Ulick Burke
Ceist:70 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she is taking to reduce the backlog of jobseeker’s allowance claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40603/09]
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 9, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 10 to 59, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 60 to 69, inclusive, answered orally.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Joe Costello
Ceist:72 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she is taking to improve processing times for jobseeker claims at social welfare branch and local offices. [40706/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 72 together.
The average processing times for claims decided in October was 3.14 weeks for jobseekers benefit and 7.38 weeks for jobseekers allowance. In October, 3 out of every 4 claims for Jobseekers Benefit were processed within 3 weeks and 2 out of every 3 claims for the means tested payment Jobseekers Allowance were processed within 6 weeks.
To date, some 378 additional staff have been assigned to Local Offices, new Central Support Units and the Departments Inspectorate to specifically deal with the increase in claims for unemployment payments.
In addition, over the past year the Department has introduced a range of process improvement initiatives to deal with the increased volume of claims.
Over the last three months there has been a steady decrease in the numbers of Jobseekers claims waiting a decision. The numbers have reduced by almost 23% which illustrates that the process improvement measures, coupled with the additional resources that have been assigned to Local Offices are having a positive effect.
One of the most significant initiatives introduced aimed at reducing queuing times and waiting times, involves the customer attending the office by appointment at which time the claim is taken and decided. This system was first introduced in Dundalk and since last August has been introduced in a further 19 offices. The Department is currently finalising plans to extend the initiative to other offices.
The impact of this initiative is very encouraging, the processing times in Dundalk Local Office where the initiative was trialled and first introduced are now less than 1 week for JB and under 4 weeks for JA.
In addition, a range of other process improvements have been introduced which include:
A more streamlined procedure for claimants moving to jobseekers allowance when their jobseekers benefit expires.
A streamlined process for people who had a claim in the previous two years.
Application forms for the jobseeker schemes are now available on the Department's website. This means that anyone who wants to make a claim can print the form at home and bring it to the local office completed. This helps reduce queuing times.
More straight-forward procedures for providing evidence of identity and address have been introduced.
I accept that processing are still too long in a small number of offices and I can assure the House that the Department is working to improve the situation in these offices as a priority.
Anyone who is under financial pressure while awaiting a decision on their claim for a jobseekers payment can apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is subject to a means test and other qualifying conditions. It is open to any customer who is not satisfied with the decision on their claim to appeal that decision.
I fully appreciate that becoming unemployed and having to claim a jobseekers payment is stressful enough in itself. The Department will continue to introduce initiatives to ensure that the process is as straightforward as it possibly can be.
Identity Cards.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:71 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she plans to issue photo identification cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40623/09]
The Department has developed, in conjunction with a number of other Government Departments, the specifications for a Public Service Card (PSC) under the Standard Authentication Framework Environment, or (SAFE), programme. The specification provides for identification features, including a photograph. The aim is to develop a card that acts as a key for access to public services in general, identifying and authenticating individuals as appropriate and where required.
The introduction of the PSC would provide for a card with key security features which would help control access to government services. Features such as photographs and signatures and electronic card authentication would minimise the rate of fraud and error arising from incorrectly identified and authenticated individuals. The PSC would replace cards currently in use, such as the Social Services Card and the Free Travel card with highly secure cards. Other Departments and agencies would also be in a position to use the card.
A further benefit of the PSC would arise from the efficiencies which would be achieved by all agencies using the card. The time spent on establishing identity and authentication would be reduced leading to significant potential savings across the whole public sector.
The project has three streams of work;
Development of new technical systems to support the issue of the Public Service Card;
Design of the necessary organisational change; and
The procurement of a managed service provider for the production, supply and management of the card as well as the provision of associated bureau services.
Development of the new technical systems to support the card requires a procurement exercise and this process has commenced. The organisational change stream is complete and a preferred bidder for the managed service provider has been selected.
Sanction to proceed with the project has recently been received from the Department of Finance and the project will now advance to the next stage. The Department plans to issue the cards to selected groups of its customers, commencing with those eligible for free travel in the latter half of 2010.
Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 70.
Social Welfare Fraud.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:73 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is satisfied with the arrangements for recording and calculating control savings and pursuing perpetrators of social welfare fraud. [40703/09]
Control savings are calculated by applying validated multipliers to the difference in the rate of payment before and after the control activity. Multipliers used in assessing control savings estimate the total future savings to the Department of a revocation or reduction resulting from a control action. The multiplier used is based on the average amount of time the person who signs off will remain off the books before returning. This time varies from scheme to scheme.
Various tracking exercises have been carried out over the years, which have validated the multipliers in use. There is a comprehensive control guideline which sets out:
(a) What constitutes a control saving in the various control activities,
(b) The various multipliers to be used in determining savings,
(c) The method of reporting reviews and savings to Central Control Section.
Control Division carry out on-going validation exercises to ensure control savings are recorded correctly. These involve an examination of the various control savings reported to ensure that savings are being compiled and calculated in the correct manner i.e. in accordance with the guideline for determining control savings.
In addition to validation exercises control division provides on-going control training on control activities and savings. In 2008 Control Awareness presentations were made to 121 participants as part of the following courses provided by Staff Development Unit:
Frontline Managers
Advanced Deciding Officers
Local Office Managers
Control Awareness is also a feature of Staff Development Unit's Induction and Customer Service Training Programmes for new staff.
In addition to the Staff Development Unit training programme Control Division also provided control training to 119 staff in Local Offices and Headquarters during 2008. To date in 2009 over 140 staff have been trained in control awareness and reporting.
In relation to pursuing perpetrators of social welfare fraud it is the Department's policy to consider for prosecution all cases of fraud against the social welfare system. Factors taken into account in deciding whether a prosecution should be taken include the monetary value, the duration of the fraud and the deterrent factor. Criminal prosecutions are taken in the main by summary proceedings in the District Courts.
Up to the end of September 2009, 201 cases were forwarded by my Department to the Chief State Solicitors Office to initiate legal proceedings. 273 cases were finalised in court and 872 were in the court system at various stages of the prosecution process.
The control programme of the Department is carefully monitored and the various measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Joe McHugh
Ceist:74 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of farmers who may qualify for farm assist payments following the closure of the REP scheme four; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40643/09]
Shane McEntee
Ceist:115 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the discussions that have taken place between her and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food following the closure of the REP scheme four; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40642/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 115 together.
The Rural Environment Protection Scheme, REPS 4, was closed to new entrants in July of this year. However, under the Rural Development Programme, a new agri-environment measure will be introduced and individuals who have been affected by the closure of REPS 4 can apply for this new scheme. On this basis, estimation of the number of farmers who may apply to social welfare schemes as a result of the REPS 4 closure is not possible at this time.
Officials from the Department of Social and Family Affairs are in ongoing contact with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in relation to these developments.
In addition, the programme for government contains a commitment to continue to support low-income farmers through the Farm Assist Scheme and adapt it in consultation with the relevant farming organisations. It would be prudent to examine the effects of the new arrangements prior to consideration of any substantive changes to the Farm Assist Scheme. In due course, consideration of any changes to the scheme would take place in a budgetary context.
Money Advice and Budgeting Service.
James Reilly
Ceist:75 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is satisfied with the capacity of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service to negotiate on a person’s behalf with financial institutions and sub-prime lenders with regard to mortgage arrears; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40656/09]
The money advisers throughout the country focus on providing assistance, advice and intense support to people who have financial difficulties. The money adviser works out a budget, negotiates on behalf of the client with all creditors, including financial institutions and sub-prime lenders, to secure better terms for the client in managing the repayment of their debts. Where required by the client, the money adviser can assist with setting up a special account with their local Credit Union into which an agreed amount of money is lodged regularly and from which each month the money adviser makes the repayments to the creditors on behalf of the client.
Focused training programmes designed to equip money advice staff and local management boards to meet the demands on the services are provided by MABS NDL, the national support company. In addition, MABS NDL has introduced a number of community education and other initiatives to assist the local services in managing their increased caseloads.
These include a money management education programme for people facing redundancy to inform them about managing on a reduced income and how to avoid getting into debt.
Under the statutory code of conduct on mortgage arrears published by the Financial Regulator, all financial institutions including the banks and sub-prime mortgage lenders must, where circumstances warrant it, refer a borrower in difficulty for guidance to a local MABS office or to an appropriate alternative.
A new operational protocol ‘Working Together to Manage Debt' is now in place and is the result of almost 2 years work by MABS NDL and the Irish Banking Federation (IBF), the main representative body for the banking and financial services sector. The protocol sets out an agreed process by which IBF members and the MABS money advisers will approach debt problems experienced by clients. The protocol includes a commitment that no legal action will be taken as long as there is compliance by the client with an agreed repayment plan.
I am confident that the MABS is well equipped to provide a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finances.
Social Welfare Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:76 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the efficacy of rent allowance and mortgage support with particular reference to the need for early and positive intervention when families have been affected by income reductions, unemployment or illness; if she will ensure that adequate staff are redeployed as required within the sector with a view to eliminating delays and waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40701/09]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of rent or mortgage interest to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department.
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support, to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. There are over 91,500 people in receipt of rent supplement of which almost 33,000 are getting a supplement for 18 months or more. The number of rent supplement recipients has increased by 24% since the end of December 2008.
Similarly, mortgage interest supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only. There are currently just over 14,500 people in receipt of mortgage interest supplement, a 79% increase on the numbers receiving the supplement at the end of December 2008.
Significant improvements have been made to the means test for rent and mortgage interest supplement in recent years. The assessment of means now provides for a gradual withdrawal of payment as hours of employment or earnings increase. Those availing of part-time employment and/or training opportunities can continue to receive rent or mortgage interest supplement subject to their satisfying the standard means assessment rules while those accepted as eligible for accommodation under Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) may to return to full-time work, also subject to a means test, without losing the entire rent supplement payment. These measures are positive steps in assisting tenants to meet their housing needs while also increasing the financial return for those returning to work or moving to full-time employment.
In recent years, a significant number of people have come to rely on the rent supplement scheme for extended periods. The scheme was not designed to meet long-term ongoing housing needs. The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), operated by local authorities, provides access to a range of long-term good quality housing supports for those availing of the scheme. Details of people in receipt of rent supplement for 18 months or more are notified to the local authorities for inclusion in the scheme.
Over 12,260 tenants have been transferred from the rent supplement scheme to RAS since 2005 and an additional 10,630 were provided with social housing following their assessment for RAS.
A review of the administration of the mortgage interest scheme is progressing. The main purpose of the review is to examine how the scheme can best meet its objective of catering for those who require assistance on a short-term basis, where they are unable to meet mortgage interest repayments on their sole place of residence. The full review should be completed in early 2010.
Overall, I am satisfied that the current rent and mortgage interest supplement scheme provides an adequate short-term "safety net" within the overall social welfare system to ensure that people do not suffer hardship due to loss of employment or illness. Nonetheless, I intend to keep the schemes under review to ensure that they meet the objective of catering for those who require assistance on a short-term basis while long-term housing needs are dealt with in a more appropriate manner.
The issue of increased demand that may arise on existing resources is a matter for the HSE in the first instance to prioritise workloads and re-deploy resources where necessary so that frontline services are maintained. The question of any increase in expenditure for staffing within the community welfare service above that currently provided would have to be considered in the context of overall Government policy on public service manpower levels.
Child Support.
Dan Neville
Ceist:77 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the regularity with which review forms for child benefit payment are issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40647/09]
The Child Benefit scheme has, in recent years, experienced significant expansion in the volume of claims received, the rates of payment and the diversity of the customer base. The annual cost in 2008 was some €2.46 billion and the payment is now made for children of some 190 nationalities living in Ireland.
Against this background, the control policy for the child benefit scheme has been reviewed to ensure that controls against fraud and abuse of the scheme continue to be effective and relevant. As a result of the review, enhanced and updated control measures have been devised. These include the issue, on a quarterly basis, of certificates to sub-sets of customers for completion and return to the Department to confirm that they continue to satisfy the conditions for receipt of Child Benefit.
In the case of non-Irish national recipients who are resident in Ireland with their children, certification is requested that the children continue to reside here — the proof of such residence can be provided via details of the school or college their child attends or, if the child is not of school-going age, details of the doctor or crèche they attend. This information is used to verify that the children are resident in Ireland, and for no other purpose.
In the case of EU nationals who are working in Ireland but who have qualified children living in another EU state, certification by their employer of continuing employment is requested. Again, this information is not used for any other purpose.
In 2008 some 80,000 certificates issued to non-Irish customers who qualify on the basis of employment or residency. In the course of this exercise, it transpired that some 24,000 had changed residence of which 8,000 had left the country and did not therefore have entitlement to benefit. Certificates are now issued on a quarterly basis to all customers who qualify for child benefit on the basis of employment or residency. Some 315,000 certificates will have issued in 2009.
The issue of certificates to Irish national customers is being assessed in the light of some recent mailshots. A mailshot was issued to 80,000 mainly Irish-national customers, concerning the Early Childcare Supplement scheme. Some 1,000 were returned undelivered and the claims were suspended. The number remaining suspended is 290 and investigation of these claims is continuing. A mailshot was also issued to 1,500 Irish customers who had not cashed their child benefit payment within the six month period allowed. Replies are awaited in 30 of these cases. Both these mailshot projects will conclude in November — when the outcome will inform the nature of further initiatives.
The issue of certification forms is monitored on an ongoing basis in the Department.
Social Welfare Fraud.
Joe McHugh
Ceist:78 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the Comptroller and Auditor General’s report that stricter controls and more accountability are needed to eliminate high levels of fraud and errors in the welfare system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40644/09]
Bernard Allen
Ceist:80 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the control measures she will introduce to assist in reducing fraud; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40596/09]
Michael D'Arcy
Ceist:89 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the savings made by her Department as a result of fraud detection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40617/09]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:102 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is satisfied that she will reach the savings target she has set for 2009 by the end of the year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40652/09]
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:105 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding fraud control measures put in place by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40639/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78, 80, 89, 102 and 105 together.
The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of the Department. A key objective of the Department's control strategy is to ensure that the right person is paid the right amount of money at the right time.
The Department processes in excess of 2 million claims each year and it makes payments to over one million people every week. The vast majority of people are receiving the entitlement due to them.
Where overpayments occur the Department seeks to recover the overpayments and in cases of serious fraud, the Department will use all legal avenues open to it to recover the money defrauded and seek redress.
A four-pronged control strategy has been adopted by the Department, namely prevention of fraud and error at the initial claim stage, early detection through effective review of claims in payment, measures to deter fraud and the pursuit and recovery of overpayments.
Key elements of the Department's control strategy include systematic risk analysis, surveys of the levels of fraud and error within schemes, scheme specific review policies, data matching initiatives with both external and internal parties and investigation of anonymous reports. These control tools ensure that review activity is targeted in the most effective manner and ensure that where overpayments arise they are detected as early as possible.
Over 620 staff at local, regional and national level are engaged on a full or part-time basis on work related to the control of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system. About half of these work full time on control work, while the other half are responsible for routine investigations under the various schemes and for following up suspected cases of fraud where these are discovered.
The rapidly changing economic environment with large increases in the levels of unemployed poses challenges for the prevention and effective management of fraud and control.
The Department's response to these challenges has been to introduce new measures to target control activity at high risk categories of claimants.
For example:
Control activity is being focused on the prevention of fraud and error at claim application stage.
The Special Investigation Unit is undertaking more regular interviews of jobseeker recipients, particularly those with high risk ratings.
As a preventative measure the option to receive payments by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) was removed for new claimants for jobseeker payments. They must attend in person at the post office each week thus confirming their continued residency in the country. Their claim is automatically suspended where two consecutive payments are not collected.
Border regions have put an increased emphasis on controls on claims from applicants with a previous address in Northern Ireland.
One Parent Family Payment recipients with earnings are targeted for on-going review.
The frequency of issue of mail shots to validate continued entitlement to Child Benefit has been increased to 3 monthly intervals for EU worker customers and resident non-Irish national customers.
The number of anonymous reports from members of the public has increased dramatically in the past year, with over 4,600 reports made at end September 2009 compared to approximately 1000 reports made in 2008. Each report is followed-up.
The Department is moving to a risk-based system which will achieve better value for money by focusing scarce resources on the most appropriate cases. For example for Disability Allowance, a new control review policy for the scheme was introduced in January 2009 which involves assigning and recording a risk rating at the award and review stage of all claims in the medical and means categories. A similar risk based control review policy is being piloted for Carer's Allowance with the same approach planned for Invalidity Pension.
New data matches have been initiated to effectively target reviews and generate savings. In 2009 data was received from The Personal Injuries Assessment Board, The Commission for Taxi Regulation, The Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal and Local Authorities. In addition agreement has recently been reached with The Revenue Commissioners for data on capital assets.
In relation to savings, at the end of September 2009, the Department recorded control savings of nearly €355m, which is 78% of the year to date target of €453m. The annual control target for 2009 is €616.5m. It is difficult to project what the control savings for 2009 will be at this point but it is unlikely that the Department will reach the control savings target of €616.5m.
It must be noted that control activity is currently being focused on prevention of fraud and error at claim application stage. Savings made from the detection of bogus claims at application stage cannot be estimated as the claim will not go into payment. However, this is the most cost effective mechanism of reducing losses through fraud and error in social welfare schemes.
The significant increase in the live register has impacted on the Department's capacity to review claims. The increase has put pressure on staffing resources and particularly on social welfare inspectors who are responsible both for carrying out means-tests on initial applicants and conducting anti-fraud inspections. Additional staff have been assigned to front line work, including an increased number of inspectors.
This Department works closely with Department of Social Development in Northern Ireland and The Department of Work and Pensions in the United Kingdom. Cases are checked to ensure that claims are not in payment in the Republic of Ireland while also claiming in another jurisdiction.
The Comptroller and Auditor General's report made observations regarding stricter controls and more accountability. Since the introduction of the 2003 Strategy, Control Division has taken a strategic approach to the development of control policy. It has pro-actively supported managers to manage their responsibilities with regard to the control of schemes. Resources available for control activity have focused more effectively on those schemes and parts of schemes that pose the highest risk of fraud and abuse.
As part of the implementation of the Strategy, a number of new policy initiatives were implemented specifically the fraud and error survey programme and fraud risk assessment of schemes. These initiatives have facilitated a more focused and targeted approach to control activity. A key strength in the successful implementation of these policies has been the integrated nature of the control function within the Department. This is in contrast with other jurisdictions where there is a disconnect between scheme administration and scheme control and managers responsible only for scheme administration feel that they have no function in relation to scheme control.
The Department is committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them. In this regard the control programme of my Department is carefully monitored and the various measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective.
Social Welfare Code.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:79 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to review the habitual residency condition rules in view of the recent decisions of the appeals office concerning cases by asylum seekers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40626/09]
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1st May 2004, in the context of the Government's decision to open the Irish labour market to workers from the new EU Member States.
The purpose of the habitual residence condition is to safeguard the social welfare system from abuse by restricting access for people who are not economically active and who have little or no established connection with Ireland.
A person who does not satisfy the habitual residence condition is not eligible for specified social welfare payments, regardless of citizenship, nationality, immigration status or any other factor. The social welfare schemes concerned are Jobseeker's Allowance, One Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Widow/er's (Non Contributory) Pension, Guardian's Payment (Non Contributory), State Pension (Non Contributory), Blind Pension, Supplementary Welfare Allowance (except urgent or exceptional needs payments) and Child Benefit.
The five factors considered in determining habitual residence are: length and continuity of residence; length and purpose of any absence from the State; the nature and pattern of the person's employment; future intentions; and centre of interest (e.g. family, home, connections). These factors, which were originally set out in European Court of Justice case law, were included in social welfare legislation by the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007.
The Department's guidelines regarding the application of the habitual residence condition to asylum seekers reflect a Supreme Court judgment which states that "persons who are allowed to enter the State for the purpose of making an application for asylum fall into a particular category and never enjoy the status of residents".
The Department is aware of the decisions of the Chief Appeals Officer in a very small number of specific cases involving asylum seekers. Each decision of the Chief Appeals Officer is made in relation to the circumstances of the particular case and the decisions in cases related to certain asylum seekers do not automatically apply to all such cases.
Since these decisions were made, there have been other cases where the Appeals Officer has upheld the decision to refuse a payment to an asylum seeker on the grounds of the habitual residence condition.
The Appeals Officer's decisions to award payment in a small number of cases are being examined within the Department to establish what, if any, implications they have for the operation of the Habitual Residence Condition. A final decision has not yet been taken as to the appropriate response.
Question No. 80 answered with Question No. 78.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:81 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the limitations of the back to education allowance scheme in respect of unemployed graduates; and if she will reform this scheme to allow graduates to participate in the scheme. [40717/09]
The objective of the back to education allowance scheme is to equip people on social welfare payments with qualifications that will enable them to obtain employment in the labour market. The scheme covers full-time courses of education from second level to Higher Diploma (H.Dip) level in any discipline or a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary and Secondary Teaching).
The focus of the back to education allowance is on providing assistance to the highest possible number of those in greatest need in terms of meeting the requirements of the labour market. The scheme is designed to encourage progression in terms of the level of qualifications pursued. Possession of qualifications such as Postgraduate Diplomas, Professional Diplomas and MA courses or post-graduate courses at level 9 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications is not regarded as a prerequisite to re-entering the workforce and, therefore, these courses are not covered by the terms of the scheme.
The Government has devoted significant resources to the back to education allowance. This year, €87.8 million is available under the scheme. The number of participants in the current academic year shows a substantial increase on last year.
The part-time education option under the back to education programme enables unemployed people to attend part-time day/evening courses of education, including post graduate courses, and retain their jobseekers payment provided that they continue to satisfy the conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking employment on an on-going basis. If a person wishes to retain their jobseekers payment while doing a part-time course, they should contact their local social welfare office.
The back to education allowance scheme will continue to be monitored in the light of the changed economic circumstance in order to ensure that it continues to meet its objectives.
Pension Provisions.
P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:82 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she will take to facilitate women, forced out of employment due to the marriage rule, to avail of contributory pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40662/09]
The Government is anxious to ensure that as many people as possible can be accommodated within the social welfare pensions system. A state pension (contributory) is available to those who have contributed to the social insurance system while a means-tested state pension (non-contributory) is available to those who have an income need. Over the last 10 years, means tests have been improved and qualifying conditions for contributory payments made easier.
Many women in both the private and the public sectors left employment upon marriage because they were required to or because that was the societal norm at the time.
Public servants who left the workforce through the operation of the marriage bar were not insured for social welfare pension purposes and, therefore, did not contribute to the social insurance system. Accordingly, the loss of pension rights in their case relates more to their occupational position rather than social welfare pension entitlements.
The Government is currently considering the overall pensions system in Ireland and will make final decisions in the context of the long-term framework on pensions which I expect will be published before the end of the year.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Creed
Ceist:83 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she is taking to facilitate the transfer from rent supplement to the rental accommodation scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40614/09]
Shane McEntee
Ceist:97 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons claiming rent supplement for more than 18 months; her views on the slow transfer of persons from rent supplement onto the rental accommodation scheme; the efforts she has taken to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40641/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 97 together.
There are currently over 91,600 tenants benefiting from a rent supplement payment — an increase of 24% since the end of 2008. Over 33,000 of recipients have been receiving payment of rent supplement for 18 months or more.
The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), which was introduced in 2004, gives local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the longer term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more. Details of these cases are notified regularly by the Department to the local authorities. Local authorities meet the housing needs of these individuals through a range of approaches including the traditional range of social housing options, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular, RAS.
Latest figures from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) indicate that to date, local authorities have transferred 12,260 rent supplement cases to RAS units. Housing authorities have also transferred a further 10,630 recipients to other social housing options, a total of almost 22,900 transfers between the end of 2005 and the end of September 2009. Almost 7,000 recipients were transferred in 2008.
While progress in relation to RAS was initially slower than expected, the pace of delivery has improved significantly, and in 2009 a target has been set of transferring an additional 7,000 households from rent supplement of which almost 5,000 transfers have been achieved.
In addition to this official target, due to the numbers of unsold affordable stock around the country, an opportunity has been created to make use of some of these properties for RAS and it is expected that there may be an opportunity to achieve further transfers.
The changes made in Budget 2009 to better align the minimum weekly contribution required from tenants under the rent supplement scheme with that under the RAS should also encourage more people to take up RAS offers.
The Department continues to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in ensuring that RAS meets its objective of catering for those on long term rent supplementation while enabling rent supplement to return to its original role of a short-term income support.
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:84 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the expected effect the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes Report proposals on social welfare basic rates and the half rate carer’s allowance would have on the overall income of carers; her views on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40727/09]
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:86 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if disability allowance will be protected in budget 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40536/09]
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:101 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has completed her deliberations on the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programme; and if she will outline her conclusions. [40729/09]
George Lee
Ceist:103 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the recommendations in respect of her Department contained in the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes Report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40638/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:108 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will give an assurance that those in receipt of social welfare payments are not selectively or specifically targeted for punitive reductions in the course of budget 2010; if she will ensure due regard is had for the difficulties faced by those with special needs, the elderly and families and that a provision be made that a specific clause is introduced to prevent hardship on the vulnerable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40700/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she proposes to take to ensure that families are not negatively affected by cutbacks contemplated within her Department arising from the current economic climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41030/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will ensure that budgetary cuts expected to be applied by her Department do not impact on the vulnerable in society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41035/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the full impact of the economic downturn on vulnerable sectors of the population particularly with the approach of winter; the steps she has taken or proposes to take to address these issues in the short to medium term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41036/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:228 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she proposes to take to protect the most vulnerable in society during the winter months in view of the continued economic climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41037/09]
I propose toanswer Questions Nos. 84, 86, 101, 103, 108, 221 and 226 to 228, inclusive, together.
In its consideration of the forthcoming Budget and Estimates, the Government will take account of a wide range of factors including the prevailing economic situation, the need to reduce public expenditure, the recommendations of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes and the impact of such proposals on individuals and vulnerable groups in society. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.
However, the Government is very conscious of the need to take account of the cumulative impact of measures on individuals and groups when finalising the Budget package.
In this regard, I have requested the newly-formed Social Inclusion Division of my Department to prepare an analysis of the impact of the social welfare and other measures proposed in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure on families. The analysis is nearing completion and will contribute to the Government's deliberations in the Budgetary process.
Social Welfare Code.
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:85 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to means test child benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40650/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the rates of child benefit have increased significantly since 2001 having trebled for the first two children and increased by over 185% for the third and subsequent children.
Partly as a result of this and partly as a result of an increase in the number of eligible children, overall expenditure on child benefit grew from just under €965 million in 2001 to nearly €2.5 billion in 2008. This level of expenditure is unsustainable in the current economic crisis and so the Minister for Finance, mindful of the need to address all aspects of the public finances so as to avoid excessive borrowing and to ensure that fairness exists in the allocation of resources, indicated in the Supplementary Budget the intention to tax or means test child benefit from 2010.
The Commission of Taxation was requested to examine the implications of taxing child benefit. The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes was appointed with a mandate to examine all current Exchequer Programmes across all Departments and agencies to see where savings might be made. Both their reports contain a wide range of proposals relating to my Department's schemes and services, including the child benefit scheme and decisions in relation to these will be made in the context of the forthcoming budget and subsequent budgets. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on individual proposals at this stage.
Question No. 86 answered with Question No. 84.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:87 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is satisfied with the average time to process social welfare appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40640/09]
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that during 2008 the average time taken to process all appeals (i.e. those decided summarily and by way of oral hearing) was 22 weeks. However, if allowance was made for the 25% most protracted cases, the average time fell to just over 14 weeks. These processing times replicate those for 2007 notwithstanding the fact that there was an increase of 27% in the number of appeals received during 2008.
However, I am advised by the Chief Appeals Officer that there has been a further increase of 41% in the number of appeals received so far this year and, as a consequence the processing times may be further increased this year.
I am advised that the Chief Appeals Officer is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals having regard to due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.
Improving processing times remains a major objective of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, however it is necessary at all times, given the quasi-judicial nature of the appeals process, to ensure that progress in this regard is achieved in a manner which is not in conflict with the demands of justice and the requirement that every appeal be fully investigated and examined on all its merits.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Tom Sheahan
Ceist:88 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans for carers following the decision not to publish the National Carer’s Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40661/09]
The Government is acutely aware and appreciative of the contribution made by carers and has made considerable improvements in services and supports for them in recent years.
The carer's allowance scheme has been significantly improved in recent years and, in budget 2009, I continued this process. The rate of carer's allowance for those aged 66 or over by €7 to €239 per week and for those aged under 66 by €6.50 to €220.50 per week. These increases took effect from January 2009. Recipients of carer's allowance are also eligible for household benefits and free travel and the respite care grant.
Since 1997, weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit, half-rate carer's allowance and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.
The means test for carer's allowance has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Since April 2008, the income disregard has been 332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. This means that a couple with two children can earn in the region of €37,200 and qualify for the maximum rate of Carer's Allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits. A couple with an income in the region of €60,400 can still qualify for a minimum payment, as well as the associated free travel, household benefits package. These levels surpass the Towards 2016 commitment to ensure those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.
From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. The rate of the respite care grant has also been increased to €1,700 per year in respect of each care recipient since June 2008.
It is estimated that the combined expenditure on carer's allowance, carer's benefit, the respite care grant and half-rate carer's allowance will be €650 million in 2009.
During 2008 an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, with secretariat support provided by my Department, undertook work, including a public consultation process to develop a National Carers' Strategy. However, because of the prevailing economic situation, it was not possible to set targets or time lines which could be achieved. In that context, rather than publishing a document which did not include any significant plans for the future, the Government decided not to publish a strategy. This position remains unchanged.
Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 78.
Question No. 90 answered with Question No. 69.
Joe Carey
Ceist:91 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to review the mortgage interest supplement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40607/09]
Joan Burton
Ceist:116 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she plans to reform mortgage interest supplement. [40705/09]
Denis Naughten
Ceist:211 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to review the mortgage interest supplement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40840/09]
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:213 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way and when she will reform mortgage interest supplement. [41000/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91, 116, 211 and 213 together.
The mortgage interest supplement scheme provides support for people who have difficulty meeting their mortgage repayments and whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The scheme provides a short-term income "safety net" within the overall social welfare system to ensure that people do not suffer hardship due to loss of employment.
A supplement in respect of mortgage interest only may be paid to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence.
There are currently just over 14,500 people in receipt of mortgage interest supplement, an increase of 79% (6,420) over the number in payment at end 2008.
The assessment for the mortgage interest supplement scheme provides for a gradual withdrawal of payment as hours of employment or earnings increase. Those availing of part-time employment and/or training opportunities can continue to receive mortgage interest supplement subject to their satisfying the standard means assessment rules.
The review of the administration of the mortgage interest scheme is progressing. The main purpose of the review is to examine how the scheme can best meet its objective of catering for those who require assistance on a short-term basis, where they are unable to meet mortgage interest repayments on their sole place of residence.
The review group includes representatives from the department, the Community Welfare Service, the Departments of Finance, Environment, Heritage and Local Government together with a representative from the Office of the Financial Regulator. The group is examining trends in programme and administrative costs, the impact of the Financial Regulator's statutory Code of Practice on Mortgage Arrears on the mortgage interest supplement scheme and legislative and operational issues arising, including the cap on hours of employment. The review is also considering whether alternative approaches to achieving the scheme's objectives are warranted in the light of recent changes in the economic climate and the mortgage market. The full review should be completed in early 2010.
Departmental Staff.
Mary Upton
Ceist:92 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she is taking to deal with the problem of absenteeism in her Department. [40735/09]
In 2008, the Department had just over one million working days potentially available to it. A total of 68,102 days were lost because of sick leave, equivalent to 6.61% of the total. This was an improvement on 2007, when 7.15% of working days were lost due to sick leave.
Almost one third of total working days lost because of sick leave in 2008 were due to one of four categories of illness, each accounting for between 7% and 9% of all working days lost due to sick leave. The four categories are stress, respiratory illness, pregnancy related illness and surgery/post operative debility.
Over 91% of working days lost due to sick leave in 2008 were in respect of absences covered by medical certificates. One quarter of the days lost were due to absences of six months or longer, at which point employees would have been placed on reduced rates of pay.
The total number of days lost due to uncertified sick leave in 2008 was less than 6,000 which is less than 0.6% of the total working days potentially available to the Department last year.
The Department has had an Attendance Management Policy in place since 2005. The Policy is intended to raise awareness of the effects of absences on the work of the Department and its impact on colleagues, often called upon to carry the extra work. It is also intended to provide a management structure to manage absences with a view to bringing about improvement where it is possible to do so, and foster an "Attendance Culture". A review of the Policy was completed earlier this year and has just been re-issued to all staff.
Measures taken include return to work interviews, early referral to the Chief Medical Officer, a Health Promotion Policy, including the organisation of health screening on a voluntary basis for staff, and supports for staff who are returning to work after a long term illness. The Department also works closely with the Chief Medical Officer who plays a crucial role in advising the department on employee's fitness for work from a medical perspective. Good attendance is also a requirement for the payment of increments, transfers and promotions.
The Attendance Management policy also confirms the links between attendance, performance, and disciplinary measures. Repeated poor attendance, and or abuse of sick leave procedures will result in warnings, appropriate sanctions, such as disqualification from competitions and transfers, withdrawal of sick leave privilege and ultimately dismissal, if warranted.
The Department's Absence Management Policy provides for the active management of absenteeism by, among other measures, highlighting the importance to the Department and its services of having the best possible rate of attendance by its employees and clearly setting out the duties and responsibilities of all staff and managers in this area.
Social Welfare Benefits.
James Bannon
Ceist:93 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she is taking to increase the uptake of family income supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40600/09]
Denis Naughten
Ceist:212 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she is taking to increase the uptake of family income supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40841/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos: 93 and 212 together.
The Family Income Supplement is designed to provide support for people with families who are on low earnings. This preserves the incentive for them to remain in employment in circumstances where they might only be marginally better off than if they were claiming other social welfare payments. FIS is a central element of a programme of reforms targeted specifically at addressing child poverty. The Department has consistently publicised the FIS scheme in order to maximise uptake by qualified families. Significant improvements in the qualifying income limits and ongoing awareness campaigns have resulted in a strong upward trend in the level of new and renewal claims.
There are currently some 25,065 people in receipt of a weekly FIS payment. In 2008 the Department received 42,940 new and renewal FIS claims compared to 36,900 in 2007 and 33,000 in 2006 — an increase of over 14% on 2007 and 23% on 2006. In the first 10 months of 2009 over 40,459 new and renewal claims were received compared to some 37,804 in the same period in 2008 — an increase of over 7%.
The Department currently undertakes a number of measures to ensure that people are aware of possible entitlement to Family Income (FIS). These include the publication of information on FIS on the Department's website, making information available through the Citizen's Information Service and through the Department's network of Local Offices.
To help establish the best ways of promoting FIS going forward, the department commissioned a research project in 2008 to examine factors behind the level of take up for the scheme. The research found that overall awareness of Family Income Supplement among potential recipients is high with nearly three in four claiming to have heard of the scheme. Despite high levels of awareness, there was a lack of awareness and understanding of the eligibility requirements with only one in three claiming to be aware of the qualifying criteria for FIS.
The report recommends that the Department needs to ensure that information about the scheme is advertised in a focused way with the eligibility and qualification criteria communicated as clearly as possible. The Department is addressing this by ensuring such information is highlighted as part of it's ongoing publicity and advertisement campaigns.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:94 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to review the impact of recent rent supplement changes on recipients before further changes are made to the levels of rent allowed or minimum contributions from recipients. [40723/09]
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:100 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of rent allowance awarded in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40535/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 100 together.
Rent supplement is intended as short-term support for eligible tenants whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs. There are currently over 91,600 people in receipt of rent supplement, an increase of 24% since the end of December 2008. The number of rent supplement recipients, the number of rent supplement claims awarded and expenditure on the scheme for the past three years in shown in the following tabular statement.
Rent supplements are subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation having regard to the size of the household and market conditions. Maximum rent limits are prescribed in regulations and are time limited so that they can be adjusted in the light of rent levels generally.
Rent limits were reviewed earlier this year. In testing the level at which basic accommodation can be secured, the Department was informed by analysis of a number of data sources including data published by the CSO on trends in the private rental market. Rent limits and payments to existing rent supplement recipients were reduced to reflect the downward trends in the private rental market. According to the CSO private rent index, rents have fallen by almost 3% since maximum rent limits were last set in June 2009.
One of the reported impediments to the fluid transfer of rent supplement claimants to the Rental Accommodation Scheme is what can be a difference between the contribution which is required of the tenant under the rent supplement scheme and the contribution which they are required to pay through differential rent scheme. The increase in the weekly minimum contribution from €18 to €24 that individuals make towards their rent under the rent supplement scheme now aligns more closely the rent that local authority tenants have to pay.
The fact that there are over 91,600 people receiving rent supplement indicates that the scheme is effective in meeting the needs of those who require support towards the cost of private rented accommodation.
The operation of the rent supplement scheme is monitored on an ongoing basis and rent limits are reviewed in the light of trends in the private rental market. A review of rent limits would include an assessment of the impact of recent changes made to the rent supplement scheme and take account of the views of interested parties, including voluntary agencies working in the housing area. It is essential to ensure that state support for rent supplemented tenants, who form a substantial section of the rental market, does not give rise to inflated rental prices with particular negative impact on those tenants on lower incomes, including people in low paid employment.
The Department also continues to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to ensure that the rental accommodation scheme (RAS) meets its objective of catering for those on long term rent supplementation while enabling rent supplement to return to its original role of a short-term income support.
|
Year |
No. of Recipients |
No. Claims Awarded |
Expenditure |
|
€000 |
|||
|
End Dec ‘06 |
59,861 |
n/a |
388,339 |
|
End Dec ‘07 |
59,726 |
41,197** |
391,466 |
|
End Dec ‘08 |
74,038 |
62,122** |
439,739 |
|
End Oct ’09* |
91,634 |
91,719** |
382,000 |
*Recipients and claims at 31 October 2009 and Expenditure at end September 2009.
**Claims awarded include new claims awarded for the first time and re-applications where an existing rent supplement recipient moves to new accommodation.
Social Welfare Fraud.
Brian Hayes
Ceist:95 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the discussions she has had in the past 12 months with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform or the gardaí on the sharing of information to combat social welfare fraud; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40630/09]
The Department of Social and Family Affairs has an extensive legal structure to support the sharing of data with other Government Departments and specified bodies such as An Garda Síochana for the purpose of combating social welfare fraud. Data matching is used as a method of identifying high risk social welfare claims for review.
The main example of on-going co-operation with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is data matching with the Irish Prison Service who supply the Department with lists of prison inmates on a quarterly basis. The lists are cross-checked to identify "live" social welfare claims. In such cases, the claim is terminated where it is established that the claimant is the person who is in prison.
Where overpayments occur the Department seeks to recover the overpayments and in cases of serious fraud, the Department will use all legal avenues open to it to recover the money defrauded and seek redress.
A number of DSFA social welfare inspectors are seconded to the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). The officers in CAB are actively engaged in identifying and targeting funds accumulated by criminals. They also investigate and review social welfare entitlements of persons who are suspected of deriving assets from criminal activity.
DSFA social welfare inspectors are seconded to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to assist in the pursuit of the respective statutory remits with a particular emphasis on welfare fraud and breaches of immigration legislation.
The Garda National Immigration Bureau was established in 2000 with responsibility for all Garda matters in relation to immigration on a national basis. The main capabilities and functions include: the registration in the State of all non-EEA nationals; facilitating the exchange of Immigration data with the UK thus enabling the identification of Immigration offenders from one jurisdiction attempting to enter the other jurisdiction; tracking the details of non-Irish nationals who are granted leave to land or conditioned on entry to the country, those persons refused leave to land, as well as details of all deportation orders that have been issued by the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform.
Persons who are found, as a result of an examination by an immigration officer, to have abused the State's immigration laws, work permit requirements or benefits system, and who have no permission to remain in the State, will not normally be admitted to the State. Others will be the subject of reports to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service so that their permission to remain in the State may be reviewed.
There is close co-operation between DSFA and An Garda Síochana on the ground in relation to the multi-agency vehicle checkpoints and personation cases. The multi-agency checkpoints are set-up by the Gardaí and planned in consultation with other participating agencies. At the checkpoints, Gardaí stop vehicles and refer certain vehicles to individual agencies where the occupants are interviewed. Staff participating in these checkpoints from the Department are drawn from the Special Investigation Unit, whose main duty is the detection and prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system.
Cases of personation are referred by DSFA to the Gardaí for follow-up investigation and possible prosecution under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.
The DSFA Control Division also deals with individual enquiries from members of the force.
In 2009 DSFA was provided with on-line access to information on the probate index of issued grants. In accordance with legislation a person in receipt of a means tested social assistance payment is obliged to notify the DSFA in writing of any increase in their means within a period of three months of the means increase occurring. The Estate Case Recovery Unit in SWS Sligo raises and collects overpayments from the estates of deceased pensioners who failed to disclose means, which would have affected their entitlements. The Department will be able to identify cases, where information regarding means was not notified, through on-line access to the probate index. The personal representative of a deceased person, who had been in receipt of a social assistance payment, must seek clearance from the Department before they distribute the assets from the estate of the deceased.
In 2009, at the request of DSFA, the Private Security Agency under the Department of Justice and Law Reform, supplied data on security licences issued. Details were matched against the Department's payment systems and resulted in 1,680 cases being referred for investigation.
Pension Provisions.
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:96 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is in a position to publish a White Paper on pensions. [40733/09]
Since the publication of the Green Paper on Pensions in October 2007, the Government has taken several initiatives to respond to the immediate difficulties facing members of pensions schemes, particularly members of defined benefit schemes. We have moved quickly to assist pension scheme members through measures announced last December, and the amendments passed in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2009, earlier this year. These measures include the establishment of a pensions insolvency payment scheme and a reordering of wind-up priorities so that, in any defined benefit wind-up situation, employees and former employees who have not yet retired may still receive a large proportion of their benefits. The Government has also introduced provisions to allow for more flexible restructuring of pension benefits and stronger regulation regarding remittance of pension contributions.
The Government is aware that the wider and longer-term pensions policy issues require a comprehensive and co-ordinated response. Since the end of the consultation process last year, we have been considering a number of options to address the challenges facing our pensions system and which were raised in the Green Paper process. It is the intention of the Government to deal with all of these issues.
Over the last year, the economic environment has changed considerably and we need to ensure that any decisions we make in the pensions area are robust enough to withstand new and unprecedented challenges.
It is entirely appropriate that the Government takes the time to arrive at sound decisions about the future of our pension system, given the potential of such decisions to significantly impact on this and future generations. Our objective is a system which will deliver an adequate retirement income for all which is, at the same time, affordable and sustainable for the State and for those who sponsor and provide pension schemes.
The Government will continue to discuss further reform options for inclusion in the national pensions framework which will be published in the near future.
Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 83.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:98 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to review the free travel scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40665/09]
The current free travel scheme operated by the Department provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators.
While the scheme is free for those who are eligible, all of the transport companies involved, including CIE, are paid for the service by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The estimated cost of the scheme in 2009 is €76.4 million.
All schemes are kept under review as part of the Estimates and budgetary process.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:99 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to withdraw the free television licence from old age pensioners. [40668/09]
The free television licence is a component of the household benefits package which also includes the electricity/gas allowance and telephone rental schemes. The package is generally available to people living in the State, aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of a social welfare payment or who satisfy a means test. It is also available to people aged under 66 who are in receipt of certain disability payments or carer's allowances. Over 380,000 people are in receipt of a household benefits package from the Department.
All schemes are kept under review as part of the Estimates and budgetary process. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on individual schemes in advance of the Budget.
Question No. 100 answered with Question No. 94.
Question No. 101 answered with Question No. 84.
Question No. 102 answered with Question No. 78.
Question No. 103 answered with Question No. 84.
Social Welfare Code.
Jack Wall
Ceist:104 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she is taking to progress the introduction of a unified means test. [40736/09]
The Department administers a number of social assistance schemes to meet the income support needs of certain people. The associated means tests are designed to reflect the particular circumstances of these individuals and their families as well as the different life cycle stages. Over the years, various developments in means testing have led to the system becoming complex and difficult for the individual to comprehend. The Department would wish to move to a simpler more unified approach to means testing, especially for those of working age.
As a separate but related exercise, the Department is currently examining the feasibility of introducing a single social assistance payment for people of working age. The review will examine the rules and conditions, including the means testing rules, that currently apply and the various supports available to people of working age with a view to ascertaining how these could be rationalised in the context of a single payment to meet the objective of supporting people back to work, education and/or training and other development opportunities, as appropriate. It is expected that the feasibility report will be finalised by end of 2009.
An inter-departmental working group was established in March 2009, on foot of a recommendation in the Task Force Report Transforming Public Services, to undertake a detailed study on the feasibility and value of introducing mechanisms to simplify the provision of means information to all public bodies. This working group is chaired by a senior official of this Department. While the group is not examining a proposal for a unified means test, its work will include consideration of all possibilities in relation to simplifying and achieving other efficiencies across all public bodies with regard to means testing arrangements. The work of the group is progressing well and the feasibility report is expected by the end of 2009.
Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 78.
Pension Provisions.
John Deasy
Ceist:106 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in processing a contributory State pension application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; the date this application was received in her Department; the average processing time for such applications; and when this application will be decided. [40738/09]
The person concerned first applied for State Pension (contributory) in June 2007. The claim was rejected in September 2007 as she had no paid PRSI contributions and therefore did not fulfill the conditions for receipt of State Pension (contributory).
In April 2008, she submitted an application to have a business partnership between her and her spouse recognised for the purpose of social insurance. A decision that a retrospective partnership had existed was made in June 2009. Following payment of the required PRSI contribution in August 2009 her social insurance record was updated for the period 6 April 1988, the date self employed contributions were first introduced to 5 August 2007, her 66th birthday.
An application for State Pension (Contributory) was again made by the person concerned in August 2009. The Department is currently examining this claim and a decision on her pension entitlement will be made as soon as possible
Social Welfare Benefits.
Enda Kenny
Ceist:107 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the processing time for each individual social welfare office to deal with a claim for jobseeker’s benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40635/09]
Phil Hogan
Ceist:114 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average processing time for a claim in respect of jobseeker’s benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40634/09]
Phil Hogan
Ceist:117 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average processing time for a claim in respect of jobseeker’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40633/09]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:119 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the processing time for each individual social welfare office to deal with a claim for jobseeker’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40636/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 107, 114, 117 and 119 together.
The average processing times for claims decided in October was 3.14 weeks for jobseekers benefit and 7.38 weeks for jobseekers allowance. This is the average nationally and there are fluctuations between offices. In October, 3 out of every 4 claims for Jobseekers Benefit were processed within 3 weeks and 2 out of every 3 claims for the means tested payment Jobseekers Allowance were processed within 6 weeks.
The length of time it takes to process claims varies depending on the complexity of the claim, the availability of the necessary documentation from the applicant and or his/her employer and in the case of jobseekers allowance, the need to carry out additional enquires including the assessment of means and whether the claimant satisfies the Habitual Residence Condition.
Processing times can also vary from office to office due to the extent of the increased claimload, the number of staff vacancies, the duration of such vacancies and the turnover of staff in the office which impacts on the overall level of experience in the office. From time to time the average processing time for an individual office can vary considerably. This can occur where an office concentrates on clearing the claims that have been waiting the longest.
I set out a tabular statement showing the average processing time for claims decided in October for each local and branch office. While every effort is made to ensure that applications are processed as quickly as possible, anyone who is under financial pressure while awaiting a decision on their claim for a jobseekers payment can apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is subject to a means test and other qualifying conditions. It is open to any customer who is not satisfied with the decision on their claim to appeal that decision.
Over the past number of months the Department has introduced a range of process improvement initiatives to deal with the increased volume of claims which include: a more streamlined procedure for claimants moving to jobseekers allowance when their jobseekers benefit expires; a streamlined process for people who had a claim in the previous two years; application forms for the jobseeker schemes are now available on the Department's website. (this means that anyone who wants to make a claim can print the form at home and bring it to the local office completed which helps reduce queuing times); more straight-forward procedures for providing evidence of identity and address have been introduced; the process for casual employees has been streamlined and the employee can now self certify on a weekly basis without recourse to the employer. A compensatory periodic control measure has been introduced for employers. One of the most significant initiatives introduced recently, aimed at reducing queuing times and waiting times, involves the customer attending the office by appointment at which time the claim is taken and decided. This system has already been introduced in 20 offices and the Department is finalising plans to extend it to other offices.
The signing arrangements have also been revised in a number of offices and customers have been given an appointed time to attend the office in order to reduce queuing times.
I fully appreciate that becoming unemployed and having to claim a jobseekers payment is stressful enough in itself. By introducing these initiatives I am trying to ensure that the process is as easy as it possibly can be. I know that processing times in some areas are still too long and I assure you that steps are being taken to bring them back to acceptable levels.
|
Office |
JB |
JA |
|
National — Average time to decide |
3.14 |
7.38 |
|
Achill |
0.18 |
0.59 |
|
Apollo House |
1.07 |
3.06 |
|
Ardee |
3.91 |
11.36 |
|
Arklow |
1.07 |
3.01 |
|
Athlone |
3.95 |
6.41 |
|
Athy |
1.89 |
8.14 |
|
Balbriggan |
2.78 |
6.86 |
|
Ballina |
4.10 |
7.60 |
|
Ballinasloe |
5.03 |
8.59 |
|
Ballinrobe |
2.23 |
8.85 |
|
Ballybofey |
1.12 |
2.78 |
|
Ballyconnell |
3.03 |
7.41 |
|
Ballyfermot |
1.47 |
5.13 |
|
Ballymun |
2.09 |
3.16 |
|
Ballyshannon |
1.09 |
2.04 |
|
Baltinglass |
1.27 |
6.88 |
|
Bandon |
5.88 |
9.69 |
|
Bantry |
1.85 |
5.72 |
|
Bantry CO |
1.80 |
8.60 |
|
Belmullet |
1.13 |
1.86 |
|
Birr |
2.61 |
5.23 |
|
Bishop Square |
3.54 |
8.06 |
|
Blanchardstown |
2.35 |
9.61 |
|
Boyle |
3.13 |
10.58 |
|
Bray |
3.16 |
9.04 |
|
Buncrana |
3.78 |
7.50 |
|
Cahir |
1.98 |
4.72 |
|
Cahirciveen |
2.88 |
4.43 |
|
Carlow |
1.41 |
6.90 |
|
Carrickmacross |
0.94 |
8.13 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
1.39 |
3.57 |
|
Carrick-on-Suir |
3.77 |
10.51 |
|
Carrigaline |
1.67 |
7.67 |
|
Cashel |
1.64 |
4.67 |
|
Castlebar |
2.71 |
3.78 |
|
Castleblaney |
1.27 |
4.48 |
|
Castlepollard |
5.40 |
21.16 |
|
Castlerea |
3.72 |
11.20 |
|
Cavan |
3.46 |
7.84 |
|
Claremorris |
2.86 |
12.10 |
|
Clifden |
1.30 |
3.31 |
|
Clonakilty |
9.42 |
14.77 |
|
Clondalkin |
4.64 |
7.30 |
|
Clones |
0.98 |
6.48 |
|
Clonmel |
1.43 |
4.11 |
|
Cobh |
0.82 |
1.95 |
|
Coolock |
2.57 |
5.16 |
|
Cork |
4.10 |
8.83 |
|
Dingle |
1.27 |
4.46 |
|
Donegal CO |
0.94 |
2.08 |
|
Drogheda |
1.79 |
12.71 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
2.27 |
9.81 |
|
Dundalk |
0.93 |
3.72 |
|
Dunfanaghy |
1.00 |
1.96 |
|
Dungarvan |
2.24 |
7.96 |
|
Dungloe |
1.70 |
3.24 |
|
Edenderry |
2.86 |
14.22 |
|
Ennis |
2.25 |
4.49 |
|
Enniscorthy |
2.27 |
8.95 |
|
Ennistymon |
1.58 |
3.22 |
|
Fermoy |
3.46 |
7.45 |
|
Finglas |
1.83 |
5.79 |
|
Galway |
9.68 |
14.61 |
|
Gorey |
4.30 |
8.05 |
|
Gort |
3.09 |
7.24 |
|
Kells |
3.19 |
7.40 |
|
Kenmare |
2.39 |
3.35 |
|
Kilbarrack |
1.32 |
4.96 |
|
Kilkenny |
0.75 |
11.20 |
|
Killarney |
0.89 |
9.61 |
|
Killorglin |
2.02 |
4.48 |
|
Killybegs |
0.82 |
1.99 |
|
Kilmallock |
2.17 |
3.43 |
|
Kilrush |
2.15 |
3.88 |
|
King’s Inns Street |
1.46 |
2.96 |
|
Kinsale |
8.11 |
10.41 |
|
Letterkenny |
1.54 |
3.35 |
|
Limerick |
3.55 |
6.70 |
|
Listowel |
6.56 |
7.15 |
|
Longford |
4.00 |
12.82 |
|
Loughrea |
2.75 |
9.66 |
|
Macroom |
3.61 |
5.02 |
|
Mallow |
3.77 |
5.34 |
|
Manorhamilton |
1.73 |
1.37 |
|
Maynooth |
4.89 |
9.17 |
|
Midleton |
3.33 |
8.82 |
|
Monaghan |
1.12 |
3.21 |
|
Muine Bheag |
1.20 |
5.48 |
|
Mullingar |
3.87 |
13.12 |
|
Navan |
2.34 |
14.66 |
|
Navan Road |
3.11 |
8.88 |
|
Nenagh |
2.47 |
6.11 |
|
New Ross |
3.90 |
9.77 |
|
Newbridge |
1.84 |
7.94 |
|
Newcastle West |
1.29 |
4.03 |
|
Newmarket |
8.47 |
8.62 |
|
Nutgrove |
1.22 |
1.64 |
|
Portarlington |
1.38 |
10.18 |
|
Portlaoise |
3.25 |
6.48 |
|
Rathdowney |
1.71 |
7.49 |
|
Roscommon |
1.41 |
7.04 |
|
Roscrea |
1.75 |
4.12 |
|
Skibbereen |
1.99 |
4.82 |
|
Sligo |
1.37 |
6.24 |
|
Swinford |
2.78 |
6.92 |
|
Swords |
2.33 |
5.58 |
|
Tallaght |
1.80 |
4.84 |
|
Thomas Street |
1.46 |
4.81 |
|
Thomastown |
5.62 |
11.20 |
|
Thurles |
1.40 |
4.13 |
|
Tipperary |
2.95 |
5.63 |
|
Tralee |
2.10 |
4.02 |
|
Trim |
2.02 |
8.81 |
|
Tuam |
2.25 |
11.78 |
|
Tubbercurry |
0.63 |
2.72 |
|
Tulla |
2.15 |
4.46 |
|
Tullamore |
1.16 |
7.98 |
|
Tullow |
0.82 |
6.36 |
|
Waterford |
3.91 |
7.71 |
|
Westport |
2.14 |
2.38 |
|
Wexford |
2.18 |
3.97 |
|
Wicklow |
1.00 |
6.28 |
|
Youghal |
1.32 |
4.18 |
Question No. 108 answered with Question No. 84.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:109 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the measures to fast-track jobseekers’ applications will be rolled out nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40645/09]
Over the past year the Department has introduced a range of process improvement initiatives to deal with the increased volume of claims.
One of the most significant initiatives introduced aimed at reducing queuing times and waiting times, involves the customer attending the office by appointment at which time the claim is taken and decided.
Jobseekers at their first point of customer contact are directed to the Reception/ Appointments desks where they are triaged. In those cases where considered suitable for fast-tracking — the customer is given an appointment. They are provided with the relevant applications forms and a list of the supporting documentation required to determine their eligibility to Jobseekers payments. Customers at this stage are encouraged to complete the application forms in advance of their appointment. Appointments are scheduled within 2 days of the customer first calling to the office.
The main benefits of this approach include: improved customer service; a more appropriate control and management of footfall within the office during peak and off peak periods; the elimination of queuing and waiting times for customers making claim applications; enhanced communication and information provision to customers on eligibility conditions and other entitlements; the reduction in repeat customer enquiries or transactions i.e. telephone calls, e-mails etc.
This system was first introduced in Dundalk and since last August has been introduced in a further 19 offices. The Department is currently finalising plans to extend the initiative to other offices.
The impact of this initiative is very encouraging, the processing times in Dundalk Local Office where the initiative was trialled and first introduced are now less than 1 week for JB and under 4 weeks for JA.
Family Support Services.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:110 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on families falling into the hands of money lenders as a result of the Christmas bonus cuts. [40671/09]
Each year the Government makes a decision on the payment of the Christmas bonus having regard to the prevailing economic circumstances. This year it has been necessary for the Government to take steps to reduce overall public expenditure so as to restore order and stability to the public finances.
In this context, the decision was made that the Christmas bonus would not be paid in 2009. The decision was announced in the April 2009 Supplementary Budget to give people advance notice so that they could adjust their finances accordingly.
The money advice and budgeting service (MABS) is the main Government funded service which provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. The role of money advisors is to help clients to assess their financial situation, make a budget plan and deal with creditors. The MABS is now dealing with increasingly complex debt situations in respect of clients who are presenting with multiple creditors/debts. It is important that people coping with debt difficulties take early action and approach MABS for help and guidance. This can be the first positive step for people in addressing debt problems.
MABS operates from 65 locations throughout the country and can be contacted either through a National Telephone Helpline or a website. The Government is providing almost €18 million this year to MABS to enable them to assist people with managing their finances and coping with debt problems. Currently an additional 19 staff are being recruited for the MABS and this will bring money advice staff to over 270 around the country. This will assist the local services in managing their increased caseloads.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:111 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has advised her inspectors at local level that they are to accept the current economic situation of self-employed persons or those applying for farm assist; her views on whether many of these persons are in a critical situation at the present time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40533/09]
Jobseekers Allowance and Farm Assist are both means tested payments. In most such cases, a Social Welfare Inspector will interview the claimant and make such enquiries as are necessary to ascertain the means of the applicant.
Historically self-employed persons tended to be assessed with their income in the 12 months prior to claiming, and a decision was given on that basis. This was in the context of the relatively stable economic conditions. However, it was always the case that where an applicant had ceased self employment or where an applicant could justifiably maintain that their income in the coming 12 months was likely to be greatly reduced in light of personal or economic circumstances, then Inspectors and Deciding Officers would always take account of this, and exercise their best judgement as to the likely income a person would receive in the 12 months following their claim.
In light of the changed economic environment and recognising that the system of using past-year earnings as a basis for assessing means was no longer as equitable as it had been, the Department issued a circular in May 2008 advising Inspectors of this and pointing out that it would generally be the case that less work was going to be available to a claimant in the foreseeable future. Inspectors were advised that each case should be examined on its merits and that they should apply their knowledge of local conditions to arrive at a fair assessment of the income from self-employment in the coming 12 months.
Where a self employed person's situation changes after they have made an initial claim for Jobseekers Allowance or Farm Assist, they can apply to have their means reviewed. In addition, it is open to the individual, if he or she is dissatisfied with the means assessed, to make an appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
In the meantime it is important to remember that people who have urgent income support needs can apply for the means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) and more than 95% of basic SWA applications are decided on, and paid, within the week.
I appreciate the need to ensure that claimants who have been self employed, and whose income is significantly affected by the economic downturn, receive their full and fair entitlements in a timely manner, and I assure the House that we are doing our best to achieve this.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:112 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will ensure that the half carer’s allowance will continue to be paid to widows or widowers in view of the fact that these persons often suffered after the death of a spouse before this scheme was introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40534/09]
The Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmesput forward a range of recommendations relating to the Department of Social and Family Affairs including recommendations relating to the half-rate carer’s allowance. The Department will consider the Report’s recommendations as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. Decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for Government. Full consideration will of course be given to the impact of all the proposals on the recipients involved.
The Government is acutely aware and appreciative of the contribution made by carers to people needing ongoing care and support. In recognition of this, considerable improvements have been made in recent years in services and supports for carers.
Over the past decade, weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit, half-rate carer's allowance and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.
It is estimated that the combined expenditure on carer's allowance, carer's benefit, the respite care grant and half-rate carer's allowance will be €650 million in 2009.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on budgetary proposals at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.
Tax and Social Welfare Codes.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:113 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has completed her deliberations on the Commission on Taxation report; and if she will outline her conclusions. [40730/09]
The Commission on Taxation is a wide ranging report containing many significant proposals. At the time of its publication, the Minister for Finance acknowledged that the Commission's Report provided a comprehensive examination of the Irish Taxation System that could set the framework within which tax policy will be made for the next decade. The Minister also stressed the longer term importance of the report in which he noted that its strategic perspective and its focus on the future will help shape the taxation system for the next decade and beyond and that the implementation of the many complex and often inter-related recommendations in the report are likely to be phased in over several years.
The Commission's report addresses a number of areas within my Department's broad area of responsibility, most notably in relation to the social insurance system, the taxation of retirement savings, the taxation of social welfare benefits including Child Benefit as well as the impact of specific taxation proposals such as a carbon tax on low income groups. I envisage that the proposals of the Commission will be considered on an ongoing basis in the light of emerging policy in these areas. Given the very diverse nature of these issues, I do not intend to present a single set of detailed conclusions around the Commission's report at this stage. However, my Department has examined the proposals from the perspective of the delivery of income supports.
In relation to retirement savings, the pension elements of the Commission on Taxation report are being considered in the context of the development of the National Pensions Framework. In relation to the taxation of Child Benefit, the Government's position on this issue will be considered in the context of the forthcoming budget and subsequent budgets and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on individual proposals at this stage.
Question No. 114 answered with Question No. 107.
Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 74.
Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 91.
Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 107.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:118 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that most pensioners use the Christmas bonus to heat their homes over the extended Christmas period. [40669/09]
Each year the Government makes a decision on the payment of the Christmas Bonus having regard to the prevailing economic circumstances. This year it has been necessary for the Government to take steps to reduce overall public expenditure so as to restore order and stability to the public finances. In this context, the decision was made that the Christmas Bonus would not be paid in 2009.
The Government recognises that there are additional pressures on people dependent on social welfare payments during the winter months. The national fuel allowance scheme provides assistance to householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full.
This year €400 million has been allocated to national fuel allowance scheme to support approximately 334,000 long-term social welfare recipients with fuel bills over the winter months. In last year's Budget I increased the value of the fuel allowance by €2 per week to €20 per week from January 2009 with a n additional €3.90 per week paid to those in smokeless fuel areas. I also extended the duration of the scheme by 2 weeks so that the fuel allowance will be paid for 32 weeks a year.
Question No. 119 answered with Question No. 107.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:120 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the facilities she plans to put in place to assist community welfare officers to deal with the extra workload from applications from people in hardship in winter 2009 if the Christmas bonus is not awarded to social welfare recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40646/09]
Each year the Government makes a decision on the payment of the Christmas Bonus having regard to the prevailing economic circumstances. This year it has been necessary for the Government to take steps to reduce overall public expenditure so as to restore order and stability to the public finances.
In this context, the decision was made that the Christmas Bonus would not be paid in 2009. The decision was announced in the April 2009 Supplementary Budget to give people advance notice so that they could adjust their finances accordingly.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE) on behalf of the department. The operational arrangements for processing of applications and payment to qualifying individuals, is a matter for the respective community welfare division areas.
The issue of any increased demand that may arise this winter on existing resources is a matter for the HSE in the first instance to prioritise workloads and redeploy resources where necessary so that frontline services are maintained. The question of any increase in expenditure for staffing within the community welfare service above that currently provided would have to be considered in the context of overall Government policy on public service manpower levels.
Civil Registration Legislation.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:121 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she will bring forward legislation to provide for recognition of transgendered persons’ self-identified gender as agreed in the revised programme for Government. [40266/09]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:122 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of the agreement in the revised programme for Government, she will provide recognition of transgendered persons’ self-identified gender, in view of the fact that the appeal against a judgment (details supplied) will be dropped. [40267/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.
People who have made the transition from one gender to the other, often referred to as transsexuals, increasingly wish to have the transition recognised by official bodies and have their altered sex and/or names reflected in official documents.
The High Court case referred to by the Deputy found that the Irish State is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights in not having a process and a register to legally recognise the acquired gender of transsexual persons. The judgement, however, allows the State a degree of latitude in the design of the mechanisms to give such legal recognition.
In the revised Programme the Government accepts the need to provide legal recognition for transsexuals in their acquired gender. I will be moving to progress this matter in the immediate future. The design of the remedial measures will require careful consideration and consultation.
Innovation Task Force.
Joan Burton
Ceist:123 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the members of the innovation task force; and the number of times it has met since its appointment. [41005/09]
I appointed the Innovation Taskforce on 29 June 2009 to advise the Government on its strategy for positioning Ireland as an International Innovation Development Hub and to assist in making the Smart Economy a reality.
The Innovation Taskforce members have a wide range of expertise and include individuals with global experience in international companies and entrepreneurs who have recently established and grown successful start-up companies. There is also representation from the higher-education sector and senior representatives from a number of Departments and Agencies. A list of the full membership is attached.
The Taskforce has met in plenary session on three occasions so far – on 17 July, 25 September and 30 October. In addition a full-day consultation meeting for Taskforce members was held on 19 October. The next plenary meeting is scheduled for 14 December.
The Taskforce has established four Working Groups focusing on more specific aspects of its terms of reference to advance particular items. These Working Groups, chaired by Private Sector members of the Taskforce, are meeting regularly.
|
Membership of the Innovation Taskforce |
|
|
Mr. Dermot McCarthy |
(Chair) Secretary General, Department of the Taoiseach |
|
Mr. Lionel Alexander |
VP and GM, Hewlett Packard (Manufacturing) Ltd |
|
Professor Don Barry |
President, University of Limerick |
|
Dr. Hugh Brady President |
University College Dublin |
|
Mr. Damien Callaghan |
Investment Director, Intel Capital |
|
Mr. Michael Carmody |
President, Institute of Technology, Tralee |
|
Dr. Steven Collins |
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Kore Virtual Machines |
|
Mr. Ned Costello |
Chief Executive, Irish Universities Association |
|
Professor Frank Gannon |
Director General, Science Foundation Ireland |
|
Mr. Seán Gorman |
Secretary General, Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
|
Mr. Joe Harford |
Chair of the High Level Action Group on Green Enterprise |
|
Dr. John Hegarty |
Provost, Trinity College Dublin |
|
Dr. Chris Horn |
Co-founder & former Chief Executive Officer Iona Technologies |
|
Dr. Brian Kelly |
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Celtic Catalysts |
|
Mr. Michael Kelly |
Chairman, Higher Education Authority |
|
Dr. Burton Lee |
Stanford University School of Engineering |
|
Mr. John Lynch |
Chief Executive Officer, Merrion Pharmaceuticals Ltd. |
|
Ms Tara MacMahon |
IP Lawyer |
|
Mr. Dan MacSweeney |
Chief Executive Officer, Carbery |
|
Ms Brigid McManus |
Secretary General, Dept. of Education and Science |
|
Mr. Bryan Mohally |
VP Supply Chain Operations Europe, Johnson & Johnson |
|
Mr. Jim O’Brien |
Second Secretary, Department of Finance |
|
Mr. Mark O’Donovan |
Director, Raglan Capital |
|
Mr. Barry O’Leary |
Chief Executive Officer, IDA Ireland |
|
Mr. Barry O’Sullivan |
Senior Vice-President, Cisco Systems |
|
Dr. Paul Roben |
President Celtic Consulting |
|
Mr. Frank Ryan |
Chief Executive, Enterprise Ireland |
|
Ms Anna Scally |
Partner, KPMG |
Redundancy Payments.
John Cregan
Ceist:124 Deputy John Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when statutory redundancy will be awarded to a company (details supplied) in County Limerick in order that a former employee will receive their payment. [40762/09]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Redundancy Payments Section of my Department processed an application for a statutory rebate claim submitted by the company concerned in respect of the individual and that payment issued in October 2009.
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:125 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 10 March 2009, if the employer in this case has refunded her Department the employer’s share of redundancy payment; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the employer still has not paid the holiday element of the Employment Appeals Tribunal determination; if she will render assistance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20 to enforce the EAT determination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40788/09]
Further to my response to the Deputy on this issue in Parliamentary Question 110 of 10 March 2009, I can advise the Deputy that the Redundancy Payments Section of my Department received an application for a statutory lump sum claim for the individual concerned and that payment issued in March 2009. I can also confirm that the employer has since refunded to the Department the employer's liability share of the redundancy payment representing 40% of the redundancy payment.
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and, as in the current case, statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
I understand also that a determination has been made by the Employment Appeals Tribunal in this case under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 in favour of the employee and that letters requesting voluntary compliance issued to the employer on 19 February 2009. Following an indication from the employer of a willingness to settle the debt, the case was closed by the National Employments Rights Authority (NERA) at that point. The claimant indicated by phone to NERA that she had accepted the employer's offer of settlement.
If it is the case that the employer is not complying with the EAT determination, the individual would have the option of pursuing legal proceedings against the employer. Alternatively, the employee could also seek to pursue the enforcement aspect through NERA. In order to do this, she should bring the following documentation to NERA; a copy of the EAT Determination, a copy of her P60 form or P45 form and her personal details. NERA will then write to the employer and seek, in the first instance, compliance with the determination.
Employment Support Services.
Mary Upton
Ceist:126 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will extend the employment subsidy scheme to the tourism sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40789/09]
The Employment Subsidy Scheme has been introduced to support the maintenance of vulnerable jobs and prevent people from being made redundant in this challenging national and global economic environment that we are facing.
Given the low level of interest in the Employment Subsidy, I have decided to have a Second broader Call for applications with extended eligibility criteria open to both exporting and non-exporting firms, including those from the tourism sector.
The Second Call will be open to many companies that were not eligible to apply for the First Call. Enterprise Ireland who will again manage the Scheme, will shortly advertise details of the Second Call.
Vocational Education.
Dan Neville
Ceist:127 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 1171 of 16 September 2009 if she will provide the name of an official who will be qualified to carry out a feasibility study in respect of the blacksmithing school whose findings the Crafts Council of Ireland would accept. [40801/09]
This is a day-to-day matter for the Crafts Council of Ireland and not one in which my Department has any function.
My Department has received no request for the name of a suitable person to carry out a feasibility study but would have been unable to respond to such a request in any event.
Employment Support Services.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:128 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will introduce work programmes such as the old teamwork programme in order to allow newly qualified apprentices to gain practical work experience on building projects; if she will seek a requirement among contractors who take up capital projects funded by Government to require a certain percentage of apprentices to be involved in the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40856/09]
The Teamwork scheme was a temporary employment programme for persons under 25 years old, employed on a full-time basis, which operated from the early 1980s until the mid-1990s. This scheme ran alongside the social employment scheme, which was aimed at persons over 25 years old. Both schemes were subsequently merged into the community employment scheme in the mid-1990s. Community employment continues to provide work experience for those who become unemployed.
In addition, a range of more tailored training and work experience measures are being provided specifically for redundant or newly qualified apprentices. An outline of those measures, along with advice to redundant apprentices is provided as follows for the Deputy's information. These measures have, will or are supporting a total of circa 4,000 redundant apprentices.
Advice to Redundant Apprentices
If a FÁS registered apprentice's employment has been terminated due to redundancy or insufficient work being available they should:
inform FÁS Services to Business immediately of their redundant status;
register with their local FÁS Employment Services Office for assistance in securing new employment to enable them to continue their apprenticeship training;
keep FÁS Services to Business informed of all details relating to their apprenticeship employment with a FÁS approved employer so that this time may be credited in calculating the finish date of their apprenticeship.
Information regarding employment vacancies can also be accessed by telephoning FÁS Jobs Ireland at Freephone 1800 611 116 or on the FÁS website (www.fas.ie).
Advice to recently qualified apprentices
Information is also available from FETAC on "Progression from FETAC Advanced Certificate Craft to Higher Education Courses" for recently qualified apprentices. This information is available on the FETAC Website (www.FETAC.ie).
Measures to Assist Redundant Apprentices
FÁS has put in place an interim measure whereby apprentices who are made redundant can progress to the next off-the-job training phase of their apprenticeship, in line with current scheduling criteria.
FÁS has introduced, from 5 January 2009, a temporary Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme for apprentices who have been made redundant due to the reduction in activity in the Construction Industry. The trades covered by the scheme are
Brick & Stonelaying
Carpentry & Joinery
Plastering
Plumbing
Cabinet Making
Painting & Decorating
Wood Machining
Electrical
The purpose of the Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme is to give the redundant apprentice the opportunity to complete the on-the-job phase of their apprenticeship in order to gain the required knowledge, skill and competence to successfully progress to the next off-the-job phase or to complete their apprenticeship.
FÁS, with the support of employers, will place a redundant apprentice with an eligible employer, to replace an existing apprentice who has been released to attend a scheduled off-the-job phase of apprenticeship. The employer will provide workplace training and assessment for full or part of the relevant phase of apprenticeship. The maximum period of placement is 26 weeks for apprentices on phase 3 or phase 5 and 12 weeks for apprentices on phase 7.
Employers participating in the Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme are required to pay the apprentice the agreed industry rates for the specific apprenticeship trade and FÁS will make a contribution of €340 per week towards employment costs incurred based on a 39 hours working week for each week in employment. This scheme will run until December 2009.
The ESB Networks have agreed a programme with FÁS to provide on-the-job training to eligible redundant electrical apprentices at phase 5 and phase 7 of their apprenticeships. This programme will provide up to 400 places over a period of 18 months and this programme is funded by ESB Networks. Redundant apprentices may also avail of existing specific skills training courses, which are trade related to enhance their employable skills. They may also avail of the range of trade related night courses, which are available in FÁS training centres.
FÁS and the Institutes of Technology have agreed a programme, PP5, which will be available to apprentices who have successfully completed phases 1- 4 of their apprenticeships and where an on or off-the-job training opportunity is not currently available. The programme will have two streams — a construction stream and an engineering stream with a number of core skills modules related to apprenticeship and a number of electives in specific skills. The programme will provide apprentices with a level 5 FETAC award and allow for credits for access and transfer to other programmes post apprenticeship. The programme commenced in September 2009. Details of these schemes are available from any of the FÁS Services to Business Offices.
Léargas is providing funding under the EU Leonardo Da Vinci Vocational Educational Training Programme to support the placement of almost 100 redundant apprentices from the trades of electrical, plumbing, plastering and brick and stonelaying with employers in Germany and Finland to complete their phase 7 on-the-job training with assessments. To date, 30 redundant apprentices have fully completed their overseas training.
FÁS continues to monitor the situation in relation to redundant and newly qualified apprentices and will examine further initiatives in the context of the estimates process for 2010. The Deputy will be advised of the outcome in due course.
Departmental Agencies.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:129 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to her public statement in September 2009 that she was seeking legal advice on the severance package given to a person (details supplied) in view of the claims that information about overspending at FÁS was deliberately withheld by management from the board of directors of FÁS; if she has now received that advice and if so, the action she proposes to take on the matter. [40860/09]
As previously stated, I have sought a review of the severance arrangements referred to in the context of information which was not available at the time the arrangements were approved. Full information in this regard must await the completion of a series of 23 FÁS internal audit reports which will be finalised in the very near future.
When these reports are available this will facilitate formulation of the legal advice referred to.
Pricing Policy.
Ulick Burke
Ceist:130 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will request the Competition Authority to investigate the pricing arrangements at and between meat factories in view of the current prices being offered to farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40869/09]
I understand the Deputy is referring to pricing arrangements agreed between parties in a contractual business relationship. In general, contact law, enforceable in the courts, governs the terms and conditions entered into by contracting parties.
In so far as competition law has an effect on business relationships, this is in the form of prohibition of certain anti-competitive practices such as price-fixing, applying dissimilar conditions to equivalent transactions with other trading parties thereby placing them at a competitive disadvantage, making the conclusion of contracts subject to acceptance by the other party of supplementary obligations which by their nature or according to commercial usage have no connections with the subject of such contracts, abusing a dominant position, requesting "hello" money and imposing resale price maintenance.
The Competition Authority is the statutory independent body responsible for enforcing competition law in the State. Section 29(3) of the Competition Act 2002 provides that the Authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Under section 30(1)(b) of that Act, the Competition Authority is responsible for investigating any breach of the Act. As investigations and enforcement matters generally are part of the day-to-day operational work of the Authority, I have no direct function in the matter.
That being said, if the Deputy has any evidence of such anti-competitive practices I would urge him to submit it to the Competition Authority for investigation and any action it may consider appropriate.
Work Permits.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:131 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41026/09]
The Employment Permits Section informs me that the above named was issued a work permit on the 14 November 2007 in respect of his position on the premise that a salary of €50,000 was on offer. Prior to the expiry of this permit an application for a green card was made with a salary of €60,000 on offer. The green card application was refused on the grounds that it appears from the P60 provided for 2008 that the above named was not in receipt of the salary promised on her previous work permit application.
The applicant was notified of this decision in writing by letter dated 21 October 2009 and of their right to appeal within 21 days. To-date no such appeal has been received in the Employment Permits Section.
National Lottery Funding.
Joe Carey
Ceist:132 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance his plans for distribution of funds from the national lottery for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40795/09]
The Government decides on an annual basis how much funding is to be allocated to subheads which are part-funded by the proceeds of the national lottery. This occurs in the context of decisions on the Estimates for Public Services for the following year.
The allocation of the national lottery funds for 2010 will therefore be considered during the forthcoming Estimates process.
Liquor Licensing.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:133 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the number of pub licences which have not been renewed in the past three years; the location of each in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40823/09]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:134 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the number of new pub licences granted in the past three years; the location of each in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40824/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to provide a detailed reply within the time available. Accordingly, I will have the information forwarded to the Deputy at an early date. I am also informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information provided will be the actual numbers in the two categories requested, in tabular form and on a county by county basis.
Tax Yield.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:135 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the revenue to date in 2009 from the health levy; if it is less than predicted; if so, the amount; and her estimate for revenue in 2009 and the forecast for 2010. [40989/09]
The 2009 estimate of receipts for the health levy is €1,892m following the doubling of the levy in the 2009 Supplementary Budget. Health levy receipts to end-October amount to €1,217m, some €190m below the HSE profile. I understand from the Department of Social & Family Affairs that a significant element of this shortfall is as a result of timing issues and that this will be reflected in higher receipts than profiled in November and December. In addition, the self-employed element of the health levy is paid over by the Revenue Commissioners in November and December and this information is not yet to hand. At this stage, it is not possible therefore to say what the final outturn will be. The 2010 forecast will be announced in the context of the forthcoming Budget.
Departmental Expenditure.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:136 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the funding given from the Exchequer to non-governmental organisations over the past five years; and if the same level of funding will continue. [40743/09]
While there are uncertainties regarding what is meant by the term ‘non-Governmental organisation', information is provided as follows in relation to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and the Institute of Public Administration (IPA), which are in receipt of funding from within the Finance Vote.
|
2009* |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|
|
Current |
3,300 |
3,370 |
3,168 |
3,052 |
2,900 |
|
Capital |
0 |
2,130** |
132 |
128 |
126 |
|
Total |
3,300 |
5,500 |
3,300 |
3,180 |
3,026 |
*2009 Revised Estimates Allocation
**Includes once-off capital payment of €2 million towards the purchase of new premises, which was included in Budget 2008.
|
2009* |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|
|
Current |
3,700 |
3,900 |
3,500 |
3,401 |
3,318 |
|
Capital |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
3,700 |
3,900 |
3,500 |
3,401 |
3,318 |
*2009 Revised Estimates Allocation.
In addition, the Office of Public Works, which also comes under aegis of the Department of Finance, provides capital grants to a number of bodies, outlined as follows.
|
2009* |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
C1 — Grant to Zoological Society of Ireland |
3,000 |
4,000 |
4,000 |
4,000 |
2,539 |
|
University Church — St. Stephens Green — Paintings |
76 |
120 |
|||
|
Pontifico Collegio Irlandes |
750 |
850 |
850 |
250 |
|
|
All Hallowes Library |
1,000 |
||||
|
Mariners Church Dun Laoighaire |
1,000 |
1,800 |
500 |
||
|
Maynooth College Chapel |
750 |
2,300 |
|||
|
Irish College Paris |
250 |
800 |
500 |
||
|
Irish Labour History Society |
200 |
||||
|
Christchurch Waterford |
1,300 |
||||
|
Glasnevin Cemetery |
1,500 |
2,500 |
2,500 |
||
|
Total C2 — Grant for Certain Refurbishment Works |
1,500 |
4,500 |
6,700 |
6,726 |
370 |
|
C3 — Grant to Louvain Institute |
0 |
2,500 |
1,000 |
1,500 |
1,500 |
*2009 Revised Estimates Allocation.
Decisions in relation to expenditure in future years are a matter for the Budget.
Queries in relation to bodies under the aegis of other Departments should be directed to the relevant Department.
Flood Relief.
John McGuinness
Ceist:137 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the cost of the River Nore, Kilkenny city, flood relief scheme; the cost of the separate works undertaken at the Lacken Weir, Kilkenny city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40784/09]
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has spent €44.8 million in implementing the Flood Relief Scheme for the River Nore in Kilkenny City. This compares very favourably with the benefits associated with the Scheme, which are estimated to be in the order of €120 million, and have been calculated using an internationally recognised methodology. The cost associated with the construction of the rock ramp pass and remedial works at Lacken Weir was €171,000. This figure is included in the overall cost referred to above.
Financial Services Regulation.
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:138 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to ameliorate the position of mortgage borrowers with the various sub prime lenders; the improvements which have been made for these borrowers in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40816/09]
The Government took steps in October 2007 via an amendment to the Central Bank Act 1997, to provide for an appropriate system of authorisation and supervision of retail credit firms by the Financial Regulator engaged in specialist or so-called sub-prime lending. Such lenders were not previously subject to financial regulation in respect of lending activities. The primary purpose of this amendment was to extend to customers of these firms the benefit of the consumer protections provided for in the Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code. This regulatory regime has been in place since 1 February 2008 and is being implemented by the Financial Regulator. The Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code, for example, sets out requirements that a regulated entity must contact the consumer as soon as it becomes aware that a mortgage account is in arrears and that it must have in place a procedure for handling accounts in arrears.
Consumer credit, including sub-prime lending, is also regulated in Ireland under the Consumer Credit Act 1995. The Act makes detailed provision for the form and content of loan agreements and for advertising of consumer credit. Some non deposit-taking mortgage lenders are required to notify charges under Section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act, 1995 (as amended) to the Financial Regulator for approval. However interest rates are excluded from this requirement. Also, legal fees tend to be imposed by 3rd parties and then passed on directly by the institution to the consumer. In general these do not require approval.
When approving fees, the Financial Regulator takes the following criteria into consideration:
promotion of fair competition;
commercial justification;
passing on any costs to customers; and
the effect on customers or a group of customers.
The Financial Regulator has a Code of Conduct for Mortgage Arrears, which came into effect in February 2009 and which applies to mortgage lending activities with consumers in respect of their principal private residence in the State. The Code is mandatory for all mortgage lenders registered with the Financial Regulator. Under the Code, where a borrower is in difficulty the lender will make every reasonable effort to agree an alternative repayment schedule and will not commence legal action for repossession until after six months from the time arrears first arise.
I should also point out that people in serious debt or in danger of getting into serious debt can avail of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). This is a national, free, confidential and independent service.
Tax Code.
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:139 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40836/09]
Following a review of the Agreed Programme for Government 2007-2012, the Government published its Renewed Programme for Government last month. The renewed programme includes a commitment in relation to the tax treatment of pensions to “introduce a single 30% rate for tax relief on private pension provision in the context of the national pensions framework.” The detail and timing of the delivery of this commitment have yet to be decided.
Budget Submissions.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:140 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if he has reviewed the pre-budget 2010 submission sent to him on 6 October 2009 by an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40847/09]
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:141 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the potential employment and Exchequer return that could be realised by reforming the opening hours of licensed betting offices; if such reform is under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40848/09]
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:142 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the continuing decline in betting duty as confirmed in the recently published official figures (details supplied), he has assessed the impact of remote, telephone and internet gambling on the operation of licensed betting offices; his views on the potential considerable loss of employment nationally arising from this impact; the action he will take, such as reform in the opening hours of licensed betting offices, which could lessen the impact of remote, telephone and Internet gambling on locally operated licensed betting offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40849/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 to 142, inclusive, together.
As part of the Budget process all submissions are reviewed. I have stated previously that it is my intention to widen, if possible, the tax base on which betting duty would be applied. Bets placed either on-line or over the phone are generally with out-of-State companies so applying betting duty is therefore problematic. My officials, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, are looking at the scope to overcome legal and operational difficulties in this area and will continue to do so, on an ongoing basis.
In addition, my Department is working closely with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform which has initiated a review in order to provide the Government with options for a new and comprehensive legal and organisational framework governing gambling architecture in the State. The review, amongst other things, will consider:
the recommendations contained in the Report Regulating Gaming in Ireland,
the existing law regulating gaming lotteries and other forms of gambling in the jurisdiction,
international developments, in particular the experience of the UK's Gambling Commission,
developments in relation to remote gambling (e.g. via the internet and mobile phones).
As the Deputy may be aware, due to pressure on the betting sector, I decided to defer the introduction of the increase in the betting duty provided for in Finance (No. 2) Act 2008 pending a review. Accordingly, the Finance Act 2009 contains a provision for continuing the existing betting duty rate of 1% unless and until an order is made bringing the 2% rate into effect, or alternative betting taxation arrangements are enacted. This decision is based on the premise that the betting sector will engage in constructive discussions about putting in place a fair and workable tax base for the sector. Such discussions will, inter alia, touch on issues such as on-line/phone betting, which is largely untaxed, and look at proposals that could potentially bring this area into the tax net, if possible, while also protecting Irish employment in the sector.
Tax Collection.
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:143 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will support the case of a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40859/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the postal address and telephone contact numbers for each Revenue District in the Dublin Region are displayed on one page in the "State Directory" section of the telephone book.
There are two public offices for personal callers within the region, and details for those offices are displayed on that page of the telephone book under the heading "Public Offices". These two offices are located in O'Connell St, and The Square, Tallaght, and deal with all queries relating to personal taxation.
The taxpayer's claim has been processed and the refund will issue shortly.
Tax Code.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:144 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the relief available to a medical card holder who was charged for dental treatment by a dentist not participating in the General Medical Service scheme. [40863/09]
The position is that health expenses relief may be claimed by all taxpayers in respect of "non-routine" dental treatment in accordance with Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. In order to claim the relief, an individual must hold a completed form Med 2 (Dental) signed and certified by the dental practitioner.
Full information on qualifying treatments and on how to submit a claim may be obtained on the Revenue website at www.revenue or by telephoning the Office of the Revenue Commissioners at 1890 333 425.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:145 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost or savings in respect of the 2010 tax year of the various tax recommendations of the Taxation Commission. [40985/09]
The Commission on Taxation proposed the abolition, retention and amendment of certain reliefs. No costings were provided for the amended reliefs. Set out as follows is the table of recommendations for abolition and the corresponding savings.
|
Ref |
Commission on Taxation Recommendations — Tax Expenditures for Abolition |
Yield Estimate €m |
|
8.12 |
TAX EXPENDITURES — CHILDREN The capital allowances for childcare facilities should be discontinued. |
6 |
|
8.13 |
The income tax exemption for childcare service providers should be discontinued. |
1 |
|
8.14 |
The exemption of employer-provided childcare from the benefit-in-kind charge should be discontinued |
6 |
|
8.16 |
TAX EXPENDITURES — HOUSING Income tax relief for rent paid for private rented accommodation should be discontinued. |
48 |
|
8.18 |
Income tax relief for service charges should be discontinued. |
21 |
|
8.19 |
The rent-a-room relief should be discontinued. |
4 |
|
8.20 |
The capital gains tax and stamp duty exemptions on the disposal of site to a child should be discontinued. |
38 |
|
8.26 |
TAX EXPENDITURES — HEALTH Tax relief for long-term care policies should be discontinued. |
— |
|
8.29 |
The dependent relative tax credit should be discontinued. The entitlement to mortgage interest relief that is derived from entitlement to the credit in relation to a principal private residence occupied by a dependent relative should continue. A person should be able to avail of first-time buyer levels of relief once in respect of himself or herself and once in respect of a dependent relative who has not claimed for himself or herself. The separate entitlement to CGT relief on the disposal of a principal private residence occupied by a dependent relative should be discontinued. |
1 |
|
8.36 |
RELATING TO PHILANTHROPY Income tax relief for expenditure on heritage buildings and gardens should be discontinued |
6 |
|
8.37 |
The benefit-in-kind exemption on employer-provided art objects in a heritage building or garden should be discontinued. |
— |
|
8.47 |
TAX EXPENDITURE — ENTERPRISE (INCLUDING FARMING) The restriction of balancing charges on a building to the relevant holding period for that building should be discontinued for future acquisitions. |
— |
|
8.50 |
Tax exemption for patent royalties should be discontinued. |
84 |
|
8.54 |
Stock relief for farming businesses should be discontinued. |
2 |
|
8.57 |
The tax relief for the purchase of milk quota should be discontinued. |
— |
|
8.59 |
The tax exemption for payments to National Co-operative Farm Relief Services Ltd. and payments made to its members should be discontinued. |
— |
|
8.63 |
The investment allowance for machinery and plant and for exploration expenditure should be discontinued. |
— |
|
8.76 |
TAX EXPENDITURES — EMPLOYMENT Income tax relief for trade union subscriptions should be discontinued. |
19 |
|
8.91 |
The PRSI exemption for employee (unapproved) share options should be discontinued. |
18 |
|
8.94 |
The income tax exemption for approved share option schemes (APSOs) should be discontinued. The taxable value of option gains should also be liable to both employer and employee PRSI and to the health contribution levy and the income levy. |
3 |
|
8.97 |
The income tax exemption for new shares purchased on issue by employees should be discontinued. |
1 |
|
8.98 |
The artist’s exemption should be discontinued; consideration should be given to introducing income averaging in the taxation of income from creative work. |
66 |
|
8.100 |
The seafarer’s allowance should be discontinued. |
1 |
|
8.102 |
The income tax exemption for payments under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge should be discontinued |
— |
Richard Bruton
Ceist:146 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the estimated number of taxpayers in the income tax code in the tax year to date in 2009 which are paying no income tax, paying at a rate of 20% and paying at the 41% rate; and the distribution across single married one earner, married two earner families. [40986/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested by the Deputy is as follows in respect of the income tax year 2009.
|
Exempt (Standard rate liability fully covered by credits or Age Exemption Limits) |
Marginal Band |
Paying tax at the standard rate (including those whose liability at the higher rate is fully offset by credits) |
Higher rate Liability not fully off set by credits |
All cases |
|
|
Number |
Number |
Number |
Number |
||
|
Single |
716,708 |
2,124 |
580,743 |
141,559 |
1,441,134 |
|
Married 1 Earner |
190,936 |
8,878 |
117,211 |
54,303 |
371,328 |
|
Married 2 Earners |
96,919 |
4,888 |
207,230 |
96,598 |
405,635 |
|
Widowed |
44,227 |
1,170 |
21,656 |
7,749 |
74,802 |
|
Total |
1,048,790 |
17,060 |
926,840 |
300,209 |
2,292,899 |
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2007, adjusted as necessary to take account of the most recent data available for income and employment trends for the year in question. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:147 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of taxpayers subject to the special income levy in the tax year 2009 which are paying at the 2% rate, at the 4% rate and at the 6% rate. [40987/09]
As Deputy is aware the Finance Act 2009 introduced legislative changes to the income levy to bring into effect an increase in rates and a reduction in rate thresholds from 1 May 2009. As a result of the legislative changes two sets of income levy rates and thresholds apply to different periods in 2009. In addition, the Finance Act 2009 introduced composite annualised rates to be applied for the 2009 year of assessment and these rates are as follows:
|
Part of aggregate income |
Composite Rate of Income Levy |
|
The first €75,036 |
1.67% |
|
The next €25,064 |
3.00% |
|
The next €74,880 |
3.33% |
|
The next €75,140 |
4.67% |
|
Balance |
5.00% |
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the numbers of taxpayers whose highest rate for income levy is 2%, 4% or 6% in the period post 1 May, 2009 are as follows:
|
Rate of Income Levy |
Numbers |
|
2% |
1,372,100 |
|
4% |
113,900 |
|
6% |
21,800 |
Numbers are rounded to the nearest hundred.
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2007, adjusted as necessary to take account of the most recent data available for income and employment trends for the year in question. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
Tax Yield.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:148 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the receipts from income tax, from the health levy, the social insurance levy, the special income tax levy, the public service pension levy in 2009; and the forecast for 2010. [40988/09]
The Supplementary Budget forecast that €12.5 billion in Income Tax receipts would be collected in 2009, of which approximately €1.1 billion would come from the Income Levy. At end-October, Income Tax was €625 million behind profile with overall tax receipts €1,074 million below target. My Department now expects that overall tax revenues will finish the year in the region of €2 billion below profile.
The Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009 (REV) estimated that for 2009 receipts for the Health Levy would be €1,892 million and that Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions would be €7,500 million. In the REV, it was estimated that receipts from the Public Service pension-related deduction in 2009 would be approximately €940 million.
The Pre-Budget Outlook will update the macroeconomic projections for the period 2009-2013. As part of that process, my Department will also set out a technical fiscal forecast on a pre-Budget basis for 2010 and beyond. The Pre-Budget Outlook will be published tomorrow. November is a key month for tax returns and, as usual, the November Exchequer Returns will be published on 2nd December and will give further indications as to the end-year outturn. The White Paper will then be published on 5th December and will set out tax forecasts for 2010 on a technical basis. As is customary, Post-Budget forecasts for both taxes and the levies will be announced in the context of Budget 2010.
National Lottery Funding.
Michael Ring
Ceist:149 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the funding which was drawn down from a source (details supplied) in each year from 2006 to date in 2009 in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41016/09]
The surplus generated by the National Lottery is surrendered to the Exchequer and is allocated to a number of Government Departments in the context of the annual Estimates process. The table of the Revised Estimates for Public Services for each of the years 2006 to 2009 gives a breakdown by Department of subheads which were part funded by the surplus received from the National Lottery. The total outturn on such subheads and the amount which was funded from the National Lottery surplus is as follows:
|
Year |
Total Outturn on subheads part funded |
Of which funded from National Lottery surplus by National Lottery |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
2006 |
399 |
200 |
|
2007 |
444 |
230 |
|
2008 |
472 |
265 |
The total allocation for these subheads in 2009 is €419m, of which €270m is funded from the National Lottery surplus.
Departmental Offices.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:150 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if there are facilities within the Government Buildings at a location (details supplied) to accommodate the accessing of services in the Department of Social and Family Affairs, FÁS and the driving test centre. [41083/09]
The matter raised by the Deputy is currently under investigation by the Office of Public Works. I will write to the Deputy as soon as the results of the investigation are to hand.
Garda Stations.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:151 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the position on a building (details supplied); the stage the proposed building is at; the stages it has to go through before construction begins; the start date for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41084/09]
A full reply to this question will be given today by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Parliamentary Question No. 205 refers.
Medical Cards.
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:152 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of a medical card application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40745/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Food Labelling.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:153 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the European Commission’s proposal COM (2008) 40, final, Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers; the further position in respect of negotiations with the Council; and if it is expected that political agreement will be reached in the coming months. [40842/09]
At present EU food labelling legislation is harmonised by Council Directive 2000/13/EC, transposed in 2002, with several amendments since. In January 2008, the European Commission presented its proposals on updating and harmonising this legislation. The proposal is still under discussion. This proposal consolidated existing legislation in the area of food labelling and introduced new provisions for Country of Origin Labelling, a mandatory nutrition declaration and allergen labelling, amongst others.
In November 2008, Ireland submitted its position paper on the proposal. This paper was informed by submissions made to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) by many of the key stakeholders. Ireland's position will be further informed by the outcome of an FSAI Consumer Survey. This is expected to be published by the end of November 2009. In its position paper, Ireland indicated amongst other things that it
supports mandatory Country of Origin Labelling,
shares the concerns of a significant number of other member states with regard to National Schemes,
welcomes the proposal for mandatory allergen labelling and supports the highlighting of allergens on labels,
supports the equal treatment of all alcohol products,
asks that consideration should be given to bringing alcohol products into the scope of the legislation,
supports the retention of the Commission's proposal with regard to the use of "per portion" expression alone in certain cases,
does not support the proposal for a minimum font size of 3mm for display of mandatory particulars and suggests that other aids to legibility, such as contrasting background, be explored, and
supports the inclusion of trans fats in the mandatory nutrition declaration.
Since January 2008 a number of meetings have taken place at European Union Working Group level, attended by officials from Department of Health and Children and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Negotiations are ongoing. The next meeting is due to take place on 13 November 2009. On 16th March 2009, the European Parliament examined the proposal. Parliament has indicated however, that it will not be in a position to conduct the first reading of the document until early 2010. At this stage, it is likely that the proposal will not be finalised until 2010 at the earliest.
Adoption Services.
George Lee
Ceist:154 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is in the best interest of children that the grandfather clause is maintained so that adopted children can be reunited with their siblings; if she will re-introduce this clause in the Adoption Bill 2009 by deleting section 81(1) of the Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41178/09]
Finian McGrath
Ceist:155 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the inclusion of a grandfather clause into the Adoption Bill 2009; if she will establish transition measures to facilitate those couples to complete their inter-country adoption application that are underway with countries such as Russia, Vietnam, Ethiopia, China and other countries not ratified under the Hague agreement; if a bilateral agreement will be included with countries that have traditionally been international adoption partners with Ireland. [40741/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.
The Adoption Bill, 2009, which is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, has passed through the Seanad and I am actively seeking time for its progression in the current Dáil session. As I have stated on many previous occasions, under the new legislation, prospective adoptive parents will be able to adopt from countries that have also ratified the Hague Convention and from countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement that meets Hague standards.
There are transitional provisions contained in the Bill. The issue of further transitional measures for prospective parents who are at an advanced stage in the adoption process, when the Bill is enacted, and who wish to continue with an adoption from a non-Hague, non-bilateral country, have been raised with me by representative groups.
I am currently examining this and other related matters including calls for the insertion of a "grandfather" clause in the legislation to allow for the adoption of a second child from the same country, in a situation where the country chosen will not have ratified the Hague Convention or have a bilateral agreement with Ireland when the Adoption Bill, 2009 is enacted.
However, I must emphasise that the issue of a "grandfather" clause was previously given careful and detailed consideration in the preparation of the legislation and it was decided against including such a provision in the Bill as it would represent a considerable dilution of the intent of the legislation in terms of setting improved standards for inter-country adoption.
Preliminary work has been undertaken on the development of bilateral agreements with Russia, Vietnam and Ethiopia. Future discussions in this regard will need to take account of the provisions of the Adoption Bill, 2009.
Hospital Services.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:156 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the neo-natal screening programme for cystic fibrosis as announced in 1999. [40748/09]
The report of the Working Group established by the HSE on Services for People with Cystic Fibrosis was recently published on the HSE's website. Amongst its recommendations was that a neonatal screening programme should be established.
A Steering Group was established in June 2009, under the Chairmanship of Professor Gerry Loftus, Professor of Paediatrics, Galway. The Steering Group has broad membership from key stakeholders and experts in the field of cystic fibrosis and they will ensure that the operational work required to implement the Screening Programme will take place.
Expert advice from other jurisdictions which have introduced newborn screening for cystic fibrosis is being examined to ensure that Ireland will be in line with the most up-to-date international best practice. In addition to the design of the newborn screening programme, including appropriate quality and governance arrangements, uniform data collection procedures will be developed for the collection of blood samples carried out in maternity units and community care areas.
These actions will be supported by training for all relevant staff and development of appropriate health promotion material for parents/guardians and relevant service providers. An annual audit process is also being put in place.
It is anticipated that the implementation of the newborn screening for cystic fibrosis programme will commence next year.
Hospital Staff.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:157 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if a specialist physiotherapist for cystic fibrosis patients has been recruited for Limerick Regional Hospital; the length of time this post has been vacant; if it is approved to be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40750/09]
Tom Hayes
Ceist:158 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if a consultant doctor with a specialism in adult cystic fibrosis has been recruited for Limerick Regional Hospital; the length of time this post has been vacant; if it is approved to be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40751/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Hospital Accommodation.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:159 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the planned new beds for cystic fibrosis patients in St. Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin 4; the number of beds that are planned; when they will be opened; the way the private funding for this ward is progressing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40752/09]
As these are service matters they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:160 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the special conditions which have been set in place for cystic fibrosis patients to access accident and emergency care in hospitals here in view of the threat of contracting the H1N1 virus. [40753/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Cards.
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:161 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of a medical card for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40755/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:162 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40757/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:163 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the projected operating budget for Mallow Hospital, County Cork, for 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40758/09]
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:164 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the annual operating budget for Mallow Hospital, County Cork for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40759/09]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.
I have referred the matter to the HSE for direct reply.
Health Services.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:165 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if there has been a recent policy change within the overseas treatment section of the Health Service Executive regarding the funding of specialist treatment for patients who availed of services in the United States of America; if a new directive has been issued by the HSE limiting overseas treatment funding to within the EU; the outcome for patients whose only possibility of treatment is in non EU hospitals such as the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40778/09]
Regulation (EC) 1408/71 provides, inter alia, that people who are insured with or covered by the healthcare system of one member state may access healthcare in the public system of another member state in certain circumstances. Article 22 (1) (c) of the Regulation governs the referral of patients for public health services to another member state. In accordance with this article, a person eligible for health services in Ireland must be authorised by the HSE to go to another member state for treatment in the public health system there, where certain criteria are met. When authorisation is granted, Form E112 is issued by the HSE and is confirmation that the HSE will bear the cost of the treatment. These arrangements apply in all EU/EEA member states and Switzerland.
It is a matter for the HSE to determine whether authorisation for treatment abroad (including outside the EU/EEA states and Switzerland) should be granted.
As the case in question is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Health Service Staff.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:166 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Health Service Executive social workers or child care workers who are on leave of absence on grounds of ill health who were initially suspended due to allegations of child abuse; the number of those cases in which the investigation of the allegation of child abuse was brought to a conclusion; her views on delays in carrying out such investigations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40781/09]
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. With regard to the number of social workers or childcare workers currently on leave of absence, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Health Services.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:167 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will respond to a submission sent to her on 14 October 2009 from an organisation (details supplied) regarding an update on the implementation of the national strategy for service user involvement in the Irish health service; if she will ensure that the Health Service Executive, to whom it was sent on the same day, replies to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40782/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Mental Health Services.
Pat Breen
Ceist:168 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has given consideration to the reconfiguration of psychiatric services in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40796/09]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Tobacco-Related Diseases.
James Reilly
Ceist:169 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the EU countries which have already given effect to Commission Decision No. 2003/641/EC of 5 September 2003 on the use of colour photographs or other illustrations as health warnings on tobacco products; the reason for the delay in bringing forward regulations under the Public Health (Tobacco) ( Amendment) Act 2009 in order to give effect to the Commission’s decision; if she has plans to introduce the regulations; and when they will take effect. [40797/09]
Combined text and photo warnings have been introduced in Belgium, Romania and the UK. My Department has asked the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to draft the regulations provided for under Section 6 of the Public Health (Tobacco)(Amendment) Act 2009. When the regulations are drafted, the date for the introduction of the new warnings will be agreed following consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
Health Services.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:170 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the premises that are being rented or leased in the Health Service Executive north western area; the location of each unit and the cost of renting each for 2007 and 2008 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40804/09]
Arrangements in relation to the rental or leasing of premises is a service matter and the question has therefore been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:171 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the premises that are being rented or leased in the Health Service Executive Dublin north east area; the location of each unit and the cost of renting each for 2007 and 2008 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40805/09]
Arrangements in relation to the rental or leasing of premises is a service matter and the question has therefore been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:172 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the premises that are being rented or leased in the Health Service Executive Dublin mid-Leinster area; the location of each unit and the cost of renting each for 2007 and 2008 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40806/09]
Arrangements in relation to the rental or leasing of premises is a service matter and the question has therefore been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:173 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the premises that are being rented or leased in the Health Service Executive southern area; the location of each unit and the cost of renting for 2007 and 2008 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40807/09]
Arrangements in relation to the rental or leasing of premises is a service matter and the question has therefore been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:174 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the statutory basis on which a subvention payment has been withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Laois; if it is the case that no carer may avail of subvented respite care; if so, the number of carers affected; the alternative arrangements that are being made to ensure that carers are given respite for part of the year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40844/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:175 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the age at which the primary school examination of teeth occurs; if there are best practice indicators suggesting that teeth should be examined at an earlier age in order to catch potential deterioration at the first opportunity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40857/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Medical Cards.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:176 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that dentists are refusing to treat long standing patients who are medical card holders thereby forcing them to either pay for treatment to which they are entitled or to find an alternative dentist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40862/09]
My Department has not received any reports of dentists refusing to treat medical card holders. I would take any allegation of refusal of treatment very seriously. I would like to add that the number of dentists holding DTSS contracts has risen approximately 17% in the last year and there are now 1,275 dentists holding DTSS contracts.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:177 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding delays and waiting lists for personal assistants services for disabled persons; if her attention has been drawn to the hardship caused by the delay to those awaiting this service; and her proposals in this regard. [40864/09]
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.
Hospital Services.
James Reilly
Ceist:178 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of risks that have been addressed in full of the 80 risks identified by the Health Service Executive in its hygiene services assessment scheme quality improvement plan report on Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, published in April 2009; the number unaddressed; if she believes that unaddressed risks are contributing to the outbreak of infection at the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40874/09]
The National Hygiene Services Quality Review 2008 was conducted in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital on 17th October 2008 by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). The HIQA audit identified three areas of risk in the hospital and as a result the hospital received an overall rating of ‘Poor'. The areas related to Managing Risks in Hygiene Services (HIQA Criteria 7.1) Contracts Management (HIQA Criteria 8.1) and Physical Environment, Facilities and Resources (HIQA Criteria 9.1). None of the aforementioned risks are known as contributory factors in the current Clostridium Difficile outbreak.
The Health Service Executive requested a Quality Improvement Plan to address the three areas of risk and also to address the recommendations outlined in the HIQA report. A quality improvement plan was developed by the hospital's Hygiene Committee and Hygiene Team and quarterly progress reports have been submitted to the HSE. The Quarter 3 reports illustrate that 80% of quality improvements identified have been achieved, 19% (refurbishments) are not yet due and one action, outside the remit of the hospital pertaining to a regional service, remains outstanding. I am satisfied that the issues raised by HIQA's Hygiene Services Quality Review are being satisfactorily addressed.
Health Services.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:179 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the Health Information and Quality Authority inspection of the special care unit at Ballydowd, County Cork; the steps she is taking to address the issues raised; the reason this centre is to be closed rather than reformed; the total number of high support places available and their location; the number of such places which are required; her plans for meeting this demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40875/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Organ Donation.
Mary Upton
Ceist:180 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to establish a national transplant authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40876/09]
Mary Upton
Ceist:181 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to establish a national organ transplant office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40877/09]
Mary Upton
Ceist:182 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to establish national organ donor registry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40878/09]
Mary Upton
Ceist:183 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that the optimum number of double lung transplants are being carried out at the national heart lung transplant facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40879/09]
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:185 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will set up an organ donor registry as proposed by Cystic Fibrosis Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40881/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 to 183, inclusive, and 185 together.
I want to emphasise the importance of both the individual's decision to be an organ donor in the event of their death and of the family discussion about this decision. Transplantation programmes are fundamentally dependent the decisions by individuals to be an organ donor.
It is my intention to have an organ donation and transplantation unit established within the existing resources and the national structures of the Health Service Executive. Its objective will be to provide a national focal point for reporting, monitoring and assessing the performance of organ donation and transplantation activities. I believe that it is appropriate that these functions are carried out at a national level, on the basis of regular, comprehensive performance data provided by all the transplant centres. I will be raising this issue in the context of discussions between my Department and the HSE about the HSE's services in 2010. Establishing such a unit would provide a sound basis for reviewing and evaluating performance and other issues related to transplantation.
The most recent report on International Figures on Organ Donation and Transplantation in 2007 demonstrates that Ireland's rate of organ donation is well above the European average. Ireland also benefits from a popular organ donor card, which has been supported by my Department. I am aware that organ donor registries have been proposed in some countries where there is a lower rate of organ donation. As outlined above, my priority is to have a national unit established within the HSE, which will be in a position to consider and assess options for enhancing organ transplant outcomes, on the basis of good reported national data and evidence, including the case for and against establishing a national donor registry.
I understand that two double lung transplants have been completed in the Mater Misericordiae Hospital this year. In total, seven lung transplants have taken place to date this year, which is the second highest performance since transplantations commenced in 2005. Nonetheless, successful lung transplantation is a very difficult surgical procedure. Since the first lung transplant in the Mater Hospital in 2005, an average of five people have benefited annually from this life-saving procedure. In relation to whether an optimum number of double lung transplants is being carried out, I believe that an organ donation and transplantation unit established within the HSE's national structures would be best placed to conduct an assessment of any of the transplant programmes in Ireland.
Infectious Diseases.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:184 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the use of close coupled field technology devices to control swine flu and other airborne viruses in hospitals and other health service buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40880/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Question No. 185 answered with Question No. 180.
Health Services.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:186 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the pilot project which administers intravenous antibiotics to patients in their own homes under the direction of University College Hospital Galway is continued after its private funding runs out in view of the benefit it brings to patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40882/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:187 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a back to school clothing and footwear allowance. [40994/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:188 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [41001/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Departmental Staff.
James Reilly
Ceist:189 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for sick leave payment for more than 12 months since 1 January 2005; the number she approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41023/09]
Under the terms of the Department of Health Circular No. 10/71, public health sector employees in ‘officer' grades may be entitled to receive six months full-pay and six months half-pay in a four year period. Where an employee remains unfit for work, has exceeded sick pay entitlement and there is a reasonable expectation and intention to return to work, they may qualify to receive pension-rate of pay, provided that they have accrued not less than five years service. Under the terms of the circular, the consent of the Minister for Health and Children was required for the application of pension rate of pay. With effect from 15th July 2005, responsibility for the administration of pension rate of pay, in respect of Health Service Executive employees, transferred from my Department to the Executive. Accordingly, I have referred your query in relation to HSE employees, to the HSE for direct reply. My Department is in the process of gathering information in relation to applications from other public health service employees, and it will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is collated.
Hospital Accommodation.
James Reilly
Ceist:190 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds closed nationally at end October 2009; the location of same; the number closed due to cost containment measures, infection control and other matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41024/09]
In line with international best practice, the measurement of performance of the health service in Ireland must increasingly focus on measurement of service outputs and patient outcomes, rather than primarily on inputs such as funding, staff and bed numbers. The exact number of beds available at any one time will fluctuate depending on the steps taken by each hospital to manage infection control issues, maintenance and refurbishment and to stay within its annual budget.
Irrespective of this, the HSE has concentrated on delivering the levels of activity promised in its 2009 National Service Plan. The latest HSE Performance Management Report shows that by the end of August, approximately 19,000 more patients had been treated as inpatients and day cases combined than had been treated at the same stage last year. The continued efforts by hospitals to reduce the length of time a patient remains in hospital, and converting inpatient procedures to day case work is unquestionably in the interests of patients. It also allows hospitals to treat more patients.
All initiatives which deliver better outputs and better outcomes for patients, within the more limited resources available to us, will continue to have my support. Indeed this type of approach was a central message in the recently published ESRI report. The detailed information requested is held by the Health Service Executive and I have asked the Executive to provide this information directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:191 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41042/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Vaccination Programme.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:192 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in having the immunisation record in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork issued in view of the fact that it is required to travel abroad. [41058/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Cycle Facilities.
Joe McHugh
Ceist:193 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport his plans to establish a national standard of cycling, similar to the standards that apply in Britain; his views on an accredited cycling standard in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40885/09]
Objective 11 of the National Cycle Policy Framework recognises the need to improve cycling standards and cyclists' behaviour on the roads.
Education of young people in relation to cycling standards will, in my view, be a key intervention that can deliver lasting benefits. On this basis, I have recently established a Working Group on the Establishment of a National Certificate for Cycling for School Children with representation from the Department of Education and Science, the Irish National Teachers Organisation, the Road Safety Authority, An Taisce's Greenschools Travel Programme, the Dublin Transportation Office, a number of local authorities and my Department.
Road Network.
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:194 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding approved to a local authority (details supplied) since May 2007 to date in 2009 which has not been drawn down; the projects to which this funding relates; the reason it was not drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40779/09]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Under section 82 of the Roads Act the Minister for Transport is empowered to pay grants to road authorities and under this power I allocate regional and local road grants to these authorities each year to supplement expenditure from their own resources. Draw down of the road grant allocations provided by my Department in relation to individual projects is a matter for each local authority.
I have set out the details regarding total regional and local road grant allocations and payments provided by my Department to Meath County Council from 2007 to 2009 in the table.
|
2007 Allocation |
2007 Final Payment |
2008 Allocation |
2008 Final Payment |
2009 Allocation |
2009 payment to end October |
|
29,653,934 |
29,492,526 |
28,402,945 |
28,053,813 |
16,566,473 |
11,954,458 |
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:195 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport when a decision will be made regarding the application for funding to finish the extension to the link road from Tallow school to the main road, Tallow, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41004/09]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
In August my Department sought applications for consideration for funding under the Specific Improvement Grants scheme in 2010. Waterford County Council has included the Tallow Link Road among its applications for funding.
I will announce the 2010 road grant allocations early in the New Year.
Aviation Industry.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:196 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he is preparing a White Paper on the future of Irish aviation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41133/09]
Ireland's aviation policy as set out my Department's current Statement of Strategy, is to promote regular, safe, cost effective and competitive air services linking the country with key business and tourism markets.
To this end, within the European Union, Ireland has consistently supported market liberalisation measures, which have, to date, served as the platform for the rapid expansion of aviation generally. We have also sought to influence the emerging EU and wider international framework for aviation to ensure that it continues to promote competition and innovation in the market-place.
Our approach to the encouragement of air services is complemented by our policy on the development of airport infrastructure within the country. The main objective is to ensure that the three State Airports have sufficient capacity to provide vital international access and to respond to a competitive airline sector. In addition, my Department provides financial support for the six regional airports as well as Public Service Obligation services connecting Kerry, Galway, Knock, Sligo, Donegal and Derry to Dublin.
The further key components of our strategy are to ensure that our aviation safety and security policies comply with, or exceed, the highest international standards and that the policy framework for air navigation services ensures that the requirements of airlines for efficient routings and the avoidance of delays are met as far as possible without compromising safety.
From an Irish economy perspective the overarching priority is to maintain the highest possible levels of connectivity between Ireland and key markets around the world and my Department will continue to closely monitor developments in the aviation sector that impact on that objective. While the economic downturn and high fuel costs continue to have a very negative impact on the sector I do not believe that a review of our strategy for aviation is warranted at this time.
Garda Complaints Procedures.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:197 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of complaints received by the Garda Ombudsman Commission to date in 2009; the broad categories of these complaints; the number of complaints investigated to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40822/09]
In 2009, up to 31 October, a total of 1,781 complaints have been received by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. The main categories of these complaints are, abuse of authority, neglect of duty, discourtesy and non-fatal offences. So far this year, 1,197 complaints have been or are being investigated. Statistics relating to case throughput are available on the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission website at www.gardaombudsman.ie
Garda Operations.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:198 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the protocols for the gardaí when a person on the sex offenders register comes to live in a neighbourhood and in particular when there are young children living close by; if particular precautions are taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40851/09]
The Sex Offenders Act 2001 contains a comprehensive series of provisions aimed at protecting children and other persons. The Act makes persons convicted of a range of sexual offences subject to notification requirements under its Part 2. The provisions of the Act also extend to any offenders convicted abroad of the same range of sexual offences who enter the State.
The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation is responsible for the monitoring of persons subject to the provisions of the Act. This Unit is supported by a nominated Inspector in each Garda Division, who is provided with all information relating to offenders resident in their area. The Unit maintains all information relating to persons who have obligations under the Act, and this information is updated on a regular basis.
Once a person becomes subject to the legislation he or she is informed by a member of An Garda Síochána of his or her obligations under the Act. An Garda Síochána works closely with the Probation Service in assessing, monitoring and managing potential risks. An assessment of all offenders who have obligations under the Act is currently being carried out. Should they arise, child protection issues are raised with the health authorities, as set out in the Children First Guidelines. Following the enactment of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008, there is a power of arrest for persons who do not comply with their obligations under the Act.
A member of An Garda Síochána, not below the rank of Chief Superintendent, may apply to the Circuit Court for an order against any sex offender whose behaviour in the community gives An Garda Síochána reasonable cause for concern that such an order is necessary to protect the public from serious harm.
Garda Recruitment.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:199 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the recruitment process for Garda recruits in respect of the first 400 placed in order of merit following the aptitude test which was sat in 2008 will commence; when such candidates will be called for a medical examination; and when they will commence training. [40853/09]
The moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service applies to the Garda Síochána, both sworn members and civilian support staff. However, I will keep the situation under review in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance.
Citizenship Applications.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:200 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the naturalisation process for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 18 has been with his Department for more than 28 months; if he will ensure an early decision in view of the fact that the average waiting period advertised by his Department is 24 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40854/09]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in August 2007.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 24 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
Officials in the Citizenship section inform me that processing of the application of the person referred to in the Deputy's Question is at an advanced stage and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the near future.
Departmental Official Functions.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:201 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the protocol followed by his office in respect of inviting local public representatives to official functions, such as the opening of new Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40861/09]
There are no protocols in place in my Office in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy. Arrangements in respect of invitations to official functions that I attend are co-ordinated by the host organisation and/or the relevant section of my Department. As to the opening of new Garda stations, I am informed that it is normal practice to invite local public representatives and every effort is always made to ensure that all relevant public representatives are invited.
Garda Deployment.
Ulick Burke
Ceist:202 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí at each Garda station in County Galway for each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the number of gardaí who have retired for each year and the number of replacements appointed to these vacancies for each rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40871/09]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Galway Garda Division on 31 December 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 was as set out in the following table:
|
Station |
31/12/06 |
31/12/07 |
31/12/08 |
2009 |
|
Ahascragh |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Ballinasloe |
39 |
39 |
44 |
46 |
|
Ballygar |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Kilconnell |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Menlough |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Mount Bellew |
10 |
10 |
9 |
10 |
|
Moylough |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Carna |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Clifden |
25 |
24 |
26 |
29 |
|
Lennaun |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Letterfrack |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Maam |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Recess |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Roundstone |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Athenry |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
|
Carn Dolla |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Galway |
199 |
210 |
224 |
229 |
|
Kiltullagh |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Lough George |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
|
Monivea |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
Oranmore |
6 |
16 |
24 |
29 |
|
Ardrahan |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Craughwell |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Gort |
25 |
28 |
27 |
31 |
|
Kilchreest |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Kinvara |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Shanaglish |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Eyecourt |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Killimor |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Loughrea |
33 |
36 |
38 |
41 |
|
New Inn |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Portumna |
9 |
8 |
8 |
9 |
|
Tynagh |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Woodford |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Carraroe |
6 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
|
Cill Ronain |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Inverin |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Leitir Mor |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Moycullen |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
Ros Muc |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Salthill |
44 |
43 |
48 |
46 |
|
Spiddle |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
|
Uachtarard |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Ballymoe |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Barnaderg |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Corofin |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Dunmore |
3 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
|
Glenmady |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Headford |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Kilconly |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Milltown |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Tuam |
47 |
51 |
54 |
55 |
|
Williamstown |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
514 |
544 |
577 |
601 |
The number of Gardaí assigned to the Galway Garda Division, by rank, is as follows:
|
Year |
CM |
DC |
AC |
CS |
SU |
IN |
SG |
GD |
Total |
|
2009 |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
8 |
11 |
78 |
502 |
601 |
The number of Gardaí that have retired for each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 in the Galway Division is as set out in the following table:
|
Year |
A/Comm |
C/Supt. |
Supt. |
Inspector |
Sergeant |
Garda |
|
2006 |
2 |
3 |
17 |
|||
|
2007 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
||
|
2008 |
1 |
3 |
13 |
|||
|
2009 |
2 |
6 |
23 |
Responsibility for the allocation of personnel rests with the Garda Commissioner, in conjunction with his senior management team. Resource levels are constantly monitored, in conjunction with crime trends and other demands made on An Garda Síochána, and are kept under review.
Citizenship Applications.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:203 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for a certificate of naturalisation by a person (details supplied); if the person’s application will be favourably considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40992/09]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in September 2008.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 24 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
Garda Recruitment.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:204 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí recruited into the force in each year from 1997 to date in 2009; the number of retirements from each rank in each of those years; the number of student gardaí in the Garda Training College in Templemore; the number of retirements in each rank who have notified to Garda authorities that they will retire in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40993/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, that the number of retirements in each rank and the number of recruits, from 1997 to date in 2009 is as set out in the following table. There are also a further 326 students in training and it is expected that these students will be attested over the next 6 months.
I should point out that in relation to the 2009 retirements, as of Friday 6th November 2009, 708 members of the Force have already retired or declared their intention to retire, either voluntarily or on age grounds, in 2009.
|
Year |
CM |
DC |
AC |
CS |
SU |
IN |
SG |
GD |
Total |
No. Recruited |
|
1997 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
16 |
10 |
91 |
164 |
284 |
616 |
|
1998 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
13 |
10 |
67 |
169 |
264 |
550 |
|
1999 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
62 |
170 |
260 |
570 |
|
2000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
15 |
6 |
57 |
201 |
282 |
508 |
|
2001 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
8 |
6 |
51 |
169 |
238 |
500 |
|
2002 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
17 |
17 |
77 |
226 |
343 |
546 |
|
2003 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
8 |
8 |
56 |
261 |
339 |
690 |
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
13 |
11 |
77 |
304 |
412 |
519 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
8 |
21 |
16 |
86 |
247 |
383 |
1,125 |
|
2006 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
15 |
14 |
76 |
191 |
304 |
1,114 |
|
2007 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
9 |
6 |
36 |
128 |
184 |
1,026 |
|
2008 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
12 |
13 |
52 |
174 |
259 |
926 |
|
2009 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
12 |
26 |
31 |
166 |
466 |
704 |
200 |
|
TOTALS |
4,256 |
8,890 |
Even taking into account the increased rate of retirements this year, the strength of the force is set to reach an all time high by the end of 2009.
Garda Stations.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:205 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position on a building (details supplied); the stage the proposed building is at; the stages it has to go through before construction begins; the start date for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40996/09]
The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is based on agreed priorities established by An Garda Síochána and progressed by the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
I am advised by the Garda Authorities that a two acre site has been acquired for the provision of the building referred to by the Deputy. The project is at the early design stage and will proceed in the context of the Garda Síochána's identified accommodation priorities and in the light of available resources. Accordingly, it is not possible to say at this stage when construction will commence.
I am also advised by the Garda authorities that, in the interim, the Commissioner has requested the Office of Public Works to provide suitable additional accommodation to improve facilities at the station and arrangements are currently underway in this regard.
Swimming Pool Projects.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:206 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of the application for funding from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for the swimming pool refurbishment at Glenalbyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40984/09]
The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, which is administered by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, provides grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools, subject in both cases to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project or, in the case of projects located in disadvantaged areas, 90% of the eligible cost.
A Preliminary Report was approved in 2001 for the refurbishment of the existing swimming pool and the provision of additional leisure facilities at Glenalbyn. Further progression of this project is a matter for the relevant Local Authority concerned. I have been informed that Dun Laoghaire County Council is currently reviewing the swimming pool and leisure facilities throughout the County and bearing in mind the availability of funds and the level of demand and community need, priorities will be decided with a view to continuing the programme of development of leisure facilities in the County.
Decentralisation Programme.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:207 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a decision has been reached in the relocation of the offices of his Department to Charlestown, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40825/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Office of Public Works (OPW) are currently in the process of selecting and purchasing a permanent site for my Department's headquarters at Charlestown, Co. Mayo. I understand that negotiations are still ongoing in relation to a particular site in Charlestown, which the OPW has identified as being suitable.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Department of Finance was approached some time ago by a community development organisation in relation to a property in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo, with turn-key potential as a headquarters building. On foot of this approach, OPW have now carried out an examination of the property in question to ascertain its suitability and is in the process of competing its final report in this regard. I should emphasise that this is a sensible and prudent response to the approach that has been made and implies no decision.
Community Development.
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:208 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will support a group (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40868/09]
Fingal LEADER Partnership is one of 36 groups contracted by my Department to deliver the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2007-2013. The Group was awarded an overall amount of €7,766,780 for the duration of the Programme. The Group covers all rural areas of Co Dublin including Portmarnock.
The project in question may be eligible in principle; however, in line with the bottom-up nature of the LEADER approach, Fingal LEADER Partnership is the principal decision-maker regarding the allocation and subsequent management of project funding. I would advise the interested party to contact Fingal LEADER Partnership directly at Unit 14, BEaT Centre, Stephenstown Industrial Estate, Balbriggan, Co Dublin.
Dormant Accounts Fund.
Joe Costello
Ceist:209 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the Dormant Accounts Fund was established; the amount of money his Department has received from this fund in each year and to date in 2009; the distribution of the total moneys by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40982/09]
The Dormant Accounts Fund Acts provides for an annual transfer by credit institutions and insurance undertakings of monies in accounts determined to be dormant into the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF). Since its establishment in April 2003, to the end of September 2009, the transfers to the DAF have totalled some €513.90m, broken down each year as follows:
|
Year |
Transferred from Financial Institutions |
|
€m |
|
|
2003 |
196.21 |
|
2004 |
56.02 |
|
2005 |
40.82 |
|
2006 |
80.15 |
|
2007 |
66.30 |
|
2008 |
33.03 |
|
2009 (to 30.09.2009) |
41.37 |
Funds reclaimed since April 2003 total some €181.27m. The value of the Fund at the end of September 2009, net of liabilities, was some €49.76m. This figure excludes around €46.5m maintained in a Reserve Account to meet future reclaims by account holders and to cover expenses associated with the operation of the Fund.
Details of the individual grants and organisations that have been approved for support from the Fund and their geographical location are available on the Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
Social Welfare Fraud.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:210 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the savings made to date in 2009 by her Department as a result of fraud detection; if she will achieve her departmental target by year end in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40839/09]
At the end of September 2009, the Department recorded control savings of nearly €355m, which is 78% of the year to date target of €453m. The annual control target for 2009 is €616.5m. It is difficult to project what the control savings for 2009 will be at this point but it is unlikely that the Department will reach the control savings target of €616.5m.
It must be noted that control activity is currently being focused on prevention of fraud and error at claim application stage. Savings made from the detection of bogus claims at application stage cannot be estimated as the claim will not go into payment. However, this is the most cost effective mechanism of reducing losses through fraud and error in social welfare schemes.
The significant increase in the live register has impacted on the Department's capacity to review claims. The increase has put pressure on staffing resources and particularly on social welfare inspectors who are responsible both for carrying out means-tests on initial applicants and conducting anti-fraud inspections.
The Department's response to these challenges has been to introduce new measures to target control activity at high risk categories of claimants. For example: Control activity is being focused on the prevention of fraud and error at claim application stage. The Special Investigation Unit is undertaking more regular interviews of jobseeker recipients, particularly those with high risk ratings. As a preventative measure the option to receive payments by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) was removed for new claimants for jobseeker payments. They must attend in person at the post office each week thus confirming their continued residency in the country. Their claim is automatically suspended where two consecutive payments are not collected. Border regions have put an increased emphasis on controls on claims from applicants with a previous address in Northern Ireland. One Parent Family Payment recipients with earnings are targeted for on-going review. The frequency of issue of mail shots to validate continued entitlement to Child Benefit has been increased to 3 monthly intervals for EU worker customers and resident non-Irish national customers. The number of anonymous reports from members of the public has increased dramatically in the past year, with over 4,600 reports made at end September 2009 compared to approximately 1000 reports made in 2008. Each report is followed-up. The Department is moving to a risk-based system which will achieve better value for money by focusing scarce resources on the most appropriate cases. For example for Disability Allowance, a new control review policy for the scheme was introduced in January 2009 which involves assigning and recording a risk rating at the award and review stage of all claims in the medical and means categories. A similar risk based control review policy is being piloted for Carer's Allowance with the same approach planned for Invalidity Pension. New data matches have been initiated to effectively target reviews and generate savings. In 2009 data was received from The Personal Injuries Assessment Board, The Commission for Taxi Regulation, The Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal and Local Authorities. In addition agreement has recently been reached with The Revenue Commissioners for data on capital assets.
The Department is committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them. In this regard the control programme of the Department is carefully monitored and the various measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective.
Question No. 211 answered with Question No. 91.
Question No. 212 answered with Question No. 93.
Question No. 213 answered with Question No. 91.
Money Advice and Budgeting Service.
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:214 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to an upsurge in attendance at Money Advice and Budgeting Service offices; the consequences of the increased numbers on persons seeking this service and on its staff; if the quality of the service is effected; and the effect of that reduced service on its customers. [37608/09]
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is the main Government funded service which provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. The role of money advisors is to help clients to assess their financial situation, make a budget plan and deal with creditors. The MABS is now dealing with increasing complex debt situations in respect of clients who are presenting with multiple creditors/debts. It is important that people coping with debt difficulties take early action and approach MABS for help and guidance. This can be the first positive step for people in addressing debt difficulties.
In 2009, funding of €18 million has been provided to MABS to deliver its services. There is 271 money advice staff working in 65 locations around the country to assist the local services in managing their increased caseloads. This includes an additional nineteen posts which are currently being recruited, of which 6 are currently in place with the remainder been appointed by early December. The capacity of the LoCall telephone helpline has also been strengthened and MABS NDL the national support company has introduced a number of community education initiatives.
In addition to MABS NDL, there are 52 independent MABS companies providing advice, operating nationwide from 65 locations throughout the country. All MABS companies operate an appointment system for clients. Clients with urgent difficulties are prioritised for attention and are dealt with promptly. Less urgent cases are referred in the first instance to the MABS National Telephone Helpline which is available from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday at LoCall number 1890 283 438. The budgeting and money management information can also be accessed 24 hours a day at www.mabs.ie.
The Helpline handles less complex straight-forward single debt cases such as threatened utility disconnections. In such cases, MABS Helpline staff deal directly with the ESB and An Bord Gais to resolve the issue. Over 90% of callers to the Helpline find that their money management and budgeting issues can be resolved with the assistance of the helpline advisor. Staff have proved to be very effective in supporting clients to take preliminary action to address their debts without the need for a meeting with a money adviser. Some 10% of callers are referred to the local MABS for assistance.
In 2008, over 16,600 clients approached the MABS for assistance with debt difficulties; the telephone helpline dealt with almost 11,000 callers. At the end of October 2009, some 16,300 clients were seen by MABS staff. The MABS helpline received over 20,800 calls in the same period.
I am satisfied that MABS provides a high quality personal money advice and budgeting service to members of the public who may have difficulty in coping with the burden of indebtedness and the additional resources provided will assist them meet the demand for their services.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Ceist:215 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an illness benefit appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [40776/09]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Insurance.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:216 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the revenue to date in 2009 from social insurance, distinguishing the contributions from the self-employed, from employers and from employees; if it is less than predicted; if so, the amount; and her best estimate for revenue in 2009 and the forecast for 2010. [40990/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
Total |
Employer |
Employee |
Self Employed |
|
€5,050 million |
€3,774 million |
€1,183 million |
€93 million |
*The income is for the period 1 January 2009 to 31 August 2009. The amounts presented are provisional and will be subject to audit by the C&AG.
Revenue Estimates 2009 & 2010
In relation to the 2009 and 2010 Revenue estimates the Revised Estimates Volume for 2009 provided for PRSI income of € 7,500 million. Current indications are that this will be achieved and may even be slightly exceeded. The forecast for 2010 is being addressed in the context of the 2010 Estimates and Budget process which is currently underway.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Ring
Ceist:217 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of recipients of a payment in each social welfare payment category; the cost in each category for the year 2008; the average payment made to recipients; the estimated costs for 2009 if same were to proceed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41007/09]
Table 1 sets out the number of recipients and overall cost for each scheme for which a Christmas Bonus was paid in 2008. The bonus was paid as 100% of the weekly personal payment. It is estimated that a 100% bonus in 2009 would cost around €223 million and benefit over 985,000 recipients.
|
Schemes |
Numbers of Recipients |
Cost at 100% |
|
€m |
||
|
State Pension Non-Contributory |
97,720 |
20.53 |
|
Blind Pension |
1,470 |
0.30 |
|
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
68,100 |
15.68 |
|
Farm Assist |
7,410 |
1.58 |
|
Back to Work Allowance |
8,840 |
1.37 |
|
Back to Education Allowance |
9,000 |
1.98 |
|
Part Time Job Incentive Scheme |
200 |
0.02 |
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
8,680 |
1.97 |
|
One Parent Family |
86,990 |
19.71 |
|
Widow(er)’s Pension (non-con) |
2,020 |
0.37 |
|
Guardian’s Payment (non-con) |
440 |
0.10 |
|
Social Assistance Allowance |
600 |
0.12 |
|
Carer’s Allowance |
39,500 |
7.94 |
|
Disability Allowance |
95,780 |
19.84 |
|
Subtotal Assistance |
426,750 |
91.50 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
54,730 |
12.70 |
|
OI Death Benefit |
440 |
0.12 |
|
OI Disablement (Workmen’s com, medical care) |
13,100 |
1.32 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
249,000 |
57.42 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
7,500 |
1.79 |
|
Widow(er)’s Pension (Con) |
112,140 |
24.23 |
|
Guardian’s Payment (Con) |
790 |
0.17 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit |
9,030 |
1.93 |
|
Carer’s Benefit |
2,500 |
0.58 |
|
Subtotal Insurance |
449,230 |
100.25 |
|
Total Assistance and Insurance |
875,980 |
191.75 |
Live Register.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:218 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons on the live register at the various employment exchanges in County Kildare at 31 October 2009; the corresponding date in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41027/09]
The Government recognises that there has been an increase in the numbers unemployed at national and local level. The National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) is the main welfare to work measure under which all persons between the ages of 18 and 65 years who are approaching 3 months on the live register are identified by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and referred to FÁS for interview with a view to assisting them enter/re-enter the labour market. The NEAP process is a key element in addressing the progression needs of those on the live register.
The Government is now providing, through FÁS, a total of 128,000 training and activation places for the unemployed this year. This is a substantial increase on the approximate 66,000 places taken up last year. In addition, there are 146,700 places available in further education programmes in 2009. This demonstrates the scale of activity being supported by this Government to ensure that people are best positioned to get back into employment.
The data requested by the Deputy is presented in tabular format in respect of the three social welfare offices in Kildare as recorded on the last Friday in October for the years 2005 to 2009, inclusive.
|
Office |
October 2009 |
October 2008 |
October 2007 |
October 2006 |
October 2005 |
|
Athy BO |
2,430 |
1,574 |
1,011 |
860 |
850 |
|
Maynooth BO |
5,785 |
2,942 |
1,606 |
1,422 |
1,311 |
|
Newbridge LO |
8,364 |
5,302 |
3,045 |
2,668 |
2,279 |
|
Co. Kildare Total |
16,579 |
9,818 |
5,662 |
4,950 |
4,440 |
The live register is published monthly by the Central Statistics Office and can be accessed directly through their website at www.cso.ie.
Social Welfare Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:219 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she proposes to take to improve eligibility for respite grants with particular reference to easing the guidelines having particular regard to the high level of refusals on medical and income grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41028/09]
The respite care grant is an annual payment for carers who look after certain people in need of full-time care and attention. One respite care grant per year may be paid in respect of each person for whom the carer is providing full time care and attention. In June 2008 the grant was increased from €1,500 to €1,700 per year in respect of each care recipient. In order to qualify for the grant the person being cared for must need full time care and attention for at least 6 months.
The grant is paid automatically to those in receipt of carer's allowance, carer's benefit or domiciliary care allowance on the first Thursday in June. Other people providing full-time care who do not meet the criteria for these schemes can apply to the Department for a grant each year. From June 2005, the respite care grant was extended to all carers, regardless of their income, who are providing full-time care to a person who needs such care. This arrangement was introduced to acknowledge the needs of carers, especially in relation to respite.
The refusal rate for respite care grant for those who are not in receipt of a qualifying payment is approximately 15%. There are a number of reasons why an application for the respite care grant might be refused: the medical referee is not satisfied that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention; the full-time care and attention is not being provided by the applicant; the person applying for the grant has already received it, as they are in receipt of carer's allowance, carer's benefit or domiciliary care allowance. The Deputy should be aware that an applicant cannot be refused on the basis of income.
I am satisfied that the current guidelines governing the respite care grant ensure that the resources available for the scheme are targeted at those most in need. I have no plans to review the eligibility criteria for the respite care grant at this time.
International Agreements.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which bilateral social welfare agreements with other jurisdictions have been reviewed; if same will be reviewed within the context of improving or enhancing entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41029/09]
Ireland has social security agreements with Austria, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the USA. Most of the agreements came into effect between 1989 and 1999. The Agreement with the Republic of Korea came into effect on 1 January 2009. Ireland also has a bilateral understanding with Quebec since 1 October 1994. In the cases of Austria and Switzerland the agreements have limited application, as the EU Regulations now apply to these countries.
An agreement with Japan was signed on 29 October 2009 and it is envisaged that the remaining formalities will be completed to enable it come into effect before end 2010. The agreements with UK and Australia are the only agreements which have been revised. The current Agreement with the UK, which came into effect on 1 October 2007, provided for the repeal of previous agreements which had been superseded by EU Regulations. Provision was made to extend social security protection for migrant workers moving between Ireland and the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands which are outside the EU. The agreement with Australia was revised mainly to accommodate changes in Australian legislation. The process also facilitated technical updates on the Irish side (changes of scheme names etc.), but no substantive change was required.
Revisions to the agreement with New Zealand are currently being negotiated. The New Zealand authorities are examining the impact on Bilateral agreements of changes to their national legislation. The changes being considered on the Irish side are similar to the technical updating made in the revision of the agreement with Australia. These agreements are working well and meeting their intended purposes. Revision of the substantive provisions on the Irish side are not considered necessary at present.
Question No. 221 answered with Question No. 84.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will ensure that child benefit is not interfered with in the course of budgetary reviews within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41031/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the rates of child benefit have increased significantly since 2001 having trebled for the first two children and increased by over 185% for the third and subsequent children. Partly as a result of this and partly as a result of an increase in the number of eligible children, overall expenditure on child benefit grew from just under €965 million in 2001 to nearly €2.5 billion in 2008. This level of expenditure is unsustainable in the current economic crisis and so the Minister for Finance, mindful of the need to address all aspects of the public finances so as to avoid excessive borrowing and to ensure that fairness exists in the allocation of resources, indicated in the Supplementary Budget the Government's intention to consider taxing or means testing child benefit from 2010.
In this regard, the Commission of Taxation was requested to examine the implications of taxing child benefit. The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes was appointed with a mandate to examine all current Exchequer Programmes across all Departments and agencies to see where savings might be made. The reports of this Group and of the Commission of Taxation contain a wide range of proposals relating to my Department's schemes and services, including the child benefit scheme and decisions in relation to these will be made in the context of the forthcoming budget and subsequent budgets. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on individual proposals at this stage.
In its deliberations the Government will be mindful of the needs of families, particularly those on lower incomes when deciding on the various options in the forthcoming budget.
Social Welfare Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the range of back-to-work incentives available through her Department at present; the extent to which she proposes to improve the existing or introduce new schemes in this context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41032/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the introduction of an accelerated schemes of back-to-work incentives for persons in both the PAYE and self employed sectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41033/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 224 together.
One of the goals of the social welfare system is to be responsive to the needs of people of working age and to facilitate them taking up relevant employment or self-employment opportunities. In order to respond effectively to the growing numbers on the Live Register and the current employment situation, it was decided in the context of the recent supplementary budget to refocus resources on the back to work enterprise allowance which supports people into self employment. These changes significantly strengthen the supports for jobseekers wishing to move to self employment. The main back to work incentives available from this Department to new applicants for jobseekers payments are the short-term enterprise allowance and the back to work enterprise allowance schemes. Since 1 May 2009, claimants who qualify for jobseeker's benefit are afforded immediate access to a new short term enterprise allowance, provided they have 104 contributions paid or have established entitlement to statutory redundancy from their latest period of employment. It is payable at the same rate and for the same duration as jobseeker's benefit.
For jobseekers on the live register, the qualifying period required for access to the back to work enterprise allowance scheme has been reduced from 2 years to 12 months provided an entitlement to jobseeker's allowance is established. Those who do not have an underlying entitlement to jobseeker's allowance can access the scheme, as before, subject to a 2 year qualifying period. These changes to improve access to the scheme were made in conjunction with a reduction in the period for which the allowance is payable from 4 years to 2 years at 100% of existing social welfare entitlement in the first year and 75% in the second year. Furthermore, people who previously participated in the back to work enterprise allowance scheme may apply a second time after a period of at least 5 years has elapsed. The back to work allowance employee strand has been closed to new applications since 1 May 2009 but persons who qualified before that date continued to receive their entitlements. The Family Income Supplement (FIS) is a non taxable payment, introduced to provide income support for employees on low earnings with families and thereby preserve the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where they might otherwise only be marginally better off than if they were fully reliant on social welfare payments.
The Government is determined to ensure that everything practicable is done to help people to stay in work or get back to work or self-employment as quickly as possible. The operation of the back to work scheme has been reviewed and modified over the years to ensure it continues to remain relevant to those needing support. The qualifying conditions will continue to be monitored in the context of the objectives of the scheme and changing economic circumstances. All social welfare schemes are being examined as part of the deliberative process in advance of the annual budget.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will ensure that dental and optical entitlements are not interfered with in the course of budgetary reviews in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41034/09]
Any proposal to amend entitlement to dental and optical benefit will be considered as part of the Estimates and Budget process for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.
Questions Nos. 226 to 228, inclusive, answered with Question No. 84.
Departmental Offices.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:229 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has carried out a review in her Department to determine the extent to which the services she has in place are adequate to meet the full range and nature of inquiries presenting; her view on the necessity to respond more rapidly to the various applicants for social welfare payments during the economic downturn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41038/09]
The Department is committed to delivering a quality service to all its customers. A continuous programme of process improvement initiatives is underway aimed at streamlining the processing of claims, supported by modern technology. Operational processes and procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximised and that claims are processed as expeditiously as possible having regard to the eligibility conditions that apply to each scheme. Since early 2008, the Department has experienced significant pressure on customer services due mainly to the increase in the Live Register. In recognition of this pressure, the Government has approved an increase in the number of staff working in the Department. A range of process improvement initiatives to deal with the increased volume of Jobseekers claims has been introduced. In addition, five Local Office Support Units have been set up around the country to support the processing of claims. These measures, coupled with the additional resources assigned to Local Offices, are having a positive effect on customer service.
To ensure that claims are processed as efficiently as possible and that customers receive their entitlements in a timely manner all application forms have been designed to facilitate the use of scanning and automated processing. An on-line facility to enable applications for a number of schemes, i.e. State Pension (Contributory) and Household Benefits, to be completed and submitted on-line, has been implemented. This facility will be extended to other schemes in the coming months. The objective is to enable people to access services at a time and place that best suits their needs. The use of on-line application forms reduces the administrative burden for customers and facilitates efficient processing of claims by the Department. A new telephony system and call management software, as well as new working arrangements, have been introduced in headquarter buildings and local offices to deal with some half-a-million telephone calls received per month. These initiatives have resulted in a noticeable improvement in telephone response times and overall call management. I am satisfied that the initiatives underway in the Department, the improvements to processes and procedures, and the Department's use of modern technology will deliver an improved and efficient service to customers.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:230 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the options available to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare to allow them to legitimately take up periodic employment without loss of social welfare entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41041/09]
The person concerned is in receipt of jobseeker's allowance at the rate of €443.90 a week comprising of the personal rate of €204.30, an increase for a qualified adult of €135.60 and increases for four qualified children totalling €104. Jobseeker's allowance is a means tested payment consequently all earnings from employment are assessable as means and would affect entitlement with the exception of a disregard of €60 a week (€20 a day for three days) in respect of insurable employment. Sixty per cent of the balance of earnings, after the application of the disregard is assessed as means. All income from self employment is assessable as means for jobseeker's allowance purposes — there is no disregard where self employment is concerned. The loss of entitlement due to employment depends on the type and nature of the employment and the level of earnings involved and on the circumstances of the case.
Should the person concerned and/or their spouse take up periodic employment, means would be determined by averaging the earnings over a period which would depend on the pattern of the employment. It is not possible to be specific in this case given the paucity of information relating to the type of employment envisaged. The persons concerned should seek an interview with the Manager of the Social Welfare Local Office at Blackhall Street, Mullingar for information and advice relating to their circumstances. If they are interested in information and guidance with regard to employment retraining and education options they should also seek an interview with a Job Facilitator at the Local Office in Mullingar.
Army Barracks.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:231 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the cost of purchasing and the fitting out of the containers which were procured for living accommodation at Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin 6 in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40846/09]
Twenty containerised accommodation units have been provided for temporary accommodation for third-level students in Cathal Brugha Barracks. These units were built as accommodation units for single occupancy. The units consist of en-suite accommodation and are fully furnished and heated. The Military authorities advise me that the units are compliant with all relevant regulations, and are similar to units used for accommodating troops in some missions overseas. The units were purchased pending completion of the living-in accommodation study, which is currently ongoing. The cost of purchasing the accommodation units was €164,741 (VAT inclusive) and the fitting out of the containers cost an additional €40,000. These containers have an expected life of 12-15 years and will, once the need for them in Cathal Brugha Barracks has passed, be retained for use in training location in Ireland or on overseas missions.
Tax Code.
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:232 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a person who is a homeowner is liable to pay non-principal private residence tax on that property if he or she is forced to rent and live in a separate property due to work commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40819/09]
The Government has decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of this charge on non-principal private residences, which is set at €200 per dwelling and is being levied and collected by local authorities. It will be used to support the provision of local services and income from the charge will be retained by individual local authorities that collect it. The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, which sets out the detail of the charge, is structured with a starting position of a universal liability for residential property in respect of the charge. It goes on to exempt certain buildings and owners from this liability, the most important exemption being where a property is occupied by the owner as his or her sole or main residence on the liability date. In a case where a person owns a property in which he or she does not live and his or her sole or main residence is a rented property, there would be a liability for the charge in respect of the property owned by the person unless it is otherwise exempt under the provisions of the Act.
Legislative Programme.
Pat Breen
Ceist:233 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation in relation to the licensing of septic tanks; if so, his views on the cost implications of licensing for the elderly and the less well off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40739/09]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 230 of 4 November 2009. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that Ireland failed to fulfil its obligations under Articles 4 and 8 of the Waste Directive as regards domestic waste waters disposed of in the countryside through septic tanks and other individual waste water treatment systems.
The renewed Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a scheme for the licensing and inspection of septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems. My Department, which has already established a task force to consider the matter, will be developing proposals to give effect to this commitment and to respond in full to the ECJ judgement; this will involve consideration of the impacts of any proposals, including the costs generally and to particular groups.
Local Authority Housing.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:234 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will sanction Mayo County Council to proceed to tender for a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40780/09]
On 30 January 2009 I announced funding of €13 million for the improvement of five disadvantaged local authority estates at various locations around the country including Parkview, Charlestown, Co. Mayo. The project involves, inter alia, the refurbishment of 23 dwellings and the construction of 7 new units. A detailed design and cost plan was submitted to my Department by Mayo County Council on 10 September. This is being examined at present with a view to approving the project to progress to tender stage.
Tax Code.
Dan Neville
Ceist:235 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will allow extra time for persons to pay the residential property tax on second homes in view of the lack of information available to persons who had queries relating to this tax; his views on changing the date that the second payment is due that is in 2010 to at least 12 months from the date they would have applied in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40792/09]
The Government has decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of this charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 per dwelling and is being levied and collected by local authorities. It will be used to support the provision of local services and the income from the charge will be retained by the individual local authorities that collect it.
The liability date for 2009 was 31 July 2009 and payment became due two months later, on 30 September 2009. There was then a further period of one month's grace before late charges commenced on 1 November 2009. There was thus ample time — a total of three months — for a person to pay the charge before any penalties commenced. The charge is payable on a point-in-time basis on a single liability date in each calendar year. That liability date will be 31 March in 2010 and in future years.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:236 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when approval will be granted to proceed to contract for the Tullow waste water treatment plant in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40798/09]
Phil Hogan
Ceist:237 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when approval will be sanctioned to build the Rathvilly waste water treatment plant in County Carlow. [40799/09]
Phil Hogan
Ceist:238 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be approved to construct the Carlow town north regional water supply scheme phase two and Carlow town water supply network. [40800/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 to 238, inclusive, together.
The Tullow/Hacketstown/Rathvilly Treatment Plants Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at an estimated cost of €6 million. My Department awaits the submission of Carlow County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme.
The Carlow North Regional Water Supply Scheme Stage 2 (Main Scheme) is also included in the Programme at an estimated cost of €33 million. This scheme involves the upgrade and expansion of water treatment plants at Rathvilly, Tullow, Sion Cross and Raheenleigh, the upgrade and provision of new distribution systems in the north of the County and a rising main which will augment the water supply for Carlow Town from the Rathvilly plant. The scheme will also involve the construction of new reservoirs at Rathvilly, Graiguenaspidogue and Brownshill near Carlow Town. The necessary works have already been carried out at the Sion Cross plant and Carlow County Council will shortly seek tenders to upgrade the Raheenleigh plant. My Department awaits the submission of the Council's contract documents for the remaining works under the Regional scheme.
Local authorities were asked in July to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October last. My Department has commenced consideration of these assessments, which will form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme. In conducting their assessments, local authorities were asked to prioritise schemes and contracts for progression over the coming years based on key environmental and economic criteria. It is anticipated that the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012 will be published in early 2010.
Private Rented Accommodation.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:239 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of landlords who have registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board; the compliance level that is being achieved by the registration system; if he will indicate the number of compliance notices or proceedings that have arisen in respect of registration; and his views on whether the legislation is adequately framed to allow residents to inform themselves of the identity of landlords who may not be fulfilling their obligations in the neighbourhood. [40855/09]
I have no function in the operational matters of the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), an independent statutory body established under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that since its establishment, the Board has achieved considerable success in the registration of tenancies and I understand that in excess of 227,000 active tenancies are currently registered with the PRTB. This represents more than 112,000 active landlords and some 388,000 active tenants. It is not possible to estimate the number of landlords who have yet to comply with the registration requirements of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. It is nonetheless noteworthy to compare the number of tenancies now registered with the previous system of registration with local authorities when registrations did not exceed 30,000.
The PRTB enforces registration requirements in accordance with the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, specifically sections 144 and 145, which provide for the issuing of notices to landlords and/or occupiers of the dwellings in question and the prosecution of offenders for non-compliance with the registration requirement. Since 2004, the Board has examined more than 8,000 cases of non-registration and has subsequently issued over 12,500 enforcement notices to landlords and/or occupiers of dwellings. These measures generally ensure compliance and as a result the Board has only had to prosecute a landlord for non-compliance on one occasion.
The Residential Tenancies Act provides for a third party, subject to certain conditions, to refer a dispute to the Private Residential Tenancies Board against a landlord who has failed to enforce tenant obligations. The Board can direct the landlord to ensure that tenants comply with their obligations and can enforce compliance through the Courts.
A specific condition is that the third party complainant must have taken all reasonable steps to resolve the matter by communicating or attempting to communicate with the parties to the tenancy concerned. Under section 77 of the Act, the Private Residential Tenancies Board may furnish to a person proposing to make a third party complaint the name and address of the landlord concerned or his or her agent. The Board may be contacted at their offices at O'Connell Bridge House, Dublin 2, or by phone or email, contact details of which are available on their website.
Departmental Agencies.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:240 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when a decision will be made regarding the location of the headquarters of Inland Fisheries for the western region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40809/09]
The Government has recently agreed to the retention of offices in both Ballina and Galway within the new inland fisheries management structures, given the scale of operations in the Western River Basin District.
Sheepmeat Sector.
Michael Creed
Ceist:241 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is undertaking an investigation in relation to sheep movements and lamb imports, the claiming of flat rate VAT refund on imported lambs at lamb processing facilities; the processing facilities involved; the details of the investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40810/09]
I can confirm that, as part of an investigation into movements of sheep, officers from my Department have visited a number of farms and slaughtering establishments. The information that has been gathered as a result of these visits is being examined, and the investigation is continuing. In the circumstances it would be inappropriate to comment further pending the outcome of the investigation.
Animal Identification Scheme.
Michael Creed
Ceist:242 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on compulsory electronic sheep tagging; and the action he has taken and the progress he is making at European level to secure a voluntary option on electronic tagging for sheep farmers here. [40811/09]
The introduction of electronic identification (EID) for sheep was agreed at EU level in late 2003. At that time, it was agreed to defer the implementation date until January 2008. The Council revisited this issue in December 2007 when it was agreed that the deadline for the compulsory introduction of EID should be set for 31 December 2009, 6 years after the original decision was taken.
I have always had the greatest reluctance in relation to the mandatory introduction of EID. My consistent view has been that the introduction of EID of sheep should only have been introduced on a voluntary basis. There has, however, been a lack of support from other EU Member States or from the European Commission for a voluntary scheme.
In the discussions in Brussels, a number of measures have been negotiated intended to minimise any inconvenience in its introduction. In particular, provision has been made to exempt from EID, lambs under 12 months of age and that are intended for slaughter. This means that the vast majority of Irish sheep will not be affected by the EID requirement. Primarily only those animals retained for breeding over the coming years would have to be electronically tagged and so the additional costs to farmers in any given year are being kept to a minimum.
It is my intention that the scheme to be introduced during the course of next year will be implemented in consultation with the stakeholders and will take appropriate account of Irish conditions.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Pat Breen
Ceist:243 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a revised scheme to replace the REP scheme will be finalised; if discussions with the European Commission have been completed in relation to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40813/09]
My Department has submitted proposals for a new agri-environmental scheme to the European Commission as part of a draft amendment to the Rural Development Programme 2007-13. Initial bilateral discussions have taken place. The Commission has set out its comments and questions in writing. My Department will give its response this week and further bilateral discussions will take place shortly. I am hopeful that an amendment to the programme will be approved in December so that the new scheme can be introduced early in 2010.
Fishing Industry Development.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:244 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure the opening of the operational programme for fisheries in order to ensure funding for the aquaculture sector. [40815/09]
The delay in the launch of the National Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-13 arose as a result of concerns raised by the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of the Central Fisheries Board, during the public consultation process. The concerns related to the grant aiding of projects where environmental issues had been identified regarding compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and sea lice control on salmon farms. Pending resolution of these issues, the National Seafood Development Operational Programme has not yet been adopted. In an effort to ensure support and assistance for the continued development of aquaculture sector and the employment that aquaculture projects support, my officials entered into discussion with the European Commission, which agreed to the continuation of grant aid under the previous operational programme 2000-06 until 30 June 2009. As a result of these discussions, a provision of €5 million was made available for aquaculture development in the Agriculture Vote for 2009. I approved the spending of €4.5 million of this for aquaculture projects in the Border, Midlands and Western and the Southern and Eastern regions. In order to ensure continued funding of the sector, my Department is in close liaison with the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the European Commission with a view to agreeing an approach that will give the necessary assurances on the concerns raised that can facilitate the approval of the National Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-2013.
Grant Payments.
Joe Carey
Ceist:245 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be awarded forestry payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40817/09]
I understand that, as confirmed by the applicant's forestry company, the relevant provenance certification has not been lodged in my Department. The forestry company concerned expects to be in a position to submit the documentation within a week and provided the documentation is in order, payment will be made within a further two weeks.
Joe Carey
Ceist:246 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will expect to be in a position to pay both disadvantaged area payments and 70% single farm payment to those farmers who await 2009 plots to be digitised or redigitised on the land parcel identification system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40820/09]
Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, while the 70% advance payments under the Single Payment Scheme commenced on 19 October. Payments under both schemes initially issued in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. Payments have continued to issue as outstanding matters are resolved. To date, payments to the value of €213,449,438 have issued to 95,839 applicants under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, while payments worth €857,578,936 have issued to 120,149 applicants under the Single Payment Scheme. Payments under both schemes may be made only in respect of eligible land. Applicants are obliged annually to declare the land parcels available to them. Details of the eligible area of the land parcels are recorded on my Department's Land Parcel Identification System. Details of the use and area claimed for each of some one million parcels on the Land Parcel Identification System are registered and continually monitored by my Department. Each year in advance of the closing date for the Single Payment Scheme. which is 15 May, my Department sends pre-printed application forms, including a list of parcels declared by the applicant in question the previous year, to each applicant. It is the responsibility of all applicants to ensure that the details in each year's application are accurate. Therefore, applicants are advised of the need to confirm their right to declare such parcels and to make the appropriate deductions to the area of eligible parcels as necessary, for example where a house or other building has been constructed, and to submit maps with their applications to allow accurate deductions to be made. It is also necessary for applicants to exclude ineligible features such as scrub. Therefore, the Land Parcel Identification System database has to be amended on an ongoing basis to reflect any permanent changes such as parcel boundary changes, addition of new parcels, etc.
Joe Carey
Ceist:247 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the disadvantaged area payment 2009 and 70% single farm payment will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40821/09]
An application under the 2009 Single Payment and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 30 April 2009. The application of the person named has been fully processed and payments under both the Single Payment and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will issue shortly.
Fishing Industry Development.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:248 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will honour the commitments made in the Crawley report; and if funding for the operational programme will be made available in 2010. [40830/09]
The Cawley report, Steering A New Course, is the national strategic blueprint for the Irish fishing industry and the wider seafood sector. Progress has been made on a number of fronts, including a substantial decommissioning scheme, which was a key recommendations of the Cawley report and has been completed. This scheme was funded from the EU Co-funded Operational Programme 2007-13 which was approved by the EU Commission on 9 September 2008. Bord Iascaigh Mhara is the implementing authority for this operational programme, which covers decommissioning of fishing vessels, environmental and inshore management and sustainable development of coastal fisheries. The adoption of the National Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-13, which covers a number of other priority areas including seafood processing and aquaculture development, has been delayed arising from concerns relating to environmental compliance raised by the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of the Central Fisheries Board, during the public consultation process. I am working to address these concerns with a view to the early adoption of this Operational Programme. The implementation of certain strategies contained in the Cawley strategy involves funding support for the sector. The rate of progress in these areas will depend on the availability of funds and the adoption of the National Seafood Development Operational Programme. However, many of the recommendations involve improved practices, improved organisation and better co-ordination and co-operation and do not depend on public funds. I will continue to work closely with all parties to drive the process forward to deliver on and further develop the strategic change necessary to support Ireland's fishing industry. The quantum of funding for 2010 will not be known until after budget 2010 has been announced by the Minister for Finance. I am committed to ensuring that available support is targeted on priority areas for the sector identified by the Cawley strategy.
Beef Industry.
Ulick Burke
Ceist:249 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of cattle slaughtered for each of the past six months at each of the meat factories in County Galway; if he will state the way in which this compares with the same period for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40870/09]
There are no bovine slaughtering establishments, approved by my Department, in County Galway. The last such establishment ceased bovine slaughter in January 2007. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland advises my Department that there are nine bovine slaughtering establishments approved by the Galway County Council Veterinary Service. As the throughput quantities in individual establishments are regarded as commercially sensitive, it is not considered appropriate to provide such figures for each establishment. The authority has provided the following total slaughtering figures in those establishments for the six-month periods ending in June 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009:
|
Month |
Number Slaughtered 2009 |
Number Slaughtered 2008 |
Number Slaughtered 2007 |
Number Slaughtered 2006 |
|
January |
191 |
242 |
229 |
222 |
|
February |
158 |
158 |
203 |
183 |
|
March |
191 |
173 |
200 |
197 |
|
April |
213 |
214 |
191 |
176 |
|
May |
168 |
161 |
207 |
225 |
|
June |
205 |
182 |
176 |
168 |
|
Total |
1,126 |
1,130 |
1,206 |
1,171 |
Grant Payments.
Tom Sheahan
Ceist:250 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a REP scheme 3 payment due to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry since August 2009; when payment will be awarded to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40872/09]
My officials have requested information from the REPS planner acting for the person named. Until that information is received, processing of the payment application cannot resume.
Installation Aid Scheme.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:251 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of installation aid will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [41002/09]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme, which has been suspended for new applications since 14 October 2008. Under the terms of the scheme, payment of the grant concerned is made once it has been established that the requirements of the scheme have been met, including the conditions in relation to property, education and income. In this case, an initial application (YFIS 1) was received by my Department on 5 August 2008 and an application for payment (YFIS 2) was received on 6 March 2009. The outcome of my Department's examination of the application will be made known to the applicant shortly.
Higher Education Grants.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:252 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Question No. 115 of 20 October 2009, the person from whom he received the legal opinion that a sworn affidavit does not verify the contents of it; if his attention has been drawn to the commonly held fact that a sworn affidavit is equivalent to making sworn oral evidence before a judge in the High Court; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that falsifying an affidavit can lead to prosecution for perjury and that conviction for perjury can lead to imprisonment; if he will acknowledge that his reply was inaccurate in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40744/09]
In order to clarify the matter raised by the Deputy, I refer to my reply to Question No. 115 of 20 October 2009 which stated that the role of a Commissioner for Oaths or practising solicitor is to witness the signature of a person making an affidavit, rather than to verify the contents of the affidavit itself. It is not at issue that the person swearing the affidavit is accountable in law for the veracity of its content in the manner outlined by the Deputy. In relation to student grants, in circumstances where it is not possible for a student to produce the documentary evidence normally required to establish independent residence in the relevant period, a local authority or VEC may, at its discretion, agree to accept other documentary proofs. In such cases, an affidavit, if accompanied by other supporting documentation, may be accepted as evidence of independent living. My Department has reviewed the use of affidavits in the context of proof of independent living and is satisfied that the current practice in this regard is reasonable and appropriate.
EU Directives.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:253 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights which has outlawed the use of crucifixes in State classrooms; whether this could impact on schools here, in particular, the nominally secular schools run by the vocational education committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40746/09]
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:257 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights which has outlawed the use of crucifixes in State classrooms; whether this could impact on schools here, particularly the nominally secular schools run by the vocational education committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40777/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 257 together.
I am aware that there has been a recent ruling by the European Court in relation to the display of crucifixes in state schools in Italy. My Department will be considering the European Court ruling to determine the implications, if any, for the Irish context. I am also aware that recent media reports suggest that the Italian government intends to appeal the ruling and my Department will also monitor the position in this regard.
Schools Building Projects.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:254 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in the view of the fact that outline planning permission has been granted for the building at a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare, he will appoint a design team for this project; and if he will confirm that the site has been purchased for the new school. [40761/09]
My Department has confirmed to the VEC that it is in order to close on the proposed acquisition referred to by the Deputy. The further progression of the proposed project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to the Department for school buildings generally.
School Transport.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:255 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the review of the school transport scheme and the reconfiguration of school catchment boundaries; when the report will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40763/09]
The Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme, including catchment boundaries, is currently underway and is due to be completed before the end of this year.
The Steering Committee is looking at the original objectives of the scheme, whether these objectives remain valid today, the extent to which the objectives are being achieved and whether there are possibilities for economies or efficiencies that would improve the value for money of the scheme. In this context, the review is also looking at fundamental issues such as catchment boundaries.
The review, when completed, will be published and sent to the Oireachtas Select Committee on Education and Science
Brian Hayes
Ceist:256 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Cork will be provided with school transport for a number of students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40775/09]
Under the terms of the Section 1.4 of the primary school transport scheme a service may be continued for as long as there are four eligible children and a minimum of six fare-paying children availing of the service.
Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme, on behalf of my Department, advised that the number of children availing of the service to the school referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, had fallen below the minimum number required to maintain this service. As a result, and in accordance with the terms of the scheme, the service was withdrawn with effect from the commencement of the current school year.
The school in question has now submitted an application for transport in respect of a number of additional pupils, who according to Bus Éireann had not previously applied for transport. In this regard, the provision of a transport service is currently under review.
Question No. 257 answered with Question No. 253.
Higher Education Grants.
John McGuinness
Ceist:258 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in approving grant applications by vocational educational committees; if a grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited and approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40783/09]
The process of assessing eligibility for third level grants and the organisation, management and payment of student grants are matters for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies seek to ensure students get decisions on their grant applications and are paid as soon as possible.
School Accommodation.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:259 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the names of post-primary schools in County Mayo that are renting prefab accommodation which have made an application to the building unit of his Department for construction or refurbishment work in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40802/09]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:260 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the names of primary schools in County Mayo that are renting prefab accommodation which have made an application to the building unit of his Department for construction or refurbishment work in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40803/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 260 together.
The details of the primary and post-primary schools renting prefabricated units in Co. Mayo are given in the following tabular statement. I have also included a statement listing the schools in the county that have applications with my Department for major extension/refurbishment.
|
Roll No. |
School Name |
Address |
County |
Type |
|
04796R |
Brackloon NS |
Brackloon, Westport |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
07054L |
Scoil Naomh Bríd |
Culleens, Killalla Rd., Ballina |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
11725I |
Behymore NS |
Behymore NS, Ballina |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
12206M |
SN Padraig |
Corrabheagain, Knockmore, Ballina |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
13152U |
St Josephs NS |
Derrywalsh, Castlebar |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
13659I |
Bekan NS |
Claremorris |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
13758K |
Templemary NS |
Carbed, Killala |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
13781P |
St. John’s NS |
Breaffy, Castlebar |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
13945J |
Eskeragh NS |
Eskeragh, Bellalorick, Ballina |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
14400S |
Richmond NS |
Crossmolina |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
15113U |
St James’ NS |
Barnacogue, Swinford |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
15539I |
St Johns NS |
Claremorris |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
15555G |
Breaffy NS |
Breaffy, Ballina |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
16021U |
Lisaniska NS |
Lisaniska, Foxford |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
16122D |
Scoil Mhuire |
Knock, Claremorris |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
16170O |
Cloghans NS |
Cloghans, Knockmore, Ballina |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
16832L |
St Augustine’s NS |
Murrisk, Westport |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
16904K |
Lankill NS |
Lankill, Westport |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
16911H |
Lahardane NS |
Ballina |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
17082W |
Scoil Chomain Naofa |
Hollymount |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
17119T |
Sn Ball Alainn |
Balla, Castlebar |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
17209U |
Caoneal NS |
Caoneal, Ballina |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
17483R |
Carrowholly NS |
Carrowholly, Westport |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
18070U |
Muire Gan Smal |
Claremorris |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
18145C |
St Tiernans NS |
Ballyhaunis |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
18542M |
St. Patrick’s NS |
Castlebar |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
18561Q |
St Josephs NS |
Ballina |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
19375B |
St Brid’s Spec NS |
Pavilion Road, Castlebar |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
19402B |
Ballyvary Central NS |
Ballyvary, Castlebar |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
19451O |
Holy Family NS |
Newport |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
19903A |
Kiltimagh Central (St Aidan’s NS) |
Kiltimagh |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
19972T |
GS Uileog de Burca |
Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
20142I |
Scoil Iosa |
Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
20230F |
Scoil Iosa |
Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
64570E |
Our Lady’s Sec School |
Belmullet |
Mayo |
Pre-fab |
|
Roll No. |
Address |
Curreny position |
Band rating |
|
|
91461C |
Ballyhaunis Community School, Knock Road, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo |
In early Architectural Planning |
Band 2.4 |
|
|
20046M |
Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche, Cathair na Mart, Co. Mayo |
In Advanced Architectural Planning |
Band 1.1 |
|
|
64570E |
Our Lady’s Secondary School, Belmullet, Co Mayo |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
Band 2.2 |
|
|
64660F |
Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh, Co Mayo |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
Band 2.4 |
|
|
13667H |
St. Josephs NS, Bonniconlon, Ballina, Co. Mayo |
Detailed Design |
Band 2.2 |
|
|
19387I/ 19773N |
St. Dympnas and St Nicholas Special Schools |
Construction 2009 |
Band 1.2 |
|
|
72050U |
St. Brendan’s College, Belmullet |
Construction 2009 |
Band 2.2 |
|
|
76060U |
Davitt College, Castlebar |
Construction 2009 |
Band 4.1 |
|
|
20142I |
Scoil Iosa, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
Band 1.4 |
|
|
04796R |
Brackloon N S Westport (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
05215W |
S N Croi Iosa Ballina (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
07054L |
Cullens National School, Knockduff, Beal Atha An Fheadha |
Awaiting Appointment of Design Team |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
11725I |
Beheymore N S Ballina (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
12568A |
Sn Inbhear Barr Na Tra (Mayo) |
Application |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
13145A |
S N Naomh Colm Cille Westport (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
13174H |
St Columbas N.S. Inishturk (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
13389F |
Sn An Trian Lair Beal Atha Na Muiche (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
13659I |
Beacan Mixed N S Bekan (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
13797U |
Lecanvey N S Westport (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
14195U |
An Gleanna Mhoir S N Crossmolina (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
14205U |
S N Mainistir Muigheo Claremorris (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
14671D |
S N Na Craobhaighe Carrowmore-Lacken (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
14808E |
Irishtown N S Claremorris (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
15257V |
Quignamanger N S Ballina (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
16021U |
Lisaniska N S S N Lios An Uisce (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
16122D |
Knock N S Claremorris (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
16173U |
Kinaffe N S Swinford (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
16283E |
S N Pol A Tsomais Beal An Atha (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
16832L |
Muirisc Ns Muirisc (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
16904K |
S N Lainn Cille Cathair Na Mart (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
18002D |
Drumgallagh N S Ballycroy (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Roll No. |
Address |
Curreny position |
Band rating |
|
|
18070U |
Convent Of Mercy N.S. Claremorris (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
18175L |
S N Beannchair Carrowmore (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
18542M |
S N Naomh Padraig Castlebar (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
18561Q |
S N Naomh Ioseph Raithini (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
19248R |
St Anthonys Special Sc Humbert Way (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
19375B |
St Brids Special Sch Pavilion Road (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
19451O |
Newport Central Baile Ui Bhfiachain (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
19808G |
Tavrane Central Ns Kilkelly (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
19812U |
Foxford Central Ns Foxford (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
19832D |
Scoil Raifteiri Faiche An Aonaigh (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
19903A |
Kiltimagh Central Kiltimagh (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
19972T |
S N Uileog De Burca Clar Chlainne Mhuiris (Mayo) |
Application |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
20037L |
S N Padraig Naofa Louisburgh (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
20084U |
Gaelscoil Bheal An Atha Corrai Mhuireann (Mayo) |
Application |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
20230F |
Scoil Phadraic Westport (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
20256A |
Scoil Náisiúnta Thuar Mhic Éadaigh Trianláir (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
64500G |
Balla Secondary School Balla (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
64510J |
St Muredachs College Sligo Road (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
64520M |
St. Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina |
Awaiting Appointment of Design Team |
New school |
Band 2 |
|
64590K |
Naomh Iosaef Clochar Na Trócaire (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
64640W |
St Joseph’S Secondary School Foxford (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
64690O |
Scoil Muire Agus Padraig Swinford (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
64691Q |
Coláiste Mhuire Tuar Mhic Éadaigh (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
64700O |
Rice College Castlebar Road (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
64710R |
Sacred Heart School Westport (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
72070D |
Mchale College Achill Sound (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 4 |
|
72100J |
St. Tiernan’S College Crossmolina (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
72160E |
Carrowbeg College Westport (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
76060U |
Davitt College Springfield (Mayo) |
Application |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
91494R |
St Louis Community School Kiltimagh (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
School Enrolments.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:261 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of full-time second level students enrolled at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the anticipated future enrolment trends for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40808/09]
A new school to cater for 400 pupils is currently under construction for the school referred to by the Deputy. It is envisaged that the building will be completed by the end of the year.
Enrolments in the school for the past three years are as follows: 2008 — 251; 2007 — 234; 2006 — 246.
Schools Refurbishment.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:262 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in granting permission for the refurbishment of the school hall at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40812/09]
A major capital project at the school to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget.
The proposed building project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.
My Department has received correspondence from the school regarding possible progression of the school hall element of the major project. My Department has responded directly to the school in this regard with a request for more detailed information on what is proposed.
Special Educational Needs.
Pat Breen
Ceist:263 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1675 of 24 September 2008, the status of a project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40814/09]
I can confirm that my Department has received an application for major capital funding for the provision of an ASD Unit for the school referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed and has been assigned a band 1.2 rating under the prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Schools Building Projects.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:264 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the names of post-primary schools in County Mayo that have made an application to the building unit of his Department for construction or refurbishment work which has not yet been sanctioned, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40826/09]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:265 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the names of primary schools in County Mayo that have made an application to the building unit of his Department for construction or refurbishment work which has not yet been sanctioned, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40827/09]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:266 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the names of post-primary schools in County Mayo that have made an application to the building unit of his Department for construction or refurbishment work which have been refused, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40828/09]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:267 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the names of primary schools in County Mayo that have made an application to the building unit of his Department for construction or refurbishment work which have been refused, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40829/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 to 267, inclusive, together.
Information in relation to the current school building programme along with all eligible applications for major capital works, including primary and post primary projects in County Mayo as referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie. The following table shows the relevant extract from the website.
All applications for Major Capital Funding are assessed by my Department. My Department does not keep a centralised record of refused or ineligible applications. Eligible projects are then assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned an appropriate band rating. The priority attaching to individual major capital projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
|
A1.3 Projects in Architectural Planning (July 2009) |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Current Status |
Band Rating |
Project Description |
|
Mayo |
13667H |
St. Joseph’s NS, Bonniconlon, Ballina, Co. Mayo |
Detailed Design |
2.2 |
New School |
|
Mayo |
20142I |
Scoil Iosa, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
1.4 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Mayo |
64570E |
Our Lady’s Secondary School, Belmullet, Co Mayo |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
2.2 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Mayo |
64660F |
Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh, Co Mayo |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
2.4 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Mayo |
91461C |
Ballyhaunis Community School, Knock Road, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo |
In early Architectural Planning |
2.4 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
County |
Roll Number |
School |
Current Status |
Application for |
Provisional Band rating |
|
Mayo |
04796R |
Brackloon N S Westport (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
05215W |
S N Croi Iosa Ballina (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
07054L |
Cullens National School, Knockduff, Beal Atha An Fheadha |
Awaiting Appointment of Design Team |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
11725I |
Beheymore N S Ballina (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
12568A |
Sn Inbhear Barr Na Tra (Mayo) |
Application |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
13145A |
S N Naomh Colm Cille Westport (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
13174H |
St Columbas N.S. Inishturk (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
13389F |
Sn An Trian Lair Beal Atha Na Muiche (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
13659I |
Beacan Mixed N S Bekan (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Mayo |
13797U |
Lecanvey N S Westport (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
14195U |
An Gleanna Mhoir S N Crossmolina (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Mayo |
14205U |
S N Mainistir Muigheo Claremorris (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
14671D |
S N Na Craobhaighe Carrowmore-Lacken (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
14808E |
Irishtown N S Claremorris (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
County |
Roll Number |
School |
Current Status |
Application for |
Provisional Band rating |
|
Mayo |
15257V |
Quignamanger N S Ballina (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
16021U |
Lisaniska N S S N Lios An Uisce (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Mayo |
16122D |
Knock N S Claremorris (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Mayo |
16173U |
Kinaffe N S Swinford (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Mayo |
16283E |
S N Pol A Tsomais Beal An Atha (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Mayo |
16832L |
Muirisc Ns Muirisc (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
16904K |
S N Lainn Cille Cathair Na Mart (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
18002D |
Drumgallagh N S Ballycroy (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Mayo |
18070U |
Convent Of Mercy N.S. Claremorris (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
18175L |
S N Beannchair Carrowmore (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
18542M |
S N Naomh Padraig Castlebar (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
18561Q |
S N Naomh Ioseph Raithini (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
19248R |
St Anthonys Special School Humbert Way (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Mayo |
19375B |
St Brids Special School Pavilion Road (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Mayo |
19451O |
Newport Central Baile Ui Bhfiachain (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Mayo |
19808G |
Tavrane Central Ns Kilkelly (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Mayo |
19812U |
Foxford Central Ns Foxford (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Mayo |
19832D |
Scoil Raifteiri Faiche An Aonaigh (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
19903A |
Kiltimagh Central Kiltimagh (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
19972T |
S N Uileog De Burca Clar Chlainne Mhuiris (Mayo) |
Application |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
20037L |
S N Padraig Naofa Louisburgh (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
County |
Roll Number |
School |
Current Status |
Application for |
Provisional Band rating |
|
Mayo |
20084U |
Gaelscoil Bheal An Atha Corrai Mhuireann (Mayo) |
Application |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
20230F |
Scoil Phadraic Westport (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Mayo |
20256A |
Scoil Náisiúnta Thuar Mhic Éadaigh Trianláir (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
64500G |
Balla Secondary School Balla (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
64510J |
St Muredachs College Sligo Road (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
64520M |
St. Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina |
Awaiting Appointment of Design Team |
New school |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
64590K |
Naomh Iosaef Clochar Na Trócaire (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
64640W |
St Joseph’S Secondary School Foxford (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
64690O |
Scoil Muire Agus Padraig Swinford (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
64691Q |
Coláiste Mhuire Tuar Mhic Éadaigh (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
64700O |
Rice College Castlebar Road (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
64710R |
Sacred Heart School Westport (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
72070D |
Mchale College Achill Sound (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 4 |
|
Mayo |
72100J |
St. Tiernan’S College Crossmolina (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
72160E |
Carrowbeg College Westport (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
76060U |
Davitt College Springfield (Mayo) |
Application |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
Mayo |
91494R |
St Louis Community School Kiltimagh (Mayo) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
Stádas Scoile.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:268 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an bhfuil stádas scoile Gaeltachta ag scoil (sonraí tugtha), cad í teanga teagaisc na scoile mar a chuirtear ar fáil go bliantúil don Roinn, mura bhfuil an scoil rangaithe mar scoil Ghaeltachta cathain ar athraigh sé seo agus ar chuireadh an scoil ar an eolas faoi; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [40978/09]
Tá socrú déanta agam go ndéanfaidh oifigeach de chuid mo Roinne teagmháil leis an Teachta maidir leis na ceisteanna a ardaíodh sa cheist.
Schools Building Projects.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:269 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools which are at the stage of advanced architectural planning; the aggregate value of completing projects in that phase; if he has ranked projects for priority release; and the position in the ranking of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [40979/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. It is one of over 130 projects which are similarly advanced. The aggregate value of these projects will be dependent on market conditions at the time each will go to tender. This project has a priority band rating of 2.4. Details of all projects in architectural planning along with their respective priority band ratings are available on my Department's web-site at www.education.gov.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget. The Deputy will understand that it is not possible to advance all projects at the same time. The proposed building project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:270 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40983/09]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has recently issued Co Donegal VEC with approval to proceed to seek tenders for this project to provide a new school building.
Teaching Qualifications.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:271 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to support and recognise the nominational training colleges for primary teachers; his views on whether the training colleges are providing an adequate number of trained primary teachers; his further plans to continue to recognise courses which are completed for the training of teachers on an on-line basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40997/09]
As the Deputy is aware, five State funded Colleges of Education offer the Bachelor of Education for primary teaching. Hibernia College, a private on-line college, and four of the State funded Colleges of Education also offer a post graduate conversion course. These qualifications have been fully recognised by my Department for teaching in the primary sector.
The recognition of teacher qualifications is now a matter for the Teaching Council, the body with responsibility for establishing and maintaining standards in the teaching profession. The Teaching Council's Registration Regulations, which I recently approved, continue to recognise these qualifications for registration as a teacher in the primary sector.
The issue of supply of qualified primary teachers is under constant review within my Department and is currently being considered in the context of likely demands in the system in the coming years and the resources available. In the short term, taking into account many factors such as demographics, the level of retirements, the school staffing schedule, and so on, it is considered that there is an adequate supply of trained teachers from the colleges to meet the current demand.
Higher Education Reform.
Joan Burton
Ceist:272 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of times the review committee on higher education has met in 2009; and when he expects to receive its report. [41006/09]
The process to develop a new national strategy for higher education is being led by a high level Strategy Group under the Chairmanship of Dr Colin Hunt. The group has met on seven occasions since its establishment in February 2009.
A vibrant responsive higher education system will be crucially important in terms of Ireland's future development and the Strategy Group are cognisant of the need to fully engage with all stakeholders in the sector and wider society. A first round of consultation was completed in the Summer under which an open call for written submissions elicited a significant and valuable response. More than 100 submissions were received and are available on the Higher Education Authority website: www.hea.ie. I understand that the Strategy Group are undertaking additional detailed consultations to fully inform the development of the new strategy. I expect that the overall process of finalising the strategy report will be completed early in the New Year.