Vol. 698 No. 5
8 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans for national opera provision in view of reports of an amalgamation and if a new national opera company will be established in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47610/09]
I believe that Ireland should have its own National Opera Company. In this regard, it is my intention to establish a National Opera Company based in the capital. I intend that over the coming months my Department, supported by the Arts Council, Opera Theatre Company and Opera Ireland, will drive the process which will culminate in the formation of this new national company. Plans for the formation of this new venture are now moving ahead apace. I am in discussions with the Chairs of the two companies involved, together with the Chair of the Arts Council, to advance the realisation of this ambition. The technical funding of opera will remain unchanged in 2010. This means that the opera companies will receive their allocations from the Arts Council as they did in 2009. For the September 2010/September 2011 season, my Department will fund the new National Opera Company.
9 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a study has been undertaken to assess the impact of the airport departure tax and the damage it is doing to our tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47390/09]
18 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the recommendation of the tourism renewal group to abolish the airport travel tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47399/09]
21 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to enhance the tourism industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39526/09]
23 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans for the promotion and development of the tourism and catering industries in 2010 to ensure the industry can be competitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47430/09]
214 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans in conjunction with tourism interests to improve the competitiveness of the industry internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48093/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 18, 21, 23 and 214 together.
The abolition of the air travel tax was just one of a range of measures recommended in the Report of the Tourism Renewal Group as part of a Framework for Action for the period to 2013. I refer the Deputy to my earlier answer to Priority Question No. 47909/09 in respect of progress on the Survival Actions in the Framework. The Government has to consider any measure with tax or spending implications within the wider context of fiscal sustainability and economic renewal. The recommendations of the Renewal Group were taken into account in framing the Budget — along with the views of the Commission on Taxation. The Commission recommended that a review should be undertaken by Government to assess the effects of the air travel tax on business in general and tourism in particular in the context of the pending inclusion of air travel in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme from 2012.
The Renewal Group based its Framework on its various consultations and consideration of tourism strategy. It did not commission formal quantitative assessments. I am advised that some analysis was carried out for Tourism Ireland when the tax was first proposed. This concluded that the impact of the travel tax on aggregate demand for air travel may not be significant although, in specific markets and at specific times, the impact of the €10 additional cost could have a negative impact on demand. I am also advised that, in a submission to the Commission on Taxation, the Chairman of Fáilte Ireland stated that its research estimated that the introduction of the tax would result in a net loss of over €30m to the Irish economy on an annual basis. I am also aware that three airlines commissioned a study of the impact of the Air Travel Tax, which they published last month.
However, the range of factors which affect the numbers of passengers — including inbound tourists — are so varied that any such attempt to put a definite figure on the impact of a single tax has to rest on a large number of assumptions. Even if a study's conclusions are robust, they must be seen in the context of the overall financial challenges we face. The air travel tax is an important revenue raising measure and, in its absence, the revenue would be sought elsewhere. The Government has tried to be as fair as possible in looking at areas for additional tax revenues. It is worth noting that fuel used by commercial airlines is completely exempt from tax.
As I said earlier, the recommendation to abolish the Air Travel Tax was only part of a wide-ranging set of Measures recommended in the Framework for Action which forms, from a tourism perspective, the strategic basis on which Government is responding to the current difficulties. I am fully aware of the many issues affecting the tourist industry, including the issues of costs and competitiveness. Drawing on the Report of the Group, I am determined — as I have already indicated in reply to earlier Priority Questions — to take the lead in identifying and driving the right measures to assist in ensuring that tourism survives and remains a major industry for Ireland and also to position the sector for recovery and growth as the Irish and global economies get back on track.
11 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will reopen the local authority swimming pool programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47396/09]
No decision has been taken on the timing of a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. The matter will be reviewed in 2010. A total of 57 applications were received under the current round of the Programme, of which 45 projects have been completed and opened to the public. The priority now is to work with the relevant local authorities in completing the remaining 12 pool projects which are included in the current round. Since 2000 and, to date in 2009, total expenditure under the current round of the programme has been €142.7m and funding of €7.5m has been provided for 2010 to support existing projects. Five new pools opened to the public in 2009, at Athy and Naas, Co. Kildare, Dundrum, Co. Dublin, Claremorris, Co. Mayo and Roscrea, Co, Tipperary.
12 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received representations to engage with the British National Trust and the Stormont Minister for Arts, Culture and Leisure regarding assigning of causeway coast status to the northern peninsulas of County Donegal in order to encourage tourists at the Giant’s Causeway to follow on their holiday with a visit here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47566/09]
I have not received representations regarding the assignment of causeway coast status to Donegal's northern peninsulas. Furthermore the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism has been informed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Northern Ireland, who have responsibility for Tourism that they are unaware of any such representations by the National Trust or the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
In terms of cooperation generally, the Deputy will be aware that tourism is one of the recognised sectors for North-South Cooperation and in particular, Tourism Ireland, a north south body, markets the island of Ireland as a destination overseas. Tourism Ireland works closely with Fáilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to encourage overseas visitors to explore the island as widely as possible. In the Netherlands, for example, promotional activity highlights Donegal and the North West region jointly with the Giant's Causeway and the Causeway Coastal Route.
I am glad to report to the House that yesterday I attended the North South Ministerial Council tourism sectoral meeting at which a presentation was made by Tourism Ireland on progress in 2009 and its marketing plan for 2010. The 2010 plans which Tourism Ireland expect will deliver growth of 3% in visitor numbers next year were well received and the budget to fund these initiatives is now in place.
13 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if in contacts with officials of the Department of Finance in relation to tax breaks for the film industry he has sought to have games development and computer animated film included in this tax break; his views on the value to Ireland of the creation of a centre of excellence for digitally generated entertainment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47564/09]
Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions is a matter for the Irish Film Board (IFB). This agency is funded through my Department and is independent of the Department in its operations. My Department's primary operational role in supporting the film sector relates to the administration of elements of Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 that provides tax relief for investments in qualifying films. A qualifying film is a film for which the Revenue Commissioners have issued a certificate under Section 481. The types of film eligible for certification are — feature film, television drama, creative documentary and animation (whether computer generated or otherwise, but excluding computer games).
This scheme is kept under regular review in conjunction with the Irish Film Board and any enhancements necessary to retain or regain competitiveness are addressed and brought to the attention of the Minister for Finance as appropriate. The scheme was amended and enhanced in the Finance Acts of 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and most recently in 2008. The amendments in 2008 extended the scheme for a further four years until the end of 2012, increased the overall ceiling on qualifying expenditure from €35m to €50m, increased the individual investor cap for those wishing to invest finance in film in Ireland to €50,000 per annum from the previous limit of €31,750 and increased the relief on that investment to 100% from 80%. Approval from the European Commission to introduce these changes was secured in March and the Minister for Finance subsequently signed the Commencement Orders on 16 March. These were significant enhancements and have resulted in 43 film projects being approved to date in 2009, up from 38 in 2008, with a total Irish spend of €102m.
I recently established an Audiovisual Content Production Industry Strategy Framework Group that will assist in providing a clear vision for the future of the industry. The whole area of computer games development will be examined as part of the work programme of the Group. Following the receipt of the Framework Report in the New Year I will examine it and if there is an opportunity to further develop the industry here, then I will pursue it in the ambit of extending the Section 481 Scheme and will bring it to the Minister for Finance seeking approval.
14 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans for the proposed national sports campus; the progress made to date in terms of planning and design; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47547/09]
Planning permission has been obtained for Phase One of the National Sports Campus. The planning permission includes provision for
a multi-sport National Indoor Training Centre to provide world-class training facilities for more than 20 sports;
Sports Science and Medical facilities;
accommodation for sportsmen and women;
all-weather synthetic pitches for community recreational access; and
a National Field Sports Training Centre catering for Rugby, Soccer, Gaelic Games and Hockey.
I am also pleased to report that refurbishment work on the former Central Meat Control Laboratory has recently been completed and this is providing a headquarters for the Irish Institute of Sport.
However, because of the difficult economic constraints it is not possible to move forward with the main Phase One of the National Sports Campus project at this time. In the meantime, however, an amount of €3m capital has been provided in my Department's 2010 provision for the refurbishment of the former Marine Institute building at Abbotstown which will be used as a headquarters for national governing bodies of sport. Most of the remainder of the capital allocation, over €600,000, will be used to provide for capital maintenance at the National Aquatic Centre. It is my intention, as resources permit, to move ahead with the National Sports Campus which is one of the last major pieces of sports infrastructure required in this country.
15 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on plans to amalgamate the National Gallery, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the Crawford Art Gallery; if he will report on plans to merge the National Archives with the National Manuscript Commission and the National Library; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47574/09]
In regard to the Galleries, I believe, having examined the matter now in great detail, that the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery should remain stand alone entities and that the Crawford can be amalgamated with the National Gallery. I will formalise the matter in the New Year. Meantime, substantive progress is being made on the Heads of Bill in relation to the amalgamation of the National Library, the National Archives of Ireland and the Irish Manuscripts Commission.
16 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the impact cuts in the Arts Council budget will have on the arts here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47395/09]
As Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism I am committed to securing the best possible funding deal for the Arts Council and the arts sector generally. In recent years, allocations to the Arts Council have represented significant amounts of taxpayer's money in any context and have effectively transformed the arts, by facilitating increased access to and participation in the full spectrum of art forms around the country. Since 2002, Exchequer funding for the Arts Council has increased by 45% from €47.67million in 2002 to €69.15 million in 2010. In these difficult times I was delighted to be able to secure funding of this level for the Arts Council. For the arts, culture and film sector in 2010 I have secured €167m, an adjustment of 6% on 2009. The Government's sustained commitment to the arts is evidenced by this substantial level of funding. This Government is committed to supporting the arts and will continue to work with Arts Council as part of its programme to achieve this.
19 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the recently published report (details supplied) carried out on behalf of the Irish Hotels Federation; his further views on the findings of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47391/09]
I refer the Deputy to my answer earlier today to Priority PQ number 3 on the same topic.
20 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the national sports facilities strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47392/09]
A draft National Sports Facilities Strategy 2010-2015 has now been completed within my Department and has been circulated to a number of Government Departments and other relevant bodies for observations. Following receipt of these comments I intend to submit the strategy to the Government for its consideration and publication. The aim of the National Sports Facilities strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment and grant assistance at national, regional and local level. The strategy also identifies the wider economic, health and social case for continued investment in sports facilities. It aims to prioritise areas for future investment and to ensure continued impact in the relevant areas.
22 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding will be provided for the National Concert Hall for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47397/09]
The Annual allocation for 2010 to the National Concert Hall is included in Subhead D3 of the Vote for my Department. The National Concert Hall has been allocated €3,316,000. The breakdown is current €3,072,000 (of which pay is €874,000 and non-pay is €2,198,000) and capital €244,000. The payroll and related adjustment arising from the Budget announcements will be allocated in the 2010 Revised Estimates.
24 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the main policy objectives for the promotion of the arts in 2010 regarding the ongoing need for strategic expenditure that has traditionally yielded a high return on investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47429/09]
My policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. For 2010, I have secured €167m for the arts, culture and film sectors, a 6% adjustment on 2010. Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council.
25 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the steps he is taking to secure adequate levels of funding for sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47199/09]
We all appreciate the important role that sport plays in our society in promoting healthy lifestyles, creating a sense of identity and belonging, channeling energy in rewarding activity and bringing people together. I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to sport and believes in the contribution it can make to our society, for individuals and for communities. Thus the importance of the sport sector to the country is reflected in the commitments contained in the Renewed Programme for Government and the funding secured for the sector under Budget 2010. I am committed to increasing and developing participation and interest in sport, improving standards of performance and to developing sports facilities thereby contributing to healthier lifestyles and an improved overall quality of life.
A total of €48m has been provided for the Sports Capital Programme in 2010. The provision of €48m for Sports Capital projects will ensure that commitments arising in 2010 from previous allocations under the Sports Capital Programme will continue to be made and that a range of modern facilities will be brought in to use in 2010. Since 1998, over €725m has been allocated to 7,400 sports projects all over the country. Funding for the Irish Sports Council for 2010 is €49.8m, a reduction of 4% on the 2009 levels, but is a significant investment by Government to enable this important agency maintain existing programmes and build on recent significant progress in all areas including Local Sports Partnerships, Buntús, Women in Sport, Older People and Sport, Youth Field Sports and the High Performance Programme.
The Lansdowne Road Stadium, a key sports infrastructure project, remains on schedule to be completed on time and within budget in 2010. The allocation by the Department of €4.5m in 2010 represents the retention amount of the Government's funding for the project of €191m.
Ireland is the third largest breeder of thoroughbreds in the world and Irish horses and jockeys consistently succeed at the highest level. An estimated 27,000 jobs are supported by both the horse and greyhound industry in Ireland and significant inward investment is attracted to the country. Taking account of the need to continue to support both industries, €59.3m is being allocated by Government to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund in 2010. This is a reduction of 13% on the funding provided in 2009.
Unfortunately it will not be possible to proceed with the main Campus project in the short term because of financial constraints. An amount of €3m however is being provided to the National Sports Campus for the refurbishment of the former Marine Institute building at Abbotstown, which will be used as a headquarters for national governing bodies of sport. Most of the remainder of the €3.6m overall capital allocation will be used to provide for capital maintenance at the National Aquatic Centre. I am satisfied that the budgets provided for the various sports programmes in a very difficult budgetary environment will enable is to continue with the pursuit of our strategic objectives in the sport areas.
26 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to delays of up to 12 months in respect of statutory redundancy payments for persons who have lost their jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47931/09]
The Tánaiste and I are very concerned about the current delays being experienced by businesses and individuals in the processing of statutory redundancy payments and we have taken measures to improve this situation. However, the delays in processing are not generally of the order referred to by the Deputy if all relevant information and supporting documents have been supplied to the Department and are in order. Currently, the Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is processing rebate applications submitted by post from March 2009 and those filed online from April 2009, so that the waiting time is approximately 8 to 9 months depending on the manner of filing the application. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009.
On the basis of the latest figures available to end November 2009 these indicate that, on a national basis, the number of redundancy claims awaiting processing stands at 42,591. I should point out that my Department has, since 1 January processed 45,201 claims and made corresponding payments amounting to €287m (provisional figures) which results in average weekly payments to the value of €6.5m being issued. Given the increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first eleven months of 2009 is 73,024, up 96% on the same period last year (37,257). This figure exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken include:
the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section in terms of full time equivalents is 52.5;
the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;
The provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners.
The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.
27 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits issued on a county basis in each year from 2000 to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47758/09]
Please find below the figures as requested by the Deputy.
|
Year |
County |
Total |
New |
Renewals |
Group |
|
2009 |
7,754 |
3,904 |
3,850 |
0 |
|
|
Undefined* |
265 |
246 |
19 |
0 |
|
|
Antrim |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Carlow |
64 |
34 |
30 |
0 |
|
|
Cavan |
66 |
14 |
52 |
0 |
|
|
Clare |
123 |
64 |
59 |
0 |
|
|
Cork |
524 |
247 |
277 |
0 |
|
|
Donegal |
106 |
39 |
67 |
0 |
|
|
Down |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Dublin |
3,762 |
1,882 |
1,880 |
0 |
|
|
Galway |
301 |
170 |
131 |
0 |
|
|
Kerry |
87 |
29 |
58 |
0 |
|
|
Kildare |
937 |
560 |
377 |
0 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
65 |
26 |
39 |
0 |
|
|
Laois |
36 |
5 |
31 |
0 |
|
|
Leitrim |
14 |
6 |
8 |
0 |
|
|
Limerick |
188 |
82 |
106 |
0 |
|
|
Longford |
36 |
22 |
14 |
0 |
|
|
Louth |
80 |
39 |
41 |
0 |
|
|
Mayo |
87 |
39 |
48 |
0 |
|
|
Meath |
234 |
81 |
153 |
0 |
|
|
Monaghan |
40 |
15 |
25 |
0 |
|
|
Offaly |
32 |
13 |
19 |
0 |
|
|
Roscommon |
24 |
9 |
15 |
0 |
|
|
Sligo |
35 |
13 |
22 |
0 |
|
|
Tipperary |
201 |
90 |
111 |
0 |
|
|
Waterford |
72 |
30 |
42 |
0 |
|
|
Westmeath |
80 |
39 |
41 |
0 |
|
|
Wexford |
71 |
20 |
51 |
0 |
|
|
Wicklow |
222 |
90 |
132 |
0 |
|
|
2008 |
13,569 |
8,556 |
5,013 |
0 |
|
|
Undefined * |
223 |
190 |
33 |
0 |
|
|
Antrim |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
Armagh |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Belfast |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
|
|
Carlow |
107 |
64 |
43 |
0 |
|
|
Cavan |
144 |
74 |
70 |
0 |
|
|
Clare |
209 |
122 |
87 |
0 |
|
|
Cork |
946 |
623 |
323 |
0 |
|
|
Derry |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Donegal |
179 |
96 |
83 |
0 |
|
|
Down |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Dublin |
6,764 |
4,283 |
2,481 |
0 |
|
|
Galway |
442 |
269 |
173 |
0 |
|
|
Kerry |
188 |
100 |
88 |
0 |
|
|
Kildare |
1,404 |
1,005 |
399 |
0 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
137 |
79 |
58 |
0 |
|
|
Laois |
74 |
44 |
30 |
0 |
|
|
Leitrim |
35 |
21 |
14 |
0 |
|
|
Limerick |
380 |
235 |
145 |
0 |
|
|
Longford |
53 |
29 |
24 |
0 |
|
|
Louth |
211 |
138 |
73 |
0 |
|
|
Mayo |
142 |
92 |
50 |
0 |
|
|
Meath |
425 |
196 |
229 |
0 |
|
|
Monaghan |
66 |
29 |
37 |
0 |
|
|
Offaly |
57 |
35 |
22 |
0 |
|
|
Roscommon |
69 |
31 |
38 |
0 |
|
|
Sligo |
73 |
39 |
34 |
0 |
|
|
Tipperary |
363 |
219 |
144 |
0 |
|
|
Waterford |
164 |
109 |
55 |
0 |
|
|
Westmeath |
214 |
146 |
68 |
0 |
|
|
Wexford |
137 |
86 |
51 |
0 |
|
|
Wicklow |
355 |
201 |
154 |
0 |
|
|
2007 |
23,177 |
9,915 |
13,249 |
13 |
|
|
Undefined * |
294 |
168 |
126 |
0 |
|
|
Antrim |
5 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
Armagh |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Belfast |
4 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
|
|
Carlow |
197 |
68 |
129 |
0 |
|
|
Cavan |
370 |
59 |
311 |
0 |
|
|
Clare |
455 |
134 |
321 |
0 |
|
|
Cork |
1,483 |
615 |
868 |
0 |
|
|
Derry |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Donegal |
308 |
134 |
174 |
0 |
|
|
Down |
16 |
11 |
1 |
4 |
|
|
Dublin |
11,164 |
5,215 |
5,940 |
9 |
|
|
Fermanagh |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Galway |
922 |
333 |
589 |
0 |
|
|
Kerry |
355 |
110 |
245 |
0 |
|
|
Kildare |
2,249 |
1,185 |
1,064 |
0 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
218 |
69 |
149 |
0 |
|
|
Laois |
157 |
75 |
82 |
0 |
|
|
Leitrim |
73 |
24 |
49 |
0 |
|
|
Limerick |
697 |
294 |
403 |
0 |
|
|
Longford |
77 |
30 |
47 |
0 |
|
|
Louth |
303 |
115 |
188 |
0 |
|
|
Mayo |
290 |
112 |
178 |
0 |
|
|
Meath |
836 |
194 |
642 |
0 |
|
|
Monaghan |
189 |
35 |
154 |
0 |
|
|
Offaly |
122 |
43 |
79 |
0 |
|
|
Roscommon |
145 |
38 |
107 |
0 |
|
|
Sligo |
110 |
46 |
64 |
0 |
|
|
Tipperary |
679 |
264 |
415 |
0 |
|
|
Waterford |
278 |
95 |
183 |
0 |
|
|
Westmeath |
288 |
111 |
177 |
0 |
28 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on correspondence (details supplied) submitted by this Deputy on 8 October 2009 relative to a submission given to her on 26 February 2009 by a person (details supplied); if she sees any merit in the proposal; if funding or support is available from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47775/09]
I met with representatives of Oak Tree Home Care Ltd and Vision Training, which is also known as The Oak Tree/Vision Partnership, at which they presented me with a submission setting out an education, training and employment initiative aimed at enhancing the standard of professional care in Ireland. Given the training and re-skilling aspects at the centre of the project I asked FÁS to make contact with Oak Tree/Vision to see whether it could assist in any way.
I understand that staff from the FÁS South East Region have met with representatives of Oak Tree/Vision and explained to them the procurement arrangements, which are in place for all FÁS-funded training programmes. FÁS has also informed the company representatives that they would be contacted in the event of any training programmes coming on stream for which they could tender. Finally, I understand that the company has registered itself onto the FÁS/Enterprise Ireland National Register of Trainers.
29 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff employed by her Department on 1 January 2009; and the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009. [47802/09]
The number of staff employed by my Department on 1 January 2009 was 1074.93 (full time equivalents); and the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009 was 1004.81 (full time equivalents).
30 Deputy John Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a redundancy payment will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [47806/09]
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 can confirm that my Department received a statutory lump sum application for the individual concerned on 3 September, 2009, claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer. This application awaits processing.
The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing rebate applications submitted by post from March 2009 and those filed online from April 2009, so that the waiting time is approximately 8 to 9 months depending on the manner of filing the application. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009.
Given the unprecedented increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first eleven months of 2009 is 73,024. This figure exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken include:
the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section in terms of full time equivalents is 52.5;
the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;
The provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners.
The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.
31 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 24 September 2008, the progress made to date on obtaining alternative employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47825/09]
Since the closure of the Green Isle, Boyle facility, Enterprise Ireland has been closely monitoring the situation as regards identifying a replacement employer. On 2 February this year, Enterprise Ireland accompanied an overseas visitor to view the company's facility in Boyle, and while this site proved to be too large for the project under consideration, the visitor has viewed other property in the Roscommon/Leitrim area. Currently, all relevant resources in Enterprise Ireland are being made available to assist this visitor in considering the region for current or future projects, and also to any other potential employer that may be identified.
32 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the venture capital funds that have been established through her Department and its agencies; the amounts available through those funds; the take-up of those funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47885/09]
A healthy venture capital market is a prerequisite for the growth and development of high potential start up companies. To date, Enterprise Ireland has been involved in three Seed and Venture Capital Programmes as follows:
Seed and Venture Capital Programme 2007-2012.
Seed and Venture Capital Programme 2000-2006, under the National Development Plan.
The EU Seed and Venture Capital Measure 1994-1999, under the Operational Programme.
Under the EU Seed and Venture Capital Measure 1994-1999, 15 separate venture capital initiatives were established with €43.9m committed under this Programme. The first of these initiatives was launched in May 1996. Under the 2000-2006 Programme, Enterprise Ireland committed €98m to continue development of the venture capital market for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland. This Programme committed capital to 15 funds. The 2007-2012 Seed and Venture Capital Scheme was launched to improve access to finance for SMEs and to further develop the Seed and Venture Capital Industry in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland has committed to investing €175m under this programme.
The Bank of Ireland Seed and Early Stage Equity Fund, which I launched in November of this year, is the eighth venture capital fund to be supported under the current scheme. Under this €26m fund, Bank of Ireland has committed €17m and Enterprise Ireland has committed €8m, with the balance of €1m being committed by the University of Limerick Foundation. This fund will focus on export orientated high potential start-up companies that operate in the technology (including green technology), food and financial services sectors, in addition to supporting patent and patent pending projects within Irish third and fourth level institutions. The fund is mandated to invest between €100,000 and €500,000 in companies within the outlined investment criteria.
33 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the breakdown of the specific programme changes made by her Department to achieve the budgetary savings estimated for 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47887/09]
Overall, my Department's Estimate for 2010, including the National Training Fund, shows an increase in expenditure of €70.7 million compared to the 2009 Estimate. The additional funding will primarily be used to protect jobs and support those who are unemployed. Notwithstanding the overall increase in my Department's Estimate for 2010, many Subheads will have reduced allocations next year compared to 2009.
The areas in which savings will be achieved are as follows:
Reduction in funding to FÁS for training those in employment as increased resources are directed at training people who are unemployed (€6 million saving in 2010 compared to 2009).
Reduction in grant for Community Employment training and materials overhead (€7.6 million saving).
Reduction in part-time third level places and ending of Science Challenge within FAS (€4.5 million saving).
Cessation of the FÁS Training Allowance to new entrants who do not qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit/Allowance (€3.2 million saving).
Reduction in Current Non-Pay funding for agencies and Offices under the aegis of the Department (€5.761 million saving).
Reduction in Current Non-Pay funding for Science and Technology programmes (€1.121 million saving).
Reduction in CE/Job Initiative allowances (€5 million saving).
Reduction in allocations to a range of other programmes and services (€1.343 million saving).
Reduction in Capital expenditure compared to 2009 (€14.3 million saving on 2009 base-line figure).
In addition, a reduction of €39.658 million was made to my Department's Estimate for 2010 in respect of payroll and related adjustments which will be distributed across my Department, its Offices and its agencies in the Revised Estimates Volume in the New Year. When these payroll reductions are taken into consideration, administration costs across my Department, its Offices and agencies will fall by 10% in 2010. Payments made to FAS participants will also reduce by approximately €15.5 million in 2010, in line with changes to social welfare allowances.
The measures outlined above are contributing to the stabilisation of the public finances while at the same time enabling resources to be targeted at helping enterprises to grow and create new jobs, maintaining investment in the Smart Economy, and assisting those who are unemployed through re-skilling and other appropriate supports.
34 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications for FÁS ten week courses in 2009; the number of applications for FÁS 20 week courses in 2009; the number of FÁS ten week courses available in 2009; the number of FÁS 20 week courses available in 2010; if her Department or FÁS has undertaken an analysis of the needs of unemployed people presenting for training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47888/09]
FÁS captures detailed data on the profile of all new clients who register with FÁS. This includes details of their education levels, qualifications, work experience and employment sought, etc. An analysis of the data is provided to the FÁS Executive Board and Board on a monthly basis with a view to informing future provision of services and programmes. In addition, FÁS also systematically captures requests for training which are not currently directly available through FÁS. The significantly expanded Technical Employment Support Grant has substantially addressed the latter demand from clients through an increased budgetary provision.
The number of courses scheduled in 2009 of up to and including 10 weeks duration was 4,039 with 71,721 participants. There were 644 courses of between 11 weeks to 20 weeks duration with 11,902 participants. It is estimated that there were approximately 120,000 applicants for these courses. The schedule of courses for 2010 has to be finalised; the type and frequency of course will reflect the needs of clients.
35 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the agencies under her remit who process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48011/09]
36 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of agencies under her remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number of staff involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48025/09]
37 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of agencies under her remit who have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48039/09]
38 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of agencies under her remit who have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48055/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 to 38, inclusive, together.
The position in relation to Agencies under my remit is set out in the tables below.
|
Agency |
|
|
FÁS |
Training Allowances for Job-Seekers attending FÁS training courses and for apprentices when attending off-the-job training |
|
Agency |
|
|
IDA Ireland |
Inspections linked to assessment of certain applications |
|
Forfas |
Accreditation (Irish National Accreditation Board, operating as a Committee of Forfas) |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
Measuring instruments used in trade and quantities of goods (pre-packaged and loose from bulk) |
|
National Consumer Agency |
Enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 and other consumer legislation. |
|
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority |
Periodic inspections of each of the nine prescribed Accountancy Bodies in Ireland |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
Routine and proactive inspections of workplaces. |
|
FÁS |
Monitoring a range of Schemes including Community Employment, Job Initiative, Local Training Initiative, and Community Training Centres. |
|
Agency |
|
|
Forfas |
Accreditation Fees |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
On the spot fines under the EU Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road Legislation |
|
Competition Authority |
Statutory fees to accompany merger notifications. |
|
National Consumer Agency |
Credit Intermediaries Authorisation Fees and Pawnbroker licences, fixed payments notices |
|
FÁS |
FÁS / Enterprise Ireland National Register of Trainers (NRT), Safe Pass Card fee |
|
Agency |
|
|
National Consumer Agency |
Credit Intermediaries and Pawnbroker Licences |
|
FÁS |
Safe Pass, Construction Skills Certification Scheme, Quarrying Skills Certification Scheme |
In relation to the collection of payments, I have limited the response to where I see the collection as linked to one of the primary functions of the agency, rather an ancillary, or consequential receipt of fees income. So, for example, I have not detailed the fact that IDA collects rents or receives grant refunds, nor that FÁS collects fees in respect of a range of training courses that it runs. This is not a clear division, but I would draw a distinction between the collection of payments, and say, receipt of income.
The issue of staff numbers is a day-to-day matter for the Agencies concerned, for which I have no function.
39 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the role the county enterprise boards will have in assessing flood damage to businesses, homes and the farming community around the country; and if she intends utilising the boards to assist in this project. [48064/09]
As enterprise support agencies the interaction of the County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) with their local Community is generally confined to matters of delivering financial and non-financial supports to eligible local enterprises in the micro-enterprise sector and to the promotion of entrepreneurial activities. It was in the context of this remit that I recently asked the CEBs to collect information on the impact of the flooding on their local client businesses in order to assist in framing the overall Government response to the situation.
The national response to the flooding crisis was overseen by the Emergency Response Coordination Committee (operating under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government). An integral part of this response is the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme which provides means-tested financial support to people who have suffered damage in their homes and is being administered by the local Community Welfare Services. This Scheme does not cover commercial or business interests.
In relation to businesses affected by flooding damage the CEBs and Enterprise Ireland are available to offer advice to client businesses and their normal financial supports remain available to eligible clients. However it is primarily for the Insurance Sector to respond to affected businesses under the terms of their commercial insurance policies. This Sector should respond quickly and appropriately to claims and should ensure that payments flow back to policyholders to facilitate early resumption of business. In addition the Banking Sector has a role to play in supporting businesses coping with the impact of flood damage. It is imperative that such businesses receive supportive responses from banks to requests for working capital loans and re-stocking loans and for any temporary adjustments to loan facilities already in operation. Some individual insurance companies and banks have committed publicly to offering speedy and appropriate assistance to businesses impacted by the floods.
While the CEBs have gathered some information on their client businesses that have been affected by flooding they have no broad-based role in assessing actual flood damage to businesses or in gathering information on, or assessing flood damage to, domestic premises or farm premises or the wider community in general nor indeed would they have the capacity to undertake such a role. However I will continue to monitor the situation as it affects local businesses based on relevant information that becomes available to the CEBs.
40 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide a breakdown of the budget allocated to FÁS in 2010; the way in which this compares to 2009; the way in which additional short-term training places announced in budget 2010 are being funded; her views on whether no efficiencies could be found in the FÁS administration and expenses budget which was left unchanged at €150 million; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48133/09]
The breakdown of the FÁS budget for 2009 and 2010 is set out in the table below. The figures as set out for 2010 in relation to FÁS administration and general expenses will be reduced as part of the Revised Estimates process to take account of the reduction in the public sector pay bill as announced on Budget day. The additional short term training places announced in the Budget for 2010 will be funded from the 2010 FÁS Budget and will be delivered through efficiency savings.
|
2010 Allocation |
2009 Allocation |
|
|
€ millions |
€ millions |
|
|
Exchequer — Current |
||
|
K1 — FÁS Administration and General Expenses |
150.111 |
150.111 |
|
K2 — FÁS Training and Integration Supports |
66.185 |
108.245 |
|
K3 — FÁS Employment Supports |
417.338 |
440.669 |
|
Exchequer — Capital |
||
|
K4 — FÁS Capital |
6.500 |
10.000 |
|
FÁS — Pensions |
||
|
K5 — FÁS Pension Payments |
26.135 |
0.000 |
|
National Training Fund |
||
|
FÁS — Training People in Employment |
79.469 |
105.469 |
|
FÁS — Training People for Employment |
298.332 |
248.558 |
|
FÁS — Skills Analysis |
0.379 |
0.379 |
|
FÁS — Workplace Education Fund |
2.800 |
3.005 |
|
TOTAL |
1,047.249 |
1,066.436 |
41 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement to conclude its investigation into a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48141/09]
I have received no indication from the Director of Corporate Enforcement as to the timescale for the completion of this extensive and complex investigation. Several million documents are involved and the High Court has recently described the evaluation of them as ‘a daunting task'. However, I understand that the investigation is proceeding satisfactorily and that the Office of the Director is working closely with the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation with respect to its own investigations. The Director of Corporate Enforcement is independent in the performance of his compliance, investigation and enforcement functions under the Companies Acts.
42 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the budget and staff allocation of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement every year since 2007; the number of investigations ongoing being conducted by the ODCE; her views on whether the office is adequately resourced to investigate alleged breaches of company law in the banking sector in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48142/09]
The budget allocations of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement in 2007, 2008 and 2009 were €4,823,000, €4,957,000 and €5,535,000 respectively. The numbers of full-time equivalent staff in the Office at the start of 2007, 2008 and 2009 were 34.8, 39.6 and 44.8 respectively. The current staff complement is 49.3. These staff include Gardaí and accounting, administrative, IT and legal expertise. In addition, the Garda Commissioner has made available in recent months a further five Gardaí to support the related Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and ODCE banking enquiries.
The Office has some 700 cases on hands. These include public complaints of alleged misconduct, reports by auditors of the suspected commission of indictable offences under the Companies Acts and reports by liquidators into the conduct of the directors of insolvent companies. I am informed that the investigations into Anglo Irish Bank and related banking matters are the primary focus of the Director at this time. As no ODCE request for additional staff is outstanding I am satisfied that the Director has sufficient staff to conduct these investigations.
43 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if sufficient resources will be made available to the Employment Appeals Tribunal, which is under the aegis of her Department, to ensure that it is in a position to deal with claims in a prompt manner and to reduce the backlog that is causing financial hardship to persons who have recently been made redundant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48167/09]
The Employment Appeals Tribunal is an independent, quasi-judicial body under the aegis of my Department. Secretarial and administrative support is provided by Departmental staff. Additional administrative resources have been allocated to the Tribunal, both last year and this year, to help it process claims. I am aware that the Tribunal has been taking additional administrative and organizational steps aimed at reducing the waiting time for the hearing of redundancy-related claims. The Tánaiste and I will be keeping the matter under review and will take further action, if possible within the current constraints that exist in relation to resources.
44 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff employed at the centre of excellence at Mount Locus, County Offaly; the grade of same staff; the number intended to be employed at the centre in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48175/09]
45 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons who have been trained at the centre of excellence at Mount Locus, County Offaly since its opening to December 2009; the projected number of trainees expected to use the centre in 2010; the projected number of trainees who are expected to use the facility per year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48176/09]
46 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the costs, including staff wages, of running the centre of excellence at Mount Locus, County Offaly since it opened to December 2009; the expected average annual cost of running the centre in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48177/09]
47 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will outline by type the training courses provided at the centre of excellence at Mount Locus, County Offaly in 2009; the training courses by type that will be provided in the centre in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48178/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 to 47, inclusive, together.
The National Construction Centre at Mount Lucas was established to provide training of plant construction operators, including delivery of the full range of Construction Skills Certification Scheme programmes and Safepass, for which FÁS is the designated competent authority under the relevant Statutory Instrument (Recognition of Professional Qualifications Regulations 2008, SI no 139 of 2008). The Centre focuses on the development of skills used in Civil Engineering and Commercial Building sectors. Currently there are 1 Assistant Manager (Grade 7), 1 Instructor (Grade 8) and 1 Administration Assistant (Grade 10) based in the Centre. These are supplemented when necessary by technical support.
In 2009 two courses took place with a total of 10 trainees. One course is already scheduled for 2010, and more will be rolled out during the year. The mix will depend on the numbers presenting for training and the type of training required. Provision could therefore consist of 4 Construction Plant courses with 24 trainees or an alternative mix could be 3 Construction Plant courses with 18 trainees; 3 Cranes courses with 6 trainees (lower ratio) and 2 Banksman courses with 2 trainees (lower ratio). The costs in 2009 were made up of staff costs (€207,115), overhead costs (€191,000), training allowances (€26,603 to end November) and other training costs (€41,854) including some one-off set-up costs. The budget for 2010 has yet to be finalised.
48 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding a payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.. [48185/09]
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 can confirm that my Department received a statutory lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 7 September 2009 claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer. This claim awaits processing.
The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing rebate applications submitted by post from March 2009 and those filed online from April 2009, so that the waiting time is approximately 8 to 9 months depending on the manner of filing the application. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009. Given the unprecedented increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first eleven months of 2009 is 73,024. This figure exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken include:
the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section in terms of full time equivalents is 52.5;
the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;
The provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners.
The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.
49 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the second call under the employment subsidy scheme excludes companies with ten employees or fewer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48195/09]
The Employment Subsidy Scheme is designed to support the maintenance of vulnerable jobs and prevent people from being made redundant. As a result of the First Call, companies have now committed, as part of their application, to retaining in excess of 35,000 jobs. The Second Call is open to exporting and non-exporting companies from all sectors of the economy that employ more than 10 employees.
The aim of the Employment Subsidy Scheme is to maximise the number of jobs retained and to ensure that the funding available for the Scheme is utilised to its full potential. It is also intended that deadweight and displacement effects would be minimised by ensuring that a multiple of jobs subsidised will be retained and the scope for firms employing less than 10 people to offer substantial commitment in this regard is very limited. The second call criteria, apart from the broadening of the eligibility to non-exporting firms and to include short time jobs, are identical to the First Call as required to be consistent with the Temporary Framework under which the EU approved the funding for the scheme.
50 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason an application in respect of a person (details supplied) for payment of redundancy from the social insurance fund has not been processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48218/09]
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 can confirm that my Department received a statutory lump sum application for the individual concerned on 7 April, 2009, claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer.
In this case, as in all cases where the employer claims inability to pay the employee(s) statutory redundancy, the Department requires the employer to provide sufficient proof to substantiate the claim. This includes providing the latest set of audited accounts for the company as well as certification from the company's Accountant or Solicitor attesting to the fact that the employer has insufficient assets to pay the redundancy entitlements. Providing this documentation is submitted and is in order, the Department pays the employee(s) directly from the Social Insurance Fund.
In this case, supporting information required from the employer was not provided to my Department. The employee has been advised by my Department to take a case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) against the employer to seek a determination establishing the employee's right and entitlement to redundancy. Once such a determination is available, this allows the Department to make payment to the employee concerned. Should the outstanding documentation be provided by the employer during the period while the case is pending a hearing before the EAT, this would allow the claim to be processed by my Department in the usual way. This is the uniform procedure adopted by my Department in relation to all claims received where the Employer is unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements.
51 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Finance if he will investigate the refusal by an insurance company to honour cover commitments arising from a claim for a break-in to premises (details supplied) in County Roscommon in view of the fact that a conviction was achieved against the perpetrator. [47948/09]
The Financial Regulator has informed me that the decision to pay a claim is a matter for an insurance company in conformity with the conditions of the insurance contract. They have also advised that a claimant who is unhappy with the treatment of their claim can refer the matter to the Financial Services Ombudsman for investigation. Details of the service provided by the Financial Services Ombudsman can be found at www.financialombudsman.ie. Finally, it should be noted that under a Memorandum of Understanding between the offices of the Financial Regulator and the Financial Services Ombudsman any wider issues coming to the attention of the Ombudsman in the course of an investigation can be referred to the Financial Regulator for consideration.
52 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Finance the amount spent on flood prevention works in Waterford during 2008; and the projects this money was spent on. [47957/09]
The Flood Alleviation Scheme in Waterford is administered and run by Waterford City Council, with financial assistance from the Office of Public Works. To date, funding of €5,000,000.00 has been provided to Waterford City Council by the Office of Public Works for the design and construction of the Flood Alleviation Scheme. Phase 1 of these works is under construction, while Phases 2, 3 and 4 are at detailed design stage. The Office of Public Works continues to work with Local Authorities around the country on similar schemes.
53 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the carbon tax yield per annum which will be derived from agricultural emissions; the cost per urban and rural household of the carbon tax as proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48084/09]
It is estimated that the amount of revenue arising from a carbon tax of €15 per tonne on Marked Gas Oil (MGO) or ‘green diesel' used by farmers is €12.5 million in a full year and being applied from 1 May approximately €7 million in 2010. Based on material published by the ESRI, the overall average direct impact on households is estimated to be between €2 and €3 per week, depending on the profile of the household.
54 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [47762/09]
Enniscorthy Castle is in the ownership of Wexford County Council. It is currently undergoing restoration works that are part funded by OPW. The matter of its reopening as a Museum can be clarified by Wexford County Council.
55 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [47763/09]
Proposals for dealing with the flooding problems experienced in Enniscorthy were placed on formal Public Exhibition by the Office of Public Works in February of this year for a period of four weeks. A large number of observations were received following the Exhibition, of which a significant amount were opposed to the proposals. As both Wexford County Council and Enniscorthy Town Council are in partnership with OPW in bringing forward a flood relief scheme for the town, OPW has requested that the elected members of each council consider the current proposals, bearing in mind the amount of local opposition to these proposals, and make a formal observation, as required under the Arterial Drainage Acts. Once received, OPW will then decide, in conjunction with the Local Authority, how best to progress the scheme.
56 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff employed by his Department on 1 January 2009; and the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009. [47792/09]
The number of staff employed in my Department (whole-time equivalent) was as follows:
1 January 2009 — 612.91
10 December 2009 — 564.03
57 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [47836/09]
I am aware that because of previous claims experience, householders in different parts of the country, including areas in Dublin, have found it difficult to obtain insurance against flood damage. This is because the decision to provide any specific form of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter based on the assessment an insurer will make of the risks involved and is one which neither I nor the Financial Regulator have any influence over. This risk assessment process which insurance companies apply is essential if a company is to be able to provide its services over the longer term and continue to remain solvent. Unfortunately, this means on occasions they have difficulty approving certain types of business because the risk of claims based on previous experience is too high.
It should be noted however that the Government is very conscious of the difficulties caused to certain householders by their inability to obtain insurance against flood damage. This is a problem which will almost certainly have been exacerbated by the recent flooding and consequently will have to be considered as part of its broader review of this general area.
58 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of non-resident Irish nationals who will be subject to the domicile levy in the 2010 budget; the revenue which will be raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47846/09]
As I stated in my Budget speech, we must ensure that every wealthy Irish domiciled person who pays little or no Income Tax makes a contribution to the State. The proposed levy of €200,000, to which the Deputy refers, will be imposed on all Irish domiciled individuals who are covered by certain criteria concerning their income, asset holdings and payment of Irish tax. Full details will be announced in the upcoming Finance Bill.
I am informed by Revenue that 5,867 non-resident individuals filed Irish tax returns for the 2007 tax year (the latest year for which figures are available) in respect of their Irish-source income or income derived from working here. Many of these non-residents are foreign nationals or have a foreign domicile. As this figure is not broken down by domicile or nationality, and non-resident individuals are not currently required to declare the value of their assets, it is not possible to estimate the number of individuals who will be subject to the levy. As a result it is not possible to estimate the potential yield from this measure.
59 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance when he will announce the date for the relocation of the Department of Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47849/09]
In light of the budgetary constraints at this time and affordability issues, I have decided to defer proceeding with permanent accommodation in Charlestown. This location, along with other deferred locations, will be considered as part of the overall review of the programme in 2011.
60 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if the tax arrangements being utilised by a company (details supplied) to hire pilots who work for an airline are in compliance with the Finance Acts; if these pilots are taxed here or in an offshore location or partly in both jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47851/09]
61 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners have advised a company (details supplied) which supplies pilots to an airline regarding a proposal by that company to form a large number of smaller companies each of whose directors includes three airline pilots in relation to tax compliance rules under the Finance Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47852/09]
62 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if there are ongoing investigations by the Revenue Commissioners into whether an airline (details supplied) is compliant with the Finance Acts in relation to its utilisation of a British registered subcontractor for the airline’s key workers; if Revenue officials have briefed any meetings of pilots called by the airline, the British company or four accounting companies allegedly working for the airline and its associates as has been claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47853/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 to 62, inclusive, together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that due to their policy of confidentiality as regards taxpayers' affairs it is not possible to supply the information requested.
63 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance when the review of capital expenditure priorities referred to in budget 2010 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47863/09]
It is intended to publish this review in the near future.
64 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance his forecasts of the national debt for each year for the next five years; his forecast of the interest payable on that debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47864/09]
It is estimated that the national debt will be some €76 billion at end-2009. The main factor in the projected increase in the national debt over the period 2010-2014 is the Exchequer Borrowing Requirement for each of these years. The Exchequer Borrowing Requirement for the years to 2014, as outlined in Table 10 on page C.20 of Budget 2010, is set out in Table 1 below. Based on these projections, the estimated debt servicing interest costs are also set out below. The National Treasury Management Agency have advised that, as is usual, these estimates were prepared on the basis of the prevailing market conditions for Irish Government bonds.
|
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
|
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
|
|
Exchequer Borrowing Requirement |
18¾ |
18 |
14¾ |
12½ |
9¼ |
|
Debt Service Interest Estimate |
4½ |
5¾ |
6½ |
7½ |
7¾ |
65 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the basis for his forecast of expenditure receipts and balances for the period 2009-14 as set out in the Table 10 of the stability programme update; the principal components of those receipts and balances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47865/09]
Expenditure receipts, or Appropriations-in-Aid, are Departmental receipts which, with the approval of the Dáil, may be retained by a Department or Office to offset expenses instead of being paid into the Exchequer Account of the Central Fund. Departmental Balances, included in the figures for 2009 and 2010, are those amounts issued from the Exchequer Account of the Central Fund for Departmental spending in one year which remain unspent at year-end and are carried forward to be used the next year.
The principal components of expenditure receipts and balances, as published in Table 10 of the December 2009 Stability Programme Update, are the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) related Appropriation-in-Aid, the Health Levy and the Pension Levy. The table below shows a percentage breakdown of current Appropriations-in-Aid for 2010. The SIF related Appropriation-in-Aid includes income for 2010 and a drawdown of the accumulated surplus.
|
2010 |
|
|
% |
|
|
SIF related Appropriations-in-Aid |
55 |
|
Health Levy |
16 |
|
Pension-Related Deduction* |
6 |
|
Other Appropriations-in-Aid and Departmental Balances |
23 |
|
Total |
100 |
*This includes only pension levy receipts which accrue to the Exchequer as appropriations-in-aid. It does not include receipts from Local Authorities, Central Bank, the National Treasury Management Agency or the Oireachtas.
These remain the main components for 2011 to 2014 but the relative percentages vary from year to year.
66 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the basis for his forecast of non-voted current expenditure for the period 2009-14 as set out in the Table 10 of the stability programme update; the principal components of that expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47866/09]
67 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the basis for his forecast of non-tax revenues for the period 2009-14 as set out in the Table 10 of the stability programme update; the principal components of those revenues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47867/09]
68 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance his forecast of non-voted capital expenditure for the period 2009-14 as set out in the Table 10 of the stability programme update; the principal components of those expenditures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47868/09]
70 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the basis for his forecast of capital resources for the period 2009-14 as set out in the Table 10 of the stability programme update; the principal components of those resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47870/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 to 68, inclusive, and 70 together.
Table 10 of the Stability Programme Update — December 2009, published on Budget day, sets out the projections for the 2009-2014 period which underpin the budgetary arithmetic. The underlying economic forecasts that are consistent with these fiscal projections are set out in Table 4 of the Stability Programme Update.
In terms of the key items that make up non-voted (Central Fund) current expenditure, non-voted capital expenditure, non-tax revenue and capital resources, the White Paper on Receipts and Expenditure for the year ending 31 December 2010, gives a detailed breakdown for 2009 and 2010 on a pre-Budget basis of these items. With the exception of non-voted (Central Fund) current expenditure, the estimates included in the White Paper for 2009 and 2010 for non-tax revenue, non-voted capital expenditure and capital resources were unchanged in the Budget. The White Paper is available on www.budget.gov.ie and was published on 5 December last.
Non Voted (Central Fund) Current Expenditure
The main item under non-voted (Central Fund) current Expenditure is debt servicing costs. It is estimated that over the forecast period, interest costs on the national debt will amount to approximately 70% on average of the overall Central Fund expenditure as set out in Table 10 of the Stability Programme Update for the years 2010-2014. As already outlined, the White Paper on Receipts and Expenditure for the year ending 31 December 2010 sets out the detailed pre-Budget breakdown of items under this heading for the period 2009 and 2010. With the exception of debt servicing there was no change to these estimates in the Budget. As the post-budget Exchequer Borrowing Requirement was lower than that set out on a pre-budget basis in the White Paper, savings of the order of €200 million on debt interest costs were factored into the budgetary arithmetic.
Non-Voted Capital Expenditure
The main item under Non-Voted Capital Expenditure is FEOGA payments. FEOGA payments are short term payments to finance Agriculture CAP expenditure in the final quarter of the year, in particular the Single farm payment. The CAP expenditure is fully funded by the European Union but recoupment is paid in arrears. Therefore FEOGA payments in the final quarter of the year are financed by the Exchequer and recouped from the EU in the following year and recorded as a Capital Resource. Therefore FEOGA is neutral on the Exchequer over time.
Capital Resources
The main item under Capital Resources are, as outlined above, FEOGA receipts. The other main components under this heading are other EU receipts, such as Cohesion Fund and ERDF receipts.
Non-Tax Revenue
The main components of Non-Tax Revenue are the surplus incomes from the Central Bank and the National Lottery and dividends on shares held by the Minister for Finance in State and other companies. In relation to the 2010 forecast for non-tax revenue, this figure also includes the one-off receipt of €140 million in respect of the winding up of Ulysses securitisation and the transfer to the Exchequer of €1 billion in respect of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008.
Aggregate forecasts for each of the headings above, for the years 2011-2014, are set out in Table 10 on page C.20 of Budget 2010. Details of the end-2009 outturn for each of these headings will be published by the Department of Finance on 5 January 2010.
69 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the basis for his forecast of capital receipts for the period 2009-14 as set out in the Table 10 of the stability programme update; the principal components of those receipts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47869/09]
Expenditure receipts, or Appropriations-in Aid, are Departmental receipts which, with the approval of the Dáil, may be retained by a Department or Office to offset expenses instead of being paid into the Exchequer Account of the Central Fund. The forecast of capital receipts set out in Table 10 is based on figures provided by Departments in respect of their Votes. The bulk of capital receipts forecast for 2010 is accounted for by transfers to the Department of Transport under the Local Government Fund of €429.3 million. There is also a once off figure in 2010 of €50 million in respect of Asset Disposals by the HSE. The remaining €56.7 million is largely in respect of expected EU receipts spread over a number of Departments. Forecasts for future years are indicative and are largely based on the same components, with the exception of the once-off receipts from the HSE.
71 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield from income levies in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47871/09]
The Income Levy is collected by the Revenue Commissioners as a component of Income Tax. In Budget 2010, it was forecast that income tax receipts of €11,530 million would be collected in 2010. The precise breakdown of this target between the individual components of Income Tax will be finalised in the context of preparing the monthly profiles by tax-head. As is customary, the monthly profiles for the forthcoming year are prepared following an analysis of the end-year outturn of the current year. However, at this stage it is expected that the yield from the income levy will be of the order of €1½ billion in 2010. Monthly profiles by tax-head will be published in January 2010.
72 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the full year impact of a 1% change in the 2% levy on incomes between €15,028 and €75,036; the expected yield from that levy in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47872/09]
73 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the full year impact of a 1% change in the 4% levy on incomes between €75,036 and €174,980, the expected yield from that levy in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47873/09]
74 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the full year impact of a 1% change in the 6% levy on incomes over €174,980; the expected yield from that levy in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47874/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 to 74, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yields to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2010 incomes, of applying an increase of 1% to each of the current income levy rates of 2%, 4%, and 6% would be approximately €596 million, €48 million, and €43 million respectively. The corresponding yields in 2010 would be of the order of €431 million, €30 million and €22 million respectively. The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2007 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2010. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
75 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the full year impact of a 1% change in the 4% health levy rate, the expected yield from that levy on incomes up to €75,036 in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47875/09]
76 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the full year impact of a 1% change in the 5% health levy rate; the expected yield from that levy on incomes over €75,036 in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47876/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 76 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield to the Exchequer from applying a 1% change to the 4% health levy rate on incomes up to €75,036 and a 1% change to the 5% health levy rate on incomes over €75,036 is estimated at €462 million and €90 million respectively. The corresponding yield in 2010 would be of the order of €336 million and €52 million respectively. The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2007 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2010. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
77 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the breakdown of the programme changes that will be made in his Department, the Office of Public Works and the Revenue Commissioners to achieve the savings set out in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47895/09]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the programme changes to achieve the savings indicated in the Budget will be made across the range of business programmes, while priority will be given to supporting front line and customer services. The allocations set out in the Budget Estimates will be elaborated upon in due course in the Revised Estimates Volume and the outputs to be achieved with those allocations will be set out in the 2010 Output Statements.
78 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the public service bodies including, inter alia, State agencies, State bodies and commercial State companies whose employees are not subject to the public sector pension levy; the number of employees working for each body; the approximate annual payroll bill for each body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47929/09]
The pension-related deduction applies to those bodies defined as a ‘public service body' in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. The bodies to which the definition of ‘public service body' does not apply are set out in the Schedule to that Act and are listed hereunder. The pension-related deduction does not apply to these organisations. I regret I do not have immediately to hand the details sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of employees working for each body or the associated payroll costs. The organisations concerned are:
1.Any body corporate established by Act of Parliament before 6 December 1922 that, upon its establishment, was of a commercial character.
2. Dublin Airport Authority, public limited company.
3. Cork Airport Authority, public limited company.
4. Shannon Airport Authority, public limited company.
5. Bord Gáis Éireann.
6. Bord na gCon.
7. Bord na Móna.
8. Córas Iompair Éireann.
9. Coillte Teoranta.
10. Electricity Supply Board.
11. Eirgrid.
12.A harbour authority within the meaning of the Harbours Act 1946 or company to which section 7 of the Harbours Act 1996 relates.
13. Horse Racing Ireland.
14. Irish National Stud Company Limited.
15. Irish Aviation Authority.
16. An Post.
17. An Post National Lottery Company.
18. Radio Teilifís Éireann.
19. Teilifís na Gaeilge.
20. Railway Procurement Agency.
21. Voluntary Health Insurance Board.
22. A subsidiary of a body to which the Schedule to the Act relates, including a subsidiary of any such subsidiary.
79 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the public service bodies including, inter alia, any State agencies, State bodies and commercial State companies whose employees are not subject to the public sector pay reduction under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Bill 2009; the number of employees working for each body, the approximate annual payroll bill for each body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47930/09]
The public service bodies whose employees are not subject to the public service pay reduction under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Bill 2009 are stated in the Schedule to that Bill which passed all Stages in the Dáil yesterday. The list is attached below. I do not have the details sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of employees working for each body, or the associated payroll costs. With the exception of the Chief Executives of the commercial State-sponsored bodies, the Minister is not responsible for setting the rate of pay for employees of any of the bodies listed.
1.Any body corporate established by Act of Parliament before 6 December 1922 that, upon its establishment, was of a commercial character.
2. Dublin Airport Authority, public limited company.
3. Cork Airport Authority, public limited company.
4. Shannon Airport Authority, public limited company.
5. Bord Gáis Éireann.
6. Bord na gCon.
7. Bord na Móna.
8. Córas Iompair Éireann.
9. Coillte Teoranta. 10. Electricity Supply Board.
11. EirGrid.
12.A harbour authority within the meaning of the Harbours Act 1946 or company to which section 7 of the Harbours Act 1996 relates.
13. Horse Racing Ireland.
14. Irish National Stud Company Limited.
15. Irish Aviation Authority.
16. An Post.
17. An Post National Lottery Company.
18. Raidió Teilifís Éireann.
19. Teilifís na Gaeilge.
20. Voluntary Health Insurance Board.
21. Railway Procurement Agency.
22. National Treasury Management Agency.
23.A subsidiary of a body to which this Schedule relates, including a subsidiary of any such subsidiary.
80 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Finance the amount of income tax paid by persons in the Waterford area for the years 2004 to 2009 broken down by year. [47967/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the exact information sought for income tax on a county basis is not available. However, Revenue sheriffs, county registrars or their officers operate for the purposes of enforcement of tax debt within certain geographical boundaries known as a "bailiwick" which equates geographically with "county". Data on the net receipts of some taxes can be linked to bailiwicks to provide an estimated breakdown of receipts on a county basis. The table sets out the estimated breakdown of net income tax receipts for Waterford City and County, for the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive. Corresponding figures for 2009 will not be available until some time after the end of the year.
|
Year |
PAYE |
Income Tax (non-PAYE) |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
2004 |
131.8 |
53.8 |
|
2005 |
135.7 |
59.5 |
|
2006 |
141.7 |
65.8 |
|
2007 |
149.4 |
73.7 |
|
2008 |
138.0 |
68.1 |
The data relating to the allocation by city or county of PAYE employees should be treated with caution. This is because it has been the practice to associate each employee with the city or county in which his or her employer is registered for PAYE purposes, regardless of the address of the actual workplace or of the individual's home address. Self-employed persons are associated on the tax record with the address at which the business is located, which may be in a different city or county to the home address.
81 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the impact of tax individualisation in circumstances when due to a disability a spouse is not in a position to take up employment opportunities outside the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47981/09]
The position is that a married one income couple benefit from a standard rate band of €45,400 which is €9,000 higher than the single rate band. They also have the benefit of the married person's credit in the amount of €3,660, which is double the single credit. Where the stay-at-home spouse in a married one earner couple cares for a dependent person, e.g. their child or an elderly relative, the couple may benefit from an entitlement to the home carer tax credit, which has a value of €900. The Commission on Taxation considered the issues associated with tax individualisation in its 2009 report. The Commission concluded that the present arrangements with regard to band structure and credits which apply to married one-earner and married two-earner couples should remain in place.
82 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 78 of 10 December 2009, the amount of funding made available by the Office of Public Works to Cork County Council in 2009 for localised minor flood mitigation works; the allocation which it is proposed to make to Cork County Council in 2010 for these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47982/09]
A total of €31,500 was allocated by the Office of Public Works to Cork County Council following assessment of applications received from the Council in respect of localised minor flood mitigation works in 2009. The OPW will be writing to Local Authorities shortly in relation to funding for flood mitigation works they propose to undertake in 2010. If a submission is made by Cork County Council, it will be evaluated, along with all other applications received, having regard to the total funding available for such works.
83 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the agencies under his remit that process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48013/09]
84 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number of staff involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48027/09]
85 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48043/09]
86 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48057/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 to 86, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of bodies under the aegis of my Department is outlined in the table.
|
Name of body |
Comment |
|
National Treasury Management Agency |
The National Treasury Management Agency has a role in the collection of payments. |
|
Five staff are involved in: Collecting commitment fees due from designated institutions in connection with the NTMA’s role under the Asset Covered Securities Act Collecting fees due from eligible institutions in connection with the NTMA’s role as scheme operator of the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee Scheme Collecting repayments and reimbursements from state authorities in connection with the NTMA’s role as the State Claims Agency Collecting reimbursements from state authorities in respect of the National Development Finance Agency.The National Treasury Management Agency does not have a role in carrying out inspections, issuing licences or processing entitlement payments. |
|
|
State Laboratory |
The State Laboratory has a role in the collection of payments. It provides an analytical service to coroners, Irish Medicines Board and some hospitals and charge for this service. In 2008, €469,000 was collected and there are 1.6 staff involved in the collection of these payments.The State Laboratory does not have a role in carrying out inspections, issuing licences or processing entitlement payments. |
|
Commission for Public Service Appointments |
The Commission for Public Service Appointments has a role in the issuing of licences. It deals with applications for recruitment licences to certain public service bodies who wish to carry out their own recruitment to positions as defined in the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004. In 2009 the Commission have issued two licences. Three staff are involved in this application process.The Commission for Public Service does not have a role in carrying out inspections, processing payments or processing entitlement payments. |
|
Valuation Office |
The Valuation Office has a role in carrying out inspections. There are a total of 86 Valuer staff in the Valuation Office engaged in the inspection of properties for valuation purposes. The core function of the Office is the valuation of properties for local authority rates. The Office also provides some valuation services to Government Departments and public bodies.The Valuation Office does not have a role in issuing licences, processing payments or processing entitlement payments. |
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that data relating to staff deployment are not maintained in a manner which directly corresponds with the question. However, they have supplied me with the following breakdown of staff numbers, by their main business programmes, which may be helpful.
|
Programme |
Number of staff* |
|
Audit |
864 |
|
Investigation and Enforcement |
409 |
|
Compliance |
807 |
|
Prosecution |
84 |
|
Debt Management |
423 |
|
Customer Service |
2,149 |
|
Financial Management |
116 |
|
Revenue Accounting and Banking |
132 |
*Figures at 25 November 2009.
Within these broad classifications individual officers may have several "roles" as defined in the questions. For example staff in the Collector General's Division carry out tasks associated with payments, checking and licences. The same applies to many Revenue officials. I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that they are currently examining their processes and will forward a response directly to the Deputy.
87 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Finance if he will investigate the decision by the Danish owned National Irish Bank to close 25 branches and businesses here leaving many communities financially stranded and isolated and if he will have the relevant authorities at his disposal examine the background to this decision. [48066/09]
While I regret the closure of any bank branches the Deputy will no doubt appreciate that the provision of services by banks, including the location of branches, is a commercial decision for the banks. The Deputy might wish to note that there is a provision in the Financial Regulators Consumer Protection Code which imposes certain obligations on banks who have decided to close or move a branch in a given location. The relevant provision states:
"Where a credit institution plans to close or move a branch it must inform affected consumers in writing at least 3 months in advance and advise the Financial Regulator immediately thereof. The wider local community should also be informed, in advance, through notification in the local press."
This advance notification requirement is designed to give existing consumers the necessary time to choose another credit institution.
88 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Finance his views on the correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48085/09]
The recommendation for the immediate abolition of Stamp Duty in current economic conditions would see Exchequer receipts fall even further, at a time when it is vital to preserve resources. While the correspondence forwarded by the Deputy relates to Stamp Duty, it relates primarily to Stamp Duty on property. It is estimated that Stamp Duty net receipts for 2009 will be in the region of €900m, of which it is expected that residential property will account for €143m and non-residential for €160m. These estimated figures are based on the yield in the year to date. Should Stamp Duty be abolished, this loss to the Exchequer would have to be made up elsewhere. Stamp Duty on property will be reviewed in the context of potential changes to the taxation of property, such as the Commission on Taxation's recommendation to introduce a residential property tax and the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government to introduce a Site Valuation Tax on non-agricultural land.
89 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 of 9 December 2009, if he will provide the details of the 25 pensions with additional awards approved by him in tabular form including details such as job title, grade, value of additional notional payment in each case and date of award; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48132/09]
Further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 of 9 December 2009, the following tables below set out the value to the 25 individuals concerned of the award of notional service in terms of additional pension (annual cost) and lump sum (once-off cost). As the numbers involved are small in each year any further breakdown by job title, date or grade as requested would not be appropriate. However, I can say that 18 of the individuals concerned were in the Health sector, 3 in the Civil Service, and 4 in other areas of the Public Service. In almost every case the actual post in question was abolished. Awards of notional service ranged from just under 1 year to 10 years.
|
Pension |
Lump Sum |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
1 |
6,956 |
25,888 |
|
2 |
14,506 |
43,518 |
|
3 |
4,759 |
14,277 |
|
4 |
5,834 |
17,500 |
|
5 |
7,079 |
21,236 |
|
6 |
9,159 |
27,476 |
|
7 |
12,308 |
36,926 |
|
8 |
13,896 |
41,686 |
|
9 |
2,619 |
7,857 |
|
Pension |
Lump Sum |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
10 |
12,761 |
39,541 |
|
11 |
15,976 |
47,925 |
|
12 |
14,532 |
43,595 |
|
13 |
12,569 |
37,707 |
|
14 |
3,240 |
9,720 |
|
15 |
2,999 |
8,996 |
|
16 |
5,803 |
17,411 |
|
17 |
19,283 |
42,243 |
|
18 |
34,433 |
65,090 |
|
Pension |
Lump Sum |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
19 |
17,171 |
51,513 |
|
20 |
9,171 |
27,512 |
|
21 |
1,257 |
3,772 |
|
22 |
14,065 |
42,193 |
|
23 |
14,891 |
44,673 |
|
24 |
11,623 |
34,748 |
|
25 |
11,097 |
33,290 |
90 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the way a carbon tax of €15 a tonne will change the price of a litre of unleaded gasoline, a litre of diesel, housing natural gas kWh, 1,000 litres of household fuel oil, a bale of briquettes, a tonne of domestic coal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48138/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners a carbon tax at a rate of €15 per tonne should impact on the price of the goods highlighted by the Deputy as set out in the table below. It should be noted that a carbon tax came into effect on 10 December 2009 in respect of petrol and auto-diesel. The carbon tax on heating products will come into effect from 1 May 2010, and solid fuels by commencement order from a later date.
|
Fuel Type |
Unit |
Pre Budget Price |
Carbon tax per unit @ €15 (Vat inc.) |
% Change in price |
|
€ |
€ |
% |
||
|
Auto-diesel |
Litre |
1.10 |
0.049 |
4.4 |
|
Petrol |
Litre |
1.19 |
0.042 |
3.5 |
|
Kerosene |
1,000 litres |
516.00 |
43.14 |
8.4 |
|
Marked Gas Oil |
1,000 litres |
539.00 |
46.87 |
8.7 |
|
LPG |
1,000 litres |
720.00 |
27.97 |
3.9 |
|
Natural Gas |
13750 kWh |
800.00 |
47.86 |
6.0 |
|
Peat Briquette |
Bale |
3.85 |
0.39 |
10.1 |
|
Coal |
Tonne |
405.00 |
44.83 |
11.1 |
91 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance in view of the underspend of approximately €35 million on energy efficiency schemes in the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, his views on the allocation in February 2009 of €75 million for this purpose; if he is satisfied that the system of allocation of grants was sufficiently efficient to ensure the money was spent; the measures he is taking now to address the serious underspend; the discussions he has had with Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources regarding an outturn which shows an underspend of over 50% of capital funding in that Department on energy efficiency measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48205/09]
The Government decided, in February of this year, as part of a reallocation of funds across Departments to make an additional €75 million available for labour intensive investment in home insulation and energy efficiency measures. €36.5 million of this additional funding was allocated to the two insulation schemes operated under the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, by Sustainable Energy Ireland, the Warmer Homes Scheme and the Home Energy Savings Scheme.
My Department monitors expenditure trends by all Departments and was aware that expenditure on energy efficiency schemes by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources was running behind profile during 2009. This was a matter in the first instance for the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources. I understand that due to the need to set up the appropriate systems and resources in advance of its opening the Home Energy Saving Scheme opened to applications on 25 March 2009 and applicants had six months from the date of acceptance of their application by SEI to complete works and draw down the grant. This inevitably meant that it was the Autumn before any significant level of drawdown commenced. I am informed that significant commitments have now been incurred on foot of applications under the Home Energy Saving Scheme and that Minister Ryan is confident that allocations for 2010 for energy efficiency will be spent.
The Government attaches high importance to energy efficiency schemes which is why, in my recent Budget, I allocated €90 million for the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in 2010 for a National Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme.
92 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the flooding at Cockstown West, Ardrahan, County Galway in which two houses have been flooded for the past three weeks and are still under water (details supplied); if the Office of Public Works has a plan to minimise the extent of the flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48208/09]
Office of Public Works Engineers met with the owner of the properties at Cockstown West, Ardrahan referred to by the Deputy. As a result, the property owner has, within the past week, submitted to the OPW a report prepared by his Engineer in relation to the flooding problem. This report is currently being considered.
Under a scheme introduced this year, the OPW will shortly be writing to all Local Authorities seeking prioritised applications for funding for localised minor flood mitigation works that the Authorities propose to undertake in 2010. If Galway County Council submits an application in relation to works at Ardrahan that meet the economic and environmental eligibility criteria of this scheme, it will be considered, along with any other applications received from the Council and other Local Authorities, having regard for the overall funding available for such works.
93 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance, further to his budget announcement regarding the extension of mortgage interest for home owners in negative equity, the basis and the person by whom it is determined that a home owner has negative equity status. [48209/09]
As I announced in my Budget, mortgage interest tax relief will be extended until 2017 for those who took out a qualifying home loan in 2004 or after. Tax relief at current rates for the first seven years will be available for qualifying loans taken out up to 1 July 2011 and at a reduced level once the seven years is complete, until 2017. Transitional tax relief, also at a reduced level, will be available from 1 July 2011 for qualifying loans for the following 18 months up to end 2012. There will be no relief for interest paid on home loans taken out after that date and the entire scheme will terminate in 2017. Full details will be provided in the Finance Bill.
Many of those who purchased homes from 2004 onwards, when house prices were at their peak, may now find themselves in negative equity, depending on the particular circumstances of the purchase. However, qualification for the extension of mortgage interest tax relief is based on the commencement date of a qualifying home loan and not the equity status of the mortgage holder's home. Put simply, negative equity will not be a criterion for eligibility for tax relief on the interest payable on qualifying home loans.
94 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the proposed Kennedy memorial homestead, County Wexford; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47393/09]
The Minister for Finance announced in Budget 2010 that he wishes to mark, in a modest way, the life and work of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy by assisting a project at the Kennedy Homestead. The Office of Public Works intends to initiate detailed discussions with the owners of the Kennedy Homestead in Dunganstown and with other key stakeholders, such as Wexford County Council, with a view to developing proposals, which could form either specific works or more general support for the Homestead. The Office of Public Works would be particularly interested in identifying projects, which could strengthen the link between the Homestead and the nearby JFK Arboretum. It is hoped that discussions can get under way in the New Year.
95 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the high and low rates of mobility allowance which will apply in 2010. [47744/09]
In 2010the Higher Rate of Mobility Allowance for non-beneficiaries of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (DD&DP) Scheme will be €208.50 per month. The Lower Rate for eligible beneficiaries of the DD&DP Scheme will be €104.25 per month.
96 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will have their general practitioner visit card reinstated as a matter of urgency. [47745/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
97 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) will be called for their cerebral angiogram in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, prior to the date they have been given. [47750/09]
As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
98 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in having a person (details supplied) transferred from an acute hospital to a community hospital. [47756/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
99 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47761/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
100 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [47769/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
101 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [47771/09]
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.
102 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist a person (details supplied) in respect of an ENT procedure at Waterford Regional Hospital. [47779/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
103 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify if post adoption services will be included in the Adoption Bill for the 40,000 plus adopted people here and the children who will be adopted; if she will include a tracing service for adopted persons; and if she will address the issue of adoption certificates for adopted people who can only obtain them in a different way from the rest of the population. [47781/09]
Under the new Bill, there is no specific provision to provide post adoption services. Adopted children have, and will continue to have, the same eligibility and entitlements to health and personal social services and special education needs as any child in Ireland. However, the Bill does make statutory provision for the notification by adoptive parents of the adoption on return to Ireland with a child. This notification must be made both to the Adoption Authority for the purposes of registering the child as well as to the HSE, so that the child receives all of the normal child health surveillance services available through the public health system.
As regards information and tracing for adopted persons, again, the Bill does not cover this area as there is already an effective administrative system for dealing with the issue of information and tracing. The Information and Tracing Unit in the Adoption Board provides an advice and referral service for those seeking to trace or to obtain medical or personal information. The National Adoption Contact Preference Register (NACPR) assists adopted people and their natural families to make contact with each other, exchange information, or to state their contact preferences.
In November 2007, the Adoption Board launched the "Standardised Framework for the Provision of a National Adoption Information and Tracing Service" to set standards and provide guidance and advice for information and tracing services providers nationally. In relation to Information and Tracing for persons adopted from abroad, I understand that subject to resources, the Adoption Board intends to undertake a consultation process with interested parties to determine how best to address the information and tracing needs of those who have been adopted from abroad.
The provisions governing the registration of domestic adoptions and the issue of birth certificates drawn from the register of adoptions are set out in section 22 of the Adoption Act, 1952. Under these provisions, the Registrar General is charged with maintaining an Adopted Children Register and also to keep an index to make traceable the connection between each entry and the corresponding entry in the register of births. The index is not open to public inspection and no information from it may be given to any person except by order of a Court or of the Adoption Board. A certified copy of an entry in the Adopted Children Register, if purporting to be issued under the seal of Oifig an Ard-Chláraitheora, shall, without further proof, be received as evidence of the facts stated therein and any requirement of law for the production of a certificate of birth shall be satisfied by the production of such certified copy.
Under the above provisions, birth certificates for adopted persons are available only from the Office of the Registrar General. While it is appreciated that this may cause a degree of inconvenience in certain instances the security and confidentiality of the Adopted Children Register is of paramount importance and it is for this reason only that the restriction on availability exists. For this reason also, there are no plans to amend the legislation to change the current arrangements in relation to this matter.
104 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed by her Department on 1 January 2009; and the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47799/09]
There were 529.31 WTEs employed in my Department at the beginning of 2009. An additional 24.17 WTEs transferred into my Department during the year as a result of the transfer of youth affairs responsibilities from the Department of Education and Science, other functions from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the dissolution of the National Council on Aging and Older People and the Women's Health Council under the rationalisation of agencies programme.
Even allowing for these additions, the overall number of people employed at the end of November 2009 had fallen by 40.03 WTEs to 489.28 WTEs. This represents an overall decrease of nearly 8% since the start of the year. Staffing levels in my Department over the coming years will be decided in consultation with the Department of Finance and taking account of the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. Account will also be taken of the outcome of the review of my Department under the Organisational Review Programme (ORP), which is being carried out under the aegis of the Department of An Taoiseach. The ORP Report on the review of my Department is expected shortly.
The distribution of staffing across the Department at the end of November is as follows:
|
WTE |
|
|
Department of Health & Children |
439.03 |
|
Adoption Board |
31.25 |
|
Office of the Ombudsman for Children |
9.00 |
|
Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office |
7.00 |
|
Office of the Disability Appeals Officer |
3.00 |
|
Total |
489.28 |
Serving numbers in my Department are collated at the end of every month and the December 2009 figures are not therefore available yet .
105 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the interim measures she intends to put in place in respect of foreign adoption applicants who have submitted applications in advance of the enactment of the Adoption Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47817/09]
The Adoption Bill, 2009, 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. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future intercountry adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted.
The current policy position, as set out in the Adoption Bill 2009, is that for an adoption to be registered under the Bill it must be effected in a contracting State to the Hague Convention or in a country with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement. For non-Hague countries only those adoptions effected prior to the commencement of the new law can be registered on the Register of Inter-Country Adoptions to be established under the Bill. The issue of transitional measures for prospective parents who are at a definable stage in the adoption process when the Bill is enacted and who wish to continue to adopt a child from a non-Hague, non-bilateral country, is being examined. Prospective adoptive parents have waited a long time and it is my intention to be as flexible as possible in relation to applicants.
106 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in upgrading the sterilisation facilities at Roscommon County Hospital; when construction will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47826/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
107 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 515 of 3 November 2009, the position regarding the home care package for west Wicklow; if in view of the need for new applicants to have access to this funding extra funding can be allocated for this essential package as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47827/09]
I understand that the Health Service Executive replied to the Deputy's previous question on the 2nd December 2009. In the circumstances, as this is a service matter, the Deputy's question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
108 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that funding continues to be made available to enable the small number of persons here who have a bone anchor hearing aid have necessary maintenance carried out by the specialist ENT surgeon who attends the Mater Hospital, Dublin (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47844/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
109 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for a medical card renewal in respect of a person (details supplied). [47848/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
110 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of doctors who have contracted to offer general practitioner services in the proposed primary care centre at a site in Castle Islands, Balbriggan, County Dublin; the number of staff and categories of staff who will work at this centre; the range of services that will be offered; the size of the centre; the estimated build cost and site cost; who will fund the project; if there will be diagnostics available in the centre such as X-ray, endoscopy, dexa scanner and so on; if a minor surgery facility for day surgery will be available; if there will be a gym and physio rehabilitation facilities in the building; the completion date for this project; if planning permission has been applied for; if funding has been allocated and maintained in the capital budget for this project; the position regarding the properties in Balbriggan that will become unoccupied if this centre is built; if direct public transport facilities will be available to the centre; the catchment area the centre intends to serve; the projected population of Balbriggan if all zoned lands were built on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47850/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
111 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when she intends to roll out the cervical cancer vaccination programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47903/09]
As I have stated on many occasions in the past, I remain committed to the introduction of a cervical cancer vaccination programme at the earliest possible opportunity having regard to clinical priorities and the effective use of available resources.
112 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 208 of 23 June 2009, if she will provide an update on the funding issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47908/09]
On foot of a submission from my Department, €25m of the proceeds of the sales of mental health assets, lodged to the Exchequer in previous years, has now been provided to the HSE through the Supplementary Estimate for 2009, to fund mental health capital developments. The funding will go towards projects such as the development of new child and adolescent units in Cork and Galway, a Community Nursing Unit in Ballinasloe, a day centre in Clonmel etc.
In addition, Budget 2010 has provided for a multi-annual programme of capital investment in high priority mental health projects consistent with ‘ A Vision for Change’ to be funded from further disposals. In 2010 the HSE will proceed to dispose of surplus assets and reinvest an initial sum of €43m in the mental health capital programme. Provision for continued funding of the programme will be made in the 2011 Estimates and subsequent years, in the light of the previous year’s programme of asset sales. The mental health capital programme will provide a range of facilities across the entire spectrum of mental healthcare facilities including acute psychiatric units, child and adolescent units, day hospitals, community nursing units and high support hostels, and will provide the infrastructure necessary to enable its transformation into a patient-centred, flexible and community based mental health service, where the need for hospital admission is greatly reduced, whilst still providing in-patient care when appropriate.
113 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hours being provided under the home help scheme in County Donegal in 2009; the number of hours that will be provided per month in 2010; if she expects this number to be reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47918/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
114 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 12 November 2009. [47919/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
115 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of unfilled vacancies at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the areas in which they are located; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48004/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
116 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the agencies under her remit who process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48015/09]
117 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of agencies under her remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number of staff involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48029/09]
118 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of agencies under her remit who have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48045/09]
119 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of agencies under her remit who have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48059/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 to 119, inclusive, together.
The information requested is being compiled by my Department and will be forwarded to the deputy when available.
120 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to a reply to a previous parliamentary question, if one of the Health Service Executive posts of dedicated officer for elder abuse was the subject of a mediation process; if this reference to a mediation process is a reference to the special mediation process established under the terms of the final framework agreement (details supplied) between the interim HSE and the IMPACT trade union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48063/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
121 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [48067/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
122 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed in the Health Service Executive by grade category (details supplied) as at the end of 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48068/09]
The Health Service Executive's Health Service Personnel Census indicates that, as at 31/10/2009 (latest figures), the numbers employed in the public health service are as follows:
|
Grade category |
31/10/2009 |
|
Medical/ Dental |
8,121.54 |
|
Nursing |
37,636.11 |
|
Health & Social Care Professionals |
15,880.29 |
|
Management/ Admin |
17,708.16 |
|
General Support Staff |
11,998.60 |
|
Other Patient & Client Care |
18,724.72 |
|
Total |
110,069.42 |
123 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details of staff categories within each grade category, for example the details on all nursing grades; the number of staff per category and the pay scale for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48069/09]
The information requested is being collated in my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
124 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of nurses and midwives broken down by grade on 1 January 2005 and the end of June 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48070/09]
The number of nurses and midwives working in the Public Health Service at the beginning of 2005 and at the end of June 2009 are set out in the following table. All figures are expressed in Whole Time Equivalent terms and sourced from the Health Service Personnel Census.
|
Grade |
01/01/2005 WTE |
30/06/2009 WTE |
|
Advanced Nurse Practitioner (General) |
5.79 |
40.59 |
|
Area Director Nurse & Midwifery Planning & Development |
— |
2.00 |
|
Clinical Midwife Specialist |
10.15 |
28.58 |
|
Clinical Nurse Instructor/Teacher |
17.41 |
53.26 |
|
Clinical Nurse Manager 1 |
1,343.26 |
1,435.35 |
|
Clinical Nurse Manager 1 (Mental Health) |
277.11 |
225.78 |
|
Clinical Nurse Manager 1 — Theatre |
8.24 |
18.86 |
|
Clinical Nurse Manager 2 |
2,532.64 |
2,965.82 |
|
Clinical Nurse Manager 2 (Mental Health) |
995.44 |
1,059.73 |
|
Clinical Nurse Manager 2 — Night |
62.92 |
58.9 |
|
Clinical Nurse Manager 2 — Theatre |
114.42 |
117.98 |
|
Clinical Nurse Manager 3 |
232.88 |
303.46 |
|
Clinical Nurse Manager 3 (Mental Health) |
28.83 |
41.36 |
|
Clinical Nurse Manager 3 — Night |
86.8 |
83.03 |
|
Clinical Nurse Manager 3 — Theatre |
17.40 |
20.22 |
|
Clinical Nurse Specialist (General) |
405.13 |
640.42 |
|
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Infection Control |
24.50 |
47.89 |
|
Clinical Nurse Specialist (Mental Health) |
92.7 |
153.22 |
|
Clinical Skills Development Director |
— |
1.00 |
|
Director of Nursing 1 |
19.00 |
21.90 |
|
Director of Nursing 1, Assistant |
169.03 |
246.11 |
|
Director of Nursing 2 |
19.50 |
22.11 |
|
Director of Nursing 2A |
14.00 |
14.00 |
|
Director of Nursing 2, Assistant |
155.96 |
210.83 |
|
Director of Nursing 3 |
29.75 |
27.09 |
|
Director of Nursing 3, Assistant |
32.00 |
30.09 |
|
Director of Nursing 4 |
81.15 |
73.11 |
|
Director of Nursing 4, Assistant |
25.84 |
39.20 |
|
Director of Nursing 5 |
48.61 |
37.54 |
|
Director of Nursing, Deputy |
3.00 |
2.00 |
|
Director of Nursing (Mental Health) |
40.5 |
28.5 |
|
Director of Nursing (Mental Health), Assistant |
176.99 |
171.99 |
|
Director of Nursing & Midwifery |
— |
2.00 |
|
Director of Nursing/ Midwifery Education Centre |
13.01 |
14.72 |
|
Director of Public Health Nursing |
34.00 |
28.55 |
|
Director of Public Health Nursing, Assistant |
139.29 |
178.38 |
|
Director of the Nursing & Midwifery P&D Unit |
4.00 |
5.00 |
|
Director of the Nursing & Midwifery P&D Unit, Asst |
1.00 |
2.00 |
|
Nurse Planner |
— |
1.00 |
|
Nurse Tutor |
86.05 |
22.45 |
|
Nurse Tutor (Mental Health) |
— |
31.39 |
|
Nurse Tutor (Midwifery) |
12.92 |
1.80 |
|
Nursing/ Midwifery Clinical Placement Co-ordinator |
97.05 |
128.46 |
|
Nursing/ Midwifery Practice Development Co-ordinator |
22.78 |
21.85 |
|
Nursing Services Director |
— |
1 |
|
Nursing Unclassified |
51.69 |
45.56 |
|
Practice Nurse Facilitator |
3.80 |
6.67 |
|
Principal Nurse Tutor |
11.58 |
2.00 |
|
Principal Nurse Tutor (Mental Health) |
2.00 |
1.00 |
|
Professional Development Nursing Officer |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Public Health Nurse |
1,428.83 |
1,490.09 |
|
Public Health Nurse, Senior (Immunisation) |
12.8 |
1.80 |
|
Public Health Nurse, Student |
31.98 |
111.78 |
|
Specialist Co-ordinator, Nursing |
18.62 |
21.60 |
|
Staff Midwife |
549.44 |
1,026.84 |
|
Staff Midwife, Senior |
56.45 |
140.96 |
|
Staff Nurse, Community Mental Health |
69.06 |
130.87 |
|
Staff Nurse, Dual Qualified (General) |
887.95 |
516.89 |
|
Staff Nurse, Dual Qualified (Intellectual Disability) |
— |
6.36 |
|
Staff Nurse, Dual Qualified (Mental Health) |
98.94 |
71.20 |
|
Staff Nurse — General |
15,421.73 |
16,768.20 |
|
Staff Nurse General (Community) |
36.21 |
77.58 |
|
Staff Nurse — Intellectual Disability |
1,114.52 |
1,215.84 |
|
Staff Nurse, Mental Health |
2,190.94 |
2,272.90 |
|
Staff Nurse (Psychiatric), Community |
32.81 |
— |
|
Staff Nurse, Senior (Dual Qualified) |
666.96 |
708.32 |
|
Staff Nurse, Senior (Dual-Qualified Mental Health) |
106.12 |
162.86 |
|
Staff Nurse, Senior (General) |
1,762.02 |
2,008.35 |
|
Staff Nurse, Senior (Intellectual Disability) |
125.03 |
159.05 |
|
Staff Nurse, Senior (Mental Health) |
1,255.48 |
1,164.38 |
|
Staff Nurse, Senior (Sick Children) |
29.32 |
66.93 |
|
Staff Nurse — Sick Children’s |
369.69 |
511.54 |
|
Diploma Student Midwife |
330.81 |
— |
|
Student Midwife |
— |
173.32 |
|
Student Nurse, General (Degree) * |
— |
461.85 |
|
Student Nurse, Intellectual Disability (Degree) * |
— |
82.33 |
|
Student Nurse, Mental Health (Degree) * |
— |
136.14 |
|
Student Nurse, Sick Children’s (Post Registration) |
166.13 |
76.93 |
|
Total |
34,312.96 |
38,281.66 |
Source: Health Service Personnel Census.
*These students who are on rostered placement, displace nurses at the ratio of 2 students to 1 nurse. For example, in General nursing 922 individual students are counted as 462 WTEs.
125 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of psychiatric nurses working in mental health services broken down by grade on 1 January 2005 and the end of June 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48071/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
126 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of management and administration staff broken down by grade on 1 January 2005 and the end of June 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48072/09]
The information requested will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
127 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of social workers employed in the Health Service Executive; the various grades of social workers; the number who are job sharing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48073/09]
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. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
128 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and percentage of permanent and temporary posts per grade category in the Health Service Executive as at June 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48074/09]
The number (WTE excl. career break) and percentage of staff in the public health service by category of employment, as recorded in the HSE's health service personnel census by grade category, as at June 2009, is as follows:
|
WTE Permanent |
WTE Job-Sharing |
WTE Temporary |
WTE Locum |
WTE Part-time |
WTE Sessional |
WTE Training |
Total WTE |
|
|
General Support Staff |
8,211.82 |
189.63 |
1,640.01 |
431.36 |
1,916.86 |
31.25 |
6.67 |
12,427.60 |
|
Health & Social Care Professionals |
11,768.10 |
275.31 |
1,946.84 |
212.91 |
1,493.56 |
63.49 |
196.95 |
15,957.16 |
|
Management/ Admin |
13,901.19 |
548.11 |
1,507.44 |
233.22 |
1,580.97 |
6.2 |
0 |
17,777.13 |
|
Medical/ Dental |
2,202.39 |
40.22 |
1,017.00 |
195.23 |
255.55 |
97.24 |
4,261.93 |
8,069.56 |
|
Nursing |
26,419.06 |
1,456.58 |
4,237.50 |
644.99 |
4,586.51 |
24.17 |
912.85 |
38,281.66 |
|
Other Patient & Client Care |
11,952.65 |
371.66 |
2,408.51 |
1,091.33 |
2,676.83 |
45.2 |
1.45 |
18,547.63 |
|
TOTAL |
74,455.21 |
2,881.51 |
12,757.30 |
2,809.04 |
12,510.28 |
267.55 |
5,379.85 |
111,060.74 |
|
WTE Permanent |
WTE Job-Sharing |
WTE Temporary |
WTE Locum |
WTE Part-time |
WTE Sessional |
WTE Training |
|
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
|
|
General Support Staff |
66.08 |
1.53 |
13.20 |
3.47 |
15.42 |
0.25 |
0.05 |
|
Health & Social Care Professionals |
73.75 |
1.73 |
12.20 |
1.33 |
9.36 |
0.40 |
1.23 |
|
Management/ Admin |
78.20 |
3.08 |
8.48 |
1.31 |
8.89 |
0.03 |
0.00 |
|
Medical/ Dental |
27.29 |
0.50 |
12.60 |
2.42 |
3.17 |
1.21 |
52.81 |
|
Nursing |
69.01 |
3.80 |
11.07 |
1.68 |
11.98 |
0.06 |
2.38 |
|
Other Patient & Client Care |
64.44 |
2.00 |
12.99 |
5.88 |
14.43 |
0.24 |
0.01 |
|
TOTAL |
67.04 |
2.59 |
11.49 |
2.53 |
11.26 |
0.24 |
4.84 |
129 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of absenteeism in 2009 in the Health Service Executive; the breakdown of absenteeism among staffing categories; the associated cost of agency staff as a result of this absenteeism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48075/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
130 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average basic annual salary of medical laboratory technicians; the average additional annual payments to medical laboratory technicians in respect of overtime, call out, additional duties or for any other reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48076/09]
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. As this is a service matter and includes terms and conditions in which staff are employed, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
131 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a breakdown of the way in which pay savings of €659 million, as announced in budget 2010 will be achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48077/09]
The Health Estimate for 2010, as announced on 9th December 2009, provided for a range of measure designed to bring costs into line with what we can afford, rather than reducing services. At the same time, the Government is ensuring that sufficient resources are made available to respond to priority demographic and other needs, particularly in services for older people and cancer, and to support ongoing reform of our public health services.
The Budget provision for the health sector includes €659 million in pay savings, which take account of the Government decisions on public service pay reductions, including:
general pay reductions, and higher reductions for those on higher pay on foot of the recent Report of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration;
a proposed further reduction in the fees payable to certain health professionals;
and savings associated with the moratorium on recruitment and promotion.
The precise manner in which these savings will be achieved in the Health sector is now a matter for my Department, agencies under the aegis of my Department and the Health Service Executive.
132 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details of the way in which budget 2010 savings of €141 million in drugs costs will be achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48078/09]
I recently had discussions with the representative bodies of the pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking further reductions in the price of drugs supplied to the Health Service Executive (HSE). Planned reductions in ex-factory prices will save €121m in 2010, with knock-on savings of €20m at wholesale and retail level. These savings are in addition to savings of approx €80m in 2010 arising from the terms of the 2006 agreements with the pharmaceutical manufacturers. It is also my intention to introduce a system of reference pricing combined with generic substitution under the GMS and community drugs schemes. This will encourage greater use of cheaper generic alternatives and lead to further savings in the State's drugs bill. The legislation to do this will be introduced during 2010.
133 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details of the way in which budget 2010 savings of €30 million in dental treatment will be achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48079/09]
It has been decided to put a cash limit on the Dental Treatment Scheme in 2010 — based on the expenditure incurred by the Scheme in 2008. My Department has asked the HSE to examine the means of achieving this. I expect the HSE to revert to my Department shortly with its proposals.
134 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have applied for the new nursing home package replacing subvention; the number of cases sanctioned to date; if she is satisfied with the progress of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48088/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
135 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to a previous parliamentary question, if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48128/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
136 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical procedure will be carried out on a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48168/09]
As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
137 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that the transfer of the processing of medical card applications for the over 70 years to the Health Service Executive’s primary care reimbursement service is causing hardship and stress to those who are left without medical card cover for long periods due to the delay in processing applications; the steps she will take to have the situation rectified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48171/09]
138 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulty being encountered by over 70s medical card applicants in accessing the position regarding the progress of their applications, when they can be 15 minutes or more waiting for their telephone calls to be answered by the reimbursement service telephone line; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48172/09]
139 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to delays in processing applications for over 70s medical cards for those whose cards have expired and also for new applicants; and if she will indicate the action she is taking to deal with the situation which is unfair to elderly applicants most of whom have previously held medical cards. [48173/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 to 139, inclusive, together.
The Health Service Executive, with my full support, has decided to centralise the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications and renewals at its Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin. Applications from people whose income exceeds the income guidelines but have a case to be considered on medical or hardship grounds will also be processed by the PCRS. The process commenced in January 2009 when the PCRS took over the processing of all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. The second phase commenced in September 2009 with the transfer of the case load from two local health offices in Dublin to the PCRS. The phased implementation allows the situation to be continuously monitored and, if required, modified to address any issues arising. The PCRS has processed over 63,000 medical card applications since the start of 2009.
The HSE has advised that the transfer of the case load from the two local health offices included a backlog of some 6,500 cases. These are being dealt with as a matter of urgency by the PCRS. As a result, resources which would have been deployed in customer relations and phone answering have been assigned to deal with this backlog. The HSE is providing additional resources to respond to phone queries, the majority of which relate to the outstanding applications. The HSE has advised my Department that local health offices will continue to deal with queries of a general nature about the medical card scheme and will provide any assistance needed with the application process.
The HSE has recently put in place a national on-line system to allow local health offices track the current status of applications in the PCRS. The HSE has indicated that a facility is now available where a person can view the status of their medical card application on-line and if a mobile phone number is supplied with an application, updates by text message will be delivered to the applicant's phone. The HSE has advised that when fully implemented, this measure will ensure:
Improved turnaround time for the processing of applications (A turnaround time of 15 days or less for all medical card applications. Emergency applications will be dealt with immediately with a card issuing within 24 hours);
Equitable application of eligibility across the country;
Consistency of service provision to customers;
Clearer lines of governance and accountability; and
Improved unified data.
My Department is currently in discussion with the HSE about putting in place a dedicated telephone number for Oireachtas members for enquiries about applications being processed by the PCRS.
In relation to the specific issues raised by the Deputy about the processing of medical card applications and reviews in respect of persons aged 70 or over, such persons are now required to undergo a means assessment. Under this assessment the person is required to complete a simplified review form, and provide up-to-date evidence of their income. To date this year, 26,713 reviews in respect of persons aged 70 or over and their dependants have been received in the PCRS. The HSE has reported the following in relation to these reviews:
22,726 (85%) have been completed with eligibility confirmed to the client.
Additional information has been requested from 3,194 persons (12%).
735 (2.8%) are currently going through the assessment process.
58 (0.2%) lost eligibility as their current income is above the income thresholds.
85% of the completed reviews, where all the relevant information was supplied, were completed within 20 days, with 95% completed within 30 days.
The HSE has indicated that it has no control over delays where relevant information is not provided but it has confirmed that when the required information is received, the review is processed without further delay.
140 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of European Union nationals resident here who are automatically entitled to a medical card irrespective of age or means, pursuant to Regulations (EC) 1408/71; and if she will provide a breakdown on the member states or origin of such medical card holders. [48174/09]
The information sought by the Deputy is not provided by the Health Service Executive to my Department as a matter of routine. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
141 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children to explain the reason three public dentist positions remain unfilled in the Cavan and Monaghan area; the duration of these vacancies; when she intends issuing approval for the recruitment of suitably qualified practitioners to fill same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48181/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
142 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22, who is in constant pain with a knee problem, and has been referred to an orthopaedic consultant by his general practitioner cannot get an appointment with the consultant for approximately 2.5 years; if she will make representations to have this person’s predicament addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48191/09]
As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
143 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if children aged 14 to 16 years of unemployed parents are covered for treatment and examination by dentists under their parents’ medical cards and if she will inquire whether the 14 year old child (details supplied) in County Meath whose parents are unemployed and have a medical card is covered for dental treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48192/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
144 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 has to wait 14 months for a heart echocardiogram and angiogram for which they were referred by a consultant doctor at a Dublin hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48201/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
145 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to proceed with the transfer of community welfare officers from the aegis of the Health Service Executive; the way in which it is intended to ensure that those most in need of the services of the community welfare officers may continue to access the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48202/09]
The Community Welfare Service (CWS) of the HSE administers the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme (SWA), which includes rent supplement, on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. In February 2006, the Government decided, inter alia, that the CWS should be transferred to that Department. Provision has been made in the Social Welfare and Pensions Acts 2007 and 2008 for the transfer of the administration of the SWA scheme from the HSE to the Department of Social and Family Affairs. These provisions are subject to a commencement order.
On 28 April 2009, the Government considered a report on the progress of the transfer of functions programme. The Government directed that the transfer of the CWS proceed and that the associated industrial relations difficulties be referred to the national IR institutions. In the Renewed Programme for Government October 2009, the Government restated its intention to transfer the Community Welfare Service from the HSE to the Department of Social and Family Affairs in 2010.
There are significant benefits to be achieved in transferring the administration of the SWA from the HSE to the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The Government's priority is to ensure that the transfer is managed in a well-planned and efficient manner, and that a high standard of service to the public is maintained during the transition. The transfer will alleviate pressure on the HSE and facilitate it in concentrating on its core health and personal social service functions. The transfer will not lead to any changes in the exercise of discretion by community welfare officers when dealing with applications for the supplementary welfare allowance. The flexibility and responsiveness which is inherent in the scheme will remain. This flexibility and responsiveness have been very much in evidence in the role community welfare officers have played in providing financial assistance to persons who have been affected by the recent flooding crisis.
A considerable amount of preparatory work for the transfer of the CWS to DSFA has already been completed. The IT, accommodation and financial management aspects are well advanced. The necessary legislative changes have been made and are subject to a Commencement Order. I can also report that all of the relevant parties (my Department, the HSE, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, IMPACT and SIPTU) are actively engaged in intensive discussions, which are being facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission.
146 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the reason Mayo County Council is refusing to allow a caretaker’s agreement regarding a venture (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47845/09]
During a meeting between the Irish Coast Guard, the Chief State Solicitor's Office, Mayo County Council and their solicitors on the 11th June 2008, the Coast Guard was advised that such an Agreement was unacceptable at that time. The CSSO Office have advised that the present proposals are unsatisfactory for the Department, and that the Irish Coast Guard would be in a weak position if there was a disagreement in the future which could expose the Department to additional costs.
The Irish Coast Guard has recently reminded Mayo County Council that it is still willing to proceed along the lines of a Caretakers Agreement to allow the volunteers enter the building whilst legal difficulties are corrected and that the Coast Guard would be willing to further pay a reasonable percentage of the remaining monies due on foot of such access. The Director of the Coast Guard and the Director of Services for Mayo County Council are currently dealing directly on the matter and will be meeting today 17th of December at the Council offices in the latest effort to move the issue forward.
147 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has received any proposal from Cork City Council regarding plans to introduce a public bicycle scheme similar to that put in place by Dublin City Council this year. [47923/09]
My Department received an application under the Smarter Travel Project Fund from Cork City Council regarding a proposed feasibility study for a public bike scheme. A total of 121 applications for funding were received, and on this occasion, this application from the Council has not been successful. However, there are other projects in the Cork City area short-listed for funding under the Smarter Travel Project Fund.
148 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Transport if he has received correspondence from Waterford City Council regarding plans to introduce a public bicycle scheme similar to that put in place by Dublin City Council this year. [47976/09]
I am informed that my Department has no record of having received correspondence from Waterford City Council regarding plans to introduce a public bicycle scheme similar to that put in place by Dublin City Council.
149 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff employed by his Department on 1 January 2009; and the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009. [47798/09]
The number of whole time equivalent staff employed by my Department on 1 January 2009 was 559. The number of whole time equivalent staff employed in my Department on 10 December 2009 was 520.
150 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the programme changes that will be made in order to achieve the savings in his Department outlined in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47898/09]
The current allocation for my Department in the recent Budget announced an underlying expenditure cut of €60 million. This is made up of
Pay and administrative savings of €2.9 million which will be achieved through the Incentivised Career Breaks, Shorter Working Year and Incentivised Early Retirement schemes together with cutbacks in travel and incidental expenses across all activities within the Department.
A reduction of €0.65 million in the administrative expenditure of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and of €13.8 million on regional and local road maintenance. The NRA reductions will be achieved by natural wastage and efficiency savings. The regional and local roads reductions will be offset by the combined benefits of falls in material costs, in particular the lower cost of bitumen, and general reductions in construction related costs.
A reduction of €3.5 million in expenditure on the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF). This saving is being achieved through efficiencies and cost reductions and will not impact on service delivery in 2010.
A reduction of €27 million in public service provision payments to CIE, which will be achieved through cost reduction and efficiency measures and service adjustments to reflect reduced patterns of demand.
Elimination of €11.1 million in unitary payments on capital expenditure arising from the early repayment of CIE borrowing for capital investment purposes.
A reduction of €1 million in Railway Safety Commission (RSC) administrative expenditure. This will not have any adverse effect on the Commission's regulatory functions as they will be funded by a levy under the Railway Safety Act 2005.
A reduction of €0.35 million in the administrative expenditure of the Railway Procurement Agency which will be met from efficiencies within the organisation.
My Department's capital allocation for 2010 is €2.1 billion which is €298 million lower than the revised Estimates allocation for 2009. The following are the principal changes:
The national roads provision is down €287 million.
The regional and local roads provision is reduced by €21.5 million.
The provision for public transport is only €3 million lower than 2009.
The allocation for carbon reduction measures has been increased by 150% to €25 million.
The regional airports provision is down €3 million and the allocation for the maritime sector is up almost €5 million.
151 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 572 of 16 September 2009, the position regarding the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47905/09]
My Department has completed the review of the Disabled Parking Scheme and I have approved the recommendations in full. I expect the review to be published on the Department's website shortly, and implementation of the recommendations will then get underway.
152 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the remuneration package of the chief executive of the Irish Aviation Authority for each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009; if he has legal power to instruct the authority to change the remuneration package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47924/09]
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is a commercial state-sponsored company, which was established in 1994 under the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993. Under Section 38 of the Act, the Board of the Irish Aviation Authority decides on the terms and condition of employment (including the remuneration package) of the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Minister for Transport and with the consent of the Minister for Finance. Under Section 39 of the Act, the Authority is required to have regard to Government or nationally agreed guidelines or Government policy concerning remuneration and conditions of employment of staff and to comply with the directive of the Minister for Transport given with the consent of the Minister for Finance
Details of the remuneration of the Chief Executive of the IAA are included in the company's annual report, a copy of which is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas each year. The 2009 accounts have not yet been prepared but will be finalised, audited and published in the early part of 2010 and will contain the details of the remuneration package of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for 2009. I am advised that the CEO took a voluntary 10% pay cut in 2009.
153 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the details of the remuneration package of the chief executive of Dublin Airport Authority for each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009; if he has legal power to instruct the authority to change the remuneration package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47925/09]
Details of the remuneration package of the Chief Executive of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) are included in the company's annual report and a copy of the annual report is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas each year and is available in the Oireachtas library. Under Section 29(3) of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1998 the terms and conditions of employment of the DAA CEO are a matter for the Board subject to the consent of the Minister for Transport given with the approval of the Minister for Finance. Moreover, under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, it is the responsibility of the Chairman and Board of each State body to implement Government policy in relation to the total remuneration of the Chief Executive. In this regard the DAA Chief Executive's pay and emoluments must be agreed by the DAA Board within the remuneration levels approved by my Department with the consent of the Department of Finance.
154 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding that has been allocated to the rural transport programme under budget 2010; the amount that will be directly allocated to the RTP in total and individually to each of the 36 rural transport companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47993/09]
The provision for the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) in 2010 is being maintained at €11 million in recognition of the important role it plays in combating social exclusion in rural Ireland, particularly for older people. Pobal, which administers the RTP on behalf of my Department, makes specific funding allocations to individual RTP community transport groups from funding provided by my Department. Neither I, nor my Department have any role in relation to the specific funding allocations for these groups.
155 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the increase from €10 million to €25 million for the smarter travel programme under budget 2010; if he will indicate the carbon reduction programmes that will be financed under smarter travel in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47995/09]
When I published Smarter Travel in February this year I indicated that the ambition in that strategy required investment over a long period of time in a series of integrated measures. These measures, whether they involve promoting active travel through cycling and walking, behavioural change through workplace travel plans and use of more energy efficient technology all combine to reduce carbon emissions.
My Department commenced the implementation of Smarter Travel immediately following its publication. I announced a series of investments in cycling and walking infrastructure as well as two funds to support Smarter Travel. The first of these, the Smarter Travel Demonstration Projects Fund, yielded 121 submissions and 35 of these have been shortlisted. When I launched the fund I committed to investment of €3 million per annum. The second fund, the Smarter Travel Demonstration Fund, is estimated at €50 million over 5 years and is aimed at Local Authorities in getting then to adopt an integrated approach in delivering the targets in Smarter Travel at local level. 39 submission were received and 11 have been shortlisted for stage 2 assessment.
I am pleased to announce that the 2010 allocation for Smarter Travel measures has increased significantly. This reflects the Government's commitment to the new strategy despite the difficult economic circumstances. Details of progress on implementing the new agenda are placed on the website www.smartertravel.ie on a quarterly basis.
156 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposals on transport contained in the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes; if he is considering implementing any further recommendations on transport from the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47996/09]
157 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the €60 million reduction in current expenditure under budget 2010; the programmes and agencies that will be affected by this reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47997/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.
The Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes recommended full year savings of €127 million in my Department's current expenditure provision. The proposed expenditure reductions included:
A saving of €2.9 million on administrative expenditure, pay and non-pay;
A reduction of €36.2 million on roads and road related expenditure, including €20 million on road maintenance;
A saving of €68 million on public transport expenditure, including €55 million from operational efficiencies among the CIE companies. The balance of €20 million was to be accounted for by savings in aviation and cross-programme expenditures.
The Report also included recommendations on additional revenue raising measures such as asset disposals and road pricing and proposed some organisational restructuring such as the merger of agencies and functions. As part of the preparations for the Budget, my Department submitted a list of possible expenditure reduction options to the Department of Finance which took account of the recommendations in the Report. That submission also included a preliminary evaluation of the non-revenue reduction recommendations in the Report.
The current allocation for my Department in the recent Budget announced an underlying expenditure cut of €60 million. This is made up of
Pay and administrative savings of €2.9million which will be achieved through the Incentivised Career Breaks, Shorter Working Year and Incentivised Early Retirement schemes together with cutbacks in travel and incidental expenses across all activities within the Department.
A reduction of €0.65million in the administrative expenditure of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and of €13.8million on regional and local road maintenance. The NRA reductions will be achieved by natural wastage and efficiency savings. The regional and local roads reductions will be offset by the combined benefits of falls in material costs, in particular the lower cost of bitumen, and general reductions in construction related costs.
A reduction of €3.5million in expenditure on the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF). This saving is being achieved through efficiencies and cost reductions and will not impact on service delivery in 2010.
A reduction of €27 million in public service provision payments to CIE, which will be achieved through cost reduction and efficiency measures and service adjustments to reflect reduced patterns of demand.
Elimination of €11.1million in unitary payments on capital expenditure arising from the early repayment of CIE borrowing for capital investment purposes.
A reduction of €1million in Railway Safety Commission (RSC) administrative expenditure. This will not have any adverse effect on the Commission's regulatory functions as they will be funded by a levy under the Railway Safety Act 2005.
A reduction of €0.35 million in the administrative expenditure of the Railway Procurement Agency which will be met from efficiencies within the organisation.
The Report's other recommendations on additional revenue reduction measures and organisational restructuring are under continuing consideration within my Department at present.
158 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the public service obligation allocation for CIE, Irish Rail, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus under budget 2010. [47998/09]
The Estimates provision in respect of the public service obligations of the CIÉ companies for 2010 is €276.189 million. Allocation of this provision between the subsidiary companies is a matter for the National Transport Authority in consultation with the companies.
159 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the 15% reduction in roads improvement and maintenance budget under the 2010 transport capital budget; the road building and maintenance plans that will be affected by the budgetary reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47999/09]
As part of the necessary correction to the public finances, the overall budget for the improvement and maintenance of national, regional and local roads will be reduced by 15% from €1.9 billion in 2009 to €1.6 billion in 2010. While reduced, €1.6 billion is still a significant investment in this very important sector and has to be considered in the context of the very high levels of funding provided for roads over the last decade.
In relation to national roads, I should point out that the funding being provided will allow for the Major Interurban (MIU) routes and the upgrading of the M50 to be completed by end 2010 as envisaged under Transport 21. In addition, the 2010 funding will allow the National Roads Authority (NRA) to progress some other strategic road projects. It will, of course, be necessary for the NRA to keep its programme for future years under review in the light of the available public finance.
With regard to regional and local roads, a programme of works for 2010 has yet to be decided. The level of grants allocated to individual authorities is determined each year having regard to a number of factors including the total funds available in a particular year, eligibility criteria for the different grant schemes, road pavement conditions, length of road network, the need to prioritise projects and competing demands from other local authorities. I will be announcing the 2010 regional and local road grant allocations early in the New Year.
160 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the capital provision for public transport investment in budget 2010; the Transport 21 infrastructure projects that have no funding allocation for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48000/09]
The capital provision for public transport investment in 2010 is €625 million. This will see the completion of a number of important projects such as:
Western Rail Corridor Phase 1;
Luas extension to Cherrywood;
Kildare Rail Project;
Navan Rail Line Phase 1.
Construction work will continue in 2010 on the Luas extension to Citywest, which is on target for completion in 2011.
In keeping with the commitment in the Renewed Programme for Government, priority is being given to the delivery of Metro North and the DART Underground Programme and the required funding will be provided to advance these projects in 2010. In addition, planning and design work will continue on all other Transport 21 public transport projects with a view to the earliest possible delivery as financial resources become available. Funding is also being provided for a number of important public transport programmes, including railway safety, accessibility, integrated ticketing, traffic management/bus priority and Real Time Passenger Information.
On national roads, the Major Inter Urban network will be fully completed by end 2010, with the following schemes opening to traffic:
N7 Nenagh — Limerick;
N7 Limerick Tunnel;
M7 Castletown — Nenagh;
M7/M8 Portlaoise — Cullahill/Castletown;
N9 Waterford — Knocktopher;
N9 Carlow — Knocktopher Motorway service areas (Tranche 1).
In addition, the M3, Clonee to North of Kells, scheme will complete in 2010 as will the M50 Upgrade. Construction will continue on the N18 Gort to Crusheen, an important element of the Atlantic Road Corridor, and on the N21 Castleisland Bypass. The National Roads Authority are also preparing a number of new projects for delivery by public private partnership, principally on the Atlantic Road Corridor and the N11 route. These will move through procurement during 2010 and some will commence construction in early 2011.
161 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the funding that has been allocated to the Road Safety Authority under budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48001/09]
The 2010 capital allocation for the Road Safety Authority is €200,000. The current expenditure allocation for the same year is being finalised to take account of the pay savings announced on Budget Day.
162 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the allocation for regional airports and for aviation public service obligations under budget 2010; the way in which this figure compares to the allocations for 2005 to 2009, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48002/09]
My Department provides financial support to six regional airports in the State: Ireland West Airport Knock, Kerry Airport, Waterford South East Regional Airport, Donegal Airport, Sligo Airport and Galway Airport for airport capital development and operations, as well as Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services connecting these regional airports other than Waterford and Derry Airport to Dublin Airport. The total capital and current expenditure for the years 2005 to 2009 as well as the allocation for 2010 are set out in the following table:
|
Spent 2005 |
Spent 2006 |
Spent 2007 |
Spent 2008 |
Spent 2009 |
Allocation 2010 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Capital Expenditure |
1,700,000 |
800,962 |
1,503,170 |
9,024,000 |
4,714,773 |
3,000,000 |
|
Current Expenditure including PSO Air Serviceand operational subvention payments |
21,408,163 |
17,186,000 |
17,748,000 |
18,040,459 |
18,115,758 |
16,926,000 |
As regards current spending on PSO Air Services, the spending for the years 2005 to 2009 and allocation for 2010 are as follows:
|
Spent 2005 |
Spent 2006 |
Spent 2007 |
Spent 2008 |
Spent 2009 |
Allocation 2010 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
PSO Air Services |
19,202,000 |
15,522,000 |
15,484,000 |
15,300,000 |
14,770,758 |
15,229,496 |
The 2010 allocation for the PSO Air Services allows for the continuation of contracted services next year.
My Department also provides cross-border funding to Derry City Council for a runway safety project at City of Derry Airport. This is a co-funding arrangement agreed by the Irish and UK Governments. So far, the two Governments have each paid £6.05m Sterling (€7.57m) towards the cost of this project. A balance of £1.09m Sterling (€1.26m) is payable in 2010.
163 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the agencies under his remit who process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48018/09]
164 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number of staff involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48032/09]
165 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of agencies under his remit who have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48048/09]
166 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of agencies under his remit who have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48062/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 to 166, inclusive, together.
The following table lists the Agencies under the aegis of my Department and the role they have in processing entitlement payments, the role in carrying out inspections, the role in collection of payments and the role in the issuing of licences.
|
Name of Agency/Body |
Process Entitlement Payments |
Carry out inspections |
Issue Licences |
Collection of payments |
|
Commission for Aviation Regulation |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Irish Aviation Authority |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Commission for Taxi Regulation |
X |
X |
||
|
Road Safety Authority |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Railway Safety Commission |
X |
The numbers of staff involved in these various roles are day-to-day operational matters for the Agencies involved.
There are seven agencies under the remit of this Department that are covered by the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003. Each Freedom of Information Officer in these bodies is responsible for collecting the fees where applicable. The bodies concerned are: Commission for Aviation Regulation; Medical Bureau of Road Safety; National Transport Authority; Railway Procurement Agency; Commission for Taxi Regulation; the National Roads Authority and the Marine Casualty Investigation Board.
167 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, further to a recent parliamentary question, if he will confirm a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48156/09]
My Department is awaiting a report on the scale and cost of works while will determine the order in which work will be done. I will review the matter in the second quarter of 2010 and work will commence on one of the stations as soon as funding permits. My hope is that the work will be underway next year.
168 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48086/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the correspondence in question relates to S.I. No. 471 of 2009 which specifies that Section 132 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 will come into force on 28 February 2010. I have noted the comments contained in that correspondence. The provision in question was commenced having regard to all relevant considerations and to the broad economic context which must inevitably inform policy choices of this nature. It received broad support from all sides of the House.
169 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff employed by his Department on 1 January 2009; and the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009. [47793/09]
The number of whole-time equivalent staff serving in my Department and agencies staffed by it on 1 January and 10 December 2009 was 2,271 and 2,108 respectively. The foregoing figures do not include bodies in the wider Justice sector which recruit their own staff such as the Courts Service, Garda Síochána, Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, Legal Aid Board, Property Registration Authority and non-administrative staff in the Irish Prisons Service.
170 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the breakdown of the programmatic changes that will be made in order to achieve the savings in his Department outlined in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47897/09]
I can inform the Deputy that despite the current difficult financial climate it has been possible to allocate funding, although at reduced levels in some cases, to most of the existing programmes in respect my Department's Vote. The Deputy will note from the estimates published recently that only two subheads; B.3 Commission for the Victims of the Northern Ireland Conflict and G.18 Graffiti Removal have not been allocated funding in 2010. The Victims Commission had completed its work and the Graffiti Removal activity was a demonstration/pilot project. This work would in the longer term, be for local authorities to champion and direct I have consistently sought to prioritise funding in relation to frontline law enforcement services, particularly those involved in the fight against serious crime. Consistent with this approach is the increased funding allocated to both the Forensic Science and State Pathology Laboratories in 2010. In line with previous years I will continue to ensure that all the Votes under the remit of my Department are managed on a group basis and ensure that resources are prioritised to meet the challenges facing the Justice Sector in 2010, wherever they arise.
171 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his office has received correspondence from a city council (details supplied) in relation to concerns expressed about the conditions at Mountjoy Prison, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47920/09]
I can confirm that correspondence the subject of this Parliamentary Question was in fact addressed to the Director General of the Irish Prison Service. A comprehensive reply has recently issued from my Office.
172 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider extending the role of the small claims court to deal with disputes between businesses involving sums of money below a certain level. [47946/09]
I am currently reviewing the situation in this regard and will make a decision in due course.
173 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of drugs seized in County Waterford during 2009. [47971/09]
In the time available it has not been possible to compile the detailed statistics requested. I will communicate further with the Deputy when the information sought is to hand
174 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of drug charges brought in County Waterford during 2009. [47972/09]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
175 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí based in County Waterford that were injured in the course of duty during 2009. [47973/09]
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly when this information is to hand.
176 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the agencies under his remit who process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48016/09]
I can inform the Deputy that administrative staff of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal process applications for compensation, in the first instance, for submission to Tribunal members who decide if the applications come within the remit of the Scheme and the amount to be awarded in compensation. Currently, there are 4.8 full time equivalent members of staff assigned to the Tribunal.
177 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number of staff involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48030/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out below.
Equality Tribunal
11 staff at Equality Officer level have a role in carrying out equal pay inspections.
Garda Síochána Inspectorate
A total of 9 persons including the Chief Inspector and 2 Members of the Inspectorate (both posts currently vacant) are involved in carrying out inspections.
Inspector of Prisons
The Inspector of Prisons is an independent, statutory body, which carries out inspections of prisons and places of detention. There are 3 staff involved in the carrying out of inspections, namely the Inspector and two other staff members. There is a total of 4 staff, including the Inspector, assigned to this Office.
Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO)
One member of IFCO's staff is engaged in inspection work.
Office of the Data Protection Commissioner
On average 2.5 members of staff of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner carry out inspection work.
Private Security Authority (PSA)
The PSA currently has four full and one temporary part-time Inspectors who carry out inspection work.
Reception and Integration Agency (RIA)
There are 6 staff members who are core members of the internal inspection team and an additional 4 staff members who carry out inspections as required. In addition, the RIA has for the past number of years engaged independent assessors with expertise in the field to conduct inspections on its behalf. The independent assessor conducts inspections on every accommodation centre at least once a year.
An Garda Síochána
I have requested this information from the Garda Authorities and I will contact the Deputy when it is to hand.
178 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of agencies under his remit who have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48046/09]
I can inform the Deputy that the information requested is set out below:Courts Service It is estimated that a full time equivalent of 5 people are involved in the central accounts office. In addition to those staff dedicated to the financial accounting aspects of fines collection, there are also staff involved in the wider courts administration system that would have as part of their role an input to the fines administration process, e.g. issuing fines notices, issuing warrants and receipting fines paid into local offices. It is not possible to accurately quantify the numbers involved.
Office of the Data Protection Commissioner
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner employs 1.5 members of staff who have a role in the collection of payments.
Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO)
The number of IFCO staff involved in the collection of payments is 5.
Legal Aid Board
The Board collects contributions from persons being provided with legal services. This is undertaken by staff in law centres as part of their general duties and it would not be possible to determine the number of staff involved.
Office of the State Pathologist
1 member of staff in the Office of the State Pathologist issues invoices to Coroner's offices (which fall under the remit of the various city and county councils) in respect of post mortem and inquest fees.
Private Security Authority (PSA) The collection of licence fees by the Authority involves 2 staff members.
An Garda Síochána
I have requested this information from the Garda Authorities and I will contact the Deputy when it is to hand.
179 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of agencies under his remit who have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48060/09]
I can inform the Deputy that the information requested is set below:Courts Service In most cases District and Circuit Court staff work on licensing matters as part of their normal work. The Deputy may also wish to note that there are 2 staff who work full-time on licensing matters in the District Court in Dublin. Irish Film Classification Office Two members of staff deal with the issuing of licences in the Irish Film Classification Office. Private Security Authority The Authority’s Licensing Division consists of 14½ staff. An Garda Síochána I have requested this information from the Garda Authorities and I will contact the Deputy when it is to hand.
180 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the proposal to deport a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48106/09]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his earlier Parliamentary Question, No. 112 of Thursday, 2 July, 2009, in this matter. As the Deputy is aware, Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) provides the Minister with powers to amend or revoke a Deportation Order. An application seeking to revoke a Deportation Order must set out new facts or circumstances which have arisen and which were not capable of being advanced at the time the decision to deport was made. My Department has no record of such an application having been made by, or on behalf of, the person concerned. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
181 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48107/09]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in March 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. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that further processing of the application has commenced and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
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.
182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48108/09]
The person concerned has been granted temporary permission to remain in the State for a one year period to 14 July 2010. This decision was conveyed to the person concerned by letter dated 14 July 2009 to the last known address as notified by the person concerned. The legal representative of the person concerned was also notified of this decision.
183 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48109/09]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2007. I decided in my absolute discretion to grant a certificate of naturalisation and the person in question was informed of that decision in a letter issued to him on 18 November, 2009. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that documentation was requested to finalise his application on 11 December, 2009. On receipt of the requested documentation a certificate of naturalisation will issue to the person concerned.
184 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48110/09]
I refer the Deputy to my Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 275 of Tuesday, 17 November 2009. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.
185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in issuing citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48111/09]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November 2007. 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. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that processing of the application is at an advanced stage and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
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.
186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will re-examine the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48112/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 16th May, 2000. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The person concerned was informed by letter dated 29th July 2002 that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), to be exercised within 15 working days. Namely, to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to make representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why he should not be deported.
His case was then examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended), on the Prohibition of Refoulement. On 5th August 2003, the then Minister refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of the person concerned. Notice of the Order was served by registered post requiring the person concerned to ‘present' to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. The person concerned continues to meet the presentation requirements of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (G.N.I.B.) in accordance with Section 8(1)(b) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. The matters raised in the more recent correspondence are currently under consideration. The person concerned should continue to meet GNIB's presentation requirements.
187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the residency status of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48113/09]
The person concerned, accompanied by her child, applied for asylum on 9 February 2006. This application was withdrawn on 15 February 2006 by the person concerned. Arising from the withdrawal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 17 July 2007, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. She was also notified, of her entitlement to submit an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State. Representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned at that time.
The person concerned also made an application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of being a parent of an Irish Citizen child, born in the State before 1 January 2005, in accordance with the revised arrangements announced by the then Minister on 15 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. This application was received after the Scheme's closing date of 31 March 2005 and the person concerned was informed of the rejection of her application by letter dated 23 July 2009.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned. The cancellation of the passport of the child of the person concerned is not a matter for which my Department has responsibility.
188 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency or naturalisation in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48114/09]
The first named person concerned applied for asylum on 21 June 2002. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the first named person concerned was informed, by letter dated 14 April 2003, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. Representations were submitted on behalf of the first named person concerned at that time.
His case was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement and all representations received were considered in arriving at a decision in his case. On 28 June 2004 a Deportation Order was signed in respect of the first named person concerned. Notice of this Order was served by registered post dated 11 January 2005. This communication advised the first named person concerned of the legal requirement that he present himself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on 20 January 2005 in order to make travel arrangements for his deportation from the State. The first named person concerned failed to ‘present' on this occasion and, as such, was classified as evading his deportation.
On 14 August 2008, an application for revocation of the Deportation Order, under Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), was submitted on behalf of the first named person concerned. This application is under consideration in my Department at present. When a decision has been made on this application, the first named person concerned will be notified in writing of that decision and of the consequences of the decision. The second named person concerned was granted refugee status in the State in 2003. This decision was conveyed to the second named person concerned by letter dated 13 June 2003.
189 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures followed in the application for refugee and residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; if he will review the issue on the basis of changed circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48115/09]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question no. 222 of 3rd April, 2008. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in that reply. The person concerned continues to meet the presentation requirements of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in accordance with Section 8(1)(b) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. He is due to present again on 7th January, 2010. I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum and for temporary leave to remain in the state, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport him is justified.
However, if new information or circumstances have come to light, which have a direct bearing on his case and which have arisen since the original decision to deport was made, there remains the option of applying to me for revocation of his Deportation Order pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. However I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful. The effect of the Deportation order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.
190 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the process of citizenship will be completed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48116/09]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in February 2008. I decided in my absolute discretion to grant a certificate of naturalisation and the person in question was informed of that decision in a letter issued to her on 10 June, 2009. Documentation requested from the person concerned in order to finalise her application was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department on 4 November, 2009.
In practice, a necessary period of time elapses while applications that have been approved have their certificates of naturalisation prepared, as certificates must be printed, signed and sealed under strict controls. A certificate of naturalisation will issue to the person concerned in the near future.
191 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48117/09]
I refer the Deputy to my reply given to Question number 291 of 7th October, 2009. The position remains unchanged. The person concerned continues to evade deportation and is therefore liable for arrest and detention. He should present himself to the Garda without further delay.
192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 3 December 2009, if his attention has been drawn to correspondence from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in the case a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if he will further extend residency in the case of their spouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48125/09]
Long term residency is granted on the basis that a non-EEA national has completed five years legal residency in the State on work permit / work authorisation / working visa conditions. Residency is calculated from the corresponding stamp 1 or stamp 4 endorsements in an applicant's passport and not by the dates of commencement and expiry of each work permit. Periods of time where a person has not had legal residency cannot be counted in any application for long term residency.
As previously stated in Parliamentary Question 171 on 3 December 2009, an application for long term residency for the first named person is currently being processed. A decision is likely to be reached by mid-2010. It is advised that all applicants keep their permission to remain in the State up to date while their application is pending.
In relation to the correspondence from the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment, referred to by the Deputy, I can confirm that it is on file and the only purpose that it serves is to confirm the validity dates of work permits issued to the person concerned. The second person in question currently has an application for renewal of his permission to remain under consideration. A decision will issue in due course.
193 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 219 of 2 December 2009, if an examination was sufficiently detailed to justify the outcome in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48126/09]
As I stated in my reply to Question number 219 of 2nd December last, I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum, for temporary leave to remain in the State and for Subsidiary Protection, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport her is justified. The effect of the Deportation order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
194 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 166 of 3 December 2009, if he will defer further action in the case in respect of a person (details supplied) pending a full investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48127/09]
As I stated in my reply to Question number 166 of 3rd December last, I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum, for temporary leave to remain in the State and for Subsidiary Protection, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport her is justified.
An application seeking to revoke a Deportation Order must set out any new facts or circumstances which have arisen since the original decision to deport was made. Any such application submitted would be considered on its merits, having due regard to all refoulement issues, and following such consideration a decision would be taken to either affirm or revoke the Order. No representations have been received to date in this regard. The effect of the Deportation order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
195 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of young offenders attending Westview House from both the probation service and the day centre being run by Ogra and youth workers on each day of the week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48190/09]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 168 on 9 December 2009 and to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 214 on 15 December 2009. The position remains as stated.
196 Deputy Tom Kitt asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the current Anti-Homosexuality Bill in the Parliament of Uganda; if he has expressed his concerns abut this Bill to the Ugandan Government; the implications the passing of the Bill will have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47741/09]
Uganda is one of the nine Programme Countries where Ireland has a commitment to long term strategic assistance. An important aspect of our programme of support for Uganda is a focus on good governance and respect for human rights. I am very concerned about the implications of the Private Members Bill which was tabled in the Ugandan Parliament in October, which is described by its proponents as an "Anti-Homosexuality Bill".
I have followed this issue closely and have discussed it in detail with our Ambassador to Uganda. Through our Embassy in Kampala, the Government has expressed our deep concerns about the Bill to the Government of Uganda. We have also coordinated closely with our EU partners in order to raise our concerns with the Ugandan authorities as a human rights issue. On 3 December, through the Swedish Presidency, the European Union formally raised its concerns about the draft Bill in a meeting with the State Minister of Foreign Affairs. Our Embassy in Kampala has also been engaging with the Uganda Human Rights Commission on issues relating to discrimination against sexual minorities. It has also sought the views of local human rights and representative groups on how the international community can most effectively support efforts to oppose such discrimination.
It is important to note that neither President Museveni nor the Government of Uganda has yet taken an official position on the Private Members Bill. I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will remain actively engaged with the Government of Uganda, pressing it to ensure that the Bill does not pass into law.
197 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs in view of the recently announced commitment that Ireland will contribute €100 million to help developing nations cope with the effects of climate change if this funding will come from existing overseas aid budget or if it will be a separate funding measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47749/09]
The Taoiseach will travel to Copenhagen today to head Ireland's delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in the final days of the negotiations for an ambitious new climate change agreement. Earlier this week, I attended a meeting of EU Development Ministers in Copenhagen in order to underline the importance of the links between climate change and development. We held discussions with Ministers from a number of developing countries, focusing on ways in which the EU can support them in responding to the enormous challenges of climate change.
The Government and our EU partners recognise that significantly increased financial resources will be required in order to support developing countries as they cope with the impact of climate change. The EU has also stated clearly that climate change financing must not undermine or jeopardise the fight against poverty. At last week's meeting of the European Council in Brussels, it was agreed that the EU and its Member States would contribute €2.4 billion annually in fast-start funding for the three years 2010 to 2012 to support the climate change needs of developing countries. The Taoiseach pledged that Ireland would contribute up to €100 million over this three-year period.
Climate change financing must be adequate, reliable and predictable, and it must be delivered in a way that complements development assistance. The exact composition of Ireland's package of fast-start funding will be finalised by the Government. It will include new and additional funding for developing countries.
198 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the negotiations for a free trade agreement with Colombia; and if he supports the call that negotiations be suspended in view of the Colombian Government’s lack of respect for human and trade union rights in view of the assassinations of trade unionists. [47782/09]
EU relations with Colombia are conducted in the framework of regional relations between the EU and the Andean Community comprising Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. In 2007, negotiations aimed at concluding a comprehensive Association Agreement between the EU and the Andean Community were formally launched. This Agreement will cover all facets of relations between the EU and these countries, including political dialogue, cooperation and trade. In addition, a multiparty free trade agreement is being negotiated between the EU and two member states of the Andean Community — Colombia and Peru — within the overall framework of the Association Agreement. The negotiations are being carried out by the Commission on the basis of a mandate from the Council.
The negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement with Colombia is part of an EU strategy to support and encourage the Colombian Government as it tries to restore the authority of the State after decades of violent civil conflict. By engaging with Colombia in this way, the EU strongly believes it can influence the Government in a manner that also results in greater respect for human rights. Ireland fully supports that strategy. We recognise that the promotion of peace and stability in Colombia requires a comprehensive, multi-strand strategy which tackles simultaneously the various social and economic elements underlying the conflict. Our approach and that of the European Union is to engage with the Colombian Government as it emerges from decades of terrorism and to influence that process in a manner that strengthens the Government's commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
I am aware of and share the deep concern that has been expressed at the manner in which trade union activists, human rights defenders and journalists have been treated in Colombia. Ireland, along with its EU partners, monitors the human rights situation in Colombia and raises issues including such human rights abuses with the Colombian Government through the ongoing EU-Colombia dialogue on human rights and in regular contacts at political level.
Last month, during a visit to Colombia to present credentials, Ireland's Ambassador to Mexico raised these issues at meetings with the Colombian Minister for Foreign Affairs and with senior officials in the Foreign Ministry. The Ambassador emphasised the importance that Ireland attaches to the protection of human rights defenders and trade unions leaders and explained the considerable attention that their plight has attracted in Ireland. The Foreign Minister confirmed that this is a priority issue for Colombia and that every effort was being made to address the position in the context of a difficult security situation. In the course of his visit the Ambassador also met with representatives of Irish NGOs to hear at first hand about their concerns regarding human rights and their views in relation to the negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement.
I am of the view that continuing the FTA negotiations with Colombia at this time offers the best opportunity to ensure that the concerns of EU Member States at the human rights situation in that country and, in particular, the treatment of trade union activists are fully addressed by the Colombian government. To this end, Ireland, along with other EU partners will continue to input to the European Commission negotiators to ensure a balanced outcome to the negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement with Colombia and one which gives due prominence to the protection of human rights. In addition, I am writing to the EU Trade Commissioner to underline our interest in an effective human rights clause being included in the agreement.
199 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff employed by his Department on 1 January 2009; and the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009. [47789/09]
The number of staff employed by my Department, excluding those who are locally recruited abroad, was 1332 on 1 January 2009 and 1279 on 10 December 2009. This is the number of actual staff working in the Department, including worksharing staff.
200 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the breakdown of the programme changes that will be made in order to achieve the savings in his Department outlined in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47896/09]
The Budget 2010 statement and the Estimates for Public Services and Public Capital Programme published on 9 December provides for a total of €714 million for my Department for 2010 under Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (International Cooperation). Under Vote 28, €56.4 million is allocated to programmes, which represents a reduction of €12.8 million on the corresponding allocation for 2009.
Savings amounting to €9m will accrue from the fact that support for the Referendum Commission will not be required in 2010 and reductions that will emerge on our contributions to International Organisations. Many of these contributions are denominated in dollars and during 2009 savings have already been made on foot of exchange rate gains. The Emigrant Support Programme to support Irish emigrants overseas and to facilitate extensive Irish-related cultural, business and community projects, will continue next year with a total allocation of just under €13m, a reduction of €2.2 million. This is sustainable without reducing support for frontline organisations assisting the most vulnerable and needy Irish emigrants who will remain the core focus of the programme.
Expenditure will be reduced by just over €1 million following the winding-up of the programme of support for the transition of EU applicant countries and the member states that joined the EU in 2004 and 2007. This programme has been very useful in assisting these countries in transition and in developing good relations with countries where we have not had a long-term presence.
Funding to my Department for Information services is reduced by €500,000 and funding to support cultural relations with other countries is reduced by €45,000. The grant-in-aid paid to European Movement Ireland and the Irish UN Association is reduced by €76,000. This reflects a reduction of €16,000 or 6.4% in funding of the European Movement Ireland and the discontinuation of funding for the Irish UN Association. All other programmes on Vote 28 retain their 2009 allocations.
On Vote 29, the proposed allocation for Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 2010 is €536m compared with €571m for 2009. However, ODA as a percentage of Gross National Product (GNP), which is the internationally recognised measure of a donor's ODA programme, has now been stabilised and, based on current projections, will amount to 0.52% of GNP in 2010. Ireland's total allocation to ODA in 2010 is €671 million, including an estimated €135 million from other Government Departments and Ireland's share of the EU Development Cooperation budget.
Detailed allocations across the programme have yet to be finalised but will reflect our core objectives of poverty reduction and a focus on results. I expect that we will be providing in excess of €100 million to NGOs and missionaries, over €100 million to fight HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases and over €50 million for emergencies and assistance to fragile states. We will also ensure our commitments to our nine Programme Countries, seven in Africa and two in Asia are met.
201 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his position in relation to an incident (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47932/09]
Relations between Armenia and Turkey have long been overshadowed by the events which resulted in the tragic deaths of very large numbers of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire more than ninety years ago. Both sides hold sharply different historical interpretations of these events. More recently, there have been signs of an improvement in this difficult relationship. I welcome the signature by Armenia and Turkey of protocols on 10 October 2009 in which they agreed to establish diplomatic relations and re-open their common border. The protocols must now be ratified in each country, a process that may not be easy given the long history of ill feeling between both countries.
However, the agreement reached on the protocols has the potential to not only enhance relations between the two countries, but also peace and stability in the wider region. Hopefully, as their relationship moves forward and develops, Armenia and Turkey will also be able to come to terms with their shared past. I understand that, as part of the agreement, it is intended to establish a sub-commission on historical issues. The Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister visited Dublin on 3 November 2009 and met with Minister of State Roche and officials from my Department. During her visit the Deputy Minister briefed on the Armenia-Turkey protocols. There was also an exchange of views on Ireland's experience of conflict resolution in relation to Northern Ireland.
202 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the agencies under his remit who process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48014/09]
203 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number of staff involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48028/09]
204 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of agencies under his remit who have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48044/09]
205 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of agencies under his remit who have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48058/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 to 205, inclusive, together.
There are no state boards, agencies or regulatory bodies operating under the responsibility of my Department. There are however currently three bodies; two Advisory Committees and one Educational Commission, which operate under the aegis of my Department; the Development Education Advisory Committee; the Government Emigrant Services Advisory Committee; and the Fulbright Commission. These bodies do not have any role in regard to the processing of entitlement payments; the carrying out of inspections; collection of payments; or the issuing of licences.
The Development Education Advisory Committee was established in 2003 following the recommendations of the Ireland Aid Review Committee. Its purpose is to advise the Minister, the Minister of State and Irish Aid on development education policy.
The Government Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (previously known as Díon) was set up in 1984 to advise the Government on the welfare of the Irish community in Britain. The Committee’s primary role is to advise on the distribution of Government support to voluntary agencies providing front line services and community care to Irish people in Britain.
The Fulbright Commission (The Board of the Ireland — United States Commission for Educational Exchange) finances study, research, teaching and other educational activities between Ireland and the United States of America. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have some statutory obligations in regard to this organisation; including the appointment of four members of the eight-member Commission. While my Department makes an annual grant in aid payment to the Commission, it has statutory autonomy of management and I have no responsibility for the day to day running of the organisation.
206 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a passport has not been returned to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48101/09]
The person in question submitted his application for a passport having lost his first Irish passport and the vital documents which provide evidence of his citizenship. Section 7 of the Passports Act 2008 requires that before issuing a passport to a person, the Minister shall be satisfied that the person is an Irish citizen, and as to the identity of the person. The passport office is investigating the case and will be in further contact with him shortly.
207 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will explain the proposed reduced price transport for senior citizens from other countries scheme highlighted in budget 2010; his views on the stimulus this project will give to the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47992/09]
In his Financial Statement on Budget 2010 made last week, my colleague, Mr Brian Lenihan TD, Minister for Finance, announced that Iarnród Éireann has agreed to participate in a new scheme, to be developed by Fáilte Ireland, as an imaginative initiative to increase tourism numbers next year. The scheme, which is to be aimed at senior citizens visiting Ireland from abroad, will offer vouchers for greatly discounted rail travel throughout Ireland. The initiative responds to proposals from the tourism industry to extend the current free travel scheme for senior citizens resident in Ireland to British visitors.
The potential of such an initiative to generate interest in Ireland as a destination was recognised by the Tourism Renewal Group. Anything that adds value and sends out a message of affordability for potential visitors to the island of Ireland is welcome in the current highly competitive environment. The Renewal Group's Report recommended that an off-season scheme be piloted, at no additional cost to the Exchequer, to widen access to free public transport for OAP visitors from abroad. It is in that context that the Minister for Finance made his announcement. As explained in his Financial Statement, more information on this initiative will be given by Fáilte Ireland and Iarnród Éireann in the coming weeks when the details have been finalised.
208 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff employed by his Department on 1 January 2009; and the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009. [47790/09]
On 1 January 2009, there were 180 individual members of staff employed in the Department, which includes the National Archives of Ireland. (The Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) figure was 173.97). On 10 December 2009, there were 163 members of staff employed in the Department. (The WTE is 157.32).
209 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the breakdown of the programmatic changes that will be made by his Department to achieve the savings in his Department, as outlined in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47889/09]
Savings for my department in 2010 will be achieved through reductions in allocations across the range of programmes in the area of tourism, sport and cultural supports as outlined in the 2010 Estimates for Public Services. I would refer the Deputy to my detailed reply today to Priority Question No. 2 on the impact of budget cuts.
210 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the agencies under his remit who process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48006/09]
211 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48020/09]
212 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of agencies under his remit who have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48034/09]
213 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of agencies under his remit who have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48050/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 to 213, inclusive, together.
None of the agencies under the remit of the Department process entitlement payments. Four of the agencies have a role in carrying out inspections, as set out below with the numbers of staff involved in this role.
|
Agency |
Inspection Type |
Staff Nos. Involved in Inspection |
|
Bord na gCon |
Inspection of licensed trainers kennels and inspection of artificial insemination centres for dogs. |
1 (whole-time equivalent) |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
Inspection of registered tourist accommodation sector and inspection of non-registered tourist accommodation sector. |
None. Functions carried out by enterprises under contract to Fáilte Ireland |
|
Irish Sports Council |
Inspection of national trails network. |
1.5 |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
Inspection of archaeological material on loan or held by local museums; inspection of objects and records held by holders of excavation licenses; inspection of archaeological stores; and inspection of archaeological excavations. |
6 Not full time as functions carried out only as required |
Three of the agencies have a role in the collection of payments, as set out below with the numbers of staff involved in this role.
|
Agency |
Inspection Type |
Staff Nos. Involved in Collection |
|
Bord na gCon |
Collection of trainer license fees. |
0.2 |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
Collection of fees associated with horse racing registrations and entries. |
1 |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
Collection of fees for the registration and registration renewal of registered tourist accommodation and collection of fees for the non-registered tourist accommodation sector. |
None. Functions carried out under contract as stated above |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
Collection of payments for in-company and external training programmes. |
1 (whole-time equivalent) |
Finally, five of the agencies have a role in issuing licenses, as set out below with the numbers of staff involved in this role.
|
Agency |
Licensing |
Staff Nos. Involved in Licensing |
|
Bord na gCon |
Licensing of greyhound trainers; licensing of artificial inseminators; licensing of greyhound public sales; licensing of greyhound race tracks; and bookmaker permits. |
5 |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
Registration of specific tourist accommodation types, where registration is a statutory requirement. |
None. Functions carried out under contract |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
Licensing of on course (racecourse) betting permits. |
0.15 |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
Licensing to export of works of art (within the European Union). |
2 |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
Licensing to alter archaeological objects and licensing to export archaeological objects. |
2 |
215 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the financial position of hotels, pubs and guest houses in the current economic climate; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48094/09]
There is no doubt that the tourism industry as a whole, including the hospitality and catering sectors, has had a very difficult year in 2009. This Government is committed to maximising the contribution of tourism to economic recovery in 2010. My Department's Tourism Services Budget for 2010 is over €155m, representing an increase of 2% on 2009. The increased allocation of public resources — at a time of major fiscal retrenchment — is clear recognition by Government of the important role that the tourism and hospitality sector will play in Ireland's economic recovery.
It should be noted that Budget 2010 incorporates a range of measures and initiatives to renew Irish tourism. Key elements build on actions recommended in the recent Report of the Tourism Renewal Group. These measures to assist the tourism sector were welcomed by their representative federations.
In commenting on these measures the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), representing hoteliers and guest house operators, welcomed the acknowledgement by Government of the important role of tourism in the economy. The IHF also welcomed the budget measures introduced including maintaining funding in the level of tourism marketing, a trebling of the allocation for tourism product development, a new voucher scheme to enable discounted travel for senior citizens from abroad and a reduction in excise duty on alcohol products all of which will assist the sector going forward. The Vintners Federation of Ireland also welcomed the excise duty reductions noting that they should help stimulate growth and jobs not just in the hospitality industry, but across the whole retail sector.
216 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to encourage the development of local community support facilities such as community centres or theatres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48095/09]
219 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the discussions he has had with those involved in the promotion of the arts at local level in County Kildare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48118/09]
220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the discussions he has had with those involved in the promotion of the arts at local level with a view to establishing local theatres (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48119/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 216, 219 and 220 together.
Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. The allocation to the Council in 2010 is €69.15 million. Under the ACCESS programme, my Department is responsible for the provision of capital monies for arts centres, theatres, museums and so forth. In 2008 and 2009 alone, €52m was paid in respect of such facilities. A further €16m is provided in the 2010 Estimates for regional arts capital projects. While no new round of the ACCESS programme has been launched it is my intention to have such a launch as soon as the overall budgetary situation improves.
217 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to offer a programme of enhanced grant aid for the provision of local and community based indoor sporting and recreational facilities to meet the increasing requirements of youth (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48098/09]
No decision has been made on the timing of future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme. Any future programme will be guided by the outcome of the National Sports Facilities Strategy which is nearing completion.
218 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which decentralisation targets have been met by his Department to date in 2009; the cost to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48099/09]
The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism was designated for relocation to Killarney, Co. Kerry, under the Government's Decentralisation Programme, which was announced in the 2004 Budget. The Department, excluding the National Archives, was designated an "early mover" by the Decentralisation Implementation Group. To date, 79 members of staff (including two service officers who were recruited locally) have relocated to the new purpose built offices which opened last December in Killarney. However, the Government moratorium on recruitment and promotion has impacted on the ability of the Department to proceed with further transfers at present.
In order to provide an efficient and effective service to its stakeholders including the Minister, Minister of State and the Houses of the Oireachtas, particularly when the Dail is in session, 20 posts were identified as requiring a predominantly Dublin presence while officers in those posts also spend periods of time in Killarney. In addition, extensive use is made of the video-conferencing facilities in the Department and every effort is made to co-ordinate and "cluster" meetings in order to keep the need for travel between the two locations to a minimum. The property expenditure for the Department's relocation to Killarney under the Decentralisation Programme is a matter for the OPW. The total non-property expenditure to date for the Decentralisation Programme for the Department is €1.16m.
221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the degree to which funding through his Department has been allocated and drawn down by the sporting and recreational bodies to which it was allocated to date in 2009; the way in which this compares with 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48120/09]
224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to assist the local sporting organisations by way of allocation of capital grants for the provision of facilities here; the amount likely to be spent under this heading in 2010 as compared with 2008 and 2009 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48123/09]
226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he expects to meet the requirements for the provision of sporting and recreational facilities indoor and outdoor on foot of applications on hand or in previous years; the degree to which he expects to meet in full, withhold or defer the relevant funding for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48211/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 221, 224 and 226 together.
In each of the three years in question the full amount of the sub-head allocation, provided in my Department's Estimates, to cover payments to grantees allocated funding under the Sports Capital Programme was paid out. A total of €48m has been provided for the Sports Capital Programme in 2010. This provision will ensure that commitments arising in 2010 from previous allocations under the Sports Capital Programme will continue to be met and that a range of modern facilities will be brought in to use in 2010. The amounts paid out in 2008 and 2009 were €58.673m and €60.137m respectively. As the Deputy will be aware no new applications under the Sports Capital Programme were invited in 2009. The question of reopening the Programme to new applications in 2010 is being considered.
222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which museum space here is sufficient to accommodate the display of all items of historical significance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48121/09]
The National Museum of Ireland is the national repository for all archaeological objects that may be discovered. The Museum is also charged with the conservation and display of the National Collection of moveable heritage and the expansion and enhancement of that Collection. As a collecting agency the Museum will always have material in storage. All archaeological objects found, with no known owner, belong to the State.
The National Museum of Ireland became an independent non-commercial semi-state body under the terms of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 with effect from May 2005 and operates under the Board appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Therefore I have no statutory role in relation to the functions of the Museum. I wish to point out however, that my Department, in collaboration with the Office of Public Works, has enabled the Museum to obtain storage accommodation in Swords, Co. Dublin.
The National Museum of Ireland manages the Designated County Museum scheme. Designated museum are legally entitled to retain objects on behalf o the State. Designated museums have to meet strict guidelines in the care of objects. They employ a full-time professional curator and have the resources and skills to care for objects. The National Museum will lend objects for display only to designated museums. All archaeological objects, on loan from the National Museums, remain State property. Designated museums will accept an archaeological object only if it is of local interest and be used for educational or display purposes. In general, objects that are primarily of national interest will normally be acquired by the National Museum.
The following are Designated County Museums: Cavan County Museum, Clare County Museum, Cork Public Museum, County Museum Dundalk, Donegal County Museum, Kerry County Museum, Limerick Museum, Monaghan County Museum, Tipperary South County Museum and Waterford Treasures Museum. The Department has a scheme for the support of non-State museums and galleries and for the encouragement of co-operation between National Cultural Institutions and local museums and galleries.
223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to target areas of social deprivation in the provision of grants for major sporting and recreational facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48122/09]
One of the stated aims and objectives of the SCP is to prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of facilities. Since 2003, at the initiative of this Department and in consultation with DCRGA, it was decided that areas that have been designated by Government for special support through the schemes administered by DCRGA, i.e. RAPID, Local Drugs Task Force and CLÁR areas, should be treated as disadvantaged under the SCP.
Projects identified as being located in areas designated as disadvantaged, or as serving disadvantaged areas, are targeted and prioritised in a number of ways. They are permitted to have a lower level of minimum own funding available (20% for projects in CLÁR areas and 10% for RAPID and Local Drug Task Force areas in comparison with the normal 30%) towards their project, and they may also receive extra marks during the assessment process. Successful projects under the SCP in RAPID areas may qualify to receive additional top-up funding of up to 30% of their SCP allocation, payable by DCRGA, in addition to their sports capital allocation.
Through these measures the SCP has invested over €146 million in designated disadvantaged areas. In turn, top-up arrangements from the D/CGRA in RAPID and CLÁR areas has allowed further allocations of more than €22 million to be made. No decision has been made on the timing of future rounds of the Programme.
225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number and location of applications for grant aid received from sporting or community groups throughout County Kildare in the past 12 months; if he will respond favourably to such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48124/09]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the Sports Capital Programme. No round of the Programme was advertised in 2009 and therefore no applications have been received this year by my Department from sporting or community groups in County Kildare.
227 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has considered documentation submitted by this Deputy on 8 December 2009 following his meeting (details supplied) regarding a project at that location; if he is in a position to respond; if funding will be available for such projects in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47778/09]
No decisions have been made in relation to these proposals to date.
228 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff employed by his Department on 1 January 2009; and the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009. [47796/09]
The number of staff (whole-time equivalents) employed in my Department on the dates referred to by the Deputy was as follows: 1 January 2009, 273.24; 10 December 2009, 252.84.
229 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will indicate the work of Ceárta Inneoa Teo over the past five years; the extent of the blacksmithing industry here; the proposed use of equipment stored in a facility owned by Údarás na Gaeltachta (details supplied); if it is proposed to revive the blacksmithing school operated there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47828/09]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No 436 on 9 June 2009 and to Question No 800 on 3 November 2009. In the first instance, it should be noted that my Department is not responsible for the development of the blacksmithing industry in Ireland. Furthermore, I have been advised by Údarás na Gaeltachta that there have been no further developments in the matters referred to by the Deputy.
230 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the breakdown of the changes that will be made to programmes overseen by his Department in order to achieve the savings set out for his Department in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47891/09]
In the 2010 Budget, the Government decided, as part of its strategy to manage its way through the current severe economic crisis and to return the country to prosperity, to reduce spending on public services by almost €1 billion in 2010 compared with the pre-Budget estimates. To the greatest extent possible, the savings have been sought through efficiencies rather than through reductions in services.
In the case of my own Department, gross funding at €415.426m in 2010 is a reduction of 13% relative to the 2009 allocation of €475.701m. Current funding is reduced by 9%, a decrease of €32.1m, and capital funding is reduced by 21%, a decrease of €28.175m. The breakdown of these reductions is provided in the recently published Budget Estimates volume. However, for the Deputy's convenience, the following table shows the breakdown by Programme Area of my Department.
|
Programme Area |
2009 Estimate |
2010 Estimate |
% Change |
|
% |
|||
|
Developing Communities |
163,316 |
140,908 |
-14 |
|
Tackling Problem Drug Use |
40,611 |
36,200 |
-11 |
|
Rural Development |
102,422 |
101,627 |
-1 |
|
Gaeltacht & Islands Development |
85,918 |
62,501 |
-27 |
|
Promotion of the Irish Language |
9,375 |
6,591 |
-30 |
|
North –South Co-operation |
55,102 |
52,990 |
-4 |
In a joint statement with the Minister of State at my Department, Mr John Curran, T.D., on Budget Day, we stressed that our primary concern is to make every effort to ensure that the daily front-line services provided with funding from my Department are protected, especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities. Every saving that can be made from cutting down on overheads will be pursued so that the entire range of urban, rural, Gaeltacht and island communities we serve retain, to the greatest extent possible, the services that have been developed in partnership with them over the years. Details of the breakdown under the various subheads will not be available until the publication of the REV in the early part of 2010.
231 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the agencies under his remit who process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48008/09]
232 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number of staff involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48022/09]
233 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of agencies under his remit who have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48036/09]
234 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of agencies under his remit who have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48052/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 to 234, inclusive, together.
I have taken entitlement payments to mean prescribed payments that are made to persons or organisations entitled to receive such payments under any statutory provisions. Relevant information furnished to me by Waterways Ireland (WI) is set out below. None of the other agencies within the ambit of my Department have any role in the activities referred to by the Deputy.
|
WATERWAYS IRELAND |
|
|
Role in carrying out inspections |
Under byelaws, WI has the power to inspect any craft on its network if it has a requirement to do so.Under the provisions of Health & Safety (H&S) legislation, all supervisory staff carry out regular H&S inspections as set out in WI’s Safety Statement. |
|
Number of staff involved in carrying out inspections |
38 |
|
Role in the collection of payments |
Toll charges for lock passages, bridge openings, dry dock admissions and payments for Smart Cards are collected by the lock keepers on the network.Monies are also collected in respect of rents, leases and licences. |
|
Number of staff involved in the collection of payments |
41 |
|
Role in the issuing of licences |
WI issues licences to individuals and commercial concerns for the conduct of commercial operations on the waterways, to facilitate the installation of equipment over or through WI’s property, for the erection of signage, for the letting of WI property to individuals. |
|
Number of staff involved in the issuing of licences |
3 |
235 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the budget allocation for the scheme of community supports in respect of older people in 2010; the number of elderly persons that will be catered for under this scheme in 2010 as compared to previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48154/09]
The Deputy will be aware of my intention to put revised arrangements for this Scheme in place early in 2010, following a review this year. Pending full implementation of these new arrangements, the existing Scheme will remain open for applications. All applications received by my Department have been processed and grant support has been provided to almost 6,400 older people this year. The total value of grants paid to community groups is over €2 million.
The final allocation for the Scheme for next year will not be settled until the Revised Estimates are published. However, my intention is that monitored alarms will be made available to all applicants that might apply in 2010 either through the provision of new equipment or enhancing the capacity of community groups to reuse the stock of equipment already in their ownership.
236 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 295 and 296 of 13 October 2009, his views on that fact that some agencies within the remit of his Department are incurring overtime expenses which are far in excess of those incurred by his Department; his plans to reduce such costs in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48155/09]
I assume that the agencies which the Deputy has in mind are Waterways Ireland and the North South Language Body.
In Waterways Ireland's case, the busiest times on the waterways are at weekends and during the longer days of the summer, when overtime is required to provide a proper customer service. During these periods (and indeed during the navigation season as a whole), staff are required to keep the locks manned and the system open. Overtime is also incurred during the seasonal maintenance programme (e.g. weed cutting), which is weather dependent. In times of emergencies and at times of adverse weather conditions, staff are also required to work beyond their normal working hours in order to protect the infrastructure and minimise the risk to the public. I am assured by Waterways Ireland that it seeks constantly to manage overtime effectively within the constraints of managing an organisation which supports the leisure and tourism industry, with consequent seasonal focus. I might also add that the Body will be required to implement further efficiency savings next year, in addition to those achieved in relation to 2009.
In relation to the Language Body, overtime costs for Foras na Gaeilge reduced from €40,691 in 2008 to €22,252 in 2009 as a result of the implementation of efficiency savings. I understand that the overtime costs in question relate principally to reception and security at headquarters when the premises are open to the public after normal office hours, business peaks in the Irish language book distribution section and promotional activities outside of office hours.
I understand that overtime costs for the Ulster-Scots Agency were significantly reduced from stg£16,884 in 2008 to stg£4,672 in 2009 following the employment of additional staff. Overtime costs for 2009 relate specifically to peaks in workflow and specific marketing activity, which required additional work at weekends. The Agency's policy is that overtime must be approved in advance on the basis of a clearly identified need. I am informed by both agencies of the Language Body that overtime is authorised only when absolutely necessary and that strict monitoring of authorisations will continue in 2010, particularly in the light of further agreed efficiency savings to be achieved in the Body next year.
237 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of social welfare claims excluding pensions paid in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47739/09]
238 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of social welfare claims excluding pensions that were paid in County Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47740/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 together.
Statistics on welfare recipient numbers are published at county level in the Department's Statistical Information on Social Welfare Services publication. The information requested by the deputy in respect of the end December 2008 are contained in the attached tabular statement.
|
Scheme Name |
Cavan |
Donegal |
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
133 |
752 |
|
Widow/er’s (Contributory) Pension* |
1,492 |
3,261 |
|
Widow/er’s (Non-Contributory Pension |
50 |
185 |
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
1,093 |
3,755 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit* |
73 |
177 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Allowance |
6 |
28 |
|
Guardian’s Payment (Contributory) |
6 |
24 |
|
Guardian’s Payment (Non-Contributory) |
6 |
12 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
358 |
538 |
|
Health and Safety Benefit |
1 |
1 |
|
Illness Benefit |
1,183 |
3,034 |
|
Invalidity Pension* |
628 |
1,606 |
|
Carer’s Benefit |
29 |
100 |
|
Disablement Pension |
184 |
375 |
|
Injury Benefit |
25 |
27 |
|
Interim Illness Benefit |
11 |
11 |
|
Death Benefit Pension* |
10 |
20 |
|
Disability Allowance |
1,191 |
4,433 |
|
Blind Pension |
17 |
81 |
|
Carer’s Allowance* |
775 |
2,731 |
|
Back to Work Self-Employed |
62 |
430 |
|
Back to Work Employee |
27 |
248 |
|
Back to Education Allowance |
88 |
418 |
|
Farm Assist |
273 |
1053 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
663 |
1,259 |
|
Child Benefit |
9,575 |
20,628 |
|
Live Register |
5,073 |
15,264 |
|
Total |
17,959 |
45,187 |
*Those aged over 66 who would not have received a decrease in payment rate are included in the above figures. Statistics on the age of recipients are not available on a county basis.
239 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the rate of domiciliary care allowance in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47743/09]
The rate of Domiciliary Care Allowance remains unchanged for 2010 at €309.50 per month.
240 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when carer’s benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [47751/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be notified when the necessary arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
241 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support a matter (details supplied). [47786/09]
243 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the percentage of social welfare recipients not in receipt of 100% of social welfare allowances. [47833/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 243 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled and will be forwarded as soon as it becomes available.
242 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff employed by her Department on 1 January 2009 and the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47800/09]
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. The following table details the number of staff employed in the Department on 1 January 2009 and 10 December 2009.
|
Number of Posts |
Number of People |
|
|
1st January 2009 |
4,539.06 |
4,933 |
|
10th December 2009 |
4,805.26 |
5,151 |
In line with the Government moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the Civil Service, the additional staff have been sourced by the redeployment of serving Civil Servants from other Government Departments.
244 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on a back to school allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied). [47841/09]
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). A person may qualify for payment of the allowance ifs/he is in receipt of a social welfare or HSE payment, is participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education or training course and has household income at or below certain specified levels at the time of the application for the allowance.
The Executive has advised that the person concerned was refused the back to school clothing and footwear allowance as her household income is in excess of the specified limit for her family size. The person concerned appealed the decision to an Appeals Officer of the HSE and no decision has been made on the appeal to date. The person concerned will be contacted directly by the HSE when a decision has been made on her appeal.
245 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her estimate of the full year impact of a 1% change in the higher rate of employers PRSI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47877/09]
246 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her estimate of the full year impact of a 1% change in the lower rate of employers PRSI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47878/09]
247 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her estimate of the full year impact of a 1% change in PRSI for the self-employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47879/09]
248 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her estimate of the full year impact of a 1% change in employees PRSI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47880/09]
249 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her estimate of the yield from increasing the PRSI ceiling to €100,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47881/09]
250 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her estimate of the yield from abolishing the PRSI ceiling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47882/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 to 250, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy regarding changes to PRSI rates and thresholds are set out in the attached table.
|
Changes to PRSI Rates & Thresholds |
Yield |
|
€m |
|
|
1% increase in Employers higher PRSI rate |
423.0 |
|
1% increase in Employers lower PRSI rate |
59.0 |
|
1% increase in the Self-Employed PRSI rate |
108.0 |
|
1% increase in Employees PRSI rate |
373.0 |
|
Raise the employee PRSI ceiling to 100,000 |
38.2 |
|
Abolition of the PRSI ceiling |
119.5 |
251 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the checks that are carried out to ascertain if people have been accused of, alleged to be or involved in anti-social behaviour in any other tenancy that they may have had before they were approved rent allowance in another part of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47912/09]
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 another source. Social Welfare legislation provides the Health Service Executive with the authority to refuse, suspend or terminate payment of a rent supplement in the case of a person who has been required to deliver up possession of a dwelling provided by a housing authority or an approved body where the reasons for that requirement include anti-social behaviour or the interests of good estate management.
In the case of private rented accommodation, tenancy arrangements involve a contract between the landlord and tenant and tenant behaviour is a matter for the landlord in the first instance. There are a number of avenues open to landlords in such cases, including the mediation service for landlords and tenants operated by the Private Residential Tenancies Board and/or recourse to the Garda Síochána and/or the Courts in relation to the enforcement of the law in dealing with anti-social behaviour. If necessary, the landlord may seek termination of the tenancy which, if effected, would result in the termination of rent supplement. I am satisfied that existing measures in relation to rent supplement are adequate and I have no plans to make any changes to social welfare legislation in this regard.
252 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons receiving rent allowance in County Mayo; and the number of these recipients who are on the local authority housing list in County Mayo. [47913/09]
255 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the consultation which takes place between the local authorities and Health Service Executive before rent allowance is approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47922/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 255 together.
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 another source. There are 3,079 recipients of rent supplement in County Mayo. Information in relation to the number of rent supplement recipients who are on local authority housing lists is not maintained by the Department. This information is available from the relevant housing authority in Mayo.
The 2009 Supplementary Budget introduced new arrangements for applications for rent supplement. In order to qualify for rent supplement, from the 27 th July 2009, a person must have been residing in private rented accommodation or accommodation for homeless persons (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for rent supplement. A person may also qualify for rent supplement where an assessment of housing need has been carried out within the 12 months preceding the date of claim and the person is deemed by the relevant local authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support.
In all other cases, a person who wishes to apply for rent supplement is referred, in the first instance, for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support by the local housing authority in the area where claim to rent supplement is made (and the person intends to reside). Only when the person has been assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support by the relevant housing authority, does the person become eligible for consideration for rent supplement. The aim of this restriction on entitlement to rent supplement and the new working arrangements is to ensure that housing authorities remain the principal agents both for assessing housing need and for meeting the long-term housing needs of people.
The Department works closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and regional and national monitoring groups are being set up by that Department to monitor, support and review the working arrangements in place to regulate access to rent supplement. The working group will facilitate co-operation and dialogue between local authorities and the community welfare service particularly in relation to the operation of the new housing needs assessment arrangements.
253 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the review of a disability allowance refusal has taken place in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the outcome of this review. [47914/09]
The person concerned applied for Disability Allowance on 21 July 2009. The claim was assessed by a Medical Assessor and she was found to be not medically suitable for Disability Allowance. The person concerned submitted further medical evidence which was assessed by the Medical Assessor and she was found to be medically suitable for Disability Allowance. The person has now been awarded Disability Allowance with effect from 22 July 2009.
Her means were at €324.50 per week based on her spouse's employment. She is therefore entitled to Disability Allowance at a weekly rate of €17.40 (reducing to €3.60 from 6 January 2010) and a child dependent allowance of €26.00 (increasing to €29.80 from 6 January 2010). Payment will be available for the person to collect at Ballina Post Office on 6 January 2010. Any arrears due her, less any overlapping payments, will issue to her shortly afterwards.
254 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in Cork city and county who have availed of the services of the money advice and budgeting service in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009. [47915/09]
The number of people in Cork who have availed of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service in 2007, 2008 and to date (up to the end September) in 2009 is outlined in the table below.
|
Year |
Amount of people who availed of the services of MABS in Cork |
|
2007 |
1,124 |
|
2008 |
1,754 |
|
2009 (up to end of Sept) |
1,675 |
256 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in County Waterford who have availed of the services of money advice and budgeting service in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009. [47974/09]
The number of people in Waterford who have availed of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service in 2007, 2008 and to date (up to the end of September) in 2009 is outlined in the table below.
|
Year |
Amount of people who availed of the services of MABS in Waterford |
|
2007 |
541 |
|
2008 |
806 |
|
2009 (up to end of Sept) |
882 |
257 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the regulations and statutory framework, which her Department relies upon, to restrict a person’s ability to collect arrears of payment to which they are legally entitled when due to an oversight or lack of knowledge the person fails to make application on time and might not do so for one year or so after becoming eligible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47984/09]
The legislative provisions relating to late claims for social welfare benefits are set out in Section 241 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, and in Regulations made under that section. These provisions set out the times within which a person must claim, the disqualifications which apply where a late claim is made, and the circumstances in which the time limits may be extended. Since 1997 a number of improvements have been made to the provisions relating to late claims for social welfare payments. For example, prior to 1997 arrears of state pension contributory claims were limited to either three months or six months before the date of claim. Legislation introduced in 1997 extended that period to twelve months with proportional payments for certain periods prior to that.
The legislation also provides for payment to be made on foot of late claims in the case of all schemes, other than supplementary welfare allowance, for a period of 6 months prior to the date of claim, provided that there was good cause for the delay in claiming. Changes introduced in 2000 provided for relaxation of the restrictions on backdating late claims under all schemes apart from jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance and supplementary welfare allowance and for further payment to be made, up to the level of full retrospection if the circumstances would warrant it, where the delay was due to incorrect information having been given by my Department, or illness or a force majeure prevented a person from claiming earlier or, the person is dependent on the arrears of payment to relieve financial hardship.
It is generally accepted that there is an obligation on people to claim their social welfare entitlements in time. However, cases will inevitably arise where they fail to do so and the legislative provisions are designed to cater for such situations. I am satisfied that the current provisions strike a reasonable balance between, on the one hand the need to exercise supervision and control of claims and, on the other hand, the need for appropriate recognition to be given to cases of genuine hardship or difficulty.
258 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the agencies under her remit who process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48017/09]
The four statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department are the Pensions Board, the Citizens Information Board, the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department. None of the bodies named above have a remit to process entitlement payments.
259 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of agencies under her remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number of staff involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48031/09]
The four statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department are the Pensions Board, the Citizens Information Board, the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department. The table attached below sets out the position in relation to the various agencies and statutory bodies.
|
Agency/Statutory Body |
|
|
Pensions Board |
Pension Board Regulation team carries out inspections and comprises of the following staffing compliment: |
|
1 Principal Officer |
|
|
2 Assistant Officer |
|
|
2 Higher Executive Officers |
|
|
4 Executive Officers |
|
|
5 Clerical Officers |
|
|
Legal Support |
|
|
Citizens Information Board |
N/A |
|
Social Welfare Tribunal |
N/A |
|
Pensions Ombudsman |
N/A |
|
Family Support Agency |
N/A |
260 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of agencies under her remit who have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48047/09]
The four statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department are the Pensions Board, the Citizens Information Board, the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department. The table attached below sets out the position in relation to the various agencies and statutory bodies.
|
Agency/Statutory Body |
|
|
Citizens Information Board |
CIB collects payments in respect of the following: |
|
Publications such as Relate magazine and the Directory of Voluntary Organisations |
|
|
Attendance at CIB organised information-delivery training courses |
|
|
In addition CIB also collects miscellaneous payments such as rental and license payments from tenants in sub-let CIB premises |
|
|
One member of staff is assigned to collect such payments. |
|
|
Pensions Board |
Collection of Occupational Pension Scheme fees and Personal Retirement Savings Account fees. |
|
The staff assigned to the collection of such fees are: |
|
|
0.2 Assistant Principal |
|
|
0.5 Higher Executive Officer |
|
|
1 Clerical Officer |
|
|
Pension’s Ombudsman |
N/A |
|
Social Welfare Tribunal |
N/A |
|
Family Support Agency |
N/A |
261 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of agencies under her remit who have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48061/09]
The four statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department are the Pensions Board, the Citizens Information Board, the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department. The table below sets out the position with regard to the various agencies.
|
Name of Agency/Board |
|
|
Social Welfare Tribunal |
N/A |
|
Citizens Information Board |
N/A |
|
Family Support Agency |
N/A |
|
Pensions Board |
The Pensions Board and the Revenue Commissioners are jointly responsible for the Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) product approval process. The Pensions Board supervises the activities of providers in relation to their approved products and monitors compliance with the legislation regarding PRSAs. As part of the Board’s regulatory role, a register of PRSA providers and their products is available.The number of staff involved in PRSA product approval varies depending on the number of products submitted for approval each year. The approval process is managed by the Board’s regulation team which consists of: |
|
1 Principal Officer |
|
|
2 Assistant Principal |
|
|
2 Higher Executive Officers |
|
|
4 Executive Officers |
|
|
5 Clerical Officers |
|
|
Pension’s Ombudsman |
N/A |
262 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if mortgage supplement will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48103/09]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes mortgage interest supplement, is administered on behalf of the department by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive. The Health Service Executive has advised that it has no record of an application for mortgage interest supplement from the person concerned. It is open to the person concerned to make an application for rent supplement to the community welfare officer in her area if she wishes.
263 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when social welfare payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48105/09]
The person concerned claimed jobseeker's allowance from 17 July 2009. A deciding officer decided on 4 November 2009 on the basis of the evidence presented that the person concerned is not habitually resident in the State. Habitual residence is a condition a person must satisfy to qualify for payment of certain social and child benefit payments. He was notified of this decision on 20 November 2009 and of his right to appeal. The person concerned has appealed the decision and documentation submitted in support of his appeal has been referred to the deciding officer for review. He will be notified of the outcome of this review.
264 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is an entitlement to a social welfare payment in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if they have an entitlement to a State pension on foot of self-employed or PAYE contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48129/09]
In order to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory), a minimum of 260 paid reckonable contributions is required, from either employment or self-employment. The person concerned applied for State Pension (Contributory) in 2002. Her claim was disallowed on 23 January 2002 on the grounds that she does not satisfy the contribution condition as she only has a total of 156 paid contributions. It is open to the person concerned to apply for a non-contributory pension. Her claim will be considered on receipt of an application.
265 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide in respect of 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 the number of appeals made under each scheme for all social welfare schemes under the remit of her Department; if she will further provide a breakdown of such appeals by those individuals who were already receiving benefits in which entitlement had been ended or reduced, or would have been new entrants; the success rate for appeals in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48182/09]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the statistics requested by the Deputy in respect of 2007, 2008 are available in the annual report of that Office for the relevant years. The information requested by the Deputy in respect of 2009 is not readily available in this format and the assembly and collation of such information would take time and, of necessity, divert resources away from processing of appeals which is the top priority for the office. There are no statistics maintained on the numbers of appellants who were already receiving benefits to which entitlement had been ended or reduced as opposed to those who were new entrants.
266 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the arrangements in respect of fuel allowance or other measures that are planned to alleviate the extra cost of fuels on poor households as a result of the introduction of the carbon tax. [48186/09]
The Government has announced its intention to introduce a carbon tax and has agreed that before the tax is applied to fuels for home heating, arrangements will be made to assist low income households. Carbon tax on heating products will come into effect from May 2010, while carbon tax on solid fuels will come into effect by commencement order at a later date. The Government is committed to protecting vulnerable households from the impact of energy costs through a combination of supports, investment in improving the energy efficiency of the housing stock and the availability of advice such as "The Keep Well and Warm booklet" and accompanying associated website. Some 132,000 copies of the booklet have been distributed in 2009.
Proper household insulation is absolutely vital in tacking fuel poverty. Initiatives such as the Warmer Homes Scheme, operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland, under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources have a very valuable role to play in that regard, as does funding from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to improve the quality of existing local authority housing. In addition, revenue from the carbon tax will be used to alleviate fuel poverty in the home. In his Budget speech, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government outlined details of €130 million in funding for insulation, €76 million of which will be ring-fenced for low income families.
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has overarching responsibility for the energy portfolio and has convened an inter-Departmental/AgencyGroup on Affordable Energy to coordinate and drive Government policy in this area. The objective is to ensure shared understanding of the challenges and actions underway and to ensure a fully cohesive strategic approach to delivery of affordable energy initiatives and programmes.
The Inter Departmental/Agency Group has been asked to draw up an Energy Affordability Strategy for consultation early in 2010. This strategy will set out existing and future approaches to addressing energy affordability and will have regard both to the impact of the carbon tax on low income households and the range of supports outlined above in making its recommendations.
267 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether the Irish Red Cross’s reputation and credibility within the International Red Cross movement has been damaged or compromised in view of the recent negative media articles on the Irish Red Cross (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48213/09]
268 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence his views, in view of the fact that the Irish Red Cross is an auxiliary to the Government in the provision of humanitarian services as endorsed by the Government at the 30th International Conference of the Red Cross, Red Crescent and state parties to the Geneva Convention in Geneva in 2007, on whether this role is in any way compromised by the many years of governance difficulties at the Irish Red Cross and the recent resignations of its chairman and secretary general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48214/09]
269 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a copy of the Irish Red Cross governance reform report following the recent council meeting of the Irish Red Cross; his views on the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47780/09]
279 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence if, further to a previous parliamentary question in which he stated that upon the submission by the Irish Red Cross of a governance reform report to his office that an interdepartmental discussion between the Departments of Defence, the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs would take place, he will confirm that his Department will take part in these discussions with the Departments of Defence and the Taoiseach, as well as with the Irish Red Cross and International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross; the role the Department of Foreign Affairs will play in this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48215/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 267 to 269, inclusive, and 279 together.
I have not yet received a copy of the report, which was recently completed by a governance committee within the Irish Red Cross Society. As previously stated, the contents of the governance report will be the subject of interdepartmental and interagency consultations on the reform process. The Department of Foreign Affairs, which engages on an ongoing basis with the various components of the International Red Cross Movement, and with the Irish Red Cross Society, in relation to its overseas aid work, will be invited to participate in these discussions.
I am not aware that the reputation, credibility or the role of the Society as an auxiliary to Government have been adversely affected by recent media articles. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has been and is supportive of the review process which was undertaken by the Irish Red Cross Society.
270 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff employed by his Department on 1 January 2009; and the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009. [47801/09]
The number of staff employed by my Department on 1 January 2009 was 384.6 (whole time equivalents) and the number on 10 December 2009 was 358 (whole time equivalents).
271 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the breakdown of the changes that will be made to programmes overseen by his Department to achieve the savings set out for his Department in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47892/09]
Like all areas of the Public Service, the Defence organization will be required to operate on a reduced budget for 2010. Within the available resources, I am committed to maintaining the strength of the Defence Forces at a level of 10,000 across all ranks, for which I have secured Government approval in the context of Budget 2010. The Defence Forces will continue to operate across all of the roles assigned by Government. There will be no new, cost-increasing expenditure measures introduced in 2010.
The key current expenditure reductions in 2010 will be achieved as follows. Payroll savings of €14m will be achieved by a reduction in Permanent Defence Forces personnel numbers, reduced civilian employee numbers and lower levels of paid training days for the Reserve Defence Forces. Reductions in the number of Permanent Defence Force personnel deployed overseas to Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina will achieve savings of up to €7m. Reduced Naval Service patrol days and the optimisation of Air Corps flying hours will deliver savings of €2.2m. The Coiste an Asgard sail training scheme will be discontinued, resulting in a saving of €0.8m. Additional Appropriations-in-Aid of up to €13m are anticipated, mainly in respect of UN receipts, property sales, cash escorts and military guards. The scheme of full cost recovery for security services will be extended to An Post, the Central Bank and other organisations.
The 2010 capital expenditure allocation of €16m will be focused on new building works to improve the accommodation and facilities of the Defence Forces. Capital projects will be prioritised within the reduced allocation. I am satisfied that priority programmes of investment in equipment and infrastructure will be maintained.
272 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons in the Reserve Defence Force qualified for gratuity in 2009 by unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47933/09]
The table shows the numbers of reservists, for each Unit of the Reserve Defence Force, who have been processed for the payment of a gratuity in respect of 2009. As the final payroll for 2009 has yet to issue a small number of reservists will receive gratuities in that payroll. Gratuities are normally paid in December of each year. It would not be unusual if a small number of gratuities for 2009 were notified for payment in 2010.
The terms and conditions for receipt of gratuities changed for 2008. The improved rates and the conditions for award of gratuities were sanctioned by the Department of Finance. The Reserve Defence Force Representative Association was consulted by my Department when the gratuity structure was being revised and the changes had their broad agreement and support.
|
Location And Description |
Number |
|
2 E BDE RDF — HQ |
22 |
|
62 RES INF BN — BN HQ |
2 |
|
62 RES INF BN — HQ COY |
12 |
|
62 RES INF BN — A COY |
14 |
|
62 RES INF BN — B COY |
13 |
|
62 RES INF BN — C COY |
15 |
|
62 RES INF BN — D COY |
30 |
|
62 RES INF BN — SP COY |
24 |
|
65 RES INF BN — BN HQ |
1 |
|
65 RES INF BN — HQ COY |
40 |
|
65 RES INF BN — A COY |
41 |
|
65 RES INF BN — B COY |
22 |
|
65 RES INF BN — C COY |
24 |
|
65 RES INF BN — SP COY |
44 |
|
67 RES INF BN — BN HQ |
1 |
|
67 RES INF BN — HQ COY |
19 |
|
67 RES INF BN — A COY |
31 |
|
67 RES INF BN — B COY |
27 |
|
67 RES INF BN — SP COY |
28 |
|
62 RES FAR — REGT HQ |
4 |
|
62 RES FAR — HQ BTY |
35 |
|
62 RES FAR — NO 1 GUN BTY MC KEE |
18 |
|
62 RES FAR — NO 2 GUN BTY CURRAGH |
19 |
|
62 RES FAR — NO 3 GUN BTY CURRAGH |
28 |
|
62 RES CAV SQN — SQN HQ |
32 |
|
62 RES FD ENGR COY — COY HQ |
21 |
|
62 RES FD CIS COY — COY HQ |
21 |
|
62 RES FD MP COY — COY HQ |
34 |
|
62 RES LSB — BN HQ |
4 |
|
62 RES LSB — TPT COY |
40 |
|
62 RES LSB — MED COY |
18 |
|
DEFENCE FORCES TRAINING AUTHORITY (DFTA) |
23 |
|
1 AD REGT — 2 AD BTY |
19 |
|
1 S BDE RDF — HQ |
7 |
|
32 RES INF BN — BN HQ |
9 |
|
32 RES INF BN — HQ COY |
31 |
|
32 RES INF BN — A COY |
21 |
|
32 RES INF BN — B COY |
21 |
|
32 RES INF BN — C COY |
32 |
|
32 RES INF BN — D COY |
32 |
|
32 RES INF BN — SP COY |
32 |
|
33 RES INF BN — BN HQ |
1 |
|
33 RES INF BN — HQ COY |
51 |
|
33 RES INF BN — A COY |
23 |
|
33 RES INF BN — B COY |
16 |
|
33 RES INF BN — C COY |
32 |
|
33 RES INF BN — SP COY |
26 |
|
34 RES INF BN — BN HQ |
12 |
|
34 RES INF BN — HQ COY |
53 |
|
34 RES INF BN — A COY |
36 |
|
34 RES INF BN — B COY |
48 |
|
34 RES INF BN — SP COY |
19 |
|
31 RES FAR — HQ BTY |
24 |
|
31 RES FAR — NO 2 GUN BTY THURLES |
27 |
|
31 RES FAR — NO 3 GUN BTY NENAGH |
30 |
|
31 RES FAR — NO I GUN BTY CORK |
31 |
|
31 RES CAV SQN — SQN HQ |
45 |
|
31 RES FD ENGR COY — COY HQ |
26 |
|
31 RES FD CIS COY — COY HQ |
11 |
|
31 RES FD MP COY — COY HQ |
39 |
|
31 RES LSB — BN HQ |
1 |
|
31 RES LSB — TPT COY |
36 |
|
31 RES LSB — MED COY |
47 |
|
33 RES INF BN — D COY |
16 |
|
34 RES INF BN — C COY |
35 |
|
1 AD REGT — 3 AD BTY |
36 |
|
1 AD REGT — 4 AD BTY |
36 |
|
4 W BDE RDF — HQ |
11 |
|
51 RES INF BN — BN HQ |
2 |
|
51 RES INF BN — HQ COY |
8 |
|
51 RES INF BN — A COY |
20 |
|
51 RES INF BN — B COY |
34 |
|
51 RES INF BN — C COY |
37 |
|
51 RES INF BN — D COY |
53 |
|
51 RES INF BN — SP COY |
11 |
|
56 RES INF BN — BN HQ |
16 |
|
56 RES INF BN — HQ COY |
26 |
|
56 RES INF BN — A COY |
14 |
|
56 RES INF BN — B COY |
25 |
|
56 RES INF BN — C COY |
15 |
|
56 RES INF BN — SP COY |
19 |
|
58 RES INF BN — BN HQ |
3 |
|
58 RES INF BN — HQ COY |
11 |
|
58 RES INF BN — A COY |
34 |
|
58 RES INF BN — B COY |
22 |
|
58 RES INF BN — SP COY |
33 |
|
54 RES FAR — REGT HQ |
4 |
|
54 RES FAR — HQ BTY |
31 |
|
54 RES FAR — NO 1 GUN BTY GORT |
19 |
|
54 RES FAR — NO 2 GUN BTY TUAM |
18 |
|
54 RES FAR — NO 3 GUN BTY MULLINGAR |
44 |
|
54 RES CAV SQN — SQN HQ |
23 |
|
54 RES FD ENGR COY — COY HQ |
15 |
|
54 RES FD CIS COY — COY HQ |
31 |
|
54 RES FD MP COY — COY HQ |
32 |
|
54 RES LSB — TPT COY |
25 |
|
54 RES LSB — MED COY |
15 |
|
58 RES INF BN — C COY |
21 |
|
58 RES INF BN — D COY |
21 |
|
DUBLIN UNIT NAVAL SERVICE RESERVE |
26 |
|
WATERFORD UNIT NAVAL SERVICE RESERVE |
27 |
|
CORK UNIT NAVAL SERVICE RESERVE |
11 |
|
LIMERICK UNIT NAVAL SERVICE RESERVE |
22 |
|
Total |
2,447 |
273 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that No. 1 Gun Battery Collins Barracks, Cork is still part of the 31 Reserve Artillery Regiment; if it will continue to parade at its current location; is it included in the training plan for the RAR; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47934/09]
The military authorities have informed me that No 1 Gun Battery is an integral part of 31 Reserve Artillery Regiment (RAR). They have also informed me that as a sub-unit of 31 Reserve Artillery Regiment, No 1 Gun Battery will continue to parade at their current location in Collins Barracks, Cork and that they will be included in training plans for the 31 RAR.
274 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the agencies under his remit that process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48009/09]
275 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number of staff involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48023/09]
276 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48037/09]
277 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48053/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 274 to 277, inclusive, together.
The bodies under the aegis of my Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard. None of these agencies process entitlement payments, have a role in carrying out inspections, have a role in the collection of payments or have a role in the issuing of licences.
278 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence his views on the position of a civilian employee (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48087/09]
I understand that the question relates to an application for an internal transfer within a military installation submitted by a civilian employee of my Department. Discussions have taken place with the employee in question regarding this matter. However, it has not been possible to date to facilitate the employee. The matter will be kept under review.
280 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend the landlord and tenant legislation to ensure that landlords are responsible for the proper disposal of waste from their rented accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47746/09]
The primary responsibility for the management of any waste, including costs for removal or disposal, lies with the holder of the waste; the holder of the waste is the natural or legal person in possession of the waste or the producer of the waste. The Waste Management Acts 1996 — 2008 impose a general duty of care on holders of waste. A person may not hold, transport, recover or dispose of waste in a manner that causes or is likely to cause environmental pollution. It is the responsibility of the relevant local authority to deal with any instances of illegal disposal of waste in their functional area and take the appropriate enforcement action.
Section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, as amended by section 100 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, requires a landlord of a dwelling to provide receptacles suitable for the storage of refuse outside the dwelling, save where the provision of such receptacles is not within the power or control of the landlord in respect of the dwelling concerned — this could arise for example where it is a function of a management company to provide such a service. In addition, the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, which prescribe minimum standards for rented accommodation, provide that each house must have access to suitable and adequate pest and vermin-proof refuse storage facilities.
The purpose of these provisions is to ensure that facilities are available to tenants to enable them to store refuse appropriately between collections and not in such a way as to attract pests or vermin or become a hazard or eyesore to the general public. However, the presentation of refuse for collection, the manner in which it is presented and any charges imposed for collection are the responsibility of the tenant, who is the holder of the waste. Any incidents of illegal waste activity should be reported to the relevant local authorities who have significant enforcement powers available to them under the Waste Management Acts, including the power to make bye-laws regarding the presentation and collection of waste.
281 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make an amendment to the Building Control Act 2009 by providing a ministerial list, similar to one made by a Minister in 1997, to allow architects who have been working under Law Society guidelines for a period of ten years or more automatic entry to the register similar to those from the 1997 list. [47784/09]
I do not propose to amend the Building Control Act 2007. The eligibility criteria for registration of the title of "Architect" are set out in Section 14 of the Act. It is open to Architects, such as those referred to in the question, to apply to the Technical Assessment Board established by the Registration Body, for assessment for registration.
282 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff employed by his Department on 1 January 2009; and the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009. [47794/09]
My Department submits staffing returns to the Department of Finance at the end of every month. The total number of staff employed by my Department on 31 December, 2008 and 30 November, 2009 was 1,332 and 1,213 respectively expressed as full-time equivalents.
283 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to charge for the lease of water meters in respect of domestic customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47820/09]
287 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans regarding a national water authority to manage the introduction of water charges as set out in budget 2010; the timescale envisaged for the introduction of charges; the way in which the installation of metering systems will be financed; the systems that will be in place to monitor and maintain water quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47837/09]
288 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the revenue generated from the collection of water charges will be used to defray the cost of providing water or if it will be used for the provision of local services as stated in the budget 2010 speech; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47839/09]
302 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the announced water meters will be funded via local authority finances or from central government finances; if all homes will be fitted with a water meter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48135/09]
303 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if leakage of drinking water will be addressed before he considers imposing domestic water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48136/09]
304 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which he intends to create efficiencies of scale in the roll-out of water meters if 34 water authorities are charged with their roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48137/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283, 287, 288 and 302 to 304, inclusive, together.
As stated in the reply to Question No. 336 of 15 December 2009, the Renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce charges for domestic water use in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. Accordingly, I will be bringing forward proposals as a priority for the installation of water meters in households, on the basis that households will be allocated a free basic allowance, with charging only for water use in excess of this allowance.
My Department is considering a number of options in relation to both the delivery and financing of the metering programme. I will bring detailed proposals to Government early in 2010 on the approach to metering of all households on public supplies. Following the installation of water meters, which will take a number of years to complete, households will be charged for water services based on usage. The water charges will be used to fund the delivery of water services to domestic users by the local authorities.
Water conservation, which includes the management of water supply systems, active leakage control and mains rehabilitation, has been the focus of a specific sub-programme under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme. Since 2003, local authorities have spent over €130 million on these services. Water conservation works will remain a key priority under the next Investment Programme, which will cover the period 2010-2012. The metering of domestic connections will contribute to greater water conservation by facilitating enhanced network management by local authorities.
The Water Services Investment Programme is currently the subject of a Value for Money review, the objective of which is to review the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme investment and delivery, including delivery structures, and to inform the implementation of the next multi-annual rolling programme of the Investment Programme due to commence in 2010. The European Communities (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations 2007 prescribe quality standards to be applied and related supervision and enforcement procedures in relation to supplies of drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for the supervision of public water supplies while local authorities are responsible for the supervision of all other water supplies within their functional area.
284 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of farm inspections carried out by local authorities to date in 2009 under the nitrates regulations; the corresponding figure for all water related environmental inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47821/09]
Local authorities operate under the general supervision of the EPA in relation to the performance of their environmental functions. The Agency collects and collates data annually on water related inspections from all 34 local authorities. The most recent figures available are in respect of 2008. In that year the total number of routine water-related inspections carried out by local authorities was 63,178. Of these 5,137 (8%) were farm inspections relating to water. Local authorities will submit their data for inspections carried out during 2009 to the EPA by 31 January 2010 and I understand the Agency will make these figures available in February 2010.
Discussions are ongoing between my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and local authority representatives to rationalise the existing farm inspection arrangements and to put in place a robust regime that benefits both the State and the farmer. The aim is that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will commence carrying out inspections for the purposes of the Nitrates Regulations early in 2010. In the meantime the existing arrangements continue to apply.
285 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of a project (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47824/09]
The Roscommon Towns & Villages Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009, at an estimated cost of €28 million. I understand that work is currently underway on the collection networks element of this scheme. In addition, my Department approved Roscommon County Council's contract documents to procure the wastewater treatment plants for the ten towns and villages under a Design Build Operate (DBO) contract last January. It is now a matter for the Council to seek tenders for this contract.
Local authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October last. My Department is currently considering these assessments, which 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.
286 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of hectares in each county that are designated candidate special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas. [47831/09]
A breakdown of the nature conservation designations of Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Natural Heritage Area (NHA) on a county by county basis is provided in the table below. It should be noted that, for the purpose of this exercise, designations were reconciled to an Ordnance Survey Ireland county dataset. Marine areas were excluded and area figures were rounded to the nearest whole number. In many cases the areas of designation overlap and, accordingly, the overall amount of a county's area that is subject to designation cannot be deduced by adding the hectarage figures for each designation type.
|
County |
Area in Ha. |
Designation |
Area in Ha. |
Designation |
Area in Ha. |
Designation |
Area in Ha. |
|
Carlow |
89,625 |
SAC |
4,416 |
SPA |
0 |
NHA |
0 |
|
Cavan |
193,543 |
SAC |
11,833 |
SPA |
2,622 |
NHA |
730 |
|
Clare |
324,154 |
SAC |
38,328 |
SPA |
33,546 |
NHA |
3,000 |
|
Cork |
746,496 |
SAC |
23,847 |
SPA |
26,006 |
NHA |
1,567 |
|
Donegal |
485,796 |
SAC |
85,485 |
SPA |
24,213 |
NHA |
5,291 |
|
Dublin |
92,560 |
SAC |
3,866 |
SPA |
745 |
NHA |
62 |
|
Galway |
615,156 |
SAC |
130,395 |
SPA |
56,433 |
NHA |
15,971 |
|
Kerry |
474,866 |
SAC |
119,302 |
SPA |
44,866 |
NHA |
1,661 |
|
Kildare |
169,536 |
SAC |
1,723 |
SPA |
30 |
NHA |
260 |
|
Kilkenny |
206,215 |
SAC |
4,285 |
SPA |
0 |
NHA |
35 |
|
Laois |
172,002 |
SAC |
6,437 |
SPA |
15,103 |
NHA |
278 |
|
Leitrim |
159,008 |
SAC |
17,847 |
SPA |
632 |
NHA |
4,399 |
|
Limerick |
268,672 |
SAC |
6,085 |
SPA |
23,056 |
NHA |
173 |
|
Longford |
109,127 |
SAC |
5,990 |
SPA |
4,888 |
NHA |
1,038 |
|
Louth |
82,572 |
SAC |
3,880 |
SPA |
815 |
NHA |
0 |
|
Mayo |
559,562 |
SAC |
124,708 |
SPA |
45,482 |
NHA |
7,896 |
|
Meath |
234,206 |
SAC |
2,424 |
SPA |
680 |
NHA |
436 |
|
Monaghan |
129,545 |
SAC |
58 |
SPA |
3,470 |
NHA |
1,136 |
|
Offaly |
200,108 |
SAC |
6,467 |
SPA |
9,647 |
NHA |
1,417 |
|
Roscommon |
254,801 |
SAC |
13,689 |
SPA |
9,047 |
NHA |
4,135 |
|
Sligo |
183,660 |
SAC |
25,118 |
SPA |
4,624 |
NHA |
1,593 |
|
Tipperary |
430,465 |
SAC |
16,671 |
SPA |
22,629 |
NHA |
4,509 |
|
Waterford |
183,803 |
SAC |
10,343 |
SPA |
2,290 |
NHA |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
183,949 |
SAC |
9,487 |
SPA |
8,797 |
NHA |
2,791 |
|
Wexford |
235,891 |
SAC |
6,573 |
SPA |
4,093 |
NHA |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
202,667 |
SAC |
32,714 |
SPA |
17,856 |
NHA |
0 |
289 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the system which will be used for the valuation of land in order to introduce a site valuation tax; the agency which will carry out the valuations as outlined in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47840/09]
The renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment to the introduction of a site valuation tax for non agricultural land. The detailed measures required to give effect to a site valuation tax are a matter for consideration by Government, and will be informed by the ongoing work of, and discussions between, the relevant Government Departments and Agencies, including my Department, the Department of Finance, the Revenue Commissioners, the Valuation Office and the Property Registration Authority.
290 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the local government fund allocation for each local authority in 2010; the additional local government funding for each local authority for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47860/09]
I assume the question refers to general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund which will total some €870m in 2010. Local Government Fund general purpose grants are my contribution to meet the difference between the cost to local authorities of providing an acceptable level of day to day services and the income available to them from local sources and from specific grants. These grants are allocated having regard to a range of factors including the overall funding available for the grants, the cost to each local authority of providing its services, the income available to each local authority from local sources and specific grants and the need to ensure that each local authority receives a baseline allocation that will provide financial stability.
Local authorities now have access to an additional revenue stream, the €200 non-principal private residence (NPPR) charge, which was not available to them when the 2009 grant allocations were announced. As of 14 December, €53,586,540 has been collected in 2009, all of which, less transaction and administrative costs, accrues to local authorities. The 2010 general purpose grant allocation in respect of each local authority is set out in the table below.
|
Local Authority Name |
2009 Local Government Fund GP Allocation |
2010 Local Government Fund GP Allocation |
Change in 2010 over 2009 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Carlow County Council |
11,910,119 |
11,331,276 |
-578,843 |
|
Cavan County Council |
18,832,045 |
18,245,262 |
-586,783 |
|
Clare County Council |
14,883,494 |
13,986,912 |
-896,582 |
|
Cork County Council |
51,707,370 |
48,353,652 |
-3,353,717 |
|
Donegal County Council |
40,140,417 |
38,913,388 |
-1,227,029 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
37,165,016 |
34,624,434 |
-2,540,582 |
|
Fingal County Council |
30,404,698 |
29,799,877 |
-604,821 |
|
Galway County Council |
36,888,227 |
36,092,172 |
-796,055 |
|
Kerry County Council |
26,457,145 |
25,572,631 |
-884,513 |
|
Kildare County Council |
25,754,427 |
25,532,785 |
-221,642 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
20,020,063 |
19,334,743 |
-685,320 |
|
Laois County Council |
17,580,214 |
16,823,589 |
-756,624 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
14,820,652 |
14,489,435 |
-331,217 |
|
Limerick County Council |
24,864,456 |
23,724,090 |
-1,140,366 |
|
Longford County Council |
14,118,480 |
13,856,743 |
-261,738 |
|
Louth County Council |
12,725,378 |
12,118,470 |
-606,908 |
|
Mayo County Council |
36,586,871 |
35,180,309 |
-1,406,562 |
|
Meath County Council |
27,601,149 |
27,377,684 |
-223,465 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
15,094,413 |
14,737,177 |
-357,236 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
18,630,156 |
18,005,785 |
-624,371 |
|
Offaly County Council |
15,704,327 |
15,388,672 |
-315,655 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
21,065,007 |
20,110,463 |
-954,544 |
|
Sligo County Council |
16,997,791 |
16,356,043 |
-641,748 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
24,676,357 |
24,289,702 |
-386,656 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
22,788,742 |
22,128,379 |
-660,363 |
|
Waterford County Council |
22,059,029 |
21,990,654 |
-68,375 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
20,625,403 |
20,003,602 |
-621,801 |
|
Wexford County Council |
21,282,429 |
20,755,993 |
-526,436 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
19,922,275 |
19,219,558 |
-702,717 |
|
Cork City Council |
25,764,998 |
25,014,462 |
-750,536 |
|
Dublin City Council |
94,709,663 |
88,769,969 |
-5,939,694 |
|
Galway City Council |
8,830,378 |
8,512,430 |
-317,947 |
|
Limerick City Council |
11,050,841 |
10,595,040 |
-455,801 |
|
Waterford City Council |
8,064,061 |
7,564,315 |
-499,745 |
|
Clonmel Borough Council |
3,295,919 |
3,115,507 |
-180,412 |
|
Drogheda Borough Council |
4,688,795 |
4,434,266 |
-254,529 |
|
Kilkenny Borough Council |
1,893,103 |
1,766,873 |
-126,230 |
|
Sligo Borough Council |
3,142,285 |
2,927,408 |
-214,877 |
|
Wexford Borough Council |
2,348,994 |
2,199,185 |
-149,808 |
|
Arklow Town Council |
1,634,797 |
1,587,276 |
-47,521 |
|
Athlone Town Council |
1,917,374 |
1,793,563 |
-123,811 |
|
Athy Town Council |
767,623 |
749,251 |
-18,373 |
|
Ballina Town Council |
1,632,670 |
1,580,583 |
-52,087 |
|
Ballinasloe Town Council |
920,181 |
878,744 |
-41,437 |
|
Birr Town Council |
817,077 |
780,485 |
-36,592 |
|
Bray Town Council |
4,531,181 |
4,284,234 |
-246,947 |
|
Buncrana Town Council |
980,244 |
913,089 |
-67,155 |
|
Bundoran Town Council |
601,052 |
559,962 |
-41,091 |
|
Carlow Town Council |
1,831,382 |
1,721,237 |
-110,145 |
|
Carrickmacross Town Council |
605,674 |
586,800 |
-18,874 |
|
Carrick-on-Suir Town Council |
1,164,428 |
1,139,383 |
-25,045 |
|
Cashel Town Council |
684,703 |
655,338 |
-29,366 |
|
Castlebar Town Council |
1,037,375 |
966,468 |
-70,907 |
|
Castleblayney Town Council |
496,043 |
469,170 |
-26,873 |
|
Cavan Town Council |
867,812 |
811,835 |
-55,978 |
|
Clonakilty Town Council |
626,151 |
588,921 |
-37,230 |
|
Clones Town Council |
583,122 |
570,359 |
-12,763 |
|
Cobh Town Council |
1,254,730 |
1,177,961 |
-76,769 |
|
Dundalk Town Council |
5,289,816 |
4,961,900 |
-327,916 |
|
Dungarvan Town Council |
1,037,498 |
966,575 |
-70,922 |
|
Ennis Town Council |
2,461,593 |
2,305,693 |
-155,900 |
|
Enniscorthy Town Council |
1,235,578 |
1,151,903 |
-83,675 |
|
Fermoy Town Council |
874,009 |
818,970 |
-55,039 |
|
Kells Town Council |
502,483 |
473,188 |
-29,295 |
|
Killarney Town Council |
1,865,408 |
1,778,486 |
-86,922 |
|
Kilrush Town Council |
647,720 |
620,402 |
-27,319 |
|
Kinsale Town Council |
419,623 |
391,048 |
-28,575 |
|
Letterkenny Town Council |
1,176,732 |
1,096,274 |
-80,458 |
|
Listowel Town Council |
795,421 |
748,119 |
-47,302 |
|
Longford Town Council |
1,232,768 |
1,148,502 |
-84,266 |
|
Macroom Town Council |
629,483 |
591,359 |
-38,125 |
|
Mallow Town Council |
1,132,311 |
1,068,192 |
-64,119 |
|
Midleton Town Council |
572,789 |
546,739 |
-26,050 |
|
Monaghan Town Council |
1,184,794 |
1,105,999 |
-78,796 |
|
Naas Town Council |
1,484,461 |
1,459,370 |
-25,090 |
|
Navan Town Council |
582,061 |
545,635 |
-36,426 |
|
Nenagh Town Council |
1,140,538 |
1,074,375 |
-66,163 |
|
New Ross Town Council |
987,575 |
953,252 |
-34,323 |
|
Skibbereen Town Council |
450,894 |
420,067 |
-30,827 |
|
Templemore Town Council |
658,712 |
633,782 |
-24,930 |
|
Thurles Town Council |
1,014,871 |
963,441 |
-51,430 |
|
Tipperary Town Council |
871,488 |
829,034 |
-42,454 |
|
Tralee Town Council |
3,280,851 |
3,056,595 |
-224,255 |
|
Trim Town Council |
582,432 |
549,878 |
-32,554 |
|
Tullamore Town Council |
1,324,142 |
1,235,028 |
-89,115 |
|
Westport Town Council |
859,045 |
800,324 |
-58,721 |
|
Wicklow Town Council |
1,648,281 |
1,557,309 |
-90,972 |
|
Youghal Town Council |
1,163,499 |
1,090,968 |
-72,530 |
|
Totals |
905,155,681 |
870,000,000 |
-35,155,681 |
291 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the breakdown, according to programme or agency, of the way in which the savings estimated for his Department in 2010 will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47893/09]
Expenditure provisions for 2010 for the Department and Agencies are set out in the Estimates Volume published by the Minister for Finance as part of Budget 2010. Spending provisions for 2010 have been settled in the context of overall provision for public services and reflect the need to reduce public spending. My Department will maximize outputs from provisions through prioritisation, increased efficiency and lower procurement costs generally.
In the case of the capital programme for Water Services Investment to reduction has been applied and projects delivering key environmental and economic objectives will continue to be prioritised. In the case of social housing provision while the capital provision is reduced, significant restructuring of delivery mechanisms is being implemented involving more extensive use of leasing of units to ensure that overall housing output is maintained at a high level. In other instances where savings are effected it will be necessary to re-profile works over a longer period with the most urgent works being prioritised.
292 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has carried out a cost-benefit analysis of long-term leasing of housing for social purposes; if not, if he intends to carry out such a study before investing in long-term leases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47894/09]
A number of economic studies carried out over the past few years, rather than a single cost-benefit analysis, provide the economic rationale for the provision of social housing through mechanisms such as the leasing and renting of privately owned accommodation. These studies include the Interim Value for Money and Policy Review of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), which is due to be published shortly. A further Value for Money and Policy Review will commence shortly which will provide additional information on and quantification of the economic and social benefits from the leasing of properties to meet housing need. The objective of my Department is to maximise the delivery of social housing to cater for the greatest level of need at good value. The leasing initiative offers one of the most effective and efficient responses in terms of meeting this objective, which takes account of the availability of resources, market conditions and also provides for a greater level of flexibility than the traditional methods of social housing provision.
While the State will not necessarily gain an asset through the leasing arrangements there are a number of factors which ensure that leasing is good value in the long term for the State. One of the biggest factors affecting cost to the State in terms of local authority owned dwellings is management and maintenance. While management and maintenance for the first 10 to 20 years on a new dwelling is relatively low, thereafter the dwelling can require major renovation or upgrading, resulting in a substantial capital cost to both local authorities and my Department. In leasing, it is proposed, firstly, that the responsibility for structural matters would remain with the property owner and not the local authority. Secondly, even taking this into account, it is not intended that lease agreements would be for durations longer than 20 years. Therefore the longer term costs to the State associated with traditional social housing delivery mechanisms should not accrue.
It must also be recognised that, while under the traditional supply mechanisms of construction and acquisition, the State gains an asset, the economic value of this asset to the State is limited to the extent that properties are purchased by tenants at subsidised rates. It should, of course, also be noted that in the current environment and having regard to the number of households in need of social housing support, the Social Housing Leasing Initiative offers the opportunity to house significantly more households than would otherwise be possible by relying solely on construction and acquisition programmes.
293 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he intends to publish the final groundwater environmental objectives regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47902/09]
The purpose of the proposed Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations is to transpose the requirements of both the Water Framework Directive (in so far as groundwater is concerned) and the Groundwater Directive (and to provide for transitional arrangements from the existing Groundwater Directive). The Regulations will establish an improved regime for the protection of groundwater, by:
establishing clear environmental objectives to be achieved in groundwater bodies within specified timeframes, and
introducing the legal basis for a more flexible, proportionate and risk-based approach to implementing the legal obligation to prevent or limit inputs of pollutants into groundwater.
Work on the development of the regulations is well advanced and I expect to make them in early January.
294 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 152 of 2 July 2009, when funding will be provided for the rural housing project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47904/09]
In response to my Department's call for proposals under the remedial works programme for 2009, Roscommon County Council submitted proposals for refurbishment works in respect of 11 houses in Boyle and 18 rural houses. The proposal for the project in Boyle was approved for inclusion in the new three year remedial works programme and my Department expects to make funding provision for this project under the 2010 allocations.
My Department had a number of concerns in relation to the county council's proposal for rural housing remedial works, including issues concerning the proposal's compliance with the criteria for the new remedial works programme. However, under my Department's new programme for the retrofitting and improvement of vacant properties introduced this year, for which some €20 million was allocated nationally in 2009, the council may use its allocation to improve these dwellings under its annual energy efficiency plan. I intend to increase the national provision for this scheme to €40 million in 2010 and allocations will be notified to local authorities as early as possible next year.
295 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of households, businesses and farms in County Waterford affected by the recent floods. [47958/09]
The information sought is not available in my Department. I have asked the local authority for a report on the effects of the recent flooding, and the report is awaited.
296 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the agencies under his remit that process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48012/09]
297 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number of staff involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48026/09]
298 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48040/09]
299 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48056/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 to 299, inclusive, together.
The following table provides information in respect of those agencies under the aegis of my Department which undertake functions referred to in the Questions. The allocation of staff to specific duties within an agency is a matter for the management of the agency concerned and such detailed information would not generally be available in my Department. If the Deputy has a specific request, my Department will seek the information from the agency concerned.
|
Name of body/board |
Staffing complement |
Functions that involve processing entitlement payments, carrying out inspections, collection of payments and issuing licences. |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
172.0 |
National planning appeals board, carries out inspections in course of its functions and receives planning appeal fees. |
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
340.0 |
Roles include national authority for environmental licensing and enforcement, carries out inspections and collects fees. |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
40.0 |
Receives registration fees. |
|
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) |
52.0 |
Role includes licensing, carries out inspections in course of its duties and collects fees. |
|
Local Government Computer Service Board |
107.5 |
Provides central bureau service and online processing & help desk for the collection of the €200 charge on non principal private residences on behalf of local authorities. |
|
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna |
18.0 |
As part of its functions, operates the Public Lending Rights Scheme, which is a payment to authors in respect of books borrowed from public libraries. |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority |
49.0 |
Receives payments for property rentals, licence fees, service charges and planning levies. |
300 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm that there are no plans to regulate or ban any country or fields sports or game shooting activities other than as may be set out in the revised programme for Government. [48041/09]
The Government recently approved the drafting of legislation to prohibit the hunting of deer by a pack of hounds in accordance with a commitment in this regard in the renewed programme for Government. I can confirm that this legislation will not have any implications for other activities such as fox hunting, hare coursing or the shooting of game or deer.
301 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way the cut of 27% in the social housing budget will affect the roll-out of social housing units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48134/09]
The Government's key priorities in shaping the overall housing provision for next year have been to focus the impact of necessary adjustments on the areas in which there is scope to maintain output through more flexible approaches and where the policy context supports such approaches, and to continue to direct available capital resources substantially towards the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. In keeping with this strategy, the reform programme, now well under way in my Department, involves a shift away from construction/acquisition and a one size fits all approach to meeting social housing needs towards a more graduated system of supports. This refocusing, in policy and financial terms, is rooted in the clearly articulated rationale set out in the Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities.
While the provision for the main local authority programme has been adjusted downwards for 2010, I anticipate that, through more flexible market based delivery mechanisms such as the rental accommodation scheme and long term leasing, as well as the significant increase in funding available under the capital assistance scheme in 2010, delivery across the range of social housing measures next year will be of the order of 8,000/9,000 units.
305 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which the local government efficiency review group will be constituted; its members and the way they will be selected; the payments they will receive; the terms of reference for the group; the overall cost; when the group will report; if the group’s proposals will be enforceable on all local authorities or will they be merely recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48180/09]
The terms of reference of the Local Authority Efficiency Review, as announced in the Budget, are as follows: to review the cost base, expenditure of and numbers employed in local authorities with a view to reporting on:
specific recommendations to reduce costs;
the effectiveness of particular programmes;
optimal efficiency in the way programmes are delivered; and,
any other proposals to enhance value for money in the delivery of services at local level.
The Group will take account of Government policy on local government organisation, reform and finances, the public service context set by the Task Force on the Public Service and associated Government Statement, necessary legal compliance by local authorities particularly in relation to environmental requirements, public health, and health and safety; and have regard to the state of the public finances. The Group will be chaired by Mr. Pat McLoughlin, Business Consultant and details of the other members will be announced shortly. It is my intention that the costs of this Review will be kept to the minimum.
I have asked the Group to complete its work by mid-2010. Recommendations arising from the Review will be brought to Government in due course for consideration.
306 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the proposal to improve the treatment works at Tourmakeady, County Mayo for the Lough Mask regional water scheme supplying Castlebar; the estimated cost at current prices of the upgrading of the treatment works; if he will indicate if a contractor has been appointed; if he will further indicate when it is expected that work will commence on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48187/09]
307 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is proposed to commence the provision of water under the Lough Mask regional water scheme, to supply and provide for water from Shrah to Louisburgh including Westport, County Mayo; if he will indicate the estimated cost of this proposal; if he will indicate if Mayo County Council has supplied all the necessary responses required; when it is proposed to appoint a contractor; when he expects work to commence on this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48188/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 307 together.
A scheme to extend the Lough Mask Regional Water Supply to Louisburgh and a scheme to extend the supply from Shrah to Westport and to upgrade the water treatment plant in Tourmakeady are included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at estimated costs of €6.3m and €21.3m respectively. My Department, following discussions with Mayo County Council, is examining the Council's latest tender proposal, received in October 2009, to advance the extension from Shrah to Westport and to upgrade the water treatment plant at Tourmakeady. A decision will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible. My Department is awaiting the Council's tender proposals to advance the extension to Louisburgh.
Local authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October last. My Department is currently considering these assessments, which 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.
308 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views regarding concerns from practising architects on the delays in the technical assessment process; his further views on the implementation of a new registration scheme for architects, when the technical assessment process is facing such delays and affects practising architects who cannot register and who do not qualify for automatic registration as an architect; if he will provide an update on the technical assessment process; if he will introduce a fast tracking system for existing businesses in the assessment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48216/09]
I understand that the Technical Assessment Board (TAB) provided for in the Building Control Act 2007 has been established by the Registration Body and arrangements for the assessment process are expected to be finalised shortly. The assessment of applications is a matter for the TAB.
309 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will reopen the River Maine in County Kerry for fishing in 2010 in view of the scientific data available to show that the number of salmon in the river is above the recommended conservation level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47765/09]
I am awaiting the recommendations of the scientists and fisheries managers following on their assessment of the new data available, to determine what provision is made in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme for the 2010 season. I expect to publish the appropriate regulations shortly, following the recent completion of the associated statutory consultation process.
310 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of staff employed by his Department on 1 January 2009; and the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009. [47791/09]
The number of staff employed by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on 1st January 2009 was 298 full-time equivalents. This number has decreased to 272 on 10th December 2009. This represents a reduction in staff numbers of 26, or about10%, in that period.
311 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of the programme changes that will be made by his Department in order to achieve the savings estimated for his Department for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47890/09]
The details of the programme changes that will be made by my Department in order to achieve the savings estimated for 2010 are as set out on pages E. 64 and E. 65 of the 2010 Estimates for Public Services and Summary Public Capital Programme.
312 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the remuneration package of the chief executive of An Post for each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009; if he has legal power to instruct An Post to change the remuneration package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47927/09]
The remuneration of the Chief Executive is in the first instance a matter for the board of An Post. In 1999 the Government introduced new arrangements for determining the salaries of CEOs of Commercial State Bodies. Under these revised arrangements the Minister for Finance periodically commissions independent reviews of the remuneration of the CEOs of Commercial State Sponsored Bodies. Current levels of remuneration, including for the CEO of An Post, were set under the most recent review — known as the "Hay" Review — in 2007/2008. There is no legislative provision for the Minister to instruct the company to change the salary of an incumbent CEO.
The remuneration received in any year by the CEO of An Post is set out in the company's annual report. In 2007 and 2008 the remuneration, including bonus payment, was €523,000 and €493,000 respectively. The remuneration for 2009 is not yet available.
313 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the remuneration package of the chief executive of the ESB for each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009; if he has legal power to instruct the ESB to change the remuneration package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47928/09]
The remuneration of the Chief Executive is in the first instance a matter for the board of ESB. In 1999 the Government introduced new arrangements for determining the salaries of CEOs of Commercial State Bodies. Under these revised arrangements the Minister for Finance periodically commissions independent reviews of the remuneration of the CEOs of Commercial State Sponsored Bodies. Current levels of remuneration, including for the CEO of ESB, were set under the most recent review — known as the "Hay" Review — in 2007/2008. There is no legislative provision to provide for the Minister to instruct the company to change the salary of an incumbent CEO.
The remuneration received in any year by the CEO of ESB is set out in the company's annual report. In 2007 and 2008 the remuneration, including bonus payment, was €654,321 and €534,998 respectively. The remuneration for 2009 is not yet available.
314 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if funding will be provided for the warmer homes initiative scheme in 2010. [47964/09]
315 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons from County Waterford who applied for the warmer homes initiative scheme during 2009. [47965/09]
316 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of funding provided to participants from County Waterford in the warmer homes initiative scheme during 2009. [47966/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 to 316, inclusive, together.
The Warmer Homes Scheme, for which funding is being provided in 2010, supports energy efficiency improvements to homes in, or at risk of, fuel poverty. The Scheme is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). SEI provides funding directly to local Community Based Organisations (CBOs) for the delivery of the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) to a set number of homes in their respective areas of coverage. Therefore, unlike other SEI grant schemes, the Warmer Homes Scheme does not provide funding directly to individuals that are eligible for the scheme. Eligibility is determined on the basis that the home requires the works, is privately owned and the homeowner is in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, invalidity or disability benefit.
SEI informs me that a total of 1,491 households in County Waterford had services provided to them under the Warmer Homes Scheme in 2009. It is not possible to state what level of funding represents but this figure is approximately 10% of the total number of homes across the country that have benefitted from the Scheme in 2009. Some €20 million was provided to the WHS in 2009. This represents a very substantial increase on previous years and the WHS is supporting energy efficiency interventions in 15,000 low income homes this year.
317 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is the position that the ESB is charging people €8,000 of a fee in order for such person to apply for a grid when they are considering putting in place a wind farm, or for the purposes of seeking and securing initial information in relation to the operation of same; the reason this charge has been put in place by the ESB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47987/09]
The fee to which the Deputy refers is a non-refundable deposit of €7,000 (including VAT at 21.5%)which is part of the application fee for connection of wind generators to the distribution network. The application fees are approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation who are responsible for the grid connection process. I have no function in the matter.
318 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the agencies under his remit that process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48007/09]
319 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48021/09]
320 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48035/09]
321 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48051/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 318 to 321, inclusive, together.
In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested on the number of agencies under the remit of my Department that process entitlement payments, have a role in carrying out inspections, collection of payments and issuing of licences. My Department is compiling the data sought by the Deputy in this regard, and I shall forward it to him as soon as possible. I can inform the Deputy that the number of staff in Agencies under my remit who process entitlement payments, carry out inspections, are involved in the collection of payments and the issuing of licences is a day to day operational matter for the agencies involved.
322 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way that he intends to drive efficiencies in semi-State companies under the remit of his Department; if public sector pay cuts announced in budget 2010 will apply to these companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48140/09]
Achieving efficiencies in Commercial Semi-State companies under the remit of my Department is in the first instance a day-to-day matter for the companies themselves in the context the regulatory and market conditions under which they operate. As regards pay I would refer the Deputy to the statement by the Minister for Finance has stated in the Dáil debate on the Public Interest (No. 2) Bill, 2009 that he does not control the pay of staff of these bodies. They have not been covered by the public service element of pay rounds in the past and have taken an independent approach to controlling their pay bills, as happened in RTE, where voluntary reductions were agreed by the staff, or in the ESB, where there have been a number of voluntary redundancy schemes.
While these companies must be allowed to act commercially and in accordance with the normal industrial relations process, the Government is of the view that pay restraint in these companies fulfils a long-term national interest namely, ensuring competitive pricing for energy and other goods. However, the market and the regulators will impose such discipline on those bodies. Non-commercial State Bodies under the remit of my Department, funded by the Exchequer, will be subject to the general public sector expenditure discipline, which will drive efficiencies and will also be subject to pay cuts as set out in the Public Interest (No. 2) Bill, 2009.
323 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the contract signing with a company (details supplied) for digital terrestrial television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48144/09]
The Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the development of digital terrestrial television in Ireland and for the closure of the national analogue TV network. The legislation requires the newly established Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to provide for the development of commercial digital terrestrial television services. The BAI is an independent regulatory authority and I have no direct function in these matters.
A competition for commercial multiplexes was initiated by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) in 2008 and is still ongoing. The contract has been offered to the One Vision consortium and the BAI, which replaced the BCI under the 2009 Broadcasting Act, has taken over the role of the BCI in finalising this competition. As I have said in reply to previous parliamentary questions, I am concerned on policy grounds to see an early agreement on the provision of commercial DTT services and an early time path for the implementation of such agreement.
324 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his position regarding bio-fuels; when he will introduce the bio-fuels obligation; the further position regarding the sustainability criteria as agreed at EU level; the way he will ensure that bio-fuels imported here will meet this criteria; the percentage of bio-fuels used here; the percentage of that figure that is imported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48145/09]
The Government is committed to the sustainable development of the Irish biofuels market in line with overall EU biofuel sustainability criteria and the target of 10% for renewable energy in transport by 2020. To date, the production of biofuel in Ireland has been incentivised under the Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes, which have resulted in 18 projects being awarded excise relief on specified volumes of biofuel they produce. A total of 49% of the biofuel available in Ireland under the MOTR Scheme II is imported. The market penetration rate for biofuels as a percentage of road transport fuels was 1.6% in 2008. The schemes were designed as an interim measure to increase the level of biofuels in the fuel mix and to encourage the development of an indigenous biofuels industry in advance of the introduction of the National Biofuel Obligation.
The introduction of the National Biofuel Obligation in Mid 2010 will underpin the development of the Irish biofuels market. The Obligation will also integrate the EU Commission's guidelines on Sustainability Criteria as soon as these are finalised. The trading of certificates under the Scheme, will also act as an incentive for Irish producers. For each litre of biofuel sold in the market a certificate will be issued by the National Oil Reserves Agency as the Administrator of the scheme. Certificates will also be subject to verification by sellers to demonstrate that they meet the sustainability criteria. Biofuel obligation certificates may be traded among registered operators. I am confident tradeability of these certificates will enable small indigenous producers, in particular, to enter the market and develop their businesses.
Under the Obligation fuel suppliers will be compelled to include 4% biofuels in their overall annual fuel sales. The Obligation will, through the creation of a guaranteed market demand, provide the Irish biofuels sector with the certainty it needs to underpin investment and sustainable growth. The National Obligation will incentivise and enable the sustainable growth of the Irish biofuels market and support indigenous biofuel producers. The EU sustainability criteria will also provide some competitive advantage by ensuring that non-EU imports meet strict environmental guidelines.
Growth in indigenous biofuels production will have a positive impact on the Irish economy and security of energy supply and sustainability by displacing both imported fossil fuels and imported biofuels. Increased production will be progressive over time and a degree of importations will continue. The National Obligation will ensure that Irish producers are given every opportunity to ramp up sustainable indigenous production of biofuels.
325 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the role of anglers in relation to the restructuring of the inland fisheries sector; his further views on whether anglers must be represented on this new authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48146/09]
As the Deputy is aware the Inland Fisheries Bill 2009 which provides for the restructuring of the management of the inland fisheries sector is currently before the House. The Bill provides for the establishment of Inland Fisheries Ireland, a single authority which will replace the existing Central Fisheries Board and seven Regional Fisheries Boards. The angling community has always played an important role in the conservation and development of our national inland fisheries resource and I do not foresee that this will change with the transition to the new structures.
As I have previously maintained, the board of Inland Fisheries Ireland should be small and contain a strong focus relevant to its business and to the general issue of good corporate governance. I believe the provisions of the Bill, which provide for a board of nine members, achieves this. The Bill provides that potential appointees to the board must have had experience of or have shown capacity in one or more of a number of areas including, inter alia, recreational fisheries. It is my intention that members appointed to the board will have the necessary expertise and competencies to lead Inland Fisheries Ireland to fully deliver on its potential.
Additionally, in recognition of the need for and the value of stakeholder, including angler, participation in inland fisheries, provision has been made in the Bill for the establishment of a national inland fisheries forum. It is envisaged that this will facilitate input by local stakeholders into the work of Inland Fisheries Ireland. I also expect Inland Fisheries Ireland to establish effective communication channels to give local interests an opportunity to influence policies and how they are implemented at a local level.
326 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the recent OECD figures showing Ireland at 20 out of a table of 30 countries for broadband access for 2008; his further views on criticisms that the national broadband scheme does not adequately address the broadband issues; his further views on whether the State should invest in Eircom’s networks to improve broadband infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48147/09]
Government policy pertaining to the electronic communications market in Ireland is set out in "Next Generation Broadband — Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", which I published in June 2009. The policy paper was developed in accordance with various key principles which are crucial to the development of the market including (i) competition, at platform and service levels, which drives innovation and investment (ii) investment certainty for service providers considering investing in network infrastructure, (iii) investment intervention by Government to bridge any digital divide to address market failures and (iv) appropriate regulation.
The OECD report is the most recent in a series of periodic reports on electronic communications markets. The broadband market is a fast moving and dynamic one; this applies to all OECD countries. On this basis annual comparisons of broadband metrics between different countries cannot capture the full extent of market developments. For example the OECD report excludes improved penetration achieved using mobile technologies in calculating the ratings. Ireland has some 400,000 mobile broadband subscribers, an increase of 53.3% over the last year.
The OECD and other recent reports demonstrate that broadband access in Ireland is increasing year on year for domestic and commercial users using standard or bundled products offered by a variety of service providers across a range of fixed and wireless technologies which are capable of delivering the needs of today's applications. Major enterprises already located in, or who wish to locate in Ireland can also contract with service providers who can provide high broadband speeds wherever required.
I recognise the need to improve availability and quality of broadband in Ireland. I am satisfied that previous and current initiatives (including the National Broadband Scheme), along with a further measure being developed as part of the European Economic Recovery Plan, will address the broadband availability issue. Additionally, I am determined to ensure that targeted Government action, the proper regulatory regime and a spirit of competitive collaboration within industry will address the broadband quality issue.
327 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the type of post code he will introduce; the proposed cost; the cost of each report looking into post codes commissioned by his Department; the estimated costs of post code introduction from each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48148/09]
328 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason a global positioning system will not be used in his post code proposal; if An Post has asked him to introduce post codes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48149/09]
329 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on An Post’s geodirectory; his further views on whether this system could be used as an alternative to introducing post codes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48150/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 327 to 329, inclusive, together.
The Government recently approved the implementation of a postcode as recommended by the National Postcode Project Board. This Board was established to recommend the most appropriate postcode system for Ireland and to look at the costs and benefits and implementation of postcodes. The model recommended, and approved by Government, is an alpha-numeric, publicly available and accessible postcode model. Each postcode would have a geo-coordinate at its centre and consequently would be compatible with global positioning or navigation systems. In arriving at this model, the technical and economic consultants who assisted the Board, engaged in a series of stakeholder consultations.
As regards costs, the National Postcodes Project Board's report in 2006 estimated up-front costs of establishing a postcode address database, implementing and promoting the postcode would be in the region of €15m. The Board was assisted in its work by technical and economic consultants, recruited and funded in 2005 by ComReg, at a cost of approximately €479,000. Following a Government decision in May 2007, consultants were asked to review and quantify the public sector benefits of introducing postcodes. This analysis incurred fees of €54,450 and in its assessment, incorporated similar costs for the postcodes project as the National Postcodes Project Board. The relevant reports are available on my Department's website at www.dcenr.ie.
The benefits that postcodes will reach much wider than the postal sector, and while An Post did not request the introduction of postcodes, it has said it will in principle fully co-operate with their implementation. I do not propose to comment specifically an An Post's geodirectory as a product per se, but in so far as the Deputy asks about it being an alternative to the introduction postcodes, it should be noted that the geodirectory is not a publicly available postcode system and is a commercial, proprietary, address database, thus failing one of the criteria for a public postcode.
330 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in relation to the relocation of the Central Fisheries Board to Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim; the amount paid in rent for the CFB in Swords, County Dublin, offices including additional accommodation such as the warehouse and laboratory premises; when is it intended that the relocation will take place; the plans for the CFB premises in Glasnevin, Dublin 11; the reason for it being vacated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48151/09]
The Decentralisation Programme as originally announced in December 2003, included the proposal to relocate the Headquarters of the Central Fisheries Board to Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim. As announced by the Minister for Finance in his statement of 14th October 2008, the Government has deferred decisions on the timing of the implementation of elements of the Decentralisation Programme including that of the Central Fisheries Board, pending a review in 2011.
Issues relating to the possible purchase of a site in Carrick-on-Shannon for the proposed decentralisation and to the cost of rental of offices generally for the Board are matters for the Office of Public Works (OPW). However I understand from liaison between officials in my Department and OPW that, while a number of site and property options have been investigated, no interest in any property has yet been acquired by OPW for the proposed decentralisation in Carrick-on-Shannon. Issues in relation to the use of the Board's former premises in Glasnevin, is also a matter for OPW. Rental payments on property are an operational matter for the Central Fisheries Board.
331 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the annual accounts for 2008 of the Central Fisheries Board have been published and laid before Dáil Éireann; if not, the reason for the delay; the timeframe for publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48152/09]
As outlined to the House in response to question No. 394 on 10 November 2009 and question No. 94 on 25 November 2009, under Section 14 (1) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1999, the Central Fisheries Board is obliged to submit draft annual accounts to the Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG) no later than three months after the end of each accounting period year. The Board is then obliged to submit to the Department as soon as may be but not later than one month after an audit by the C&AG a copy of its annual accounts, together with his report. The present position is that the C&AG is expected to complete his audit of the 2008 annual accounts shortly. Upon receipt of the audited accounts and report I will lay copies of both before each House of the Oireachtas in accordance with Section 14 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1999.
332 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the recommendations made to the Department of Finance regarding the allocation of €75 million for energy efficiency schemes made in February 2009; the capacity of Sustainable Energy Ireland to process them; the measures taken to ensure that this funding was processed; the way in which he intends to ensure that the €130 million allocated for 2010 for energy efficiency will actually be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48206/09]
Of the additional €75 million provided in 2009 for labour intensive investment in home insulation and energy efficiency measures, €20 million was allocated to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for investment in social housing energy efficiency. €55 million was allocated to a number of energy efficiency schemes administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), namely the Home Energy Saving Scheme, Warmer Homes Scheme and a new Scheme of Supports for Exemplar Energy Efficiency Projects (SEEEP) for the business and public sectors. Subsequent to the additional allocations to these schemes my Department contributed to the capital savings required of all Departments, which resulted in some reduction in the allocations in question.
SEI drew down most of the funds allocated for the Warmer Homes and SEEEP Schemes. The Home Energy Saving Scheme was launched at the end of March 2009 and by the end of the year SEI will have made grant offers to householders totalling over €45 million, some 96% of the allocated funding. The scheme has already proven successful, with 34,000 households currently approved in the first nine months. Approved applicants have six months in which to undertake the works and draw down the grant. The time lag between grant offer and spend meant that it was autumn before a significant level of drawdown commenced. The level of commitments in place and the ongoing level of new applications being received point to a very significant spend under the scheme in 2010.
Of the €130 million allocated for energy efficiency investments in 2010, some €90 million approximately relates to schemes operated by SEI on behalf of my Department. The level of commitments under the Home Energy Saving Scheme, the high interest in the scheme and the planned expansion of other energy efficiency schemes, should assist drawdown of the allocation for 2010.
333 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the breakdown of how the €121 million announced in budget 2010 to support forestry and bioenergy will be disbursed; the programmes it will fund; the number of jobs that will be supported by this investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47899/09]
€121.845 million was allocated to Forestry and Bio Energy in last week's Budget and this is an increase of 2% on the 2009 allocation. This allocation is sub-divided as follows:
€104.93 million has been allocated to the main Afforestation Programme which will fund approximately 7 000 hectares of new planting in 2010 as well as ongoing commitments such as the annual forest premium and 2nd instalment grants.
€9 million has been allocated to a range of support schemes including the Forest Road, Native Woodland and NeighbourWood schemes.
€3.6 million has been allocated to forestry research and development.
€2.1 million has been allocated to Bio Energy schemes.
€0.225 million has been allocated to the National Forest Inventory.
The remainder has been allocated to current expenditure.
Forestry supports in the order of 16 000 jobs in the Irish economy with much of this employment provided in rural areas. This increased allocation will support this significant employment.
334 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the breakdown of how the €9.5 million announced in budget 2010 to support the food industry will be disbursed; the number of jobs that will be supported by this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47900/09]
337 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way in which the €100 million fund announced for food development, innovation, research and marketing is to be spent over the next four years; the body that will administer the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47766/09]
338 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a breakdown of the way in which the €9.5 million food development initiative announced in budget 2010 will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47767/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 334, 337 and 338 together.
The €100 million fund announced recently to improve the food industry's competitiveness will be allocated over a four year period. It will support research and development, innovation and competitive manufacturing initiatives operated by Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia marketing initiatives. The €9.5m for 2010 announced in the Budget comprises €2.5m for marketing funding and €7m for competitiveness measures.
335 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REPS 4 will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47753/09]
A n issue has arisen during the processing of the REPS 4 application from the person named. Processing of the application cannot be completed until this has been resolved. My officials will be in contact with him shortly.
336 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for early retirement in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47764/09]
An application from the person named was received in my Department on 28 October 2009. All applications received up to the closing date of 30 October are being examined in my Department at present. The details of the application from the person named, as well as the funding available, will be taken into account in reaching a decision. As soon as the decision has been made, the applicant will be notified of the outcome.
339 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if an appeal will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [47787/09]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation under Category A of the 2009 National Reserve. This category caters for farmers who inherited, leased or otherwise received free of charge, or for a nominal amount (up to €100 per hectare), from a farmer who retired or died before 16 May 2005, a holding that was leased out to a third party during the 2000-2002 reference period. The application from the person named is in respect of 2.82 hectares of land that was purchased by her on 25 November 2002. The person named paid €13,000 for this land, which equates to €4,609.93 per hectare. As this amount exceeds the nominal amount of €100 per hectare the person named was deemed ineligible for Category A. The person named was notified of this decision on 2nd December 2009 and informed of their right to appeal this decision to the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee. To date no appeal has been received.
340 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be awarded a grant before 25 December 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47788/09]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Applications under this Scheme have been processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
341 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of staff employed by his Department on 1 January 2009; the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47797/09]
On 1 January 2009, there was 4,245 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff employed in my Department. On 30 November 2009 (latest figures available) there were 3,935 (FTE) staff employed in my Department.
342 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded both his REPS and single farm payments due to him. [47807/09]
The file belonging to the person named is currently being reviewed following an inspection under the Single Payment Scheme, and my officials will be in contact with him shortly.
343 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farm nitrates inspections under full cross-compliance in 2009; the total number of on-farm inspections in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47822/09]
The position is that my Department, in the context of delivering the Single Payment Scheme (SPS), the Disadvantaged Areas Compensatory Allowance Scheme (DAS) and the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS), is required to carry out on-the-spot inspections on a number of farms covering such issues as eligibility under the schemes, and compliance with the cross-compliance regime. In 2009 some 130,000 farmers applied for the SPS, over 100,000 of these are also applicants under the DAS and approximately 60,000 are applicants under REPS. The value of these schemes to Irish farmers is some €1.9bn.
Each year a minimum of 5% of scheme applicants must be inspected for eligibility. These checks are carried out to verify that the actual area claimed in the application form corresponds to the area held by the farmer and to ensure that there are no overlapping or duplicate claims. Up to two-thirds of these inspections are carried out without a farm visit and using the technique of remote sensing via satellite.
The rate of on-farm inspection required for cross-compliance, including Nitrates, is 1% of those farmers to whom the Statutory Management Requirements or Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition apply. However at least 5% of farmers must be inspected under the Bovine Animal Identification and Registration requirements as this level is prescribed under the relevant Regulations while 3% of sheep farmers must be inspected.
The on-the-spot inspections for eligibility and cross-compliance are integrated to the greatest extent possible with a view to ensuring that there is only one visit to the farm. In 2009 some 1,430 farms were selected for inspection under full cross compliance including nitrates and the total number of on-farm visits was in the region of 8,000.
344 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will outline the procedure for the roll-out of the sheep electronic identification scheme; if he will ensure that this is voluntary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47823/09]
Under Council Regulation 21/2004 as amended the implementation date for the mandatory introduction of electronic tagging (EID) of sheep is definitively set at 31 December 2009. I have no discretion in this regard. I have consistently sought the introduction of EID on a voluntary basis and most recently at the Agriculture Council on 20 November 2009. Regretfully, there is not sufficient support among other Member States or from the European Commission for any further changes in relation to the date for the mandatory introduction of EID. The prevailing view at EU level is that Member States should proceed with implementation.
It is my intention to minimise costs for producers by availing of a "slaughter derogation" which allows for the vast majority of Irish sheep to be excluded from the EID requirement. Only those animals retained for breeding and live exports over the coming years will have to be electronically tagged and so the additional costs to farmers in any given year are being kept to a minimum. Farmers will not be required to purchase readers since, as is the case at present, an ear tag will continue to have a number on it that is readable to the human eye so there will be minimal change to current practice.
The necessary changes to the National Sheep Identification System (NSIS) arising from the introduction of EID will be implemented during the course of next year. My Department will shortly circulate to farm organizations and other stakeholders for comments a technical document outlining the proposed changes to the National Sheep Identification System (NSIS II). I would urge the stakeholders to examine this document carefully and engage with my officials so that whatever revisions are made to the NSIS best suit Irish conditions and minimise the burden on farmers.
345 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the changes to programmes overseen by his Department which account for the €248 million net decrease in expenditure estimated for 2010, broken down by programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47886/09]
The 2010 budget provisions compared to 2009 for my Department are as follows.
|
2009 (including Difference Supplementary Estimate) |
|||
|
€m. |
€m. |
€m. |
|
|
Gross |
1,735 |
2,003 |
-268 |
|
Receipts |
384 |
404 |
-20 |
|
Net |
1,351 |
1,599 |
-248 |
The above represents a comparison between the 2009 Vote, including the Supplementary Estimate which was approved by the Dáil on 8 December 2009 to provide for transfers of savings and increased receipts in 2009. The reduction in the net provision is accounted for under several expenditure subheads as published in the Budget. The main changes compared to 2009 are as follows (figures in brackets are the 2010 allocation and % reduction on 2009 as published in the Estimate for the Department).
Food Safety and Animal Health
(€186.3m; – 26%): The reduction is due to the fact that the 2009 Vote provided €165m for expenditure arising under the pigmeat recall scheme for which a corresponding allocation is not required in 2010.
REPS
(€330m; – 11%): While the allocation for the scheme as published in the Budget Day Estimate appears to have reduced, in fact the provision in 2010 is the same as the original Revised Estimate in 2009. The reduction reflects the fact that an additional €39 million was provided for the Scheme in 2009 through the Supplementary Estimate.
Development of Agriculture
(€270.8m; – 27%): The Budget Day Estimate shows a reduction of €101 million under this subhead which, in general, provides for capital expenditure schemes operated by the department. The reduction reflects the fact that expenditure under the Farm Waste Management Scheme which would otherwise have fallen into 2010 was approved for payment in 2009.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara
(€19.2m; – 49%): The cut in the BIM Grant-in-Aid reflects (a) the non repetition in 2010 of a provision of €14.6 million for the fisheries decommissioning scheme which was geared to reduce fishing capacity to bring it into line with available stocks and (b) lower funding requirements by BIM for general operations in 2010 due largely to improvements in efficiencies.
346 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reverse the closure of the early retirement scheme and the installation aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47906/09]
The Young Farmers' Installation Scheme was closed to new applicants on 14 October 2008 and I have no immediate plans to reopen entry to the Scheme at this time. I have, however, made provision of €9.75 million in 2009 to meet the existing commitments under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and the preceding equivalent schemes.
When the Early Retirement Scheme was suspended it became apparent that there were a certain number of farmers who had their preparations to apply for the Scheme completed or close to completion at that point. Consequently, I took the decision to re-open the Scheme temporarily on 23 September 2009 with limited additional funding with a view to accepting as many as possible of the applications that fell into this category. My Department received a further 175 applications up to the closing date of 30 October 2009. These applications are currently being examined.
347 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of the remuneration package of the chief executive of Coillte for each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009; if he has legal power to instruct Coillte to change the remuneration package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47926/09]
Coillte was established pursuant to the Forestry Act of 1988. Section 35 (6) of the Act refers to the manner in which the Chief Executive Officer of Coillte shall hold office, including reference to terms and conditions. The existing employment relationship between Coillte Teoranta and its Chief Executive Officer is however governed by a contract of employment made between the two parties.
The basic salary of the Chief Executive is reviewed annually by the board of Coillte and any changes to those existing terms, is subject to the approval of the Ministers for Finance and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The table below sets out the total remuneration package of the Coillte Chief Executive 2007-2009
|
Payment Description |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Fees |
14,000 |
14,000 |
12,600 |
|
Salary |
254,000 |
297,000 |
297,000 |
|
Bonus |
48,000 |
74,000 |
deferred |
|
Pension Contribution |
63,000 |
74,000 |
74,000 |
|
Taxable Benefits |
30,000 |
30,000 |
30,000 |
|
Total |
409,000 |
489,000 |
413,600 |
Bonus payments have been made one year in arrears.
348 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he approved temporary loans for Coillte; the date these loans were sought; the date they were approved by him; the amount of each loan; the dates these loans were drawn down; the date the loans were cleared; the total borrowing of a temporary nature on the date that each of these loans were drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47939/09]
Under Section 24 (2) of the Forestry Act 1988, Coillte may borrow money temporarily with my approval and the consent of the Minister for Finance. The approval granted under Section 24 (2) was not in relation to specific loans but rather for a certain overall limit. Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational issues, such as the actual borrowing and repayment of monies, are the responsibility of the company.
349 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress being made on the provision of a new REP scheme. [47959/09]
Discussions between officials of my Department and the European Commission on a new agri-environment scheme are at an advanced stage and I am confident that formal approval will be secured in the near future. I expect to be in a position to announce details of the scheme early in 2010.
350 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the category of farmers that are expected to qualify for the new REP scheme. [47960/09]
The proposed agri-environment scheme is a new initiative and is not a continuation of REPS. Selection criteria for applicants will apply, and these will be based on the continuation of potential applicants to the priorities of achieving biodiversity, water management and climate change objectives. My officials are in discussion on the details of the view scheme. I am confident that formal approval will be secured in the near future and I hope to make an announcement on how the scheme will operate early in 2010.
351 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the proposed legislation banning the sale of unpasteurised milk will contain provisions for a derogation for individual producers seeking to establish a legitimate market in unpasteurised milk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47978/09]
While the EU Hygiene Regulations introduced in January 2006 includes a derogation for direct sales at local level for primary producers, it also provides that a Member State may introduce a national measure to prohibit or restrict the placing on the market within its own territory of raw milk or raw cream intended for direct human consumption. It is a well-documented fact that raw milk is a vehicle for the transmission of several pathogens including E.ColiO157: H7 and Mycobacterium bovis. These two examples alone pose a serious risk to public health particularly in the very young and the aged.
The Scientific Committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland in its report "Zoonotic Tuberculosis and Food Safety" identified the consumption of unpasteurised cows or goats milk on the farm as representing a hazard to humans not only in relation to M.bovis but also in relation to other pathogenic bacteria. The report recommended that all milk should be pasteurised prior to consumption and that those who wish to consume milk produced on their own farm should use small-scale domestic pasteurisation units to reduce the risk of milk borne infection with M.bovis.
A public consultation process was undertaken last year and resulted in the receipt of submissions from interested parties relating to the proposal to extend the ban on the sale of raw cows milk to milk from sheep and goats. Following examination of these submissions by my Department's experts it was decided, with the agreement and support of the FSAI, that the consumption of unpasteurised milk is an unnecessary and unacceptable risk to public health and that a ban on the sale or supply of unpasteurised milk from all species should be implemented.
The draft legal instrument to introduce this ban is at an advanced stage. Officials from my Department have been in consultation with the Department of Health and Children with a view to implementing the ban by means of a Statutory Instrument under the Health Act of 1947 (as amended). Introducing the proposed ban will involve notifying the EU Commission as required by EU Directive 98/34, which deals with the provision of information regarding technical standards and regulations. This process will commence shortly.
352 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will expedite a cross-compliance check on a REPS 4 application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the financial hardship being experienced by the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47979/09]
An issue has arisen during the processing of the REPS 4 application from the person named. Processing of the application cannot be completed until it has been resolved. My officials will be in contact with him shortly.
353 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a formal submission to the EU Commission on proposals as contained in the Green Paper published earlier in 2009 on reform of the Common Fisheries Policy; if so, if he will publicise this submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47980/09]
TheCommon Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the fisheries policy of the European Union which was first put in place in 1983 and has been subject to reviews every 10 years, the most recent was in 2002 and the next is formally scheduled for 2012. I welcome the Commission’s Green Paper on the reform of the CFP and acknowledge the importance of the process we are embarking on, as it will culminate in the shaping of the strategic blueprint for the European fishing industry for the next decade.
On 21 April 2009 The European Commission published a Green Paper on the latest reform of the CFP in order to launch a consultation with Member States and stakeholders and to initiate a broad public debate on the future CFP reform. An exchange of views on the Green Paper took place at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on the 25th May 2009. A further informal discussion was engaged in at the recent November Agriculture and Fisheries Council so this is very much an ongoing process.
Back in May, Minister Killeen appointed Dr. Noel Cawley to oversee consultations with Irish stakeholders on the reform of the CFP. Advertisements were placed in national and relevant fishing newspapers seeking submissions from interested parties for review by Dr. Cawley. Minister Killeen, Dr. Cawley and my Department have been involved in a series of consultations with various fishing organisations around the country over the last few months in an effort to formulate Ireland's national position.
The Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) have pursued its own process to develop its position on the matter, and the result of their deliberations will also feed into Dr. Cawley's work programme and the formulation of Ireland's position. All of the submissions received by Dr. Noel Cawley are now being evaluated in order to compile a detailed and informed submission to the EU Commission very early in the New Year. This submission to the European Commission will be published on the Department website for information once it has been finalised and agreed. Under the planned EU timetable for the review, a summary of the consultation process will be published in 2010. It will be followed by a legislative proposal to the Council and the European Parliament to be adopted in 2011, with a view to its entering into force in 2012.
354 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the agencies under his remit that process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48005/09]
355 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48019/09]
356 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48033/09]
357 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48049/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 to 357, inclusive, together.
None of the eight non-commercial bodies under the aegis of my Department are involved in the processing of entitlement payments. In relation to the other issues the following is the position.
Inspections relevant to the function of each organization are carried out by the Veterinary Council of Ireland, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the National Milk Agency and the Marine Institute.
Payments are collected by Bord Bia and the following bodies receive fees in respect of services provided: Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Veterinary Council of Ireland and Teagasc.
Licences are issued by the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Veterinary Council of Ireland.
The details of the carrying out of these day–to-day functions are operational matters for the bodies concerned.
358 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme payment. [48042/09]
Payment will issue to the person named within the next 10 days.
359 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the Ombudsman’s report on the lost at sea scheme; the financial outlay which will result from the publication of the report; the advice he has received regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48082/09]
Since the conclusion in November 2008 of the Ombudsman's investigation into the complaint made by a Donegal family whose application under the Lost at Sea Scheme was refused, my Department has been engaged in correspondence with the Ombudsman in relation to her findings in this case and the proposal to award financial compensation.
I and my Department have consistently taken the view that this scheme was properly and fairly administered by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources which had responsibility for the scheme at the time, and accordingly that there is no basis for compensation in the amount proposed or any amount. In coming to this view, as a matter of course I took legal advice, which was considered and acted upon. At this stage it is impossible to precisely estimate the financial outlay or potential liability that might be involved if the recommendation of the Ombudsman were acceded to.
It is important to note that the Lost at Sea Scheme provided for replacement capacity to be awarded (in the form of gross tons and kilowatts), equivalent to that of the lost vessel, that would otherwise have had to be purchased on the tonnage market. No monetary compensation was provided, the applicant had to have provided a replacement vessel from their own resources, the capacity awarded could not be sold on or otherwise traded, and it could only be used by the applicant or an immediate family member in order to carry on a family tradition in sea fishing.
360 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of new forestry hectares which will be delivered in 2010 under the budget 2010 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48083/09]
It is estimated that the allocation for forestry in the 2010 Budget will fund planting in the region of 7,000 hectares next year. This would represent an increase of roughly 500 hectares on the expected outturn for planting in 2009. The higher level of planting envisaged is evidence of the Government's continued commitment to forestry.
361 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of cattle in the national herd; the number of cattle in the national herd at the end of years 1995, 2000 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48090/09]
The number of cattle in the national herd on the dates requested by the Deputy are shown below.
|
Date |
Number of cattle (millions) |
|
December 31st 1995 |
6.45 |
|
December 31st 2000 |
6.33 |
|
December 31st 2005 |
6.53 |
|
November 1st 2009 |
6.37 |
The 1995 and 2000 figures are taken from Central Statistics Office data while the 2005 and 2009 figures are based on information extracted from the Department's Animal Identification and Movement database.
362 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in payment of installation aid to a person (details supplied) in Cork South West in view of the statement that such payments are made within seven months of application and this application was lodged in October 2008; and if he will make arrangement for immediate payment. [48091/09]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. 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. The outcome of my Department's examination of the application will be made known to the applicant shortly.
363 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding approval for a REPS payment to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48200/09]
The person named has received all his REPS 3 payments to date. My Department has no record of a REPS 4 application being received from him.
364 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a REPS application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48203/09]
The person named has received all her REPS 3 payments to date and has been paid up to 30 June 2010.
365 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a REPS application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48204/09]
The person named has received all his REPS 3 payments to date. They have been paid up to 30 June 2010. My Department has no record of an application from him for REPS 4.
366 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will issue on an education grant in respect of a person (details supplied). [47830/09]
The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the Local Authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the assessing authority, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in her/his case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department. No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.
367 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the facilities that are to be made available for autistic children; the level of satisfaction with training provided for an autistic child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47742/09]
As the child referred to by the Deputy is attending a centre which is not recognised or funded by my Department I cannot comment on the standard of provision. The Deputy will be aware of the Government's commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network and a school placement is available for the child in question. Such placements facilitate access to individualised education programmes which may draw from a range of appropriate educational interventions, fully qualified professional teachers, special needs assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.
My Department has put in place a training programme for teachers in autism-specific interventions including Treatment and Education of Autistic Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), Picture Exchange Communications System (PECS) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) through the Special Education Support Service (SESS). The SESS facilitates a partnership approach involving support teams of practising teachers, Education Centres, the Inspectorate, the National Educational Psychological Service, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the National Council for Special Education, Third Level Colleges, Health Board Personnel, Teacher Unions and other relevant bodies and services.
The Deputy will also be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENO) for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support students with autism. The SENO will also consider applications from schools to establish special classes for students with autism. Another function of the NCSE is to disseminate to schools and parents, and such other persons as the NCSE considers appropriate, information relating to best practice concerning the education of children with special educational needs. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
The establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. In excess of 370 classes have now been approved around the country, including 40 at post-primary level.
368 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science following budget 2010 the percentage of his Department’s budget that will now be spent on salaries and pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47757/09]
The net allocation for Pay and Pensions accounts for almost 76% of my Department's overall current allocation as contained in the 2010 Budget Allocations.
369 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when an application to extend or build a new school in respect of a school (details supplied) was received by his Department; when a decision will be made on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47759/09]
The application for the building project for the school to which the Deputy refers was received in 2000. It is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. Stage 1 (preliminary sketch scheme) was approved in September of this year. 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.
370 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when an application to build a new school in respect of a school (details supplied) was received by his Department; the status of this application; when a decision will be made on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47760/09]
The application for the building project for the school to which the Deputy refers was received in early 1999. It 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.
371 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has sought tenders in respect of the completion of a project (details supplied) in County Kildare; the closing date for receipt of tenders; if priority will be given to the preparation of the tender report following receipt of the tenders; if the actual tender requires the winning contractor to be on site to complete the project immediately following the signing of contracts; and the time limit for completion of the building project. [47772/09]
Prequalification of contractors is currently underway for the completion of the building project for the new school in question. The project will be tendered immediately thereafter and the project will be back on site in early 2010.
372 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for funding towards insulation in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; when a decision is likely; and if he will expedite the matter. [47773/09]
394 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received an application for funding from a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; when a decision will be made on this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48080/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 394 together.
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputies refer made an application to my Department in March 2007 for large scale capital funding for mainstream classroom accommodation, ancillary accommodation and refurbishment. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.1 rating.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
I can also confirm that an application from the school in question for an energy efficiency grant was received in my Department and is currently under consideration. As soon as a decision is made, the school authorities will be informed. My Department is also in receipt of an application for funding under the Summer Works Scheme 2010 in respect of the school referred to by the Deputies. The Deputies will be aware that the closing date for the receipt of such applications was 27 November 2009.
The applications will now be processed and following an assessment process, projects will be selected for funding from all valid and approved applications on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria published with the Scheme. The application from the school referred to by the Deputies will be considered in this context. In keeping with the timetable published with the governing Circular letter, I expect to be in a position to publish the list of successful applicants in March 2010.
373 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff employed by his Department on 1 January 2009; and the number of staff employed on 10 December 2009. [47795/09]
The number of staff employed in my Department on 1st January, 2009, was 1429 (1332.58 whole time equivalent). The current number of staff employed in my Department is 1362 (1273.70 whole time equivalent). As well as all administrative staff, these figures include non-administrative/professional grades e.g. staff of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and of the Inspectorate. Further reductions to these numbers will occur due to the loss of staff through, inter alia, the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement, other retirements/resignations, the Incentivised Career Break Scheme, the levy to provide staff to the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the moratorium on recruitment.
374 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the withdrawal of a special needs assistant from a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [47818/09]
375 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will overturn the decision to withdraw a special needs assistant from a pupil (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [47819/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 375 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
376 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a large proportion of pupils enrolled in a primary school (details supplied) previously attended DEIS schools, the special needs of many of these children remain to be addressed and that other schools with a lower incidence of special needs requirements are included in DEIS schools; the reason the school in question has not been included in DEIS schools; if he will review the situation with a view to including this school in Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47829/09]
My Department's policy is to support the inclusive education of students with special educational needs across the schools system. In this context, a range of supports are provided to schools to enable them to cater for pupils with special educational needs. The supports available include additional teaching support, special needs assistant support, school transport and grants for the purchase of teaching materials and specialised equipment.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. The school in question currently has the support of two learning support/resource teaching (LS/RT) posts and one resource teacher post to cater for children with special educational needs.
As the Deputy may be aware, the school in question is among a number of schools that were judged by an independent identification process in 2005 not to have a sufficient level of disadvantage among its pupils to warrant their inclusion in DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools). The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through my Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.
A review mechanism was put in place in 2006 to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in DEIS but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which was of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The review process operated under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. The review was concluded and the results were notified to schools in August 2006. There was an application for review received from the school in question. The school was unsuccessful in that process. However, in recognition of the circumstances faced by the school and to enable it avail of the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) service an additional allocation of support has been provided to the school as an exceptional measure.
The main focus of Social Inclusion measures is to retain resources in schools participating in DEIS, as there is a need to focus targeted resources on the schools serving the most disadvantaged communities. This approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General which are set out in his report on Primary Disadvantage of 2006, which recommended that my Department focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.
My Department is currently preparing for the next identification process to select schools for inclusion in DEIS. A comprehensive consultation process to include relevant education stakeholders will be put in place to ensure that the identification process meets the needs and concerns of all stakeholders. It is not yet possible to determine when the process will be complete.
377 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will issue on a higher education grant in respect of a person (details supplied). [47843/09]
The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the Local Authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the assessing authority, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in her/his case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department. No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.
378 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of his capital budget for 2009 that will be spent by year end; the amount that will be carried forward to 2010; the amount that will not be permitted to be carried forward to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47856/09]
387 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the proportion of his budget unspent for 2009 and not permitted to be carried over in 2010 that relates to primary or secondary level capital budgets; the amount that relates to third level capital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47950/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 387 together.
The Net Capital Allocation for 2009 was almost €841m. In mid-November when the Capital Carryover was being finalised the projected Capital spend for 2009 was over €761m. Under the Multi-Annual capital envelopes introduced in Budget 2004, Departments may carryover up to 10% of Voted Capital. I have discussed the matter with the Minister for Finance and agreement has been reached to allow my Department to carry over €79m (9%) of unspent capital monies from 2009 into 2010. This carryover was included in the Appropriation Bill considered by the Oireachtas this week. This carryover relates to the schools capital programme. The Higher Education capital allocation is expected to be fully expended in 2009. Final figures for expenditure under the different programmes will be available at the end of December.
379 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of standard capitation per student at primary and post-primary levels in 2010, if this level of capitation is inclusive or exclusive of book grants and grants for curricular activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47857/09]
The levels of standard capitation will remain unchanged as a result of the recent budget. The capitation rate at primary level will be €200 per pupil, while at second level the rate will remain at €345 per pupil. I have consistently said that it is my intention to streamline and rationalise the different grant schemes that provide funding to primary and post-primary schools, both for ease of administration and to ensure that school management has greater autonomy over the funding provided.
Therefore, capitation funding provided for general running costs, and funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities. In due course, both grant schemes will be merged. In the interim, both grants will continue to be paid according to existing timelines and calculated separately as heretofore. My officials will be consulting with the management bodies to consider the details of how additional funding, being provided as a result of the recent budget, for books and curricular activities can be channelled to schools having regard to the desirability of streamlining grant payments. Schools will be advised of the arrangements following this process.
380 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to his Parliamentary Questions Nos. 566 and 567 of 20 October 2009, the allocation of €14 million for 600 posts at primary level and 330 posts at post-primary level in 2010 is meeting demographic requirements or if any of the 500 additional teachers committed to in the revised programme for Government are provided for in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47858/09]
The 2010 Budget provides €26 million to meet the cost of employing extra teachers in our schools in 2010 in line with commitments agreed in the Renewed Programme for Government. Some €12m is being provided in 2010 for the implementation of the Renewed Programme for Government commitment to provide 500 extra teachers over the next three years. This allocation will allow for the employment of an extra 200 teachers starting early 2010 and a further 150 teachers starting in September 2010. Some €14m is being provided in 2010 for the implementation of the Renewed Programme for Government commitment to provide extra teachers from September 2010 for the 2010/11 school year to meet demographic pressures and to ensure no further increase in the pupil-teacher ratio. This allocation will fund 600 posts in primary schools and 330 posts in post-primary schools.
381 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teacher training places which will be withdrawn as a result of savings in teacher education in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47859/09]
The level of student intake to the Colleges of Education is determined annually by my Department and it takes account of the supply of, and demand for primary teachers. The post graduate course was introduced as a response to a shortage in the supply of primary teachers. It was first provided in the 1995/96 academic year and has been repeated almost each year since then. The course has not as yet been incorporated as a permanent feature of primary teacher training. The decision to provide further courses is generally made on an annual basis depending on the teacher supply situation. Intake to the two most recent such courses was at a record high of 490 students. On the course commencing February 2010 there will be 200 places.
The intake into the Colleges of Education in future years will continue to be kept under review by my Department to ensure that there is an adequate supply of teachers. The number of places on both the Bachelor of Education and Post Graduate courses in recent years are detailed in the table.
|
Year |
Post Graduate February |
Bachelor of Education September |
|
2003 |
280 |
1,000 |
|
2004 |
280 |
1,000 |
|
2005 |
280 |
1,000 |
|
2006 |
280 |
1,000 |
|
2007 |
280 |
1,000 |
|
2008 |
490 |
1,000 |
|
2009 |
490 |
1,000 |
|
2010 |
200 |
Not yet known |
382 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to the submission from the Educate Together movement to be recognised as a patron for post-primary education. [47861/09]
Officials from my Department recently met with representatives from Educate Together and there was a wide-ranging discussion about the issues surrounding Educate Together's application to become a patron at second level. My Department is currently considering a number of broad policy issues relating to the recognition process for second level schools and the application from Educate Together to be recognised as a patron body at second level is being fully examined within the context of legal, financial and other factors that I must consider. In view of the range of issues involved, it has not been possible to bring this matter to a conclusion as quickly as I would have liked. However, it is my intention to convey a decision to Educate Together at the earliest date possible.
383 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will recognise the difference in the structure of funding of Protestant secondary schools and reinstate the previous supports provided by his Department; the current status of talks with school representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47907/09]
I have repeatedly stated my, and the Government's, commitment to supporting Protestant education. Indeed, it is in order to deal with the concerns expressed by some members of the Protestant community of the effect of the budgetary changes on Protestant schools that I have sought to ensure the direct engagement with those involved in Protestant education in identifying and resolving issues collaboratively. I have had meetings with a number of groups on this issue. The most recent such meeting was on 21 October when I met with the Committee on Management for Protestant Schools. I extended an invitation to that committee to join a working group with my officials to identify particular measures to support the schools and consider options that might deal with their needs. Regrettably the committee declined my invitation.
My officials and representatives of the Bishops have remained in touch in an effort to achieve progress on the issues involved. An arrangement is now in place to provide information that can assist my officials in their work on identifying measures aimed at sustaining schools in the Protestant sector. I retain the belief that engagement between representatives from the Protestant education sector and my officials is the best way to resolve the issues that are of concern.
384 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to third level students who do not qualify for the third level grant in view of the fact that their parents are just over the income limit; if there is any assistance available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47937/09]
The decision on eligibility for a higher education grant is a matter for the relevant awarding body, a local authority or VEC, as appropriate. The means test for a grant application is normally based on income in the last full financial year. Therefore, eligibility for a student grant for the academic year 2009/10 will be assessed on income from the 2008 financial year. However, if there has been a change of circumstances at any time during the period 1st of January 2009 to the last term of the 2009/10 academic year, which may affect their reckonable income, that is likely to be permanent, then eligibility for the grant may be assessed to reflect those changed circumstances. For example, where a dependent student's parent experiences a permanent change in income level, for example, through a reduction in working hours or unemployment, then they can apply to their local authority or VEC to have their eligibility for a grant assessed on the basis of the new income level.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of maintenance grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant awarding body. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant awarding body and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.
Apart from the maintenance grants scheme and the free fees initiative, financial support is also available to students, in approved third level institutions, through the Student Assistance Fund. The objective of the Fund, is to assist students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. Information on the Fund is available from the Access Officer at the candidate's College.
In addition, Section 473A Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides for tax relief on tuition fees, at the standard rate of tax in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU and non-EU member states. Further details on claiming this relief are available from the candidate's local tax offices or on Revenue's website at http://www.revenue.ie.
385 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to third level mature students who are living independently but do not qualify for the third level grant in view of the fact that they cannot satisfy his Department’s criteria in relation to proof of address; if there is any assistance available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47938/09]
For student grants purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or guardians, dependent mature students or as independent mature students. An independent mature student is defined as a mature student who was not ordinarily resident with his or her parents from the October preceding entry to an approved course. When assessing the means of students other than independent mature students, the schemes specify that parental income must be taken into account. Independent mature students, on the other hand, are assessed without reference to their parents' income. The reckonable income of an independent mature student is that of the candidate only and of his or her spouse where appropriate.
In order to establish a candidate's status as an independent mature student, documentary evidence is required as proof of a candidate's address from 1st October of the year preceding entry to college. In considering whether a mature student meets the conditions to be assessed independently of his or her parents, awarding authorities are obliged to satisfy themselves beyond doubt that an acceptable degree of proof of independent living in the relevant period has been submitted by the grant applicant.
The documentary evidence normally required by a local authority or VEC to establish independent residence includes utility bills, such as telephone, gas or ESB bill, evidence of registration with the Private Residential Tenancies Board or official documentation received at the address, for example, from a Government Department. In exceptional circumstances, where it is not possible to produce such proofs of residence in the relevant period for demonstrable reasons, the awarding authority may, at its discretion, agree to accept other documentary proofs. While an affidavit, if accompanied by other supporting documentation, may be considered as evidence of independent living, an affidavit in isolation is not considered acceptable as sole proof of residency.
Apart from the maintenance grants scheme and the free fees initiative, financial support is also available to students, in approved third level institutions, through the Student Assistance Fund. The objective of the Fund, is to assist students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. Information on the Fund is available from the Access Officer at the candidate's College.
In addition, Section 473A Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides for tax relief on tuition fees, at the standard rate of tax in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU and non-EU member states. Further details on claiming this relief are available from the candidate's local tax offices or on Revenue's website at http://www.revenue.ie.
386 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students in classes of 30 pupils or more on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47949/09]
The Statistics Section of my Department's website contains information relating to class size in primary schools for the school years 2006/07 to 2008/09. The primary census for the 2009/10 school year is currently underway and the final outcome will be made available when this process is completed.
388 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teaching inspections carried out in Waterford in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009. [47975/09]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the information requested is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.
389 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to reports that suggest the number of first class honours degrees being awarded in colleges and universities here is too high; his views on whether there is a need to review the system of classifications in order that employers can trust qualifications achieved here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47989/09]
I am aware of reports of an increase in the number of first class honours degrees awarded in Irish higher education institutions and the HEA has confirmed that the proportion of students graduating with first class honours degrees has increased in recent years. However, I am not aware of any direct evidence to suggest that the number of such awards is too high or is unjustified. Universities and Institutes of Technology have primary responsibility for learner assessment. Their systems of assessment, classification and quality assurance incorporate external reviews through external examiners, who review the grading and classification of examination papers.
Learner assessment must be considered in the context of wider qualifications and quality assurance systems. Qualifications included on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) are based on defined learning outcomes and the vast bulk of higher education awards are included on the NFQ. Internal quality assurance procedures in universities and institutes of technology are reinforced by external review. In the case of universities, responsibility for external quality assurance rests with the Irish Universities Quality Board. In the institutes of technology, HETAC agrees and reviews quality assurance arrangements. The NQAI acts as the external quality assurance agency for the Dublin Institute of Technology. HETAC has also established procedures for the assessment of learners which are fair and consistent.
Responsibility for the external quality assurance review of universities and institutes of technology will move to an amalgamated body, which will have responsibility for qualifications, including the maintenance and development of the NFQ, and quality assurance. This single body will be well placed to consider issues relating to learner assessment. As the Deputy will be aware I have established a high level Strategy Group to consider the higher education sector in its entirety and to develop a vision for its future direction. The issues of quality assurance and the awarding of qualifications will also be considered in this context.
390 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the agencies under his remit that process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48010/09]
The information sought is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
391 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number of staff involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48024/09]
The information sought is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
392 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48038/09]
The information sought is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
393 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48054/09]
The information sought is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
395 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in County Offaly that have made an application for works under the schools building programme; when these schools applied; when they may expect to have their applications concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48092/09]
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works are now available on the Department's website at www.education.ie. Details of the dates when applications from schools in Co. Offaly were received are in the attached table. 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 the Department's website. The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of projects at this time.
|
County |
Roll Number |
School |
Date Application made |
|
Offaly |
02413L |
S N Naomh Eoin An Rath (Offaly) |
March 2000 |
|
Offaly |
07949I |
S N Osmann Birr (Offaly) |
Nov 1999 |
|
Offaly |
10353P |
Charleville N S (Offaly) |
January 1998 |
|
Offaly |
15325M |
Clonbullogue N S Clonbullogue (Offaly) |
Sept 2001 |
|
Offaly |
15923J |
Cloneyhurke N S Cloneyhurke (Offaly) |
July 2006 |
|
Offaly |
16013V |
Edenderry Convent N S St Marys Road (Offaly) |
October 2006 |
|
Offaly |
16435B |
St. Ciarans Mixed N S Ballycumber (Offaly) |
July 2004 |
|
Offaly |
17508H |
S N Naomh Cholumchille Durrow (Offaly) |
March 2007 |
|
Offaly |
17746A |
Scoil Colmain Naofa Muclach (Offaly) |
Dec 2007 |
|
Offaly |
17827A |
Scoil Phadraig Portarlington (Offaly) |
May 2007 |
|
Offaly |
18057F |
Scoil Mhuire Tullamore |
May 1999 |
|
Offaly |
18115Q |
S N Mhuire Cluain Na Ngamhain (Offaly) |
June 2000 |
|
Offaly |
18364O |
S N Muire Bainrion Edenderry (Offaly) |
Dec 2006 |
|
Offaly |
18406E |
S N Proinsias Naofa Clarach (Offaly) |
June 2001 |
|
Offaly |
18537T |
S N Ros Com Rua (Offaly) |
April 2008 |
|
Offaly |
18795S |
S N Mhuire Cul An Airne (Offaly) |
March 2001 |
|
Offaly |
19638H |
Coolderry Central Ns Brosna (Offaly) |
May 2007 |
|
Offaly |
20099K |
Offaly School Of Special Education Tullamore(Offaly) |
Dec 2001 |
|
Offaly |
20289P |
St. Cynoc’s National School Ferbane (Offaly) |
Sept 2005 |
|
Offaly |
72560U |
Tullamore College, Riverside, Tullamore |
June 1998 |
|
Offaly |
91491L |
St. Brendan’s Community School Birr (Offaly) |
Nov 1997 |
|
County |
Roll Number |
School |
Date Application made |
|
Offaly |
17637S |
S N Sheosaimh Naofa, Beal Atha Na Gcarr, Tullamore |
June 2000 |
|
Offaly |
18267Q |
Croinchoill NS, Birr, |
Sept 1999 |
|
Offaly |
72530L |
Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa Frederick St. |
Nov 1998 |
396 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on a document (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48170/09]
From September 2010, as announced in the Budget, all new applicants who are in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance for all schemes and the VTOS allowances for those pursuing a PLC course will no longer be eligible for student support grants. The cost of the student service charge and any fees payable to colleges will continue to be met by the Exchequer on their behalf. Students currently in receipt of the BTEA or VTOS allowances and the maintenance grant will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course provided they meet the terms and conditions of the scheme.
397 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science in view of the meeting between his Department and a school (details supplied) on Thursday, 12 November 2009, which took place to brief the school concerned on how best to progress the project, when his Department will allow the school to move to tender ready stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48193/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Representatives from the school and the design team attended a stage 2(b) briefing which was held in my Department's office in Tullamore on 12 November. Thereafter, a letter issued to the school authorising the design team to prepare and submit stage 2b documentation (detailed design/tender documents). The school has advised that this documentation will be submitted by the end of February 2010.
As I have indicated previously to the House, I am currently in the process of reviewing my Department's school building and modernisation programme with my officials in the context of the Estimates for 2010. This will take into account contractual commitments which will be carried into 2010 from this year's programme. The school to which the Deputy refers will be considered in this context. I intend making a further announcement on the school building programme when that review has been completed.
398 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the assessment for dyslexia in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [48210/09]
I can inform the Deputy that all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) which is administered by NEPS. NEPS in common with other psychological services encourages a staged assessment process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually.
The introduction of the General Allocation model for primary schools in 2005/06 means that children with high incidence special needs can get access to extra support without having to undergo an individual assessment. Children who manifest very special or urgent needs in school and who have not been previously assessed by a psychologist and are brought to the attention of a NEPS psychologist by the Principal teacher will usually be assessed by the psychologist within that school term. Normally, principals of schools prioritise those children in need of psychological assessment in consultation with the assigned psychologist. Should school authorities have specific difficulties with regard any of the foregoing I would suggest that they contact the relevant local NEPS Regional Director (in this instance NEPS Southern Regional Office, Tel: 021- 4536358) to discuss the matter.
399 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the teacher supply panel; if the system has been evaluated and confirmed as good value for money and satisfactory from an educational point of view; if the system is under consideration; the reason for same; if the substitution changes in 2009 have affected the system; if the solution to a perceived problem would be to extend the geographic area covered or to include other schools in the area, not already included. [48212/09]
The supply teacher scheme was initially set up at primary level over 15 years ago at a time when schools had difficulty getting substitute teachers. The supply scheme operates on the basis of an additional full-time teacher being allocated to a school to cover certified sick leave absences in that school and a cluster of neighbouring schools. If the teacher is not required on a given day to cover sick leave absences they generally assist with other work in their school such as administrative duties. There are 60 posts allocated to the scheme.
A value for money review was published in July 2006. The review found that approximately 60% of these teachers' time was used to cover sick leave absences with the balance on various other school duties. This reflects the unpredictable nature of sick leave absences. While there are benefits for schools in having these full-time teachers it is considered more cost effective to use the normal substitution arrangements that apply to all other schools to cover sick leave absences instead of having a cohort of full-time teachers "on call" all the time in these schools to cover sick leave absences that may or may not arise. The supply teacher scheme will cease from the start of the 2010/11 school year. The teachers concerned will be redeployed in accordance with the existing redeployment arrangements to other schools that have vacancies.
400 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure the special needs assistant services will continue in respect of a child at a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [48217/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
