Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:109 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the proposed awareness and recruitment campaign for the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3502/09]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 23, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 24 to 98, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 99 to 108, inclusive, answered orally.
Defence Forces Recruitment.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:127 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to continue the ongoing policy of recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force through regular targeted recruitment campaigns. [3518/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 127 together.
The Government decision of 8th July 2008 set out a requirement for savings to be achieved across the public sector. In this context, the recruitment and awareness campaign planned for 2008 for the Reserve Defence Force was postponed. There are no plans to initiate a central recruitment and awareness campaign in the current year.
The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan outlined a range of measures to improve the capabilities of the Reserve over the period to end 2009. All of the elements of the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation plan were identified as being important motivators for recruitment and retention of members of the Reserve and significant progress has been made to date in implementing the plan provisions.
The decision to postpone the recruitment and awareness campaign was not taken lightly. It is intended to re-visit this important project when the prevailing budgetary situation permits.
Recruitment to the Reserve will continue. However, this will be kept under review in light of the prevailing budgetary situation.
Tom Sheahan
Ceist:110 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Defence if recruitment for general service, apprenticeships and cadetships, respectively, is planned for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3549/09]
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:130 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces; and the recruitment plans for 2009. [3353/09]
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:135 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the number of recruits taken into the Defence Forces throughout 2008, broken down in respect of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service; the number expected to be recruited during 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3510/09]
Willie Penrose
Ceist:148 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the cutbacks implemented in 2008 in regard to recruitment to the Defence Forces; the recruitment cutbacks it is intended to make during 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3512/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 130, 135 and 148 together.
I have been advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 31 December 2008, the most recent date for which figures are available, was 10,408. A total of 507 recruits were enlisted into the Permanent Defence Forces during 2008. 441 were recruited to the Army and 66 to the Naval Service. In addition, 41 Cadets commenced their cadet training in September 2008.
In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs has been applied to the Defence Forces.
Recruitment was suspended in late 2008 pending a review of the best means by which to achieve this reduction. My officials and the military authorities are keeping the situation under close review on an ongoing basis. The review and any subsequent recruitment in 2009 will prioritise the operational requirements of the Defence Forces.
Defence Forces Property.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:111 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the arrangements that have been made to ensure that the officers living in steel containers in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin 6, are moved to more suitable permanent accommodation as soon as possible; the estimated timeframe involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3562/09]
My Department is engaged in an on-going capital programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces both Permanent and Reserve. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings.
The requirement for living-in accommodation in Cathal Brugha Barracks and the Dublin area is being considered as part of the overall Defence Force requirements. The provision of any accommodation required there will be undertaken in conjunction with the overall Defence Force Infrastructure Development Programme.
As you are aware the study of living in accommodation undertaken by the Defence Forces is expected to be complete early this year. One of the main preliminary findings of the study was that there is sufficient, good quality accommodation to meet the current requirement across the Defence Forces generally and that any shortages are confined to only a few locations where the demand is high.
The Deputy was invited to see the accommodation he refers to. I understand that he recently visited Cathal Brugha Barracks to view the accommodation there. The units he refers to are designed for single occupancy, they have en suite facilities and are fully furnished and heated. Military authorities have advised that they comply with all relevant regulations and that they are fully fit for purpose.
I accept that they are temporary in nature and it is my intention to have occupants moved to more suitable accommodation as soon as it is possible to do so.
Projects in the Capital Programme are prioritised in terms of addressing the Defence Forces operational requirements taking into account the annual capital allocation for the on-going building programme. Should the current allocation change the building programme will be reviewed and projects in the programme will be prioritised on a needs basis.
Defence Forces Ombudsman.
Michael Creed
Ceist:112 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Defence if a suitable premises has been found for the office of the Defence Forces Ombudsman in view of the inadequacy of the current office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3625/09]
Joan Burton
Ceist:140 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence his proposals to provide appropriate accommodation for the Office of the Ombudsman to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3496/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 140 together.
The Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was established under the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004. On the 19th September 2005, Ms. Paulyn Marrinan-Quinn SC was appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the Government, as the first Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.
The Office of the Ombudsman is currently located in Hatch Street, Dublin 2. While the provision of accommodation for the Ombudsman is primarily a matter for the OPW, I am anxious to ensure that her office is provided with adequate and appropriate facilities.
The Ombudsman has sought alternative accommodation and I have supported her request to the Office of Public Works. I am advised that the OPW identified potentially suitable premises that were then inspected by officials from the Ombudsman's office. The Ombudsman has recently advised me that this particular premises was found not to meet the requirements of the Ombudsman's office and that she had advised the OPW accordingly. I have since written to the OPW, again supporting the Ombudsman's request.
Overseas Missions.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:113 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the annual cost of maintaining Irish troops in Chad; the support available either from the UN, the EU or otherwise towards this expenditure; and the projected length of the mission. [3352/09]
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:115 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether the EUFOR mission in Chad has been a success to date; the extent of future involvement of the Irish Defence Forces in the mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3463/09]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:141 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence when a formal decision will be made to allow continued participation by members of Permanent Defence Forces with the peace keeping mission in Chad following the recent announcement of the Security Council that the United Nations should take over responsibility for the mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3493/09]
Jack Wall
Ceist:150 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the Permanent Defence Forces serving with EURFOR in Chad. [3522/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 115, 141 and 150 together.
The European Union military mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, EUFOR TCHAD/RCA, established under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1778 (2007), was formally launched by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 28 January 2008. A total of 425 Defence Forces personnel are currently serving with EUFOR (18 at the Operational HQ in Paris and 407 in Chad).
Ireland is the second largest contributor to the mission. The aim of the mission is to protect civilians in danger, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and protect UN personnel. The nature of the Irish Battalion duties includes, inter alia, short and long range patrolling, situational awareness and providing an overall security and deterrent presence within its area of operations.
The EUFOR TCHAD/RCA Mission has progressed most satisfactorily. Despite the challenges that have faced the mission, a solid foundation has been laid, which will help prepare the way to build future successes and contribute to the long-term beneficial impact of a safe and secure environment. Improvements in security have also contributed to the limited return of IDPs in some specific locations. When the UN follow-on-mission is fully deployed and is able to provide the intended level of security, it is expected that the security situation at local level will improve, particularly from the criminality and banditry perspective.
The estimated cost to the Defence Vote arising from participation in the EUFOR mission for twelve months will amount to approximately €57m. Unlike a UN "Blue Hat" type operation, all the costs of deployment, repatriation, rotation and sustainment, together with strategic and in-theatre tactical lift of the contingent, are met by each of the relevant troop contributing country. The only costs met by contributions from EU Member States are generally the costs of establishing and operating the headquarters facilities.
On 14 January 2009, the Security Council unanimously adopted Security Council Resolution 1861 (2009), authorising the deployment of a military component of the UN Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) to follow on from the EUFOR mission at the end of its mandate, which expires on 15 March 2009.
The Government has already approved, in principle, continued participation by the Irish Defence Forces in MINURCAT with a contingent similar in size and nature to its existing contribution to EUFOR. In that decision, the Government decided that its final approval will depend on the extent to which other current EU Member States will contribute to the follow-on mission. Most importantly, the level of logistics support that will be provided will be a key factor for consideration by Ireland. While not anticipating the future decision of the Government, the recently passed UN Security Council Resolution, the ongoing commitment of other EU member States and our understanding that France plans to continue to provide the necessary logistics support provides a sound basis for reverting to Government for a final substantive decision on the issue. I plan to bring proposals to Government shortly in this regard and, subject to its approval, to seek the approval of Dáil Éireann for Defence Forces participation in the UN follow-on mission. If approved, it is anticipated that the Defence Forces would serve with MINURCAT for an initial period of twelve months beyond 15 March 2009. Participation in the mission beyond March 2010 would be subject to a satisfactory review of the mission and renewal of the mission's mandate by the UN Security Council.
As MINURCAT would be a UN-led operation, the UN will reimburse Ireland in respect of certain troop and equipment costs which are currently being charged to the Defence Vote. The reimbursement will be made mainly in the form of Appropriations-in-Aid to the Exchequer. The estimated amount of UN reimbursement of equipment and other costs cannot be determined at this stage as this dependant on detailed negotiations with the UN on the specific equipment, logistics and other costs required for participation in this mission.
Defence Forces Schemes.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:114 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence his proposals to introduce a conciliation and arbitration scheme for the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3498/09]
Defence Force Regulations S.7 and its enabling legislation, the Defence Amendment Act, 1990, provide for representative structures for members of the Defence Forces including the Army and Naval Reserves. The question of a Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for the ranks represented by the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association (RDFRA) has been raised by representatives of the association in the past.
There are three (3) Conciliation and Arbitration Schemes in the country covering Teachers, Civil Servants and the Permanent Defence Force. Each covers an organisation with very large numbers of permanent employees.
The Permanent Defence Force C&A scheme addresses issues affecting the livelihood of members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is a voluntary force and members are not dependant on it for their livelihood. Members of the RDF automatically accrue the benefits of improvements in pay and conditions made to their PDF colleagues. I am of the view therefore that a C&A scheme such as that in operation for the PDF Associations is not appropriate for the RDF.
Under existing arrangements, RDFRA has open access to both the Department and the Military Authorities. A number of meetings take place each year between the Association and officials of the Department and separately between the Association and the Military Authorities. The frequency of this interaction has increased in recent times reflecting the modernisation agenda that is being progressed. My Department has initiated a joint forum where RDFRA, the Military and officials from the Department meet to collectively discuss and progress areas of concern to members of the RDFRA. The first such meeting was held in January 2007.
Significant progress is being made in the modernisation of the Reserve. There is great credit due to both the members of the Reserve and their Representative Association for their contribution to this progress.
Officials of my Department continue to discuss the issue with RDFRA. I will keep this situation under review to ensure that the good progress made to date continues into the future.
Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 113.
Naval Service Vessels.
Dan Neville
Ceist:116 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Defence if agreement on funding and approval has been received to award a contract for the purchase of two offshore patrol vessels for the Naval Service; when a decision will be made on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3623/09]
Liz McManus
Ceist:121 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Defence the expected timetable for the acquisition of three new vessels for the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3508/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 121 together.
The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. In the 2000 White Paper on Defence, the Government decided that the Naval Service would be based on an eight-ship flotilla and committed to a modernisation and replacement strategy to maximise the operational capacity of those eight vessels consistent with the roles assigned to the Naval Service. The White Paper specifically provides that "New vessels will be brought on stream to replace older ones as these fall due for replacement". Naval Service Vessels are replaced when they have come to the end of their useful life, which is normally around 30 years. Three ships will fall due for replacement over the coming years — LE Emer, commissioned in 1978, LE Aoife, commissioned in 1979 and LE Aisling, commissioned in 1980.
Following a detailed examination of the needs of the Naval Service within my Department, a vessel replacement strategy for the Naval Service was put in place to cover the period up to 2012. The strategy, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level.
Following Government approval in July 2007, notice of a tender competition for the purchase of replacement vessels for the Naval Service was sent to the Official Journal of the European Union on 24 August 2007. The competition is for the purchase of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV's) with an option of a third and one Extended Patrol Vessel (EPV) with an option on a second. The options provide an effective value for money opportunity, at locked in prices, to provide replacements for Naval Service vessels, which will reach the end of their service life in the years immediately following the current replacement programme.
Following Stage 1 of the tender competition for the OPVs, Stage 2 of the competition commenced on the 12th September 2008 with the issue of an Invitation to Tender to the shipbuilders who had been short-listed as part of the Stage 1 process. This document included a very detailed ship specification. The detailed tender responses were returned to the Department by the shipbuilders on the 11 November last. Tender evaluation commenced immediately and is still ongoing. It is expected to continue for a number of weeks. Subject to Government approval on funding, it is intended to award a contract for the OPVs to the preferred bidder during the first half of this year.
The decision to proceed with the final award of contract to purchase the vessels will be subject to Government approval and agreement on funding; the full requirement for which will not be known until the evaluation of all tenders has been completed.
Subject to Government approval on funding, it is expected that the new vessels will be delivered for acceptance by the Naval Service on a phased basis between 2011 and 2013. It is expected that the delivery date for the first OPV will be approximately 30 months after the date of signing of the contract whilst the specified delivery date for the second OPV will be approximately 37 months after the date of signing of the contract. If the Department exercises its option of purchasing a third OPV, a mutually agreeable delivery date shall be negotiated. These timelines are indicative and do not prejudice the right of the Department to adjust or alter the delivery schedule at the contract negotiation stage.
In the current difficult economic environment, it is important that we look to the efficiencies which all parts of the public sector can make so as to continue to deliver high quality public services within a more constrained financial resource envelope. However, it is also important that we continue to invest in public services so as we can maintain service levels into the future. Within the resources available to us, to maintain capacity, we need to continue the process of modernisation and reinvestment in the Defence Forces generally, into the future. The Naval Service Ships Programme is part of this process.
The acquisition of these modern new vessels will ensure that the Naval Service will be fully equipped to carry out its day to day roles in enforcing the State's sovereign rights over our waters and our fisheries and meeting Ireland's obligations in the area of maritime safety and security and fisheries protection.
In relation to the larger EPV, the Department intends to undertake further analysis of the proposals received following Stage 1 before the second stage is initiated. As with the OPVs, any decision to award a contract for the purchase of an EPV must be approved by the Government.
Reserve Defence Forces.
Kieran O'Donnell
Ceist:117 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Defence if he has received recommendations and a proposed plan of action with respect to the first line reserve on foot of the proposals that have been prepared by the military authorities; if not, when he expects to receive them; if the Defence Forces representative associations will be consulted on these recommendations and proposed plan of action before implementation; when such consultations will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3594/09]
The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation plan provides for a phased approach to enhancing the capabilities of the Reserve over the period to the end of 2009. The introduction of new RDF organisational structures, the development of new training syllabi, improved equipment and clothing have successfully been delivered as part of Phase 1 of the Implementation Plan.
Phase 2 of the Plan is currently being implemented and in line with the Implementation plan timeframe, proposals with respect to the First Line Reserve have been prepared by the Military Authorities. My Department has been discussing the development of the FLR with the military authorities and further information has been sought in relation to the proposals. I look forward to reviewing the recommendations and a proposed plan of action in due course.
The Implementation Group will develop the timeframe for the implementation of recommendations as soon as these have been agreed. The representative associations will be consulted prior to any implementation of recommendations.
Development of the First Line Reserve is also included in the Modernisation Agenda agreed with the Defence Forces Representative Associations in the context of Towards 2016 and will be advanced accordingly.
My primary objective is to ensure that the experience and knowledge of the former Permanent Defence Force personnel of the First Line Reserve is utilised for the maximum benefit of the Defence Forces.
Defence Forces Strength.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:118 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the way these compare to the establishment figures in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3509/09]
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. On 31 December 2008, the most recent date for which figures are available, the actual total strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 10,408 comprising 832 Air Corps, 1,070 Naval Service and 8,506 Army personnel.
In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs has been applied to the Defence Forces. Recruitment was suspended in late 2008 pending a review of the best means by which to achieve this reduction. My officials and the military authorities are keeping the situation under close review on an ongoing basis. The review and any subsequent recruitment in 2009 will prioritise the operational requirements of the Defence Forces.
Defence Forces Property.
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:119 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in resolving the issue with the occupants of the married quarters in Cathal Brugha Barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3462/09]
Defence Forces Married Quarters are provided to serving members until their retirement or resignation. Defence Forces Regulations state that the Quarters must be vacated within 15 days of leaving the service.
Following previous attempts to resolve the situation regarding the unauthorised occupation of the quarters in question, a letter was sent to the occupiers on the 11 September 2008 as a first stage in commencing a process of dialogue. Subsequently the occupiers had a meeting with the Department on the 23rd of September. At that meeting they were informed that my Department would welcome the opportunity to work with them to achieve a solution favourable to all parties. It would appear now, that arising from that meeting, all occupiers wish to purchase the quarters. My officials undertook to review the possibility of selling to the occupiers and a further meeting was scheduled for the end of October.
At that meeting my Department outlined the conditions under which it would be prepared to dispose of the quarters and undertook to write to each occupant making a formal offer to sell, setting out the conditions of sale including price. These letters issued in early November and the occupants were asked to indicate their acceptance or rejection of the offer before the end of November 2008. Copies of all letters of offer and conditions of sale received from interested parties have been forwarded to the Chief State Solicitor Office with a view to progressing the sale of these premises.
While most occupants have accepted my Department's offer of sale, it is not clear at this time how many sales will be completed and what timeframe. I am satisfied that real progress is being made to bring this most unsatisfactory position to a conclusion that meets the needs of all parties.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:120 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Defence if all personnel have been removed from Monaghan Army barracks; the person who is now in charge of security at the barracks; the cost per week; if he has had discussions with other Departments such as with officials at the Department of Education and Science for the use of this site in the future; his views on whether it would be ideal for use as a higher education structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3397/09]
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:136 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that there is sufficient reasonable quality accommodation for the Army personnel who have been moved from Monaghan barracks to Dundalk; if he will give an assurance that funding will be available to upgrade and provide realistic accommodation and sports facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3396/09]
James Bannon
Ceist:137 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Defence the arrangements his Department have or will put in place for the security of the barracks and posts being vacated by the Defence Forces; the estimated annual costs of these arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3554/09]
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:139 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence if, in regard the budget 2009 announcement of the decision to close a number of Defence Forces barracks and military posts, he will list those closed at present; the estimated value of each such site, including buildings; if each such premises has been vacated; the manner in which it is intended to dispose of each site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3503/09]
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:147 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the steps taken to secure the sites recently vacated by the Defence Forces; if private security firms have been engaged for this purpose; the estimated cost of providing such security services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3504/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which it is intended to divert the proceeds of the proposed sale of military installations, buildings or lands towards the further modernisation or upgrading of the Defence Forces or attendant facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3533/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 136, 137, 139, 147 and 154 together.
The military authorities had conducted a detailed review of the immediate requirements to enable the closure of Monaghan, Lifford, Rockhill and Longford Barracks. In addition to some immediate requirements, medium term capital works to provide more permanent arrangements for the transferring personnel, have also been identified. These works will be completed over the next year as part of the ongoing Capital programme.
The closure of the four barracks was completed on the 30th January 2009 and private security firms have been employed to provide security at the barracks in the short term with effect from the 30th January 2009. As the appointment of these contractor is temporary, for commercial reasons it would be inappropriate to state the cost per week at this stage. It is not anticipated that Private Security firms will need to be employed in the long term. However, my Department will continue to monitor the situation.
The matter of the disposal of this property will be considered in the context of the current property market. It is my intention that the funding and savings from this initiative will, in accordance with current Government policy, again be reinvested in the Defence Forces. My Department will consider all of the options open to it in that regard.
My Department is engaged in an on-going capital programme designed to modernize and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces both Permanent and Reserve. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. The provision of training facilities and equipment are reviewed as part of this programme.
Projects are prioritised in terms of addressing Defence Force operational requirements taking into account the annual capital allocation for the on-going building programme. Should the current allocation change the building programme will be reviewed and projects in the programme will be prioritised on a needs basis.
Question No. 121 answered with Question No. 116.
Defence Forces Report.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:122 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence if a report has been received by his Department from the consultants appointed to review the medical services of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3546/09]
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:155 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment in the programme for Government to develop the role and contribution of the medical corps and expand its capacity to deliver a range of medical facilities on UN mandated missions. [3519/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 155 together.
I am committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad.
The challenges in the medical arena have been recognised for some time and a review of the provision of medical services, in association with the Representative Associations, is ongoing as part of the Modernisation Agenda for the Defence Forces.
In view of the complexity of the challenge facing the Defence Forces in this area, I decided to engage consultants to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces.
I have not yet received the final report from the Consultants (PA Consulting). However, I understand that the drafting of the Report is ongoing and is nearing completion. Officials in my Department are currently engaged with the Consultants in quality assuring the work done to date to ensure that the report meets the requirements of the contract.
It is expected that drafting will be completed within the coming weeks with a final report being delivered shortly after that. I eagerly await receipt of the report and following consideration of the recommendations, I intend to publish the report and engage with all of the key stakeholders on the way ahead.
Notwithstanding the current situation, I can assure the House that Defence Forces personnel requiring medical treatment are getting the care they need.
Defence Forces Archives.
Andrew Doyle
Ceist:123 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Defence if suitable accommodation will be provided for military archives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3587/09]
The Military Archives, located in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin 6, is the place of deposit for the records of the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Army Pensions Board under the terms of Section 14 of the National Archives Act 1986. Military archive files are held there and, because of storage space constraints, in other locations.
A Military Pensions Archive project, covering the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence, is underway. The purpose of the project is to make the records for this period available to the public and to historians in good time for the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising in 2016. The requirement for a more suitable home for the Military Archives has been recognised for some time and has been the subject of significant research. The long-term accommodation for the Military Archive will be reviewed in the context of the military pension archive project.
Civilianisation Programme.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:124 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to expedite the civilianisation of all outstanding agreed posts. [3516/09]
The White Paper on Defence (2000) covers the potential benefits of civilianisation and contracting out of certain military posts. It recognises that civilianisation could "..release personnel for operational duties for which they are specifically trained". It could release them "from essentially administrative and other tasks which can more appropriately be undertaken by civilians."
The Review of Implementation of the White Paper on Defence was published in April 2007. The Review emphasised that the primary objective of civilianisation centres on releasing soldiers for operational duties and increasing the operational capacity of the Defence Forces. The Review recommended further civil/military exploration of options for civilianisation.
Civilianisation is incorporated into the "Pay Agreement and Modernisation Agenda" agreed with the Defence Forces Representative Associations in the context of the Towards 2016 Partnership Agreement.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government 2007-2012, my Department has engaged with the Military Authorities to identify military posts that may be suitable for contracting out and civilianisation. As I have previously outlined, this work requires careful consideration of the costs and benefits arising from the civilianisation of any identified posts and assessing the feasibility of any such proposals, with particular reference to resource constraints.
In light of the Government decision requiring pay savings across all elements of the defence organisation, further action on civilianisation has been deferred for the present.
Asgard II Replacement Vessel.
Pat Breen
Ceist:125 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been made regarding the possible refloating of the Asgard II; if a temporary replacement vessel has been procured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3635/09]
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:128 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the progress made with regard to the possible use of a temporary replacement vessel for the Asgard II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3505/09]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:132 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the raising of Asgard II from the seabed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3383/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 125, 128 and 132 together.
A meeting of the board of Coiste an Asgard is taking place this afternoon at which the possible salvage of Asgard II will be further considered. Arising from that meeting I expect to get a recommendation from the board within the next day or two as to whether or not to proceed with a salvage operation. I will then make a decision on the matter without delay.
The Board of an Coiste is actively pursuing the question of obtaining a temporary replacement vessel. I am hopeful that it will be possible to acquire a suitable vessel over the next couple of months and that this will allow a programme of cruises to be put in place commencing about May and continuing up to September/October.
Overseas Missions.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:126 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding members of the Reserve Defence Forces who wish to serve abroad; if he expects that such personnel will be able to serve abroad during 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3501/09]
David Stanton
Ceist:144 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 73 of 26 November 2008, the progress that has made in providing for the service of members of the Reserve Defence Forces on overseas duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3486/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 144 together.
In line with the provisions of the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan, it is hoped that a small number of Reservists will be able to undertake overseas service in late 2009.
The military authorities have identified overseas posts requiring specific skills that may be filled by members of the Reserve. The military authorities have sought expressions of interest from suitably qualified Reservists who have undertaken integrated training and are at an advanced stage in identifying Reservists who may be eligible and willing to apply for a small number of specified overseas positions.
Work on the necessary regulatory changes has progressed and terms and conditions of service are being considered. The Representative Associations will be consulted in the near future.
Question No. 127 answered with Question No. 109.
Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 125.
Defence Forces Equipment.
Liz McManus
Ceist:129 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to proceed with the acquisition of new light tactical armoured vehicles for the Defence Forces; when these are expected to be acquired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3507/09]
A contract for the supply of twenty- seven (27) Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles to the Defence Forces was awarded to BAE Systems based in South Africa in December 2008. The contract followed from a detailed tender competition, which was initiated in May 2008, and which concluded in November 2008.
The intention is that the LTAV will complement the Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in the conduct of conventional and Peace Support Operations and will fill a gap that exists between soft-skinned vehicles and the Mowag APCs.
The contract for the supply of the 27 RG32M vehicles will run over a period of three years and has a value of €19.6m, inclusive of VAT. The cost of the programme will be covered over a number of years from the Defence budget, taking into account the current economic conditions. Deliveries of the vehicles will be sixteen in 2009 and eleven in 2010.
The acquisition of the Light Tactical Vehicles is a top priority for the Defence Forces, given the extensive nature of their roles on overseas Peace Support Missions, the threat from improvised explosive devices and the potential for hostile fire in certain threat environments. Force protection remains a key issue in overseas peace support operations and it is very important that vehicles such as these are available to our personnel.
The purchase of the vehicles is in line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government to continue investment in modern equipment for Defence Forces personnel and the obligations of the State to provide appropriate support and force protection assets to deployed personnel.
Question No. 130 answered with Question No. 110.
Defence Forces Estimates.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:131 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to make changes to his Department’s Estimate for 2009 in view of recent moves in relation to public expenditure. [3499/09]
In addition to any changes that apply to the public sector generally, the non-pay element of the Defence Estimate for 2009, as published in the context of the Budget, will be reduced by €15 million as part of the overall savings announced by the Government yesterday. Details of the reductions in individual subheads will be contained in the Revised Estimates for Public Services to be published in mid March.
Question No. 132 answered with Question No. 125.
Overseas Missions.
P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:133 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces representative associations have been consulted on the terms and conditions under which members of the Reserve Defence Forces will serve overseas; if agreement has been reached with the representative associations as a result of this consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3601/09]
In line with the provisions of the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan, it is hoped that a small number of Reservists will be able to undertake overseas service in late 2009.
The military authorities have identified overseas posts requiring specific skills that may be filled by members of the Reserve.
The military authorities have sought expressions of interest from suitably qualified Reservists who have undertaken integrated training and are at an advanced stage in selecting those suitable for overseas service.
Work on the necessary regulatory changes has progressed and terms and conditions of service are being prepared. Consultation with the Representative Associations will commence in the near future.
Commemorative Events.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:134 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence when the committee to consider plans for appropriate commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising in 2016 will be convened; the reason for the delay in convening a meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3514/09]
The re-constituted Oireachtas All Party Consultation Group on commemorative issues met on 9 December 2008. The party members are Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., Joe Costello T.D., Aengus Ó Snodaigh T.D., and Michael Lowry T.D. as a representative of Independent members.
Question No. 135 answered with Question No. 110.
Questions Nos. 136 and 137 answered with Question No. 120.
Defence Forces White Paper.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:138 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence if work has commenced on preparing the second White Paper on Defence; if the Defence Forces representative associations will be consulted during the preparatory phase; if they will be consulted on the draft White Paper before it is presented to Government for approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3615/09]
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:151 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence when he expects to publish the White Paper on Defence for the period 2011 to 2020 promised in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3515/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 151 together.
The current White Paper on Defence, which was published in February 2000, was the first-ever White Paper on Defence and set out the policy framework and development strategy for the period 2000 — 2010. The overall Government objective was to achieve affordable and sustainable Defence Forces capable of fulfilling the roles laid down by Government.
A detailed review of White Paper implementation has been conducted and a report was published in April 2007 outlining the findings. The report found that substantial progress has been made. The many detailed recommendations for change that were laid out in the White Paper have been implemented or are being implemented according to agreed timetables. The report also concludes that all the detailed targets should be met within the time-frame of the White Paper i.e. up to 2010.
The Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2008 — 2010 includes the commitment to prepare a new White Paper on Defence, in line with the Agreed Programme for Government.
Work will commence on this project in the coming months with the aim of publishing the new White Paper in the latter part of 2010. The Defence Forces representative associations will be consulted during the preparation of the White Paper. Their views will be a welcome input to the consideration of the issues arising. In addition there will be broad consultation with other relevant stakeholders. This consultation will inform the drafting of the White Paper which will ultimately be submitted to Government for approval.
Question No. 139 answered with Question No. 120.
Question No. 140 answered with Question No. 112.
Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 113.
Defence Forces Schemes.
Jack Wall
Ceist:142 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment in the programme for Government to develop commissioning from the ranks programme. [3520/09]
Significant progress has been made recently in implementing schemes to enable more commissioning from the ranks.
The revised cadetship competition is now seen as the primary means of commissioning from the ranks. The cadetship competition has been revised to increase the maximum entry age to 28 and to award bonus marks to candidates with previous experience in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) or Reserve Defence Force (RDF).
Results for the 2007 and 2008 cadetship competitions were encouraging with a total of 18 applicants with military service in the Defence Forces being successful in the 2007 cadetship competition and a further 13 applicants with military service being successful in the 2008 cadetship competition.
In addition, since 2005, 6 members of the Defence Forces were commissioned as officers from Direct Entry Competitions for appointments as Engineer Officers in the Corps of Engineers, Conductors in the Army School of Music and Aeronautical Engineer Officers in the Air Corps.
An internal Commissioning From the Ranks competition was held in June 2007. This competition provided an opportunity for enlisted personnel who have passed the cadet entry age to compete for entry on a potential Officers Course and ultimately, a commission. As a result of the competition a total of 24 applicants (23 males and 1 female) were selected from the ranks of Junior and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers. Following successful completion of training in the Cadet School, these enlisted personnel were commissioned as officers of the Permanent Defence Force on 10 June 2008.
Policy on the running of similar future competitions is being addressed. This issue is included in the Defence Forces Modernisation Action Plan agreed under "Towards 2016". I have also asked the Chief of Staff for his views on the prospect of facilitating suitably qualified enlisted personnel to compete internally for technical/professional posts in the officer ranks in the future.
Reserve Defence Forces.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:143 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to fully execute the Reserve Defence Forces implementation plan by the 2009 target. [3517/09]
The White Paper on Defence 2000 outlines the blueprint for the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan provides for the phased enhancement of Reserve capabilities over the period to the end of 2009.
In accordance with the Plan, revised organisation structures came into effect in October 2005. The Reserve has been re-organised along similar lines to the PDF with three brigades, a Reserve Defence Force Training Authority and a dedicated Naval Service Reserve. Improvements in clothing, equipment and training have been delivered. These factors were identified as being important issues for members of the Reserve, as well as being necessary to improve the overall capability of the Reserve.
The Implementation Plan provides for the development of an Integrated Army Reserve. A pilot scheme for the Integrated Reserve was run in 2007 and continued into 2008. Whilst numbers participating were disappointing, valuable lessons have been learned. Options for continuing the Integration pilot into 2009 are being considered.
In line with the provisions of the Plan, it is hoped that a small number of Reservists will be able to undertake overseas service in late 2009. The military authorities have identified overseas posts requiring specific skills that may be filled by members of the Reserve. The military authorities have sought expressions of interest from suitably qualified Reservists who have undertaken integrated training and are at an advanced stage in identifying Reservists who may be eligible and willing to apply for a small number of specified overseas positions.
Work on the necessary regulatory changes has progressed and terms and conditions of service are being considered. The Representative Associations will be consulted in the near future.
Recommendations with respect to the First Line Reserve are to be brought forward during Phase 2 of the Implementation Plan. Development of the First Line Reserve is included in the Modernisation Agenda agreed with the Defence Forces Representative Associations in the context of Towards 2016 and will be advanced accordingly.
Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 126.
Explosive Devices.
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:145 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions during 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009, on which the Army bomb squad has been called out to deal with suspected explosive devices; the number of instances in each year in which the devices were hoaxes or authentic explosive devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3506/09]
The primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with an Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Gardaí as required. Requests for aid to the civil power are normally made by a member of an Garda Síochána not below the rank of Inspector.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team respond when a request is made by an Garda Síochána, to the relevant Brigade, for assistance in dealing with a suspect device or for the removal of old ordnance.
Information on the number of callouts in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 (to date) is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Total Number of Callouts |
Number of Hoaxes (included in total) |
|
2006 |
101 |
8 |
|
2007 |
98 |
11 |
|
2008 |
180 |
58 |
|
2009 as of 27/1/09 |
4 |
1 |
Question No. 146 answered with Question No. 107.
Question No. 147 answered with Question No. 120.
Question No. 148 answered with Question No. 110.
Defence Forces Equipment.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:149 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been made in regard to the replacement of the Air Corps Cessna fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3513/09]
The issue of the replacement of the Air Corps Cessna Fleet has been considered by my Department in consultation with the military authorities. The question of funding the replacement programme has to be considered in tandem with the overall equipment requirements of the Defence Forces generally and the funding available for this. The Cessna replacement programme is not a current priority and as such, there is no specific provision in this year's Defence Estimates for this project.
As the Deputy may be aware, a very significant level of investment in new equipment for the Air Corps has taken place in recent years.
The comprehensive investment programme included the delivery of eight Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, the acquisition of two light utility EC 135 helicopters from Eurocopter S.A.S. at a cost of €12.8m, the acquisition of six utility AW 139 helicopters from AgustaWestland, Italy at a cost of €75m and a major mid life upgrade on the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft at a cost of €16.5m.
Question No. 150 answered with Question No. 113.
Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 138.
Overseas Missions.
David Stanton
Ceist:152 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Force personnel participating in overseas duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3487/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of locations at which the Defence Forces are serving overseas; the number of personnel involved; the expected numbers required in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3794/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his plans for future participation in EU or UN sponsored missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3795/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if further requests have been received for the deployment of more Irish troops on various EU or UN peace-keeping or peace-enforcement missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3797/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:228 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of strength of proposed deployments of Irish troops overseas with particular reference to the need to ensure sufficient strength for their own protection and that of their colleagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3799/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152, 223, 224, 226 and 228 together.
Ireland has offered, through the UN Standby Arrangements System (UNSAS), to provide up to 850 military personnel for overseas service at any one time. This figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army (excluding Reserves) and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. This is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations.
Ireland is currently contributing 760 Defence Forces personnel to 14 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the tabular statement.
The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the UN Mandated EU multi-national mission to Chad and the Central African Republic — EUFOR TCHAD/RCA — with 425 personnel, the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 233 personnel and EUFOR, the EU-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 44 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with the United Nations, the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Staff are also deployed at the organisational headquarters of the UN, EU, OSCE and NATO.
The UN has requested Ireland to consider putting the Irish troops, currently deployed with EUFOR TCHAD/RCA, under the command of the United Nations after 15 March 2009, when EUFOR's mandate expires. The Government has already approved, in principle, continued participation by the Irish Defence Forces in the UN Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) with a contingent similar in size and nature to its existing contribution to EUFOR. I plan to revert to Government shortly seeking formal approval for Ireland's participation in the follow-on mission and to then seek the approval of Dáil Éireann in accordance with the requirements of the Defence Acts.
With regard to other future deployments, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. When considering any particular request, the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a long-term solution, consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy and the degree of risk involved are amongst the factors considered.
Force protection is always a key consideration when Defence Forces are being deployed overseas. Contingents deployed overseas are provided with all the required military hardware to fulfil their role in any particular mission. For example in Chad, the Defence Forces have deployed a full range of force protection assets, including 17 MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers and 4 Close Reconnaissance Vehicles and indirect fire capabilities (mortars). These provide the necessary armoured protection, mobility, firepower and communications. The Defence Forces have also deployed a suite of robust tactical communications systems.
Apart from the UN request to transfer Irish personnel currently deployed with EUFOR TCHAD/CAR under the authority of MINURCAT, no other deployments are planned or envisaged at this time.
|
Number |
|
|
1. UN Missions |
|
|
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ |
6 |
|
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon |
12 |
|
(iii) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
3 |
|
(iv) UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo) |
4 |
|
(v) MONUC (United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
3 |
|
(vi) UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) |
2 |
|
(vii) MINURCAT (United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad) (Core Planning Team — UN HQ New York) |
1 |
|
Total |
31 |
|
UN Mandated Missions |
|
|
(viii) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
44 |
|
(ix) EUFORTCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) OHQ — Paris |
18 |
|
EUFOR TCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) FHQ — Chad |
23 |
|
EUFOR TCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) 99th Inf Battalion |
384 |
|
(x) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
15 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) 39th Inf Group |
218 |
|
(xi) ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) |
7 |
|
Total number of personnel serving with UN missions |
740 |
|
2. Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) |
|
|
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina |
2 |
|
(ii) OSCE Mission in Belgrade — Serbia |
1 |
|
(iii) OSCE Mission in Skopje — Macedonia |
1 |
|
(iv) Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
Total number of personnel serving OSCE |
5 |
|
3. EU Military Staff |
|
|
Brussels |
6 |
|
4. Military Representatives/Advisers/Staff |
|
|
(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
(iii) Military Representatives to EU (Brussels) |
4 |
|
(iv) Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
2 |
|
(v) Military Representative to NATO/PfP Co-ordination Cell/Supreme |
1 |
|
Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons, Belgium |
|
|
TOTAL NUMBER DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
760 |
Discretionary Service Medals.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:153 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence his views on awarding the discretionary service medal to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in recognition of their involvement in the recovery of the bodies of those who died in the Niemba ambush in the Congo in November 1960; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3494/09]
Defence Force Regulations A9 provide for the criteria and procedures for awarding Medals and Decorations to personnel of the Defence Forces. These Regulations require that any recommendations for possible awards must be made in accordance with the relevant procedures, and in the case of recommendations for the award of Distinguished Service Medals, such recommendation should be made not later than 4 years from the performance of the act in respect of which the recommendation is made. The military authorities advise that no such recommendation was made in this case.
The Military Medal for Gallantry (2nd Class) was awarded posthumously to Trooper Anthony Browne in respect of what has become known as the "Niemba Ambush". The Military Star was awarded to the families / next of kin of the nine members of the Defence Forces killed at the ambush. On 18 April 2007, I made a presentation to one of the survivors of the ambush at a ceremony in Cathal Brugha Barracks.
Currently there are no plans to make any further awards to personnel in respect of this incident.
Question No 154 answered with Question No. 120.
Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 122.
Defence Forces Ombudsman.
Joan Burton
Ceist:156 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that staffing levels in the Office of the Ombudsman to the Defence Forces are sufficient to carry out its mandate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3497/09]
The Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was established under the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004. On the 19th September 2005, Ms. Paulyn Marrinan-Quinn SC was appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the Government, as the first Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.
I am advised that the Ombudsman has a staff level of four (4), consisting of the Ombudsman, an investigating officer, an office manager and clerical support. My officials have had discussions with the Ombudsman about the workload of the Office. However, in the light of the restrictions on public service payroll costs there are no current plans to assign additional staff to the Office.
I am confident that the Ombudsman will utilize all existing resources in continuing to fulfill her role. The situation will be kept under review with the Ombudsman.
Defence Forces Purchases.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:157 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if human rights or ethical considerations in relation to vendors are taken into account when making purchases for the Defence Forces. [3441/09]
The principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts is used for the acquisition of defensive equipment for the Army. Central to those procedures is the requirement to allow fair competition between suppliers through the submission of tenders, which are assessed on the basis of obtaining best value for money by the Department of Defence.
The principles of transparency, non-discrimination and equality of treatment are applied to the widest possible extent by my Department to companies interested in supplying such equipment following a tender process.
Tender competitions are held in accordance with the EU Code of Conduct on Export Controls. Accordingly, competitions are open to any individual or country in accordance with the terms of all UN, OSCE and EU arms embargos or restrictions.
Departmental Expenditure.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:158 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Taoiseach the number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by his Department in 2007 and 2008; the cost of hosting each one; if he will supply the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3715/09]
The information sought by the Deputy is in the following table.
|
Date |
Launch / Event |
|
2007 |
|
|
10th Jan 07 |
Launch National Centre for Partnership and Performance Strategy Document 2007-2010 Venue: Room 308 |
|
28 Jan 07 |
Launch the Report of the Seafood Strategy Review Group (Cawley Report) Venue: Press Centre, Govt. Bldgs* |
|
5 Feb 07 |
Launch of the European Year of Equal Opportunities for all Venue: Dublin Castle |
|
19 Feb 07 |
Attend Press Conference on Referendum on Children’s Rights Venue: Press Centre* |
|
19 Feb 07 |
Meeting with the President of Poland Venue: Press Centre* |
|
21 Feb 07 |
Launch of the 2007 Commmemorative (An Post) Stamps Programme Venue: Italian Room |
|
21 Feb 07 |
Press Launch of National Action Plan on Inclusion Venue: Press Centre* |
|
26 Feb 07 |
Launch of Church / State Dialogue Venue: Dublin Castle |
|
12 March 07 |
Launch of the White Paper on Energy Venue: Press Centre* |
|
26 Mar 07 |
Meeting and press conference with the President of Slovakia Venue: Press Centre * |
|
28 Mar 07 |
Launch of the Report of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship Venue: Italian Room and Press Centre |
|
4 Apr 07 |
Meeting with Ian Paisley and Ian Paisley Jnr, DUP Venue: Farmleigh |
|
18 Apr 07 |
Launch of the National Women’s Strategy Venue: Press Centre* |
|
11 May 07 |
Visit to the Battle of the Boyne Site Venue: Oldbridge House, Co Meath |
|
25 Oct 07 |
Launch of the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 Venue: Press Centre* |
|
29 Nov 07 |
Attend event to mark World AIDS Day “Stamp out Stigma” Venue: Room 308 |
|
29 Nov 07 |
Launch of Climate Change Awareness Campaign Venue: Press Centre* |
|
2008 |
|
|
30 Jan 08 |
Press Conference regarding Office for Disability and Office for Older People Venue: Press Centre* |
|
31 Jan 08 |
Address the National Forum on Europe Venue: Dublin Castle |
|
7 Feb 08 |
Attend North South Ministerial Council Venue: Dundalk |
|
14 Feb 08 |
Attend British Irish Council Venue: Royal Hospital Kilmainham |
|
14 April 08 |
Meeting with the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, Venue: Govt Blds |
|
14 April 08 |
Press Conference, with Chancellor Merkel Venue: Government Buildings |
|
28 Apr 08 |
Launch of OECD Review of the Public Service Venue: Dublin Castle |
|
6 May 08 |
Official Opening of the Battle of the Boyne Site with First Minister Paisley Venue: Oldbridge Estate |
|
8 July 08 |
Press Conference to announce Public Spending Measures Venue: Press Centre * |
|
21 July 08 |
Press Conference with the President of France Venue: Govt Bldgs |
|
29 Nov 08 |
Launch of Report of Task Force on the Public Service. Venue Dublin Castle. |
|
18 Dec 08 |
Launch Building Irelands’ Smart Economy — Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal. Venue; Dublin Castle |
*Press launches/events hosted by my Department and held in the Government Press Centre are not subject to any extra third party costs. Tea/Coffee etc are provided in-house by services staff and technical support by the Office of Public Works.
The table contains the main list of press conferences and policy launches which were held by my Department. Costings will be communicated to the deputy in the coming days.
Motor Fuels.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:159 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the price of motor fuel has been rising in the past number of days; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3650/09]
The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is no price control on petroleum products in Ireland. Prices at the pump reflect global market price (traded in dollars), Euro/Dollar fluctuations, refining costs, transportation costs, other operating costs, prevailing excise duty and VAT. Recent increases in pump prices may be attributable to a number of factors, including conflict in oil producing regions, the strengthening dollar and lower refinery outputs generally.
The Deputy may be aware that in response to concerns expressed by a number of commentators that the benefits of the decline in the wholesale price of oil were not being passed on to consumers, I requested the National Consumer Agency to undertake a survey into the underlying reasons as to why pump prices for petrol and diesel were not falling in line with the drop in the wholesale price of oil. As part of its work, the agency benchmarked movements in prices in Ireland against those in other EU countries and it examined the frequency and the timeliness in which changes in the wholesale price were being passed on to consumers. The agency's report on this matter was published on 19 December 2008. The report's overall finding was that, at national level, price changes for refined petroleum products are being passed on to consumers in a relatively timely fashion.
The agency did identify a range of gaps in the manner in which information on retail and diesel prices are collected and publicised. It is my intention to work in conjunction, with the National Consumer Agency and my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to see how best these information gaps can be addressed.
Industrial Development.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:160 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of visits made by or on behalf of the Industrial Development Authority and Enterprise Ireland to County Kilkenny, for each of the years ending 31 December 2006, 31 December 2007 and 31 December 2008; the number of approved projects by each of these bodies in Kilkenny for the periods specified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3657/09]
Under the Industrial Development Acts, both IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are independent in the exercise of their functions and, while I may give general policy directives to the agencies, I am precluded from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
While both agencies are very active in Kilkenny, as outlined below, I am informed by IDA that there have been no itineraries to Kilkenny arranged by the agency for prospective investors during 2006, 2007 or 2008. Enterprise Ireland does not sponsor site visits to locations around the country.
Enterprise Ireland has a large number of client companies in County Kilkenny and during the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 it approved a total of 92 new investments, involving grant approvals of €28,253,694, to its client companies in Kilkenny. The number of approvals in each year together with the grant approvals are set out in the following tabular statement.
Although there have been no new IDA projects approved for Kilkenny in the same three-year period there are, at present, four IDA supported companies in Kilkenny employing 390 people.
In line with the National Spatial Strategy, IDA is concentrating its efforts in Kilkenny on Kilkenny city. In marketing the city for new foreign direct investment, the agency is focused on attracting overseas companies in the services and knowledge-based industries (including advanced manufacturing). Key sectors of focus for the medium term are international services and financial services. The development by IDA of the 20 hectare Kilkenny Business and Technology Park will assist greatly in the attraction of new investment. In addition, the development of the IDA Belview lands (55 hectares) in South Kilkenny for large-scale utility intensive industry will ultimately benefit County Kilkenny as well as neighbouring Waterford City and the wider region.
It must be remembered that as Ireland competes for investments at the highest end of the value chain the concept of scale is crucial to our economic destiny. Leading corporations require a significant population of highly qualified talent, effective physical and digital infrastructure, coupled with availability of sophisticated professional support services. If we are to continue being successful in realising a large proportion of our investments outside of the larger cities, all economic and social stakeholders will need to adhere to the framework on which the NSS is constructed. In the final analysis it is the investor who decides where to visit and where to locate.
|
Year |
Number of approvals |
Amount |
|
€ |
||
|
2006 |
20 |
795,963 |
|
2007 |
39 |
26,339,254 |
|
2008 |
33 |
1,118,477 |
|
Total |
92 |
28,253,694 |
IDA Properties.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:161 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the landbanks owned by the Industrial Development Authority in all locations in County Mayo; the extent of such landbanks; the extent of each such landbank not being used; her plans for each such landbank in the coming period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3696/09]
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio, including the purchase of land and the creation of business parks, are day-to-day operational matters for the agency and not matters in which I have a function.
I have been informed by IDA Ireland that it owns a total of 73.82 hectares of land in County Mayo, of which 48.17 hectares are in use and 25.65 hectares are available and currently being marketed. The following tabular statement sets out the location and size of the individual properties.
In line with the National Spatial Strategy and the National Development Plan, IDA Ireland has focused on developing quality business parks in gateway and hub locations, and in a number of county towns to meet the express needs of its clients.
In County Mayo, IDA has already developed Business and Technology Parks in Castlebar and in Westport, which are being marketed by the Agency. In Ballina, IDA has concluded the purchase of 10.61 hectares of industrially zoned land, on the Sligo Road, from Mayo County Council. It is intended that tenders for site development on this site will be invited in the near future.
Through its network of overseas offices, IDA is actively marketing Mayo for new inward investment while, at the same time, continuing to work with its existing base of overseas companies in County Mayo to encourage them to grow and expand.
|
Location |
Total Hectares |
Hectares in Use |
Hectares available |
|
Ballina (Bunree Industrial Estate) |
10.29 |
8.88 |
1.41 |
|
Ballina Business & Technology Park |
10.61 |
0.00 |
10.61 |
|
Ballinrobe Business Park |
1.54 |
1.54 |
0.00 |
|
Ballyhaunis Business Park |
2.55 |
2.55 |
0.00 |
|
Castlebar Business & Technology Park |
11.18 |
8.09 |
3.09 |
|
Castlebar Business Park |
5.19 |
5.19 |
0.00 |
|
Castlebar (Gorteen) |
1.62 |
1.62 |
0.00 |
|
Charlestown Industrial Park |
0.71 |
0.71 |
0.00 |
|
Claremorris Industrial Estate |
2.87 |
2.87 |
0.00 |
|
Foxford Business Park |
1.46 |
0.78 |
0.68 |
|
Knock Business Park |
0.49 |
0.49 |
0.00 |
|
Westport Business & Technology Park |
25.31 |
15.45 |
9.86 |
|
Total |
73.82 |
48.17 |
25.65 |
Departmental Expenditure.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:162 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by her Department in 2007 and 2008; the cost of hosting each one; if she will supply the information in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3708/09]
Details of press conferences and policy launches held by my Department are given in the following table:
|
Date |
Subject |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
10/01/07 |
Farm Safety Booklet with Dept. of Agriculture and Food |
— |
|
24/01/07 |
Employment Permits Act, 2006 |
*4,086 |
|
26/01/07 |
NDP spend of €13.6 billion investment in enterprise |
— |
|
01/02/07 |
Consumer Protection Bill |
807 |
|
11/02/07 |
Employment Rights Agenda |
642 |
|
28/02/07 |
Forfás Influenza Planning Report |
547 |
|
21/03/07 |
ESRI Bullying Report |
409 |
|
25/04/07 |
Business Regulation Forum |
45 |
|
26/04/07 |
“Tech-Check” Programme for Small Business |
721 |
|
03/05/07 |
Company Law Review Group Report |
578 |
|
18/05/07 |
Code of Practice for Domestic Workers |
272 |
|
18/12/07 |
ESF Human Capital Investment Programme 2007-2013 (HCIOP) |
**20,660 |
|
10/01/08 |
Workers Rights Campaign |
100 |
|
14/02/08 |
Forfás Review of the European Single Market in Ireland |
385 |
|
18/03/08 |
Employment Law Compliance Bill |
404 |
|
02/04/08 |
Report of High Level Group on Manufacturing |
584 |
|
24/06/08 |
Innovation Policy Statement |
571 |
|
30/07/08 |
Labour Relations Commission Annual Report |
416 |
|
06/08/08 |
High Level Group on Business Regulation |
243 |
|
12/09/08 |
Services Strategy |
45 |
|
15/12/08 |
1st Report on Implementation of Strategy for Science and Technology |
378 |
*A seminar for key stakeholders, attended by some 150 companies, was also held on the same day at this launch, which included detailed presentations to companies on how the new administrative arrangements under the Act would apply. The cost includes the seminar.
**This refers to a launch and seminar for key stakeholders. The event also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the European Social Fund (ESF). The events were in compliance with the regulatory requirements relating to the receipt of European Social Funding.
National Lottery Funding.
Mary Upton
Ceist:163 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of national lottery revenue that is directed towards sport; if this money is ringfenced for sports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3749/09]
In 2008, the total allocation provided for sports related subheads which are part-funded by the National Lottery surplus was €113.631m.
The National Lottery contribution to the funding of all subheads (including sports subheads) part-funded from the Lottery amounted to €265m or 56.8% of the allocations in those subheads in 2008. As the Lottery funds are treated as an item of general non-tax revenue, it is not possible to indicate the percentage of Lottery funding contained in any individual subhead.
Tax Code.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:164 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons availing of the artists’ exemption scheme; the breakdown of their respective occupations; the amount expected to be waived in 2009; the amount of revenue exempted in the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3651/09]
It is assumed that what the Deputy requires is the cost to the Exchequer of the exemption of certain earnings of writers, composers and artists by reference to artistic category and the number of artists in each category claiming the exemption.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant available information relates to the overall cost to the Exchequer of the exemption and the total numbers of claimants as included in income tax returns filed for the income tax year 2005, the latest year for which the necessary detailed information is available.
In that year an estimated number of 2,220 claimants availed of the artists' exemption scheme at an estimated cost to the Exchequer of €34.8 million. A married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
Projections for income tax receipts are based on assumed movements in macroeconomic parameters and not by reference to the costs of individual tax reliefs. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide the data requested by the Deputy for 2009 in respect of the exemption.
A breakdown of these figures by artistic category is not available but the Deputy may wish to know that under Freedom of Information legislation, the Revenue Commissioners publish details on their website of individuals who have been granted a determination allowing them to claim the Artists' Exemption in respect of income earned from the sale of their works. The names of those qualifying for the relief with effect from 21 April 1998 are available and the list is set out in alphabetical order in each of the five categories of work covered by the exemption, viz. (a) a book or other writing, (b) a play, (c) a musical composition, (d) a painting or like picture, (e) a sculpture. The list is updated on a quarterly basis. This information can be found on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
Departmental Expenditure.
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:165 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the estimated savings of a 10% cut in travel and subsistence allowances across all State Departments. [3653/09]
The 2009, estimated allocation for travel and subsistence costs for all Government Departments and Offices amounts to some €67 million in 2009 (a reduction of just over 7% on the previous year), a 10% reduction in this allocation would yield a saving of €6.7 million.
Tax Code.
Jack Wall
Ceist:166 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has received all their tax credits for the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3681/09]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have received no correspondence to date from this taxpayer in relation to his tax credits. In order to determine tax credits a Form 12 was issued to the taxpayer on 3 February. On receipt of a completed return it will be processed and any necessary amendments to tax credits will be made.
Banking Sector.
Joe Costello
Ceist:167 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance if it is still proposed that Anglo Irish Bank move to the new premises under construction, subject to planning permission, at North Wall Quay-New Wapping Street following the nationalisation of the bank; if Anglo Irish Bank is the bank for a company (details supplied); the terms that were negotiated for the leasing of the building; if his Department is still bound by these terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3684/09]
Anglo Irish Bank is being run on an arms length commercial basis to allow the full potential of the bank's business to be realised. Accordingly, normal commercial decisions, which include decisions on the premises of the bank, are a matter for the Board of Anglo. Details on Anglo's individual customers and contracts are commercially sensitive and would also relate to the bank's normal ongoing business.
The Board of Anglo is preparing a comprehensive business plan which will be required to demonstrate how the Board will oversee the continued commercial operation of the bank in the best interests of the bank, the financial sector generally and the State.
Departmental Expenditure.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:168 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by his Department in 2007 and 2008; the cost of hosting each one; if he will supply the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3710/09]
The following table gives details of press conferences and policy launches requested by the Deputy.
|
Year |
Details of Press Conferences/Policy launches |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
2007 |
Launch of National Development Plan 2007-2013 |
68,846 |
|
2007 |
Launch of the National Strategic Reference Framework |
4,137 |
|
2007 |
Budget 2008 — Photographic assignments and laser presentation |
1,440 |
|
2007 |
Finance Bill |
1,556 |
|
2007 |
Quarterly Exchequer Statement releases Jan 08-Sep 08 |
465 |
|
2007 |
Pre Budget Outlook 2008 |
730 |
|
2008 |
Budget 2009 — Photographic assignments and laser presentation |
1,262 |
|
2008 |
Finance Bill |
1,216 |
|
2008 |
Quarterly Exchequer Statements Dec 08-Sep 09 |
620 |
Garda Stations.
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:169 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance if he will furnish a report from the Office of Public Works on plans to provide temporary office accommodation for Tallaght Garda station, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3743/09]
The provision of office accommodation for use by some administrative units of the Garda Síochána currently based in Tallaght Station is being actively pursued.
Tax Yield.
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:170 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the yield from standardising the tax relief if all discretionary tax relief schemes were made available only at the standard rate. [3746/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the deductions and reliefs which are allowable for tax at an individual's marginal rate of income tax and for which estimates of cost can be provided are set out below together with estimated costs for the year 2005, the most recent year for which the necessary detailed information is available except where otherwise stated. If relief for these deductions and reliefs was confined to the standard rate of income tax the saving to the Exchequer could be of the order of €1,000 million.
This estimate does not take into account any possible behavioural change on the part of taxpayers as a consequence of such a change or the economic effect of such a change. This applies in particular to the BES, Film Relief, Pensions Contribution Relief and Capital Allowances regime. The standard rating of employee pension reliefs would also have an impact on workers' take home pay.
|
Tax Relief Provision |
2005 Cost |
|
€m |
|
|
Person Taking Care of Incapacitated Taxpayer |
1.8 |
|
Health Expenses |
134.0 |
|
Contributions Under Permanent Health Benefit Schemes, after Deduction of Tax on Benefits Received |
3.2 |
|
Interest paid relating to borrowings for purposes such as acquiring an interest in a company or partnership or to pay death duties. |
22.2 |
|
Expenses Allowable to Employees under Schedule E |
65.0 |
|
Donations to Approved Bodies |
34.0 |
|
Donations to Sports Bodies. |
0.2 |
|
Retirement Relief for certain Sports Persons. |
0.3 |
|
Revenue Job Assist allowance |
0.4 |
|
Allowance for seafarers |
0.4 |
|
Investment in Corporate Trades (BES) |
16.1 |
|
Investment in Seed Capital |
1.3 |
|
Stock Relief |
2.0 |
|
Relief for expenditure on significant buildings and gardens |
3.3 |
|
Donation of Heritage items |
5.8 |
|
Capital Allowances ( Income Tax only) |
734.5 |
|
Rented Residential Relief — Section 23 |
239.7 |
|
Investment in Films |
15.7 |
|
Employees’ Contributions to Approved Superannuation Schemes* |
540.0 (2006) |
|
Retirement Annuity Premiums* |
380.0 (2006) |
|
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts* |
120.0 (2006) |
|
Total |
2,319.9 |
*Estimate of cost revised for 2006 as part of the work on the Green Paper on Pensions.
Tax Code.
Mary Upton
Ceist:171 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the number of artists availing of the artists’ tax exemption for each of the past ten years; the number of people and amount they claimed in tax exemption for 2008 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3753/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the available information relates to the exemption of certain earnings of writers, composers and artists who made income tax returns for the eight income tax years 1998-99 to 2005, the latest year for which the necessary detailed information is available, and is as follows:
|
Tax Year |
Number of claimants |
|
1998/99 |
900 |
|
1999/00 |
940 |
|
2000/01 |
1,200 |
|
2001 |
1,430 |
|
2002 |
1,600 |
|
2003 |
1,700 |
|
2004 |
1,970 |
|
2005 |
2,220 |
A married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
The cost to the Exchequer of the Artists' Exemption Scheme in 2005, the most recent year for which statistics are available, is estimated at €34.8 million.
Mary Upton
Ceist:172 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if changes are planned to the artists’ tax exemption scheme for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3754/09]
All tax reliefs currently in operation, including the Artists' Exemption Scheme, are being reviewed by the Commission on Taxation. The Commission will make its report in September 2009.
Mary Upton
Ceist:173 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if he will tackle the issue of tax exiles in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3755/09
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners, in relation to work carried out as part of its risk-based programme, that they have no reason to conclude that there is any failure to comply with the rules governing non-resident status. As part of their ongoing work, the Revenue Commissioners continue to include the examination of a cross-section of non-resident cases in their risk-based programmes.
However, the Deputy will be aware that I have recently made a change to the so-called "Cinderella" or "midnight rule". Up until 1 January 2009, an individual was regarded as present in the State for a day, for tax residence purposes, only if he or she was present in the State at midnight on that day. Section 15 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 2008 amended the tax residence rules to provide that an individual will now be regarded as present in the State on a day if he or she is in the State at any time during the day, not just at midnight. This will apply for the 2009 tax year and subsequent tax years. I wish to also point out that the tax residency rules are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Health Service Staff.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:174 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if it is the case that hospital consultants are not liable for the tax levy; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3800/09]
The position is that the category of persons referred to by the Deputy has not been provided with an exemption and will be subject to the income levy on aggregate income from all sources.
Food Safety.
Andrew Doyle
Ceist:175 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in replying to Parliamentary Question No. 205 of 25 November 2008. [3643/09]
Parliamentary Question No. 205 of 25 November 2008 was answered in full. However, I understand that the Deputy is referring to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 10 December 2008 which asked about "the number of bottled water plants that have been inspected in 2007 and 2008 out of the total number, by category; the number of infringements that were found; the nature of the infringements; and the way the public were informed on foot of the infringements".
The reason for the delay in replying to this question was that the information had to be collated by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland in conjunction with the Health Service Executive. This information has now been made available to me and is set out in the following table.
|
Total number of bottled water plants in the country |
Number producing Natural Mineral Water |
Number producing Spring Water |
Number producing Other Water |
|
25* |
3 |
9 |
16 |
|
There was a total of 22 inspections in 2007 resulting in 12 infringements. |
|||
|
There was a total of 24 inspections in 2008 resulting in 9 infringements. |
|||
|
The types of infringement reported ranged from labelling, structural hygiene, traceability procedures and microbiological criteria. The nature of the infringements in most cases did not warrant the need to notify the public. There was however, one occasion when this course of action was required and this was on 16 July 2008 when a product recall of Pure Spring Natural Still Water was necessary as some batches did not comply with microbiological criteria for bottled waters. |
*The reason the figures in this heading do not agree is because some plants produce more than one type of water.
Health Service Expenditure.
James Reilly
Ceist:176 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of accommodation and premises leased to the Health Service Executive in an area (details supplied) in County Donegal; the date on which each lease agreement was signed; the rent per square metre for each of the premises leased; the amount each lease cost in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3660/09]
Property leased to the Health Service Executive in the Letterkenny area, County Donegal is a service matter and has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Cards.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:177 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 has been refused a full medical card. [3661/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Service Expenditure.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:178 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost in 2008 and the projected cost for 2009 for each office rental property in each county within the Health Service Executive west region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3672/09]
Arrangements in relation to the rental of property is a service matter and the question has therefore been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Health Services.
Jack Wall
Ceist:179 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has had their level of care reviewed as per correspondence; the proposals agreed in regard to the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3673/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:180 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress on the development of the new primary medical care team centre at Tallaght town centre, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3687/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:181 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with autism from the Dublin north catchment area who have been discharged from their school or service upon reaching the age of 18 and adulthood and subsequently transferred to other institutions (details supplied); the figures individually for each of these institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3688/09]
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.
Tobacco-Related Diseases.
Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:182 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to address the issue of the use of tobacco here in view of the recent World Health report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3698/09]
I regard the reduction of tobacco use in Ireland as a key public health priority. The Department of Health and Children is pursuing a range of measures aimed at reducing tobacco use.
Price has also been identified as an effective tobacco control measure, particularly in preventing young people's initiation and subsequent addiction to tobacco. The minimum price of cigarettes below which cigarettes cannot be sold was increased to €7.14 with effect from 1 September 2008. The recent increase in the budget of 50% has brought the price of the most popular brands of cigarettes to over €8.00, making cigarette prices in Ireland the highest in the EU and the second highest in Europe. From May 2007, the sale of cigarettes in packs of less than 20 and sale of confectioneries that resemble cigarettes was banned.
The key provisions of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 and 2004 to be commenced with effect from 1 July 2009 include: no advertising for tobacco products permitted in-store, no display of tobacco products permitted, all tobacco products must be out of view and stored within a closed container only accessible by the retailer, all retailers will have to register with the Office of Tobacco Control in order to sell tobacco products, and self-service vending machines will only be permitted in licensed premises or registered clubs.
The aim of these provisions is to further de-normalise tobacco and to protect children from the dangers of tobacco consumption. Research shows that tobacco advertising at the point of sale is a key factor in a young person starting and continuing to smoke. If young people can be prevented from purchasing tobacco products there is less chance they will become addicted and suffer a smoking related illness. Restricting advertising will also support adults who are trying to quit.
The Health Service Executive provides a range of services aimed at reducing tobacco use. This work is undertaken via anti-smoking media campaigns, by increasing awareness through the formal education system, through the "Smokers Quitline" service and through its smoking cessation services.
Departmental Expenditure.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:183 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by her Department in 2007 and 2008; the cost of hosting each one; if she will supply the information in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3712/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated in my Department and a reply will issue directly at the earliest opportunity.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:184 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the wage bill for community welfare staff in the Waterford and Wexford local health office areas respectively; and the total received from the Department of Social and Family Affairs in respect of this wage bill. [3732/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:185 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of surgeons in each acute hospital in the Health Service Executive western area; the number of procedures under each surgical category performed in each hospital in each of the past five years; the staffing complement in each Department; her plans to develop these facilities and range of surgical procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3739/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Medical Cards.
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:186 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children when provisions of the Health Act 2008 will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3744/09]
Under the Health Act 2008, automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons aged 70 or over ceased on 31 December 2008, and with effect from 1 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 or 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.
Persons whose income is above the specified thresholds will have until 2 March 2009 to advise the Health Service Executive that their income is above those limits. After that date, their medical card will no longer be valid.
Joan Burton
Ceist:187 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the conditions of medical cards for over 70 year olds (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3760/09]
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. 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.
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.
Departmental Expenditure.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:188 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport the number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by his Department in 2007 and 2008; the cost of hosting each one; if he will supply the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3716/09]
The number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by my Department in 2007 and 2008; and the cost of hosting each one is set out in tabular form set out as follows.
|
Date |
Event |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
05/07/2007 |
Selected Route for Metro West |
796.71 |
|
23/10/2007 |
Coast Guard Conference |
582.82 |
|
20/11/2007 |
Workplace Travel Plan |
314.00 |
|
13/12/2007 |
Marine Conference |
206.29 |
|
Total for 2007 |
1,899.82 |
|
|
25/01/2008 |
National Roads Allocations 2008 |
2,168.77 |
|
15/02/2008 |
Non National Roads Allocations 2008 |
4,231.02 |
|
25/02/2008 |
Minister Launches National Consultation on Sustainable Transport and Travel |
1,026.05 |
|
05/03/2008 |
Launch of Transport 21 Annual Report |
804.43 |
|
03/03/2008 |
Minister Launches New Irish Coast Guard HSE Ambulance Response Team |
740.02 |
|
14/04/2008 |
Minister publishes Dublin Transport Authority Bill |
1,141.57 |
|
14/10/2008 |
Budget 2009 |
61.00 |
|
24/11/2008 |
Launch of Report of Maritime Passenger Transport Forum |
621.34 |
|
Total for 2008 |
10,794.20 |
Light Rail Projects.
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:189 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made in relation to connecting the two Luas lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3763/09]
Last year, I mandated the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) to proceed with planning the delivery of Luas Line BX/D based on the Agency's preferred route for Line BX (St. Stephen's Green to City Centre) and the use of the old Broadstone railway alignment for Line D (City Centre to Liffey Junction/Broombridge).
It will not be possible to fully construct Luas Line BX at the same time as construction of Metro North because of the traffic management implications that would arise in the city centre. The RPA is developing a construction strategy for Luas Line BX, in close co-operation with Dublin City Council, which includes use of Metro North construction sites and recognises the traffic management requirements of the city centre. The RPA is engaging with Dublin City Council on the basis of the contemporaneous delivery of Lines BX and D.
I understand from the RPA that, following public consultation, the preferred route option for Line D has also been identified.
The RPA is now progressing to the detailed design phase and commencing the EIS with a view to making a single railway order application for the combined Line BX/D to An Bord Pleanála in the latter part of this year.
The start and completion dates of LUAS line BX/D will be determined by the outcome of work being undertaken by Dublin City Council and the RPA in developing a construction strategy, the outcome of the statutory approval and procurement processes and the funding allocation available to my Department during the current difficult economic climate.
Taxi Regulations.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:190 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay in the publication of the Goodbody economic review report commissioned by the Commissioner for Taxi Regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3764/09]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:191 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the recommendations contained in the Goodbody economic review report commissioned by the Commission for Taxi Regulation which was due to be published in 2008; and if a proposal that a moratorium on the issue of taxi plates is one of those recommendations. [3765/09]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:192 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he has been in communication with the Commission for Taxi Regulation to ascertain the possible publication date of the Goodbody economic review report commissioned by the Taxi Regulator, which was due to be published in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3766/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 to 192, inclusive, together.
Under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, the Commission for Taxi Regulation is the independent public body responsible for the regulation and control, including licensing, of taxis, hackneys, limousines and their drivers.
I understand that the Commission for Taxi Regulation is currently carrying out an economic review of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector and that the consultants assisting with this task are currently compiling their final report which will be presented to the Commission for Taxi Regulation this month.
When the Commission's review is completed and published I will consider any recommendations relevant to my statutory obligations.
Coastguard Service.
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:193 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the allocation of the coastguard budget for each coastguard station by location for each year since 2004 with a breakdown under all budgetary headings for each year; the number of persons employed and the number of volunteers in each such station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3938/09]
The Irish Coast Guard transferred to the Department of Transport from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on 1st January 2006.
The Irish Coast Guard has fifty-five Stations from which marine rescue services are delivered by volunteer units available for emergency callouts. Budgets are not allocated by Station as expenditure varies as circumstances demand. The overall budget allocation for 2009 has not yet been finalised. The direct local expenditure by this Department for each station is approximately as follows.
|
Coast Guard Stations |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Number of Volunteers |
|
Achill |
188 |
32 |
752 |
24 |
|
Ardmore |
7 |
15 |
25 |
14 |
|
Arklow |
2 |
2 |
5 |
Partnered with Courtown |
|
Ballybunion |
10 |
20 |
13 |
26 |
|
Ballycotton |
8 |
10 |
15 |
19 |
|
Ballyglass |
9 |
10 |
12 |
20 |
|
Baltimore |
< 1 |
< 1 |
< 1 |
Partnered with Toe Head |
|
Bonmahon |
15 |
40 |
14 |
20 |
|
Bunbeg |
331 |
47 |
148 |
34 |
|
Carnsore Point |
4 |
13 |
18 |
16 |
|
Castlefreke |
10 |
6 |
83 |
15 |
|
Castletownbere |
9 |
21 |
17 |
21 |
|
Cleggan |
17 |
20 |
22 |
23 |
|
Clogherhead |
6 |
4 |
24 |
21 |
|
Costello Bay |
8 |
35 |
551 |
24 |
|
Courtown |
6 |
4 |
9 |
17 |
|
Crosshaven |
22 |
17 |
74 |
24 |
|
Curracloe |
5 |
8 |
13 |
13 |
|
Dingle |
24 |
28 |
44 |
21 |
|
Doolin |
33 |
57 |
89 |
28 |
|
Drogheda |
28 |
43 |
145 |
28 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
6 |
8 |
7 |
15 |
|
Dunmore East |
21 |
38 |
41 |
20 |
|
Fethard |
12 |
18 |
16 |
21 |
|
Glandore |
5 |
7 |
5 |
17 |
|
Glenderry |
2 |
2 |
3 |
11 |
|
Goleen |
5 |
2 |
16 |
22 |
|
Greencastle |
27 |
21 |
54 |
28 |
|
Greenore |
5 |
28 |
15 |
14 |
|
Greystones |
18 |
23 |
22 |
21 |
|
Guileen |
7 |
4 |
6 |
15 |
|
Helvick Head |
2 |
8 |
2 |
11 |
|
Howth |
26 |
54 |
77 |
29 |
|
Kilkee |
3 |
15 |
14 |
20 |
|
Killala |
35 |
18 |
42 |
25 |
|
Killybegs |
19 |
20 |
45 |
25 |
|
Kilmore Quay |
5 |
13 |
16 |
14 |
|
Knightstown |
11 |
15 |
17 |
16 |
|
Mulroy |
22 |
15 |
46 |
22 |
|
North Aran |
1 |
1 |
2 |
11 |
|
Old Head of Kinsale |
3 |
5 |
13 |
16 |
|
Oysterhaven |
8 |
6 |
14 |
18 |
|
Rosslare |
9 |
18 |
46 |
21 |
|
Seven Heads |
3 |
9 |
21 |
12 |
|
Skerries |
18 |
17 |
27 |
17 |
|
South Aran |
< 1 |
< 1 |
< 1 |
Partnered with Doolin |
|
Summer Cove |
2 |
4 |
2 |
10 |
|
Toe Head |
22 |
1,334 |
48 |
27 |
|
Tory Island |
2 |
< 1 |
7 |
Partnered with Bunbeg |
|
Tramore |
18 |
23 |
26 |
17 |
|
Waterville |
2 |
4 |
6 |
11 |
|
Westport |
56 |
18 |
17 |
25 |
|
Wicklow |
8 |
12 |
7 |
Partnered with Greystones |
|
Youghal |
10 |
10 |
13 |
19 |
|
Lough Derg |
8 |
28 |
59 |
28 |
|
Total |
1,143 |
2,237 |
2,826 |
986 |
Sharp increases in particular years for individual stations indicate construction costs of the building programme.
Garda Training.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:194 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the ongoing education and training programmes in place for garda officers to educate them in the complex area of congenital disabilities such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3641/09]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that Disability Ireland provides training at the Garda College to Phase III students in meeting and communicating with people with disabilities. There is no specific training provided focusing on people with congenital disabilities.
Refugee Status.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:195 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications (details applied) which have been processed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3676/09]
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.
The information requested by the Deputy is not available as statistics are not maintained in relation to the grounds under which asylum applications are made or determined.
Citizenship Applications.
Catherine Byrne
Ceist:196 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for citizenship by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; when a decision will be made in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3677/09]
An application for post nuptial citizenship for the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 27 June 2005.
Processing of this application is still ongoing and it is anticipated that the file will be completed in the near future. The legal representatives of the individual concerned recently contacted the Department to state that they no longer represent the individual and this has resulted in delays in processing. Officials in the Citizenship (post-nuptial) Section will be in contact with the individual concerned as soon as the application is completed.
Garda Deployment.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:197 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí assigned to community policing in County Mayo; his plans to increase the number of community gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3691/09]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the Community Policing Unit in the Mayo Division as at 31 December 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 8.
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 Community Policing Units referred to by the Deputy, will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of policing requirements throughout the country.
Crime Levels.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:198 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of offences committed by persons on bail for each of the years 2006 to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3692/09]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Departmental Expenditure.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:199 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by his Department in 2007 and 2008; the cost of hosting each one; if he will supply the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3713/09]
I wish to inform the Deputy that it has not been possible to compile the information requested in the time available. A response is being prepared and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Departmental Records.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:200 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason fees are levied on the release of documents relating to road collisions to relatives of individuals who have been tragically killed in road collisions; if he will abolish the fee for releasing these documents in view of the circumstances within which they are being requested and the fact that these documents provide the only avenue for victims’ families to discover the way in which the fatal collision that claimed their loved one’s life occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3730/09]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is the policy of An Garda Síochána to appoint a Family Liaison Officer to liaise with the family of victims of fatal road traffic accidents and provide timely and accurate information relating to the progress of the Garda investigation of the accident and any prosecutions arising therefrom.
I am also advised by the Garda authorities that persons involved in road collisions, their legal advisers or insurers, or other interested parties may, on written request, be supplied with an abstract of the police report, copies of witness statements and sketches or maps of the scene. This information is not supplied in cases where criminal proceedings are contemplated or have been initiated. Fees for abstract reports and copies of witness statements and photographs are charged in order to recoup costs incurred in the preparation of same. There are no plans to provide an exemption for such fees at this time.
The Deputy may also be aware that there is a statutory requirement for an inquest to be carried out in respect of all road traffic fatalities.
Residency Permits.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:201 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action an Australian citizen who is here for the past two years on a working holiday visa and who wants to apply for a permanent residency visa, must take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3772/09]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that there is no provision for permanent residency in Irish Immigration legislation for non EEA nationals.
The Working Holiday Authorisation which is issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs is available to young people from Australia who wish to stay in Ireland for an extended holiday and who are afforded the opportunity to work casually in order to fund their stay. It is granted for a duration of one year and is non-renewable.
Legal residency in this State is granted for a number of reasons including working permit conditions, marriage to Irish national or EU national and naturalisation. It is open to a non-EEA national who has resided legally in the State to apply for long term residency. These applications are considered in respect of persons who have resided legally in the State for a period of 60 months or longer on the basis of Work Permit, Work Authorisation, or Working Visa conditions.
Applicants for Naturalisation must have 60 months reckonable legal residency in the State prior to their application, with one year's continuous reckonable residency immediately prior to their application.
Non-EEA nationals who intend to reside in the State longer than three months are required to register with the Garda Registration Office for the area in which they intend to reside. The onus is on each individual to ensure that their permission to remain in the State is up to date at all times.
Departmental Expenditure.
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:202 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the staff of regional offices of an organisation (details supplied) have been without pay for the past four weeks due to the current dispute between his Department and the chief executive officer of the organisation; his views on putting in place an interim arrangement to pay the salary of those staff pending the resolution of the dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3925/09]
I am aware of the regrettable situation in relation to the organisation referred to by the Deputy.
My Department is in close contact with the organisation concerned. I am glad to say that significant progress is now being made towards securing a viable financial agreement between both parties that can stand up to scrutiny from a good governance perspective.
The priority is to quickly put in place the necessary structures to justify State funding to meet the organisation's liabilities as well as to ensure continuing support to disability groups through its networks.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:203 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by his Department in 2007 and 2008; the cost of hosting each one; if he will supply the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3711/09]
There have been twenty eight press conferences or policy launches held in my Department since the beginning of 2007. Details of these events, including any costs incurred, are presented in tabular form.
Most of the events were press conferences. These usually take place at my Department's headquarters or, on occasion, at the Government Press Centre in Government Buildings. There are generally no cost implications for formal press conferences, or from informal or so called ‘doorstep' press conferences. As the Deputy will see from the table, my press conferences are normally either connected with a policy initiative or, more commonly, are joint events with visiting Foreign Ministers or similar office holders.
A number of important policy launches also occurred within the timeframe of this question. Most of these related to the Irish Aid programme, the European Union or policy initiatives in the area of Consular services provided to our citizens abroad.
|
Date |
Event |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
30 January 2007 |
Press Conference, Irish Aid signing of a five year partnership with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) |
Nil |
|
31 January 2007 |
Press Conference, Bethlehem, Minister announced that the Government is to increase funding in support of Palestinian refugees |
Nil |
|
05 February 2007 |
Launch of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps |
Nil |
|
11 February 2007 |
Launch of White Paper on Irish Aid |
Nil |
|
16 February 2007 |
Press Conference, Minister Dermot Ahern T.D. meeting in Dublin with Mohamed El Baradei of the International Atomic Energy Agency |
Nil |
|
21 February 2007 |
Launch of Irish Aid health policy paper |
1,586 |
|
26 February 2007 |
Press Conference, British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, Dundalk |
Nil |
|
06 March 2007 |
Launch of World Bank Forum on African Innovation |
Nil |
|
08 March 2007 |
Press Conference, Irish Aid — Announcement of Irish Aid multi-annual support for Christian Aid |
955 |
|
27 March 2007 |
Press Conference, announcement of five year strategy on Global Health Partnerships by Minister of State, Conor Lenihan T.D. |
Nil |
|
02 April 2007 |
Press Conference, Irish Aid — Announcement of new Irish Aid strategic partnerships with key UN Agencies |
Nil |
|
10 April 2007 |
Press Conference, Irish Aid — Launch of Hunger Task Force |
Nil |
|
18 April 2007 |
Press Conference, announcement of Irish Aid multi-annual funding to Trócaire |
Nil |
|
23 April 2007 |
Launch of All-Ireland Collaborative Research Partnership between UCD, TCD and QUB |
Nil |
|
24 April 2007 |
Launch by Minister of State, Conor Lenihan T.D. of Irish Aid’s schools linking and immersion scheme — WorldWise |
Nil |
|
25 April 2007 |
Launch of Irish Aid Environment Policy for Sustainable Development |
Nil |
|
10 May 2007 |
Press Conference, announcement of Irish Aid multi-annual funding to Concern |
Nil |
|
05 June 2007 |
Press Conference with former President Jimmy Carter — Croke Park Conference Centre |
Nil |
|
25 June 2007 |
Press Conference — meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu |
Nil |
|
13 August 2007 |
Launch of the Report on Irish Prisoners Abroad |
1,503 |
|
30 August 2007 |
Publication of Irish Aid Annual Report |
2,117 |
|
12 September 2007 |
Joint Press Conference, Minister Dermot Ahern T.D. and Northern Secretary of State, Shaun Woodward |
Nil |
|
26 October 2007 |
Joint Press Conference by Minister of State, Dick Roche T.D. with French Minister for European Affairs Jean-Pierre Jouyet |
Nil |
|
21 November 2007 |
Press Conference, meeting with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights |
Nil |
|
Date |
Event |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
09 January 2008 |
Joint Press Conference, Minister Dermot Ahern T.D. and Northern Secretary of State, Shaun Woodward |
Nil |
|
21 January 2008 |
Official opening of Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre by the Taoiseach, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State |
656 |
|
23 January 2008 |
Launch of Consular Services Charter, Travel Safely |
1,995 |
|
04 February 2008 |
Press conference at Institute of European Affairs |
Nil |
|
12 February 2008 |
Launch of a Guide to the Reform Treaty |
Nil |
|
13 February 2008 |
Launch of the Guide to the Reform Treaty by Minister of State, Dick Roche T.D. |
1,919 |
|
26 February 2008 |
Press Conference at Windsor House, Belfast |
Nil |
|
27 February 2008 |
Announcement of Support for Women in Politics in Developing countries by Minister of State, Michael Kitt T.D. |
Nil |
|
28 February 2008 |
Joint Press Conference, Minister Dermot Ahern T.D. and Northern Secretary of State, Shaun Woodward |
Nil |
|
28 February 2008 |
Joint Press Conference, Minister Dermot Ahern T.D. and Commissioner Wallström |
Nil |
|
04 March 2008 |
Announcement of 20 million in funding for Irish Missionary Resource Service by Minister of State, Michael Kitt T.D. |
Nil |
|
05 March 2008 |
Press Conference at Government Buildings on EU Reform Treaty Bill |
Nil |
|
07 March 2008 |
Press Conference regarding the publication of the legislation, Twenty-Eight Amendment of the Constitution Bill |
Nil |
|
11 March 2008 |
Press conference and Q&A in UCC on “The EU Reform Treaty: In Ireland’s Interest” |
Nil |
|
02 April 2008 |
Launch of White Paper on EU Reform Treaty, Customs House Quay |
2,906 |
|
03 April 2008 |
Joint Press Conference, Minister Dermot Ahern T.D. and Northern Secretary of State, Shaun Woodward |
Nil |
|
16 April 2008 |
Official Signing of the Irish Aid and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Partnership 2008/09 |
Nil |
|
01 May 2008 |
Press Conference on issue of Undocumented Irish,Washington D.C |
Nil |
|
12 May 2008 |
Press Conference to announce events to mark Africa Day 2008 |
561 |
|
19-30 May 2008 |
Cluster Munitions Conference at Croke Park Conference Centre, Minister Micheál Martin T.D. — Press conference on 30 May |
Nil |
|
29 May 2008 |
Joint press Conference between Minister Micheál Martin T.D. and the Norwegian Minister for Foreign Affairs |
Nil |
|
17 June 2008 |
Launch of ‘Bullets in the Alms Bowl’ report on Burma |
2,289 |
|
23 June 2008 |
Launch of Consular Services Office, Cork |
1,558 |
|
24 June 2008 |
Launch of the Partnership Agreement with the GAA to promote Gaelic Games Abroad (hosted by the GAA at no cost to DFA). |
Nil |
|
05 August 2008 |
Launch of non-governmental organisation “Self Help Africa” by Minister of State, Peter Power T.D. |
Nil |
|
27 August 2008 |
Launch of Irish Aid Annual Report for 2007 at the Irish Aid Centre |
474 |
|
09 September 2008 |
Joint press Conference between Minister Micheál Martin T.D. and British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband |
Nil |
|
10 September 2008 |
Briefing on the findings of the report on the outcome of the Reform Treaty referendum |
Nil |
|
22 September 2008 |
Press conference — meeting with Russian Foreign Minister, Mr. Sergey Lavrov |
Nil |
|
22 September 2008 |
Press conference — meeting with President of the Palestinian National Authority H.E Mahmoud Abbas |
Nil |
|
24 September 2008 |
Launch of Ireland’s Hunger Task Force Report — UN Buildings, New York |
$296 (approx. €232) |
|
06 October 2008 |
Launch — 4th Global Partners Forum on Children affected by HIV and AIDS, hosted by Irish Aid and UNICEF |
Nil |
|
03 November 2008 |
Joint partnership for promoting decent work in developing countries |
Nil |
|
25 November 2008 |
Press conference — meeting with President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering |
Nil |
|
27 November 2008 |
Press Conference, official Announcement of Terry Conroy as the new Football Welfare Officer to aid young Irish footballers in Britain |
Nil |
Proposed Legislation.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:204 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his legislative priorities for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3702/09]
I wish to refer the Deputy to the Government's Legislation Programme for Dáil Éireann's Spring Session 2009, as announced by the Government Chief Whip and as available through the search facility on the website of the Department of the Taoiseach (www.taoiseach.gov.ie).
Departmental Expenditure.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:205 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by his Department in 2007 and 2008; the cost of hosting each one; if he will supply the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3704/09]
The total number of press conferences and/or policy launches held by the Department in 2007 and 2008 was 3, the details of which are set out in tabular form.
|
Subject Matter — Press Conference/Launch |
Year |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
Phase 1 of National Sport Campus |
2007 |
Nil |
|
Allocations under Sports Capital Programme 2008 |
2008 |
Nil |
|
Arts & Culture Programme |
2008 |
Nil |
For the sake of completeness, a number of other policy and programme initiatives in the arts, sport and tourism sectors were announced during the two years in question by the Department, but were not the subject of formal press conferences or policy launches.
Sports Capital Programme.
Mary Upton
Ceist:206 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will confirm if there will be a new round of the sports capital programme in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3747/09]
Mary Upton
Ceist:207 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if grants awarded under previous rounds of the sports capital programme will be granted in 2009; the number and total of the amounts that will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3748/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.
In the 2009 Estimates, €56m has been provided in my Department's vote to cover payments to be made from the C1 subhead, out of which grants are paid for the provision of sports and recreation facilities. As I announced in the House last week no decision has been taken about the timing of future rounds of the Programme. Subject to compliance with the relevant conditions grants awarded in previous years will be paid.
Sports Funding.
Mary Upton
Ceist:208 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the moneys to be paid to the Horse and Greyhound Fund in 2009 will be entirely derived from betting tax revenues collected for that purpose or if supplementary moneys will need to be paid from the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3750/09]
The Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund was established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001 for the purpose of giving support to both the horse and greyhound racing industries. €69.719 million has been allocated to the Fund for 2009.
In accordance with the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, 80% and 20% of the moneys paid into the Fund each year are distributed between Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Bord na gCon respectively.
Since 2001, income from the Fund has been used by both bodies towards increasing prize money levels, meeting administration costs alongside a programme of capital investment, which has underpinned a growth in both sectors.
Since the establishment of the Fund a major period of development of both industries has resulted. The funding has allowed Ireland to develop into a world centre of excellence for horseracing and greyhound racing.
To date the Fund has not only helped towards providing some top class racing venues and facilities, but it has also underpinned significant employment in the industries. Horse breeding is a significant net contributor to the Irish economy and has an important role to play in generating employment, particularly in the tourism and agri-economy sectors, making it an important regional employer and a contributor to rural communities. The Irish greyhound industry is also regarded as one of the most vibrant and successful in the world.
In 2004, the Government put in place regulations to increase the limit of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund from €254m to €550m to continue the Fund for a further four years to 2008.
A review of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund is currently underway and is expected to be completed shortly. Any increase of the Fund limit will require the approval of the Government and the Oireachtas as the level of the Fund is increased by Regulations made by the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance.
Projections of revenue receipts through excise duties are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
Proposed Legislation.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:209 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his legislative priorities for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3701/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, Dáil Éireann will today consider Seanad amendments to the Charities Bill 2007. Once this stage is completed, the Bill will be enacted.
Legislative proposals with regard to the powers and functions of Údarás na Gaeltachta are currently being considered in the general context of the recommendations contained in the ‘Report of the Linguistic Study of the Use of Irish in the Gaeltacht', and the work of the Cabinet Committee on the Irish language and the Gaeltacht.
Community Development.
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:210 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his efforts to promote volunteerism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3740/09]
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, a cross-border volunteering initiative, involving three groups — the GAA, Voluntary Arts Ireland and the Church of Ireland — was launched on 21st January. 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.
Social Insurance.
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:211 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the potential increase in revenue for the Exchequer if the PRSI ceiling was abolished. [3718/09]
Current estimates indicate that the abolition of the PRSI ceiling would yield some €223 million additional contribution income in a full year.
Departmental Staff.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:212 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the on-going education and training programmes in place for officials at her Department to educate them in the complex area of congenital disabilities such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3640/09]
My Department has an on-going programme of disability awareness training for all key staff involved in service delivery in accordance with its Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005. This programme was developed by the Staff Development Unit of my Department following consultations with service delivery areas and a number of external disability consultants and organisations.
The Disability Awareness Training Programme does not focus on a specific disability but provides a general overview of the different types of disability, current equality and disability legislation, the difficulties such disabilities can present to individuals and best practice in customer service.
The programme is reviewed on a regular basis to include up-to-date information regarding disability issues that may affect customer service.
Departmental Offices.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:213 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [3644/09]
The Department provides a front line service through a network of 60 local offices and 65 branch offices. Local offices are staffed by departmental staff and branch offices are run by private individuals who are employed under contract for service by the Department. Social welfare services in County Laois are provided by three Branch Offices which are located in the towns of Portlaoise, Portarlington and Rathdowney. There is also an inspectorate based in Portlaoise.
At the end of December 2008 the Live Register in County Laois stood at 5,378 with approximately 500 of those from the Mountmellick area. The Mountmellick area is served by the Portarlington Office, which is seven miles away. While applicants for jobseeker payments are required to attend at the Portarlington office to make their initial claim, thereafter they are only required to attend the office on a monthly basis to sign-on and they receive payments at their local Post Office.
The Department will continue to provide services at local level in an efficient and cost effective way. However, opening an office in a town the size of Mountmellick could not be justified and consequently there are no plans to open an office there.
Departmental Expenditure.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:214 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by her Department in 2007 and 2008; the cost of hosting each one; if she will supply the information in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3714/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following tabular statement.
|
Date |
Event |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
23/01/2007 |
Briefing on National Development Plan Social Inclusion Strategy |
562 |
|
21/02/2007 |
Government launches National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-16: Building an Inclusive Society |
2,865 |
|
26/02/2007 |
Launch of Social Portrait of Older People in Ireland and the Citizen’s Information Board’s Information Age — How to Access Senior Citizen Benefits |
— |
|
05/03/2007 |
Launch of National Pensions Action Week (jointly hosted with the Pensions Board) |
— |
|
27/09/2007 |
Press briefing for introduction of new ½ rate Carer’s Allowance |
828 |
|
17/10/2007 |
Government launch of Green Paper on Pensions |
1,779 |
|
05/12/2007 |
Budget 2008 — Briefing |
— |
|
25/06/2008 |
Launch of information leaflet — Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements |
2,115 |
|
14/10/2008 |
Budget 2009 — Briefing |
— |
|
20/11/2008 |
Launch of OECD Report — Sickness, Disability and Work: Breaking the Barriers |
744 |
|
28/11/2008 |
Launch of Families in Ireland Research Report |
1,217 |
Social Welfare Benefits.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:215 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 125 of 29 January 2009, the reason payment was only sanctioned from 1 December when the applicant applied on 16 November 2008 and has been without payment since 30 October; and if she will ensure that the payment is backdated in full. [3774/09]
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.
The Health Service Executive has confirmed that the person concerned was awarded a mortgage interest supplement from 1 December 2008 as it considered that her final paycheck of €2,916 received on 28 October was sufficient to meet her needs for the month of November 2008.
It is open to the person concerned to appeal against this decision to the Executive's designated appeals officer.
Defence Forces Property.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:216 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the rationalisation of military centres in County Donegal, with particular reference to Lifford Army barracks and Rockhill Army barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3679/09]
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:217 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the works, in the nature of refurbishments or extensions, that have been or will be carried out at Finner Army Camp, County Donegal to accommodate persons who are being transferred from Lifford and Rockhill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3680/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 217 together.
The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the White Paper on Defence. The dispersal of personnel over an extended number of locations is a major impediment to essential collective training. It also imposes increased and unnecessary overheads on the Defence Forces in terms of barrack management, administration, maintenance and security. The consolidation process is designed to facilitate higher training standards, while also freeing up under-utilised resources and personnel for operational duties.
The withdrawal of the British Army deployments coupled with reduced paramilitary activity following the Good Friday Agreement has removed the rationale for having seven barracks/posts along the border. These have now been consolidated into three posts in Dundalk, Cavan and Finner. Approximately 240 personnel from Lifford and Rockhill have now transferred to Finner Camp. Lifford and Rockhill were formally handed over to departmental officials by the military authorities on the 28th and 29th of January respectively. The facilities are now closed and secured and all equipment has also been relocated to Finner.
The military authorities had conducted a detailed review of the requirements to enable the closure of Lifford and Rockhill Posts. The Military Authorities have advised that arrangements have been made to ensure that there are adequate facilities to accommodate staff from Lifford and Rockhill. The immediate works required to facilitate the transfer of personnel were the refurbishment/redecoration of a number of modern buildings together with the provision of some temporary locker facilities. In addition to these immediate requirements, some medium term capital works will be required in the future to provide more permanent arrangements for the transferring personnel. These are being advanced within the Department's Capital Programme.
My Department is engaged in an on-going capital programme designed to modernize and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces both Permanent and Reserve. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. The provision of training facilities and equipment are reviewed as part of this programme.
The current plan was put together in close consultation and cooperation with the Defence Forces General Staff. It provides an overall package that will serve the needs of the Defence Forces into the future. The closures will also advance the achievement of the vision of the Defence Forces set out in the White Paper. I would like to congratulate military management, departmental officials and the Defence Forces personnel in each of the barracks being closed on the professional manner in which they dealt with this issue and brought it to a very successful conclusion in a very tight timeframe.
Departmental Expenditure.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:218 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Defence the number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by his Department in 2007 and 2008; the cost of hosting each one; if he will supply the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3706/09]
The press conferences and policy launches held by my Department in 2007 and 2008 were as follows:
|
Date |
Event |
Cost |
|
29th March 2007 |
Review of the 35th Infantry Group KFOR leaving for peacekeeping duties in Kosovo |
Nil |
|
5th April 2007 |
Launch by Minister O’Dea of two reports regarding the issues affecting the recruitment and retention of women in the Defence Forces, and A review of the Implementation of the White Paper |
Nil |
|
18th April 2007 |
Review of the 36th Infantry Group leaving for peacekeeping duties with UNIFIL |
Nil |
|
24th April 2007 |
Opening of the National Emergency Co-Ordination Centre |
€2,327.20 plus VAT |
|
18th July 2007 |
Launch of the 2006 Annual Report |
Nil |
|
21st September 2007 |
Review of the 37th Infantry Group KFOR leaving for peacekeeping duties in Kosovo |
Nil |
|
26th September 2007 |
Swearing in Ceremony for the Military Judge Colonel Anthony McCourt |
€552.00 plus VAT |
|
27th March 2007 |
Review of the 38th Infantry Group KFOR leaving for peacekeeping duties in Kosovo |
Nil |
|
14th April 2008 |
Joint launch by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, T.D and Minister O’Dea of the Public Information and Awareness Campaign on Emergency Planning |
€7,744.96 plus VAT |
|
1st May 2008 |
Review of the 97th Infantry Battalion leaving for duty in Chad |
Nil |
|
26th June 2008 |
Ceremony to Mark the 50th Anniversary of the Defence Force’s Involvement in Peacekeeping |
€800.00 plus VAT |
|
25th September 2008 |
Review of the 39th Infantry Group KFOR leaving for peacekeeping duties in Kosovo |
Nil |
|
17th December 2008 |
Minister O’Dea accepts the Second Report of the Independent Monitoring Group |
€250.00 |
Defence Forces Strength.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:219 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the anticipated strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps in 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3790/09]
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 set out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force (Army 8,426, Naval Service 1,144, Air Corps 930) as the strength sufficient to meet all foreseeable military requirements for the period comprehended by the White Paper (i.e. up to 2010). This remains the position.
In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs has been applied to the Defence Forces. Recruitment was suspended in late 2008 pending a review of the best means by which to achieve this reduction. My officials and the military authorities are keeping the situation under close review on an ongoing basis. The review and any subsequent recruitment in 2009 will prioritise the operational requirements of the Defence Forces.
Defence Forces Equipment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 206 of 26 November 2008, if the proposed upgrading of military equipment in respect of the Defence Forces will proceed as planned; his proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3791/09]
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces will continue to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. It is, of course, very important that my Department and the Defence Forces look to whatever efficiencies we can make taking into account the current difficult economic environment and the financial envelope available for the Department for military equipment over the coming years. It is, however, also very important that we invest in modern equipment for the Defence Forces and I will be working to ensure that this modernisation process is continued into the future.
An example is the recent contract for the acquisition of Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles for the Defence Forces. A contract for the supply of twenty-seven (27) Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles to the Defence Forces was awarded to BAE Systems based in South Africa in December 2008. The contract followed from a detailed tender competition, which was initiated in May 2008 and which concluded in November 2008. The intention is that the LTAV will complement the Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in the conduct of conventional and Peace Support Operations and will fill a gap that exists between soft-skinned vehicles and the Mowag APCs.
The contract for the supply of the 27 RG32M vehicles will run over a period of three years and has a value of €19.6m, inclusive of VAT. The cost of the programme will be covered over a number of years from the Defence budget taking into account the current economic conditions. Deliveries of the vehicles will be sixteen in 2009 and eleven in 2010.
The acquisition of the Light Tactical Vehicles is a top priority for the Defence Forces given the extensive nature of their roles on overseas Peace Support Missions, the threat from improvised explosive devices and the potential for hostile fire in certain threat environments. Force protection remains a key issue in overseas peace support operations and it is very important that vehicles such as these are available to our personnel.
On the Air Corps, the issue of the replacement of the Air Corps Cessna Fleet has been considered by my Department in consultation with the military authorities. The question of funding the replacement programme has to be considered in tandem with the overall equipment requirements of the Defence Forces generally and the funding available for this. The Cessna replacement programme is not a current priority and as such, there is no specific provision in this year's Defence provision for this project.
With regard to the Naval Service, the position remains as outlined in my reply to your question on 26 November 2008. I should re-iterate that any decision to proceed with the final award of contract to purchase the vessels will be subject to Government approval and agreement on funding, the full requirement for which will not be known until the tender competition has concluded.
Air Corps Strength.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which it is intended to increase the strength of the Air Corps; if it is intended to upgrade or replace equipment including air craft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3792/09]
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 set out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force (Army 8,426, Naval Service 1,144, Air Corps 930) as the strength sufficient to meet all foreseeable military requirements for the period comprehended by the White Paper (i.e. up to 2010). This remains the position.
In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs has been applied to the Defence Forces. Recruitment was suspended in late 2008 pending a review of the best means by which to achieve this reduction. My officials and the military authorities are keeping the situation under close review on an ongoing basis. The review and any subsequent recruitment in 2009 will prioritise the operational requirements of the Defence Forces.
As the Deputy may be aware, a very significant level of investment in new equipment for the Air Corps has taken place in recent years. The comprehensive investment programme included the delivery of eight Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, the acquisition of two light utility EC 135 helicopters from Eurocopter S.A.S. at a cost of €12.8m, the acquisition of six utility AW 139 helicopters from AgustaWestland, Italy at a cost of €75m and a major mid life upgrade on the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft at a cost of €16.5m.
The issue of the replacement of the Air Corps Cessna Fleet has been considered by my Department in consultation with the military authorities. The question of funding the replacement programme has to be considered in tandem with the overall equipment requirements of the Defence Forces generally and the funding available for this. The Cessna replacement programme is not a current priority and as such, there is no specific provision in this year's Defence Estimates for this project.
Question No. 222 answered with Question No. 106.
Questions Nos. 223 and 224 answered with Question No. 152.
Defence Forces Equipment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the Naval Service is adequately equipped and upgraded to meet expected requirements such as participation in international operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3796/09]
The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. In the 2000 White Paper on Defence, the Government decided that the Naval Service would be based on an eight ship flotilla and committed to a modernisation and replacement strategy to maximise the operational capacity of those eight vessels consistent with the roles assigned to the Naval Service. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies such as Internal Waters, Territorial Sea and the Irish Sector of the Exclusive Economic Zone. As a matter of standing policy, Naval Service assets are not deployed on overseas peace support operations and there are no plans to develop such capacity at this time.
Naval Service Vessels are replaced when they have come to the end of their useful life, which is normally around 30 years. Three ships will fall due for replacement over the next 3 to 5 years — LE Emer, commissioned in 1978, LE Aoife, commissioned in 1979 and LE Aisling, commissioned in 1980.
Following a detailed examination of the needs of the Naval Service within my Department a vessel replacement strategy for the Naval Service was put in place. The strategy combined with a continuous process of refurbishment will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level. A procurement process for the acquisition of replacement vessels is currently ongoing. The acquisition of these modern new vessels will ensure that the Naval Service will be fully equipped to carry out its day to day roles in enforcing the State's sovereign rights over our waters and our fisheries and meeting Ireland's obligations in the area of maritime safety and security and fisheries protection.
Question No. 226 answered with Question No. 152.
Overseas Missions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the development and participation in EU or UN sponsored RAPID response forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3798/09]
Ireland participated in the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG), which was on standby from 1 January 2008 to 30 June 2008. The other members of the Nordic Battlegroup were Sweden, acting as Framework Nation, Finland, Norway and Estonia. The Defence Forces contribution to the NBG was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (EOD/IEDD) contingent with its own security detail. Battlegroups have been on standby in the European Union since 1 January 2007. To date no Battlegroup has been deployed.
With regard to Ireland's participation in future Battlegroups, we are committed in principle to participation in the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG), which will be on stand-by for the first six (6) months of 2011. Other contributors to the Nordic Battlegroup are Sweden, acting as Framework Nation, Finland, Norway and Estonia.
Informal discussions have also taken place between staff in the Department of Defence and representatives from Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) regarding Ireland's possible participation in the proposed Austrian/German Battlegroup. This Battlegroup will be on stand-by for the second six (6) months of 2012. Government approval will be required before participation in either Battlegroup is finalised.
Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 152.
Local Authority Staff.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:229 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the ongoing education and training programmes in place for the county council staff and management to educate them in the complex area of congenital disabilities such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3638/09]
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. Funding has been provided under the National Disability Strategy for disability awareness training in all local authorities.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:230 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons working on a temporary or part-time basis who have been let go by local authorities since June 2007 to date in 2009; if he will provide a list of the local authorities and their respective numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3652/09]
The information requested in the question is not available in my Department.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Christy O'Sullivan
Ceist:231 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the Castletownbere sewage scheme, County Cork; the money which has been spent to date on studies and design briefs; and the amount allocated in 2009 for the project. [3674/09]
The Castletownbere Sewerage Scheme is included for funding under the Rural Towns and Villages Initiative of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at an estimated cost of €5.2 million.
My Department is awaiting submission of Cork County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme and has not received any claim for recoupment of related expenditure from the Council.
Beverley Flynn
Ceist:232 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress of Belmullet, Foxford and Charlestown-Bellaghy sewerage schemes in County Mayo. [3686/09]
The combined Belmullet/Foxford and Charlestown/Bellaghy Sewerage Schemes are included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009.
My Department is awaiting Contract Documents for the collection networks and a revised brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare Tender Documents for the wastewater treatment plants from Mayo County Council.
Election Management System.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:233 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of storing the electronic voting machines in 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3697/09]
Based on figures received in my Department from Returning Officers, the total annual costs for storage of the electronic voting equipment (including the cost of insurance, service charges, rates and heating) for 2007 and 2008 were some €489,000 and €204,000 respectively.
In 2007, over 60% of the electronic voting machines (some 4,762 in total) were moved to a central storage facility located at Gormanston Army Camp. Costs incurred in respect of the movement and storage of this equipment were some €328,000.
Departmental Expenditure.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:234 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by his Department in 2007 and 2008; the cost of hosting each one; if he will supply the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3709/09]
My Department held 17 press conferences and policy launches in 2007 and 14 in 2008. Generally the Government Press Centre in Government Buildings and the conference room in my own Department are availed of for such launches.
The Government Press Centre is made available to Government Departments at no cost. In the case of launches held in my own Department some small incidental expenditure on refreshments and ancillary supports may be incurred. For logistical reasons, launches are held on occasion off-site.
Information in relation to all launches in 2007 and 2008 is provided as follows:
|
Date |
Event |
Cost |
|
January 2007 |
Publication of Ireland’s Progress Towards Sustainability, Government Press Centre |
No cost |
|
January 2007 |
Launch of Notice Nature campaign, Custom House |
€888 |
|
February 2007 |
Launch of Housing Policy document, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, Civic Offices, Ballymun |
No cost |
|
February 2007 |
Press Conference on Fire Services Capital Programme, Cork |
No cost |
|
March 2007 |
Press Conference on Rural Water Programme 2007, Castlebar |
No cost |
|
March 2007 |
Press Conference on Local Improvement Scheme Funding, Cork |
No cost |
|
April 2007 |
Launch of National Climate Change Strategy, Government Buildings |
No cost |
|
June 2007 |
M3 Tara Press Briefing, Custom House |
No cost |
|
July 2007 |
Announcement of Litter Fine Increase, Custom House |
No cost |
|
July 2007 |
Launch of National Smoke Alarm Campaign, Ennis Fire Station |
No cost |
|
August 2007 |
Launch of Heritage Week, Farmleigh |
No cost |
|
August 2007 |
Launch of EPA Climate Change Report, Custom House |
No cost |
|
September 2007 |
Launch of Water Services Investment Programme, Custom House |
No cost |
|
September 2007 |
Launch of Design Standards for New Apartments, Dublin Docklands Development Authority Offices |
No cost |
|
October 2007 |
Launch of Tyre Regulations/Recycling Initiative |
No cost |
|
November 2007 |
Launch of Climate Change Awareness Campaign, Government Buildings |
No cost |
|
December 2007 |
Budget Press Conference, Government Buildings |
No cost |
|
Date |
Event |
Cost |
|
January 2008 |
Launch of Department’s Statement of Strategy 2008-2010 and new corporate identity |
No cost |
|
February 2008 |
Launch of Sustainable Density Planning Guidelines, Dublin Docklands Development Authority Offices |
No cost |
|
February 2008 |
Launch of Rural Water Programme, Claregalway |
€2,105 |
|
March 2008 |
Launch of Conservation Grants Scheme, Botanic Gardens, Dublin |
No cost |
|
April 2008 |
Launch of Green Paper on Local Government, Government Buildings and Davenport Hotel, Dublin |
Costs for Davenport Hotel event: €2,111 |
|
May 2008 |
Launch of Carbon Calculator, St. Stephen’s Green |
No cost |
|
May 2008 |
Launch of report on Status of EU Protected Habitats, Bull Island |
No cost |
|
June 2008 |
Launch of Car Labelling System, Custom House |
€145 |
|
June 2008 |
Launch of library strategy document, Branching Out Future Directions, Pearse Street Library |
No cost |
|
July 2008 |
Launch of Housing Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, Government Press Centre |
No cost |
|
August 2008 |
Launch of Homeless Strategy, Custom House |
No cost |
|
August 2008 |
Launch of Consultation Paper on Noise Regulation, Custom House |
No cost |
|
October 2008 |
Press Conference on Carbon Budget, Government Buildings |
No cost |
|
October 2008 |
Press Conference on Home Choice Loan Post Budget, Government Buildings |
No cost |
Motor Taxation.
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:235 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a person with a diesel car which has fewer CO2 emissions than some petrol models is paying more in respect of car tax; and if he will clarify the reason that in some instances the tax on a diesel car registered in 2006 is three times that of the same model registered in 2008. [3723/09]
Arising from the enactment of the Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Act 2008, a motor tax system based on CO2 emissions was introduced for new cars from 1 July 2008. From that date, there are two separate motor tax systems for cars.
Cars in the motor tax system based on engine size (cc) continue to be taxed on that basis. New cars registered from 1 July 2008, onwards are taxed based on their CO2 emissions level.
The new motor tax system complemented the new CO2 based vehicle registration tax (VRT) system which also applied from July 2008 to the purchase of a new car and which is administered by the Revenue Commissioners. Linking the VRT and motor tax rates to CO2 emissions levels means that those purchasing cleaner, low emissions cars will pay less while those opting to purchase higher emitting vehicles will pay more.
The question of applying the new CO2 based motor tax system to all cars was subject to detailed debate on the Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Act 2008. As was indicated in the debate, the rates under the CO2 system were determined on a revenue neutral basis so as not to undermine the monies available to the Local Government Fund. In addition, it was pointed out that any retrospection would not be practicable, as the CO2 data for the car fleet had not been authenticated for business purposes. The cost of any retrospection, were it possible, could be substantial, depending on how it applied, and could have direct implications for the revenue base of Local Government.
Register of Electors.
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:236 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will request his franchise department to produce a more user-friendly RFA2 form to encourage people to register in advance of the local and European elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3728/09]
The RFA2 application form is used by persons wishing to be included in the supplement to the Register of Electors. The detailed requirements regarding the inclusion of persons in the supplement are set out in section 15 of, and Part 2 of the Second Schedule to, the Electoral Act 1992. The form allows applicants to provide the information required by these statutory provisions.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:237 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the supports available to those wishing to avail of affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3741/09]
The various affordable housing schemes are designed to assist lower income households who find themselves priced out of the market. The schemes allow individuals to purchase a property at a significantly lower cost than market value. Generally speaking, the schemes are for the benefit of first time buyers.
Additionally, a mortgage subsidy or, as appropriate, a rental subsidy under the Shared Ownership Scheme, is available to further assist households with income below €28,000 in the previous tax year. This subsidy is intended to reduce the monthly outgoings of the purchaser. Alternatively, a mortgage allowance of €11,450 spread over 5 years is available to assist tenants or tenant purchasers of local authority houses and tenants of dwellings provided by approved voluntary housing bodies under the Capital Loan and Subsidy scheme, who return their accommodation to the body, thus making it available for re-letting, to become owner-occupiers of other dwellings, including affordable housing.
In addition to the various affordable housing initiatives, there is also a Low Cost Sites Scheme, which effectively allows housing authorities to determine an appropriate sale price of sites, whether developed or undeveloped, to eligible applicants in accordance with their circumstances.
As signalled by the Minister for Finance in Budget 2009, a new single streamlined Government Equity Scheme is to be introduced in relation to affordable housing. These new arrangements will introduce greater equity into the system and provide a basis for achieving greater consistency across the schemes and across different areas of the country. The greater protection of the State's investment will also mean that funds can be recycled into assisting further households with affordable housing.
Litter Pollution.
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:238 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide additional supports to South Dublin County Council to allow further action to be taken in respect of the problem of graffiti in Tallaght and the wider Dublin South-West constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3742/09]
Management and enforcement responses to litter problems, including defacement by graffiti, are a primary responsibility of each local authority to be met from their own resources. My Department also provides anti-litter and anti-graffiti awareness-raising grants to local authorities to encourage long-term behavioural change in this regard.
It is a matter for each local authority, in this case South Dublin County Council, to ensure that its functional area is, as far as practicable, kept free of litter including graffiti. I am satisfied that local authorities have adequate powers under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2003 to tackle the problem of graffiti and adequate resources to discharge their responsibilities. Sections 19 and 20 of the 1997 Act empower local authorities to take action in relation to incidents of graffiti and, as necessary, to remove or otherwise remedy the defacement.
I am fully aware of the major blight on communities caused by graffiti, and I am committed to tackling graffiti vandalism. To this end, following the evaluation of a pilot anti-graffiti programme carried out by my Department, the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform and the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs during 2006 and 2007, a new Community Graffiti Reduction Programme was launched in April 2008, which is being administered by Pobal on behalf of the Departments involved. Up to €3 million was made available in 2008 to fund suitable projects under this programme, including projects being carried out in Tallaght and the wider Dublin South West constituency. The key aims of this programme are to support an immediate reduction in the extent and impact of graffiti within participating communities and to develop local mechanisms to support the long term reduction of incidences of graffiti. Full details of the programme are available at www.pobal.ie
I am confident that these measures, with their emphasis on both graffiti removal and on long term initiatives to combat the problem of graffiti vandalism, will enable the local authorities and communities to work together to develop coherent long term strategies to tackle the problem.
Regional Fisheries Boards.
Mary Upton
Ceist:239 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if sport angling will receive a right of representation on the national inland fisheries board which is being established to replace the central and regional fisheries boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3751/09]
As part of the overall rationalisation of State agencies that the Minister for Finance announced in Budget 2009, a new national inland fisheries body will be established which will replace the existing Central and regional fisheries boards. A restructuring implementation group has been established and is developing the key features and structures of the new model. Primary legislation will be required for this implementation.
The composition of the board of the new body is yet to be determined. I am of the view that, generally, boards of State agencies should be small and contain a strong focus relevant to the business of the body in question and to the general issue of good corporate management.
Energy Savings Scheme.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:240 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when applications will be accepted in respect of the new national scheme for house insulation; when conditions are attached to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3695/09]
Sustainable Energy Ireland is finalising the detailed preparation for the launch of the Home Energy Savings Scheme which I intend to announce shortly.
The improvement of energy efficiency in the building stock is one of the most cost effective ways of reducing emissions and energy bills and is a key Government priority as reflected in the significant funding provided in Budget 2009. Energy efficiency measures to tackle deficiencies in households will also support employment in the construction sector and the development of an energy services industry.
The pilot phase of the Scheme in 2008 has demonstrated that there is considerable demand for a support scheme for energy efficiency measures, not only from householders, but also among building energy rating assessors, product manufacturers, installers and other market actors.
Departmental Expenditure.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:241 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by his Department in 2007 and 2008; the cost of hosting each one; if he will supply the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3705/09]
In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested in respect of my Department. My Department is in the process of identifying and assembling the information and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Central Fisheries Board.
Michael Ring
Ceist:242 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a hardship fund will be set up in respect of a category of people (details supplied). [3731/09]
In compliance with European Council Regulation No.1100/2007 establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel, a draft Eel Management Plan was submitted to the Commission for approval. Given the critical status of the eel stock, as demonstrated in the assessment contained in the Eel Management Plan, a number of management measures have been identified as necessary to reach the targets set in the regulation including closure of the commercial and recreational fishery from 2009. Catches have been declining over recent years because of the critical status of stocks.
I have no funds at my disposal for a hardship fund for commercial eel fishermen. The Central Fisheries Board is, however, actively investigating alternative opportunities to assist eel fishermen in diversification.
Farm Waste Management.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:243 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3647/09]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:244 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications received by his Department in each county in respect of the farm waste management scheme. [3648/09]
Some 48,580 applications were received from farmers under the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced by my Department in March 2006. Some 17,397 payment claims remain to be brought to final payment stage in 2009, including those which completed the inspection process towards the end of 2008. I regret that it is not possible at this stage to provide a breakdown of these figures on a county basis.
Grant Payments.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:245 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of the EU single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [3663/09]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on the 13th May 2008.
This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and cross compliance inspection. The result of this inspection was clear. However, a cross-report was received in the Single Payment Unit relating to irregularities uncovered as part of an investigation concerning bovine identification and registration. Compliance with bovine identification and registration is one of the Statutory Management Requirements of the cross compliance regime. Applicants for the Single Payment Scheme are required to respect the requirements relating to the identification and registration of bovine animals. The outcome of the investigation is currently being examined and payment in this case is held pending the outcome of this examination.
Farm Waste Management.
Pat Breen
Ceist:246 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3682/09]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Beverley Flynn
Ceist:247 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the situation regarding the application by Mayo County Council for a foreshore licence in order to facilitate the proposed Belmullet sewerage scheme, County Mayo. [3685/09]
My Department is processing two foreshore applications in respect of the proposed Belmullet Sewerage Scheme.
The first application was received from Mayo County Council on 23 June 2008 for a foreshore licence to facilitate the discharge of treated effluent from a proposed wastewater treatment scheme at Belmullet. The application was circulated to my Department's consultees in the normal way, and consideration of the application by my Department's Engineering Division and the Marine Licence Vetting Committee is ongoing. The second application, which is in respect of site investigation works in connection with the scheme, was received by my Department on 28 July 2008 and was also circulated to my Department's consultees. Responses from a number of consultees are still awaited, and every effort is being made to expedite receipt of the necessary responses.
Issues raised to date by consultees who have responded were referred to the Council for comment and the Council's response to the issues raised has been referred to the relevant consultees.
Every effort is being made by my Department to expedite consideration of the applications.
Farm Waste Management.
Noel Coonan
Ceist:248 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications made in north Tipperary under the farm waste management scheme; the breakdown of the status of the applications; the amount paid to date; the number of applications pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3689/09]
Noel Coonan
Ceist:249 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the timeframe for his Department to issue payments to all qualified applicants who have applied for the waste management scheme in north Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3690/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.
The information requested by the Deputy will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
Food Labelling.
Pat Breen
Ceist:250 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views in the event of another serious dioxide scare in the pork or beef industry; if he has plans to introduce a bar code on products which would identify the farm where the product originated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3699/09]
Following the recall of pork products initiated on 6 December 2008, my initial objective was to ensure that all the necessary measures were rapidly put in place to enable the restoration of supplies of Irish pork and bacon products in which the consumer can have full confidence.
I have since established a Review Group to be chaired by Professor Patrick Wall to examine the dioxin contamination incident and to make recommendations on measures needed to deal with such incidents in the future. Traceability will be an essential element of this review. In the meantime my Department in conjunction with industry is examining the potential to improve pork traceability.
Departmental Expenditure.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:251 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by his Department in 2007 and 2008; the cost of hosting each one; if he will supply the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3703/09]
The following are the details of press conferences and policy launches held by the Department in 2007 and 2008.
|
Date |
Launch/Press Conference |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
24 Jan ’07 |
Launch of National Development Plan |
1,584.77 |
|
5 Mar ’07 |
National Tree Week Launch |
431.30 |
|
28 Mar ’07 |
Bord Bia Horticulture Report |
508.01 |
|
18 April ’07 |
Launch of Dairy Investment Fund |
782.96 |
|
26 Apr ’07 |
Fruit and Veg. Growers Seminar |
639.18 |
|
16 May ’07 |
Launch of Sheepmeat Package |
1,188.09 |
|
25 June ’07 |
Launch of Farm Improvement Scheme |
257.08 |
|
26 July ’07 |
National Dairy Forum |
4,920.80 |
|
8 Aug ’07 |
Launch of REPS 4 |
1,154.86 |
|
9 Nov ’07 |
North South Ministerial Conference |
4,269.94 |
|
20 Nov ’07 |
FIRM’s Projects Awards |
9,706.99 |
|
23 Nov ’07 |
Launch of Forestry Training and Education Initiative |
414.94 |
|
12 Dec ’07 |
National Forestry Report |
1,291.62 |
|
2 Feb ‘08 |
National Tree Week Launch |
692.68 |
|
15 Feb ‘08 |
Launch of Forestry Environment Protection Scheme |
340.50 |
|
20 Feb ‘08 |
Launch of 2008 Decommissioning of the Whitefish Fleet Scheme |
1,155.90 |
|
20 Feb ‘08 |
Launch of the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council Report |
951.04 |
|
30 Apr ‘08 |
Launch of the Organic Action Plan |
1,691.75 |
|
30 June ‘08 |
Launch of three agri publications: Annual Review & Outlook; 2nd Progress Report on AgriVision 2015 Action Plan; Net Contribution of the Agri-Food Sector to the Inflow of Funds into Ireland |
1,085.35 |
|
11 July ‘08 |
Year of the Potato Launch |
1,260 |
|
17 Sept ‘08 |
Launch of Animal Welfare Guidelines |
1,569.39 |
Grant Payments.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:252 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who has not been awarded their single farm payment; if payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3722/09]
The closing date for the receipt of applications under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme was 15 May 2008, with a further twenty-five calendar day period up to 9 June, for the acceptance of late applications, subject to a rising scale of penalties for such applications. Applications received on or after 10 June were subject to a 100% late penalty on all Single Payments for 2008.
An application under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 10 June 2008 and was, therefore, ineligible under the Scheme. However, following a review of this case, the late penalty has been waived. Payment will issue shortly to the person named.
Michael Ring
Ceist:253 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded on remaining animals. [3724/09]
Michael Ring
Ceist:254 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a statement listing the exact animals which were awarded on under a scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [3725/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.
The person named did reply to queries from my Department concerning the remaining animals but the information he supplied did not resolve the problem.
An official from my Department has now been in touch with him again and he is to forward more material. As soon as this additional material is received, the case will be processed further.
My Department will forward a list of the paid animals to the Deputy.
Bovine Disease Controls.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:255 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of herd numbers in use in each county on 31 December 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3734/09]
The number of herds recorded on 31 December 2008 per county is set out in the table:
|
Number |
|
|
Carlow |
1,354 |
|
Cavan |
4,970 |
|
Clare |
6,264 |
|
Cork |
12,293 |
|
Donegal |
5,671 |
|
Dublin |
413 |
|
Galway |
12,059 |
|
Kerry |
7,038 |
|
Kildare |
1,892 |
|
Kilkenny |
3,232 |
|
Laois |
2,929 |
|
Leitrim |
3,160 |
|
Limerick |
5,601 |
|
Longford |
2,466 |
|
Louth |
1,182 |
|
Mayo |
9,998 |
|
Meath |
3,623 |
|
Monaghan |
4,263 |
|
Offaly |
3,140 |
|
Roscommon |
5,612 |
|
Sligo |
3,833 |
|
Tipperary |
6,868 |
|
Waterford |
2,347 |
|
Westmeath |
3,080 |
|
Wexford |
3,146 |
|
Wicklow |
1,660 |
|
Total |
118,094 |
Afforestation Programme.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:256 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the impact which tree felling is having on phosphate levels in rivers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3738/09]
The release of phosphate to receiving waters following tree felling is only associated with clearfelling on peat soils. It is not associated with thinning and is not associated with mineral soils. (Clearfelling occurs at the end of the forest cycle, usually at age 30 years and greater). Significant increases have been recorded in drains and in small, first order, streams rather than in rivers.
The magnitude of the release depends on factors such as the size of the area that is clearfelled in relation to the total catchment, the rainfall patterns in the period following clearfelling, the presence or not of vegetated buffer zones between the clearfell and aquatic zones, the drainage network and, in particular, whether or not the drainage network connects directly to the aquatic zone and the proximity of the felling to the receiving waters.
The above risks are associated with plantations established before 1990 as the Forestry and Fisheries Guidelines, introduced in 1990 and amended in 2000, require the installation of vegetated buffer zones in new plantations and that new drains would not connect directly with aquatic zones.
Grant Payments.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:257 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused single farm payment; the reason they have been refused in view of the fact that this payment was received in the past. [3745/09]
The Department is currently examining the usage of a commonage parcel that was included on the Single Payment application of the person named. This examination is necessary because the claims submitted by a number of applicants on this commonage under the Single Payment Scheme exceed the area of the commonage that is eligible for payment.
The Department contacted all the claimants concerned, requesting documentary evidence of their right to claim the commonage and replies with evidence were received from all except the person named. The Department contacted a solicitor acting on behalf of the person named on 5 December 2008 requesting further evidence of his entitlement to claim on the commonage. The reply, which was received by my Department on 29 January 2009, is under review. The applicant will be informed of the outcome of this review when it is completed.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Ulick Burke
Ceist:258 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the proposed penalty following an EU REP scheme audit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3758/09]
The European Court of Auditors and the European Commission both carried out audits on REPS in early 2008. The conclusions of the audit by the Court have been published but I am still awaiting the outcome of the audit by the Commission.
Ulick Burke
Ceist:259 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REP scheme four applications that have been processed in respect of persons in County Galway; the number that have been granted; the number that have been rejected; the number that have been penalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3759/09]
The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued last week to those whose applications required no correction following the necessary administrative checks. Of the 1,281 REPS 4 applications that have been processed in the Galway local offices up to the end of 2008, 96 required no correction following the necessary administrative checks and these have been approved for payment. Plans where queries have arisen during the administrative checks are currently under examination. As of now, no penalties have been imposed and no applications have been rejected.
John Deasy
Ceist:260 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in payment of REP scheme four and a farm building grant to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and when they will issue. [3761/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued last week to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments will continue to be made as applications are cleared. In the case of the person named, queries have arisen during the administrative checks on his plan and it is currently under examination.
The person concerned is also an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application concerned as soon as possible.
John Deasy
Ceist:261 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in payment of REP scheme four to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3762/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued recently to those whose applications require no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments will continue to be made as applications are cleared.
In the case of the person named, queries have arisen during the administrative checks on his plan and it is currently under examination.
Special Educational Needs.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:262 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the on-going education and training programmes in place for teachers to educate them in the complex area of congenital disabilities such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3639/09]
The Special Education Support Service provides continuing professional development for teachers in the education of all pupils with special educational needs. Post-graduate programmes of continuing professional development, funded by the Department of Education and Science in the colleges and universities also provide teachers with access to continuing professional development in the education of pupils with special educational needs.
Programmes of continuing professional development address the implications for learning and teaching arising from pupils' assessed special educational needs. Special educational needs arising from a medical condition such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus are addressed within these models of continuing professional development. Based on pupils' needs, teachers are provided with knowledge and skills to assist them in providing enriched educational opportunities for pupils and a focus is maintained on developing teachers' understanding of the holistic needs of each pupil.
School Staffing.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:263 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science when applications for resource hours in respect of pupils at a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be dealt with; if steps will be taken to expedite same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3656/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
Schools Building Projects.
Brian Hayes
Ceist:264 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the efforts he has made to provide a permanent premises and location for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3671/09]
My Department requested the OPW to locate a site for the school referred to by the Deputy. The OPW reported back to my Department in February 2008 indicating only one proposal was received in the Glasnevin area which was considered unsuitable.
The further progression of the acquisition of a 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.
School Accommodation.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:265 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools and the number of classroom units within each school in the Mayo constituency area that are availing of accommodation under the temporary accommodation scheme; the average rental cost of each unit per annum in tabular from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3694/09]
Details of the schools in Co. Mayo renting temporary accommodation are given in the following tabular statement. The average annual rental cost per unit in 2007 was €8127. This information was compiled following a survey of schools regarding their use of temporary accommodation.
The Deputy will be aware that demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. It will continue to be necessary for prefabricated accommodation to be provided because competing priorities mean that it will not always be possible to have a permanent accommodation solution in place in a short time-frame. My Department will continue to provide funding for such prefabricated accommodation and the decision on whether to rent or purchase will depend on the likely length of time it will be required. In all cases, the approach will be to ensure best value for money.
|
Roll No. |
Name |
Address |
Type |
Start Date |
|
04796R |
Brackloon NS |
Brackloon, Westport, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/05 |
|
04796R |
Brackloon NS |
Brackloon, Westport, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/01 |
|
07054L |
Scoil Naomh Bríd |
Culleens, Killalla Rd, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/08/03 |
|
07054L |
Scoil Naomh Bríd |
Culleens, Killalla Rd, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/10/04 |
|
07054L |
Scoil Naomh Bríd |
Culleens, Killalla Rd, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/08/05 |
|
07054L |
Scoil Naomh Bríd |
Culleens, Killalla Rd, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/03/07 |
|
11725I |
Behymore NS |
Behymore NS, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/00 |
|
11725I |
Behymore NS |
Behymore NS, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
30/08/07 |
|
11725I |
Behymore NS |
Behymore NS, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
30/08/07 |
|
11725I |
Behymore NS |
Behymore NS, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
30/08/07 |
|
12206M |
SN Padraig |
Corrabheagain, Knockmore, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/08/07 |
|
12568A |
Inver NS |
Inver, Bar na Tra, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
03/09/07 |
|
12938H |
Tavneena NS |
Charlestown, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/04/01 |
|
13152U |
St Josephs NS |
Derrywalsh, Castlebar, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/01 |
|
13152U |
St Josephs NS |
Derrywalsh, Castlebar, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/01 |
|
13389F |
St Josephs NS |
Midfield, Swinford, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/10/99 |
|
13858K |
Templemary NS |
Carbed, Killala, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
04/08/05 |
|
13781P |
St. John’s NS |
Breaffy, Castlebar, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/01/01 |
|
13781P |
St. John’s NS |
Breaffy, Castlebar, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/01/01 |
|
13945J |
Eskeragh NS |
Eskeragh, Bellalorick, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/07 |
|
14400S |
Richmond NS |
Crossmolina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
03/10/05 |
|
15014S |
Corclough NS |
Corclough West, Belmullet, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/06 |
|
15113U |
St James’ NS |
Barnacogue, Swinford, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
15/09/03 |
|
15555G |
Breaffy NS |
Breaffy, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/07 |
|
15866A |
Carrakennedy NS |
Liscarney, Westport, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/00 |
|
15866A |
Carrakennedy NS |
Liscarney, Westport, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/03/01 |
|
16021U |
Lisaniska NS |
Lisaniska, Foxford, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
17/12/02 |
|
16021U |
Lisaniska NS |
Lisaniska, Foxford, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
30/08/05 |
|
16122D |
Scoil Mhuire |
Knock, Claremorris, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
20/07/00 |
|
16170O |
Cloghans NS |
Cloghans, Knockmore, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/01 |
|
16283E |
Pullathomas NS |
Pullathomas, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/01/01 |
|
16832L |
St Augustine’s NS |
Murrisk, Westport, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/10/06 |
|
16904K |
Lankill NS |
Lankill, Westport, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/10/07 |
|
16984L |
St Joseph’s NS |
Shrule, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
16/01/06 |
|
17119T |
Sn Ball Alainn |
Balla, Castlebar, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/10/07 |
|
17119T |
Sn Ball Alainn |
Balla, Castlebar, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
— |
|
17209U |
Caoneal NS |
Caoneal, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
03/09/07 |
|
18922W |
Cloonliffen NS |
Ballinrobe, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/11/03 |
|
19375B |
St Brid’s Spec NS |
Pavilion Road, Castlebar, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
06/04/07 |
|
19375B |
St Brid’s Spec NS |
Pavilion Road, Castlebar, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
— |
|
19375B |
St Brid’s Spec NS |
Pavilion Road, Castlebar, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
— |
|
19402B |
Ballyvary Central NS |
Ballyvary, Castlebar, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
04/10/07 |
|
19402B |
Ballyvary Central NS |
Ballyvary, Castlebar, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
04/10/07 |
|
19451O |
Holy Family NS |
Newport, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
11/09/06 |
|
19773N |
St Nicholas School |
Convent Hill, Ballina, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
06/08/99 |
|
19903A |
Kiltimagh Central, (St Aidan’s NS) |
Kiltimagh, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
22/11/02 |
|
19972T |
GS Uileog de Burca |
Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/96 |
|
19972T |
GS Uileog de Burca |
Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
10/01/96 |
|
19972T |
GS Uileog de Burca |
Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/06 |
|
19972T |
GS Uileog de Burca |
Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/07 |
|
19972T |
GS Uileog de Burca |
Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
28/09/00 |
|
19972T |
GS Uileog de Burca |
Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/10/07 |
|
19972T |
GS Uileog de Burca |
Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/10/07 |
|
20084U |
Scoil na gCeithre Maol |
Beal an Atha, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
06/09/99 |
|
20084U |
Scoil na gCeithre Maol |
Beal an Atha, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
— |
|
20084U |
Scoil na gCeithre Maol |
Beal an Atha, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/03 |
|
20084U |
Scoil na gCeithre Maol |
Beal an Atha, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
02/09/03 |
|
20084U |
Scoil na gCeithre Maol |
Beal an Atha, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
02/09/03 |
|
20084U |
Scoil na gCeithre Maol |
Beal an Atha, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
13/08/04 |
|
20089H |
St Josephs NS |
Ballinrobe, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
03/09/07 |
|
20089H |
St Josephs NS |
Ballinrobe, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/04 |
|
20089H |
St Josephs NS |
Ballinrobe, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/06 |
|
20089H |
St Josephs NS |
Ballinrobe, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/09/06 |
|
20142I |
Scoil Iosa |
Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/11/01 |
|
20142I |
Scoil Iosa |
Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
01/11/01 |
|
64570E |
Our Lady’s Sec School |
Belmullet, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
11/01/06 |
|
64570E |
Our Lady’s Sec School |
Belmullet, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
11/01/06 |
|
64570E |
Our Lady’s Sec School |
Belmullet, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
11/01/06 |
|
64570E |
Our Lady’s Sec School |
Belmullet, Mayo |
Pre-fab |
11/01/06 |
Proposed Legislation.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:266 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science his legislative priorities for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3700/09]
The Department's legislative priorities are as outlined in the Government Legislation Programme, which was published by the Chief Whip's Office prior to the commencement of the Spring parliamentary session.
The Department of Education & Science has 3 Bills listed in Section C of the programme, namely the George Mitchell Scholarship Fund Act 1998 (Amendment) Bill 2009, the Education (Patronage) Bill 2009 and the Qualifications (Education and Training) Bill 2009. The Heads of Bill are at various stages of preparation in each case, and Government approval has yet to be sought for any draft Heads.
The George Mitchell Scholarship Fund Bill 2009 will amend the existing legislation to facilitate an increase of €20m in Ireland's contribution to the George Mitchell Scholarship Fund. The purpose of the Education (Patronage) Bill is to make the necessary legislative amendments (to the VEC Acts 1930-2006 and the Education Act 1998) to allow for the provision of primary education by Vocational Education Committees and to empower a VEC on instruction from the Minister for Education and Science, to act as Patron of a primary school.
The Qualifications (Education and Training) Bill 2009 will replace the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999 in order to amalgamate the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the Further Education and Training Awards Council. The new organisation will also take responsibility for the external quality assurance review of the universities, a function which is currently performed by the Irish Universities Quality Board and the Higher Education Authority.
It may also be noted that the Student Support Bill 2008 is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Departmental Expenditure.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:267 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of press conferences and policy launches which were held by his Department in 2007 and 2008; the cost of hosting each one; if he will supply the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3707/09]
The information requested is not readily available in my Department and is currently being compiled. I will arrange to forward the information to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:268 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that changes in the pupil-teacher ratio has had the unintended consequence of ending job share and career breaks in most schools in which above quota schools are unable to get funding for replacement teachers; if this will increase rather than decrease the cost to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3717/09]
The career break and job sharing schemes have not been withdrawn and there have been no recent amendments to these schemes. The decision to approve an application under either of these schemes is a matter for the authorities of the employing school.
Schools Building Projects.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:269 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to provide a permanent building for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3719/09]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has submitted an application for a new school building.
Progress on 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 Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Physical Education Facilities.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:270 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to communications from the board of management of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 and from this Deputy regarding the provision of a sports hall at no cost to his Department, in view of the fact that the school has been without indoor sport facilities for almost twenty nine years. [3733/09]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which she refers has made a proposal to my Department in relation to the provision of sports facilities.
The Planning and Building Unit of my Department will be in contact with the school authority shortly in relation to this proposal.