement for the sale of the helicopters was also placed in Flight International magazine. The records show that over eighty sets of tender documents issued in connection with the competition, which was fully transparent and open to all interested parties. The same procedure applied to the tender competition for the disposal of the Alouettes earlier this year.
It is not generally the practice to sell defensive equipment such as Armoured Personnel Carriers. Such equipment is normally scrapped when it is considered to be defunct and past its operational use. I am fully satisfied that the tendering procedures used in the disposal of major assets are appropriate and that my Department achieves a fair price for these assets through an open and transparent process.
106 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the amount raised by the recent sale of four Air Corps AS365 helicopters; if his attention has been drawn to reports that these aircraft were subsequently sold on at a substantial profit; if he is satisfied that his Department got value for money in regard to the sale of these aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42767/08]
The four Dauphin helicopters, special tools and spare parts were sold following an open tender competition to Rotor Leasing Incorporated in the USA for €311,000 in October 2006. The sale of the helicopters was advertised on the Department of Finance's e-tender website, the tender documents were also available from the Department of Defence's website and were made available to military attachés. An advertisement for the sale of the helicopters was also placed in Flight International magazine. The records show that over eighty sets of tender documents issued in connection with the competition. The tender competition also included the sale of one Gazelle helicopter. Five tenders were received, three of which made offers for the Dauphins. Rotor Leasing submitted the highest bid in relation to the Dauphins and were awarded the contract for the sale of the helicopters and spare parts. The sales agreement was completed in October 2006.
It was estimated at that time that each aircraft required a major inspection and avionics re-fit at an estimated cost of €3,000,000 — €3,500,000 per helicopter in order to meet the operational requirements of the Air Corps if the aircraft were to remain in service. Even following such an investment, the Air Corps would still have 20 year old aircraft which would continue to require more extensive maintenance and would provide less output than their modern equivalents. A policy decision was therefore taken not to proceed with the required maintenance given the cost involved, in favour of a re-equipment programme. This programme has seen the acquisition of 2 EC135 helicopters and 6 AW 139 helicopters for the Air Corps, with the final AW 139 helicopter delivered earlier this month.
When the aircraft in question were taken to the United States, Rotor Leasing set about restoring them. This involved doing the major inspections and overhauling components, with a total of between 5,000 and 5,500 man hours being devoted to each aircraft. It is my Department's understanding that the aircraft were then sold on by Rotor Leasing to Eurocopter, the original equipment manufacturer, in South America where the aircraft are being outfitted with specific mission equipment for the Chilean Navy. In this context, it is perfectly reasonable to expect that the market value of the aircraft would have increased in line with the cost of the major refurbishment work.
I am not in a position to confirm the reported sale value to the Chilean Navy. The very significant extent of refurbishment undertaken, the outfitting with mission specific equipment and any additional contract terms such as warranty, supply of parts or servicing would also have an important bearing on the contract value and is a matter outside the remit of my Department.
I am quite satisfied that the tendering procedures used in the sale of the Dauphins were correct and that my Department achieved a fair price for the aircraft with due cognisance to their age and condition at the time of sale.
107 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the 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. [42761/08]
The bodies under the aegis of my Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Board of Coiste an Asgard and the Army Pensions Board. It is not my intention to abolish or merge any of these bodies.
109 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence when it is planned to close St. Bricin’s military hospital; his plans for the future use of the site; if the medical facilities offered at the hospital will be provided elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42763/08]
As part of the implementation of the Government decision to relocate the Defence Forces HQ under decentralisation, services currently provided by St Bricins Military Hospital will transfer to the Curragh. St Bricins will remain in operation as a military medical facility (MMF) serving the Eastern Brigade until a modern facility suitable for the Brigade is provided. Planning for the new facility has just begun and, as such, it is not possible to state when exactly it will come on line.
It is my intention that the best possible medical facilities are provided for the Defence Forces. I can assure the Deputy that the planned changes in the way medical services are provided are designed to enhance the services for all concerned. It is anticipated that St. Bricins will be disposed of, taking account of market conditions, so as to maximise the return to the Defence Forces and generate funding for reinvestment in Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure in accordance with Government policy.
110 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on Ireland’s involvement with the EU Satellite Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42752/08]
The European Union Satellite Centre (EUSC) is an Agency of the Council of the European Union. Formerly operating as the Western European Union Satellite Centre, the EUSC was incorporated as an agency of the EU in 2002 as part of the transfer of functions from the Western European Union (WEU) to the European Union (EU) and more specifically to the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). The Centre's primary objective is to support the decision-making of the European Union in the field of Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), in particular of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), including European Union crisis management operations.
The Centre is located in Torrejon de Ardoz which is close to Madrid, Spain. Although it is autonomous in its daily operations, Javiar Solana, Secretary General of the Council of the European Union, gives operational direction to the Centre and reports on its activities to the Political and Security Committee. The Satellite Centre provides, as appropriate, geospatial products resulting from the analysis of satellite imagery and collateral data, including aerial imagery, in order to support the operations and missions of the European Union and its Member States. The staff of the Centre consists of experienced image analysts, geospatial specialists and supporting personnel, recruited from EU Member States.
Ireland, along with other EU Member States, is a member of the Board of the Satellite Centre. My Department shares the cost of Ireland's financial contribution to the Satellite Centre with the Department of Foreign Affairs. In 2008, the cost of the joint contribution is of the order of €158,732.44, of which my Department contributes €79,366.22. The Defence Forces receive and utilise Satellite Centre products and benefit greatly from this capability while deployed on overseas missions.
113 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel from his Department and from the Defence Forces who attended a seminar and meeting organised by his Department at a four star hotel in County Kildare on 13 November 2008; the cost of conducting the meeting; the purpose of the meeting; if in the context of the budget 2009 constraints he considers such a venue and expenditure appropriate; if suitable facilities exist within a military installation for holding such meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42805/08]
The Defence Organisation conference was held on the 13th November 2008 and was attended by the senior management teams in both the Department and the Defence Forces. The focus of the conference was on effective planning. The topics covered were defence capability development, performance measurement and effective management of the defence budget within the current resource constraints. A guest speaker from the European Union Institute for Security Studies also made a key contribution to the event.
The conference was very much a collaborative effort between the Department and the Defence Forces and I know that both the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff are extremely pleased with the outcome. It is envisaged that a similar joint development conference will take place on an annual basis. The cost of the conference amounted to €2,720. I firmly believe that this pro-active approach to developing capacity in the Defence organisation remains a priority notwithstanding the current economic climate.
115 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been made as to the future participation by Ireland in the KFOR, EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina; if it is intended to keep Irish troops there in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42732/08]
Ireland has participated in EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina since December 2004, the successor mission to the Stabilisation force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina with which Ireland had previously been serving since 1997. EUFOR was established under the authority of the UN Security Council Resolution 1575 of 22 November, 2004. The Irish contingent with EUFOR currently comprises 44 personnel. The role of the Defence Forces personnel currently serving in EUFOR is to provide personnel for the headquarters, the Military Police Unit, Verification Teams and the National Support Element. All Irish personnel are located at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. The current security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is considered to be stable with the focus of the international community now firmly focused on progressing the political situation.
Discussions regarding the closure of the Office of the High Representative, which was put in place under the Dayton accord, and the subsequent transition to the Office of the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) are ongoing, with a decision now due in February 2009. Once this decision is made, it is anticipated that Operation ALTHEA will change, from its current configuration of 2,500 troops, to a support and training operation, which will involve some 200, mainly military, personnel. It is expected that this change will commence sometime in February/March 2009 and take approximately six (6) months to complete. Consequently, there will be no change in the Althea configuration, or Ireland's contribution to it, until June 2009 at the earliest. No decision has been made on Ireland's participation in any new arrangements. Currently, my intention is that we will withdraw our troops when Operation ALTHEA moves to its support and training phase in 2009.
KFOR, the International Security Presence in Kosovo, was established in June 1999, to support the maintenance of civil law and order within Kosovo, so as to develop a climate of safety and security, which will enable the transfer of increased responsibility to the civil authorities. Ireland has participated in KFOR since August 1999. The Irish (39th) Infantry Group currently serves in the Multinational Task Force (Centre). In addition to Ireland, the Task Force also comprises troops from the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Sweden, Finland and Latvia. The Task Force's area of responsibility is generally the Pristina region, covering 7 municipalities with a population of approximately 1 million.
The Irish contingent currently comprises an APC Mounted Infantry Group of some 233 personnel, including a number of personnel in staff posts at various KFOR Headquarters. At this stage, there are no plans to reduce the number of Irish Defence Forces personnel currently serving with KFOR.
117 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department’s Estimates for 2009. [42776/08]
The gross total allocation for my Department in 2009 is €1,061 million, comprising €852 million in the Defence Estimate and €209 million in the Army Pensions Estimate. When compared with the allocation for 2008, this represents a reduction of 4% in the Defence Estimate and an increase of 10% in the Army Pensions Estimate, giving an overall reduction of 1.6%.
The reduction in the Defence Estimate will be achieved by making savings across a number of subheads, both pay and non-pay. In common with other areas of the public sector, a payroll cut of 3% has been applied in the case of the civil service staff of my Department, the Defence Forces and civilians employed with the Defence Forces. This will entail restrictions on the filling of vacancies, including the temporary deferral of recruitment, throughout the Defence organisation.
A number of capital building projects will be deferred and some equipment replacement programmes are likely to be spread over a longer period. However, the allocation provided for 2009 will enable the Defence Forces to maintain their current level of operations at home and abroad, including the overseas peace support operations in Chad and Kosovo. In the current economic situation, it is not possible to continue the same rate of expenditure on equipment and infrastructure as has taken place in recent years. However, I am satisfied that priority programmes of investment will be maintained.
118 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the recent unveiling of a national monument to members of Óglaigh na hÉireann who have died in the service of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42723/08]
A ceremony to mark the dedication of the "National Memorial to members of the Defence Forces who died in the service of the State" was held at Merrion Square on Saturday 8th November 2008. The ceremony was led by an tUachtarán, Mrs. Mary McAleese, who laid a wreath at the memorial. The ceremony featured a military parade consisting of members of the Army, the Air Corps, the Naval Service, the Organisation of Ex-Servicemen and the Irish UN Veterans Association. The ceremony was attended by an Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, former Chiefs of Staff, former Ministers for Defence and members of the Oireachtas. A notice was published in the national newspapers, in the week leading up to event, inviting relatives of the deceased and members of the public to attend.
The ceremony included a prayer of dedication delivered by the Head Chaplain to the Forces, one minutes silence and the playing of the Last Post. The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem and a fly past by the Air Corps. The memorial, which is situated in a prominent position close to Dáil Éireann and to Government Buildings, is, I believe, a fitting tribute to the memory of the members of the Defence Forces who have given their lives in the service of the State. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anamacha.
120 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions during 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008, on which the Army bomb squad has been called out to deal with suspected explosive devices; the number of instances in each year in which the devices were hoaxes and authentic explosive devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42768/08]
The primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with an Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Gardaí as required. Requests for aid to the civil power are normally made by a member of an Garda Síochána not below the rank of Inspector. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team respond when a request is made by an Garda Síochána, to the relevant Brigade, for assistance in dealing with a suspect device or for the removal of old ordnance. Information on the number of callouts in 2006, 2007 and 2008 (to date) is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Total Number of Callouts |
Number of Hoaxes (included in total) |
|
2006 |
101 |
8 |
|
2007 |
98 |
11 |
|
2008 (as of 20 November 2008) |
168 |
56 |
124 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence when the committee to consider plans for appropriate commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising in 2016 will be convened; the reason for the delay in convening a meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42775/08]
Nominations in respect of the composition of the Oireachtas Consultation Group are now complete. Arrangements are being made for a meeting of the Group to be held at an early date. The inaugural meeting of the re-constituted group will be informed of progress on major projects in commemorative activities and the consideration towards a framework for the Centenary commemorative programme.
127 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the number by grade and rank of civil servants in his Department and in agencies under his control on 1 September 1995, 1 September 2000, 1 September 2005 and 1 September 2008 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42806/08]
I have set out in the table below the number by grade and rank of civil servants in my Department and in agencies under the aegis of my Department:
|
Grade Title |
Number of Staff |
|||
|
1995 |
2000 |
2005 |
2008 |
|
|
Secretary General |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Head of Corporate Services |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Principal |
8 |
11 |
13.8 |
14.5 |
|
Chief Technical Officer |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Professional Accountant |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
25 |
25 |
33.5 |
37.1 |
|
Technical Officer Grade II |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
58 |
64.5 |
62.7 |
58.8 |
|
Administrative Officer |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Properties Officer |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Properties Officer |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Executive Officer |
58.5 |
76 |
73.35 |
82.28 |
|
Examiner of Maps |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Senior Technical Assistant |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Staff Officer |
30.5 |
36.5 |
29.5 |
33.5 |
|
Clerical Officer |
131.5 |
163 |
147.4 |
143.9 |
|
Clerical Assistant |
66 |
0 Amalgamated with CO grade |
0 |
0 |
|
Paperkeeper |
3 |
0 Amalgamated with CO Grade |
0 |
0 |
|
Storeman |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Storekeeper |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Visually Impaired Telephonists |
4 |
4 |
0 Regraded as COs |
0 |
|
Head Services Officer |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Services Officer |
14 |
14 |
15 |
17 |
|
Services Attendant |
1 |
3 |
2 |
1.7 |
|
Nightwatchman |
5 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
|
Superintendent of Cleaners |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Cleaner |
16 |
14 |
6 |
4 |
|
Total |
435.5 |
429 |
396.3 |
409.8 |
I am pleased to advise the House that the change and modernisation process in Defence in recent years has been accompanied by a reduction in numbers of civil servants. The Table above shows that the numbers in the Department of Defence and its agencies (Civil Defence Board, Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard) have been reduced from 435.5 to 409.8 in the 13-year period from 1995. This same period has been one of tremendous change in the working environment of the public service, as society and the economy have developed rapidly. This change has been particularly dramatic in Defence — the defence and security environment nationally and internationally has changed dramatically over this period and continues to evolve rapidly.
Developments in the international security and defence environment have resulted in very significant resource demands on the Defence organisation. Participation in the evolution of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) for example, has absorbed additional staff resources in the Department. Again, this has been achieved against a background of falling overall staff numbers. The Department is also addressing the challenge of decentralising while maintaining the existing level of service. My Department has absorbed these changes and the demands arising from new initiatives and services while continuing to reduce Administrative Budget costs in real terms. I am confident that my Department will be equally resilient and successful in meeting the challenges ahead.
128 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been made in regard to the replacement of the Air Corps Cessna fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42773/08]
The issue of the replacement of the Air Corps Cessna Fleet is under consideration. The question of funding the replacement programme has to be considered in tandem with the overall equipment requirements of the Defence Forces generally and the funding available for this. As the Deputy may be aware, a very significant level of investment in new equipment for the Air Corps has taken place in recent years.
The comprehensive investment programme included:
The delivery of eight Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, inclusive of VAT.
Two light utility EC 135 helicopters acquired from Eurocopter S.A.S. at a cost of €12.8m, inclusive of VAT.
Six utility AW 139 helicopters acquired from AgustaWestland, Italy at a cost of €75m inclusive of VAT, the final one of which was delivered this month.
A major mid life upgrade on the two Casa maritime patrol aircraft, at a cost of €16.5m.
131 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Defence if he has concluded his investigation into the leasing of two helicopters. [42778/08]
133 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Defence the outcome of the investigation ordered by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces into the circumstances in which two Russian crewed Ukrainian owned helicopters were leased for the transporting of Irish troops in Chad, when it subsequently emerged that the helicopters were not licensed to carry passengers; the amount paid out in respect of hire charges or other charges; the changes that have been made to hiring procedures as a result of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42766/08]
216 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence the procedures to be put in place both within his Department and in the Defence Forces to ensure that the certification difficulties with the helicopters used by Irish troops in Chad cannot recur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43172/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131, 133 and 216 together.
The issue in relation to the certification of the two helicopters for use with passengers arose in September 2008 and was a regulatory, licensing issue relating to civilian registered helicopters. It did not reflect in any way on the safety, technical or operational functions of the helicopters, which continued to be used for cargo and emergency evacuation purposes as required to support the operation in Chad.
I have now received a report from the Chief of Staff which identifies a number of shortcomings in the process followed by the Defence Forces in placing this contract. I have accepted an apology from the Chief of Staff for what has happened. The Internal Audit Unit of the Department of Defence is in the process of carrying out a full audit into the placing of the contract for the helicopters and it is the intention to pass the findings of the audit to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. In the meantime, a programme of training for military personnel has been established to ensure that they are familiar with public procurement procedures.
In relation to the current situation, one of the helicopters was recently withdrawn from service following a minor incident in which the front undercarriage was damaged. The aircraft was not on a EUFOR mission when the incident occurred and no Irish personnel were on board. The military authorities subsequently engaged with Air Partner (UK), the main contracting authority, concerning the replacement of this helicopter.
Air Partner have now sourced a replacement MI 8T helicopter from a Ukrainian company. The company has a valid Air Operator Certificate for this aircraft, which includes the carriage of both cargo and passengers. All the certification documentation has been reviewed and, following consultation with the military authorities, my Department has now approved acceptance of this aircraft. It is expected that the aircraft will be in situ in the near future. This will allow for the carriage of Defence Force's personnel on the helicopter without restrictions. Any costs for the placement of the helicopter in theatre will be met by Air Partner.
The contract duration for the two helicopters is scheduled for ten months, expiring in April 2009. The cost of hiring the helicopters to end-October was €1.07m. The full contract value will ultimately depend on the number of hours flown by the helicopters over the duration of the contract but is expected to be in the region of €3m. As I already mentioned, the report from the Chief of Staff is under consideration. The audit report from the Internal Audit Unit in the Department will determine the best course of action on the issue and will recommend if any changes to the procedures for the hiring of aircraft by the Defence Forces are required.
135 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of crimes involving the possession of a knife, the use of a knife to inflict injury, and the use of a knife to inflict fatal wounds respectively over the past five years; the detection rate in respect of each of these crimes; and the conviction rate in respect of each of these crimes. [43006/08]
The exact information the Deputy has requested is not available. It is not possible to determine the number of incidents of crimes involving the possession of a knife, the use of a knife to inflict injury and the use of a knife to inflict fatal wounds respectively. However, the figures furnished in the tables outline the crime incidents where a knife is present during the event. Please note, due to the length of time it takes for a case to be processed through the criminal justice system, conviction rates involving recent years are not comparable.
|
2003 |
2004 |
||||||
|
Recorded |
Detection Rate (%) |
Conviction Rate (%) |
Recorded |
Detection Rate (%) |
Conviction Rate (%) |
||
|
0111 |
Murder |
5 |
100.0 |
60.0 |
10 |
100.0 |
80.0 |
|
0112 |
Manslaughter |
3 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
5 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
|
0211 |
Rape of a male or female |
5 |
20.0 |
20.0 |
4 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
|
0213 |
Sexual offences involving mentally impaired person |
0 |
— |
— |
0 |
— |
— |
|
0214 |
Aggravated sexual assault |
2 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
5 |
40.0 |
40.0 |
|
0215 |
Sexual assault (not aggravated) |
4 |
50.0 |
0.0 |
2 |
50.0 |
0.0 |
|
0311 |
Murder-attempt |
0 |
— |
— |
0 |
— |
— |
|
0321 |
Assault Causing Harm |
225 |
64.4 |
18.2 |
241 |
64.3 |
18.3 |
|
0323 |
Assault or obstruction of Garda/official, resisting arrest |
8 |
87.5 |
25.0 |
7 |
100.0 |
42.9 |
|
0324 |
Minor assault |
87 |
54.0 |
9.2 |
111 |
56.8 |
6.3 |
|
0611 |
Robbery of an establishment or institution |
337 |
32.9 |
17.8 |
453 |
41.1 |
24.5 |
|
0612 |
Robbery of cash or goods in transit |
5 |
20.0 |
0.0 |
4 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
0613 |
Robbery from the person |
399 |
31.3 |
13.5 |
421 |
30.6 |
14.5 |
|
0631 |
Carjacking, hijacking/unlawful seizure of an aircraft/vessel |
12 |
25.0 |
16.7 |
14 |
35.7 |
28.6 |
|
0711 |
Aggravated burglary |
115 |
37.4 |
22.6 |
90 |
40.0 |
24.4 |
|
1131 |
Possession of offensive weapons (not firearms) |
698 |
97.1 |
36.4 |
780 |
96.3 |
33.1 |
|
All |
1,905 |
61.5 |
23.9 |
2,147 |
63.0 |
24.5 |
|
2005 |
2006 |
||||||
|
Recorded |
Detection Rate (%) |
Conviction Rate (%) |
Recorded |
Detection Rate (%) |
Conviction Rate (%) |
||
|
0111 |
Murder |
18 |
77.8 |
50.0 |
21 |
100.0 |
38.1 |
|
0112 |
Manslaughter |
3 |
100.0 |
66.7 |
1 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
|
0211 |
Rape of a male or female |
6 |
66.7 |
16.7 |
3 |
66.7 |
33.3 |
|
0213 |
Sexual offences involving mentally impaired person |
0 |
— |
— |
0 |
— |
— |
|
0214 |
Aggravated sexual assault |
1 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
4 |
75.0 |
50.0 |
|
0215 |
Sexual assault (not aggravated) |
7 |
71.4 |
28.6 |
4 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
0311 |
Murder-attempt |
0 |
— |
— |
0 |
— |
— |
|
0321 |
Assault Causing Harm |
204 |
60.8 |
17.2 |
300 |
75.0 |
13.3 |
|
0323 |
Assault or obstruction of Garda/official, resisting arrest |
5 |
60.0 |
60.0 |
5 |
80.0 |
40.0 |
|
0324 |
Minor assault |
121 |
51.2 |
10.7 |
133 |
51.9 |
9.0 |
|
0611 |
Robbery of an establishment or institution |
551 |
41.7 |
19.2 |
481 |
46.6 |
18.1 |
|
0612 |
Robbery of cash or goods in transit |
5 |
20.0 |
0.0 |
4 |
25.0 |
25.0 |
|
0613 |
Robbery from the person |
289 |
31.8 |
13.1 |
330 |
36.1 |
13.0 |
|
0631 |
Carjacking, hijacking/unlawful seizure of an aircraft/vessel |
20 |
55.0 |
25.0 |
6 |
66.7 |
33.3 |
|
0711 |
Aggravated burglary |
116 |
40.5 |
17.2 |
99 |
49.5 |
12.1 |
|
1131 |
Possession of offensive weapons (not firearms) |
891 |
96.1 |
32.7 |
1,131 |
97.8 |
33.4 |
|
All |
2,237 |
65.0 |
23.5 |
2,522 |
72.5 |
23.4 |
|
2007 |
||||
|
Recorded |
Detection Rate (%) |
Conviction Rate (%) |
||
|
0111 |
Murder |
32 |
84.4 |
9.4 |
|
0112 |
Manslaughter |
2 |
100.0 |
0.0 |
|
0211 |
Rape of a male or female |
5 |
60.0 |
20.0 |
|
0213 |
Sexual offences involving mentally impaired person |
1 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
0214 |
Aggravated sexual assault |
0 |
— |
— |
|
0215 |
Sexual assault (not aggravated) |
5 |
60.0 |
0.0 |
|
0311 |
Murder-attempt |
1 |
100.0 |
0.0 |
|
0321 |
Assault Causing Harm |
284 |
74.6 |
7.4 |
|
0323 |
Assault or obstruction of Garda/official, resisting arrest |
8 |
100.0 |
12.5 |
|
0324 |
Minor assault |
161 |
57.1 |
5.0 |
|
0611 |
Robbery of an establishment or institution |
312 |
52.6 |
12.5 |
|
0612 |
Robbery of cash or goods in transit |
2 |
50.0 |
0.0 |
|
0613 |
Robbery from the person |
312 |
40.4 |
8.7 |
|
0631 |
Carjacking, hijacking/unlawful seizure of an aircraft/vessel |
16 |
62.5 |
6.3 |
|
0711 |
Aggravated burglary |
92 |
48.9 |
5.4 |
|
1131 |
Possession of offensive weapons (not firearms) |
1,299 |
97.5 |
26.5 |
|
All |
2,532 |
77.4 |
17.8 |
136 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the European funds available to businesses, in particular small businesses, from which they could get a source of finance in view of the current credit crunch; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43016/08]
The European Union provides support to European small and medium-sized enterprises in different forms such as grants, loans and, in some cases, guarantees. Support is available either directly or through programmes managed at national or regional level, such as the European Union's Structural Funds. SMEs can also benefit from a series of non-financial assistance measures in the form of programmes and business support services.
The European Commission's European Portal for SME's http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ sme/funding_en.htm presents details of the main European programmes available to SMEs and contains brief information as well as the main web sites for each programme. However, the information included on the website, is not exhaustive. In addition, the Enterprise Europe Network provide information on both national and EU financial supports. The financial instruments mentioned on these sites are managed by the European Investment Fund and implemented via financial intermediaries or specialised funds, to which those interested should refer directly.
The main Programmes are referred to below. Under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) 2007-2013, €1.13 billion has been allocated for financial instruments for the above period. These are organised under three schemes, which are managed on behalf of the European Commission by the European Investment Fund (EIF):
1. The High Growth and Innovative SME Facility (GIF) aims to increase the supply of equity for innovative SMEs both in their early stages (GIF1) and in the expansion phase (GIF2). GIF shares risk and reward with private equity investors, providing important leverage for the supply of equity to innovative companies.
2. The SME Guarantee Facility provides additional guarantees to guarantee schemes, in order to increase the supply of debt finance to SMEs. It concentrates on addressing market failures in four areas:
1. access to loans (or loan substitutes such as leasing) by SMEs with growth potential;
2. provision of microcredit;
3. access to equity or quasi-equity;
4. securitisation.
3. A Capacity Building Scheme supports the capacity of financial intermediaries in some Member States.
The EIF's own activities are based on two instruments:
EIF's Venture Capital Instruments consist of capital investments in venture capital funds and business incubators that support SMEs, particularly those that are newly created and technology-oriented.
EIF's guarantee instruments consist of providing guarantees to financial institutions that cover credits to SMEs.
This Programme is managed and the projects selected at national and/or regional level.
JEREMIE is a joint initiative of the European Commission and the European Investment Fund with the European Investment Bank. It aims to improve access to finance for micro to medium-sized enterprises and in particular the supply of micro-credit, venture capital finance or guarantees and other forms of innovative financing. JEREMIE is managed as an integral part of European Regional Development Fund programmes.
These schemes do not provide direct funding to SMEs, but are usually processed through financial intermediaries such as banks, credit institutions or investment funds. They are intended to increase the volume of credit available to SMEs and to encourage these intermediaries to develop their SME lending capacity.
In addition to the above Schemes, on 3 October 2008, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced that it was increasing its support for Europe's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help mitigate the effects of the current credit crisis. This is to take the form of a €30 billion facility to provide loans to SMEs through commercial banks. I understand that the EIB has had discussions with a number of Irish banks about participation in the facility. Participation in the facility is, in the first instance, a commercial decision for individual financial institutions, who will be responsible for evaluating loan applications submitted by individual SMEs.
This is a very welcome initiative by the EIB and I would strongly urge Irish financial institutions to utilise this facility, and any other EU facility, to the maximum extent possible with a view to making any additional funding involved available to SMEs as soon as possible.
The Irish Enterprise Europe Network services in Ireland are delivered by Enterprise Ireland, together with Chambers of Commerce from Cork, Dublin, Galway, Sligo and Waterford and can be contacted on the following website address: http://www.enterprise-ireland. com/enterpriseeuropenetworkireland. Any Irish SMEs or financial intermediaries wishing to obtain detailed information on accessing any of the European Funds outlined above or indeed, other European funding initiatives, should contact the Irish Enterprise Europe Network in the first instance.
137 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grounds for her concerns in respect of FÁS; and the scope of the investigation which she has asked the Comptroller and Auditor General to carry out. [42972/08]
The Comptroller and Auditor General in his report on non-commercial Semi-State bodies, published in May 2008, reviewed the issues raised in one specific FÁS internal audit report. I have discussed this matter with FÁS and have expressed my concerns at the need to secure value for money in public expenditure. I have also requested the C&AG to carry out an investigation into the effectiveness of existing general management and control systems within FÁS. The C&AG has acceded to this request.
It is a matter for the C&AG to determine the scope of his investigation. He has indicated that in doing so he will take into account the deliberations at the Public Accounts Committee hearings on the FÁS element of his Special Report on Semi-State.
138 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason consumers here continue to pay more for goods sold here by British retail outlets; if the National Consumer Agency has been actively investigating the price differences in goods sold here and in the UK; and the action her Department is taking to ensure value for money for consumers here. [42973/08]
Concerns in relation to the differential in the prices charged for some goods in this jurisdiction as against the prices charged in Northern Ireland and the UK have been expressed by a number of commentators. These concerns have focused on the recent significant increase in value by the Euro against sterling and the belief that the benefits of this appreciation are not being passed on to consumers.
These concerns were heightened by the findings of a survey conducted earlier this year by the National Consumer Agency of the price of a range of branded and own-brand goods charged by a number of prominent retailers operating both north and south of the Border. The survey found that customers in the Republic were being charged up to 31% more than customers in Northern Ireland in respect of certain branded products and up to 17% more in respect of own brand items.
Given these concerns I initiated an engagement with the retail sector as to the reasons why the benefits of the Euro's appreciation were not being passed on to consumers. In my discussions and contacts with the retail sector, retailers responded to the effect that while the retail price of goods imported from the UK had lagged exchange rate movements due to factors such as the forward purchase of goods and currency, there had already been reductions in the price of some goods and further reductions were in the pipeline. Retailers also advised that one of the main reasons for the price differential was that the cost of doing business in Ireland was significantly higher than that in the UK.
In the light of these responses, I requested Forfás to carry out an analysis of the relative cost of doing business in a number of locations in the Republic, Northern Ireland and the UK. It is my intention on receipt of Forfás' analysis of the situation, which I understand will be finalized shortly, to pursue this matter further with the retail sector.
139 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of places nationwide on community employment schemes or social employment schemes available in each of the years 1990, 1995, 1997, 2002 and 2007 in tabular form; the eligibility criteria for such schemes now; the eligibility criteria for such schemes in the previous years; the type of schemes that were allowed then and now; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43017/08]
Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons (including those with a disability) with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. The eligibility criteria and participation limits for CE are set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). The qualifying criteria for participation are intended to facilitate the movement of participants through CE, allowing new participants who may not otherwise have such an opportunity, to avail of the programme.
CE Eligibility
Explanatory notes: CE has two basic options, Part-time Integration Option, which is a one-year version of CE for long-term unemployed (12 months or more). The other option is Part-time Job Option, which is for longer term unemployed persons (3 years or more) and runs for one-year with the option for up to two more years on annually renewable contracts).
Part-time Integration Option (1 year on CE)
If you are aged 25 years or over and are currently in receipt of any of the following payments for 12 months or more:
Jobseekers Benefit (JB, formerly Unemployment Benefit);
Jobseekers Allowance (JA, formerly Unemployment Assistance);
One Parent Family Payment (OPFP);
Widows/Widowers Contributory Pension;
Widows/Widowers Non-Contributory Pension;
Deserted Wife's Benefit (DWB);
Farm Assist (FA).
Time spent in receipt of Carer's Allowance can also count towards the 12-month eligibility period, but caring responsibilities must have ceased and the person must currently be in receipt of either JA, JB or OPFP
If you are aged 18 years or over and are currently in receipt of any of the following payments from the Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA)
Disability Allowance;
Blind Pension;
Invalidity Pension (Note: you must have approval from the DSFA to engage in employment of a rehabilitative nature);
Illness Benefit for 6 months or more (Note: you must have approval from the DSFA to engage in employment of a rehabilitative nature).
Travellers aged 18 years or over, who are unemployed and in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance for any period or One Parent Family Payment for 1 year or longer. In the case of travellers under 18 years of age, a minimum of 12 months spent in a Travellers Training Centre is enough for eligibility.
All refugees aged 18 years or over, as authenticated by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, in receipt of payments from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
Persons aged 18 years or over inhabiting the offshore islands
Ex-offenders aged 18 years or over and referred by the Probation Service. Also, Ex-offenders aged 18 and over and not referred by the Probation Service and in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance or Jobseekers Benefit for a period of one year or more. Time spent as a prisoner is regarded as reckonable when considering duration unemployed
Persons aged 18 years or over referred by the Drugs Task Force.
Time spent on recognised training or employment programmes (such as a FÁS training course) can also be counted towards eligibility.
Note:
Breaks off the Live Register up to a maximum of 30 days in each of the 3 qualifying years prior to application are allowed in assessing eligibility for the Job Option. Time spent on Community Employment, a recognised training course or in prison may count as part of the qualifying period. In the case of Travellers under 18 years of age, a minimum of 12 months spent in a Travellers' Training centre will suffice for eligibility.
Spousal Swap
If you are unemployed and qualify under the Jobseekers Assistance, Jobseekers Benefit or Farm Assist criteria detailed above but you yourself do not wish to join the Community Employment programme, you may be able to transfer eligibility to your spouse. Qualified Adult Dependents, aged 25 and over, of eligible persons (as defined by the Department of Social and Family Affairs) may avail of the Spousal Swap option. This involves the person and their dependent exchanging places, the dependent inheriting the age/entitlements of the person, and ensuring that no losses are incurred in their relative entitlements as a result of this exchange. Part-time Job Option (Up to 3 years on CE) The Part-time Job Option is for people who are 35 or over and out of work for 3 years or longer. Eligible persons of 55 to 65 years of age can spend up to 6 years in total on this programme. Persons in receipt of a disability-linked social welfare payment can avail of one extra year on CE (i.e. 4 years under 55, 7 years for 55 and over). You can qualify for this option if you are:
Aged 35 years or over and are currently in receipt of any of the following payments for 3 years or more:
Jobseekers Benefit (JB, formerly Unemployment Benefit);
Jobseekers Allowance (JA, formerly Unemployment Assistance);
One Parent Family Payment (OPFP);
Widows/Widowers Contributory Pension;
Widows/Widowers Non-Contributory Pension;
Deserted Wife's Benefit (DWB);
Farm Assist (FA).
Time spent in receipt of Carer's Allowance can also count towards the 3-year eligibility period, but caring responsibilities must have ceased and the person must currently be in receipt of either JA, JB or OPFP
Aged 35 years or over and in receipt of any of the following payments from the Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA):
Disability Allowance;
Blind Pension;
Invalidity Pension (Note: you must have approval from the DSFA to engage in employment of a rehabilitative nature);
Illness Benefit for 6 months or more (Note: you must have approval from the DSFA to engage in employment of a rehabilitative nature).
Ex-offenders aged 35 years or over referred by the Probation Service. Also, Ex-offenders aged 35 and over not referred by the Probation Service and in receipt of Jobseekers Assistance or Jobseekers Benefit for 3 years or more. Time spent as a prisoner is regarded as reckonable when considering duration unemployed.
Travellers aged 18 years or over, who are unemployed and in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance or One Parent Family Payment for 1 year or longer. In the case of travellers under 18 years of age, a minimum of 12 months spent in a Travellers Training Centre is enough for eligibility
All refugees aged 18 years or over, as authenticated by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, in receipt of payments from the Department of Social and Family Affairs
Persons aged 18 years or over inhabiting the offshore islands
Persons aged 18 years or over referred by the Drugs Task Force
Time spent on recognised training or employment programmes (such as a FÁS training course) can also be counted towards eligibility.
Changes to Community Employment
The Community Employment programme (CE) was restructured in 1999 to limit participation by new participants to 3 years, with effect from April, 2000. This change was introduced to encourage unemployed persons to progress to training or education and employment options where possible. However, this three-year cap was amended in August 2001 to allow particularly disadvantaged persons to remain on the programme for a further period. In general, approximately 20% of participants, including persons less than 55 years of age, have benefited from an additional year on the programme under the flexibility guidelines introduced in August 2001.
In November 2004 to cater for older workers the 3-year CE cap was revised to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a 6-year period on CE (based on participation since 3rd April 2000). This was introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.
In July 2006 my Department published its Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act, 2005. One of the key highlights of this Plan is to increase participation rates of people with disabilities on CE over the period of the Plan. In order to provide additional training to assist progression to employment:
For people with disabilities under 55 years of age, the participation limit has been raised by one year from 3 to 4 years, and
For people with disabilities over 55 years of age, the participation limit has also been raised by one year from 6 to 7 years.
Job Initiative
This programme has been closed for recruitment since November 2004. Persons over 35 years of age, unemployed and in receipt of Unemployment Assistance/Unemployment Benefit or those on Lone Parents allowance for at least 5 years are eligible. The information requested by the Deputy in relation the number of places nationwide on Community Employment Schemes and Social Employment Schemes in each of the years 1990, 1995, 1997, 2002 and 2007 is as follows.
|
Year End |
Social Employment Scheme |
Employment Incentive Scheme |
Teamwork |
Enterprise |
Community Enterprise Programme |
Community Employment (including Supervisors) |
Job Initiative |
*Social Economy |
|
1990 |
11,852 |
1,522 |
758 |
1,173 |
141 |
|||
|
1995 |
148 |
40,304 |
||||||
|
1997 |
91 |
39,039 |
960 |
|||||
|
2002 |
24,991 |
2,525 |
1,889 |
|||||
|
2007 |
22,992 |
1,553 |
*Social Economy Programme transferred to Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on 1 January 2006 and was renamed Community Services Programme.
140 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will support a matter (details supplied). [43033/08]
FÁS Training Services provides training courses in Dublin and Cork in the following sustainable energy courses:
Solar (Domestic Hot Water)
Bio mass (Wood pellet boilers)
Geo Thermal Heating.
These programmes are designed to update the skills of suitable crafts persons typically plumbers, electricians and fitters. It is hoped to extend the delivery of these programmes to other training centres in 2009. FÁS Training Services is also developing other sustainable energy skills courses in areas such as photo voltaic, wind and electricity generation.
In relation to the promotion of this sector, Sustainable Energy Ireland operates a number of schemes that stimulate the wider deployment of sustainable energy technologies in Ireland:
Greener Homes Scheme – stimulating installation of renewable heating systems in homes, including geothermal, solar and biomass technologies,
ReHEAT Scheme – supporting similar technologies to the Greener Homes Scheme but for commercial, public and community sector organisations and buildings,
Home Energy Savings Pilot Scheme — promoting the uptake of energy efficiency measures in homes including improved attic and wall insulation and upgraded heating system controls. It is planned that this scheme will be extended to a national scheme following the allocation of additional resources in Budget 2009.
While the primary objective of these schemes is to improve the energy performance of the systems/buildings targeted and reduce the harmful emissions of CO2, it is widely acknowledged that, in stimulating greater uptake of the services, there are potential business opportunities for those involved in the supply, installation and maintenance of these products and services. The Sustainable Energy Ireland schemes will lead to the expansion of this emerging sector and possible future job creation.
141 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will support the small business sector on the north side of Dublin. [43034/08]
My Department provides funding to a number of State Agencies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs), Enterprise Ireland, and FÁS, through whom assistance is delivered directly to small businesses in the North Dublin region. Enterprise Ireland's activity is focussed on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs in manufacturing and internationally traded service companies who are setting up New High Potential Start up Companies i.e. technically innovative companies with high quality management and the capability to reach a turnover of over €1m and employ over 10 people within three years.
In conjunction with Fás Enterprise Ireland organise the Enterprise Start Programme aimed at people with management experience and a desire to develop a technology intensive business with growth and export potential. Two of these programmes have been delivered in Blanchardstown IT in 2008 and had over 30 potential promoters in attendance. Enterprise Ireland has also invested significant funds in Community Enterprise Centres in the north of Dublin City to support the establishment and expansion of micro enterprises through local community participation. Over the years EI has financially supported community enterprise centres in Ballymun, Coolock, Darndale, Balbriggan, North King Street, Eastwall road , Manor Street and Gloucester Place and under the 2008 tranche of CEC funding Enterprise Ireland has approved financial assistance towards the new community enterprise centre at Drinan, Swords. As part of its remit in Regional Development, Enterprise Ireland is also represented on the evaluation committee and the boards of Dublin City and Fingal County Enterprise Boards.
The 35 County and City Enterprise Boards provide a source of support to small businesses with 10 employees or fewer. Subject to certain eligibility criteria new and developing enterprises may qualify for financial support from the CEBs in the form of feasibility, employment and capital grants. In addition, the CEBs deliver a range of non-financial supports such as Programmes covering Business Management, Mentoring, E-commerce, Enterprise Education and Women in Business networks to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow. During 2007 Dublin City Enterprise Board and Fingal County Enterprise Board, who's remit is inclusive of the North Dublin region, paid out €1.38m in grant assistance to 96 clients. This intervention has assisted in the creation of 159 jobs. 2,427 people participated in CEB training programmes during the period.
The Government has already made very considerable progress on the implementation of the Small Business Forum Report's recommendations. This progress is reflected through a substantial package of financial measures and Schemes introduced to assist the small business sector over the last two years, including fiscal measures in the 2007 and 2008 Finance Acts. These measures were designed to help all small and medium sized businesses across the country and include:
The extension and radical improvement of the Business Expansion and Seed Capital Schemes up to 2013.
Important increases in the VAT Cash Accounting — now €1m and VAT Registration Turnover Thresholds — now €75,000 have been introduced in order to simplify administration and reduce working capital requirements on small businesses.
Changes to the preliminary tax obligations of certain companies so that small companies are now permitted to calculate their preliminary tax payments based on 100% of the prior-period tax liability if their tax liability for the prior period did not exceed a certain threshold — now €200,000.
New companies, which do not expect their tax liability for the first year to exceed €200,000, are no longer obliged to pay preliminary tax in that first year.
The 2009 Budget in October announced tax relief measures for start up businesses by way of remission in Corporation Tax and Capital Gains Tax in the first 3 years for new and start-up businesses. These measures will help to grow small business and promote an entrepreneurial culture.
I am confident that the development agencies under my Department's remit will continue to be well placed to support good quality projects that may present themselves in the northside of Dublin for the remainder of 2008 and going forward into 2009.
142 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will alter community employment eligibility criteria to allow for the fact that once budget 2009 proposals to limit the duration of jobseeker payments to nine months become law thousands of applicants may no longer qualify for community employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43038/08]
143 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if someone who received a jobseekers benefit payment for 12 months but after which has no entitlement to jobseekers allowance, can apply in advance of the lapsing of the 12 months for community employment and will be deemed eligible; and the way, in view of the budget 2009 proposals to limit jobseekers benefit from 15 to 12 months for unemployed people with more than 260 credits, she proposes to match CE criteria to such applicants. [43073/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.
Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. The purpose of CE is to help unemployed people to re-enter the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.
The current eligibility criteria set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for entry onto the Community Employment programme allows for the combination of periods on different social welfare payments provided they add up to at least 12 consecutive months (where applicable) and the person is currently in receipt of the payment at the time of application. Persons in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit can normally apply for Jobseekers Allowance when their contribution-based payment is exhausted. This would maintain the continuity to make up the 12-month eligibility period.
As Jobseekers Allowance is a means-tested social welfare payment, a person's means has to exceed the rate payable under their particular circumstances (adult/child dependents etc) to be ineligible for this payment. If this is the case then possibly CE would not be the most appropriate intervention in this circumstance and another FÁS labour market intervention may be more suitable for that person.
In conclusion then, I would say that this Government will continue to support into the future the positive role of CE in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. In this regard, we are keeping the operation of the Scheme under constant review.
144 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people on community employment schemes at present; and the number budgeted for in 2009. [43074/08]
145 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people on jobs initiative schemes at present; and the number budgeted for in 2009. [43075/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.
I am advised by FÁS that the number of people on Community Employment schemes as at the end of October 2008 was 22,297 (20,879 participants and 1,418 supervisors). It is presently envisaged that the numbers will be maintained at similar levels in 2009. In relation to Job Initiative I understand that there were 1,476 participants at end October 2008. It is presently envisaged that the numbers will be maintained at similar levels in 2009, subject to retirements and voluntary exits.
146 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the Department that is taking the lead on the cross-departmental action on the control of flooding in Arklow town. [42980/08]
The Office of Public Works is undertaking the design of a Flood Relief Scheme for Arklow Town in conjunction with Arklow Town Council.
147 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance if he will raise the issue of a reduced VAT rate for defibrillators as a contribution to the debate being held at the EU Council of Ministers regarding the scope of VAT rates. [42942/08]
In relation to the VAT rate that applies to defibrillators, the position is that under the VAT Directive, Member States may retain the zero rates on goods and services which were in place on 1 January 1991, but cannot extend the zero rate to new goods and services. The zero VAT rate cannot therefore be applied to defibrillators which are subject to the standard rate. In addition, Member States may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT Directive. While Annex III does include the supply of medical equipment for the exclusive personal use of a disabled person, it does not include defibrillators for general use.
The debate on reduced VAT rates at EU level has been dominated in the current stage of discussions by the issue of locally supplied and labour intensive services for which the European Commission has brought forward a proposal designed primarily to make permanent certain experimental reduced rate arrangements in this area. Of course, defibrillators for general use is just one of many goods and services for which a case can be made for a reduced rate of VAT. Having any items included in Annex III of the VAT Directive however requires the agreement of all Member States. The Exchequer impact of reducing the VAT rate on a range of such potentially desirable goods and services has also to be recognised.
148 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if it is intended to extend the offer recently made to the trustees of the pension funds of certain semi-State bodies to other bodies such as a company (details supplied); and the thinking that underpins his policy with respect to the pension liabilities of State bodies. [43004/08]
The bodies which come within the scope of the proposal in respect of the pension funds of certain semi-State Bodies are all in the non-commercial Public Service. The bodies (details supplied) are in the commercial sector and as such do not come within the scope of the proposal.
149 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the foreign countries with which the State has signed a double taxation treaty but the treaty is not yet ratified and in force, indicating, in respect of each such country, whether the delay in ratification and entry into force is on the part of the foreign country or the State or both; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43013/08]
In 2008 Double Taxation Agreements were signed with Malta, Turkey, Vietnam, Macedonia and Georgia. The ratification of all of these Agreements, with the exception of Georgia, will be concluded on our part with the passing of the Finance (Number 2) Bill. I am not in a position to give precise details of when the other parties to the Agreements will have completed their ratification procedures which can differ across administrations and can take different lengths of time.
150 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if the suicide statistics, crucial for research and prevention, are accurate; if the required form 104 is completed in all cases of suicide; her views on the report, Inquested Deaths in Ireland: A study of routine data and recording procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42960/08]
The study "Inquested Deaths in Ireland: A study of routine data and recording procedures” was commissioned by the National Office for Suicide Prevention, carried out by the National Suicide Research Foundation and published in December 2007. The study focused on all deaths that occurred in 2002 that led to a coroner’s inquest — approximately 1,800. Deaths by suicide accounted for about 500 of these. The study indicated that the CSO was in receipt of appropriately completed forms for in excess of 90% of the inquested deaths.
The Central Statistics Office has taken steps to improve both the traceability and rate of return of Form 104. Proposals to improve data collection on suicide have been agreed between the National Office for Suicide Prevention, the National Suicide Research Foundation and the coroner service. A pilot system to collect more comprehensive data on suicide has been developed. Briefing and upskilling sessions with the staff of the coroner service from the pilot region, are due to be completed by the end of November. The pilot, which has just commenced, will run for a period of eighteen months.
151 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the health personnel that are recruited and available for the control of infection in St. Columcille’s Hospital; if these personnel are full-time or part-time; and if there is weekend cover. [42943/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services is provided in its annual vote. Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the HSE has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. Therefore the particular questions raised by the Deputy are a matter for the HSE and my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
152 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if the medical card covers the cost of a general practitioner issuing a sick certificate. [42949/08]
Under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme, section 11 of the 1989 Capitation Contract states:
"The Medical practitioner shall:—
furnish to a person whom he has examined and for whom he is obliged to provide services (or, in the case of a child, to his parent) a certificate in relation, to any illness noticed during the examination which is reasonably required by him or by the parent as the case may be".
153 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of funding in 2007 and 2008 for rape crisis centres (details supplied). [42955/08]
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.
154 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the disparity in funding for rape crisis services throughout the State; the reason the north-east region is receiving only €500 per 1000 population compared to €1,800 per 1000 population in the south east; if or when she will correct this disparity; the way this disparity has arisen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42956/08]
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.
155 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children and adolescents admitted to adult psychiatric hospitals or units in the first six months of 2008. [42959/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
156 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there are delays, running up to four or five years, in the completion of assessments for inter-country adoptions; her proposals to improve the service referred to in her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of 31 January 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42964/08]
157 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cases nationally awaiting assessment for inter-country adoption and the average waiting time for assessment. [42965/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.
The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
As the Deputy will be aware, requests for assessment for inter-country adoption assessments are continuously increasing. The Study on inter-country adoption, undertaken by the Children's Research Centre in Trinity College, revealed that Ireland has one of the highest rates for inter-country adoption in Europe. It is against this background that my Office is continuing to work to create the appropriate legislative, policy and administrative frameworks which will ensure a well regulated regime of adoption. Our aim is to support and protect prospective parents, and even more importantly, the children for whom adoption services are devised and provided.
A family that wishes to adopt should be recognised beforehand as being able to promote, safeguard and support the development and well being of a child in need of adoption in a lasting manner. However, I am conscious that persons applying for inter-country adoption are experiencing delays in the assessment process. I acknowledge that there are delays in the waiting times for assessment, and that there are also concerns regarding the standardisation of the service across the country.
It should be noted that increasing numbers of adopted children from abroad create additional pressures on inter-country adoption teams within the HSE. This is because these same teams provide post-adoption reports to the sending countries, at the request of those countries, with the agreement of the adoptive parents. This is an important component in the willingness of countries to consider Irish applicants for adoption. It is also important to note that subsequent to undergoing an assessment with the HSE and receiving the Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability from the Adoption Board applicants must then wait before receiving a referral for a child from the sending country. The waiting times for referral are outside the jurisdiction of both the HSE and the Adoption Board and are dependant on the regulations that each individual country has with regard to inter-country Adoption.
The HSE has conducted a review of the inter-country adoption service. This review examined staffing, business processes, resources, strengths and options within the service. On foot of this report, HSE principal social workers have been having regular meetings, chaired by a senior manager, to discuss the streamlining of the service. The outcome of these discussions will be put into policy format by the end of this year. I understand that the Adoption Board has also taken on a programme of work to support the change process required to devise a more effective system of service delivery. The Board will be delivering a series of training sessions to HSE staff, and I am confident that this will greatly contribute to the standardisation of the service.
However, it should be noted that the inter-country adoption service in the HSE is provided by the same social work service responsible for child protection services, and that the protection services take priority at all times due to the risks involved for children. I want to assure the Deputy of my attention to this issue and reiterate the importance of a rigorous and effective assessment system, which is provided on a timely, fair and transparent basis.
158 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if, following on from a recent parliamentary question, she will indicate the person who is undertaking the work to examine the potential for improved efficiency in the delivery of emergency ambulance services; if it is the case that responsibility for patient care in the ambulance environment has been shifted from her Department to county councils; if so, the reason for same; and the reasons recommendations made by ambulance service reviews dating back to 1998 have not been implemented. [42986/08]
Under the Health Act 1970, statutory responsibility for the provision of public ambulance services rests with the Health Service Executive. As permitted under the relevant legislation, the HSE (and, prior to 2005, its predecessor bodies) has arranged with Dublin City Council for the provision by that body of emergency ambulance services in Dublin. This arrangement applies only in Dublin. Elsewhere in the country these services are provided directly by the HSE.
As I indicated in my reply to question No. 311 of 11 November 2008, discussions involving the health and local government sectors are under way with a view to identifying the best long-term approach to the delivery of emergency ambulance services in Dublin. I recently met with senior officials of Dublin City Council and the HSE in relation to this matter. My primary concern is to ensure that persons in need of emergency ambulance care in Dublin can be assured of the safest possible service. The potential for improved efficiency in service delivery and the attainment of value for money also require to be examined. Consideration of these issues will as necessary take into account the findings of previous reviews of ambulance services and, where appropriate, relevant evidence on the issues.
159 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is an agreement between the UK and Ireland for Irish medical card holders to receive dental treatment whist residing in a medical facility in the UK, sponsored by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42987/08]
Regulation (EC) 1408/71 provides, inter alia, that people who are insured with or covered by the health care system of one Member State may access health care in the public system of another Member State in certain circumstances. Under the provisions of this Regulation, an Irish resident who goes to another Member State on a temporary stay but who remains ordinarily resident in Ireland is covered by the European Health Insurance Card for necessary health care in the public system of that Member State, at the cost of the home State.
160 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding allocated to the Health Service Executive under national lottery funding in the years 2000 to 2008; the projects funded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42988/08]
National Lottery funding, including Capital Funding, allocated to the Health Service Executive (and health boards prior to 2005) for the years 2000 and 2008 is as follows:
|
Year |
Amount Allocation |
|
€m |
|
|
2000 |
5.193 |
|
2001 |
5.287 |
|
2002 |
5.496 |
|
2003 |
5.584 |
|
2004 |
5.669 |
|
2005 |
9.557 |
|
2006 |
8.883 |
|
2007 |
10.241 |
|
2008 |
10.052 |
The HSE has the operational and funding responsibility for National Lottery funding under its Vote. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to provide details of the projects funded and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy. The Deputy will be aware that my Department also provides funding to voluntary organisations under a National Lottery funded grant scheme.
161 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made by the high level group formed after publication of the review inquiry on any matter pertaining to child protection issues touching on or concerning Doctor A in identifying the necessary steps to create full awareness and implementation of child protection policies, guidelines and procedures; the recommendations made by the group; the extent, to which they have been implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42996/08]
The group of senior officials has met on five occasions since its establishment in April of this year. The members of the group have been consulting on a wide range of issues associated with their terms of reference, which are to review adherence to the Children First Guidelines in light of the report concerning Dr. A; consider how to ensure better knowledge of the Children First Guidelines; training and education about the Guidelines; communications and information exchanges; structures and roles to ensure full adherence to the Guidelines by all the agencies encompassed by the membership of the group; and advise my Office regarding the matters covered above.
The work of the group is ongoing and the members are fully engaged in examining methods to enhance best practice in terms of the full promulgation of the Children First guidelines throughout relevant organisations. The group have not as yet made any recommendations to my Office.
My Office recently completed a detailed and wide-ranging review of the Children First Guidelines, and on foot of this a number of documents were published in July, 2008, including a national review of compliance with Children First; analysis of submissions made on national review of compliance with Children First; service users' perceptions of the Irish Child Protection System. Plans are under way to issue revised Children First Guidelines in early 2009.
162 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children her definition of food poverty; the measures she is taking to alleviate food poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42997/08]
Food poverty is usually defined as an inability to obtain an adequate, nutritious diet, because of lack of money, physical difficulty in getting to and from suitable shops, lack of equipment or cooking skills, and linguistic or cultural barriers. My Department's concern is to ensure that disadvantaged groups in particular have the resources available to enable them to have a healthy and nutritious diet. Poor diet and nutrition is a major cause of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and type-2 diabetes. Furthermore, rising childhood obesity levels are a problem across all socio-economic groups.
My Department is currently finalising a National Nutrition Policy, which, while addressing the nutritional needs of the whole population, will focus primarily on young people on the issue of food poverty in particular. Already, a number of actions have been undertaken at community level by the Health Service Executive. The HSE has worked with the Local Authorities and other groups to address the environmental factors that contribute to food poverty and obesity by developing food co-ops in disadvantaged areas. The HSE has also provided funding for the Food Poverty project Healthy Food for All which is being undertaken by a number of agencies, including St. Vincent de Paul, Combat Poverty and Safefood.
The school meals programme, which has been expanded significantly over recent years, provides funding directly to schools and organisations which are running school meals projects for disadvantaged children. On a more general note, in line with the Government's target in the National Ant-Poverty Strategy, increases in social welfare payment rates have consistently exceeded increases in the cost of living in recent years. This has helped to ensure that those depending on social welfare experience a real improvement in their ability to meet their basic needs, including provision of adequate food, heating, etc.
163 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding allocated to the Health Service Executive Dublin mid-Leinster in each year since 2004 in respect of Beechpark Services; the various schemes and programmes for which funding was allocated; the amount of funding allocated in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43012/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
164 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the general situation as known to her Department relating to the distribution, purchase and administration of cervical cancer vaccine in the State, indicating the normal terms and conditions of its provision and administration to female children, the relevant outlets, the nature and extent of involvement by any public body or of any public funds and the usual cost to the families who avail of it, so far as can be estimated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43018/08]
Two vaccines to prevent Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections are licensed for use in Ireland. The vaccines can be administered to females with a minimum age of 9 years. Three doses are required over a six month period. The cost of the vaccine is set by the manufacturers and the cost of its administration on a private basis is a matter between individuals and their medical practitioners. No public body has any involvement in the administration of the vaccine at this point and no public funds are involved.
165 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person who was unaware of an entitlement under mobility allowance can apply for its application retrospectively; and the circumstances in which such a retrospective claim can be made. [43020/08]
The Ombudsman has previously emphasised the principle that the Health Service Executive has a duty, where it is professionally involved in the assessment and management of people with a disability, to impart information, in good time, about allowances for people with a disability.
Accordingly, persons who were unaware of the existence of the Mobility Allowance and who may have satisfied the medical criteria and means assessment for the Allowance can only be considered for retrospective payments if they had direct dealings with the Health Service Executive, usually through a Community Welfare Officer or a Public Health Nurse and were not informed of the existence of the Mobility Allowance.
The question of eligibility for the Mobility Allowance including retrospection is a matter for the Health Service Executive. The Deputy should refer the person in question to their local health office of the HSE where they can apply for the allowance or appeal a decision in relation to the allowance.
166 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [43029/08]
The Board of the HSE has approved preferred bidder status for the development of co-located hospitals at Beaumont Hospital and at five other public hospitals. Project Agreements for the Beaumont Hospital project and for two of the other projects were signed in March 2008 and preparatory work for the Project Agreements for the three remaining projects is proceeding. Planning permission was granted by An Bord Pleanála for the Beaumont project earlier this month and the decision of An Bord Pleanála is awaited in the case of the other two projects where planning has been granted and appealed. Two further projects are at earlier stages of the tendering process.
I am satisfied that co-location remains the fastest, most efficient means of increasing public bed capacity in acute hospitals. While it is certainly the case that the funding environment has changed radically in the last six months — in relation to both public and private sectors — the co-location initiative, like other major projects, has to deal with this.
I understand that the successful bidders are working on the details of contractual terms with banks and other arrangers of finance in the very difficult and changed credit environment. The HSE is continuing to work with the successful bidders to ensure that the co-located hospitals can be built and brought into operation as soon as possible and that the goal of achieving new public acute bed capacity at value for money to the State is achieved.
167 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [43030/08]
In 2006 and 2007, additional revenue funding of €6.78 million (€4.78m in 2006, €2m in 2007) was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to develop services for people with cystic fibrosis. The Department is advised that 44 additional staff dealing with cystic fibrosis have been appointed to date across a number of hospitals, including St Vincent's, Beaumont, Temple Street, Crumlin, Tallaght, Cork University Hospital, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. The necessary funding was provided to facilitate the recruitment of a further 37 staff nationally.
The HSE was asked to place a particular focus on the development of services at the National Adult Tertiary Referral Centre at St. Vincent's Hospital. A number of capital projects have been completed at the hospital and have improved services. These include a new ambulatory care centre, the refurbishment of St Camillus Ward and a new Accident and Emergency Department which includes single room accommodation. The hospital has also introduced a Home Treatment programme for cystic fibrosis patients which has enabled up to 60% of patients to receive certain aspects of their treatment at home.
In the longer term a new ward block is to be built and will include 120 replacement beds in single en-suite accommodation. The new facility will accommodate patients with cystic fibrosis and will include appropriate isolation facilities. In the interim, the refurbishment of accommodation to provide eight single en-suite rooms for patients with cystic fibrosis has been completed and these beds are now operational.
168 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [43031/08]
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.
169 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist an organisation (details supplied) which caters for persons with an intellectual disability in regard to medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43077/08]
Entitlement to health services in Ireland is primarily based on residency and means. Any person, regardless of nationality, who is accepted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as being ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to either full eligibility (Category 1, i.e. medical card holders) or limited eligibility (Category 2) for health services. The HSE normally regards a person as "ordinarily resident" in Ireland if he/she satisfies the HSE that it is his / her intention to remain in Ireland for a minimum period of one year. Non-EEA nationals who are not deemed to be "ordinarily resident" in Ireland but who are legally resident in the EU may be covered by the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1408/71, which coordinates social security, including healthcare, for people travelling within the EU.
However, where a person is not deemed to be "ordinarily resident" in Ireland, and where arrangements under EU Regulations do not apply, there is no entitlement to public health services in Ireland. The HSE may, in the case of such persons, either apply the full economic charge for any services provided or may provide urgent necessary treatment at a reduced charge or without charge (as deemed appropriate by the HSE) where application of the full economic charge would cause undue hardship. Private health insurance may also be arranged by or on behalf of persons who do not fulfil the requirements for eligibility for public health services in Ireland.
170 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if contract beds will be offered to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43101/08]
171 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when enhanced subvention will be offered to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43102/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 171 together.
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 consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
172 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide this Deputy with a copy of the report given by the Health Service Executive multi-disciplinary group on resources for cystic fibrosis treatment here published in 2005. [43170/08]
The Deputy may be referring to the report by Dr Ronnie Pollock which was commissioned by the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and published in 2005. Following publication of this report, the Health Service Executive established a Working Group to undertake a detailed review of cystic fibrosis services. The Group, which was multi-disciplinary in its composition, was asked to review the current configuration and delivery of services to persons with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. The Group identified a range of service improvements required for persons with Cystic Fibrosis, including the need to increase the level of clinical, nursing and allied health professional staffing in Cystic Fibrosis units around the country.
Arising from the Pollock Report and the emerging recommendations of the Working Group, I identified the development of cystic fibrosis services as a policy priority in the Estimates process. In 2006 and 2007, additional revenue funding of €6.78 million was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to develop services for people with cystic fibrosis. I understand that the Pollock Report is available on the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland website, www.cfireland.ie.
173 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Health and Children the improvements implemented in the waiting list initiative; the way the issues raised by the Comptroller and Auditor General in his value for money report of 2003 on this initiative were addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43174/08]
The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) carried out a value for money examination of the Waiting List Initiative for the period between 1998 and 2002 and presented his report in 2003. Among the findings, the C&AG report pointed to the scope for coordinating waiting list funding more effectively. In light of this, and the commitment in the 2001 Health Strategy to reform the organisation and management of waiting lists, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) was established on a non-statutory basis in 2002 and, in 2004, on a statutory basis.
The primary function of the NTPF is to purchase treatment, primarily from private hospitals, with the aim of reducing the length of time that public patients have to wait for surgery. This has been achieved with a large measure of success since 2002. In that year, the Fund arranged treatment for less than 2000 patients. Earlier this year, it reached the milestone of its 100,000th client, representing approximately 78,000 in-patients and 22,000 out-patients. The Fund also compiles information nationally on the numbers of persons awaiting treatment in acute hospitals and maintains a detailed Patient Treatment Register which enables comparison of waiting times.
The achievements of the NTPF have led to the position that, currently, for nineteen of the twenty most common adult surgical procedures, patients are now treated within two to five months. For children, where eight of the ten most common surgical operations are concerned, patients receive their treatment within two to five months. Currently the median waiting time for all procedures is 3.2 months. Overall, there has been a fall in the number of people on waiting lists for surgical procedures, from 7.4 per 1,000 population in 2002 to 4.3 per 1,000 in 2008.
Notwithstanding the improvements achieved by the NTPF, there remain a significant number of persons waiting for treatment for longer than twelve months. At my request, the NTPF is concentrating on working with the Health Service Executive and the hospitals concerned to ensure that these patients are referred for treatment as quickly as possible. The NTPF has assured me of its commitment to ensuring value for money so that as many patients as possible are treated from the funding allocated to it. In 2007 more than 95% of the Fund's allocation was spent on patient care, the balance being used to meet the Fund's operating costs.
174 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport the improvements implemented by the National Roads Authority following the Comptroller and Auditor General’s value for money report of 1999 on the national roads network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43173/08]
In the period since the Comptroller and Auditor General's report referred to by the Deputy the National Roads Authority has implemented a wide range of measures to improve cost estimation and control, and value for money generally. In addition the Department of Finance and my Department have introduced more detailed investment appraisal and other guidelines regarding the evaluation and procurement of major public infrastructure projects, including road projects. The National Roads Authority is compliant with this guidance material and regular compliance audits are carried out within the framework of Transport 21. The Deputy will be aware of the trend in recent years for roads projects to come in on time or early and within budget.
175 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport if action is being taken following the removal of the derogation on excise duties in respect of fuel for buses since 1 November 2008. [42944/08]
As already stated in my answer to Question numbers 28 and 33 on 1 October last and in further question answered on 4 November, the Finance Act 2008 provides for the removal of excise duty reliefs in the bus sector with effect from I November 2008. Since this is in line with our EU obligations, there is no power to restore the scheme.
176 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if additional bus route licences were sought for the Nos. 37, 38 and 39 Dublin Bus routes; if they were granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42983/08]
Dublin Bus is not subject to the licensing regime under the Road Transport Act 1932. The initiation or alteration of a bus service by the Company is, however, subject to compliance with a requirement to give advance notice to my Department and to compliance with the provisions of Section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 concerning competition with licensed private operators.
My Department received a proposal from Dublin Bus on 1st May, 2008 for changes to its Route 37. Following an initial examination, which included consultation with Dublin Bus, my Department deemed that the proposal would give rise to competition with an existing licensed service. Accordingly, my Department advised Dublin Bus on 9th June, 2008 that an application in accordance with Section 25 of the Transport Act, 1958 was required should the Company wish to pursue the introduction of the change. Dublin Bus subsequently sent a revised proposal for this route to my Department and also proposals for alterations to routes 38 and 39. My Department is currently considering these proposals and expects to revert to the Company in this regard shortly.
177 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the funding deficit in the Aer Rianta pension fund; if he has discussed this with the company; and if it is his intention to promote measures that would strengthen the fund so it could meet its long-term liabilities. [43005/08]
The Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme is a multi-employer scheme in which the Dublin Airport Authority, Aer Lingus and SR Technics participate. Pension entitlements under this scheme are primarily matters for the Trustees, the members of the scheme and the companies participating in the scheme. The Scheme's actuary carries out an actuarial valuation generally every three years. An actuarial valuation of the IAS scheme was carried out as of 31st March 2005. This showed that on an ongoing basis the actuarial valuation of the assets of the IAS was sufficient to cover the accrued liabilities under the actuarial assumptions made at that time. The IAS scheme also satisfied the statutory and funding standard at that time.
I understand that a further actuarial valuation has been carried out this year and that the trustees and the actuary of the Scheme are currently in the process of finalising the annual accounts and the Scheme actuarial valuation. It would not, therefore, be appropriate for me to comment at this stage, other than to say that I am advised that the funding position is constantly under review.
178 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of drugs seizures carried out here to date in 2008; the quality of each drug seized; the way these drugs are destroyed; the person who oversees this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42935/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that in the timeframe available it has not been possible for them to supply the details requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
179 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding alcohol that is confiscated by gardaí following new legislation enacted in 2008 to curb under age drinking and anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42936/08]
The Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 permits An Garda Síochána to seize any bottle or container which is in possession of a person who appears to be under the age of 18 and which the member suspects, with reasonable cause, contains alcohol which is being consumed, or intended to be consumed, by a person under 18 years in a place other than a private residence. It also permits An Garda Síochána to seize bottles or containers containing alcohol where there is a reasonable apprehension of public disorder or damage to property and require a person to leave the place concerned in a peaceable and orderly manner.
The Act provides that, where a member of An Garda Síochána has been given, or has seized, detained and removed, a bottle or container containing alcohol, he or she shall dispose of the bottle or container in such manner considered appropriate and make and retain, or cause to be made and retained, a record in writing of the manner, date and place of such disposal. I am informed by the Garda authorities that where considered necessary arrangements are put in place with a waste management recycling company to destroy alcohol and recycle containers. This process takes place under the supervision of the Garda authorities.
180 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the visa application of a person (details supplied). [42948/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application referred to has been approved.
181 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views with regard to the approach of the EU framework decision on the use of passenger name records for law enforcement and the criticisms of the Data Commissioner; if in view of same he will indicate his views on the proposal; if additional safeguards are needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42966/08]
The proposed EU Council Framework Decision on the use of Passenger Name Records (PNR) for law enforcement purposes is under consideration within the Council framework at present. Under the French Presidency of the Council the Member States have undertaken an in-depth thematic reflection on the nature of a PNR system and issues related to it, with the active involvement of sectorial operators, fundamental rights and data protection interests and the European Parliament. This work will be continued under the incoming Czech Presidency of the Council.
The proposed Framework Decision will include appropriate safeguards to be built into any system which is established in order to protect fundamental rights, particularly the right to data privacy. The exact nature and extent of these safeguards is yet to be finalised but views expressed by the Member States and a range of other interested parties, including the Article 29 Working Party on data protection, the European Data Protection Supervisor and the European Fundamental Rights Agency, will be taken into account.
The proposal has been the subject of a recent report by the Oireachtas EU Scrutiny Committee, which heard the views of the Data Protection Commissioner. He expressed his reservations about certain aspects of the proposed Framework Decision and the Committee's report reflects those concerns. I will, of course, take into account the views of the Committee in the course of further discussions on this proposal at EU level.
Measures to assist the Gardaí in their fight against terrorism and serious crime which are proportionate and which contribute to a more secure environment for Irish and other EU citizens deserve support. PNR data are widely collected by operators in the travel sector and it makes sense to make use of data sources which are already available. However, I remain conscious of the need to achieve balance and proportionality in any measures that would be taken in this field.
182 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 19 November 2008, if he will ask the Garda authorities to state the location and date of the meetings attended by the local senior Garda management and the assistant commissioner which he referred to were held in East Wall, Dublin 3 to date in 2008; and if the Garda authorities are confusing this with meetings of the north inner city community policing forum held in Store Street Garda station in Dublin 1 with which the East Wall area is not directly involved. [42982/08]
I have requested the information sought from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy directly when this information is to hand.
183 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of mobile phones confiscated in prisons here in 2007; the number confiscated in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42985/08]
The problem of mobile phone use in prisons is a major challenge for prison services worldwide. The Irish Prison Service is dealing with this problem through a multifaceted approach which incorporates: measures to prevent the smuggling of mobile phones into prisons, search and find operations aimed at locating and removing phones from within the prisons and the installation of mobile phone blocking technology.
Airport style scanners and x-ray machines are in operation at the entrances to most of our closed prisons and the installation programme for the remaining prisons is nearing completion. Cell and area searches for contraband such as mobile phones take place in all our prisons on a daily basis. These include random, targeted and intelligence led searches, many of which are now carried out by the recently established Operational Support Group. It is my understanding that these searches have been particularly effective and local intelligence indicates that the availability of mobile phones has decreased across the prison system. The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Prison |
2007 |
2008 (up until 31 October) |
|
Arbour Hill Prison |
5 |
1 |
|
Training Unit |
55 |
98 |
|
Shelton Abbey |
25 |
61 |
|
Portlaoise Prison |
62 |
38 |
|
Castlerea Prison |
101 |
86 |
|
Midlands Prison |
154 |
114 |
|
Cloverhill Prison |
129 |
111 |
|
Limerick Prison |
255 |
244 |
|
Mountjoy Prison |
718 |
588 |
|
Dóchas Centre |
73 |
47 |
|
St. Patrick’s Institution |
150 |
129 |
|
Wheatfield Prison |
193 |
215 |
|
Loughan House |
87 |
52 |
|
Cork Prison |
110 |
60 |
|
Total |
2,117 |
1,844 |
184 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of legally held hand guns registered in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43002/08]
There are 46 legally held handguns in the Meath Garda division as at 25 November 2008.
185 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí at any given time that work in the national drugs unit; the number of gardaí allocated to this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43015/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the National Drugs Unit on 31 October 2008, the latest date for which it is readily available, was 343. For operational and security reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of Gardaí detailed for specific duties over any specific period of time.
186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43103/08]
I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to his Parliamentary Question. I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made an application for Family Reunification on behalf of his wife in June 2008. This application has been forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. The Commissioner will prepare and forward in due course a report to my Department. Upon receipt of the report the application will be considered and a decision will issue in due course.
187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for residency status or refugee status will be concluded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43104/08]
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.
188 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received a submission for the new national drugs strategy from a group (details supplied); his views on its document, Alcohol/Drugs — Parishes Respond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42937/08]
The closing date for submissions for the new National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 was in June last. While the group referred to by the Deputy did not make a formal submission, I did meet with them recently to discuss their five-year plan and I found the meeting to be most informative. In relation to the document Alcohol/Drugs – Parishes Respond, I will ask the Steering Group which is charged with developing proposals around the new Strategy to consider it in their deliberations, which are currently on-going. The Deputy should note that my Department provides funding for the group under the Emerging Needs Fund and they were allocated over €100,000 this year.
189 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the agencies he is referring to when he refers to savings being made in his Department in 2009 by reducing dependence on outside agencies. [42938/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, funding for my Department for the year 2009 is reduced by a total of 6%; with current expenditure reduced by 5% and capital expenditure by 8.5%. As previously indicated to the house, my primary concern is to make every effort to ensure that the front-line services provided through my Department, especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities, are protected. This is being achieved through the cessation of the use of intermediary bodies, such as Community Development support agencies, and reducing administrative overheads across bodies such as Pobal. This is in addition to requiring administrative savings by my own Department and public bodies within its ambit. In this way, the wide range of services my Department provides, can be broadly maintained.
190 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in his efforts to make savings in 2009 while still delivering front line services, the local drugs task forces will continue to have a funding role in the community; if his Department would make savings if it took on this role and channelled funding directly into the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42939/08]
As the Deputy is aware, the majority of expenditure allocated to community groups through my Department for drugs initiatives is channelled through the Drugs Task Forces. The Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFs) were set up to develop and implement a drugs strategy for their respective areas. As part of their brief, the Task Forces were responsible for assessing the nature and extent of the illicit drug problems in their areas of operation and for developing action plans for a co-ordinated response to those problems.
In 2009, the LDTFs will continue to oversee the on-going implementation of the initiatives and projects being developed under the action plans. In this regard, I am committed to maintaining the funding for projects in the LDTF action plans at the 2008 allocation i.e. €22m. Similarly the funding for Regional Drugs Task Force action plans will be maintained at €10m for 2009. The funding for Drugs Task Force projects is channelled through the appropriate Department or State agency, depending on the nature of the activities involved. I would not envisage, therefore, any savings accruing if my Department assumed a direct funding role.
Finally, the Deputy should note that as part of the work of the Steering Group which is developing proposals around a new National Drugs Strategy (NDS), the structures underpinning the current NDS are being examined. I expect the Steering Group to report to me early in 2009.
191 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in the context of budget 2009, he will explain his statement that his Department will not be entering into new contracts to provide support services to community development projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42940/08]
In the current economic environment, there is a critical need to ensure that resources are directed in a targeted and effective manner and that the public receive the maximum benefit from the schemes we provide. As with other Government Programmes and initiatives, the amount of funding available for the overall Community Development Programme will be somewhat less in 2009. This will present significant challenges in the short-term. It is my clear objective to ensure that such funding is directed to front line services. To achieve this my Department will not be entering into new contracts to provide support services to Community Development Projects. However, my Department will, within available resources, seek to address training or support needs identified by projects as they arise.
192 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost of the SPEAK programme installed in community development programmes; if an evaluation of the programme has been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42992/08]
Since June 2002 the cost to my Department of installing and maintaining the SPEAK data collection package has been €215,465. My Department is currently undertaking an examination of the usefulness of SPEAK as a self-evaluation, planning and monitoring tool for Community Development Projects and it is expected that the results of this examination will be available shortly.
193 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42981/08]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Health Service Executive (HSE), as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA). The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.
Rent supplement is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of SWA appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum contribution, currently €13, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than €13 because recipients are also required, subject to income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic SWA rate towards their accommodation costs.
The Executive has advised that it has no record of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. The Executive has further advised that she should contact the community welfare services directly in order to make an application for or discuss any entitlements she may have to rent supplement.
194 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person signing on for credits but receiving no weekly payment is eligible under the rules for the back to education allowance in respect of third level education. [43040/08]
The back to education allowance 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 work force. The scheme is designed to enable people in receipt of social welfare payments to pursue an approved full-time education course, subject to fulfilling the qualifying conditions.
A person signing on for credits is eligible to participate in the scheme provided the relevant qualifying conditions for Back to Education Allowance are fulfilled. Those conditions relate to the age of the person applying and length of time spent on the primary scheme for which an entitlement to credits is established. Persons signing on for credits do not receive a weekly payment but they can avail of the cost of education allowance. This is a once off payment of €500 at the start of each academic year.
195 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the growing concern among people who were recently made unemployed that their applications will not be processed by her Department in time for Christmas 2008; the number of extra staff being recruited; the offices to which they are being deployed; when they will be starting; and the locations from where these extra staff are being sourced. [43078/08]
The Department is committed to providing a quality customer service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are issued as expeditiously as possible having regard to the eligibility conditions which apply. Every effort is being made to process claims in local offices as quickly as possible. This includes the prioritisation of work, assignment of additional resources including staffing and overtime. In October a total of 46,261 claims were processed and, up to 21 November, a further 40,380 were decided. This is an average of approximately 10,800 claims a week.
At 21 November there were 43,652 claims awaiting a decision in local offices. Based on the average number processed each week, it is envisaged that apart from cases in which particular difficulties may arise, claims on hand at present will be processed before Christmas. Pending a decision on their claim, claimants may apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance from the Community Welfare Officer.
Because of the increased number of claims for jobseeker payments, the Department undertook a review of staffing levels in Local Offices in May and June of this year. This resulted in the assignment of an additional 31 staff to some 15 Local Offices. Following on the most recent review of the staffing levels in Local Offices, an additional 115 staff are to be assigned. Arrangements are being put in train to assign the additional resources required.
The additional 115 staff are to be assigned to local offices as follows:
6 additional staff to Limerick
5 staff each to Newbridge, Waterford and Galway
4 staff each to Bishops Square, Clondalkin, Dun Laoghaire, Tallaght and Navan
3 staff each to Blanchardstown, Bray, Coolock, Drogheda, Nth. Cumberland St., Nutgrove, Tralee, Wexford, Kilkenny and Ennis
2 staff each to Carlow, Finglas, Letterkenny, Tullamore, Newcastlewest, Sligo, Ballyfermot, Clonmel, Kilbarrack, Navan Road, Swords, Athlone, Buncrana, Dundalk, Mullingar and Arklow
1 staff each to Cavan, Longford, Apollo, Ballymun, Loughrea, Thomas St., Ballina, Carrick-on-Suir, Castlebar, Dungloe, Listowel and Thurles.
There will be no recruitment of additional staff. They are being sourced from existing Civil Service numbers, both from within the Department and from other Government Departments.
196 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Defence the reason an additional gratuity agreed with PDFORRA and his Department on retirement from the Army was not granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42933/08]
The increased retirement gratuity mentioned by the Deputy is one of a number of improvements in superannuation arrangements that were formally agreed with PDFORRA on 24 November 2008 under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. Under the agreed arrangements, the increased retirement gratuity applies to qualified enlisted personnel who were serving on 1 September 2005 and who have since been discharged with 22 or more years' service. My Department is making the necessary arrangements to pay arrears of gratuity to all such retired personnel (including the person concerned). Payment will be included with the December pensions issue that will be made on 17 December 2008.
197 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he will support a matter (details supplied). [43036/08]
I have dealt fully with the facts of this case as recently as last week in my reply to parliamentary Question No. 435 (Ref. 40719/08). As I stated in that reply, I am satisfied that the matter was handled in an entirely appropriate and proper manner in 1969 and that the decision taken then was taken only after very detailed and due consideration. In the circumstances, I do not propose to take any further action in relation to this matter.
198 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the criteria to qualify for the new gratuity payments to recruits; the reason his Department decided not to pay recruits a gratuity in December 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43084/08]
199 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the changes in gratuity payments to the Defence Forces; the amount that has been saved by these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43085/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
The Reserve Defence Force is a part-time, voluntary organisation whose primary activity is training. Members are free to determine their own level of participation in Reserve activities and may resign from the Reserve at any time. Their service is provided entirely on a voluntary basis with no compulsion to attend. Members of the Reserve undergo both paid and unpaid training.
A gratuity is paid to members of the Reserve Defence Force as a measure of reimbursement on account of losses, expenses and disabilities incurred by them consequent on their obligations as members of the Reserve Defence Force. As part of the modernisation of the Reserve Defence Force, a new scheme for the payment of gratuities was introduced from 1 January 2008 following consultation and agreement with the relevant stakeholders including the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association.
The new scheme provides for phased increases to the gratuity subject to the satisfactory completion by the Reservists of specified minimum periods of training and to have served for the period of the Reserve-training year which runs from the 1st November to the 31 of October. Service in the Reserve commences on completion of the recruitment process, including medical testing and security clearance. The previous rates and the revised rates changes are outlined in the table.
|
Ranks |
Previous Rates (With effect from 1 Jan 06) |
Revised Rate for aggregate of 7 days paid training plus the completion of voluntary training after 1 years service |
Revised Rate for aggregate of 14 days paid training plus the completion of voluntary training after 2 years service |
Rates Integrated Reserve DefenceForces |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Senior Officer* |
295.70 |
414 |
1,035 |
2,070 |
|
Officers |
195.11 |
306 |
765 |
1,530 |
|
NCO’s |
155.44 |
252 |
630 |
1,260 |
|
Privates |
114.21 |
180 |
450 |
900 |
*Officer of a Brigade RDF Staff or an Officer in Command of a Company, Battery or Squadron.
Gratuities paid in 2007 amounted to €581,000. The projected spend for 2008 is €1.2 million. The actual spend for 2008 will be determined in January 2009, when payments are completed in December 2008.
I am satisfied that the new scheme creates incentives to improve retention and attendance at training in the Reserve Defence Forces and this represents an effective productivity return from the revised gratuity rates. This is important in the context of the ongoing modernisation and change agenda within the Reserve Defence Forces.
200 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if a report is available on the survey carried out earlier in 2008 to determine the skills base available to the Permanent Defence Force among Reserve Defence Force members; when he expects members of the RDF to be ready to serve overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43086/08]
The survey undertaken by the military authorities was conducted in order to identify the technical, mechanical and specialist skill sets available within the Reserve and the results have been recorded in a database compiled by the military authorities. This is part of the process in progressing the plan to allow for members of the Reserve to serve overseas. It is hoped that, in line with the Reserve Defence force Review Implementation Plan, a small number of Reservists with appropriate training and technical qualifications will be available for overseas service by end 2009.
201 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence when suitable indoor training facilities, equipment and full-time fitness training personnel will be made available at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43087/08]
My Department is engaged in an ongoing capital programme designed to modernize and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces both Permanent and Reserve. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. The provision of training facilities, equipment and fitness training personnel are reviewed as part of this programme. I am advised by the Military Authorities that there are no immediate plans for an upgrade of the facilities in Sarsfield Barracks.
202 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide defibrillators for all Defence Force installations in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43088/08]
I am advised that there is a procurement programme in place to have all barracks or posts equipped with at least one defibrillator. The procurement programme is ongoing and I understand that at the moment, over half of military barracks/posts are equipped with defibrillators. In addition, all of the eight Naval Service ships are equipped with a defibrillator as are Air Corps aircraft, as required.
203 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Defence Forces will be allowed to undergo an eye test at local eye test centres rather than travelling long distances for a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43089/08]
In cases where a member of the Defence Forces requires a refraction test for the purpose of determining his/her need for spectacles or contact lenses, the test is carried out either at St. Bricin's Hospital or by a local Optician, depending upon which is more convenient. In cases where an eye examination by an Ophthalmologist is required, appropriate referral to an Ophthalmologist is made by the attending General Practitioner. Personnel convenient to St. Bricin's are generally referred there. Others will be referred to a local Ophthalmologist. In such cases, if the waiting time to be seen by a local Ophthalmologist is considered excessive either for reasons of the persons own peace of mind or otherwise, the patient can be referred to the Eye Clinic at St. Bricin's.
204 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number serving in the Defence Forces Reserve; the effects that the reduction in funding from €10.49 million in 2008 to €10 million in 2009 will have on recruitment and retention; if it is his policy to reduce the RDF to 50% of the numbers aspired to in the White Paper on defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43090/08]
The White Paper on Defence 2000 outlines the blueprint for the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) comprising approximately 12,000 personnel. This policy position has not changed. The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan was formally launched in July 2004 and provides for the phased enhancement of Reserve capabilities over the period to the end of 2009. The plan set out the proposed establishment of the Reserve. The Non-Integrated element of the Reserve has an establishment of 9,692, which came into force in October 2005 when the Reserve was re-organised. The military authorities have informed me that the strength of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve as at 31 October 2008 was 7,767.
In addition, the plan provides for the development of an Integrated element of the Army Reserve with a proposed establishment of 2,656 personnel. In line with the plan a pilot Integration project was initiated in 2007 and whilst numbers participating were less than expected and disappointing, valuable lessons were learned. The pilot was extended into 2008 and the military authorities are currently reviewing the project. A report will be submitted to me outlining options for the further development of the Integrated Reserve.
I have previously acknowledged that numbers in the Reserve have declined over recent years. This trend in reduced volunteerism is not confined to the Reserve but is indicative of broader societal trends. It should be noted that, as part of the implementation process, a more rigorous approach is now taken to removing the names of non-effective personnel from Unit rolls. This accounts for part of the apparent fall in numbers over recent years.
The implementation plan was developed on foot of comprehensive consultation with all stakeholders. The changes that have been introduced were identified as being necessary to ensure continued recruitment and retention within the Reserve as well as to enhance the capabilities of the Reserve and had the broad support of the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association. The decline in numbers over recent years has occurred despite the progressive implementation of the plan and the significant improvements that this has brought to the Reserve. Members of the Reserve undertake both paid and unpaid training. The provision in Subhead D for 2009 is €10 million. This represents approximately a 4% reduction from the 2008 provision.
The estimate for subhead D has been revised down over recent years in response to reduced outturn and to provide for the actual needs of the Reserve. It is anticipated that the 2009 provision will adequately provide for actual Reserve needs. Recruitment to the Reserve will be kept under review. There will be a continued requirement to ensure that levels of paid training are managed to ensure that all personnel are afforded the opportunity to undertake paid training.
205 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the anticipated strength of the Army, Navy and Air Corps over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43091/08]
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 set out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force as the strength sufficient to meet all foreseeable military requirements for the period comprehended by the White Paper (i.e. up to 2010). This remains the position. In common with other areas of the public service a payroll cut of 3% has been applied to the Defence Forces for 2009. Recruitment to the Defence Forces will be rescheduled in order to meet the revised allocation.
206 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which it is intended or expected to upgrade military equipment in respect of each of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43092/08]
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces continues to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. Significant investment has taken place in recent years across all facets and elements of the Defence Forces. This investment has been assisted by pay savings arising from the reduction in the strength of the Permanent Defence Force in the context of the White Paper of 2000, which have been re-invested in the provision of equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces.
A tender competition is nearing completion for the acquisition of Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles for the Defence Forces. The intention is that the LTAV will complement the Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in the conduct of conventional and Peace Support Operations and will fill a gap that exists between soft-skinned vehicles and the Mowags. The proposal is to acquire an initial twenty-seven vehicles (17 for overseas mission and 10 at home for training). The tender competition will allow for two additional options, for another twenty-seven vehicles. There is a sum of €6m in this years Estimates provision as a down payment on an LTAV contract and I expect that a contract for the LTAVs will be in place before the end of the year. The Department has acquired eighty Mowag APCs since 2001 at a combined cost of some €120m. The final stage payment of just over €6m was paid last January. A contract was entered into with Mowag last year for the provision of a stock of strategic spares to cover all areas where the APCs are deployed. The value of the contract is over €8m spread over three years (2007 to 2009).
In recent years, significant work has been carried out on the acquisition of an Integrated Protection and Load Carrying System for individual soldiers. This system includes Body Armour, Helmets, Back Packs (Rucksacks) and Battle Vests. 8000 units of Body Armour, 12,000 Helmets and 12,000 Rucksacks have been delivered in recent years at a combined total cost of €13.5m. To complete the modern integrated protection and load carrying system 12,000 Battle Vests have been provided at a cost of some €2.2m. The Battle Vests are used for the carriage of essential items such as ammunition, personal radio, water and ancillary equipment. A further 500 General Purpose Machine Guns have been ordered from FN Herstal in Belgium for delivery next month. A sum of €3.8m is provided in 2008 for the purchase.
With regard to the Air Corps, a total of six utility AW 139 helicopters are being acquired from AgustaWestland, Italy at a cost of €75m, inclusive of VAT. Two AW 139s were delivered in November 2006, two were delivered in 2007 and the final two were delivered in 2008. The final stage payments for the two helicopters have been made this year at a cost of circa €13.5m. A contract was signed with EADS, Spain, for a major mid-life upgrade for the Air Corps two CASA maritime patrol aircraft in late 2006 at a cost of €16.456m, inclusive of VAT. The upgrade on the first aircraft was completed in 2007. The upgrade on the second was carried out this year and a payment in the region of €5.3m was made. The issue of the replacement of the Air Corps Cessna Fleet is under active consideration at present. The question of funding the replacement programme has to be considered in tandem with the overall equipment requirements of the Defence Forces generally and the funding available for this.
With regard to the Naval Service, three ships will fall due for replacement over the next 3 to 5 years —LE Emer, commissioned in 1978, LE Aoife, commissioned in 1979 and LE Aisling, commissioned in 1980. Following a detailed examination of the needs of the Naval Service within my Department, a vessel replacement strategy for the Naval Service was put in place to cover the period up to 2012. The strategy combined with a continuous process of refurbishment will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level. Following Government approval in July 2007, notice of a tender competition for the purchase of replacement vessels for the Naval Service was sent to the Official Journal of the European Union on 24 August 2007. The competition is for the purchase of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV’s) with an option of a third and one Extended Patrol Vessel (EPV) with an option on a second. The options provide an effective value for money opportunity, at locked in prices, to provide replacements for Naval Service vessels, which will reach the end of their service life in the years immediately following the current replacement programme.
Following Stage 1 of the tender competition for the OPVs, Stage 2 of the competition commenced on the 12 September 2008 with the issue of an Invitation to Tender to the shipbuilders who had been short-listed as part of the Stage 1 process. This document included a very detailed ship specification. The detailed tender responses were returned to the Department by the shipbuilders on the 11 November last. Tender evaluation commenced immediately and is expected to continue into the beginning of 2009. Subject to Government approval on funding, it is intended to award a contract for the OPVs to the preferred bidder in the first half of 2009. The decision to proceed with the final award of contract to purchase the vessels will be subject to Government approval and agreement on funding, the full requirement for which will not be known until the tender competition has concluded.
Subject to Government approval on funding, it is expected that the new vessels will be delivered for acceptance by the Naval Service on a phased basis between 2011 and 2013. It is expected that the delivery date for the first OPV will be 30 months after the date of signing of the contract whilst the specified delivery date for the second OPV will be 37 months after the date of signing of the contract. If the Department exercises its option of purchasing a third OPV, a mutually agreeable delivery date shall be negotiated. The timelines are indicative and shall not prejudice the right of the Department to adjust or alter the delivery schedule at the contract stage. At the evaluation stage, marks will be awarded on the basis of the indicative timeline provided by the tenderer.
In the current difficult economic environment, it will be important that we look to the efficiencies which all parts of the public sector can make so as to continue to deliver high quality public services within a more constrained financial resource envelope. However, it is also important that we continue to invest in public services so as we can maintain service levels into the future. We need to continue the process of modernisation and reinvestment in the Defence Forces into the future. The acquisition of these modern new vessels will ensure that the Naval Service will be fully equipped to carry out its day to day roles in enforcing the states sovereign rights over our waters and our fisheries and meeting Ireland's obligations in the area of maritime safety and security and fisheries protection. In relation to the larger EPV, the Department intends to undertake further analysis of the proposals received, following Stage 1, before the second stage is initiated. As with the OPVs, any decision to award a contract for the purchase of an EPV must be approved by the Government.
207 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the strength by rank and gender of the Army, Navy and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43093/08]
210 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of women at senior officer level in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43096/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 210 together.
There are twenty-three (23) females at senior officer level in the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 October 2008. This consists of twenty-two (22) at Commandant or equivalent rank and one (1) at Lieutenant-Colonel rank. A detailed breakdown of the strength by rank and gender of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps are in the following Tabular Statement. The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Female strength in the Permanent Defence Force has increased from 468 at the end of 2001 to 575 as at 31 October 2008. Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit.
|
STRENGTH OF MALES IN THE DEFENCE FORCES 31-Oct-08 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
LT GEN |
MAJ GEN |
BRIG GEN |
COL |
LT |
Comdt. |
Capt. |
LT COL |
Total Offrs. |
SM |
BQMs |
CS |
CQMs |
SGTs |
CPLs |
Total NCOs |
PTEs |
Cadets |
Total |
|
|
Army |
1 |
3 |
7 |
41 |
130 |
288 |
189 |
305 |
964 |
32 |
36 |
132 |
251 |
1021 |
1347 |
2816 |
4272 |
58 |
8,110 |
|
Air Corps |
1 |
2 |
13 |
32 |
53 |
42 |
143 |
7 |
4 |
47 |
14 |
131 |
163 |
366 |
279 |
13 |
801 |
||
|
Naval Service |
1 |
2 |
12 |
41 |
33 |
48 |
137 |
6 |
7 |
76 |
15 |
216 |
166 |
486 |
370 |
10 |
1,003 |
||
|
Total |
1 |
3 |
9 |
45 |
155 |
361 |
275 |
395 |
1244 |
45 |
47 |
255 |
280 |
1368 |
1676 |
3668 |
4921 |
81 |
9,914 |
|
STRENGTH OF FEMALES IN THE DEFENCE FORCES 31-Oct-08 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
LT GEN |
MAJ GEN |
BRIG GEN |
COL |
LT COL |
Comdt. |
CAPT |
LT |
Total Offrs. |
SM |
BQMs |
CS |
CQMs |
SGTs |
CPLs |
TotalNCOs |
PTEs |
Cadets |
Total |
|
|
Army |
1 |
20 |
48 |
41 |
110 |
3 |
1 |
30 |
106 |
140 |
208 |
13 |
471 |
||||||
|
Air Corps |
3 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
3 |
10 |
14 |
13 |
1 |
33 |
|||||||||
|
Naval Service |
2 |
9 |
12 |
23 |
9 |
9 |
36 |
3 |
71 |
||||||||||
|
Total |
1 |
22 |
60 |
55 |
138 |
4 |
1 |
33 |
125 |
163 |
257 |
17 |
575 |
||||||
|
STRENGTH OF THE DEFENCE FORCES 31-Oct-08 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
LT GEN |
MAJ GEN |
BRIG GEN |
COL |
LT COL |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
Total Offrs. |
SM |
BQMs |
CS |
CQMs |
SGTs |
CPLs |
TotalNCOs |
PTEs |
Cadets |
Total |
|
|
Army |
1 |
3 |
7 |
41 |
131 |
308 |
237 |
346 |
1074 |
32 |
36 |
132 |
252 |
1051 |
1453 |
2956 |
4480 |
71 |
8,581 |
|
Air Corps |
1 |
2 |
13 |
32 |
56 |
44 |
148 |
7 |
4 |
48 |
14 |
134 |
173 |
380 |
292 |
14 |
834 |
||
|
Naval Service |
1 |
2 |
12 |
43 |
42 |
60 |
160 |
6 |
7 |
76 |
15 |
216 |
175 |
495 |
406 |
13 |
1,074 |
||
|
Total |
1 |
3 |
9 |
45 |
156 |
383 |
335 |
450 |
1382 |
45 |
47 |
256 |
281 |
1401 |
1801 |
3831 |
5178 |
98 |
10489 |
208 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the improvements expected to take place in the remaining military installations throughout the country in the wake of the recently announced barrack closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43094/08]
In keeping with the commitments in the White Paper on Defence it is intended that the Defence Forces will continue to be modernised over the coming years. Any revenue accruing from the disposal of surplus Defence property will be used to finance equipment acquisition and infrastructure projects within the Defence Forces in accordance with Government policy.
209 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces will continue to have ready access to training alongside the EU or UN for peace making or peacekeeping initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43095/08]
The Defence Forces receive ongoing training to enable them to participate fully in UN, EU and other missions overseas. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training, designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Predeployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated on an ongoing basis in the light of any changes in the threat assessment or mission requirements. I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel serving overseas will continue to receive the necessary training to enable them to carry out their duties in a professional manner.
211 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has taken into account the local economic impact of the recent decision to close a number of military installations throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43097/08]
I would anticipate that the impact on local communities will be negligible for the simple reason that most of the personnel serving in these installations live in the areas and will continue to do so in the future. In point of fact, the economic impact of the closures could benefit the areas as the barracks are redeveloped. This was the experience of the last consolidation process where Barracks were redeveloped providing housing, offices and retail facilities for local communities.
213 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if particular lessons have been learned from the most recent overseas deployments of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43099/08]
The Defence Forces continue to make major contributions to international peace keeping through its participation in overseas Peace Support Operations (PSOs). In the course of these operations and based on the Defence Forces extensive experience many lessons have been identified and learned.
Following all deployments overseas a detailed "After Action Review" is carried out by the Defence Forces to identify lessons learned. Lessons learned are then factored into Defence Forces planning, doctrine and training for future operations. Lessons learned cover the full spectrum inter alia: pre-deployment training, equipment, logistics, operations, tactics, techniques and procedures etc. The process involves continuous assessment, as lessons learned and changes implemented are evaluated and revaluated on an ongoing basis.
214 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which it is intended or expected to provide additional resources to the Defence Forces with a view to increased air and sea surveillance off the coasts having particular regard to the increasing threat from drug traffickers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43100/08]
The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. The Naval Service operates eight general purpose patrol ships. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies.
The Naval Service provides a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. The Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Fishery Limits. At present, fishery protection activity accounts for roughly 90% of all Naval Service patrol time. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels may be deployed to other duties such as aid to the civil power and drug interdiction operations.
The current Exclusive Fishery Limits extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 nautical square miles. The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200 mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The number of Patrol Vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and eight. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time.
A vessel replacement strategy for the Naval Service was put in place by my Department following a detailed examination of the needs of the Naval Service. This programme will cover the period up to 2012. Three ships will fall due for replacement over the next 3 to 5 years — LE Emer, commissioned in 1978, LE Aoife, commissioned in 1979 and LE Aisling, commissioned in 1980. The strategy combined with a continuous process of refurbishment will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level.
Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of territorial waters using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft. A major mid-life upgrade has been substantially completed on both CASA aircraft at a cost of €16.5 million, involving the installation of a new Airborne Mission Management System, which is a critical tool in vessel detection, providing reliable and sophisticated detection sensors and data processing equipment.
The White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for the Naval Service and the Air Corps to assist and support the civil authorities in the prevention of drug trafficking. Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment in 1993 of a Joint Task Force involving An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and the Naval Service, have helped to maximise the effective use of Naval Service resources in combating drug trafficking. The Air Corps provide air support and, on occasion, carry the Customs National Drugs Team in an observational capacity for the purpose of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking and other illegal activities. There is close co-operation between the civil authorities and the Naval Service and the Air Corps in discharging this important mission.
The White Paper sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. The current strength of the Permanent Defence Force is 10,489. There are no plans, nor is there any requirement to increase the authorised strength of the Permanent Defence Force having regard to its assigned roles, including in relation to the support provided in relation to drug interdiction.
I am satisfied with the air and sea coastal surveillance services currently provided by the Air Corps and the Naval Service and I have no plans, nor do I feel there is a requirement to extend these services.
217 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce mandatory smokeless fuel emission standards; and when the air quality monitoring report being carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency will be completed. [42941/08]
The question of extending 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, the data do not support any such extension at present. The EPA is undertaking overall monitoring review at my Department's request as part of the Programme for Government commitment on monitoring air quality, and the adequacy of the air quality monitoring network in light of population change in urban areas is relevant in that context. I expect the EPA will conclude this review by year end.
In October, the Solid Fuel Trade Group (SFTG Ltd) 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.
218 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on local authorities rehousing people from Limerick in other counties. [42947/08]
In the first instance, the allocation of a dwelling to a household is a matter for each individual local authority in accordance with its scheme of letting priorities, and the making of such a scheme is a reserved function of the authority under section 11 of the Housing Act 1988. In metropolitan areas which cross local authority boundaries, it is important that effective arrangements are put in place to co-ordinate the activities of individual authorities in meeting housing need. In that regard, I understand that housing authorities in the Limerick metropolitan area are currently engaged in a process of consultation to agree a joint and flexible approach to meeting housing need across the area in a manner which is supportive of the regeneration programme to be implemented for significant parts of the city.
219 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all planning conditions will be enforced by law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42954/08]
The enforcement of planning control is a matter for individual planning authorities, which have substantial enforcement powers under the Planning and Development Acts. This legislation places clear obligations on planning authorities in relation to unauthorised development. A planning authority must issue a warning letter in relation to written complaints regarding unauthorised development, or other unauthorised development it becomes aware of (except in the case of trivial or minor development). The authority must then make appropriate investigations expeditiously to decide whether an enforcement notice should be issued. The planning authority's decision in this regard must be entered on the planning register and, in cases where it is decided not to issue an enforcement notice, any complainant must be informed.
An enforcement notice may be served in respect of an unauthorised development, requiring such steps as the authority considers necessary to be taken within a specified period, including where appropriate the removal, demolition or alteration of any structure, the discontinuance of any use and, as far as is practical, the restoration of land to its condition prior to the unauthorised development. In the event of non-compliance, a planning authority may itself take the specified steps and recover the expense incurred in doing so. A planning authority may also seek a court order requiring any particular action to be undertaken or not to be undertaken.
The Planning and Development Act 2000 gave substantial additional powers to planning authorities in the area of enforcement. For example, the Act provided for the first time that the making of an application for retention permission could no longer be used as a defence against a prosecution for unauthorised development. These enforcement powers were further strengthened in the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, which allowed planning authorities to refuse to grant planning permission, without recourse to the High Court, to any developer who has substantially failed to comply with a previous planning permission. An applicant who wishes to have such a decision overturned will have to apply to the High Court.
While I am satisfied that planning authorities have substantial and adequate powers of enforcement, I am aware of concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement and I will continue to keep the operation of Part VIII of the 2000 Act under scrutiny to ensure its effective implementation.
220 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way the recent drop in mortgage interest rates will affect home owners who have opted for shared ownership and affordable housing local authority schemes; if local authority mortgage holders have been offered a similar reduction in interest rates; and if there is an onus on his Department to ensure that this reduction is passed on without further delay. [42974/08]
The interest rate on local authority housing loans is determined by the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) by reference to mortgage rates prevailing in the financial market. The current variable interest rate to local authority borrowers, excluding mortgage protection, is 5.25%. The current fixed interest rate available on local authority loans, excluding mortgage protection, is 5.5% for a period of 5 years.
At the October meeting of the Board of the HFA it was decided that the interest rate cut of 0.5% announced by the European Central Bank in October would be passed on in full to local authority borrowers. The new effective variable rate of 4.75%, which compares favourably with corresponding rates charged by commercial lending agencies, will take effect from 1 December. Following the further 0.5% reduction in ECB rate announced this month, the Agency has recently decided to further adjust rates to fully reflect the overall decrease. The effective rate for local authority borrowers from 1 January 2009 will therefore be 4.25%.
In general, following consideration by the Board, the Agency's rates are normally adjusted in line with movements in ECB. However, given that the correlation between ECB rates and interbank rates (i.e. the rates at which the Agency itself borrows) is atypical and volatile at present, the Agency in responding to movements in ECB rates, must give careful consideration, on each occasion, to the fluctuating relationship between its lending rates and the cost of funds.
221 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the water quality of Arklow Harbour has been tested and if it is considered a risk to the health and safety of the public. [42980/08]
Primary responsibility among public authorities for the protection and improvement of water quality is vested in local authorities under the Local Government Water Pollution Acts 1977 and 1990. The EPA produces regular reports on water quality in Ireland and its latest report, for the 2004 to 2006 period, was published on 13 November, 2008. Flood relief works are also matters for the relevant local authority and, at national level, the Office of Public Works.
222 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to media comments to the effect that the home choice loan scheme could potentially require the State to become a lender to excessively risky home buyers; the steps he envisages taking to ensure that this does not become the case; the impact on commercial lending in certain areas; his views on a more modest maximum earnings multiple for loan approvals through this scheme than has prevailed in the market in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38820/08]
223 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the rationale for confining the home choice loan scheme purely to newly built homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38843/08]
224 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, with respect to the home choice loan scheme and its expected borrower profile, he envisages a bad debt provision which is superior to that in the standard mortgage market; if so, if the cost of this provision will be passed on to borrowers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38822/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 to 224, inclusive, together.
As indicated during the debate on Budget 2009, it is important that the ongoing process of correction in the housing market is not artificially interfered with. Given that sentiment in the housing market is heavily dependent on wider sentiment in the economy, the Government's approach is focused on the broader economic fundamentals and ensuring, ultimately, that the housing market is underpinned by these. Any housing specific interventions must be targeted in nature and designed to achieve specific outcomes. The announcement in the Budget of the introduction, for a limited period, of the new Home Choice loan product for certain first-time buyers is fully in line with this policy.
The scheme is designed to respond, in a targeted way, to a very specific set of circumstances in the housing market whereby prospective middle income first-time buyers who would previously have been in a position to access mortgage finance from one of the financial institutions are not currently in a position to do so, due to the impacts of the credit crunch. This initiative provides no financial incentive to enter the housing market for those who believe that the process of correction has yet to conclude; it will merely facilitate certain first-time buyers who have themselves decided to purchase a home at this time. The interest rate charged to borrowers will be similar to the prevailing rates in the market.
The scheme applies to new houses and self builds because a significant majority of first time buyers purchase new houses. The average new house price is almost 14% lower than the average second hand house price, so it was considered appropriate to target the scheme towards properties which are more affordable for first time buyers. Home Choice will be available to first time buyers of new houses and self builds, subject to a maximum loan of €285,000, depending on income, and a maximum loan to value ratio of 92%. The loan term will be up to 30 years and a minimum income of €40,000 for single applicants and €50,000 for joint applicants will be required.
Contrary to some inaccurate media reporting, there is no suggestion that applicants on the minimum eligible income would be permitted to borrow the maximum amount allowed under the scheme. A detailed, robust and prudent credit policy governing all aspects of loan decisions, including, inter alia, requirements in relation to the financial standing of applicants, proportion of net monthly income required to make loan repayments, and employment conditions, is now being finalised. An applicant's ability to pay will also be stress-tested to assess their ability to repay at current rates and in the event of significant interest rate rises.
Given the assessment criteria that will be in place, I do not anticipate that the scheme will have any significant impact on the loan book risk profiles of the participating housing authorities. It is also important to bear in mind that local authorities have traditionally been providing loan finance to people of a lower income profile that those at whom the Home Choice Loan is targeted.
225 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will support a matter (details supplied). [43035/08]
Sustainable Energy Ireland administers a number of schemes, which stimulate the wider deployment of sustainable energy technologies including: the Greener Homes Scheme – stimulating installation of renewable heating systems in homes, including geothermal, solar and biomass technologies; ReHEAT Scheme – supporting technologies for the commercial, public and community sectors; and the Home Energy Savings Scheme — promoting the uptake of energy efficiency measures in homes including improved attic and wall insulation and upgraded heating system controls.
The objective of these programmes is to enhance the energy performance of systems/buildings, thereby reducing emissions, reducing Ireland's reliance on imported fossil fuels and improving the cost competitiveness of energy. By stimulating uptake of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures, the programmes are creating business opportunities for those involved in the supply, installation and maintenance of products and services. Under The Greener Homes Scheme mandatory training/qualification standards is ensuring quality of service for the homeowners and competitive advantage for those who wish to provide a professional service. Similar requirements will become a feature of the Home Energy Savings Scheme, which is being rolled out nationally in 2009.
226 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of viable commercial eel fisheries here in view of the success of the French eel fishery during the same period and under the same constraints. [43023/08]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to his Questions Nos. 230 and 231 of Thursday 23 October 2008. I am advised that eel fisheries in both Ireland and France are currently unsustainable. I understand that scientific research conducted by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) indicated that the European eel fish stock is so depleted that it is now outside safe biological limits. The EU introduced Council Regulation 1100/2007 designed to assist in the recovery of European eel stocks. The Regulation requires that each Member State adopt a national eel management plan suitable for local conditions that will deliver sufficient escapement of adult eel to meet specific targets.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations statistics for Ireland, suggest 400 tonnes was caught per annum between 1995 and 1998. In 1999 the catch was 250 tonnes and the annual declared catch since 2001 has averaged 101 tonnes per annum. This decline is consistent with the downward European trend.
The Deputy's suggestion that the French fishery has been successful is at odds with the published statistics. I am advised that French landings (all life stages) reported to the FAO have dropped from 2,687 tonnes in 1986 to 415 tonnes in 2001. Glass eel caught by professional fishermen has dropped from 1,700 tonnes in 1978/79 to 80 tonnes in 2004/05 and catch per unit effort for glass eel fisheries in the Gironde and Adour fisheries have dropped from 13kg/day to 2kg/day and 7kg/day to 1kg/day respectively, a reduction of 85%. I understand that in order to achieve a recovery in the European eel stock, significant and severe reductions in mortality will be required across Europe.
227 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of silver eels removed from the Corrib fishery in the years 1997 to 2007. [43024/08]
I am advised that the quantity of silver eels removed by all fishing methods from the Corrib fishery in the years 1997 to 2007 is as shown in the table.
|
Year |
Gap/Eye/Coghill |
Fyke |
|
Kgs |
Kgs |
|
|
1997 |
7,290 |
Not available |
|
1998 |
4,620 |
Not available |
|
1999 |
6,010 |
Not available |
|
2000 |
7,950 |
Not available |
|
2001 |
7,564 |
1,799 |
|
2002 |
9,676 |
3,436 |
|
2003 |
6,272 |
1,998 |
|
2004 |
10,264 |
3,639 |
|
2005 |
7,150 |
2,715 |
|
2006 |
16,247 |
3,416 |
|
2007 |
9,320 |
2,472 |
228 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the process by which he arrived at the introduction of by-laws governing commercial eel fishing; and if the relevant EU directive was a guiding influence. [43025/08]
I understand that scientific research, conducted by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), indicated that the European eel fish stock is so depleted that it is now outside safe biological limits. The ICES advised that, a recovery plan be developed for the whole stock of European eel and that exploitation and other human activities affecting the fishery be reduced as much as possible. The EU brought forward Council Regulation 1100/2007, the purpose of which is the establishment of a new framework for the protection and sustainable use of the stock of European eel. The objective of the Regulation is to achieve recovery of the stock to previous high levels.
An Eel Management Plan (EMP) must be prepared by 31 December 2008 for implementation from 1 July 2009. The objective of each EMP is to reduce anthropogenic mortality to achieve a target escapement of adult eel equivalent to 40% of biomass. If the plan is not approved by the Commission, a mandatory 50% reduction in the fishery is required as an immediate emergency measure from January 2009.
Conservation bye-laws were introduced in 2008, which capped the number of licences and restricted the season. These measures were introduced on foot of discussions in the Joint Working Group, which was established from among the State agencies responsible for management of the eel fishery, having sought recommendations from the regional fisheries board management. The introduction of the bye-laws was undertaken in recognition of the serious depletion in the stocks signalled by the national and international scientific community and fisheries managers.
229 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons expected to become unemployed as a result of the withdrawal of eel licences. [43026/08]
I currently await the submission of a draft Eel Management Plan, required in accordance with European Council Regulation 1000/2007, from the Eel Working Group, which I understand will include recommendations as to the future of the fishery and how Ireland can meet the targets to assist in the recovery of diminishing European eel stocks. This recovery will take many years to achieve.
The Irish eel fishery harvests approximately 100 tonnes per annum and I understand that there are some 150 fishermen who hold a maximum of 295 licences, not all of which are actively fished. Catches have been declining over recent years because of the status of stocks. As the Deputy will be aware, eel fishing is not a full time occupation and it is restricted depending on the type of fish being targeted. The working group is actively investigating alternative opportunities for eel fishermen to assist in diversification in the event that it is decided to restrict or close the eel fishery.
230 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of resources deployed in setting up Coillte and its contribution to the Exchequer; and if retaining the resource in the public domain may have derived better results. [43027/08]
Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and commenced operation on 1 January 1989. As the legislation provides that all of the shares in the company are held by the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, it operates under the aegis of my Department. On vesting day, Coillte Teoranta took over the forestry business, and almost all of the assets, of the Forest Service. The principal asset transferred to Coillte on its establishment was 396,000 hectares of land, while 2510 staff also transferred to the company. Since its establishment, all of the profits made by Coillte have been reinvested in the company and national forest estate.
As outlined in the debate in 1988 on the establishment of the company, it was accepted that the full potential of forestry was constrained by its location within a Government Department and that, in order for it to operate successfully in a commercial environment, it was decided that the most appropriate format to adopt was that of a company under the Companies Act. I am satisfied with the progress and overall development of the company since its establishment. All of the company's Annual Reports and Accounts, which detail the performance of the company from 1989 up to 2007, have been published and are in the public domain.
231 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding disadvantaged area payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [42945/08]
An application under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 9 May 2008. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 24 September, with payments issuing in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. Payments continue to issue as further cases subsequently become clear. The application of the person named was fully processed and the applicant was paid his Disadvantaged Areas Scheme payment, which amounted to €2,154.65, on 24 October 2008.
232 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a waste management scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [42946/08]
The person named is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. His application for payment is currently being examined and a decision will be made in regard to the application as soon as possible.
233 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has convened the poultry advisory group; the brief of the advisory group; the reason it has taken so long to take action on the future of the poultry industry; and if cross-departmental initiatives are being considered. [42979/08]
A meeting of the Poultry Expert Group has been arranged for 9 December. The Group's 2007 report focused on a range of issues including labelling, environment protection, welfare legislation and feeding stuffs. I have asked the Group to reconvene so that it can review its recommendations in the light of developments over the last year and consider what further issues warrant consideration.
Action in regard to the poultry industry has been ongoing. Bord Bia has been very active in growing and enhancing the Poultry Quality Assurance Scheme (PQAS). This year both the processor and producer standards of the PQAS were accredited under EN45011 by the Irish National Accreditation board. The Quality Assurance scheme is critical to Irish product retaining market share in the domestic retail market for fresh poultry meat. My Department operates an extensive range of controls to uphold the country's avian health status. There is also a scheme of financial assistance for flock owners in whose flocks certain types of salmonella have been detected. Department veterinary personnel are present in all poultry meat production premises to monitor compliance with public health legislation.
Another issue facing the poultry sector is compliance with legislation on the protection of the environment. The Intensive Livestock Group was established in my Department to assist poultry and pig producers in finding viable solutions to manure disposal problems. Producers, processors and Teagasc are represented on this group, whose work is continuing.
I believe there should be wider country of origin labelling of all meats and my Department has been in extensive communication over the past year with the European Commission with a view to making such labelling compulsory. While the Commission adopted a negative opinion in relation to our proposal for national legislation I will continue to press for country of origin labelling in the context of the Commission's proposal for a new regulation on food information. The Department of Health and Children is the lead Department for that proposal and my officials remain in contact with it on this issue. I will consider what further initiatives are warranted in the light of the deliberations of the Poultry Expert Group.
234 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43008/08]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 12th May 2008. This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and cross compliance inspection. The position is that the file is currently being processed and payment will issue shortly. The delay in this case arose because of the need to clarify a number of issues relating to the parcels claimed by the person named.
235 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43009/08]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on the 12th May 2008. The Single Payment application for the person named has been fully processed and the payment due under the Single Payment Scheme will issue shortly.
236 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43011/08]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 1st May 2008. This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and cross compliance inspection. This file is now processed and the advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme issued on the 6 November 2008 with the balancing payment due to issue shortly.
237 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a single farm payment will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43070/08]
The application under the Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 30th April 2008. The application was selected for a remote sensing satellite inspection. When the result of this inspection has been returned and any matters arising have been dealt with, the application will immediately be further processed with a view to payment issuing shortly thereafter.
238 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when the increase of 2.5% payable under Towards 2016 and due on 1 September 2008 will be granted to teaching staff in institutes of technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43072/08]
Payment of the increases provided for under the terms of the Towards 2016 Agreement is dependent, in the case of each sector, organisation and grade, on verification of co-operation with flexibility and ongoing change, including co-operation with satisfactory implementation of the agenda for modernisation set out in the Agreement, maintenance of stable industrial relations and absence of industrial action in respect of any matters covered by the Agreement. Payment is also dependent on verification of satisfactory achievement of these provisions through the submission of progress reports in advance of each pay increase. The progress reports are assessed by the Secretary General of the relevant Government Department responsible for the sector and an independent Performance Verification Group (PVG) for each sector.
A final progress report from the Institutes of Technology sector has not yet been received by the Secretary General of my Department in respect of the 2.5% increase payable under Towards 2016 and due on the 1st September 2008. In the absence of such a progress report I am not in a position to state when the increase will be granted.
239 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve the application for EWS grant to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in which the condition of the prefab is such that it is in the interest of health and safety of the staff and pupils of this school that repairs are carried out without further delay. [42934/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers has submitted an application for replacement temporary accommodation to my Department. The application is being assessed and the school authority will be informed of the decision as soon as possible.
240 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the vetting system for untrained substitute teachers; and the number of untrained substitute teachers currently employed. [42958/08]
Responsibility for checking on the suitability of new staff for positions in schools rests with Boards of Management as employers. Good practice should involve the checking of recent employment records, qualifications, experience and names of referees where a new substitute teacher is not known to the school or is approaching the school for the first time. While many substitute teachers have previous experience of working in schools and would generally be known to schools it is particularly important that such practice is warranted in any event quite apart from any issues of child protection. In relation to child protection, the arrangements for the vetting of teaching and non-teaching staff are set out in Department Circular 0094/2006, which was issued to all schools in June 2006. The Circular is available on my Department's website.
The vetting arrangements were introduced in September 2006 for vetting of new teachers at the time of their initial registration with the Teaching Council regardless of whether they are likely to enter permanent employment or take up appointments as substitute or part-time teachers. The procedures also apply to prospective employees for posts that involve working with children such as Special Needs Assistants, bus drivers, bus escorts to children with special needs, caretakers and other ancillary staff in schools.
As the expansion of service by the Garda Vetting Unit is rolled out, my Department will be consulting the relevant education stakeholders on how best to introduce the vetting of existing teachers that are working in any capacity — permanent, part-time or substitute in the school system and other existing education staff working with children. The circular does require the vetting of any person being appointed to a teaching position (whether permanent, part-time or substitute) who has not been employed in the school system in the previous three years.
Irrespective of the position on vetting, where facts or information comes to a Board of Management's attention calling into question a person's suitability to work with children it is a matter for the Board to satisfy itself that the person is suitable to work in that capacity. This will naturally have to be assessed on a case by case basis. The Board will have to consider all the circumstances of the case, give due weight to all relevant factors and afford fair procedures to the individual concerned before making a decision. The information regarding the number of unqualified substitute teachers is being compiled in my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
241 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of full-time and permanent teachers employed in private fee-paying schools and the cost of their salaries; the number of full-time, temporary or contracted teachers employed in private fee-paying schools; the amount their salaries cost; the number of part-time teachers working in private fee-paying schools; the amount their salaries cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42967/08]
In the 2008/09 school year, my Department allocated a total of 1,715 whole time equivalent teaching posts to the private fee-paying post primary school sector. The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill these teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority subject to agreed procedures. It is estimated that the average cost of employing a post-primary school teacher is €64,000 per annum.
242 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will instruct his legal team, through the Attorney General’s office and his own legal advisers, not to proceed to obtain the €250,000 legal costs awarded against the parents of an autistic child (details supplied) following a decision in the High Court recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42968/08]
I am aware of the matter to which the Deputy refers. As the case remains before the Courts, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the detail of the proceedings. However, the Deputy should be aware that the educational intervention which is being provided to the child in question was found by the High Court to be appropriate and to meet his needs. It is the norm in these situations for the legal costs of the case to be awarded to the party that has been successful. The High Court found that nothing in the facts of this case would cause a departure from that position. I am further advised that as the case remains before the Courts, there is no basis for determining what the final level of legal costs will be.
243 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has in his Department possession of an original lease (details supplied) relevant to a property; and if he will make the said document available to this Deputy. [42969/08]
244 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will convey any interest it may have in an old national school to a committee (details supplied) in County Mayo. [42970/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.
My Department has a copy of a 99 year lease with the landowner in relation to the school in question. The Deputy will be aware that a lease is a document between the Landowners, the Trustees and me as Minister for Education and Science. I am advised that it is not general practice to release copies of same. The Deputy will be also be aware that my Department has received correspondence on the matter from solicitors acting on behalf of a committee, as distinct from the Trustees of the school, to establish a playschool on the existing premises. This correspondence is under active consideration by officials in my Department. My officials will revert to the Solicitors in due course.
245 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if the funding required by the Grangegorman Development Agency for the delivery of the new DIT campus will be made available in 2009; the amount of funding required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42984/08]
Section 12 of the Grangegorman Development Agency Act 2005 provides that following its establishment, the agency must prepare a strategic plan consisting of a written statement and a plan indicating the strategy for the development of the Grangegorman site and a budget for its delivery. The agency recently submitted a draft strategic plan and budget to my Department. They are being examined in my Department. As soon as this examination is completed, I intend to bring proposals to the Government for a decision on the way forward.
246 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Cork is not included as an institution under the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002; if it can be included at this stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42990/08]
The Residential Institutions Redress Board was established under statute in 2002. Under the terms of the legislation, the institutions to be covered by the terms of the scheme were listed on a Schedule to the Act. This Schedule initially contained 128 institutions.
In 2004 a further 13 institutions were added to the Schedule by Ministerial Order in accordance with the legislation. Again in 2005 an additional 3 institutions were added by Order. At that particular time, my Department, in consultation with other relevant Government Departments, having fully considered the question of adding additional institutions to the Schedule, concluded that no further institutions would be added to the Schedule. Since then, no further institutions have been added to the Schedule.
I would however like to point out that a person's ineligibility to apply for and be considered for an award under the terms of the Redress Scheme does not affect their statutory right to pursue any other legal avenue which may be open to them.
247 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in having payment made to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has been providing substitute teaching since September 2008 and to whom no payment has issued. [43000/08]
The teacher referred to by the Deputy shall receive salary for the last fortnightly period this week. Arrangements are being made to have the outstanding payments owed to the person issued as soon as possible.
248 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science if discrimination on the grounds of physical disability is permitted in the recruitment of teachers in view of the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Longford who has a first class honours degree was offered a teaching position but had the job offer withdrawn when the school realised that the person has a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43014/08]
The selection of teachers for appointment to state funded teaching positions is a matter for the employing school authority, which must take account of all appropriate legislation and agreed recruitment policies at Post-Primary level. My Department has no role in the selection process.
249 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the abolition of the book support scheme grant operated in designated disadvantaged schools; and the impact on low-income families. [43021/08]
Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions included reductions on the aid for school books scheme which in the case of schools outside of the DEIS scheme will involve savings of approximately €7.5 million on current levels. Approximately €7 million was made available in 2008 to DEIS schools for the aid for school books scheme and this fund of €7 million will be made available for distribution to schools in the DEIS programme in 2009.
The DEIS action plan for educational inclusion focuses resources, both human and financial, on those primary and second-level schools serving communities with the highest concentrated levels of disadvantage. As a result of the identification and review processes which were managed by the Educational Research Centre on behalf of my Department, 876 schools have been included in the programme comprising of 673 primary schools (urban and rural) and 203 second-level schools.
250 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of the book support scheme grant to approved second level schools in the years 1997 to 2007; and the projected saving. [43022/08]
The information requested by the Deputy on the cost of the School Book Grant at second level from 1997 to 2007 is asfollows:
|
Year |
|
|
1997 |
€4.49m (IR£3.54m) |
|
1998 |
€5.02m (IR£3.95m) |
|
1999 |
€5.12m (IR£4.03m) |
|
2000 |
€5.78m |
|
2001 |
€5.97m |
|
2002 |
€6.17m |
|
2003 |
€6.36m |
|
2004 |
€6.36m |
|
2005 |
€7.02m |
|
2006 |
€7.52m |
|
2007 |
€7.94m |
In framing the budget, a range of very difficult policy choices had to be faced by the Government across all areas of public expenditure, including in the field of education. While education remains a priority for the Government, it has been necessary to curtail expenditure in some areas. One such area is the school book grant. From 2009 this grant will be available only to schools within the DEIS scheme. At second level, by limiting the school book grant to schools within the DEIS scheme savings of approximately €4.75m will be achieved.
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), is the action plan for educational inclusion and focuses on addressing the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities. Approximately €7 million was made available in 2008 to DEIS schools at primary and post-primary level for the school book grant scheme and this fund of €7 million will be made available for distribution to schools in the DEIS programme in 2009. The continuation of the school book grant to these schools is testament to the Government's determination to prioritise social inclusion and protect the most vulnerable in our society.
My Department continues to urge schools to implement book rental schemes as a measure to minimise the cost of school books to all parents. This was the recommendation of a consultancy report, submitted to my Department in 1993, which dealt with the factors which contribute to the cost of school text books. The report, copies of which were sent to all schools, contains a number of useful suggestions, including a Code of Good Practice for successful operation of book rental schemes. My Department fully endorses the report's recommendations.
251 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the estimated cost of the planned new 24-classroom school and ancillary accommodation approved for a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43028/08]
My Department has approved a new 24 classroom school and ancillary accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers. This project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural planning process (detailed design). As a matter of policy, my Department does not provide cost estimates for individual projects as this might prejudice the tendering process. Further progression of this project will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
252 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to meet the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford regarding the education cuts in budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43076/08]
The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect, Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place, there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009. From 2009, the book grant will be available only to schools within the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) scheme. By limiting the school book grant to schools within the DEIS scheme, savings of €7.5m will be achieved.
DEIS is the action plan for educational inclusion and focuses on addressing the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities. Approximately €7 million was made available in 2008 to DEIS schools at primary and post-primary level for the school book grant scheme; this fund of €7 million will be made available for distribution to schools in the DEIS programme in 2009. The continuation of the school book grant to these schools is testament to the Government's determination to prioritise social inclusion and protect the most vulnerable in our society.
My Department continues to urge schools to implement book rental schemes as a measure to minimise the cost of school books to all parents. This was the recommendation of a consultancy report, submitted to my Department in 1993, which dealt with the factors which contribute to the cost of school text books. The report, copies of which were sent to all schools, contains a number of useful suggestions, including a Code of Good Practice for successful operation of book rental schemes. My Department fully endorses the report's recommendations.
My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes, including notification to schools, will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers, my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels, which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
