Vol. 673 No. 1
10 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department offers financial assistance in respect of the establishment of youth clubs in rural areas in view of the importance of such clubs to the social life of rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2579/09]
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is responsible for a range of schemes, which provide assistance, including financial assistance, to the youth work sector. The relevant schemes that support youth work and youth club activity at local level are the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, the Youth Service Grant Scheme, Special Projects for Youth and the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund. Funding in 2008 for the various grant-in-aid funding programmes amounted to some €52 million.
While my Department does not operate a specific scheme or programme to support youth clubs in rural areas, I would draw the attention of the Deputy to some measures that have a positive impact on the provision of services and facilities for rural youth. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is responsible for the delivery of Axes 3 & 4 of the Rural Development Programme, 2007-2013. These elements of the Programme aim to address the needs of a range of groups in rural society, including young people. The measures under which support is available include the Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population measure (€49.61m over the lifetime of the Programme). Under this measure, Local Action Groups will identify and provide appropriate cultural and leisure activities to their rural local communities that are not otherwise available to them. Initiatives in this measure will broadly address the provision of amenity and leisure facilities, general community and recreational infrastructure and certain arts facilities.
Under the Premises Initiative Fund, which addresses the accommodation needs of community based drugs projects in Drugs Task Force areas, capital funding may also be provided for youth focused projects. In addition, I should mention that Údarás na Gaeltachta provides annual funding of €300,000 to Óige na Gaeltachta Teo. to support youth activities throughout the Gaeltacht. Óige na Gaeltachta Teo. aims to improve community-based youth services in the Gaeltacht and to promote and increase the use of Irish within these services. The organisation provides a broad range of support services to youth clubs, community groups and voluntary organisations in the Gaeltacht, including assistance with insurance costs, funding for equipment and other club activities including educational programmes. There are currently 55 registered youth clubs with a combined membership of approximately 2,000 young people operating in the Gaeltacht.
11 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money that has been allocated to the local drugs task forces for 2009; the breakdown of allocation per task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2590/09]
37 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement detailing the way drugs projects and services on the ground can continue to meet demand in the context of cut backs to local drugs task forces budgets of around 10% and to regional drug task forces budgets of 20% and upwards; if he will reverse the cuts; and if he will make a commitment that there will be no further cuts for 2009. [2649/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 37 together.
This Government is firmly committed to tackling the problem of drug misuse in our society. This is evidenced by the fact that the funding targeted at community-based initiatives funded through my Department's Vote doubled from 2003 to 2008 — from €31.5m over €64m. The relative reduction in the 2009 funding allocation to my Department for the drugs initiatives must, therefore, be viewed in that context. In 2008, the budget for community-based initiatives in the Local and Regional Drugs Task Force areas was nearly €34.8m. Funding for 2009 will be approx €34.6m, of which over €23m is being allocated to the Local Drugs Task Forces while over €11m is being earmarked for the Regionals.
Projects have been approved funding for the first six months of 2009 and the National Drugs Strategy Team (NDST) will be reviewing this expenditure before allocating the remaining six months funding. The NDST and the Task Forces will work to ensure that this funding is targeted in the most appropriate manner. Details of the provisional 2009 allocations by Task Force are shown in the following table. All Drugs Task Forces have been asked to identify savings across their area of responsibility. While I appreciate that there may have been some difficult choices to be make, it was a matter for the Drugs Task Forces to identify measures to enable them to work within their allocated budgets. 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 maximum benefit is achieved. I would like to assure the Deputies that my primary concern has been — and continues to be — the protection of front-line services provided through the drugs initiative funding.
As the Deputes are aware, the Drugs Strategy is based on a co-ordinated effort across many Government Departments and Agencies and my Department's allocation is only part of a much bigger investment programme in drugs services by these other bodies. In 2007, it was estimated that expenditure on drugs programmes across all the bodies was in the region of €230m. The figures for 2008 are currently being compiled.
|
Task Force |
2009 Allocation |
|
€m |
|
|
Ballyfermot LDTF |
1.7 |
|
Ballymun LDTF |
1.4 |
|
Blanchardstown LDTF |
1.3 |
|
Bray LDTF |
1.9 |
|
Canal Communities LDTF |
1.8 |
|
Clondalkin LDTF |
1.7 |
|
Cork LDTF |
1.9 |
|
Dublin 12 LDTF |
1.3 |
|
Dublin North East LDTF |
1.4 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown LDTF |
1.1 |
|
Finglas Cabra LDTF |
1.1 |
|
North Inner City LDTF |
2.8 |
|
South Inner City LDTF |
2.6 |
|
Tallaght LDTF |
1.5 |
|
Cross Task Force |
0.1 |
|
Total |
23.6 |
|
Task Force |
2009 Allocation |
|
€m |
|
|
East Coast RDTF |
1.0 |
|
Mid-West RDTF |
1.8 |
|
Midlands RDTF |
1.0 |
|
North East RDTF |
1.1 |
|
North West RDTF |
0.9 |
|
Northern Area RDTF |
0.9 |
|
South East RDTF |
1.3 |
|
South Western RDTF |
1.0 |
|
Southern RDTF |
1.2 |
|
Western RDTF |
0.8 |
|
Total |
11.0 |
12 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Eamon Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cathain a fhoilseofar an Plean Gníomhaíochta don Ghaeilge sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [2566/09]
13 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cathain a fhoilseofar an reachtaíocht nua chun teorainneacha na Gaeltachta a athrú agus chun sainmhíniú nua a dhéanamh ar an rud is Gaeltacht ann; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [2604/09]
24 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Eamon Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cathain a fhoilseofar an Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [2565/09]
Tógfaigh mé Ceisteanna 12, 13 agus 24 le chéile.
Faoi mar is eol do na Teachtaí, tá Coiste Rialtais bunaithe chun scrúdú a dhéanamh ar na saincheisteanna a thagann chun cinn — ceist teorainneacha na Gaeltachta san áireamh — i gcomhthéacs na hanailíse agus na moltaí atá sa Tuarascáil a d'eascair ón Staidéar Teangeolaíochta ar Úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht. Tá an Coiste ag díriú ar phlean gníomhaíochta comhtháite a ullmhú d'fhonn todhchaí na Gaeilge mar theanga phobail sa Ghaeltacht a chinntiú.
Ag an am céanna, tá obair idir lámha maidir le Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge a ullmhú, a bheidh bunaithe ar Ráiteas Polasaí an Rialtais i leith na Gaeilge. I rith na bliana seo caite, tá mo Roinnse, i gcomhar le Fiontar DCU, na comhairleoirí neamhspleácha atá ag cuidiú chun an Straitéis a chur le chéile, tar éis tabhairt faoi phróiseas leathan de chomhairliúchán phoiblí, ar a n-áirítear cruinnithe poiblí agus suirbhé ar-líne maidir leis na heilimintí éagsúla a bheidh sa Straitéis. Bunaithe ar na moltaí agus an taiseolas a tháinig ón bpobal i rith an phróisis sin, foilsíodh plé-pháipéar maidir leis na gnéithe éagsúla a mheastar a bheidh sa Straitéis. Tugadh faoi shraith eile de chruinnithe poiblí chun deis a thabhairt do dhaoine a dtuairimí a thabhairt faoin doiciméad sin.
Chomh maith leis an gcomhairliúchan phoiblí, chuaigh Fiontar DCU i gcomhairle leis na príomh-gheallsealbhóirí san earnáil phoiblí agus san earnáil dheonach faoina gcuid moltaí i leith na Straitéise agus thugadar le chéile i gcoiste comhairleach saineolaithe idirnáisiúnta a bhfuil taithí acu i mbeartais teangacha. Tá dréacht-Straitéis 20 Bliain faighte agam anois agus á breithniú. Bheadh súil agam mo chuid moltaí maidir leis an Straitéis a chur faoi bhráid an Rialtais go luath. Mar a thuigfidh Teachtaí, ar ndóigh, is dhá phróiseas comhthreomhara atá i gceist ó thaobh na Gaeltachta agus ó thaobh na Straitéise de, agus beidh sé riachtanach iad a thabhairt chun cinn ar bhealach comhtháite.
14 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expected cost of consultancy services in respect of the development of a 20 year strategy for the Irish language and the linguistic study of usage of Irish in the Gaeltacht; when he expects to publish recommendations or strategies in relation to the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2751/09]
21 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the 20 year Irish language strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2709/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 21 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, the Government's Statement on the Irish Language includes a commitment to develop a 20-year Strategy for the Irish language, which is intended to be the foundation for practical action for supporting and promoting the language, based on a modern, integrated approach. During the last year, my Department, in conjunction with Fiontar DCU, the independent consultants that are assisting in the formulation of the Strategy, have undertaken a wide-scale public consultation process in relation to the various elements that will be in the Strategy. In addition to the public consultation, Fiontar DCU consulted with key stakeholders in both the public and voluntary sectors as to their recommendations for inclusion in the Strategy. Fiontar were also assisted by a number of international experts in language policy issues.
A draft Strategy has now been submitted for my consideration. I anticipate that my proposals in relation to the 20-year Strategy will be submitted to Government in the near future. With regard to the consultancy service for the 20 year Strategy, Fiontar DCU were appointed through a public procurement process to advise in relation to the Strategy and the cost of their service is €299,281. With regard to the Linguistic Study of the use of Irish in the Gaeltacht, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, National University of Ireland, Galway, were engaged through a public procurement process to carry out this research at a cost of €525,039.
15 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he will increase or reduce expenditure under the RAPID and CLÁR programmes in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2676/09]
The CLÁR Programme provides funding and co-funding to Government Departments, State agencies and local authorities to accelerate investment in selected priority developments in areas that have suffered significant depopulation. These investments support physical, economic and social infrastructure across a variety of measures. The measures introduced under the Programme reflect the priorities identified by the communities in the selected areas.
The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within the 46 designated RAPID areas. In addition, the RAPID leverage schemes support small-scale projects identified locally by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by the relevant agencies and fund projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, community closed-circuit television, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds and multi-use games areas.
The provisional 2009 budgets for CLÁR at €18m and RAPID at €7.9m represent a reduction on the 2008 allocations. However, the finalisation of allocations across Departments remains under discussion at Government and it is not possible to say at this stage what the final outcome of those discussions will be. The Minister for Finance will be publishing the Revised Estimates Volume in due course.
I would emphasise, however, that one of the strengths of both the CLÁR and RAPID Programmes has always been the ability to focus on priority needs in those areas. As Minister, I believe that we need to be constantly addressing the new challenges faced by both small rural communities and the most deprived urban communities. The CLÁR and RAPID programmes will be continuously refocused to deal with the priorities for those areas, especially in the current difficult economic climate. Furthermore, in the case of RAPID, the Programme works to ensure, now more than ever, that local service providers work together efficiently to ensure effective results within the constraints of reduced budgets.
16 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will take steps to improve the partnership process in the national drugs strategy. [2647/09]
At the outset, I want to put on record that I do not accept that there has been a deterioration of the partnership process under the National Drugs Strategy. Co-operation across the statutory, community and voluntary sectors has been a constant feature throughout the lifetime of the current Strategy. This is illustrated through many formal structures, such as inter-sectoral representation on the 24 Drug Task Forces, the National Drugs Strategy Team (NDST), the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) and the Inter-Departmental Group on Drugs (IDG), and also through the informal links and contacts around the drugs area.
The community and voluntary sectors are well represented on each of the 14 Local and 10 Regional Drugs Task Forces. They also have a total of 4 representatives on the NDST. All of these organisations also include broad statutory representation, facilitating a partnership approach to all aspects of their work. Meanwhile, the IDG, which I chair, provides a forum for the consideration of policy issues around drugs and the monitoring of progress across the Strategy. Agenda items of the IDG regularly include updates from agencies with responsibility for implementing major actions of the Strategy and all members are free to pursue issues of interest to them in the subsequent discussions.
An extensive consultation process was undertaken last year in regard to the formulation of a new National Drugs Strategy for 2009-2016. This involved meetings with Government Departments and agencies, the community and voluntary sectors, various interested parties and focus groups, as well as an extensive schedule of public consultation meetings at 15 locations across the country. The outcomes of these discussions are being used by the Steering Group, who are working on the development of proposals for a new Strategy, as the basis for much of their deliberations.
As I have stated previously, the overall collaborative and partnership approach of the statutory, voluntary & community sectors has made a significant contribution to the roll-out and effective implementation of drugs programmes. I see a continuation of this partnership approach as being critical for the future success of our efforts to deal effectively with the drugs problem in Ireland. Meanwhile, the development of a new Strategy presents an important opportunity to look at the structures through which it is delivered and to consider whether there are different and more effective ways of achieving our goals. Should the Steering Group make any proposals in the context of the new Strategy, in regard to enhancing the current level of partnership, I will be happy to consider them.
17 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is satisfied with the level of voluntarism here; his plans to address the levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2591/09]
The Government has made significant progress in advancing measures in support of objectives on Volunteering and Active Citizenship. The Task Force on Active Citizenship recommended that a network of volunteer centres be funded across the country. My Department now provides annual funding of over €2.5m to twenty such centres. In 2008, these centres registered over 7,500 volunteers and over 950 volunteer-involving organisations. It should also be noted that 56% of registered volunteers had never volunteered before and 70% were aged 35 years and under. My Department also provides core funding for Volunteering Centres Ireland which acts as a national organisation and plays a proactive central role in facilitating and supporting the development of the network of local volunteer centres.
In addition, a range of other activities are being supported. In this context, the Deputy should note that last Wednesday, in Downpatrick, Minister Margaret Ritchie, the Minister for Social Development in Northern Ireland, and I jointly launched a cross-border volunteering initiative, involving three groups — the GAA, Voluntary Arts Ireland and the Church of Ireland. The rationale behind the project is that these organisations, which have a strong network of local volunteers across Ireland, can use this network for the benefit of the whole community, and especially marginalised and disadvantaged groups on both sides of the border.
Other relevant activities supported by my Department include:
The Young Social Innovators Initiative — this involves transition year students at secondary school level from all over Ireland identifying social needs and developing strategies to address them, requiring their engagement with local, community and statutory organisations. The key objective is to develop volunteering among young people and grow a cadre of volunteers for the future;
For the past three years, my Department has supported the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) Community Learning Programme. This programme, promotes community based learning by integrating classroom theory with practical application in projects for community and voluntary bodies. Examples of projects include computing science students designing web pages for voluntary bodies, or food science students providing health and safety audits in community kitchens;
Funding for Focus Ireland to support the placement of social science graduates, within the organisation, who wish to gain experience and to develop skills in working with people who are marginalised; and
Support for Boardmatch, an organisation which aims to support the development of the voluntary and community sector in Ireland by strengthening boards of management and management committees of non-profit organisations.
18 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he will allocate funding from the proceeds of the dormant accounts fund in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2677/09]
121 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his Department’s projected expenditure on foot of various schemes operated and funded from the proceeds of the dormant accounts fund in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2967/09]
123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the degree to which his Department anticipates continued funding from the dormant accounts fund over the next five years; the degree to which the fund is replenished annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2969/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 121 and 123 together.
The Dormant Accounts Fund Acts provides for an annual transfer by credit institutions and insurance undertakings of monies in accounts determined to be dormant into the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF). Since its establishment in May 2003 to the end of December 2008, the net transfers to the DAF have totalled some €306m. It is estimated that for 2009 approx €50m will be spent across various Departments to meet the commitments made to beneficiaries from the Fund. In the case of my own Department, €13m is provided for in 2009 to meet the commitments due to beneficiaries under the various measures within the remit of my department.
With respect to the priorities to be supported from the DAF in 2009, the Government agreed in 2008 to provide €30m for a range of initiatives covering persons with a disability, to support projects in RAPID areas, to tackle homelessness, and for measures in the areas of suicide prevention and substances misuse. Processes are currently underway to seek and assess applications for these funds, with beneficiaries already approved for funding for some measures.
The level of funds transferring to the DAF is declining and the Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible for me to give a more accurate indication of the level of resources that might be available for disbursal in 2009 until the level of transfers become clearer during the year. The value of the Fund at end December 2008, net of liabilities, was some €21.7m. This excludes the amount of some €46m currently maintained in a Reserve Account to meet reclaims and to cover expenses. The reserve is currently set at 15% of the total moneys received by the Fund and not yet reclaimed. Further allocations to specific measures must await information on the value of funds liable to transfer from financial institutions later this year.
19 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na ciorruithe atá molta dá Roinn in 2009. [2752/09]
Is é oll-mheastachán caiteachais mo Roinne-se do 2009 ná €523.085m. Aontaíodh ar an bhfigiúr seo mar chuid de phróiseas na meastachán agus foilsíodh é in Imleabhar Meastachán na Cáinaisnéise i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2008. Mar a thuigeann an Teachta, tá cinnithe deacra romhainn sna cúinsí eacnamaíochta ina bhfuilimid. Tá céimeanna áirithe á bhreithniú ag an Rialtas faoi láthair d'fhonn a chinntiú go mbeidh toradh fioscach críonna do 2009 agus go mbeidh bunús ann do chur chuige inbhuanaithe i ndáil leis an staid airgeadais reatha. Dá réir sin, ní féidir a rá ag an bpointe seo cén toradh a bheidh ar an bplé atá ar siúl ag an Rialtas faoin gceist seo. Beidh an tImleabhar Meastachán Athbhreithnithe á fhoilsiú ag an Aire Airgeadais i dtráth cuí.
Is féidir liom a chinntiú don Teachta, mar a chuireadh in iúl don Teach cheana, go mbeidh gach iarracht á dhéanamh agam chun a chinntiú go dtabharfar cosaint do na seirbhísí túslíne a chuirtear ar fáil ó mo Roinnse, nó a fhaigheann tacaíocht uaithi — go háirithe na seirbhísí sin atá dírithe ar riachtanais na bpobal is mó faoi mhíbhuntáiste.
20 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Jan O’Sullivan den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén plean atá aige i leith na n-eagraíochtaí deonacha Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [2569/09]
Cuirtear bunmhaoiniú do 19 eagras deonach Gaeilge ar fáil trí Fhoras na Gaeilge. Is trí Vóta mo Roinne féin agus tríd an Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta ó Thuaidh a chuirtear an t-airgead sin ar fáil don bhForas d'fhonn an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn ar bhonn uile-oileánda.
Chuir Foras na Gaeilge athbhreithniú ar bun le linn 2008 maidir leis na heagrais Ghaeilge atá á maoiniú acu le cinntiú go mbeidh an luach airgid is fearr le fáil sa todhchaí. Sa chomhthéacs seo, nótáladh ag an gcruinniú den Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas ar 16 Eanáir 2009 go ndíreodh Plean Gnó Fhoras na Gaeilge do 2009 ar thosaíochtaí tábhachtacha Aireachta, ina measc go mbeadh an t-athbhreithniú ar na heagraíochtaí bunmhaoinithe Gaeilge curtha i gcrích go luath sa bhliain 2009.
Tuigfidh an Teachta go bhfuil sé ró-luath ag an bpointe seo réamhaithris a dhéanamh ar thorthaí an athbhreithnithe sin. Mar a dúirt mé cheana, tá éifeacht an chaiteachais phoiblí agus luach airgid maidir le spriocanna an Rialtais ó thaobh na Gaeilge a bhaint amach á gcoinneáil faoi bhreithniú agam.
23 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of meetings he has had with senior gardaí in the past two years on the availability of drugs here; his views on the concern that availability is on the increase in almost every county here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2595/09]
I regularly meet with senior Gardaí to keep up to-date with developments in respect of their drug-related operations. Reports on their progress are also made, on a quarterly basis, to the Inter Departmental Group on Drugs, which I chair. Gardaí are also represented on Local and Regional Drugs Tasks Forces. There has been significant success in relation to the supply reduction pillar of the National Drugs Strategy and An Garda Síochána are playing a key role in this regard. Their levels of drugs seizures have been well in excess of the targets set out in the current Strategy and they include a number of significant operations.
The Garda National Drugs Unit (GNDU) is the primary unit within An Garda Síochána charged with responsibility for drug supply law enforcement. The GNDU is supported in its work by officers in the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation. In fact, the current chairperson of the National Drugs Strategy Team is a member of GNDU and I liaise with him, as necessary, on a number of issues, including drug supply law enforcement. Furthermore, as the Deputy will appreciate, Gardaí generally deal with drug-related issues as they arise.
At the same time, it must be acknowledged that trade in illicit drugs is a global phenomenon. There has been a sharp increase in the production of heroin in Afghanistan and this has resulted in an increasing supply in Europe. Similarly, production of cocaine continues strongly, with the resultant implications for supply in Europe. Among the recent initiatives at international level is the establishment in May 2007 of the Maritime Analysis and Operational Centre — Narcotics (MAOC-N), based in Lisbon. It is expected that this Centre which involves seven EU countries (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, UK, Netherlands and Ireland), will provide significant benefits in the gathering of intelligence about air and sea routes for drug trafficking via West Africa. The U.S. also has a number of liaison officers attached to the Centre. In fulfilling its role, Ireland is deploying both Garda and Customs personnel to Lisbon.
Finally, the Deputy should note that in the context of the consultation process for the new National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, my officials and I met with senior officers from the Gardaí. In these discussions, they confirmed their commitment that supply reduction of illicit drugs will remain a priority for them over the coming years and that they will be key players in the roll-out of the relevant actions in the new Strategy. The Deputy should also note that the Gardaí have two representatives on the Steering Group established to oversee the development of the new Strategy. The representatives — along with the others on the Group — will be playing a significant role in the development of the new Strategy over the coming months.
26 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the recent report which showed that Irish 15 year olds demonstrate rates of drunkenness which are well above the international average; the action he will take to tackle this problem within the new national drugs strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2599/09]
The 2006 Health Behaviour in School aged Children (HBSC) report, to which the Deputy refers, indicated that 29% of Irish 15-year-olds had reported that they had been drunk at least once in the last 30 days. This placed us second among the 9 countries that reported on this item in the survey. I accept that this figure, and the international comparison involved, is a cause for concern.
However, the 2007 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) will give us a much more comprehensive view of alcohol and drug activity among our school children and of where we stand internationally in that regard. This Survey, which is due to be published in March, will also allow us to assess what progress has been made since 2003 when the previous such survey was carried out.
As the Deputy is aware, a Steering Group chaired by my Department, is currently developing proposals on a new National Drugs Strategy, covering the period 2009-2016. The Group is conscious of the need to target alcohol in the context of developing a broader prevention strategy to tackle substance misuse, particularly in relation to under 18 year olds. They are also aware of the potential synergies in the areas of treatment and rehabilitation, especially given the growing evidence of polydrug use and the role of alcohol as a potential "gateway drug". I expect that the Group will finalise its proposals by the end of March and the best approach to bringing greater coherence and co-ordination to alcohol and drugs issues at a policy, planning and operational levels will be among the issues that I will consider in detail at that stage.
27 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Michael D. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an mó post nua a chruthaíodh le cabhair ó Údarás na Gaeltachta sa Ghaeltacht in 2008; an mó post nua a chruthaíodh le cabhair ó Údarás na Gaeltachta sa Ghaeltacht, agus ar chailleadh iad in 2008; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [2568/09]
Tuigim ó Údarás na Gaeltachta gur cruthaíodh 1,269 post sa Ghaeltacht i 2008 agus gur cailleadh 1,102 post sa thréimhse chéanna i gcuideachtaí a fuair cúnamh ón Údarás.
28 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding allocated from his Department to each constituency for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2581/09]
As the Deputy is aware, my Department administers and delivers a wide range of programmes and measures, descriptions of which are available on its website at www.pobail.ie. My Department's provisional gross expenditure outturn for 2008 is €541.398m and the following table provides a breakdown for each of my Department's programme areas.
|
Programme Area |
Expenditure |
|
€m |
|
|
Developing Communities |
172.014 |
|
Tackling Drugs Misuse |
65.207 |
|
Rural Development |
97.149 |
|
Gaeltacht and Islands Development |
111.295 |
|
Promotion and Maintenance of the Irish Language |
7.421 |
|
North-South Co-Operation |
68.074 |
|
Administration |
20.238 |
|
Total |
541.398 |
While expenditure under these programme areas takes place countrywide, it is not possible to give a constituency-by-constituency breakdown of this expenditure. For example, a number of my Department's programmes are delivered through agencies and other intermediary bodies that operate across county boundaries and in respect of which there is no comphrensive or detailed breakdown on either a county or constituency basis held by my Department. In addition, groups and organisations that receive grants directly from my Department are not necessarily constituted on a single-county/constituency basis.
In view of the wide range of my Department's schemes and programmes and the large volumes of applications received thereunder on an ongoing basis, I am not satisfied that the work involved in compiling and collating a full county-by-county (or indeed constituency-by-constituency) breakdown of expenditure would be feasible or justified. However, if the Deputy has any specific queries relating to a particular scheme, I would be glad to seek to provide him with relevant information in that regard.
29 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Jan O’Sullivan den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an mó scéim faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 atá glactha aige; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [2570/09]
Tá 89 céad scéim teanga, a chlúdaíonn 161 comhlacht poiblí ar fad, daingnithe agam agus foilsithe go dáta. Sa bhreis ar sin, tá 27 scéim teanga nua eile, a chlúdaíonn 53 comhlacht poiblí, á n-ullmhú. Chomh maith leis sin, i gcomhréir le forálacha Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003, tá fógra seolta agam, faoi alt 15 den Acht, chuig 31 comhlacht poiblí a bhfuil tréimhsí a gcéad scéimeanna tagtha nó ag teacht chun deiridh ag iarraidh orthu athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar a gcuid scéimeanna agus dréacht-scéim nua (an dara scéim teanga) a ullmhú agus a thíolacadh chugamsa le daingniú laistigh de sé mhí. Fágann sé seo uile go bhfuil beagnach 60 dréacht-scéim teanga san iomlán á ullmhú faoi láthair. Mar atá luaite agam cheana, tá sonraí maidir leis na comhlachtaí poiblí a bhfuil scéimeanna aontaithe leo nó a bhfuil dréacht-scéimeanna á n-ullmhú acu ar fáil ar shuíomh idirlín an Choimisinéara Teanga, www.coimisineir.ie
30 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to extend the Dublin canal survey to the rest of the counties which the canals transgress; his views on whether the canals offer potential to these counties as regards tourism and recreation; his further views on extending the survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2592/09]
As the Deputy is aware, Waterways Ireland, in conjunction with Dublin City Council, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority and Fáilte Ireland, is undertaking a study with a view to identifying the future recreational, tourism and commercial potential of the Dublin City Canals — the Royal Canal and the Grand Canal — within the city limits.
Consultation is an essential element of the study in terms of collecting information and views on the current and potential level of usage, types of usage in and adjacent to the canals, as well as the views and issues of non-users. A simple on-line consultation questionnaire has been created to help with the consultation process and can be accessed through the Waterways Ireland website at www.waterwaysireland.org It is expected that the study will be completed and a draft report received by the end of March 2009.
The Royal and Grand Canals are important recreation and tourism amenities, supporting a myriad of activities, providing employment and generating revenues for the hinterland through which they traverse. The current restoration of the Royal Canal is nearing completion and Waterways Ireland has continued to invest in waterway infrastructure along both the Royal and Grand Canals. While Waterways Ireland has had contacts with Fáilte Ireland and a number of local authorities, no decision has yet been taken on undertaking further such studies in relation to other parts of the inland navigation.
31 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proposals it is intended to make to services provided for or funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2597/09]
32 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if it is intended to make revisions or amendments to his Department’s Estimate for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2596/09]
34 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proposals it is intended to make to funding provided by his Department to outside organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2598/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 32 and 34 together.
My Department's estimate for gross expenditure for 2009 is €523.085m. This figure was agreed as part of the estimates process and was published in the Budget Estimates Volume in October 2008. As the Deputy is aware, in the current economic circumstances we are faced with difficult decisions. The Government is currently considering a number of measures to maintain a prudent fiscal outturn for 2009 and to provide the basis for a sustainable approach to the current financial situation. Accordingly, it is not possible to say at this stage what the final outcome of Government discussions in this regard will be. The Minister for Finance will publish the Revised Estimates Volume in due course.
I can assure the Deputy, as previously indicated to the House, that my primary concern is to continue to make every effort to ensure that the front-line services provided by, or supported through, my Department — especially those focused on the needs of the most disadvantaged communities — are protected.
33 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on whether the dial-to-stop drug dealing campaign has been a success; if he has feedback on the number of calls to the scheme; his plans to increase or change the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2572/09]
35 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason groups (details supplied) were not listed in his response to parliamentary Question No. 284 of 2 December 2008 outlining the schedule for the roll-out of the dial-to-stop drug dealing non-Garda confidential phoneline campaign. [46625/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 35 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, the Dial-to-Stop Drug Dealing Campaign was officially launched on 30 September 2008. This initiative involves a number of local and regional campaigns run through the mechanism of the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces. The campaigns are designed to encourage people to provide any information they may have on drug dealing — anonymously if required — through a confidential telephone line. This information will then be forwarded to An Garda Síochána. It should be noted that each local campaign has been tailored to the requirements of each area — as identified by the Drugs Task Force — working closely with local communities. The input and co-operation of local communities is essential to maximise the effect of the campaign in their areas.
All Task Forces were canvassed in 2007 and again in 2008 to gauge their interest in running a campaign. The NDST then assessed applications based on readiness and willingness to proceed, the capacity of the Task Force to deliver and the potential impact of the campaigns in the Task Force areas. The Task Forces to which the Deputy refers did not meet these criteria.
Overall, I believe that the campaign to date has proved to be successful. According to the latest information on it, there have been approximately 1,100 calls to the phone-line which has generated 306 information reports to the Gardaí. An Garda Síochána have confirmed that, to date, information gathered as a result of the Dial-to-Stop Drug Dealing campaign has proved useful to their enquiries and has yielded one significant seizure. The first phase of the campaign ran across five Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces areas. In all areas where the campaign has rolled out, the local Gardaí are following strong lines of enquiry resulting from the information arising from the free phone number.
It is planned that campaigns in the remaining Task Force areas that opted to run a campaign will be rolled out this year. In addition to providing further information that will aid the Gardaí's efforts in tackling drug dealing in local areas, it is expected that campaigns will have significant added value in promoting greater links between the community and the Gardaí and in promoting drug awareness at community level.
The next phases of the campaign will be funded with Dormant Accounts support. Approval is currently being sought for these proposals and a decision is expected in the coming weeks. Following approval, it is planned to run the campaigns in the following Drugs Task Force areas: Cork City LDTF & Southern RDTF area; Mid West RDTF including Limerick City; North Dublin City & County RDTF; and South East RDTF; Bray, Dun Laoghaire and Finglas Cabra LDTFs; and East Coast and Midlands RDTFs.
Public Communications Centre, the agency tasked with co-ordinating the campaign, has conducted an evaluation of its first phase and the recommendations made will serve to improve the subsequent campaigns. These recommendations have been circulated to all Task Forces to be taken on board, in so far as practicable, when developing future campaigns. However, each campaign will continue to be planned and launched by the Task Force, in conjunction with local communities.
36 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Michael D. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cathain a fhoilseofar an reachtaíocht i leith Údarás na Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [2567/09]
Tá an cheist maidir le cumhachtaí agus feidhmeanna Údarás na Gaeltachta á mheas faoi láthair i gcomhthéacs phlé an Choiste Rialtais a bunaíodh chun scrúdú a dhéanamh ar mholtaí a d'eascair ón Staidéar Teangeolaíoch ar Úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.
38 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to the press release of the Minister of State at her Department on 3 December 2008, her Department’s efforts to support the forum established; the meetings of the forum which have taken place; if she is satisfied with the progress of the forum to date; the objectives that she hopes that the forum will achieve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2800/09]
A Forum which consists of representatives of IBEC and the Irish Hotels Federation, on behalf of employers in the industry, and SIPTU was established in December 2008. The principle objective of the Forum is to contribute to the development of a sustainable industry providing high quality employment. I understand that the Forum held its first meeting on the 4th of December, 2008.
I was greatly encouraged by the decision to establish the Forum. Together with the good work being done on the amalgamation of the two Catering Joint labour Committees, I saw it as a timely initiative by representatives of employers and trade unions in the hospitality sector to tackle current competitiveness challenges facing that sector and to contribute to the development of a sustainable industry providing high quality employment. I understand that, while the Forum would have regard to a wide range of employment and industrial relations issues arising from the current challenges facing the hotels sector, priority attention would be given to the current difficulties in the sector as a result of the operation of the JLC system, with particular reference to the issue of the Sunday Premium.
The decision to establish the Forum was made by the employer and worker representatives in the sector and the Forum's role and functions are a matter for agreement between those bodies. While I welcome the initiative of the Social Partners in establishing this Forum, I have no function with regard to its operation.
39 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in relation to programmes or other activities delivered by or on behalf of her Department, problems have arisen with an organisation (details supplied); if in the event that there have been such problems, she will describe their nature and detail, in particular, all aspects that involve funding allocations that were either paid or committed to that organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2801/09]
40 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the nature and consequences of legal or other advices that she or her Department sought or received in relation to an organisation (details supplied); the action carried out by the internal audit function of her Department as well as the nature and consequences of any other audits or control procedures that were commissioned or undertaken within her Department, by associated agencies or otherwise and that involved the activities of this organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2802/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together.
My Department has provided funding, both directly and through Government agencies, to the organisation in question for the management and delivery of programmes and activities and the organisation is therefore accountable to my Department in this regard. In the normal course of events, issues with regard to the delivery of such programmes and activities have at times arisen and have in the majority of cases been resolved to the satisfaction of the relevant Government agencies and my Department.
However, my Department is currently engaged in seeking to resolve an issue relating to the provision of ESF co-financing to the organisation in question. My Department is responsible for the management and implementation of the European Social Fund co-financed EQUAL Community Initiative 2000-2006 through the EQUAL Managing Authority. The organisation in question was the Designate Lead Partner for a project that received EU funding under the EQUAL Community Initiative. Following an ESF Financial Control Unit audit (based in my Department) in 2006 a number of issues arose regarding the administration of the project.
Following legal advice received from the Office of the Attorney General, my Department has issued proceedings in the High Court by way of Summary Summons against the organisation concerned seeking the recovery of funding relating to this project. As this matter is currently before the court, my Department is not in a position to comment further as to do so might encroach upon the functions of the court.
41 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the extensive flooding in the Shannon Callows region in the summer of 2008; the plans he has to address this issue; if he will ensure that silt banks that have built up along the Shannon banks will be cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2830/09]
43 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Finance when he will pursue further works particularly in view of the summer flooding in 2008 following the first phase of work in the Shannon Callows drainage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2832/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 43 together.
The Shannon Callows are prone to annual winter flooding and to periodic summer flooding, affecting both farming and environmental interests in the area, including EU protected species. The exceptional rainfall in 2008 exacerbated the flooding, which is caused mainly by the extremely flat gradient of the river. This makes it very difficult to devise a cost-effective solution. I personally visited the area with my officials on 12 September last, in the company of the IFA President, Pádráig Walsh, and local farmers and public representatives to see the problems for myself. The Office of Public Works carried out some clearance of vegetation in the area, which, although not sufficient to prevent the flooding last year, has improved the situation. This work was carried out with the agreement of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and in consultation with other stakeholders.
There is a proposal to remove silt from the Shannon Cut to try to improve the situation further. Although OPW has some reservations as to how effective this will be, it is prepared to undertake a pilot project to test the efficacy of the measure, provided it is possible to do so in a cost-effective and environmentally acceptable manner. Preliminary discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service raised a number of issues, and OPW will meet with the stakeholders during February with a view to securing agreement to proceed with the pilot project.
The long-term management of summer flooding of the Callows will have to have regard to the availability of resources in addition to environmental constraints. and these issues will be considered in the course of the development of a Flood Risk Management Plan for the Shannon River Basin, which will be prepared in accordance with the EU Floods Directive.
42 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if the €200 levy will apply to an out of town but urban shopping complex as in the case of a complex (details supplied) in County Cork; if employees will be expected to pay a parking levy while customers park free; if the levy will apply to employees who work non-standard hours or who work when public transportation is unavailable or inconvenient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2862/09]
The introduction of the car parking levy is designed to reduce congestion. The levy will apply to employer-provided parking facilities in the major urban centres of Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. The specific areas in which the levy will apply will be designated by Order of the Minister for Finance following consultation with the five city councils concerned. An employee will be liable to the levy where: he or she has an entitlement to use a parking space for the parking of a vehicle covered by the levy, the parking space is provided directly or indirectly by the employer, and the parking space is located in an area designated by me as Minister for Finance.
The amount of the levy is reduced in the case of shift workers. Anyone starting or finishing work after 9 o'clock in the evening or before 7 o'clock in the morning will have the part of the year during which they are on shift work involving those hours disregarded for the purposes of calculating the levy. For example, someone doing such shift work for 3 months of the year would be liable to pay €150 (i.e. €200 less ¼ excluded because of shift work).
I have already stated that, in deciding the parts of the cities in question that should be designated, I will have regard to the availability of public transport, the relative value of the car parking spaces and the level of congestion in the relevant parts of those cities. My approach reflects the reality of the problem which the levy seeks to address, while avoiding its imposition on a disproportionate basis on those who avail of car parking facilities in areas without excessive congestion problems.
44 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the taxation which applies to the owners and operators of car parks; the tax exemptions applicable; if changes in taxation are intended in relation to car parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2861/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Tax Acts apply different rules to the computation of taxable income depending on the source of the income. Where a person operates a car park he or she is treated as carrying on a trade and is taxed accordingly. Where the owner of a car park leases the car park to an operator the income received from the operator is treated as rental income and different rules apply to the taxation of such income. While the computation of the tax liability is broadly similar for both types of income, there are some differences. For example, where a trade is being carried on, the general position is that expenses of a revenue nature that are wholly and exclusively incurred for the purposes of the trade can be deducted in computing the taxable income. Tax relief is also available where expenditure is incurred on certain capital assets that qualify as plant and machinery and that are used for the purposes of a trade. In the case of rental income, expenses are deductible on a more restrictive basis.
Where a business generates losses instead of profits the losses are treated differently for both types of activity. In a rental situation where expenses exceed rents, the loss can only be used to reduce taxable rental income in years subsequent to that in which the loss arises whereas trading losses can be used to reduce other non-trading taxable income in the same year as that in which the loss arises, but can only be used to reduce taxable income from the same trade where it continues to be carried on in subsequent years.
In so far as value-added tax (VAT) is concerned, the position is that traders providing car-parking facilities are obliged to charge VAT at the standard rate of 21.5% in respect of the provision of such facilities. There are currently no specific tax exemptions or incentives available for the construction or operation of car parks. A scheme of tax relief for multi-storey car parks that applied on a countrywide basis came into operation from 1 July 1995. Tax relief was also available for car parks (not necessarily multi-storey) where they met the qualifying conditions for the urban, rural and town renewal schemes. Following a review of these schemes carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants in 2005, my predecessor announced the termination of the schemes in Budget 2006. The effect of the termination was that only expenditure that was incurred on the construction of car parks up to 31 July 2008 can qualify for tax relief.
Any proposals for changes in taxation in relation to car parks, like all proposals for new tax or expenditure measures, will fall to be considered in the context of the ongoing development of budgetary and economic policy.
45 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the upper age level at which an incapacitated child tax credit is made available to a parent; if that is available to a parent, notwithstanding that the person concerned is in receipt of disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2897/09]
The position is that the incapacitated child tax credit can be claimed by a parent for a child who is permanently incapacitated either physically or mentally from maintaining himself or herself and had become so before reaching 21 years of age or finishing full-time education. Once a child qualifies for the incapacitated child tax credit the credit continues to be available in respect of that child without regard to the child's age. The incapacitated child tax credit can be claimed regardless of whether the parent or child is in receipt of disability allowance.
46 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2916/09]
This question relates to issues raised by "Friends of Banking Ireland". I have been informed by the Financial Regulator that it met Friends of Banking Ireland on 13 November 2008 and that a number of issues relating to the role of the Financial Regulator, the reach of the consumer protection code, the complaints process for individual redress and the confidentiality obligations under which it operates were clarified. Further contact was to be maintained between the two organisations to pursue outstanding matters.
Complaints from individual consumers (which includes incorporated bodies with a turnover of up to €3 million) are referred to and determined by the Financial Services Ombudsman. However, the general principles of the Consumer Protection Code apply to all dealings between regulated firms and all customers and not just for consumers as defined above.
I do not accept that there is a case for a commissioner of investigation, as proposed by Friends of Ireland Banking, to address the particular issues raised at this time. Reviews have commenced on the Regulator's strategic regulatory approach and also on its business processes and procedures. I look forward to receiving the outcome of those reviews as quickly as possible. Furthermore, speedy progress is being made at an EU level on a common approach to enhanced financial regulation. Any decision on financial regulatory reform will be informed by and consistent with the outcome of these national and international reviews.
47 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who earned income, between 30 November 2008 and 27 December 2008, and which money was duly paid in January 2009, had the 1% levy applied to same, despite same being earned prior to 1 January 2009, when the levy came into operation; if in these circumstances, the amount deducted in respect of the levy will be refunded to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2924/09]
The position is that, on the basis of the legislation as enacted, the employer is legally obliged to deduct income levy from all payments of emoluments (which would include salary, bonus payments and other payments in the nature of pay) made to his or her employees where payment of those emoluments takes place on any date on or after 1 January 2009 irrespective of the period to which the payments relate. As the income levy was correctly deducted from the person (details supplied) in County Westmeath there is no basis for a refund to be made.
PAYE income tax, Pay Related Social Insurance Contributions and Health Contributions are all similarly deducted on arrears of pay, bonuses, and other payments in the nature of pay at the rates in force at the date of payment, notwithstanding that the payments relate to a year other than that in which the payment is made. The income levies introduced in the Finance Acts 1983 and 1993 operated on the same basis.
48 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the full extent of the national debt as recorded in the 12 months to date; the corresponding periods over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2970/09]
The National Debt totalled €50,398 million at the end of 2008. The figures for the years 2003-2007 are outlined in the following table.
|
Year ending December |
National Debt Total |
|
€m |
|
|
2003 |
37,611 |
|
2004 |
37,846 |
|
2005 |
38,182 |
|
2006 |
35,917 |
|
2007 |
37,559 |
49 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance his views on reports that a bank with a State guarantee (details supplied) is refusing to pass on European Central Bank interest rate cuts to mortgage holders; and his views on any similar behaviour by other guaranteed and non-guaranteed banks operating here. [2971/09]
The decision on whether an institution operating in Ireland passes on ECB interest rate cuts to customers is a commercial decision for the institution concerned. While my Department monitors the impact of changes in mortgage interest rates on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), it has no direct function in relation to the individual institution's decisions on the matter. However, as the Deputy will be aware, I have publicly indicated that I expect institutions to pass on funding cost reductions to their customers, including in particular to those purchasing properties on variable mortgages and to small and medium-sized enterprises. This is important to help support sustainable growth and employment along with the maintenance of price stability.
I have been informed by the Financial Regulator that all of the covered institutions, including the institution concerned, have fully passed on each ECB interest rate cut since the bank guarantee scheme was introduced. I understand that the institution concerned will pass on the most recent cut from February 6, 2009. My Department will continue to work closely with the Financial Regulator to ensure that those institutions covered by the bank guarantee scheme do not pass on the costs of the bank guarantee to their customers in an unwarranted manner. However, it must be borne in mind that credit institutions are not primarily funded from the ECB but from a variety of sources and the cost of much of their funding has been significantly above ECB rates over the last year.
50 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is proposed to introduce legislation providing for country of origin labelling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2874/09]
General labelling is currently governed by Directive 2000/13/EC, which makes compulsory the indication of particulars of the place of origin or provenance only where failure to give such particulars might mislead the consumer to a material degree as to the true origin or provenance of the foodstuff. During 2008, the Department of Health & Children, on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, proposed to introduce national legislation making mandatory country of origin labelling on poultry meat, pigmeat and sheepmeat and on processed foods containing at least 70% of these meats. This received a negative response from the European Commission, on the grounds that it was contrary to the principle of harmonisation and would create a disproportionate obstacle to the free movement of goods within the EU if implemented.
In the Commission's proposal on the provision of food information to the consumer, issued in January 2008, similar provisions to those outlined in Directive 2000/13/EC are proposed. In addition, however, allowance is made for a voluntary national measure, with mandatory requirements. Where a Food Business Operator chooses to use country of origin labelling, Article 35 of the proposal states that "where the country of origin or the place of provenance of the food is not the same as the one of its primary ingredient(s), the country of origin or place of provenance of those ingredient(s) shall also be given". It adds that, "for meat, other than beef and veal, the indication on the country of origin or place of provenance may be given as a single place only where animals have been born, reared and slaughtered in the same country or place. In other cases information on each of the different places of birth, rearing and slaughter shall be given."
Ireland submitted its position paper on the Food Information proposal on 5th November 2008. In this proposal, Ireland pressed for mandatory country of origin labelling for all foodstuffs. Ireland suggested that, for meat, information be also given regarding the country of birth, rearing and slaughter (where different from the country of origin). The Department of Health & Children will continue to pursue this issue through the EU Working Group charged with developing the proposal. It is expected that the proposal will not be finalised until at least late 2009.
51 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [2790/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
52 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a payment under the health repayment scheme will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2798/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
53 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a payment under the health repayment scheme will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2799/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
54 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange to have a person (details supplied) in County Cork admitted to hospital for a special surgical procedure. [2817/09]
The management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. Therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for investigation and for direct reply to the Deputy.
Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on his behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to his case.
55 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has sought home help from the Health Service Executive has not been assessed to date. [2818/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
56 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the announcement by the Health Service Executive in 2008 that it planned to develop 3,000 community based long-stay beds between now and 2013 involving an investment of around €600 million; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2839/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
57 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details of a capital project (details supplied) in County Cork. [2871/09]
In drawing up its capital programme, the Health Service Executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects to be progressed within its overall capital funding allocation under the National Development Plan, taking account of the NDP targets for division of capital investment between the Acute and Primary, Community & Continuing Care programmes.
The Executive has submitted a draft capital plan which sets out its proposed short and long term priorities in the context of funding notified as part of Budget 2009 and changes in construction costs. Consultation on the draft capital plan is ongoing between the HSE and my Department. The HSE is currently engaged in providing additional clarification on its proposed capital developments. Details on individual projects will not be known until such time as the capital plan for 2009 is approved.
58 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 who applied for funding in respect of the opening of pre-school facilities has not received a response in view of the fact that it is 12 months since they made their application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2885/09]
The National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006-2010 is implemented by my Office with the assistance of Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the programme and, at local level, by the City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs).
As the Deputy may be aware, applications for capital grant funding under the NCIP are processed, in the first instance, by the CCCs and are then forwarded to Pobal. Final consideration of applications is made by the Childcare Directorate of my Office and they are then recommended for decision by the Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children, who is the Accounting Officer responsible for the NCIP. I understand that the applicant in question has made two separate applications for funding, for premises in Knocklyon and Templeogue, and that these were received by Pobal in June 2008. These are now at the final stage of processing in my Office and I understand that a decision will be communicated to the applicant in the coming weeks.
59 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date in services and assistance for women who have had symphysiotomies in the north east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2901/09]
My predecessor, Minister Martin, met with the Survivors of Symphysiotomy (SOS) Group in late 2003 and agreed that a range of measures would be put in place to support the Group. I subsequently met with the Chairperson of the SOS Group in early 2007 who expressed satisfaction with regard to the progress made in this regard. My Department has requested the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on the specific issue raised.
60 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the deployment of personnel in the Health Service Executive (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2902/09]
Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Governments ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
61 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2903/09]
The issue of medical consent required for the treatment of children is not governed by any specific piece of legislation. What is required in a given situation falls to be determined on the basis of the facts of an individual case. In medical emergencies, for example, urgent treatment may be provided to a child in the absence of express consents where it is necessary to save the life of the child. The age of the child is also relevant with this issue being provided for in the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 for children over 16 years.
I have contacted the Health Service Executive in this regard and I understand that the Executive has developed guidelines entitled "Procedure for obtaining consent for non emergency treatment/services from parents of children and young people under the age of 18 years". These guidelines give the necessary clarity in relation to this matter and I shall arrange for a copy to be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. I understand from the HSE that these guidelines will be available on the HSE website in the near future. If the Deputy is aware of any particular case where the issue of medical consent needs to be clarified then the individual concerned should contact his/her Local Health Office in this regard.
62 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify the way assessment of income on savings is determined and at the rates applicable for medical card applicants over 70; if the assessment is based on the previous tax year or on the income that a person would receive if the money were invested now; if a couple who are assessed separately for income tax purposes must make a joint declaration; the way these assessments will be determined when only one person is over 70; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2907/09]
Under the Health Act 2008, automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons aged 70 or over ceased on 31st December 2008, and with effect from 1st January 2009, the income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 or over is €700 (gross) per week (€36,500 per year) for a single person and €1,400 (gross) per week (€73,000 per year) for a couple. Where the spouse/partner is under 70 years of age, he/she can qualify under the over 70s medical card scheme if the combined gross incomes of the applicant and dependant spouse/partner are within the income threshold limit of €1,400 (gross) per week. The Act does not provide for individual assessment for couples.
Under the over 70s medical card scheme, from 1st January 2009 any savings and similar investments up to €36,000 (single)/€72,000 (couple) will be disregarded and only interest from savings or similar investments above these figures will be considered as income for means testing purposes. The remainder of savings and similar investments will be assessed on the income calculated at a notional interest rate, based on the prevailing interest rates at the time of application. The Health Service Executive's (HSE) Central Application Unit will review the notional rate (currently 3%) on a quarterly basis.
Alternatively, where an applicant wishes to have the actual interest from savings/investments considered, then the HSE will apply this approach and use the most beneficial option in favour of the applicant, subject to submission of the appropriate certificates from the relevant institutions. In the case of "longer term" investment accounts, where the interest is only applied at the end of a fixed period, if the applicant so wishes, the HSE will only take account of the interest earned on the date the investment matures.
63 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2908/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
64 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of occupational therapists available in the Kildare and west Wicklow area to children who suffer from dyspraxia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2909/09]
Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Governments ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
65 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if the redress board will assist a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2911/09]
The Government approved the establishment of a Redress Board to administer an ex gratia scheme of redress for certain former patients of Dr Neary. The Board which was chaired by Judge Maureen Harding Clark recently concluded its work and all awards determined have been notified to successful applicants. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specific circumstances of a particular case.
66 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath is entitled to a medical card here based on their work and pension rights in the UK. [2912/09]
Regulation (EC) 1408/71 deals with the coordination of social security schemes, including healthcare, for those moving within the European Union. Under its provisions, persons residing in Ireland who are attached to the social security system of another member state are entitled to receive healthcare services in Ireland at the cost of the member state with which they are affiliated. This is in accordance with Annex VI of the Regulation (text relating to Ireland), which states that such persons "are entitled free of charge to all medical treatment provided for by Irish legislation where the cost of this treatment is payable by the institution of a Member State other than Ireland."
Persons covered by the above Regulation include persons in receipt of a qualifying UK pension, or UK employed persons who are resident in Ireland and not also in receipt of a contributory social welfare payment or pension from Ireland and who are not employed in Ireland, and their dependants. Such persons receive a medical card as evidence of their entitlement under the provisions of Regulation 1408/71. Being a British National does not, of itself, guarantee entitlement.
67 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for occupational therapy through the school support team structure or prior to its establishment who have sought such a service for each year of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2917/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
68 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of occupational therapists in the Kildare and west Wicklow section of the Health Service Executive; if this number is as determined by the HSE national service plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2919/09]
Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Governments ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
69 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the appropriate and proper resources have not been made available for the provision of comprehensive dermatology services at a hospital (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2921/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
70 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the eligibility guidelines for medical cards for persons over 70 years in the context of recent changes announced concerning the position in relation to the means test of people with savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2925/09]
Under the Health Act 2008, automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons aged 70 or over ceased on 31st December 2008, and with effect from 1st January 2009, the income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over is €700 (gross) per week (€36,500 per year) for a single person and €1,400 (gross) per week (€73,000 per year) for a couple.
As part of the means test for persons aged 70 or over after 1st January 2009, any savings and similar investments up to €36,000 (single) / €72,000 (couple) will be disregarded and only interest from savings or similar investments above these figures will be considered as income for means testing purposes.
71 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the details of funding approved to date by his Department for a local authority road project (details supplied) in County Cork. [2870/09]
76 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the details of funding approved to date for a local authority road project (details supplied) in County Cork. [2872/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 76 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in their areas is a matter for local authorities to be funded from their own resources supplemented by State grants. From 2002 to the end of 2008, State road grants totalling €251,595 have been paid to Cork County Council for the Carrigaline Western Relief Road. The council has sought further funding for this scheme in 2009 and this request is being considered in the context of road grants for 2009 which will be announced shortly.
72 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport his views on implementing a system of universal protection for the travelling public irrespective of the way they booked their trip; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2805/09]
73 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport his views of reducing the level of the travel agent’s bond to 2%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2806/09]
74 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has assessed the level of administrative burden imposed by it and by agencies under its aegis on travel agents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2807/09]
75 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if he, his Department, or agencies of his Department have made estimates with regard to the level of illegal activity within the travel trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2808/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 to 75, inclusive, together.
Statutory responsibility for regulation of the travel trade rests with the Commission for Aviation Regulation. I have no function in this regard. However, as the existing legislative framework for the regulation of the travel trade has been in existence since 1982 in May last year I asked the Commissioner, Mr. Cathal Guiomard, to undertake a comprehensive review of the travel trade legislation. The purpose of the review was to assess the operation of the current regulatory arrangements and to recommend any reforms that may be warranted.
Following an extensive consultation process, the Commissioner submitted his report to me on 30 December 2008 which I have published on my Department's website www.transport.ie. I am currently examining the Commissioner's findings and recommendations and I will also consult with my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, on the report's findings in the context of consumer protection policy generally.
77 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport the action he will take to ensure that Dublin Bus and CIÉ management do not cut routes and staff when increased public transport provision is required; the timescale for the review of bus provision within the greater Dublin area, including cross-city routes that cover growing population areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2881/09]
It is a matter for Dublin Bus and CIÉ, within the resources available to them from fare revenue and Exchequer subvention to optimise the management of their services to ensure the financial stability of the company while maintaining as high a level of service as possible. Decisions in regard to service rationalisations necessary to restore balance in the company's finances are matters for the company. I published, on Tuesday last, the report by Deloittes on a Cost and Efficiency Review of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus and I have asked the Chairman of both companies to bring forward at an early date a programme to implement the recommendations in the report. The implementation of the report provides the opportunity to review and adjust the network and services to secure efficiencies and to re-focus on the needs of the customers and on increasing passenger numbers.
78 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason non-licensed security companies are still operating in County Sligo, despite the fact that they have been investigated by Private Security Authority inspectors; the reason no prosecutions of these companies have taken place; his views on whether these illegal security companies being operational is unfair on legitimate licensed companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2794/09]
The Deputy will appreciate that the Private Security Authority is an independent statutory body established under the Private Security Services Act, 2004. The primary purpose of the Authority is to control and supervise those who are providing private security services in the State, to establish standards in the provision of those services, and to investigate complaints against providers of such services.
I am informed by the Authority that it investigates all reports and information it receives concerning unlicensed providers of security services which require such action. The Authority has already demonstrated its preparedness to bring cases to Court where there is sufficient evidence to support a prosecution for non-compliance with the Act. The Authority has informed me that, to date, 24 cases of non-compliance with the legislation in this regard have gone through the Courts and 19 providers and 1 user of an unlicensed contractor have been prosecuted. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual cases but I can say that more cases involving the illegal provision of security services are currently before the Courts.
The Authority informs me that it continues to work closely with the Garda Síochána, Revenue Commissioners, other statutory bodies and the private security industry in developing operational frameworks to support its responsibilities. It aims to ensure that all contractors in the country operate within the law and where there is sufficient evidence, a prosecution will be pursued against those operating outside the legislation.
79 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to ensure monitoring of PULSE to ensure members of An Garda Síochána adhere to their legal and disciplinary obligations in regard to its proper use; if audit trails of the usage of PULSE and other official systems can always be accurate and verifiable, as recommended by the Garda Ombudsman Commission following the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2826/09]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that they comply fully with their obligations under the Data Protection Acts 1988. Following formal approval by the Data Protection Commissioner a "Data Protection Code of Practice" has been issued to every member and employee of the organisation. As regards PULSE, the system itself incorporates an accurate audit system which records all record creations and updates made. The audit records include the date and time when the update on the system took place and contain details of the user signed onto the system at that time. The audit trails also record all inquires made on the core items of interest on the PULSE system including Person and Vehicle.
These audit records are automatically written at the time the transaction takes place. They can only be accessed centrally and are not available or visible to users. Finally, I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the recommendations in the report of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission into the incident in question are being examined.
80 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in relation to the naturalisation process in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and when they can expect a result. [2840/09]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2008. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. The Citizenship Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in mid 2007. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average while an element of straight forward cases are now being dealt with in less than that time scale. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
81 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is envisaged that the new remand centre attached to Castlerea Prison in County Roscommon will be up and running; and the number of staff who will be employed there. [2857/09]
It is intended that all aspects of the new wing including construction, fitting-out and security related works will be completed by mid to end of March 2009. It is then intended to bring the Unit into operation on a phased basis. The number of staff to be employed in the new wing attached to Castlerea Prison is currently being given careful consideration and it would not, therefore, be appropriate to comment further at this time.
82 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the level of staff resources at a Garda station (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he has plans to increase these resources in view of the rapid growth of the area. [2865/09]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Carrigaline Garda Station as at 31 December 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available was 19. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the allocation of Gardaí to the station referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of policing requirements throughout the country.
83 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his policy regarding the length of time individuals spend on deportation orders; if there is a maximum period covering such orders for individuals who have not been involved in any criminal activities; if any individuals on long standing deportation orders have eventually been granted leave to stay here on compassionate grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2880/09]
Deportation Orders are made by the Department's officials and signed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform pursuant to Section 3, Subsection 2 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. The aforementioned Act has itself been subsequently amended by Section 10 of the Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Act, 2000. There are two types of Deportation Order as follows: (i) A consent Order and (ii) An enforcement Order.
(i) A consent Order is made in accordance with Section 3(8) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and is made on foot of a signed consent in writing from the person concerned. Said Order has a limited lifespan of 3 months duration. This means that if the person the subject of the Order has not removed himself/herself from the State within the specified period, the Order lapses and ceases to have any effect.
(ii) An enforcement Order, however, has no such limitation and exists in perpetuity unless it is revoked by the Minister. The revocation of a Deportation Order may be sought pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. However such an application would require substantial and compelling new grounds in order to be successful. My Department does not keep statistics on the number of Section 3(11) applications where leave to remain is subsequently granted on humanitarian grounds.
Deportation Orders will usually quote one of two subsections of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. Subsection 2(f) refers to persons who have been refused refugee status in the State while Subsection 2(i) refers to persons whose removal would, in the opinion of the Minister, be conducive to the common good. The latter category covers persons who for reasons other than refusal of refugee status have nonetheless become illegally present in the State. The effect of a Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.
The onus is on a person served with a Deportation Order, to remove himself/herself from the State thereby complying with the provisions of the Order. When a person fails to comply with his/her obligations under a validly served Deportation Order, that person is deemed to be evading his/her Deportation Order and is classified as such. In the event of non-compliance with a Deportation Order, the State, specifically the Garda National Immigration Bureau, may proceed to enforce the Order. This may involve arrest and detention in accordance with Immigration law.
84 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the application of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has requested leave to remain on humanitarian grounds. [2913/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum in the State on 17 November 2004. Her two children were included in her application. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. The person concerned then lodged Judicial Review Proceedings in the High Court challenging the determination of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner that she not be declared to be a refugee. Following the resolution of these Proceedings, the person concerned was afforded a fresh consideration of her asylum claim by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. This further consideration took place but again the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. The person concerned appealed this recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal who affirmed the earlier recommendation.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 13 February 2008, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her children. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her children should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome. In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
85 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will change legislation to ensure personal details will be protected (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2915/09]
My Department keeps Data Protection Legislation under continuous review. However, I am advised that the situation described by the Deputy is already adequately covered by the Data Protection Acts.
86 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency or citizenship in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2938/09]
Both persons to whom the Deputy refers were granted permission to remain in the State in 1999, under the arrangements then in place for the non-EEA parents of Irish citizen children. The permission granted is currently valid until 31 January 2009 in both cases. The renewal of this permission is a matter to be dealt with by the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
87 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2939/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum in the State on 7 February 2005. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 29 December 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
88 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency status in the case of a person (detail supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2940/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum in the State on 25 February 2005. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 22 May 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
89 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the grounds on which the deportation order has issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2941/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 2 June 2005. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. The person concerned was notified of his entitlement to appeal this determination to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal but chose to not do so.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 13 January 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned. The person concerned later submitted an application to be re-admitted to the asylum process in accordance with the provisions of Section 17(7) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended). Following consideration of this application, a decision was made to refuse the application.
On 10 October 2006, regulations known as the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) came into force. The person concerned was notified of his entitlement to submit an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations. The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State and, following consideration of this application, it was determined that the person concerned was not eligible for Subsidiary Protection in the State. The person concerned was notified of this decision by letter dated 21 August 2008.
His case was then examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended, on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations submitted on his behalf by his legal representative for permission to remain in the State. On 13 January 2009, I refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of him. Notice of this order was served by registered post which obliges the person concerned to leave the State. The person concerned is required to present himself at the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 on Thursday 5 February 2009 in order to make travel arrangements for his removal from the State.
I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum, for Subsidiary Protection and for temporary leave to remain in the State, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport him is justified. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the GNIB.
90 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if citizenship status is expected to be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2942/09]
Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
91 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2943/09]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 234 of Thursday 18 December 2008, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that reply.
92 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2944/09]
I refer the Deputy to the reply given to his Parliamentary Question No. 240 on Thursday 24 April 2008. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in that reply. The person concerned has continued to meet her presentation requirements with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). She is due to present again on Thursday 29 January 2009. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the GNIB.
93 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2945/09]
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.
94 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 271 of 2 December 2008, the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if consideration will be given to expediting the procedures having particular regard to the vintage of this particular case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2946/09]
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 955 of 24 September 2008, concerning the procedures in place in applying for permission to remain on the basis of being a dependant family member of a person granted permission to remain as the parent of an Irish citizen child. As stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 271 of 2 December 2008, an application in this regard, from the person concerned, has not been received in my Department and thus the overall position remains unchanged.
95 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will offer residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2947/09]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy entered the State on a C-Visit Visa. A C-Visit Visa is granted for visits of 90 days or less and it is the general policy not to extend permission to remain to persons who are admitted on a C-Visit Visa, save in very exceptional and unforeseen circumstances. A wrap-around information sheet accompanies every visa application form. That sheet makes it clear to the applicant that, in general, persons granted visas for particular purposes are not permitted to remain in the State for any purpose other than that for which the visa was granted.
The daughter of the person referred to by the Deputy wrote to the Immigration Division of my Department on 7 October 2008 seeking an extension of permission on behalf of her father to remain in the State. Following consideration of the request, my Department decided that the position of her father did not warrant an extension of his C-Visit Visa period and his daughter was informed accordingly on 12 January 2009.
96 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to allegations in respect of a false passport in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2948/09]
The person concerned was granted Leave to Remain in the State until 19 December 2010. He was notified of this decision by letter dated 19 December 2007. His current period of registration expires on 8 April 2009. My Department has no knowledge of the allegation referred to in the Deputy's Question. The Deputy might wish to note that the reference number included in his Question does not relate to the person concerned.
97 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2949/09]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the first named person was granted permission to remain in the State in July of 2002 on the basis of being the family dependant of a person granted permission to remain as the parent of an Irish citizen child. The permission granted expired on 8 January 2009. The person concerned is advised to contact the Garda National Immigration Bureau with a view to having that permission extended. I should add that children are not required to register in their own right until reaching the age of sixteen.
98 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the application for residency or citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2950/09]
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.
99 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress in the case of the application for residency or citizenship for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2951/09]
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.
100 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress in the matter of the application for residency or citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2952/09]
Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question. I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question has not made an application for Long Term Residency.
101 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in the application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2953/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 10 August 2005. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 31 August 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
102 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when citizenship status will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare and family reunification in respect of their mother; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2954/09]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November 2007. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. The Citizenship Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in mid 2007. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average while an element of straight forward cases are now being dealt with in less than that time scale.
There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria. However, I understand that the person concerned is a refugee and in accordance with the Government's obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees every effort is made to ensure that applications from persons with refugee status are dealt with as quickly as possible. I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question has not made a Family Reunification application on behalf of her mother.
103 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if alternative facilities will be offered to facilitate the application for citizenship or continued residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2955/09]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in July 2008. On examination of the application it was determined that the person in question did not meet the residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. The applicant was informed on this in a letter issued on 9 October, 2008. It is open to the person concerned to lodge a new application if and when he is in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.
I am informed that there is a discrepancy between the address the Deputy has provided and the address my Department holds on file. It is the responsibility of the applicant to keep the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) informed of any change of address in writing. I have been informed by the Repatriation Unit of my Department that the person concerned was granted permission to reside and to take up employment in this State for three years up to 10 January, 2011. His case will be reviewed at the end of that period.
104 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in the case of residency status regarding a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2956/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 19 December 2003. Following investigation by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, it was established that the person concerned had previously made an asylum application in the United Kingdom and, as such, a determination was made that the person concerned should be transferred to the United Kingdom, in accordance with the provisions of the Dublin II Regulations, for the purposes of having his asylum application examined there. This determination was upheld following an appeal to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Consequently, a Transfer Order was signed in respect of the person concerned on 1 March 2004. This Order was served on the person concerned, by letter dated 2 July 2004, which placed a legal obligation on the person concerned to present himself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), on Monday, 12 July 2004, to make arrangements for his formal transfer to the United Kingdom. The person concerned failed to ‘present' on this occasion and was therefore classified as having ‘evaded' his transfer. The person concerned became illegally resident in this State at that time.
The person concerned continued to evade his transfer with the consequence that the Transfer Order expired leaving Ireland responsible for processing the asylum application of the person concerned. At this point the case of the person concerned was referred back to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner for the purposes of having his asylum claims investigated. Subsequently, the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner made a recommendation that the person concerned be refused a declaration of refugee status. This recommendation was upheld by the Refugee Appeal Tribunal.
In accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 23 June 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
105 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in the case of naturalisation in the name of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2957/09]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation on behalf of the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in January 2008 and I decided to refuse the application. The reason for refusal was disclosed to the parent of the person concerned in a letter issued on 30 October, 2008. It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application on behalf of their child if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.
106 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status or family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2958/09]
I refer the Deputy to my answers to his previous Parliamentary Questions. I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that a Family Reunification application was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in May 2002 and that a decision was issued in January 2005. A review of that decision was carried out in 2005 and following the review the person in question was notified that the original decision was upheld.
A new application for Family Reunification was received from the person in question in December 2007. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. The investigation has been completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department. The report will be considered by my Department and a decision on the application will issue in due course. At present, applications are taking twenty-four months to process.
107 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin and family reunification in respect of their daughter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2959/09]
I refer the Deputy to my previous reply to his Parliamentary Question 162 of 14 October 2008. I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy made an application for Family Reunification in April 2006. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. The investigation has been completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department.
However, following a request from the legal representatives of the person in question, my Department suspended the processing of the application until such time as submissions have been made by them on behalf of their client. My Department will consider the application further following the receipt of the submissions.
108 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will meet the families of the Miami Five in Cuba when visiting in February 2009. [2842/09]
The case to which the Deputy refers relates to five Cuban men, known as the Miami Five, who were convicted in the US in 2001 on charges ranging from espionage to first degree murder. On 4 June 2008, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, Georgia, issued its judgement on appeals lodged on behalf of the five.
The Circuit Court concluded that the appellants' arguments, which centred on the suppression of evidence, sovereign immunity, discovery, jury selection, and the trial itself, were without merit and that there was sufficient evidence to support each conviction. The sentences of two of the defendants were affirmed, while the remaining three men have been sent for re-sentencing. It is my understanding that the defendants' legal counsel intends to appeal to the US Supreme Court on 30 January. As I have previously stated, the Government has no standing in this matter, which is a bilateral consular question between the US and the Cuban authorities and, consequently, I do not intend to pursue this matter during my forthcoming visit to Cuba.
109 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will develop dialogue with Cuba. [2843/09]
With a view to developing Ireland's relationship with Cuba at this time of transition, and to assist me in contributing to the development of policy at EU level, I am planning to visit Cuba next month. While there, I expect to meet with Foreign Minister Pérez Roque. I would see this as an important step in developing dialogue between Ireland and Cuba.
The European Union's 1996 Common Position on Cuba, adopted under the Irish Presidency, remains the basis of both the European Union's and Ireland's approach to relations with that country. The aims of the EU Common Position include encouraging a process of peaceful transition towards a pluralist democracy, promoting human rights and improving the living conditions of the Cuban people. In the Conclusions on Cuba adopted unanimously by the Council on 23 June 2008, the Council, noting the changes undertaken to date by the Cuban Government, re-iterated the Union's desire for a constructive dialogue with the Cuban authorities. The Conclusions re-stated the Union's human rights concerns, and urged the Cuban authorities to release all remaining political prisoners unconditionally and to facilitate access by international humanitarian organisations to Cuban prisons. The Council further decided formally to lift EU diplomatic measures, which had been suspended since 2005, in order to encourage and facilitate the political dialogue process and enable the full use of the instruments of the 1996 Common Position.
Following this move, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba Mr. Felipe Perez Roque travelled to Paris, where on 16 October 2008 the first EU-Cuba dialogue in troika format at Ministerial level took place. The EU was represented by Foreign Minister Kouchner of France, the Czech Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Karel Schwarzenberg and the Commissioner for Development, Mr. Louis Michel. Topics discussed included human rights, cooperation on preventing and responding to natural disasters, food security and the global financial crisis. Later that month, from 22-24 October 2008, Commissioner Michel visited Cuba, where he signed a joint declaration with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, providing a framework to guide the re-launching of cooperation between the European Commission and Cuba.
110 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support more investment and trade with Cuba. [2844/09]
Ireland's merchandise trade with Cuba was worth €0.93million in 2007, with exports valued at €608,000 and imports at €325,000. In the first half of 2008 trade with Cuba totalled €0.36 million, with exports valued at €170,000 and imports at €190,000. I will be visiting Cuba in February and will have an opportunity to explore if there are opportunities to further develop economic relations with Cuba.
111 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding plans previously announced by his Department to fund the development of a national marine conservation and education centre in partnership with Fingal County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2824/09]
In accordance with the provisions of section 8(1) of the National Tourism Development Authority Act, 2003, it is a matter for Fáilte Ireland to encourage, promote and support either inside or outside the State (a) the development of Tourism traffic within and to the state and (b) the development and marketing of tourist facilities and services within the State. Accordingly, the provision of support for individual tourism-related developments is a matter for Fáilte Ireland.
I am advised by Fáilte Ireland that Fingal County Council, the grant applicants for the development of a Marine Conservation Centre in Balbriggan, are currently reviewing plans and have yet to submit a detailed project proposal to Fáilte Ireland for consideration.
112 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding plans for the Natural History Museum; when it is intended to reopen the museum to the public; the interim plans to allow the public view the collection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2825/09]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Questions Nos. 2379/09 and 2257/09 on Wednesday 28th January 2009 relating to this issue.
113 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the supports or initiatives which are to be introduced in 2009 to support the voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2811/09]
In 2009, my Department is committed to the ongoing development of supports to strengthen and underpin the work of the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. Indeed, the growth of the sector in recent years has been accompanied by a significant expansion of supports by Government. My Department alone provides funding in excess of €400m annually to the groups and measures across the sector.
Policy initiatives are underpinned by the ‘Towards 2016' Partnership Agreement, which recognises the valuable role of the community & voluntary sector. The agreement notes that the great strength of voluntary activity is that it emerges organically from communities and points out that while the Government should not seek to control and be involved in every aspect of voluntary activity, it does have a responsibility to provide an enabling framework to help the sector.
A key area of support being advanced this year is in relation to Charities legislation. The Charities Bill, which I anticipate will progress to its final Stage prior to enactment in Dáil Éireann in the current session, provides for a new Charities Regulatory Authority to be established, which will assume a broad regulatory role for charities operating in Ireland. This will secure improved accountability and protect against abuse of charitable status and fraud, thus enhancing public confidence in the charities sector. The Bill has been re-shaped considerably in recent Stages to ensure that a proportionate regulatory burden will be placed on smaller charities, in recognition of the fact that the vast majority of charities operating in Ireland are small, and have limited resources. These changes have been welcomed across the sector.
The Deputy will also be aware that my Department provides funding to the community and voluntary sector for training in relation to capacity building in governance and compliance, strategic development, and service to communities. The Local Development Social Inclusion Programme also provides training and education grants for community development capacity building, IT training, or any other training priorities identified by local voluntary groups.
In addition, some 180 projects are being supported under the Community Development Programme. These projects play a significant role in building community infrastructure and enhancing the capacity of the voluntary groups within the communities.
The Deputy will also be aware of the extensive range of services now being provided by volunteer-led groups and organisations with the support of the Community Services Programme. At the end of 2008, over 420 groups and organisations were approved for funding, with nearly 360 of them operational. The remaining groups are due to get up and running during 2009. Based on information from the groups, my Department estimates that around 2,100 people are employed in delivering quality services across the country. This Programme plays an increasingly important role in delivering services — which would not otherwise be provided — by harnessing the capacity and resources of the voluntary sector and using these in partnership with the resources available from the State.
It is also worth noting that the Task Force on Active Citizenship recommended that a network of volunteer centres be funded across the country. The Department is now supporting twenty such centres which support, promote and co-ordinate voluntary activities around Ireland. For example, the ‘Give it a Swirl Day' which recently took place in many locations helped to highlight local volunteering opportunities.
Further details in relation to all of the schemes and programmes operated by my Department that support the wider community & voluntary sector are available on my Department's website — www.pobail.ie
114 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he proposes to extend financial support to groups, bodies or agencies involved in the fight against drugs throughout County Kildare under various schemes operated by his Department or jointly with other Departments in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2960/09]
115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to enhance financial support to groups, bodies or agencies involved in the fight against drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2961/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.
This Government is firmly committed to tackling the problem of drug misuse in our society. This is evidenced by the fact that the funding targeted at community-based initiatives funded through my Department's Vote doubled from 2003 to 2008 — from €31.5m over €64m. These amounts included funding for the Young Peoples Facilities and Services, which has transferred to the Office of the Minister for Children since the beginning of the year.
Funding for Local and Regional Drugs Task Force areas in 2009 will be approximately €34.6m. Of this amount, over €23m is being allocated to the Local Drugs Task Forces while over €11m is being earmarked for the Regional Task Forces. Over 440 LDTF projects and in the region of 200 RDTF projects are receiving funding from my Department.
In relation to Co. Kildare which is part of the South West RDTF area, the following allocations have been made:
Abbey Project — funding of €150,000 has been allocated to provide a number of services such as drop-in, family support, referral, counselling, holistic therapies and advice and information on housing to drug users and their families from Celbridge and the surrounding areas;
Community Drug Team for Kildare and West Wicklow — in 2008, funding of €340,112 was approved for this service which will expand and complement existing treatment services along with family support and early responses to young people at the early stage of drug misuse; and
Newbridge Family Resource Centre — in 2007, an amount of €22,354 was approved under the Premises Initiative in respect of the purchase and installation of a semi-permanent structure for the Centre to provide a dedicated drop-in facility for "at risk" youth.
Some of the other funding provided to that Drugs Task Force also provides benefit broadly across their region of operation, including Co. Kildare. In addition, a sum in the region of €170,000 has been made available to Teen Challenge, a rehabilitation project at Shechem House, Richardstown, Co. Kildare, arising from applications through the South Inner City LDTF in Dublin.
Finally, as the Deputy is aware, the National Drugs Strategy is based on a co-ordinated effort across many Government Departments and Agencies and my Department's allocation is only part of a much bigger investment programme in drugs services by these other bodies. In 2007, it was estimated that expenditure on drugs programmes across all the bodies was in the region of €230m. The figures for 2008 are currently being compiled.
116 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position on applications for funding from a group (details supplied) in County Kildare; the extent to which such applications are expected to be met in full in 2009 or thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2962/09]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 904 of the 27th January 2009.
117 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number and nature of applications from various groups in County Kildare for grant aid under the RAPID or CLÁR programmes currently on hand; the degree to which it is intended to meet these requirements in full in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2963/09]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the CLÁR Programme does not cover Co. Kildare. The RAPID Unit has one application on file under the 2006/7 Playgrounds Grants Scheme in respect of Athy RAPID area and it is expected that this will be paid in 2009.
118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had discussions with the local authorities with a view to ensuring that the housing requirements in planning terms for the indigenous population of rural Ireland are met in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2964/09]
119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had discussions with officials in the relevant Departments in the matter of planning and development in rural areas with particular reference to the need to meet the housing requirements of the indigenous rural population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2965/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 119 together.
I have no statutory responsibility for rural housing. My Department liaises regularly with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and with local authorities on a range of issues of mutual interest in the context of rural development. As the Deputy will be aware, the rural settlement policy framework contained in the National Spatial Strategy, which represents overall Government policy on rural housing, aims to sustain and renew established rural communities, villages and smaller settlements.
120 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the anticipated expenditure on foot of applications received for grant aid under the RAPID programme throughout the country in 2009; the extent to which these applications are expected to be met in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2966/09]
The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within 46 designated RAPID areas nationally. As I have indicated to the House on a number of occasions, it is a matter for individual Departments to report on the provision of funding and progress on delivery with respect to projects under their responsibility in the RAPID areas. In support, Pobal collects data from each RAPID area in respect of funding allocations received by projects from Government Departments and local state agencies. The latest data in respect of the programme is available on Pobal's website under the RAPID section — http://www.pobal.ie/live/RAPID — and the Deputy may find it useful to access this information.
I initiated the RAPID leverage schemes in 2004 in order to support small-scale projects identified locally by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by the relevant agencies and fund projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, community closed-circuit television, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds and multi-use games areas. In 2007 I agreed to co-fund the provision of facilities in schools located in, or mainly servicing children from, RAPID areas.
€6.5m has been allocated in Budget 2009 for the RAPID leverage schemes. While this is a reduction on the amount allocated in 2008, my primary concern will continue to be to make every effort to ensure that the front-line services provided by, or supported through, my Department — especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities — are protected. Given that the RAPID Leverage Scheme is a demand-led, bottom-up funding programme, it is not possible to predict accurately the extent of claims that will be lodged during 2009. However, I am satisfied that this year's allocation will be sufficient to enable further good progress to be made with small-scale co-funded projects in RAPID areas in 2009.
122 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the projected cost of applications received by his Department for funding under the CLÁR programme in 2009; the degree to which it is expected to meet such applications in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2968/09]
The CLÁR Programme was set up as an innovative programme to deal with infrastructural deficits in the most peripheral communities in Ireland that had suffered significant population loss. As the Deputy will be aware, measures for roads, water, sewerage, schools, health services, community, and electricity are amongst the many successful initiatives run under the CLÁR Programme.
In a context where funding approved under CLÁR and the level of outstanding commitments increased significantly in 2008, a number of measures were temporarily closed and new applications are not currently being accepted. I am currently reviewing the CLÁR programme as a whole, having regard to demand, the funding available and the level of outstanding commitments. Most payments in 2009 will relate to projects sanctioned in 2008 and previous years.
While the provisional 2009 budget for CLÁR at €18m represents a reduction on the 2008 allocation, the finalisation of allocations across Departments remains under discussion at Government and it is not possible to say at this stage what the outcome of those discussions will be. The Minister for Finance will be publishing the Revised Estimates Volume in due course.
I would emphasise, however, that one of the strengths of the CLÁR Programme has always been the ability to focus on priority needs in those areas. As Minister, I believe that we need to be constantly addressing the new challenges faced by rural communities. The CLÁR programme will be continuously refocused to deal with the priorities for those areas, especially in the current difficult economic climate and I am confident that the CLÁR programme will continue to make a significant, positive, impact.
124 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded disability allowance at a higher rate and payment backdated accordingly. [2822/09]
Disability Allowance is a weekly Allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under age 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year. The allowance is subject to both medical assessment and a means test. The person concerned is in receipt of a reduced rate of Disability Allowance of €87.40 and a Child Dependant Allowance of €26.00. The person's file is currently with a Social Welfare Inspector with a view to reviewing the Disability Allowance payment.
The Social Welfare Inspector wrote to the person concerned on 19 January 2009 to request confirmation of certain legal and financial matters. To date the requested information and documentation have not yet been provided. A final decision will be given on this person's application for an increase of Disability Allowance upon receipt of the Social Welfare Inspector's report. The person will be notified directly of the outcome.
125 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who is applying for mortgage interest supplement has been required to produce a letter stating his or her father’s role as guarantor of his or her original mortgage loan; the relevance of same to the application for mortgage assistance; the further reason he or she continues to be asked for more documentation; and if she will review the application process and guidelines for community welfare officers for this payment. [2867/09]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes mortgage interest supplement, is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Mortgage interest supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only. The Executive has advised that the person concerned has been awarded mortgage interest supplement. The Executive has further advised that payment of mortgage interest supplement will issue to the person concerned shortly.
One of the statutory conditions for receipt of mortgage interest supplement is that, in the opinion of the Executive, the person must have been in a position, at the time the loan agreement was entered into, to meet the repayments under that agreement. Accordingly, in determining entitlement to mortgage interest supplement, a community welfare officer may examine the original loan application, supporting documentation, including any documentation in relation to a guarantor, and records of repayments in order to assess the capacity of the person to make a long-term commitment to repayment of the loan in question. It is a matter for the community welfare officer to a make a decision on entitlement based on all of the facts of the case.
I do not consider that any changes in the application process are required at this time. However the operational guidelines of the scheme are kept under review to ensure that it meets the objective of catering for those who require assistance on a short-term basis.
126 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will open a social welfare office in Ashbourne, County Meath to meet the needs of social welfare claimants in Ashbourne, Ratoath and Dunshaughlin in view of the large increase in population in these towns in recent years and the significant number of people in this area who have lost their jobs and have to travel to social welfare offices in Navan, Swords or Finglas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2873/09]
The Department delivers a frontline service through a network of 61 local offices and 62 branch offices countrywide. The main services provided from these offices include jobseeker supports, one-parent family payment and an information service.
Each office provides Social Welfare services to people living in specified catchment areas. People living in or around Ashbourne making a claim for jobseeker's payment are required to attend their nearest local office at Finglas and people living in or around Ratoath or Dunshaughlin areas are required to attend the local office at Navan. Thereafter, they are only required to attend the office once every four weeks to prove unemployment.
Local and branch offices are under considerable pressure at present because of the increasing level of claims. Every effort is being made to process claims as quickly as possible. This includes the prioritisation of work, assignment of additional resources including staffing and overtime. Following the latest review of the staffing levels in local offices, an additional 115 staff are being assigned. This includes an additional 4 staff for the Navan Local Office and an additional 3 staff for Finglas Local Office. The Department has no plans at present to set up a local office in Ashbourne.
127 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the arrangements, when there is a sharp appreciation of the euro, to allow for a review of the means of claimants who are in receipt of a pension or social security payment from a non-eurozone country and a reduced rate allowance payment from her Department; the way the rate is set in respect of sterling; the regularity with which it is reviewed; and the rate that is currently being applied by her Department. [2887/09]
In assessing means derived from payments received from EU Member States (including U.K.) which do not form part of the EMU currencies, the Department uses the conversion mechanism provided for under Article 107 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 574/72 on Social Security for Migrant Workers. The exchange rates for converting Sterling and other non-EMU currencies are published quarterly in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Under this mechanism the conversion rate used for means testing purposes is derived from the average of the daily exchange rates in the first month of a quarter. This rate is then used in all conversions during the course of the succeeding quarter. Alternatively the conversion rate applicable to the next succeeding quarter is used if it is more beneficial to the customer. When reviewing customers who are in receipt of British pensions the exchange rate used to convert Sterling is the rate applicable to the second quarter (i.e. the quarter in which the British pension increase occurred) or the third quarter if that is more beneficial. The Department does not generally review claims specifically because of movements in exchange rates. However, it is open to any pensioner who believes they may be entitled to an increase in the rate of their State Pension (Non Contributory) payment to seek to have their means reviewed.
It should be noted that changes in the value of a British pension, due to currency fluctuation, may well be offset by annual increases in the rate of those pensions and consequently the customer's State Pension (Non Contributory) payment may be unchanged or even reduced as a result of a review. The exchange rate for Sterling to Euro currently being applied by the Department is £1= €1.27116.
128 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claimants whose allowance payment is reduced because they are also claiming payment, pension or income from the UK. [2888/09]
The number of people in receipt of State Pension whose payment is reduced due to the fact that they also receive a Pension payment from the UK is as follows:
|
Pension |
Number |
|
State Pension (Non Contributory) |
10,473 |
|
Widow/ers Non Contributory Pension |
162 |
|
Blind Pension |
12 |
|
Widowed One Parent Family |
34 |
129 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent support will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2929/09]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The Executive has advised that it has no record of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to make an application for rent supplement he should contact the community welfare officer at his local health centre.
130 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent support will issue in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2932/09]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the department by the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The position remains as advised in question number 1002 which I answered for the Deputy on 27 January 2009. The Executive has advised that the person concerned has been refused rent supplement as the total household income is sufficient to meet his accommodation costs. The person concerned has recently appealed against this decision to the HSE Appeals Office. He will be contacted directly when a decision has been made on his appeal.
131 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason unemployment benefit or allowance has not been granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2935/09]
The claim by the person concerned for job seekers benefit was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 19 May 2008 on the grounds that he was not available for or genuinely seeking full-time work. He appealed this decision on 10/7/08 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal was referred to an Appeals Officer who held an oral hearing of the case on 23 October 2008.
Having considered all the available evidence including that adduced at the oral hearing, the Appeals Officer held that the person was genuinely seeking employment but disallowed the appeal on the grounds that he was not available for full time employment as prescribed in social welfare legislation as the Appeals Officer considered that the terms and conditions of his part-time employment as a fire-fighter placed restrictions on the location and conditions of prospective employment. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of this Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
132 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence his plans to proceed with a salvage operation on the Asgard II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2797/09]
No final decision in relation to the salvage of Asgard II has been made. However, I will make my decision following consultation with the board of Coiste an Asgard. I can assure the Deputy that a decision is imminent.
133 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence his plans with regard to the showgrounds in Fermoy, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2923/09]
The property in question is surplus to military requirements and consideration is being given to its disposal. In this connection, Department officials met with the stakeholders in December 2008 to ascertain if they would have an interest in acquiring the portion of the property that they currently occupy. The matter remains under consideration in my Department with a view to making a formal offer to each of the parties based on valuations, which will be obtained in the coming weeks.
134 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has made provision for persons on shared ownership loans who run into difficulty in meeting repayments as a result of losing their job; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2812/09]
It is a matter for each local authority to administer house purchase loans having regard to housing needs, local market conditions and individual circumstances. In approving a shared ownership transaction, local authorities must consider, inter alia, the ability of applicants to make the necessary mortgage and rent payments and satisfy themselves that the borrower's income is sufficient to meet the financial commitments involved under the scheme. As a guide, outgoings should not exceed 35% of a household's net income.
Every effort is made to assist borrowers who encounter difficulties in meeting their commitments. For example, Article 10 of the Housing Regulations 1980 (Amendment) Regulations 1996 provides that, in cases of hardship, the loan repayment period may be extended and arrears capitalised so as to make repayments more manageable for the borrower.
Mortgage interest supplement under the Supplementary Welfare Scheme, under the aegis of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, is also payable, subject to the qualifying conditions of that scheme, in respect of mortgages under shared ownership transactions, in the same way as in the case of mortgages generally. An annual subsidy towards rent payments under the Shared Ownership Scheme is available through the Rental Subsidy Scheme, to households with a gross household income of up to €28,000 per annum in the preceding tax year. The level of subsidy ranges between €2,550 for incomes up to €13,000 and €1,050 for incomes up to €28,000.
135 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on his meeting on 19 December 2008 with representatives of the waste management industry in relation to the collapse in the global market for recyclable waste and his proposals to use some of the waste for fuel; if this was implemented; the outcome of the request by industry representatives for part funding for the diversion of some of this waste to waste to energy markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2827/09]
I met with representatives from the Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA) on 19 December 2008 to discuss a number of issues the industry were having with regard to recyclates. An update was provided to the IWMA in relation to the following matters. The Association was informed that I raised the issue at the Environment Council in Brussels on 4 December. A total of 12 Member States intervened to support Ireland in raising the issue. The European Commission has undertaken to carry out a review of the situation and to revert with options for action. The incoming Czech Presidency has also undertaken to table the issue as a substantive item at the next Council following completion of the Commission's review.
I informed the IWMA that Ireland had also raised the issue at the December meeting of the Article 21 Committee on Packaging Waste. The Commission responded and noted that it was supported by many at the Council who raised issues such as the structuring of markets, how they can be influenced and what measures can be proposed. I also outlined my initial decisions following the report of the Action Group on Recyclate Markets which included the proposal to establish a number of sub-groups to drive action on the following issues:
Markets — including quality and development of best practice;
Licensing and Enforcement;
Public Infrastructure.
I advised them that a circular (WPRR 10/08) issued to all local authorities emphasising the importance of enforcement on 4 December 2008 arising from the report. I have not made any proposals to use material collected for recycling as fuel. The issue of part funding the diversion of carbon low grade recyclates to the waste-to-energy markets mentioned in the question was raised by the IWMA at the meeting. However, it was clarified that such funding will not be provided.
136 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps which have been taken on foot of the feasibility study into a North-South Irish paper mill; if he plans to take further steps in view of the collapse in the global market for recyclable paper and cardboard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2828/09]
A study led by the North/South Market Development Steering Group to determine the feasibility of establishing a paper mill on the island of Ireland was initiated in 2004 and the Phase 1 Study Report was published in August 2006. The feasibility study is the first of two phases and the project was funded jointly by the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland through Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and my Department. The project was managed by WRAP.
Provisional findings from the first stage of an interim phase — taking soundings from individual businesses in the sector — indicate that the paper manufacturing/ converting and waste management sectors show favourable interest in exploring the establishment of a tissue mill on the island. Consequently a more formal sectoral group meeting was convened in March 2008 to test this level of interest amongst the key industrial players. Valuable feedback was gained at this meeting and the stakeholders were advised by officials that both jurisdictions along with WRAP would continue to assist. The North/South Market Development Steering Group met on 22 January and the project will be kept under review in light of market conditions.
137 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [2845/09]
Section 107 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, provides local authorities with powers to require measures to be taken to prevent or limit noise from a commercial premises. Dublin City Council Environment Section may be contacted in this regard. In addition, under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994, any person may seek an order in the district court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated. The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation. A guide to the noise regulations can be downloaded from the following web address: http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/NoiseIssuesConsultationPaper/PublicationsDocuments/ FileDownLoad,1319,en.pdf
My Department is examining options to strengthen legislation on noise pollution, with a view to meeting the Programme for Government commitment to publish comprehensive legislation on noise pollution as a matter of priority. A consultation paper was published on 27 August 2008 which outlines possible future measures which could be introduced to further alleviate noise nuisance. The deadline for submissions on the consultation paper was 31 October 2008. Submissions made are being considered in the preparation of the legislation.
138 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his policy in relation to the purchase of dwellings for applicants on local authority waiting lists in private estates; the level of approval for such proposals for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2855/09]
Local authorities have powers under the Housing Act 1966 to acquire dwellings for social housing purposes and are encouraged to exercise these powers as befits their social housing programmes and the particular housing needs in their areas. Their acquisition of dwellings through purchase, second hand purchase, infill turnkey developments and Part V arrangements is a very important component of the social housing provision programme and this will continue to be the case in 2009.
139 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will explain the process involved in administration and miscellaneous of local government water supply and sewerage; the cost and breakdown of cost by local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2876/09]
Local authorities are responsible for planning, procuring and managing public water services infrastructure. New and upgraded infrastructure is funded under my Department's Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes in respect of existing domestic requirements and also from development levies and borrowings in respect of non domestic requirements and new developments. Current funding for operational costs is provided from local authorities' own resources, including non-domestic water services charges, supplemented by the Local Government Fund again in respect of providing water services to domestic consumers. Details of income and expenditure by each local authority in respect of water services (including administration and miscellaneous) may be obtained from Local Authorities' Financial Outturns which are published on my Department's website.
140 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when spending limits for the local elections in 2009 will be agreed, published and introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2918/09]
I intend to bring forward proposals in the near future for legislative change to allow for the introduction of spending limits at local elections. It is my intention to have the limits in place for the local elections to be held this year. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to examine spending limits at local elections as part of the Green Paper on Local Government. Submissions made in the course of preparing the Green Paper, published in April 2008, were generally supportive of some kind of expenditure limit.
In October 2008, I consulted the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the issue of spending limits. A policy research document prepared on behalf of the Committee and presented at that meeting offered useful practical guidance. There are a number of complexities that need to be considered, and I discussed these with members of the Committee, and I am taking them into account in the preparatory work now under way.
141 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are measures to assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 who is retired and on low income to cope with higher heating costs due to the severity of the winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2803/09]
I share the Deputy's concerns about the impact of energy costs on vulnerable members of society. While I have no function in setting or regulating prices, I welcome the fact that the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) announced on 1 December 2008 that there would be no further increase in the price of gas from January 2009 and that there would be a small average decrease from this month of just less than 1% in the price of electricity supplied by ESB Customer Supply. This decision is reflective of recent easing in international fossil fuel prices, which follows a period of exponential increases in global oil, gas and coal prices. I also welcome the substantial rebate being provided by ESB to all electricity customers, which has helped to stabilise electricity prices for 2009.
The individual in question may be able to avail of my Department's Warmer Homes Scheme which is targeted at households on low incomes, such as those in receipt of fuel allowance, invalidity or disability benefit. The Scheme is overseen by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and is delivered principally through community based organisations. It provides for the installation of cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, boiler lagging jackets, draught proofing measures and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). Advice is also provided to householders on minimising energy use. These measures are provided free or at a nominal cost.
In the case of the individual in question, I would advise the Deputy that contact should be made with the Clondalkin Home Improvement Project (CHIP) on 01-4670344. SEI has informed my Department that a surveyor can visit the individual's house as soon as next week to discuss his needs and assess what improvements can be made to minimise his energy usage.
I am working closely with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to deliver a fully cohesive strategic approach on energy affordability issues across Government and Agencies. We have established an Inter Departmental/Agency Group led by our two Departments, which include the Departments of Finance, Taoiseach, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the CER, SEI, ESB and BGÉ.
The Group is finalising a booklet containing information on how to keep well and warm in cold weather, in addition to providing details of all relevant supports available to vulnerable householders. I will arrange to have the booklet forwarded to the Deputy directly on its publication in the coming weeks. I am also forwarding the Deputy the Power of One information pack which contains valuable advice on how small steps can lead to big savings in terms of improving energy efficiency in the home.
The Deputy may also wish to apprise his constituent of two schemes being run by my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Firstly, the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme provides targeted support of up to 100% of cost to improve conditions in the houses of older people. The Scheme offers grants for a wide range of structural repair and improvements including rewiring, water, sanitary services, heating, windows, as well as central heating and insulation. Application is through the local authority.
Secondly, the Central Heating Scheme provides funding to housing authorities to upgrade their rented homes with measures such as attic insulation to Building Regulations' standards and draught proofing windows and doors.
142 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when there will be further details on afforestation as announced by him in the budget 2009 speech. [2914/09]
Almost €125 million has been allocated to the forestry subhead for 2009, demonstrating the Government's commitment to maintaining an active and substantial forestry programme into the future. Over €100 million of this allocation has been assigned to the afforestation programme. The Afforestation Scheme is fully operational and my officials are accepting and processing both applications for approval to plant and applications for the appropriate grant payments. I am satisfied that the Afforestation Scheme remains an attractive land use alternative for landowners given the grant and premium payments currently in place.
143 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he recognises a breed society for the Irish draught horse; the breed society for the Irish draught horse he recognises; if he recognises a mother society of the Irish draught horse; the mother society of the Irish draught horse he recognises; if the mother society of the Irish draught horse recognised by him has a written policy on breed preservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2793/09]
Horse Sport Ireland is the breeding organisation approved by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to maintain the studbook of origin (commonly known as "mother studbook") for Irish Draught Horse breed. Horse Sport Ireland has a written policy on breed preservation.
144 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a farm waste management grant will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2796/09]
The person named is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.
145 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of grant under the waste management scheme will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [2814/09]
The person named is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.
146 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [2816/09]
The Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme state that entitlements, which were activated (claimed) by the farmer in 2005, had to be used at least once in every three-year period i.e. 2006, 2007, 2008. "Used" in this context means that in any year one hectare of eligible land must have been declared in respect of each entitlement held. The Regulations further state that any entitlements that remained unused over a three-year period must revert to the National Reserve and are thereby lost to the farmer.
My Department's records show that the person named used his Single Payment entitlements fully in 2005 but as he did not utilise the entitlements in any of the subsequent scheme years — 2006, 2007 and 2008 — the entitlements were lost to the National Reserve. My Department has received an appeal from the person named on the grounds of force majeure. Having examined the circumstances of the case it has been decided to accept the appeal. Therefore, the entitlements will be removed from the National Reserve and will be made available for use by the person named for the 2009 Single Payment Scheme.
147 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fodder shortage in the Shannon Callow region due to the extensive flooding in 2008; if he has plans to assist farmers in the region in view of the financial pressure this has put them under; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2829/09]
I am keenly aware of the problems encountered by farmers as a consequence of the bad weather, particularly the harvesting of forage and cereal crops in 2008. In recognition of these problems, I wrote to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Fischer Boel, seeking approval for the early payment of the 2008 Single Payment. My request was for advance payment at a rate of 50%, payable from 16 October 2007. The reason for my request was based on the very adverse weather conditions being experienced in Ireland.
I am pleased to say that the European Commission responded favourably and the advance payment of 50% of the Single Payment effective issued from 16 October. I believe that these advance payment went some way in alleviating the difficulties faced by farmers due to the exceptional weather conditions. The balance of Singe Farm Payments issued in early December.
148 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the length of time small businesses will have to wait for payment in relation to the pigmeat recall crisis in cases where all weights and quantities have been verified and stamped; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that small businesses face closure unless the remainder of compensation is paid promptly. [2868/09]
The agreement concluded with pigmeat processors in December involved making available a facility of €180 million from the public finances to assist processors in funding the recall and destruction of certain pork products from the market and products in storage. The details of the scheme have been published on my Department's website and final payments will be effected without delay once the relevant conditions have been satisfied. Payments of €36 million were made to processors in December. My Department hopes to be in a position to make further payments shortly.
149 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when it is proposed to introduce legislation providing for country of origin labelling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2875/09]
The Minister for Health and Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. The European Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation. In this context the Commission has prepared draft revised labelling regulations and these are being discussed at Council Working Party level in Brussels. These draft regulations will be submitted to the EU Council of Health ministers during 2009.
Notwithstanding the outcome of the current review on origin labelling progress has been made in relation to specific products:
EU beef labelling legislation requiring country of origin labelling of beef has been in place since September 2000. As this legislation did not cover beef sold by the catering trade my Department collaborated with the Department of Health and Children to have national legislation enacted to require that all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required to carry an indication of the country of origin. This legislation is enforced by the FSAI.
Regarding the labelling of poultry meat, there are EU Regulations, which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultry meat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultry meat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. This was notified to the EU Commission in December 2007 as required by legislation. The Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation is not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations. In March, the EU Commission delivered a negative opinion on the regulations but afforded Ireland an opportunity to provide further information in support of them. In the meantime, the Department provided additional details including the current misleading labelling practices and evidence of consumers' desire for country of origin labelling. However the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health formally adopted the negative opinion in December 2008.
The EU has 36 specific marketing standards covering fresh fruit and vegetables. Apart from quality criteria these standards also set down strict provisions regarding labelling, including country of origin. The EU Commission is currently reforming the Common Organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables. As part of this process a number of the existing specific standards will be replaced by a general standard, which will cover a wider range of fruit and vegetables.
151 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the payment that will replace the installation aid payment for young farmers as an incentive to entering farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2883/09]
I have no plans at present to reopen the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme to new applications having regard to the general budgetary situation.
152 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the date for closure of applications to REP scheme four; if he plans to change this date; if so, the planned new date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2890/09]
Entry to REPS 4 continues to be available to eligible applicants and I have no plans at present to restrict or close entry to the scheme.
153 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of grant applications received by BIM for the years 2007 and 2008; the number granted; the amount in each case; the number of applications outstanding; the funding that is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2899/09]
The processing of grant applications is an operational matter for Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and, under the Sea Fisheries Act 1952, I have no remit as to the operational aspects of its work programme.
154 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a transport link will be provided in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Mayo. [2795/09]
Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, the pupils referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied are eligible for school transport to the school in question. However, Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of the Department, has advised that there is no service operating from the area in which they reside to the school. In the circumstances, the Department has sanctioned a remote area grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements.
155 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the position and progress to date regarding the proposed gaelscoil for mid-Louth (details supplied). [2791/09]
A Notification of Intention to apply for Recognition of the new primary school in Louth has been received from An Foras Patrunachta na Scoileanna Langhaeilge Teo (the Patron Body for Gaelscoileanna). I have recently announced a review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools under the Commission on School Accommodation. It is expected that the review of procedures for recognising primary schools will be completed and revised arrangements will be in place within a two year timeframe.
In the interim it is not proposed to recognise any new primary schools, except in areas where the increases in pupils numbers cannot be catered for in existing schools and which require the provision of new schools. This means that new schools will not be established for reasons unrelated to demographic growth in areas where there is already sufficient school accommodation or where increases can be catered for by extending existing school accommodation.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards and requirements in Louth will be included in this process. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.
156 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on a request for additional teaching staff for a school (details supplied); his further views on the need for increased resources for this school; if he will commit to giving this school the supports it needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2833/09]
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 in relation to both staffing and grant levels 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.
My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing allocations. The staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand. The preparatory work for staffing allocations has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence shortly. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. 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.
Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn. Once the staffing schedule for the academic year 2009/10 is published schools meeting the criteria for developing status may submit applications for an additional post(s) to the Primary Payments Section of my Department.
At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out the allocation process in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to create a staffing profile for the school referred to by the Deputy could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.
157 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school building project (details supplied); the timeframe for this building work to be carried out; his views on the need for additional classrooms in this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2834/09]
My Department has received an application for major capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.
158 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school building project (details supplied); if he will give this building work the go-ahead in view of the fact that it has been ongoing for ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2835/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time
159 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school building project (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if he will give this building work the go-ahead in view of the fact that an amount of money has already been spent in preparation for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2836/09]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that on the 23rd of January last, I announced details of 10 major school building projects which are to proceed to tender and construction. The project for the school to which the Deputy refers is included in this list. While all of the projects concerned were previously offered for tender, they will now be re-offered under the new form of contract for public capital projects to get better value for money.
These projects are now to start the re-tendering process so that construction work can get under way as quickly as possible. Officials from my Department have already contacted the school authorities and the design teams on each project to invite them to attend a briefing which will guide them on the next steps to be taken.
160 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school building project (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if he will expedite the building of needed classrooms and sports hall, promised since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2837/09]
My Department has received an application for major capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.
161 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school building project (details supplied) in Dublin 10; if he will expedite the commencement of building work which will provide needed classroom accommodation for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2838/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. A stage 4/5 submission has been received by my Department and is currently being reviewed and evaluated. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.
162 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science when the investigation in respect of matters in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2841/09]
The inquiry to which the Deputy refers was established in February 2006 by my predecessor as Minister for Education and Science. However, I wish to draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that the inquiry is not centred on Ormonde College. Ormonde College is a unit offering a wide range of post-Leaving Certificate Courses under the direction of Co Kilkenny Vocational Education Committee.
The inquiry to which the Deputy refers relates to Kilkenny City Vocational School, as set out in the Terms of Reference, a copy of which is attached for your information. In view of the time that has elapsed since the establishment of the inquiry, the inquiry officer has been requested to provide an interim report, as provided for under the Terms of Reference. The Inquiry Officer has informed my officials that he expects to be in a position to furnish an interim report to me by the end of April 2009.
163 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new primary school at Doughiska on the east side of Galway city which is a newly built-up area; when it is expected that work will commence on the building of this school; if the necessary funds have been provided in the school building programme for the construction of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2853/09]
As the Deputy is aware the new primary school in Doughiska is one of seven schools which I have approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership. This Bundle is in the pre procurement stage and my Department is about to commence a round of stakeholders' meetings in each of the locations where PPP schools are to be provided. A detailed output specification and Public Sector Benchmark will be prepared and outline planning permission will be sought for each location.
On successful completion of this process, the Bundle will be handed over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for procurement. A contract cannot be awarded until the procurement process has been successfully completed. The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP school currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the Bundle is formally announced.
164 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Cork will be given the funding to commence building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2854/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is in the early stages of architectural planning. A revised stage 2A submission (Developed Sketch Scheme) has been received in my Department and is currently being examined. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
165 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for a promised extension at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2860/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. A stage 4/5 submission has been received by my Department and is currently being reviewed and evaluated. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.
166 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a planned extension to a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [2864/09]
An application for an extension to the school to which the Deputy refers has been received by my Department. Officials are finalising a brief formulation for this project. Progression of this project to appointment of Design Team will be considered in the context of my Departments multi annual school building programme and in the context of overall post-primary school provision in the area to which the Deputy refers. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
167 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science when a design team will be appointed for a planned extension at a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [2866/09]
Progression of this project to appointment of Design Team will be considered in the context of my Departments multi annual school building programme and in the context of overall primary school provision in the area to which the Deputy refers. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
168 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding discussions between his Department and the VEC regarding the acquisition of a site adjacent to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns among the staff and parents that if this matter is not resolved swiftly then there will be an accommodation crisis in 2010; the plans in place to fast track a new permanent building in view of the availability of said site, as part of a Gaelscoil campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2877/09]
My Department have met with County Dublin Vocational Committee to discuss the matter of a site for the school in question and is in ongoing communication in relation to acquiring a long term lease on their property as a potential site for the proposed school. The further progression of the building for the school in question will have to be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally. In light of the many competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the acquisition of the school site at this time.
169 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has taken place in recent weeks in relation to the joint application by schools (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2878/09]
I wish to inform the Deputy that a technical inspection was carried out in May 2008 on the schools to which he refers with a view to informing the final brief for these projects, to determine the capacity of the site for the required works and the configuration which those works might take on the site. The accommodation brief has now been finalised and officials from my Department will be in contact with the school authorities in that regard shortly.
My Department is conscious of the extent of housing developments in the Lucan area and the consequences this has for school provision. Substantial additional accommodation has been provided in the area by my Department at both primary and post-primary level in recent years and future needs are being kept under review.
The progression of the projects from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
170 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in acquiring an environmentally sensitive site (details supplied); the specific areas of land that have been offered by the landowner to his Department for purchase; if he will ensure that any reasonable and fair price agreed will reflect the amenity zoning of the land rather than residential; if discussions have taken place or will take place with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government who has asked South Dublin County Council to look at extending the special amenity area order to cover the additional area of St. Edmunsbury not currently protected, with a view to ensuring that the site chosen does not interfere with these plans; if the landowner has not and will not be facilitated with housing development in return for a school site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2879/09]
The Department asked the Office Public Works (OPW) to source a site for the above school. OPW identified several potential sites for the school. The Department wrote to South Dublin County Council attaching correspondence it had received from the OPW regarding one of the sites in question. The Local Authority has recently responded indicating their views in relation to a proposed location and this is now under consideration. Due to the commercial sensitivities attaching to site acquisitions generally, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment on the details of the matter until such a time as the acquisitions have been completed.
The further progression of the acquisition of the site will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to the Department for school buildings generally. In light of the many competing demands on the capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the acquisition of the school site at this time.
171 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science when the third level grant application of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2886/09]
The decision on eligibility for student maintenance grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority, either the local authority or VEC, as appropriate. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department, except in exceptional circumstances. My Department contacted City of Waterford VEC, the awarding body regarding the case referred to by the Deputy and was advised that, this issue has now been resolved, and the candidate will be notified shortly of a decision on his grant application.
172 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if in view of the recent study carried out on educational accommodation, a site has been selected for the provision of a secondary school at Kinnegad, County Westmeath; if he will liaise with Westmeath County Council in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2892/09]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the N4/M4 Area Development Plan indicates that a post primary school will not be required for Kinnegad until post 2011. The Deputy maybe interested to know that my Department recently met with an interested party in relation to a potential development for a second level school and was engaged in subsequent communication with the Local Authority in relation to same. My Department will continue to maintain a watching brief on developments in relation to the aforementioned Plan and will liaise with the local authority accordingly.
173 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made to date regarding the proposed new school (details supplied) in County Louth in view of the fact that An Bord Pleanála has granted permission for the school in Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2900/09]
My Department was notified of An Bord Pleanála's decision in late December. The Design Team has recently completed its evaluation of the implications of this decision. Officials from my Department will be in contact with the school authorities very shortly. The progression of all large scale projects, including this project, will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
174 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he or his Department has had meetings with an association (details supplied); the results of such meetings; the funding made available to the association from his Department; if it is being reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2910/09]
I am not aware of any meetings that have taken place between my Department and the association referred to by the Deputy. My Department does not provide funding to the association in question.
175 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the process involved in the re-tendering process, announced by him recently, affecting 12 schools including schools (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the need for work to be carried out to these schools; the timeframe within which this work will commence on these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2920/09]
I recently announced 10 major school building projects which are to re-tender and to proceed to construction in 2009. The two schools referred to by the Deputy were part of this announcement. The projects are being re-tendered under the new form of contracts for public capital projects to get better value for money. These projects are now to start the re-tendering process so that construction work can get under way as quickly as possible. Officials from my Department have already contacted the school authorities and the design teams on each project to invite them to attend a briefing session which will guide them on the next steps to be taken.
