Vol. 703 No. 3
9 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when legislation for domestic water charges is expected before Dáil Éireann; when a water metering programme will commence; the way the water metering programme will be funded; the pricing structure for domestic water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9568/10]
16 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the information available to his Department regarding the estimated cost of installing meters in respect of our public domestic water supply for all relevant housing stock in the country and in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9514/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 16 together.
On 10 December 2009, following a decision by the Government, I informed the House that I would be bringing forward proposals as a priority for the installation of water meters in households. These proposals, which my Department is currently finalising, will give effect to the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government to introduce charging for domestic water use in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied.
The proposals will include the draft legislation to remove the prohibition on charging for domestic water services and will also address arrangements for the delivery of the metering programme, cost estimates and how these costs are to be financed, as well as plans for the development of a pricing structure for domestic water services. I will provide further details on these matters following their consideration and approval by Government.
I am confident that the introduction of a metered charging regime for water services will promote increased conservation of water resources. Reducing consumption will help to reduce the very significant costs currently being faced by local authorities in providing supplies of high quality drinking water and treating waste water discharged into the public sewerage system.
10 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to deal with the 100,000 people on social housing lists; his plans to extend the long-term leasing scheme; the extent to which he plans to extend this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9609/10]
Meeting housing need remains a high priority for the Government. While ensuring that we can deliver across the full range of needs, the scale and composition of the public housing programme in the years ahead will be dependent on a number of factors, including the level of available funding and the evolution of the housing market generally.
I am determined to ensure that the overall housing delivery programme is framed in a manner which continues to optimise the way in which needs are met. To achieve this, it is essential that we tailor the available Exchequer supports to prevailing market conditions, and explore alternative solutions to address needs, having full regard to the sustainable communities philosophy outlined in the Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities.
To this end, the range of delivery mechanisms continues to be adapted and expanded and the Social Housing Leasing Initiative which was introduced last year will be a key element of the housing programme going forward. I expect a substantial number of units to be provided in the years ahead to meet the housing needs of the over 56,000 households on waiting lists across the country following the 2008 Housing Needs Assessment.
With regard to delivery in 2010, I anticipate that the leasing initiative and the RAS programme will together deliver some 4,000 to 4,500 units, or 50% of the total expected social housing output.
I will be keeping the leasing initiative and all the other housing programmes under ongoing review to ensure that they are appropriately geared towards meeting the maximum level of housing need. The progress made in 2009 will be built on and developed further in the year ahead and I expect to further expand the provisions of the initiative in the coming weeks.
11 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of reports that he is awaiting on issues concerning the Dublin Docklands Development Authority; the subject of each of these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9600/10]
As I have indicated in reply to Priority Question No. 1 earlier, I have already received the DDDA's report on corporate governance, together with the two supporting independent reports which were commissioned by the Authority to review internal practices and procedures within the Authority.
The first of the supporting reports, a report by Declan Brassil and Associates, Chartered Planning Consultants, entitled Review of DDDA Planning Structures and Functions, examined the forward planning and development management procedures within the Authority. The second supporting report, Report on Finance Functions — Particularly Procurement and Payroll, which was prepared by Ray King and Associates, Incorporated Public Accountants and Registered Auditors, assessed financial control procedures, procurement and recruitment practices.
These reports are now being considered by my Department, in consultation with the Attorney General's Office. I expect that the consideration of the reports will be completed within a matter of weeks, at which stage I will submit to Government proposals to address any issues raised in the reports.
The Authority also submitted a report to my Department earlier this month regarding its participation in the Becbay Joint Venture and future decisions in relation to the development of the former Irish Glass Bottle site. I have appointed independent financial advisers to assess the report, in consultation with my Department and the Department of Finance, and I expect to revert to Government on this matter in the coming weeks.
12 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funds allocated under the social housing investment programme for regeneration works for each local authority in 2010; the amount that this is increased or decreased compared to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9528/10]
30 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funds allocated under the social housing investment programme for housing construction for each local authority in 2010; the amount by which this has been increased or decreased compared to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9525/10]
41 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funds allocated under the social housing investment programme for remedial work schemes for each local authority in 2010; the amount that this has increased or decreased compared to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9529/10]
44 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funds allocated under the social housing investment programme for retrofitting voids and energy upgrades for each local authority in 2010; the amount by which it has increased or decreased compared to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9530/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 30, 41 and 44 together.
The annual allocations for the Social Housing Investment Programme will issue in March 2010 following discussions with each housing authority at Housing Action Plan meetings which are currently underway. Housing authorities have been issued with provisional allocations for 2010 to enable them to maintain momentum on their work programmes and as a basis for discussion at the Action Plan meetings.
As detailed in the 2010 Revised Estimates for Public Services the social housing, regeneration and remedial works provision for capital expenditure is €790,500,000. This represents an overall decrease of 26% when compared to the provisional outturn figures for 2009.
The distribution of funding between the different housing subheads as set out in the Revised Estimates reflects the priority accorded to special needs, regeneration, adaptation grants and energy efficiency programmes. Increased funding over last year's provisional outturn has been provided for traveller accommodation and energy efficiency related programmes while the overall provision for regeneration and remedial works projects is close to that of last year. There is a drop in the provision for new local authority housing from €691 million to €366 million and this will be part compensated by the increase in funding for the Social Housing Leasing Initiative and Rental Accommodation Scheme. Through these more flexible market based delivery mechanisms, as well as the continued significant support for the Capital Assistance Scheme this year, delivery across the range of social housing initiatives will be of the order of 8,000 to 9,000 units.
13 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses that have been repossessed for non-payment of council loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9520/10]
A total of 66 repossessions across all local authorities have been carried out in the five year period 2005-2009. This includes 7 voluntary repossessions. I propose to include in the official report a tabular statement providing a breakdown of repossessions by each local authority.
Provisions regarding lending by local authorities for the purposes of house purchase are set out in section 11 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. Where a loan stands in default, section 11(10) provides that a local authority may make such monetary arrangements with a borrower as they consider equitable to take account of the particular circumstances of the borrower. Local authorities can and do exercise the powers available to them under the Act and endeavour, in all arrears cases, to engage proactively and constructively with a distressed borrower with the aim of enabling a household remain in their home. Repossession, where it does occur, is always a last resort.
To support consistency of approach and ensure best practice across all local authority areas, my Department is currently developing guidance, based on the Regulator's Code of Conduct, to ensure that cases of local authority mortgage arrears are handled in a manner that is sympathetic to the needs of the particular household, while also protecting the position of the local authority concerned.
|
Council Name |
Repossessions |
Voluntary Repossessions |
|
Carlow County Council |
1 |
|
|
Cavan County Council |
2 |
|
|
Clare County Council |
2 |
|
|
Cork County Council |
3 |
|
|
Donegal County Council |
0 |
|
|
Fingal County Council |
0 |
|
|
South Dublin County Council |
2 |
1 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council |
0 |
|
|
Galway County Council |
1 |
1 |
|
Kerry County Council |
0 |
|
|
Kildare County Council |
0 |
|
|
Kilkenny County Council |
4 |
|
|
Laois County Council |
9 |
|
|
Leitrim County Council |
0 |
|
|
Limerick County Council |
0 |
2 |
|
Longford County Council |
2 |
2 |
|
Louth County Council |
1 |
|
|
Mayo County Council |
0 |
|
|
Meath County Council |
2 |
|
|
Monaghan County Council |
4 |
|
|
Offaly County Council |
3 |
|
|
Roscommon County Council |
0 |
|
|
Sligo County Council |
0 |
|
|
North Tipperary County Council |
0 |
1 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
3 |
|
|
Waterford County Council |
0 |
|
|
Westmeath County Council |
0 |
|
|
Wexford County Council |
2 |
|
|
Wicklow County Council |
0 |
|
|
Dublin City Council |
7 |
|
|
Cork City Council |
3 |
|
|
Galway City Council |
0 |
|
|
Limerick City Council |
0 |
|
|
Waterford City Council |
6 |
|
|
Clonmel Borough Council |
0 |
|
|
Sligo Borough Council |
2 |
|
|
Drogheda Borough Council |
0 |
|
|
Wexford Borough Council |
0 |
|
|
Bray Town Council |
0 |
|
|
Athlone Town Council |
0 |
|
|
TOTAL |
59 |
7 |
14 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made to date in eliminating long-term homelessness by the end of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9618/10]
Action to address long term homelessness is primarily a matter for the housing authorities and the HSE, which have statutory responsibility for providing accommodation and health care services, respectively, for homeless persons. My Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Significant measures have been taken in all of these areas.
The overall policy framework to address homelessness is set out in the Government's Homeless Strategy, The Way Home, and the Implementation Plan for the Strategy, which was published in April 2009. New legislative provisions relating to homelessness in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 came into force on 1 February 2010 and arrangements for their implementation are proceeding. Total funding for homeless accommodation and related services was increased in 2009 by 5%, in monetary terms to €62m, which represented a higher increase in real terms. This higher level of funding is being maintained in 2010, notwithstanding unavoidable retrenchment in State funding generally.
Achievement of the objective of eliminating long term occupation of emergency and transitional homeless facilities and meeting the long-term housing needs of homeless households involves a range of action by housing authorities and other relevant agencies at local level. A substantial amount of work has already been undertaken, with particular focus initially on the Dublin area, and progress will be increased and extended nationally in the current year.
It is estimated that 8,000 to 9,000 units will be delivered this year across the range of social housing measures and local authorities have been requested to ensure an adequate level of lettings to homeless households. Reconfiguration of emergency or transitional homeless facilities as self-contained units will provide a further significant volume of suitable and secure long term accommodation for homeless persons. Work is also proceeding to procure additional accommodation specifically for homeless households.
Action to provide accommodation will be accompanied by the availability of supports, where necessary, to assist homeless people to progress to independent living in mainstream housing and maintain their tenancies on a long term basis. A public procurement process for the provision of a support service in Dublin has already been carried out and assessment of households in emergency or transitional homeless facilities for accommodation in mainstream housing is well advanced. Action to address homelessness in other areas will be supported by the new statutory Homelessness Consultative Fora, Management Groups and Action Plans, which will provide a robust system for the planning and operation of homeless services in each area.
15 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the discussions he has had with the Dublin City Manager and the operators of the Poolbeg waste energy facility to discuss the Poolbeg facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9557/10]
I have made no secret of my concerns regarding the potential implications of the large scale Poolbeg waste facility for a progressive approach to waste management, based on evolving policy and legislation in the areas of resource management and environmental protection. In particular, I remain concerned that the Dublin local authorities may not be able to meet the volumetric contractual commitment which forms part of the public private partnership agreement between Dublin City Council and its private partner. We have recently seen further increases in recycling rates in Dublin, with a corresponding drop in residual waste volumes.
I have conveyed these concerns directly to, and in correspondence with, the Dublin City Manager. In recent days, I have also written to the President of Covanta Europe, the operators of the facility, to clarify a number of issues, to draw attention to the Government statement on waste issued on 9 February 2010 and to advise of my intention to appoint an authorised person under section 224(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 2001, to examine various financial matters arising in relation to the project. I have since appointed Mr. John Hennessy SC for this purpose.
It remains open to Dublin City Council or the operators of the project to engage with me and my Department to discuss any adjustment to the project which might be necessary to bring it into line with the emerging reality of the waste market and waste policy generally.
Last November, I published the report of consultants engaged to carry out a study to underpin a review of waste management policy. I am utilising the report's recommendations, with a key focus on waste prevention, reuse and recycling, in developing a new policy statement on waste management, which I will bring to Government, and publish for public consultation shortly. This will provide certainty for those in the waste management sector by implementing a resource management approach to waste which will have inevitable consequences for the scale and location of residual waste infrastructure. It will also provide a framework within which necessary legislative changes can be brought forward.
17 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of borrowing decisions by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority which required approval since its establishment; the amount of money approved in each instance; if he attached conditions or warnings with permission for increased debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9596/10]
Under the provisions of Section 30 of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act 1997, as amended, the Authority may, with the sanction of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, given with the consent of the Minister for Finance, borrow up to €127 million for current or capital purposes.
Sanction was granted to the Authority in June 2001 by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, to borrow £25m (€31.8m) to fund an overdraft facility of £5m and a revolving credit facility of up to £20m to fund specific development activities.
In October 2006, the Authority sought and received sanction from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to borrow up to €127 million for the purposes of property acquisition, primarily in connection with the impending acquisition of the Irish Glass Bottle site. This sanction was granted, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, on the explicit basis that repayments would be wholly from the Authority's own resources and without recourse to the Exchequer. The Department of Finance also consented to the Authority taking a shareholding in a special purpose company to facilitate the joint venture development of the IGB site.
The Authority is operating within the €127m sanction.
18 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding sites that were previously transferred from the Office of Public Works to private contractors under a public private partnership arrangement to build affordable housing which are no longer being developed; if the land will revert back to the State; if the land will be transferred to local authorities for the provision of social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9535/10]
Between 2003 and 2008, the Government assigned sites in the ownership of local authorities, Government Departments and other State bodies for use under the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI). Three sites were transferred with the intention of development using a public private partnership, to provide affordable and/or social housing under the AHI. The sites in question were Office of Public Works lands at Jamestown Road and Infirmary Road, and Department of Defence lands at St Bricin's. All three transferred to Dublin City Council and remain in the ownership of that local authority.
The Government decided in January 2010 to wind down the affordable housing initiative with the lands already transferred to local authorities, namely, the three sites mentioned above, remaining with the local authority. The land may be used for whatever housing purpose the local authority decides to be the most appropriate, having regard to housing needs in the area. Where the lands are not required for housing purposes, they may be used for whatever other purpose the local authority considers appropriate.
19 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reasons for the deferral of a programme to replace and re-lay water mains pipes in an area (detail supplied) south County Dublin, due to the presence of granite, which are too near the surface to avoid the impact of severe ground frost; his views on whether repaired burst mains will most likely burst again, and that resources will have to be spent on new mains set at a deeper level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9381/10]
There was no scheme in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 specifically relating to water pipe replacement works in the Dalkey/Killiney area and there are no proposals for such works in the Dalkey-Killiney area with my Department at present. However, some work of this nature was carried out in conjunction with the Dun Laoghaire sewerage scheme in recent years.
While the operation, maintenance and management of water supply in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area is a matter for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the recent weather has pointed up the need to sustain our efforts in the provision of water services infrastructure and, in particular, the replacement and rehabilitation of older mains which were damaged during the cold spell. Dublin City Council, as the lead authority in the Dublin region, has to date carried out a suite of five contracts of watermain rehabilitation, mainly in the city area, as part of the Dublin Region Watermain Rehabilitation Project. The total approved cost of these contracts is almost €16 million. Contract documents for three further contracts, including works in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council area, are under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible.
A greater focus on such works will be a key priority of the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012. As part of the development of this programme, local authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October 2009. My Department is currently finalising its consideration of 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. I expect to publish the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012 in the coming weeks.
20 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funds allocated to each local authority under the housing aid for older people scheme for 2010; when these funds will be distributed; the amount that this has increased, or decreased, for each authority, compared to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9531/10]
To comprehensively assess the overall level of demand for grant assistance under the suite of grant schemes for older people and people with a disability, my Department requested local authorities to submit details of their funding requirements for 2010 by 22 January, with a view to determining the allocations for this year as soon as possible after the publication of the 2010 Revised Estimates for Public Services. The relevant information has been received from the local authorities and is currently under examination in my Department. I intend to announce details of the allocations for 2010 very shortly.
To provide for continuity in the processing of applications and the payment of grants under the various grant measures, local authorities were advised by my Department that they could anticipate an allocation for 2010 which would not be less than their initial allocation for 2009.
The allocations are calculated on foot of discussions between my Department and the local authorities and on the basis of the level of demand for grants, taking account of the number of applications on hand that have been assessed as eligible, applications yet to be assessed and projections for new applications to be received during the year. It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed to each of the various grant measures, from within the combined allocations from local authority and Exchequer sources, notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within their allocation.
21 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to comply with the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2002/91/EC in relation to energy rating by way of a display energy certificate for public buildings; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that only 20% of eligible buildings had a display energy certificate in October 2009 and that some of the 20% have the lowest rating possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3232/10]
The European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006 — 2008 transposed the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive into Irish law. Article 8 of the Regulations requires a public body, in relation to a large building occupied by it on or after 1 January 2009, to secure and display a valid display energy certificate (DEC) which must be updated and renewed each year. A large building is defined as having a total useful floor area in excess of 1,000m2.
Compliance with all statutory obligations, including DEC requirements is, first and foremost, the responsibility of the administrative head of each public body. Public bodies have been notified of their statutory obligation to obtain DECs in respect of large buildings by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) which has been designated as the Issuing Authority under the Regulations and is responsible for the day to day administration of the DEC scheme.
Under the DEC scheme, buildings are assessed by appropriately qualified assessors who have registered with SEI as DEC assessors. Having regard to a building's actual energy consumption in the preceding 12 months, a rating scale of A to G applies, with A-rated buildings being most energy efficient and G-rated buildings least efficient. No minimum energy rating is specified but it is anticipated that public bodies will take steps to improve a building's performance over time, particularly where potential for cost effective improvements exists.
I understand from SEI that the number of buildings required to have a DEC is estimated to be of the order of 3,000. In addition, public bodies may voluntarily apply for DECs in respect of buildings which have a useful floor area of less than 1,000m2 or which are otherwise exempted from DEC requirements by Article 3 of the Regulations. Some 1,300 valid DECs were in place on 22 February, 2010.
22 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he plans to bring before Dáil Éireann legislation relating to a directly elected mayor of Dublin; if he plans to provide for directly elected mayors in other regions of the country and the regions involved; the timescale for their introduction; if the election of a mayor of Dublin and other regions will be accommodated within the same legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9526/10]
The introduction of a directly elected mayor of Dublin will deliver significantly strengthened leadership for the city and region, with enhanced accountability and a direct connection with the citizen.
A general scheme of legislation to provide for the Mayor for Dublin was published on my Department's website yesterday, as an opportunity for further consultation before the Bill is finalised, and to facilitate early implementation of the Bill's provisions once enacted. Copies of the general scheme have been provided to each of the Party Leaders and spokespeople on local government, as well as to the Dublin local authorities.
I am conscious that, given the proximity of this year's inaugural mayoral election, interested parties are very keen to examine and have an opportunity to provide input into, the draft legislation. I have invited each political party spokesperson to a meeting in the coming days to discuss the general scheme.
The general scheme provides solely for the election of a Mayor for Dublin, and the Bill is now being drafted as a priority.
The issue of democratic local government leadership elsewhere will be addressed as part of the wider approach to local government which will be presented in the White Paper on Local Government. The approach to the White Paper is currently under consideration by Government. A Cabinet Committee has been established to finalise the major strategic directions for inclusion in the White Paper.
23 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the preparation of River Basin Management Plans according to information available to his Department; when he expects these plans to be prepared. [9519/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 432 of 23 February 2009, in which I indicated that the making of a river basin management plan is a function reserved to local authorities. In December 2008, local authorities published craft River Basin Management Plans for each of the River Basin Districts. These draft plans were open to public consultation for a period of six months up to June 2009 and over 300 submissions from interested parties were received.
The plans are currently being finalised for adoption by the relevant local authorities and will be published in the coming months. They will specify the environmental objectives to be achieved in relation to water bodies and the measures to be implemented in order to achieve these objectives. The programmes of measures must be operational by the end of 2012.
24 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the interdepartmental task force on e-voting machines has met in 2010; if they are in a position to conclude its work; the costs related to the storage of the machines in 2009; if the termination of leases in the remaining four locations have been concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9527/10]
165 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress achieved to date in 2010 in efforts to dispose of the e-voting technology; if firm offers have been received; the cost of the e-voting technology including the cost of promoting its use, storage and research, with a breakdown of costings in each case on a yearly basis to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9763/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 165 together.
On 23 April 2009, I announced that the Government had decided not to proceed with implementation of electronic voting in Ireland. Since then, a process has been put in place to address the issues that arise from the decision. An interdepartmental task force, chaired by my Department, has been established to bring the project to an orderly conclusion and to oversee disposal of the equipment and termination of storage arrangements. The task force aims to complete its work as soon as possible. The task force met three times in 2009, with its next meeting due to take place in March 2010. Between meetings, my Department maintains ongoing contact with members of the task force, in order to progress work on the cessation arrangements for the project.
In considering options for disposal of the equipment, the priority is to pursue the most economically advantageous approach, with a view to achieving the maximum recovery of cost possible in the circumstances, consistent with environmental and other obligations. Detailed consideration of all relevant factors is under way to inform the manner in which disposal of the machines will be effected. This includes contact with the original suppliers of the machines.
In 2007, over 60% of the machines (4,762 in total) were moved from 12 local storage locations to a central facility at Gormanston Army Camp. The remaining machines are stored at 13 local premises that were originally identified by Returning Officers for this purpose. It is intended that all machines will be removed from their present locations when arrangements for disposal are implemented. Work on termination of local lease arrangements is proceeding in this context.
My Department engaged consultants with valuation expertise in May 2007, following competitive tendering, to examine individual leases and make recommendations on termination of leases where appropriate. In May 2008, I accepted the consultants' recommendations and these are currently being implemented. The consultants recommended termination of leases in seven cases and this has since occurred in three locations. No additional payments were made in respect of these terminations.
Work is ongoing on concluding the other four leases. It is expected that, in certain instances, termination of lease arrangements will give rise to buy-out costs and these will be dependent on the outcome of negotiations.
The total expenditure on the development and roll-out of the electronic voting system to date is some €51.346 million, the bulk of which has been incurred in purchasing the voting machines and ancillary equipment. These costs are set out in the following table.
|
Expenditure item |
Cost |
|
€m |
|
|
Voting Equipment — Hardware and Software |
47.099 |
|
Training and Awareness |
2.711 |
|
Consultancy, Testing and Miscellaneous |
1.400 |
|
Freight and Insurance |
.136 |
|
Total |
51.346 |
Based on figures received in my Department from Returning Officers, the total annual costs for storage of the electronic voting equipment (including the cost of insurance, service charges, rates and heating) for 2009 were some €182,500. Storage costs for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 were some €658,000; €696,000; €706,000; €489,000; and €204,000, respectively.
Costs incurred in respect of the movement of electronic voting equipment to Gormanston in 2007 were some €328,000.
26 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Independent Electoral Commission, as promised in the programme for Government 2007 and the revised programme for Government 2009; when it is proposed that the commission will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9384/10]
The programme for Government, agreed in 2007, contains a commitment to the establishment of an independent Electoral Commission which will take responsibility for electoral administration and oversight, implement modern and efficient electoral practices, revise constituency boundaries, take charge of compiling a new national rolling Electoral Register, take over the functions of the Standards in Public Office Commission relating to election spending and examine the issue of financing the political system.
The renewed programme for Government, agreed in October 2009, reaffirms this commitment and states that an independent Electoral Commission will incorporate the functions of the Standards in Public Office Commission, with enhanced powers of inspection. The renewed programme sets out the following responsibilities which the Commission will be mandated to fulfil: to decide the constituency boundaries; administer the voting registration process; run voter education programmes; advise on mechanisms to increase the participation of women in political life, including the use of additional criteria for public funding which encourages more women and lesser represented groups; and recommend revised guidelines on the declaration of donations for political purposes.
In addition, the renewed programme states that, within 12 months, the Commission will also propose reforms to the electoral system, including:
make recommendations on the feasibility of extending the franchise for Presidential Elections to the Irish abroad;
examine and make recommendations for changes to the electoral system for Dáil elections, including the number of deputies and their means of elections;
outline new electoral systems for Seanad Éireann;
advise on the basis for European elections to reflect new realities of the role and influence of the European Parliament, including consideration of moving towards one national constituency and using a list system;
make recommendations on the possibility of extending the franchise for Local Elections to those aged 16 or over;
set minimum standards for the taking and publication of political polls within the state to ensure fairness and accuracy, and;
consider options for the timing of elections for local authorities, the Dáil, Seanad and European Parliament. This should include the possibility of ‘mid-term' elections and running some elections on a ‘staggered' or ‘rolled' basis so that elections do not fall on the same day for every candidate or Chamber.
In implementing the commitments as set out in the 2007 Programme for Government, and to assist in consideration of the issues involved, I commissioned a report by an expert group from University College Dublin. I published the report, entitled A Preliminary Study on the Establishment of an Electoral Commission in Ireland, for consultation in February 2009. The report is available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. Written submissions received to date as part of the consultation process are currently being considered. While the formal closing date for written submissions has passed, I will still welcome and consider any views and observations that are put forward by interested individuals and organisations.
In developing and bringing forward proposals for the establishment of an independent Electoral Commission, based on the commitments contained in the programme for Government and the renewed programme for Government, I will take into account the report prepared by the UCD group and views put forward as part of the consultation process.
I expect to progress the establishment of an Independent Electoral Commission this year.
27 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the most up to date estimate of the percentage of our public water supply that is unaccounted for water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9515/10]
40 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to address the issue of leaking mains and leakage from pipes to ensure a reduction in the amount of unaccounted for water in our public water supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9513/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 40 together.
The most recent figures for unaccounted water for each county and city council are set out in the Report Service Indicators in Local Authorities 2008 published last November by the Local Government Management Services Board. A copy is available in the Oireachtas Library. The report highlighted unaccounted for water losses ranging from 16.8% to 58.6%, depending on the local authority involved. This level of water loss is unsustainable and indicates the clear need for local authorities to take more concerted action to tackle the problem.
Over the past seven years, some €130 million has been spent on water conservation measures under a specific sub-programme of the Water Services Investment Programme. This sub-programme, which includes the management of water supply systems, active leakage control and mains rehabilitation, has led to reductions in unaccounted for water, improved knowledge of the condition of water distribution networks and consumption patterns and an improvement in the level and quality of supply to consumers.
My Department is currently finalising a review of the water services investment programme. The Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012, which I will be publishing shortly, will build on existing investment in water conservation by providing for a very substantial scaling up of activity on mains rehabilitation.
28 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the projects to replace public water supply infrastructure made of lead that have been funded by his Department in 2007, 2008 and 2009 in tabular form by local authority; if he will set out the moneys on these projects; the works needed to replace lead water pipes by local authorities according to information available to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9518/10]
My Department understands that lead water distribution mains do not constitute a significant portion of the overall supply networks nationwide. At issue are lead connections to individual premises and internal lead plumbing that could affect drinking water quality and, therefore, have public health implications, necessitating replacement of the pipes involved. Only the replacement of lead connections on the public supply side is eligible for funding from my Department.
In addition to replacing lead services, appropriate pH correction can be made at water treatments plants to ensure the water is not corrosive and to prevent lead from old pipes leaching into supply. The dosing of phosphates has also been recommended by the EPA to local authorities as a means of reducing plumbosolvency (ability of water to dissolve lead) as it has the further effect of sealing the lead within the connections.
Total Exchequer expenditure on projects over the period 2007 to 2009 under the National Water Conservation Sub-Programme of the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 amounted to some €79 million, of which close to €27 million related specifically to mains rehabilitation. Details of funding provided to the relevant authorities in each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 for projects involving mains rehabilitation is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Local Authority |
Scheme |
Expenditure |
|
€m |
|||
|
2007 |
Dublin City Council is the lead authority co-ordinating and managing mains rehabilitation works in Fingal, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, South Dublin, Bray and parts of North Kildare and Wicklow |
Dublin Region Water mains Rehabilitation Project (DRWRP) |
2.454 |
|
2007 |
Mayo Co Co |
Water Conservation Advance Works at Kilmaine |
0.131 |
|
2008 |
Dublin City Council |
DRWRP |
8.943 |
|
2008 |
Carlow Co Co |
Carlow Water Conservation Phase 2 |
0.380 |
|
2008 |
Mayo Co Co |
Ballina town Water Conservation Project |
0.876 |
|
2009 |
Waterford City Co |
Waterford City Mains Rehabilitation Phase 1 & 2 |
4.075 |
|
2009 |
Cavan Co Co |
Arvagh Rehabilitation Contract |
0.101 |
|
2009 |
Dublin City Council |
DRWRP |
5.048 |
|
2009 |
Galway City |
Old Mervue Lead Distribution Watermain Replacement Contract |
0.377 |
|
2009 |
Limerick City Co |
Mains Rehabilitation (ongoing)Galvone Road (lead pipes) |
0.696 |
|
2009 |
Waterford City Co |
Waterford City Mains Rehabilitation Phase 2 |
3.685 |
It is understood that only the Galway City project and one of the Limerick City projects above involved lead pipes replacement.
Existing investment in water conservation has, to date, largely focused on local authorities putting in place water management systems to allow for active leakage control and better planning of mains rehabilitation. This investment provides the platform for more intensive investment in mains rehabilitation, including the replacement of eligible lead pipes/connections, and will be a key priority under the next phase of the Water Services Investment Programme for the period 2010 to 2012. My Department is currently finalising a review of the programme to ensure that capital expenditure is more focused on priority schemes to meet national environmental and economic objectives.
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012, which I will be publishing shortly, will build on existing investment in water conservation, by providing for a very substantial scaling up of activity on mains rehabilitation. My aim is to substantially increase investment in water conservation under the new programme to provide for the commencement of contracts with a value of over €300 million to commence over the next three years.
29 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm that 43% of householders paying loans under shared ownership schemes are in arrears; the steps he will take to deal with this problem; if, in the case of default, the occupants will be permitted to remain in their homes with the option of becoming council tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9522/10]
My Department does not collect data on arrears in relation to households purchasing under the shared ownership scheme specifically. However, data published in the annual service indicators in local authorities give details on local authority mortgage arrears generally, including mortgages drawn down by households purchasing under shared ownership, as well as households purchasing under the tenant purchase scheme, and under the various affordable housing schemes. The most recent data from the 2008 report shows local authorities mortgage arrears running at 11.7%.
Provisions regarding lending by local authorities for the purposes of house purchase are set out in section 11 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. Where a loan stands in default, section 11(10) provides that a local authority may make such monetary arrangements with a borrower as they consider equitable to take account of the particular circumstances of the borrower. Local authorities can and do exercise the powers available to them under the Act and endeavour, in all arrears cases, to engage proactively and constructively with a distressed borrower with the aim of enabling a household remain in their home.
However, to support consistency of approach and ensure best practice across all local authority areas, my Department is currently developing guidance, based on the regulator's code of conduct, to ensure that cases of local authority mortgage arrears are handled in a manner that is sympathetic to the needs of the particular household, while also protecting the position of the local authority concerned.
31 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he has taken, regarding defective infill used in the building of homes, by builders (details supplied); the action he will take to prevent such defective infill being used again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9537/10]
The issue of pyrite was brought to the attention of my Department in mid 2007. Having consulted the statutory Building Regulations Advisory Body, my Department issued a circular letter (Ref. BC 6/2007) to each county manager and local building control authority on 16 August 2007 to bring the issue of pyrite to their notice and to request co-operation in the enforcement of the relevant requirements set out therein. The circular also brought to their attention a notice issued by Fingal County Council on 26 July 2007 on this matter.
Following an intervention from my Department, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) published a new amended standard recommendation on the use of aggregates as infill for civil engineering and road construction work. The new standard recommendation came into effect on 7 December 2007 and it is intended to address the quality standards of new homes and buildings in so far as problems relating to pyrite are concerned. My Department incorporated this NSAI Standard Recommendation into the relevant Technical Guidance Document (TGD-C) of the Building Regulations. A copy of the relevant amendment to TGD-C is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. My Department has also notified local authorities, the Construction Industry Federation, the Irish Home Builders’ Association and other key stakeholders of the provisions of the amended TGD-C. In addition, I am aware that HomeBond has included the amended NSAI Standard Recommendation in their published sixth edition of the House Building Manual.
Responsibility for compliance with the building regulations is a matter for the owner or builder of a building. Enforcement of the building regulations is the responsibility of individual building control authorities.
I am satisfied that the measures outlined represent an appropriate response by my Department to the issue. The resolution of problems arising between building owners and builders is a matter for the parties concerned, namely, the building owner, the relevant developer, and the builder's insurers. Where the construction of a building is the subject of a contract between the client — the housing authority in the case of publicly funded housing — and the builder, enforcement is a civil matter.
32 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to address the problems experienced in County Galway with cryptosporadium in the public water supply; the measures outstanding; when these measures will be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9521/10]
The risk of cryptosporidium is one of the factors taken into consideration by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in compiling the "Remedial Action List" which identifies public water supplies which required detailed profiling to ensure that the supply is providing clean and wholesome water. Some 14 water supply schemes in County Galway have been included on the Remedial Action List by the EPA on the basis that they are or were at risk from cryptosporidium. These were supplies at Ahascaragh, Ballygar, Ballymoe, Carraroe, Cleggan/Claddaghduff, Cornamona, Derryinver, Eyrecourt, Inisboffin, Leenane, Letterfrack, Rosmuc, Teeranea/Lettermore and Tully-Tullycross.
EPA guidance, issued in 2008, identified the actions to be taken by local authorities when a supply is included on the Remedial Action List. These actions could include abandoning or replacing sources, upgrading treatment facilities or improving operational and maintenance arrangements.
Where an upgrade of facilities was identified as the appropriate solution, local authorities can seek grant aid through a special package of measures which I introduced in 2007 in conjunction with the launch of the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. This package included a new contingency funding arrangement under the water services investment programme to deal with priority infrastructural upgrades for which funding has not already been approved and a similar contingency funding arrangement is in place under the small schemes measure of the rural water programme for schemes below the water services investment programme minimum cost threshold.
Galway County Council has sought funding under the water services investment programme for supplies at Ahascaragh and Innisboffin. My Department issued grant approval in December 2009 to Galway County Council to proceed with its proposals to accept tenders for works to resolve the water quality issues at Ahascaragh. The council's application for construction stage budgets for the remedial works contract to resolve the water quality issues at Innisboffin is currently being examined by my Department and a decision will be conveyed to the council as soon as possible.
The council has also sought funding of about €2.8 million from the special Remedial Action List Contingency Fund under the rural Water Programme, following a procurement process. This is an increase on the original allocation for Galway County Council made by my Department from this fund. Approval has already issued for the revised grant support involved in resolving water quality issues in relation to supplies at Ballygar, Ballymoe and Leenane. The application for revised grants for costs of resolving issues on supplies at Carraroe, Letterfrack, Rosmuc, Teeranea/Lettermore and Tully-Tullycross/Derryinver is currently under examination by my Department and a reply will issue to the council shortly.
Where approvals have already issued from the Department, it is now a matter for the council to award the contract in each case to allow those works to proceed. Further information on progress with those schemes may be had from the council. In addition, it is understood that the council shortly expects to sign the contract for the Galway Group Water Scheme DBO No. 2 Bundle, which is being funded under the rural water programme. This contract will, amongst other objectives, tackle the potential cryptosporidium risk associated with the Cornamona supply.
It is understood that no departmental funding is required in relation to the remaining two supplies at Cleggan/Claggaghduff and Eyrecourt.
33 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the fact that there are in excess of 100,000 people on local authority waiting lists, he will use funds available under the European Regional Development Fund legislation, when it is amended, to purchase vacant properties in order to make them available as social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9523/10]
The most recent statutory assessment of housing need, which is carried out every three years by all housing authorities in accordance with the terms of the Housing Act 1988, showed that at end March 2008 56,249 households were in need of social housing support. Meeting social housing need is a high priority for the Government. While ensuring that we can deliver across the full range of needs, the scale and composition of the public housing programme in the years ahead will be dependent on a number of factors, including the level of available funding and the evolution of the housing market generally.
In that context, I obviously welcome recent proposals by the European Parliament to broaden the scope of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to include expenditure on the renovation and replacement of existing housing. However, there is no indication of any additional funding being made available for social housing provision from the Fund, and it remains to be seen whether the Parliament's proposed changes will receive the support of the European Council under the codecision procedure.
With or without ERDF funding, I am determined to ensure that the housing programme is framed in a manner which continues to optimise the delivery of social housing from current resources. To achieve this, it is essential that we tailor the use of available Exchequer supports to prevailing market conditions, and explore alternative solutions to address housing needs, having full regard to the sustainable communities philosophy outlined in the Government's housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities .
To this end, the range of delivery mechanisms continues to be adapted and expanded. For example, last year I announced the introduction of a new social housing leasing initiative, through which it is expected that a substantial number of dwellings will be provided in the years ahead to meet housing needs. This, together with the rental accommodation scheme, complements the traditional capital funded programmes operated through local authorities and the voluntary and co-operative housing sector.
I will be keeping the leasing initiative and all the other housing programmes under ongoing review to ensure that they are appropriately geared towards meeting the maximum level of housing need.
34 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he proposes to upgrade the domestic drinking water supply; the efforts that have been made to identify areas most susceptible to supply interruption, inadequacy of storage, defective pipes; the degree to which the current treatment systems meet modern requirements; if all drinking water throughout the country is in accord with the best EU and international standards; the current storage capacity; the degree to which this meets International criteria; his plans for the future to improve quality, storage and volume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9543/10]
167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to increase, augment, improve and update domestic water supply, storage capacity and treatment facilities throughout the country in line with population requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9765/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 167 together.
I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 48 and 292 of 21 January 2010.
It is the responsibility of the relevant water services authority to deliver quality public water supplies to meet current and future needs. My Department co-ordinates and finances a major programme of investment in improved drinking water supply infrastructure, on which some €1.8 billion has been invested by the Government in the period 2000-2009. This level of investment continues to reflect the priority assigned by Government to meeting EU standards for drinking water and providing critical water supply infrastructure, which has seen additional drinking water treatment capacity and additional drinking water storage capacity equivalent to the needs of a population of 855,000 and 1.5 million, respectively, provided in the period 2000-2008.
Water services authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October 2009. In preparing these assessments, water services authorities were required to take into consideration key environmental and economic criteria in prioritising contracts and schemes to be progressed in their areas, including consideration of strategic and sustainable development of hubs and gateways under the National Spatial Strategy and strategically located developing areas under the developing areas initiative. My Department is currently finalising its consideration of these assessments, which form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 water services investment programme that I expect to publish shortly.
The general design practice in Ireland would involve providing for sufficient storage of treated water, to meet the needs arising in the following 24-48 hours, which is in line with international practice.
A rigorous supervisory framework has been put in place to ensure good quality drinking water is provided and that effective mechanisms are available to deal quickly and effectively with problems where they arise. My Department has also been working closely with water services authorities, who are generally responsible for the management of public drinking water supplies, and the EPA to ensure that the management structures for the supply of drinking water are of the highest standard.
I am satisfied that the combination of the rigorous supervisory framework which I have put in place and the resources being devoted to the water services infrastructure will ensure continuous improvement in the quality and capacity of our water supplies.
35 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his policy on waste management with particular reference to reduction, reuse, recycling, incineration and landfill; the number of incinerators operating; the number pending; the number of landfills in operation; if he will set out the most and least desirable of all the options; the way this will determine policy in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9542/10]
The programme for Government agreed in 2007 signalled a fundamental change of policy in relation to waste management. Reflecting the ambition of the programme commitment, I have repeatedly made clear that incineration can no longer be the cornerstone of Irish waste policy, and that it is the Government's intention not to support the provision of excessive incineration capacity but to maximise the diversion of waste for reuse, recycling, composting or anaerobic digestion.
Accordingly Government policy in relation to waste management remains grounded in the internationally recognised hierarchy of waste options. Under this hierarchy the most favoured option is waste prevention, followed by minimisation, reuse, recycling, recovery and the least favoured option of disposal to landfill.
The programme for Government agreed in 2007, and the renewed programme for Government agreed in October 2009, included a number of objectives relating to waste management, among them a commitment to carry out an international review of waste management plans, practices and procedures and to act on the conclusions. An important milestone was reached late in 2009 with the delivery of the report of consultants engaged to carry out a study to underpin the review. This report provides the basis for putting in place the policies that we now need to mark a new departure in our approach to waste management.
I am utilising the report's recommendations in developing a new waste policy statement, which I will bring to Government, and publish for public consultation shortly. This will provide certainty for those in the waste management sector by implementing a resource management approach to waste which will have inevitable consequences for the scale and location of residual waste infrastructure. The overall approach was endorsed by Government on 9 February 2010.
My Department has no function in determining the number, type, location or capacity of any waste management facilities that may be constructed. The EPA is the national repository for waste management statistics and the most recent available information in respect of waste infrastructure sought can be found in the 2008 national waste report available on the EPA's website at www.epa.ie/downloads/pubs/waste/stats/.
37 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to make the recently excavated Viking site in the north side of Dublin a national monument; and if he will purchase the site for the State in order to preserve it. [9534/10]
I presume that the Question relates to an Office of Public Works site in the Hammond Lane/Church Street area where, in the final phase of archaeological excavations, evidence of a Viking house was identified. I understand that the archaeological excavations have now been completed, including recording and removal of archaeological features and deposits by the licensed archaeologist, and that the results of the excavations will be published in due course.
As no substantial archaeological features or deposits remain on site, I have no proposals to designate it a national monument.
38 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to extend the community safety warden scheme. [9533/10]
I presume the question refers to the local authority community warden service.
The pilot community warden service, which was established in five local authorities in 2002, has since been placed on a permanent footing. Following a process of adjudication, the practical issues concerning the extension of the service to other local authorities have been settled. Accordingly, it is now open to other local authorities to introduce the scheme, having regard to local circumstances and taking account of the need to achieve payroll cost reductions in 2010.
39 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he plans to complete the review on the designation and purchase of bog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9382/10]
43 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received the report of the interdepartmental working group on turf cutting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9383/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 43 together.
Last year I established an Interdepartmental working group on the cessation of turf cutting in designated raised bogs. The group is nearing completion of its deliberations and I expect to receive its report in the very near future. I will conclude my consideration of the report and any recommendations it contains as rapidly as possible, and will then be in touch with affected individuals and representative groups in regard to the position.
45 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the person (details supplied) in County Cork, who was made redundant in February 2009, will be paid their redundancy entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9710/10]
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 redundancy 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 23 June, 2009 claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer.
I understand that a query was raised with the employer on this claim which has now been resolved. In these circumstances, it will be possible to have the claim for the individual processed and paid over the next 2-3 weeks.
46 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding her application for assistance from the EU Globalisation Fund for workers who have been made redundant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9751/10]
My Department submitted three applications in 2009 for co-financing assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) towards the cost of guidance, training, entrepreneurship and education programmes for redundant workers at the Dell computer manufacturing plant in Raheen, Co. Limerick, the Waterford Crystal plant in Kilbarry, Co. Waterford and the S R Technics facility at Dublin Airport.
The application in relation to the DELL redundancies was approved late last year by the EU budgetary authorities and a funds transfer of €14.8m is expected shortly. The Government is providing a matching element of €8m in funding in respect of this application.
The Waterford Crystal application is currently at the inter-service consultation stage within the European Commission and will upon approval subsequently be considered by the College of Commissioners, the European Council and the European Parliament.
My Department is currently preparing a response to a request from the European Commission for further information in relation to the EGF application made in relation to S R Technics redundancies.
My Department continues to monitor redundancies nationwide in order to assess whether further EGF applications, which must meet strict EGF Regulation criteria and conditions, can be successfully made by Ireland.
47 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of community employment schemes in existence. [9757/10]
48 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost of increasing the number of community employment schemes by 5000. [9758/10]
49 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost on increasing the number of community employment schemes by 10,000. [9759/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 to 49, inclusive, together.
There are over 1100 Community Employment (CE) Schemes and 23,300 approved CE places.
If the current levels of places per scheme remained constant, the cost of funding 5,000 extra CE schemes would be in the region of €1.7 billion. It therefore follows that the cost of doubling this to 10,000 schemes would cost approximately €3.4 billion.
50 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a redundancy lump sum from the social insurance fund will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9809/10]
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 redundancy 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 27 August, 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, adequate supporting documentation from the employer was requested by my Department but the documentation submitted to date does not meet the requirements. In the absence of the necessary documentation being submitted, the employee will be 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.
51 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance the increase in domestic gas prices that will arrive from the carbon tax as announced in Budget 2010; the percentage increase; and when this increase will be applied. [9804/10]
I announced in the Budget that a carbon tax at a rate €15 per tonne will be introduced on fossil fuels. 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, including gas, will come into effect from 1 May 2010, and solid fuels by commencement order from a later date. It is estimated that domestic gas prices will increase by around 6% or just under €50 per annum based on the national annual average household use of 13,750kwh per annum.
52 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance if persons will qualify for the motor scrappage scheme, when a spouse is the registered owner of the vehicle and the insurance policy is in the name of the other spouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9679/10]
The provisions of the car scrappage scheme as set out in Section 102 of the Finance Bill as published on 4 February 2010, provide that the car being scrapped,
must be registered in the State in the name of the registered owner of the new car for at least 18 month previous to the date of scrappage;
must be 10 years old or more from the date of first registration;
must be scrapped on or after 10 December 2009 and not later than 31 December 2010;
must be scrapped within 60 days of the date of the new car being registered, or have been scrapped within 60 days immediately before the date of the new car being registered;
must have a valid NCT test certificate, or one that has expired no more than 90 days immediately before the date of scrappage or documentation to indicate that it has been presented for and failed an NCT roadworthiness test in the previous 6 months;
must have been insured for use on the road in the name of the registered owner for at least 12 months in the 18 months immediately prior to the date of scrappage.
Since the inception of the scrappage scheme on I January 2010, it has become clear that many vehicles are acquired for use as ‘family vehicles' and are frequently registered for VRT purposes in the name of one spouse, but insured in the name of the other spouse.
Accordingly, the scope of the scheme under Section 102 of the Bill, is being extended by providing that any reference to a "person" in the relevant subsection of the section may in the application of those provisions be construed by the Revenue Commissioners as a reference to either the person concerned, or to that person's spouse. Consequently documentation in the name of one spouse is to be taken into account for the purposes of the other qualifying under the scheme. Following this change, documents relating to vehicle ownership and vehicle insurance may be presented in the name of either spouse in order to qualify for the repayment of VRT.
53 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance if furniture was purchased in Northern Ireland in respect of a Government Department in 2009; if so, the location at which the furniture was sourced; the quantity and the cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9687/10]
The Office of Public Works is the main agency for procurement for Government Departments.
The Commissioners of Public Works can confirm that the OPW has not purchased any furniture from Northern Ireland during 2009.
54 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the tax position of a person who has retired to Ireland but owns certain pension rights in the US and the UK, countries which generate some annuity income. [9706/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxation of annuities and pensions from superannuation funds in the USA and the UK is governed by the respective double taxation treaties between this country and those States.
Under the terms of both treaties, annuities and pensions arising from pension arrangements in the USA and the UK, are taxable only in the recipient's country of residence, with the exception of governmental pensions, which are broadly pensions paid by a State, local authority etc for services rendered in the discharge of functions of a governmental nature.
A "governmental pension" deriving from the USA or the UK is taxable only in those States unless the person in question is a resident and a national of this State, in which case it is taxable only in this jurisdiction.
US and UK social security pensions are taxable only in the recipient's country of residence.
I am also advised by the Revenue Commissioners that individuals who are resident but not domiciled in the State are liable to Irish tax on income arising outside the State only to the extent that such income is received in Ireland. This provision also applies to Irish citizens who are resident in the State but are not ordinarily resident here. However, section 8 of Finance Bill 2010 is proposing to withdraw such entitlement with effect from the tax year 2010.
55 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the income received to date and the expected income to be received by the State arising from the bank guarantee scheme of 30 September 2008 and from the extension of the guarantee scheme. [9717/10]
As the Deputy is aware, the Covered Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008 (CIFS) came into effect on 30 September 2008 and is due to expire on 29 September 2010. The Eligible Liabilities Guarantee Scheme (ELG) commenced on 9 December 2009 and liabilities issued under this Scheme can have a maximum maturity of five years up to September 2015.
The amount of money paid under the Credit Institution (Financial Support) Scheme in the mandated Central Bank account, including interest accrued to date, is €718,360,000. We intend to collect at least €1bn from the credit institutions covered under CIFS and ELG guarantees for the period September 2008 to September 2010.
As institutions participating in the ELG can issue covered liabilities up to 29 September 2010, the closing date of the Scheme, it is not possible to determine the amount of fees each participating institution will pay for the duration of the Scheme.
In addition to the charge for the guarantees levied on the covered institutions, institutions under the guarantees are obliged to recoup the administrative costs of the guarantees to the Minister. To date payments of €2,495,459 have been made and received by my Department as an appropriation-in-aid, covering the period September 2008 to April 2009. There will be further charges made periodically between now when the Schemes end.
56 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to assist people with mortgage arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9719/10]
Home repossession should be and generally is the last resort for the lender. The preferred method of dealing with cases of arrears should be early intervention and engagement.
I approved the setting up of the Inter-Departmental Mortgage Arrears Review Group, chaired by one of my officials, for the purpose of bringing together all relevant information in Departments and examining options, including initiatives in other jurisdictions, in relation to the matter of support for home owners facing the problems of mortgage arrears and repossessions. The Law Reform Commission (LRC) which is under the aegis of my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality, and Law Reform is addressing the issues of debt management and enforcement. In addition I have been discussing with Cabinet colleagues possible further initiatives in this matter and will in the near future be bringing proposals to Government.
Other arrangements in place to assist consumers who have fallen into arrears or are in danger of falling into arrears include the Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme, which provides assistance where the mortgage relates to a person's principal private residence, and MABS which provides a national, free, confidential and independent service. The Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code requires that a regulated entity must contact the consumer as soon as it becomes aware that a mortgage account is in arrears and that it must have in place a procedure for handling accounts in arrears.
In response to the continuing difficulties being faced by mortgage holders, the Financial Regulator has written to all mortgage lenders informing them that with effect from 17 February 2010, the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears has been amended to require that lenders must now wait twelve months from the time arrears first arise before applying to the courts to commence enforcement of any legal action on repossession of a borrower's primary residence.
Contraventions of the Code may be subject to the imposition of administrative sanctions by the Financial Regulator. The requirements of the Consumer Protection Code, including those on mortgage arrears, continue to apply.
The updated code and letter issued to institutions on Friday is available on the website at http://www.financialregulator.ie/processes/consumer-protection-code/Pages/codes-of-conduct.aspx.
57 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of customer deposits on hand, both personal and corporate, at Anglo Irish Bank on the date of the State guarantee scheme on 30 September 2008. [9735/10]
According to Anglo Irish Bank's published annual accounts at 30 September 2008, it's consolidated accounts indicate a total of €51,499m in customer deposits, comprising €19,156m in retail deposits, and €32,343m in non-retail deposits. Further detail of the breakdown of Anglo Irish Bank's customer deposits is included in Note 36 to the bank's 30 September 2008 accounts, which I enclose for the Deputy's information.
|
36. |
Customer accounts |
The Group |
The Bank |
||
|
2008 |
2007 |
2008 |
2007 |
||
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
||
|
Repayable on demand |
3,015 |
3,800 |
8,602 |
3,134 |
|
|
Other deposits by customers with agreed maturity dates |
48,484 |
48,886 |
43,808 |
43,566 |
|
|
51,499 |
52,686 |
52,410 |
46,700 |
||
|
Amounts include: |
|||||
|
Due to Group undertakings |
6,514 |
933 |
|||
|
Customer type |
|||||
|
Retail deposits |
19,156 |
19,370 |
14,744 |
15,810 |
|
|
Non-retail deposits |
32,343 |
33,316 |
37,666 |
30,890 |
|
|
51,499 |
52,686 |
52,410 |
46,700 |
The Group's retail deposits comprise demand, notice and fixed term deposit accounts from personal savers with maturities of up to two years. Non-retail deposits are sourced from commercial entities, charities, public sector bodies, pension funds, credit unions and other non-bank financial institutions. At 30 September 2008 non-retail deposits were more concentrated and shorter in duration than at the prior year end. Information on contractual maturities of customer accounts is contained in note 47.
In addition, at 30 September 2008 non-retail deposits included €7.3 billion of deposits from Irish Life Assurance plc, a non-bank affiliate of the Irish Life & Permanent group, which matured on or before 3 October 2008. As no right of set-off existed between these deposits and placements which the Group had with Irish Life & Permanent plc (note 22), these non-retail deposits were recorded as liabilities on the Group's balance sheet in accordance with accounting standards.
Average total customer deposits for the twelve months to 30 September 2008 were €50.1 billion (2007: €45.4 billion).
The Group's customer accounts include €1,262m (2007: €nil) relating to securities sold under agreements to repurchase. Customer accounts also include €11m (2007: €45m) received from equity-accounted joint venture interests.
The Bank's customer accounts include €178m (2007: €363m) of deposits held in respect of liabilities to customers under investment contracts (note 38). These deposits eliminate on consolidation in the Group customer accounts balances.
58 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants, by grade and Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme; the number of applications approved and an estimate of the payroll saving achieved. [9740/10]
The information reported to my Department, to date, indicates that some 1,130 civil servants had applied for the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) and that 954 of these had been approved. The information also indicates that there is an estimated pay saving of some €56 million on a full year basis, although this figure would be offset in part by additional pension and lump sum costs. The more detailed information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tabular form.
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Ind |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Department of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
2 |
5 |
10 |
|
18 |
13 |
6 |
28 |
|
|
|
|
43 |
122 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
5 |
8 |
15 |
13 |
6 |
21 |
28 |
98 |
||||||||
|
Department of Arts, Sports & Tourism |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
4 |
|
|
Approved |
4 |
4 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
1 |
|
4 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
9 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
||||||||||||
|
Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
1 |
1 |
6 |
|
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
12 |
||||||||||
|
Department of Defence |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
2 |
2 |
|
1 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
|
15 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Ind |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Department of Education & Science |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
1 |
4 |
3 |
|
5 |
7 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
11 |
33 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
7 |
2 |
3 |
23 |
|||||||||
|
State Examinations Commission |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
2 |
3 |
6 |
|||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
2 |
3 |
6 |
|||||||||||||
|
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
11 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
11 |
||||||||||||||||
|
National Council for Special Education |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
2 |
6 |
11 |
|
13 |
9 |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
6 |
11 |
13 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
|
43 |
||||||||
|
Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
1 |
7 |
12 |
|
5 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
|
|
|
|
18 |
53 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
6 |
12 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
13 |
45 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Ind |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Department of Finance |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
1 |
7 |
17 |
|
8 |
|
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
37 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
7 |
17 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
36 |
|||||||||
|
OPW |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
4 |
5 |
28 |
|
|
Approved |
10 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
26 |
|||||||||
|
Valuation Office |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
Approved |
|
0 |
|||||||||||||||
|
CPSA |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
2 |
|||||||||||||||
|
PAS |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Ind |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Revenue |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
2 |
22 |
84 |
1 |
127 |
96 |
9 |
26 |
|
|
|
|
7 |
374 |
|
|
Approved |
0 |
19 |
77 |
0 |
113 |
78 |
8 |
25 |
6 |
326 |
|||||||
|
State Laboratory |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
|
Approved |
11 |
||||||||||||||||
|
C&AG |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
9 |
|
|
Approved |
9 |
9 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Department of Foreign Affairs |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
2 |
3 |
1 |
|
3 |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
16 |
|||||||||
|
Department of Health & Children |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
8 |
9 |
|
3 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
Approved |
8 |
9 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
26 |
||||||||||
|
Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
6 |
11 |
|
7 |
6 |
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
18 |
51 |
|
|
Approved |
6 |
11 |
7 |
6 |
3 |
18 |
51 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Ind |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Irish Prison Service |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||||||||||||
|
Courts Service |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
5 |
9 |
|
13 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
Approved |
4 |
6 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
23 |
||||||||||
|
Property Registration Authority |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
3 |
3 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
14 |
23 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
14 |
23 |
|||||||||||
|
Garda Civilians |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
5 |
1 |
8 |
11 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
31 |
|
|
Approved |
4 |
3 |
1 |
6 |
7 |
1 |
22 |
||||||||||
|
Legal Aid Board |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Department of Social & Family Affairs |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Applications |
|
|
|
8 |
20 |
|
46 |
26 |
18 |
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
127 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
14 |
27 |
13 |
13 |
6 |
75 |
||||||||||
|
Department of the Taoiseach |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Ind |
Other |
Total |
||
|
CSSO |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
5 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
3 |
5 |
||||||||||||||
|
OAG |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
2 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||||||||||||
|
DPP |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
4 |
|
|
Approved |
3 |
3 |
|||||||||||||||
|
CSO |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
1 |
2 |
|
2 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
4 |
12 |
|
|
Approved |
0 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
10 |
||||||||||
|
Department of Transport |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
2 |
8 |
9 |
|
8 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
36 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
33 |
||||||||
|
TOTAL BY GRADE |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
0 |
0 |
15 |
98 |
233 |
1 |
282 |
191 |
57 |
97 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
150 |
1,130 |
|
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
13 |
83 |
212 |
0 |
238 |
157 |
49 |
79 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
117 |
954 |
59 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Finance when a correct notice of tax assessment will issue in accordance with tax return sent to Revenue Commissioners by a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [9741/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, regrettably, due to industrial action by some staff, it is not possible to ascertain the specific details of this case in the time available. However, the matter has been referred to the relevant revenue district where it will be dealt with and a reply will issue directly to the person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
60 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the provision of funding for flood alleviation measures at a location (details supplied) in County Cork. [9743/10]
Cork County Council has recently submitted to the Office of Public Works a number of applications for funding for minor flood mitigation works that the Council proposes to undertake in 2010, including an application for works at the location mentioned. The Council's applications are currently being assessed, in conjunction with applications received from other local authorities, in accordance with the relevant eligibility criteria and having regard to the total funding available for minor mitigation works this year.
61 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the capital ratios required to be maintained by Irish banks as part of the regulatory system; the role of the Financial Regulator and the EU in setting the required ratios; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9755/10]
Levels of regulatory capital that banks must hold as a cushion against the credit and other risks that they must run are established by the so-called Basel II Framework, which was adopted in 2004, implemented in Ireland and across the EU in 2006 and which came into effect from 1 January 2008. The Basel II Framework was agreed by members of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, which provides a forum for regular cooperation on banking supervisory matters. While Ireland is not a member of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, we are represented by the European Commission. Ireland considers all proposals and contributes to discussions taking place at European level on these issues.
The Capital Requirements Directive (CRD) implements the Basel II framework in the European Union. The CRD comprises two directives — Directive 2006/48/EC relating to the taking up and pursuit of the business of credit institutions and Directive 2006/49/2006 on the capital adequacy of investment firms and credit institutions.
Irish banks are required to calculate capital requirements and maintain a minimum level of their own funds in accordance with the CRD. Specifically, Article 75 of the Directive 2006/48/EC refers to the minimum level of own funds required. However, in relation to minimum own funds there are a number of relevant Articles including Articles 22, 109, 123, 124 and 136.
The Financial Regulator is responsible for the implementation of the Capital Requirements Directive in Ireland. Their approach to the implementation of the CRD is detailed in the Regulatory Notice ‘Implementation of the CRD' dated 28 December 2006.
By way of concluding, recent developments have demonstrated that capital requirements are at the heart of the soundness and stability of individual institutions and the financial system overall.
62 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if VAT on Government services applied in December 2009 is obligatory on local authority refuse collections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9793/10]
In its ruling of 16 July 2009 in Case C-554/07, the European Court of Justice found that Ireland had failed to correctly transpose EU VAT law regarding public bodies including local authorities. In order to comply with the ruling, it is necessary to make public bodies subject to VAT and Finance Bill 2010 includes a provision to this end.
In effect, this means that certain goods and services provided by local authorities will now become subject to VAT especially where competition arises with private sector providers who have to apply VAT. Services that will become liable to VAT include refuse collection, landfill and recycling services; off-street parking; toll roads; rent from certain lettings of commercial property; and the supply of staff and data. It should be noted that such services are already subject to VAT if provided by a private operator. The standard or the reduced VAT rates will apply as appropriate. Refuse collection will be subject to the reduced VAT rate of 13.5%. It is proposed to introduce these changes from 1 July 2010.
However, other services operated by public authorities are not being made subject to VAT by the Finance Bill provision, as they are otherwise exempted. In that context, for example, the supply of water, education, health and passenger transport services are not being made subject to VAT as they are otherwise exempted from VAT. Examples of the types of activities by public bodies where a charge applies which will remain outside the scope of VAT, include parking fines, fees for passports, driving licenses etc, development levies, casual trading licenses and certificates of compliance. These are purely regulatory functions.
63 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that a centre (details supplied) will be relocated within weeks; the purpose for which the complex will be used; if he has requested the use of same; if it is recommended by the Department of Education and Science; and if this allocation will be carried out to satisfy the school’s search for a premises. [9806/10]
The premises in question will be vacated shortly. The Commissioners of Public Works are assessing how best they will be used.
64 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if, in relation to a submission to him from the Chief State Solicitor, he has considered the application for waiver under section 31 of the State Property Act, 1954 in respect of a site (details supplied); and if he will give a target date for completion of same. [9807/10]
The information sought by the Deputy is currently being compiled by the Office of Public Works and will be forwarded directly to him shortly.
65 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if employees of the Blood Transfusion Board who are clerical officer grade three and who act as donor attendants are regarded as public servants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9699/10]
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is a public service body and its employees are public servants.
66 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of an operation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9738/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
67 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide information for an operation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9739/10]
87 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of an operation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9792/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 87 together.
As these are a service matter they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
68 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding for a community child care service (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be provided. [9747/10]
The company in question is participating in both the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) and the Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, both of which are implemented by my Office. The CCSS provides support funding to community based not for profit child care services to enable them to charge reduced fees to disadvantaged and low income working parents. The ECCE scheme, which was introduced in January of this year, is open to all pre-school services and provides grant funding in return for the provision of a free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the company in question is benefiting from the funding available under both schemes. I understand that, in 2009, it received CCSS funding amounting in total to €63,590 and it is due to receive a preliminary CCSS payment for the first quarter of 2010 amounting to €15,898. The preliminary payment for 2010 is, however, currently being withheld as the company has not yet forwarded the report on grant expenditure which was due in September 2009 and is a contractual obligation under the scheme. As a participant in the new ECCE scheme, the company has received a preliminary payment for the first quarter of 2010 amounting €14,706.
69 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons treated for foot ulcerations, which did not require a full or partial lower limb amputation; the number of those patients who had diabetes in each of the counties of Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath and in the Health Service Executive north east area in the years 2007 and 2008. [9675/10]
The information requested will be supplied separately to the Deputy.
70 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of bed days used by persons in the counties of Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath and in the Health Service Executive North East area in the years 2007 and 2008 with diabetes treated for foot ulcerations which did not require a full or partial lower limb amputations; the in-patient cost in each year; the average bed day cost for this group in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9676/10]
71 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of full or partial lower limb amputations carried out on persons with diabetes in counties of Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath and in the Health Service Executive North East area in 2007 and 2008; and the in-patient cost of caring for them. [9677/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 71 together.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
72 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who were registered blind in each year since 2004 in each of the counties of Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath and in the Health Service Executive North East area; the number of those who were registered blind as a result of diabetic retinopathy each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9678/10]
90 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who were registered blind in each year since 2004 and to date in 2010 in each of the counties of Kerry and Limerick; the number of those who were registered blind as a result of diabetic retinopathy each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9798/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 90 together.
There is no State system for the registration of people who are blind. However, the National Council for the Blind of Ireland operates a system of registration for people with a visual impairment. If you are registered as a blind person with the National Council for the Blind of Ireland, this registration is usually accepted as satisfying the blindness criteria for State schemes such as the Blind Pension, Domiciliary Care Allowance and Blind Welfare Allowance. The National Council for the Blind of Ireland provides a range of services to over 14,000 people with a wide range of visual impairments, including those who are blind.
In addition, the National Physical and Sensory Disability Database (NPSDD) collects information on the health and personal social service needs of people with a physical/sensory disability including those with a visual impairment. The primary focus of the NPSDD is to facilitate service planning and provision; it also aims to record the details of people availing of, or requiring, a specialised health and personal social service. As not every individual in Ireland who has a physical, sensory or speech and language disability is availing of, or requiring a specialised health and personal social service, it cannot give a definite number of people with any specific disability. Additionally, as participation in the NPSDD is voluntary, the Database may not, therefore, cover a proportion of people living in Ireland who have a physical, sensory or speech and language disability and who have chosen not to register. The NPSDD cannot therefore, provide any definitive epidemiological statement on the number of people with a particular type of disability.
My Department is seeking the information sought by the Deputies from the National Council for the Blind of Ireland and the NPSDD and will be in touch with the Deputies as soon as possible.
73 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reverse her decision not to proceed with an inquiry into the practice of symphysiotomy in maternity hospitals here in view of the revelations (details supplied), that these operations were performed at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth, and the further research that showed that the number of such operations carried out here was three times the estimate of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9681/10]
84 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [9784/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 84 together.
Symphysiotomy is a medical intervention that is now very rarely used in Ireland. As an obstetric procedure, it is, and has been, a matter primarily for the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to advise and lead upon.
Accordingly, I have asked the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to prepare a report for me concerning the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland. I have asked that the report would:
provide the Institute's assessment of the circumstances in which symphysiotomy was carried out in Irish obstetric units;
indicate what protocols or guidance existed over the years to guide professional practice; and
specify when the practice changed and why it changed at that time in Ireland.
I have asked the Institute to have their report completed by the end of April. I understand that the Institute has indicated that it will examine the practice of symphysiotomy as requested by me, and that it is willing to meet with the group representing those who have had the procedure to hear their experience. Symphysiotomy has been superseded for many years by Caesarean section and I am satisfied that current medical practice in this regard is not in need of review.
I am committed to ensuring that the greatest possible support and services are made available to women who continue to suffer effects of having undergone this procedure. The women concerned continue to receive attention and care through a number of services which have been put in place including:
the provision of medical cards to all Survivors of Symphysiotomy (SOS) patients who requested them,
the nomination, since 2003, of a Liaison Officer for a patients' group comprised of women who underwent a symphysiotomy procedure,
the availability of independent clinical advice for former patients by Liaison Officers who assist in co-ordinating the provision of services to those patients,
the organisation of individual pathways of care and the arrangement of appropriate follow-up, including Medical Assessment, Gynaecology Assessment, Orthopaedic Assessment, Counselling, Physiotherapy, Reflexology, Home Help, Acupuncture, Osteopathy and fast tracked hospital appointments. I understand that to date, 125 women have availed of some or all of the services offered by the HSE,
the refund of medical expenses related to symphysiotomy in respect of medication/private treatments,
the establishment of a triple assessment service for patients at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin in January 2005, and
a Support Group facilitated by a counsellor which was set up in 2004 in Dundalk and Drogheda for women living in North East region.
I have been assured by the HSE that it will continue to monitor and oversee the provision of necessary support services for women. In doing so the HSE is committed to being proactive in seeking out and offering help to women who had symphysiotomies and who may wish to avail of the services offered by the HSE.
74 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Adoption Bill will become operational; the countries she expects Ireland to actively engage with in the adoption process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9691/10]
The Adoption Bill 2009 was published in January 2009 and completed all stages in the Seanad by May 2009. Second stage was commenced in Dáil Éireann on 18th November 2009 and completed on 21st January 2010. Committee stage commenced on 17th February 2010 and is scheduled to recommence on 2nd March. It is hoped that the Bill will complete its passage through both Houses shortly thereafter. It is my intention to commence the provisions of the Bill as soon as possible after it is enacted.
For an adoption to be registered under the Adoption Bill, once enacted and commenced, it must be effected in a contracting State to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption 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, or those effected under the recently announced transitional measures, can be registered on the Register of Inter-Country Adoptions to be established under the Bill.
A list of countries which are signatories to the Hague Convention is available on the Adoption Boards website at www.adoptionboard.ie
75 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the activity and services provided by the Adoption Board in relation to helping potential parents here adopt internationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9693/10]
Adoption in Ireland is regulated by the Adoption Board which is an independent quasi judicial statutory body appointed by Government. The 1952 Adoption Act established the Adoption Board which has the sole right to grant or refuse to grant adoption orders.
The functions of the Board in relation to an intercountry adoption application are set out in the Adoption Act 1991. The Board has two statutory functions as follows: 1) the issue of declarations of eligibility and suitability in accordance with section 5 of the Adoption Act 1991; and 2) the making of entries in the Register of Foreign Adoptions in accordance with Section 6 of the Adoption Act 1991. Once enacted and commenced, the Adoption Bill, 2009 provides for the establishment of the Adoption Authority of Ireland. At this time the Authority will become Ireland's Central Authority for inter-country adoption and will assume a wider range of functions commensurate with those set out for central authorities in the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption.
76 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the services that are available to people suffering from dyslexia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9712/10]
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.
77 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of the current expenditure and revenue budget allocated to a delivery organisation (details supplied) in 2010. [9718/10]
I have referred this matter to the HSE for direct reply.
78 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of live full medical cards and general practitioner visit cards in issue on a county basis; the number of persons covered by such cards; and the average annual cost to the Health Service Executive of a full medical card and a GP visit card. [9720/10]
Details of the number of medical card and GP visit card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The figures are provided on a net basis, showing the balance after new cards have been issued and other cards, as appropriate, have been deleted from the Executive's database, e.g. following a review of a person's circumstances. The most recent figures provided by the HSE to my Department reflect the position on 31st December 2009 and show 1,478,560 medical card holders and 98,325 GP visit card holders on that date.
There are two main cost factors associated with medical cards and GP visit cards, firstly the capitation and other payments made to General Practitioners (GPs) and, secondly, the cost of drugs supplied to patients.
GPs who hold contracts under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme with the Health Service Executive (HSE) are remunerated through a range of fees and payments, most of which were amended in the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to General Practitioners) Regulations 2009, which came into effect on 7th July last. Included among these fees are more than 50 different capitation fees. The fees vary depending on the age and gender of the patient and the distance he or she lives from the GP's surgery. For example, fees currently range from €76.98 for a male patient under 5 years living 3 miles or less from the GP's surgery to €218.37 for a female aged 65-70 years living more than 10 miles from the surgery. In addition, there are special capitation rates of €280.31 for persons over 70 residing at home and €896.07 for persons over 70 residing in private nursing homes. There is also a range of additional payments; for example, in respect of out-of-hours consultations, temporary residents, special items of services (e.g. suturing), panel size, practice support allowances and locum expenses.
As regards the supply of drugs and medicines, medical card holders receive these free of charge while GP visit card holders avail of the Drugs Payment Scheme, which now involves a co-payment of the first €120 spent per family in any calendar month. Drugs costs vary significantly depending on the patient's medical condition.
Given that there were 1,478,560 medical card holders and 98,325 GP visit card holders on the 31st December 2009, the variety of payment arrangements and the variation in drug costs, a single average annual cost figure in respect of the medical card and GP visit card is not a sufficiently refined measure for policy options and decisions.
For the Deputy's information, estimated total expenditure in 2009 on the GMS Scheme (medical cards and GP visit cards) was approximately €1.9 billion.
As parts of the information sought by the Deputy are not provided by the HSE to my Department as a matter of routine, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address these matters and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
79 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children on a waiting list for orthodontic assessment and for orthodontic treatment in Cork City and county; the steps taken by the Health Service Executive to reduce these waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9721/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
80 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications received to date in 2010 for persons in Cork City and county under the new nursing home support scheme; the number of these applications that have been fully processed with the decision issued to the applicant; the amount of money expected to be spent on the scheme in Cork City and county in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9722/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
81 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 21 January 2010, when the Adoption Bill 2009 will be enacted; the countries with which families here can enter adoption agreements when it is enacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9729/10]
The Adoption Bill 2009 was published in January 2009 and completed all stages in the Seanad by May 2009. Second stage was commenced in Dáil Éireann on 18th November 2009 and completed on 21st January 2010. Committee stage commenced on 17 February 2010 and is scheduled to recommence on 2nd March. It is hoped that the Bill will complete its passage through both Houses shortly thereafter.
For an adoption to be registered under the Adoption Bill, once enacted and commenced, it must be effected in a contracting State to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption 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, or those effected under the recently announced transitional measures, can be registered on the Register of Inter-Country Adoptions to be established under the Bill.
A list of countries which are signatories to the Hague Convention is available on the Adoption Boards website at www.adoptionboard.ie
82 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when extra home help will be offered to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9776/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
83 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will meet with the chief executive officer of a foundation (details supplied) in County Kildare to discuss their report, There’s no Place like Home, with the objective of implementation of recommendations within this report. [9778/10]
The HSE provided funding of €585,000 to the Jack and Jill Foundation in 2009 and will be happy to consider the report "There's no Place like Home" as part of its engagement with the Foundation this year.. The HSE will need to consider the proposals contained in the report. My Department has asked the HSE to discuss the report with the Jack and Jill Foundation as part of its on-going engagement with the Foundation.
Neither my Department nor the HSE were involved in the preparation of this report. I agree that, in general, children's needs are most appropriately met and provided in the home, and that we need to ensure more efficient use of resources. However, many children availing of services provided by the Jack and Jill Foundation also avail of other disability services, and the report did not compare the respective costs of the home based care provided by the Foundation with the cost of similar services provided by the HSE.
The current economic and budgetary position means we can only continue to fund new services by reducing costs and obtaining greater efficiency, including achieving greater integration of services provided by the statutory and non-statutory sectors. I should mention in this context that my Department is undertaking a review of the efficiency and effectiveness of the health and personal services provided to people with disabilities. This review is part of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review programme. The review will focus, in particular, on the scope for achieving greater efficiency and effectiveness from the substantial resources expended on services for people with disabilities, and will support the future planning and development of such services. I can assure the Deputy that the issues raised in the Jack and Jill Report will be considered as part of that review.
85 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if essential surgery will be arranged for a child (details supplied) as a priority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9786/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
86 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if persons working for an employer (details supplied) in County Cork are deemed to be public servants for the purposes of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act, 2009. [9787/10]
Grant aided agencies (funded under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004) are not directly affected by the pay adjustments provided for under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No 2) Act 2009. Section 39 agencies are not public service bodies as defined in that Act and their employees are not public servants.
I understand that the HSE is in the process of confirming this position to the bodies concerned on foot of clarification in the matter from my Department.
Accordingly, if the organisation in question is funded by the HSE under Section 39 then its employees are not deemed to be public servants for the purposes of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act, 2009.
Question No. 87 answered with Question No. 67.
88 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in respect of the treatment abroad scheme operated by the Health Service Executive under EU regulation 1408/71 and in accordance with the procedures set out in EU regulation 574/72, an appeals process exists in the event of an application being refused on medical grounds; the way in which such an appeal may be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9795/10]
89 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical advisers employed by the Health Service Executive in respect of the treatment abroad scheme operated by the Health Service Executive under EU regulation 1408/71 and in accordance with the procedure set out within EU regulation 574/72; if these medical advisors are full or part time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9796/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
91 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of bed days used by persons with diabetes treated for foot ulcerations which did not require a full or partial lower limb amputations in counties Kerry and Limerick in 2007 and 2008; the inpatient cost of caring for them in each year; the average bed day cost for this group in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9799/10]
92 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of full or partial lower limb amputations carried out on persons with diabetes in 2007 and 2008, in each of the counties Kerry and Limerick; the in-patient cost of caring for them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9800/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
93 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the tender drawings and contract documents will be finished by the design team in April 2010 for the Community Hospital, Ballinamore, County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9810/10]
The management and delivery of the health capital programme is a service matter for the Health Service Executive and the question has therefore been referred to the Executive for an update and for direct reply.
94 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be treated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9811/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
95 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 105 of 4 November 2009, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [9862/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
96 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 12 November 2009, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [9863/10]
My Department has again requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to arrange for a reply to issue to the Deputy on this matter.
97 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is correct that the most recent national policy specifically for persons with intellectual disabilities was Needs and Abilities, published in 1990; if she is committed to developing a new national policy for persons with intellectual disabilities; if a working group, forum or consultation process will be established to assist in development of same; if she expects work on a new intellectual disability policy will be concluded and a policy document published in 2010; if not, when she expects this policy to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9868/10]
The report ‘Needs and Ability' was published in July 1990 and has been supplemented in the intervening years by strategic policy documents and expert reports such as ‘Services for People with Autism', Department of Heath (1994), ‘A Strategy for Equality- Report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities' (1996) and ‘Employment Challenges for the Millennium- Report of the National Advisory Committee on Training and Employment' (1997). Notwithstanding the above, the Office for Disability and Mental Health has recognised a need to review and update disability policy to reflect new thinking and international best practice in meeting the needs of all people with disabilities to allow them to live their lives to the full.
The Office for Disability and Mental Health has commenced the process of devising a disability policy, which will focus on supporting people with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, to participate as fully as possible in the social and economic lives of their communities. This work is being advanced as part of the Value for Money and Policy Review on the Disability Services which I announced last September.
The Review, under the independent chairmanship of Mr. Laurence Crowley, has adopted a two-pronged approach. Firstly, it is examining the efficiency and effectiveness of the existing services and whether they are meeting the Government's stated objective that people with a disability are enabled, as far as possible, to live full and independent lives. Secondly, an advisory group of policy experts, under the chairmanship of my Office's Disability Advisor, is putting together a new vision and policy framework for the disability services going forward. A first draft of this new policy framework was considered by the Steering Group at its last meeting on 2nd February. The key themes proposed will be further explored with focus groups of service users in a consultation process facilitated by the National Disability Authority. It is expected that the policy framework will be completed by the Summer, when it will be submitted to the Steering Group for consideration in the context of its overall report, due later this year.
Members of the public were invited to submit their views on the disability services to the Steering Group in December last and almost 200 responses were received. While the closing date for this public consultation has passed, I would be happy to hear from any interested parties who did not get the opportunity to contribute on that occasion.
98 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the different Health Service Executive areas keep records of the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders; if so, when this practice began; if figures are available for the HSE South; the number of children in Cork who have been diagnosed with ASD in each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9869/10]
100 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the different Health Service Executive regions keep records of all autism service providers; the numbers who are receiving their service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9871/10]
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.
99 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 478 of 19 January 2010, the membership of the two sub-groups formed to review issues concerning children and adults with autism spectrum disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9870/10]
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.
101 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 478 of 19 January 2010, if her Department and the Health Service Executive receive advice on international best practice regarding supports and services for children and adults with autism; the details of the persons who provide this advice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9872/10]
A National Review of Autism Services is currently underway by the Health Service Executive and therefore I have referred your question to the HSE for direct reply to you.
102 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding a planned building project (details supplied) in County Cork under the aegis of his Department. [9742/10]
Planning permission for a replacement Coast Guard Station House at Crosshaven was granted in December 2009. The Office of Public Works are currently finalising tender documents. It is expected that the tender process will be completed before the end of 2010.
103 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will receive a route licence in respect of a school run from Fore to Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9746/10]
I can confirm that a route licence for a school run from Fore to Mullingar, Co Westmeath, was issued to the operator in question on 2nd December, 2009.
104 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 817 of 8 July 2008, the position regarding an application for a certificate of naturalisation from a person (details supplied); the reason this application has not been processed to completion; when the applicant will expect to be notified of a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9666/10]
I regret that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
105 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will investigate a private security company (details supplied) in view of the concerns regarding a person allegedly employed by that company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9682/10]
The Private Security Authority, established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry. The Authority is an independent body operating under the aegis of my Department. I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to Section 39 of the Private Security Services Act 2004 which provides for the making of a complaint, in writing, to the Authority against a licensee in relation to the conduct of the licensee in the course of providing a security service.
106 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if all parts of the Private Security Services Act 2004 requiring employees of private security companies to display visible identification in the course of their work have been fully implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9683/10]
The Private Security Authority, established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry. The Authority is an independent body operating under the aegis of my Department. Section 30 of the Private Security Services Act, 2004 provides for the wearing of identity badges when providing a security service. The Private Security (Identity Badge) Regulations 2009, i.e. S.I. 332 of 2009, brought these provisions into effect for the prescribed categories of door supervisor (licensed premises) and security guard (static). The Regulations came into force on 1 September 2009 and so all such staff are required, by law, to wear an identity badge.
107 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí involved in deportations in 2008 and 2009. [9684/10]
I regret that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
108 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of Garda overtime or subsistence in respect of deportations in 2008 and 2009. [9685/10]
I regret that the information requested by the Deputies is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputies as soon as it is available.
109 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [9688/10]
I am not in a position to respond to the Deputy at this time, but will do so as soon as the relevant information is available.
110 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a certificate of naturalisation will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9690/10]
I regret that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
111 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the garda inquiry into the Stardust fire in 1981 following the findings of the Coffey report that there was no evidence to support a verdict of arson; if post-mortem photographs of victims continue to be held on file; and if these will continue to be held pending a decision to undertake further investigation. [9705/10]
I am not in a position to provide the information sought by the Deputy at this time, but will do so as soon as the information is available.
112 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of an operation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9733/10]
113 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of an operation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9736/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 113 together.
I regret that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
114 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the resources available to the Garda Fraud Squad as part of its current investigations into transactions involving banks here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9756/10]
I regret that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available
115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for leave to remain on humanitarian grounds and subsidiary protection in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9782/10]
I regret to advise the Deputy that it is not possible to provide a response to his Question at this time. The information sought by the Deputy will be provided at a later date.
116 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9783/10]
I regret that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
117 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will reopening an investigation of this case. [9794/10]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the investigation into the death of the person referred to by the Deputy was the subject of an intensive review in 2004. I have been further informed that the Commissioner appointed the Assistant Commissioner, Northern Region to examine the investigation file, which remains open, and is under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner. Liaison is being maintained with the family of the person referred to. The Deputy will appreciate that, as the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.
118 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if new recruits are currently being accepted by the Garda Síochána; when the next phase of recruitment will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9865/10]
The moratorium on recruitment in the Public Service currently applies to the Garda Síochána, both sworn members and civilian support staff. The strength of sworn members of An Garda Síochána on the last day for which figures are readily available was 14,547 with an additional 232 students in training. I am keeping the situation under review in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance with a view to maintaining Garda operational strength at the highest possible level.
119 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the responsibility of his Department to oversee the progress in ratification of the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; the members of the inter-departmental committee established to do same; the details of their work programme; the number of times they have met since their establishment in 2007; the progress they have made regarding ratification; if they have sought reports from each Department regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9866/10]
120 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Questions Nos 206 and 207 of 4 February 2010, if he will outline the impediments that are preventing the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in this jurisdiction which was signed in March 2007 and also the impediments to signing the Optional Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9867/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.
I have already indicated in response to Questions that the Inter-Departmental Committee on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities under the chairmanship of my Department comprises representatives of the Departments of Arts, Sport and Tourism; Communications, Energy and Natural Resources; Defence; Health and Children; Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Education and Science; Transport; Environment, Heritage and Local Government; Social and Family Affairs; Foreign Affairs and the Office of Public Works. The full Committee has met on five occasions and its purpose is to monitor the legislative and administrative actions required to enable the State to ratify the Convention.
It remains the case that a requirement of my Department in relation to the Convention is to bring forward the Mental Capacity Bill, and, as indicated in the Government Legislation Programme it is intended that the Bill will be published in this Session. The passage of the Bill will add substantially to the overall progress on implementation of the requirements under the Convention. Other various requirements under the Convention are the responsibility of a number of other Departments. The decision by the Government on whether or not to be a party to the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention does not arise at present pending the making of arrangements for the ratification of the Convention.
121 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to expedite an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [9875/10]
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 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria. Information in relation to application from the person referred to in the Deputy's question is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
122 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his meetings with his Israeli counterpart regarding the use of fake Irish passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9730/10]
123 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when his attention was drawn to the alleged use of fake Irish passports in Dubai; the steps he is taking to address the security concerns arising from this incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9731/10]
124 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that security of Irish credit card holders was compromised in the recent incident in Dubai; if so, the steps he is taking to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9732/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 to 124, inclusive, together.
The matter raised by the Deputy is extremely serious. The Government takes grave exception to the forgery and misuse of Irish passports. We are deeply concerned that the security of our citizens could have been placed in jeopardy by the misuse of Irish passports and that the excellent reputation which the Irish passport enjoys worldwide as a secure and respected document might have been compromised. The first indication we received of the use of false Irish passports in connection with the killing of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh was on 4 February, when local press reports stated that several suspects were believed to have entered Dubai on Irish passports. Our Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Mr. Ciarán Madden, immediately contacted the UAE Foreign Ministry to seek clarification, and was informed that they had no information at that time but that the matter was under investigation by the UAE's security services.
On 15 February, the Dubai Chief of Police gave a news conference during which he gave the details of fake Irish passports. The initial press reports contained inaccurate passport numbers and it was only following clarification by the Dubai authorities that we were in a position to identify the passport numbers used. My Department, in cooperation with the Gardaí, immediately commenced an investigation, including by making contact with the Irish citizens whose passport numbers had been stolen. The Dubai police have so far shared with us the details of six fraudulent Irish passports which it claims were used by persons involved in the killing and we have passed these on to the Gardaí. The Gardaí are liaising with the police forces of the other affected countries, including through Interpol.
I have to say that the Government does not have categorical proof of who was responsible for the counterfeit. However, we have noted the large number of media reports which have implicated the Israeli security services. We have also noted the comments of the Dubai police and links to Israel in the case of the forged British passports used by the suspects. On Monday 22 February I met with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr. Avigdor Lieberman, in Brussels and conveyed to him directly that we were treating the misuse of Irish passports very seriously and that we expected that Israel would cooperate fully with the investigations underway and provide any information available. I also asked him for assurances that the Israeli authorities were not involved. Mr. Lieberman said that he had no information on the matter.
In addition to meetings at political level, our Ambassador to Israel has met with the Europe Director of the Israeli Foreign Ministry and registered Ireland's serious concern about the security and integrity of Irish passports and the possibility of their being used by any one other than the holder. The Israeli Ambassador to Ireland was invited to Iveagh House last week where senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs stressed the seriousness with which the Government viewed the matter. The Ambassador undertook to relay the messages he had received to his authorities. I have discussed the situation with British Foreign Secretary David Miliband and we have agreed to cooperate closely and share information. Our Embassies in Berlin, Paris and London remain in close contact with the Foreign Ministries of those countries to ensure a coordinated response.
On Friday last, I spoke to the UAE Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed, and assured him of Ireland's cooperation. Ambassador Madden also attended a meeting of EU Ambassadors convened by the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and again stressed our concern for the security of our citizens and our support for the UAE investigation. In recent years, there has been very significant investment in enhancing the security features of the passport book to ensure that our citizens can travel in safety. It is significant that in all cases, the passports were counterfeit versions of the old Irish passport which was replaced in 2005 by the modern APS Irish passport. The older passports are gradually being phased out over the next 5 years. In addition, since October 2006, all new Irish passports have a biometric chip embedded in the personal details page. This makes them extremely difficult to reproduce and we have not experienced any credible attempt to reproduce the new version.
Our primary focus in all of this has been to guarantee the security of the Irish citizens affected. We have now spoken to all of the citizens who hold or have held passports with the numbers provided by the Dubai authorities. We are of course providing them with new passports. Given that it was solely the number of their passports which was involved, as opposed to their identities, I am satisfied that having received new passports they will not be in any danger. We have received no indication that the security of Irish credit card holders was compromised in the incident. That being said, the investigations are ongoing and I can not rule out further developments. If we receive any such information we will of course take all necessary steps, in cooperation with the Gardaí, to address the situation.
125 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of letters of certificate or no-impediment letters of freedom that were issued in 2009; the number of such letters that are awaiting processing; the length of time it takes to process such an application; if a provision exists to expedite such letters in urgent cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9760/10]
Many States require non-nationals, before they can get married in their jurisdiction, to produce a certificate from their country of origin that they are free to marry. These are usually known as Certificat de Coutume, or in the case of marriages in Italy Nulla Ostas and, in effect, certify to the civil authorities of another State that a named Irish citizen is, in terms of Irish law, free to marry. In reality they are civil letters of freedom.
My Department's Consular Section, in Dublin and in Cork, issue these certificates to Irish citizens who are resident in Ireland and whose applications meet the necessary requirements. If an Irish citizen is normally resident outside Ireland, the Embassy or Consulate of Ireland in that country provides the same service.
In 2009, our Dublin and Cork Offices issued 1,249 Nulla Ostas and 2,385 Certificats de Coutume. We do not have precise figures for the number of Nulla Ostas and Certificats de Coutume issued by our Missions in 2009 — the estimated figure is approximately 1,500. Certificats de Coutume and Nulla Ostas are valid for four months and we normally issue these certificates six weeks before the marriage abroad is due to take place. We currently have approximately 440 applications which are awaiting processing. It takes approximately two months to process an application. Provision exists to expedite applications in urgent cases.
126 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the reinstatement of the Natural History Museum; when the museum will be reopened to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9692/10]
The programme of capital works required to facilitate the reopening of the Natural History Museum is almost complete and thereafter a number of tasks will be undertaken by the National Museum in terms of the preparation of the exhibition and education spaces. The Natural History Museum is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday 28 of April.
127 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when grant moneys from lottery funding due to a group (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be awarded. [9748/10]
The club in question received provisional allocations totalling €114,000 under the Sports Capital Programme in 2003 and 2006, including CLÁR top ups. The provisional grant allocations are subject to the terms and conditions of the Programme which require that a Tax Clearance Certificate or C2 details is provided to the Department by the grantee in respect of each supplier from whom the value of goods purchased is €10,000 or more. While C2 details have been provided by the grantee in question for other invoices submitted, no Tax Clearance Certificate or C2 details have been provided to the Department by the grantee in respect of the invoice in question. The club was informed of the tax clearance requirements of the Programme in the letter of provisional allocation on 31 July 2003 and were further reminded in respect of the invoice in question by letter on 23 October 2009.
The terms and conditions of the Programme also require that grantees in receipt of funding over a specified level must enter into a Deed of Covenant and Charge in order to protect the Minister's interest and ensure that the property remains in sporting use. A deed of covenant and charge provides, inter alia, for a refund of the grant in the event of the facility not continuing to be used for the purpose for which the grant was allocated. The Department’s legal adviser, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office — CSSO — deals with the grantee’s solicitor in ensuring that these issues are satisfactorily resolved before grants can be paid. The current position is that the CSSO will write shortly to the grantee in question’s solicitor outlining the outstanding issues to be resolved.
128 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding an issue raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in Cork. [9674/10]
Given the difficulty in responding adequately to the matter raised by the Deputy within the constraints of a ‘details supplied' Question, I am arranging to have the relevant information forwarded directly to him.
If the Deputy would prefer to re-submit the Question in a less restricted format, I will, of course, be glad to put my response on the record of the House.
129 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9702/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
130 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when farm assist will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9775/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
131 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9665/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
132 Deputy Seán Power asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was refused disability allowance in view of the fact that they were first granted disability allowance in 2003 and their medical condition has not improved since then; the further reason their appeal was dismissed on the grounds that an opinion from a second medical assessor who assessed or examined them on 3 February 2010 found them not suitable for disability allowance, when no such assessment or examination ever took place on that date; if she will examine this case and restore their allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9668/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
133 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when additional payments to compensate social welfare dependent families for cuts in child benefit will become available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9686/10]
Between 2000 and 2009, overall expenditure on Child Benefit grew from just €638 million to approximately €2.5 billion per year. However, with tax revenues having fallen dramatically, we cannot afford to maintain spending at this level.
The Government is conscious that the payment can be an important source of income for all families and so decided against withdrawing Child Benefit completely from any family and that it was fairer to reduce the Child Benefit rates across the board, while fully protecting up to 420,000 children in families who are dependent on social welfare or in low income employment.
Families with children who are dependent on social welfare will be fully compensated for the reduction by getting from January 2010 an extra €3.80 per child per week in the value of the Qualified Child Increase paid with the principal payment. Families, who currently receive a half-rate Qualified Child Increase, because they have other household income and so are not totally dependent on welfare, will receive from January 2010 an extra €1.90 per child per week.
The Family Income Supplement income thresholds have also been increased from January 2010 in order to compensate low-income working families for the cuts in Child Benefit.
134 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the PRSI contributions in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare for the years 1991, 1992, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9708/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
135 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Personal Public Service numbers currently in circulation here; and the steps taken by her to ensure the accuracy of the PPSN register. [9716/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
136 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a jobseeker’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford. [9749/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
137 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9750/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
138 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the procedure that a person (details supplied) would have to follow to report a missing pension book or travel pass; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9752/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when domiciliary care allowance will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9779/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret I am unable to provide the information requested by the Deputy.
140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when carer’s allowance will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9780/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 440 of 26 January 2010, if an oral hearing will be granted to facilitate an appeal in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; when an oral hearing will take place in view of the fact that the appeal was submitted in November 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9781/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
142 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [9785/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
143 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); if child benefit will now stop; if they will qualify for the compensatory payment; if same comes automatically; the way they can apply for same; if the child dependant allowance is paid with invalidity pension for each of the children; and the age that it will be awarded if the son is still in full time second or third level education. [9788/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
144 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a claim for contributory pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if Revenue Commissioners have notified her Department of additional past payments in past few months; if this person will get full or partial pension when arrears payment is settled; if pension will be awarded from their 66th birthday or date of application; if €800 that is due will be deducted from pension arrears now due from her Department; and if details of their full contribution records will be given. [9789/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
145 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding lone parent application in respect of a person (details supplied); if child benefit is currently being paid for the children; if same is nominally in their name; if payment will be made direct to them; if child dependant allowance for each of the children is being awarded; if so, if payment will be made direct to them; if they are in receipt of the household benefit scheme; and if they are in receipt of fuel allowance. [9790/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
146 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [9791/10]
Due to the staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
147 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of an operation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9797/10]
In recognition of the devastation suffered by people in many areas of the country as a result of the flooding from November 2009 onwards, the Government set up a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme to provide income tested financial support to people who have suffered damages to their homes not covered by insurance.
Community Welfare Service staff in Counties Clare and Galway have been providing support to families since this flooding occurred. Up to the 19th February 2010 they had made 718 payments to 328 individuals to the value of €289,000 in County Galway and 402 payments to 94 individuals to the value of €195,000 in County Clare.
It is not possible to say how much was specifically spent on the cost of medication, food or other materials, however the payments made included emergency financial and other assistance to cover items such as clothing, food, bedding, heating, hire of dehumidifiers and emergency accommodation needs. Payments have also been made in respect of essential household items such as carpets, flooring, furniture and white goods. Assistance is also available for structural repairs to homes not covered by household insurance.
Very few large scale claims have been made at this stage as homeowners have not yet established the cost of repair. In many cases, they are awaiting builders' estimates. It is expected that large scale claims will be received over the coming weeks. These claims will take somewhat longer to process as they will require verification of the loss and the possible use of a loss assessor.
Individuals did not have to vacate their home to receive support. The level of payment available under the aid scheme to any qualified individual depends on the severity of the damage to that person's home and the extent of the loss experienced as well as household income and general family circumstances. The scheme provides hardship alleviation as opposed to full compensation. As on previous occasions, commercial or business losses are not covered by the scheme nor are losses which are covered by household insurance.
Applications under the scheme are being income tested to ensure that available assistance is prioritised for those who are most vulnerable. The basic objective of the income test is to determine the household's capacity to meet the costs of restoring their home to a habitable condition. All household income is considered when determining entitlement to payment.
People seeking assistance should contact their local Community Welfare Office. Further information and applications forms in relation to the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme are available from the Community Welfare Service in the affected areas and from the Department's website (www.welfare.ie) and the HSE's website (www.hse.ie).
148 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who has a Paymaster General pension below non-contributory rate; if she has received an application from them for non contributory State pension; the date for providing same; and if it will be awarded as an addition to their Paymaster General pension or if full non-contributory State pension will be given and the Paymaster General payment cancelled. [9801/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
149 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for social welfare payment in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [9802/10]
Due to the staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
150 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the entitlements of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if rent allowance and family income supplement will be awarded as well as back to work scheme; and if all entitlements will be awarded in this case. [9803/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
151 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a jobseeker’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the reason there has been a delay in processing this application; the reason for the continued delay; when a decision will be made on same; and when the applicant will receive payment. [9805/10]
Due to the staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
152 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person who is in receipt of illness benefit in excess of two years and is eager to participate in a rehabilitation programme to secure employment on a part-time basis can undertake same while in receipt of illness benefit; the eligibility terms of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9876/10]
A person who has been in receipt of illness benefit for at least six months may apply for permission to work part-time, or participate in an approved educational or training course. A person who has been in receipt of illness benefit for at least three months may apply for permission to participate in the work placement programme operated by FAS. The grant of such permission is known as an exemption. The ultimate objective of an exemption is to enable a person to return to the workplace on a full-time basis.
In determining whether or not an exemption should be granted the Department's Medical Assessor considers the suitability of the proposed placement, part-time work, training or educational course having regard to the person's illness and prospects of recovery. As part of the application process the person may be required to attend a medical assessment.
In the case of part-time work the period of exemption is determined by the Medical Assessor but generally does not exceed six months. For exemptions in relation to educational and FÁS training courses permission is granted for the duration of the course. For exemptions in relation to Community Employment Schemes permission is granted for 12 months while work placements are subject to a limit of 9 months. An extension to an exemption may be granted if the Medical Assessor is satisfied that it is warranted.
153 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence if a person (details supplied) is retained by the Army Ranger Wing. [9680/10]
I am advised by the Military Authorities that due to the nature of the role of the Army Ranger Wing, the Defence Forces do not provide information on unit personnel.
154 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Defence the number of man hours and cost of an operation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9734/10]
155 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Defence the number of man hours and cost of an operation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9737/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos.154 and 155 together.
The Framework for Major Emergency Management sets out a structure enabling the Principal Response Agencies (An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Local Authorities) to prepare for, and make a coordinated response to, major emergencies resulting from events such as severe weather.
During the recent periods of severe weather all assets, resources and capabilities of the Defence Forces throughout the country were made available to assist the civil authorities where and when called upon.
The following table indicates the services that were provided in Clare and South Galway on a day-to-day basis.
|
Date |
Location |
Assistance Provided |
|
19 Nov 2009 |
Ballinasloe |
5,000 Sand Bags supplied to the local authority and 17 Defence Forces (DF) personnel assisted in filling the bags. An engineering boat was also supplied 90 Defence Forces personnel and 30 vehicles were on standby to assist |
|
Ennis |
Sandbags supplied to the local authority and 16 DF Personnel assisted in filling the bags. |
|
|
20 Nov 2009 |
Ballinasloe |
30 DF personnel, transport vehicles and an engineering boat were provided to assist the civil authorities. |
|
Gort Craughwell Claregalway |
Approx. 100 Defence Forces personnel were on standby to assist the civil authorities as required. |
|
|
Ennis |
3 Troop Carrying Vehicles were used for Shuttle Bus Service Sandbags and 20 DF personnel were supplied to assist the local authority in the River Fergus area. |
|
|
21 Nov 2009 |
Ballinasloe |
30 DF personnel, transport vehicles and an engineering boat were provided to assist the civil authorities. |
|
Gort Craughwell Claregalway |
Approx. 100 Defence Forces personnel were on standby to assist the civil authorities as required. |
|
|
Ennis |
Sandbags and 20 DF personnel were supplied to assist the local authority in the River Fergus area. |
|
|
22 Nov 2009 |
Ballinasloe |
25 DF personnel, transport vehicles and an engineering boat were provided to assist the civil authorities. |
|
Gort Craughwell Claregalway |
Approx. 100 Defence Forces personnel were on standby to assist the civil authorities as required. |
|
|
Ennis |
Sandbags and 20 DF personnel were supplied to assist the local authority in the River Fergus area. 3 Troop Carrying Vehicles were used for a Shuttle Bus Service. |
|
|
23 Nov 2009 |
Clonmel Cork Ennis Ballinasloe Dublin |
The Air Corps provided aerial surveillance in flooded areas. |
|
Ennis |
Sandbags and 20 DF personnel were supplied to assist the local authority in the River Fergus area. 3 Troop Carrying Vehicles were used for a Shuttle Bus Service. |
|
|
Ballinasloe |
25 DF personnel, transport vehicles and an engineering boat were provided to assist the civil authorities. |
|
|
Gort Craughwell Claregalway |
Approx. 100 Defence Forces personnel were on standby to assist the civil authorities as required. |
|
|
24 Nov 2009 |
Ennis |
Sandbags and 20 DF personnel were supplied to assist the local authority in the River Fergus area. 3 Troop Carrying Vehicles were used for a Shuttle Bus Service. |
|
Ballinasloe |
25 DF personnel, transport vehicles and an engineering boat were provided to assist the civil authorities. |
|
|
Gort Craughwell Claregalway |
Approx. 100 Defence Forces personnel were on standby to assist the civil authorities as required. |
|
|
25 Nov 2009 |
Ennis |
Sandbags and 20 DF personnel were supplied to assist the local authority in the River Fergus area. 3 Troop Carrying Vehicles were used for a Shuttle Bus Service. |
|
Ballinasloe |
10 DF personnel, transport vehicles were provided to assist the civil authorities. |
|
|
Gort Craughwell Claregalway |
Approx. 100 Defence Forces personnel were on standby to assist the civil authorities as required. |
|
|
26 Nov 2009 |
Ennis |
Sandbags and 10 DF personnel were supplied to assist the local authority in the River Fergus area. 3 Troop Carrying Vehicles were used for a Shuttle Bus Service. |
|
Ballinasloe |
7 DF personnel, transport vehicles were provided to assist the civil authorities. |
|
|
Gort Craughwell Claregalway |
Approx. 100 Defence Forces personnel were on standby to assist the civil authorities as required. |
|
|
27 Nov 2009 |
Ennis |
3 Troop Carrying Vehicles used as Shuttle Bus Service Sandbags and 10 Personnel to fill River Fergus |
|
Ballinasloe |
7 DF personnel, transport vehicles were provided to assist the civil authorities. |
|
|
Gort Craughwell Claregalway |
Approx. 100 Defence Forces personnel were on standby to assist the civil authorities as required. |
|
|
28 Nov 2009 |
Ballinasloe |
7 DF personnel, transport vehicles were provided to assist the civil authorities. |
|
Gort Craughwell Claregalway |
Approx. 100 Defence Forces personnel were on standby to assist the civil authorities as required. |
|
|
29 Nov 2009 |
Ennis |
3x Troop Carrying Vehicles used as Shuttle Bus Service Sandbags and 10 Personnel to fill River Fergus |
|
Ballinasloe |
7 DF personnel, transport vehicles were provided to assist the civil authorities. |
|
|
Gort Craughwell Claregalway |
Approx. 100 Defence Forces personnel were on standby to assist the civil authorities as required. |
|
|
30 Nov 2009 |
Ballinasloe |
7 DF personnel, transport vehicles were provided to assist the civil authorities. |
|
Gort Craughwell Claregalway |
Approx. 100 Defence Forces personnel were on standby to assist the civil authorities as required. |
|
|
01 Dec 2009 |
Galway |
Humanitarian aid in the form of transportation of people to shops, children to schools, the delivery of water and food supplies to households in the Peterswell, Ardrahan area. |
|
02 Dec 2009 |
Galway |
Humanitarian aid in the form of transportation of people to shops, children to schools, the delivery of water and food supplies to households in the Peterswell, Ardrahan area. |
|
03 Dec 2009 |
Galway |
Humanitarian aid in the form of transportation of people to shops, children to schools, the delivery of water and food supplies to households in the Peterswell, Ardrahan area. |
|
08 Jan 2010 |
Galway |
Transportation of medical personnel in the Galway area at the request of the HSE. |
|
10 Jan 2010 |
Galway |
Transportation of medical personnel in the Galway area at the request of the HSE. |
|
14 Jan 2010 |
Galway |
Transportation of medical personnel in the Galway area at the request of the HSE. |
|
15 Jan 2010 |
Galway |
Transportation of medical personnel in the Galway area at the request of the HSE. |
The costs in relation to the provision of service by the Defence Forces is incurred on a brigade basis. In this case, the flexibility of the response by the Defence Forces means that it is not possible to attribute exact costs to specific locations, as requested. Therefore, the detailed information requested relating to the two areas is not available.
156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if adequate time will be given to find alternative accommodation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9777/10]
A limited number of Married Quarters are available for serving members of the Permanent Defence Force. Defence Forces Regulations specify that the quarters must be vacated within 15 days of leaving the service. It is the policy of the Department that the use of Married Quarters should be discontinued in a managed and orderly fashion.
The person referred to in the Deputy's question is not, and never has been, a member of the Permanent Defence Force. In the circumstances, the Department wrote to him recently requesting him to vacate the premises and to make his own arrangements for alternative living accommodation. Whilst it is essential that the quarters be vacated, the Department is prepared to allow a reasonable period of time for the individual in question to make alternative arrangements.
I understand that this person has applied to Kildare County Council for social housing and has been placed on their waiting list. The Department wrote to Kildare County Council requesting them to facilitate him with suitable accommodation as soon as possible.
157 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the discussions he has had on the need to create a single agency on the management of rivers and river basins here. [3882/10]
The transposition of the Water Framework Directive in 2003 saw the establishment of eight river basin districts on the island of Ireland providing, for the first time, for the management of water on a catchment basis.
Implementation of the Directive is being progressed through River Basin District projects led by co-ordinating local authorities. A River Basin District project office, funded by my Department, was established in each of seven districts to coordinate the making of River Basin Management Plans with the aim of protecting and improving the water environment within the catchment.
The task of preparing river basin management plans has brought a new level of cooperation between the various existing public authorities involved in water management, and these plans will also be coordinated with other relevant plans including flood risk management plans to be prepared by the OPW as part of the implementation of the Floods Directive.
A National Advisory Committee was established in 2009 to coordinate work on the finalisation of plans and with a view to overseeing their subsequent implementation. The Committee is considering options for the structural arrangements best suited to ensuring that the plans are implemented effectively.
158 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether a public register of recorded house sale prices would add to the stability of the residential housing market and the broader economy; if he has taken action to provide for such a register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5337/10]
The renewed Programme for Government sets out a clear commitment to create and maintain a comprehensive House Price Database based on sales prices. My Department, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Property Services Regulatory Authority, and the Central Statistics Office, as well as representatives from consumer and industry representative organisations, will be engaging shortly on the development of the new house price index. Among the issues to be considered in that context is the degree to which the existing legislative framework supports the development of such an index. For example, the Data Protection Act currently precludes the publication of data relating to specific sales prices achieved for individual houses without the consent of the purchaser and vendor involved in each transaction. Amendment of the Data Protection legislation to allow publication of the sale price of property is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
In terms of the housing market, like markets throughout the world, the Irish housing market has moderated significantly over the course of the last 18-24 months. Since the peak, new house prices have fallen by 26% nationally and 40% in Dublin, while second hand house prices have dropped by 20% nationally and 33% in Dublin. This brings house prices back to levels seen in Q3 2004 (Q2 2002 for Dublin) for new houses and Q4 2004 (Q1 2004 for Dublin) for second hand houses. In addition, as a result of this price moderation combined with historically low interest rates, affordability for first time buyers has now returned to a level last seen in the mid 1990's.
159 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on the amount of fly tipping in the rural countryside. [8407/10]
Enforcement actions against illegal waste activity are a matter for the local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement, OEE. I am satisfied that appropriate powers and resources are available to these enforcement authorities. The 2005 report of the OEE, The Nature and Extent of Unauthorised Waste Activity in Ireland, identified the unauthorised collection and fly-tipping of waste as a problem area which needed to be further tackled. The extent of fly-tipping is not, however, quantified in the report. The report drew attention to the measures already being taken, including the appointment of some 120 additional enforcement officers across the local authorities which continue to be funded by my Department and the stepped up enforcement activity generally being led by the OEE and the local authorities. It also identified additional actions which would further support the effort to stamp out this socially and environmentally unacceptable practice, such as a "man in the van" advertisement campaign and use of covert cameras. Non-routine actions are now commonplace and include vehicle checkpoints and use of CCTV cameras to identify offenders at fly-tipping hotspots. The implementation of these actions is co-ordinated on an ongoing basis by the OEE through its National Enforcement Network. In 2008, there were 19,269 routine litter patrol investigations, 27,825 on the spot fines issued and 608 litter prosecutions. In addition, 12,000 non-litter waste complaints inspections and a further 2,434 other inspections for fly-tipping waste, burning or other surveillance purposes were undertaken by the local authorities. There were 8,151 waste enforcement notices issued and 695 prosecutions initiated but a breakdown as to how many of these related to fly-tipping is not available. Overall, this represents a very significant quantum of enforcement, consistent with the findings of the OEE's Focus on Environmental Enforcement in Ireland, covering the period 2006 to 2008, which indicates that the handling of waste-related complaints has significantly improved.
160 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of landmass here designated as proposed National Heritage Area or Special Areas of Conservation; the percentage of the landmass in Connemara so designated; the percentage of the entire country designation that is currently in Connemara, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9689/10]
The following table shows the landmass of Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas in County Galway compared to national totals. The figures for Connemara are not available. It should be noted that in many cases the designations overlap, and accordingly, the overall percentage of the county's area that is subject to designation cannot be deduced by adding the percentage figures for each designation type.
|
Area in Ha. |
SAC Ha. |
% of County |
% of National SAC area |
NHA Ha. |
% of County |
% of National NHA Area |
|
|
Galway |
615,156 |
130,395 |
21.2 |
18.31% |
15,971 |
2.6 |
27.36 |
|
National |
6,987,985 |
711,971 |
58,378 |
161 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the compensation that is available to a person (details supplied) in County Galway under the Natural Heritage Area; if they are prohibited from cutting turf on this site; if there is compensation for the restrictions imposed as a result of the designation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9697/10]
Compensation may be payable to users/owners of land who have been refused consent to continue an operation or activity. Landowners, and/or the holders of turbary rights, who are entitled to cut turf for domestic purposes may also apply to sell their rights to the State, at standard rates, under the voluntary purchase scheme for designated raised bogs. Holders of turbary rights who have been cutting turf for personal domestic use on the Natural Heritage Area (NHA) site in question are permitted to continue until the end of 2013. Commercial peat extraction has not been permitted on this site since its designation in 2004. As regards restrictions imposed as a result of designation, in 2009 I established an Inter-Departmental Working Group on the Cessation of Turf Cutting in Designated Raised Bogs. The Group is nearing completion of its deliberations and I expect to receive its report in the very near future. I will conclude my consideration of the report and any recommendations it contains as rapidly as possible, and will then be in touch with affected individuals and representative groups in regard to the position.
162 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if towns are de facto members of the Irish Businesses Against Litter League; or if membership of the league is at the discretion of each individual town. [9707/10]
Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) was set up in 1996 as an alliance of companies that believe litter has a significant impact on our economic well-being. My Department provides grant assistance to IBAL each year but has no formal role in the operation of the IBAL Litter League, which commenced in 2002 and has been developed to mobilise local authorities into action on the subject of litter. The league involves An Taisce regularly monitoring litter levels in towns and cities across Ireland according to international standards. The areas are then ranked in a league table format. My Department has no role in the selection of towns for monitoring by IBAL.
163 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason there is no mechanism for the de-registration of quarries, which could lead to ambiguity in relation to property titles and land ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9761/10]
Section 261 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which commenced with effect from 28 April 2004, introduced a once-off system of registration for all quarries, except those for which planning permission was granted in the five years prior to commencement of the section. Information was required to be supplied within a year, by 27 April 2005. The purpose of section 261 was to give a snapshot of land used for quarrying at that time, to give planning authorities with factual information on the operation of registered quarries and to enable them to introduce new and modified controls on the operations of quarries, where necessary. Accordingly, the issue of de-registration does not arise. The registration process is distinct from the development consent process, in that registration does not affect the consent status of a quarry. Therefore, it has no bearing on title and ownership rights.
164 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the full extent of funds available to the various local authorities by way of the local loans fund to facilitate applicants for home choice or other local authority loans including those available to facilitate applicants for home choice or other local authority loans including those available under the 1966 Act; when it is expected that funding will be restored to the local authorities for such purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9762/10]
No funding restrictions have been placed on local authority lending for house purchase. Annual allocations to local authorities for house purchase and house improvement lending, totalling almost €43 million, will be notified to local authorities shortly. This represents an increase of €38.6 million, or 90.2%, on the 2009 provisional outturn of almost €4.4 million. It is important to note that the allocations given to local authorities will represent, as in all previous years, borrowings ceilings rather than financial provisions. No set borrowing limit has been put in place for the home choice loan scheme.
166 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has issued instructions to the various local authorities, the results of which is a review of contracts already entered into in respect of water, sewerage or housing schemes being deferred; the degree to which this is likely to delay investment in infrastructure; the extent, if known, to which this is likely to postpone remedial or upgrading works necessary to prevent the issue of pollution of ground water, rivers, streams and lakes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9764/10]
There is no review under way in relation to existing contracts under the water services investment programme, which continue to be funded as usual. Water services authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October 2009. In preparing these assessments, water services authorities were required to take into consideration key environmental and economic criteria in prioritising contracts and schemes to be progressed in their areas. My Department is finalising its consideration of these assessments, which form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 water Services Investment programme that I expect to publish shortly. Water services authorities were asked as part of their needs assessments to review schemes which had not sufficiently advanced under earlier programmes to ensure that they continued to have relevance in light of the priorities set out by my Department for the new programme. Where preliminary reports had not been progressed for schemes listed in the water services investment programme 2007–09 or where preliminary reports had been approved for over two years with no subsequent contracts having yet started, these schemes were not to be automatically included in the next programme but were to be examined in conjunction with all other potential schemes in determining the priorities for the water services investment programme 2010–12. Water services authorities had been notified in April 2009 of the discontinuation of the serviced land initiative sub-programme of the water services investment programme in light of developments in the economy at large and, in particular, the housing market. These measures do not in any way delay investment in infrastructure but ensure that funds invested are targeted at contracts and schemes that meet key environmental and economic priorities. Some €508 million has been provided by the Exchequer for water services infrastructure in 2010. Against the current economic backdrop, this level of investment, which will mean that average spending on water services over the period 2009 and 2010 will be up 3% on the 2008 outturn, continues to reflect the priority assigned by Government to providing critical water services infrastructure.
168 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to acquire part of the housing stock owned by voluntary housing agencies which were originally funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9766/10]
The provision of accommodation by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies is an integral part of my Department's overall response to delivering on social housing need. Under the terms of the capital funding schemes, approved housing bodies manage and maintain the properties and are responsible for implementing letting policies as agreed with the relevant housing authority. I have no proposals to acquire housing stock provided by the voluntary and co-operative housing sector.
169 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications for disabled persons grants on hand in the various local authorities in County Kildare and throughout the country; the required funding for such projects; when such funding is likely to be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9767/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 20 on today's Order Paper. On the basis of the most recent returns from local authorities, 13,012 applications have been submitted and are awaiting approval under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability. In the case of Kildare County Council, which administers the scheme on a county at large basis, the number of applications on hand in January 2010 was 635.
170 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding provided to the various local authorities throughout County Kildare to meet the housing need of those in the eligible income category; the proposed expenditure in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9768/10]
It is a matter for individual housing authorities to plan the composition and management of their social housing investment programmes having regard to the specific social housing needs and priorities in their areas and to the Exchequer funding allocations available to them. The annual allocations for the Social Housing Investment Programme will issue in March 2010 following discussions with each housing authority at Housing Action Plan meetings, which are currently under way. Housing authorities have been issued with provisional allocations for 2010 to enable them to maintain momentum on their work programmes and as a basis for discussion at the action plan meetings.
171 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and location of incineration waste management facilities in existence or proposed throughout Leinster and the rest of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9770/10]
172 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and location of landfill waste management facilities in existence or proposed throughout Leinster and the rest of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9771/10]
173 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if incineration and landfill will be the main methods of waste management in the greater Dublin area and throughout the rest of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9772/10]
174 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans in respect of waste management for the greater Dublin area and the rest of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9773/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 to 174, inclusive, together.
Under the Waste Management Acts the statutory responsibility for waste management planning, including in respect of infrastructure provision, rests with local authorities, generally acting in regional groupings. Section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996 precludes Ministerial involvement, in particular circumstances, in a matter for which local authorities have statutory responsibility. I have no function in determining the number or location of waste management facilities. Any such facilities would require planning permission and a waste licence. Under the Planning and Development Acts and the Waste Management Acts, I am also precluded from involvement in these independent statutory processes.
The 2007 Programme for Government contained a commitment to carry out an international review of waste management plans, practices and procedures and act on its conclusions. In November 2009 consultants delivered a major international report on waste management policy. My Department is currently examining this report and its recommendations, which are central in further informing the measures that may be necessary to underpin sustainable waste management services, whether delivered by the private or public sectors.
The renewed Programme for Government 2009 contains a commitment to the adoption and implementation of a new waste policy following the completion of the review. Giving effect to this commitment is one of my immediate priorities and the Government has recently endorsed my approach to a new waste policy statement, which I will bring to Government shortly, and publish for public consultation.
175 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 952 of 3 November 2009, when he expects a decision to issue in respect of the water services scheme 2010 for a project (details supplied in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9864/10]
My Department has requested local authorities, including Clare County Council, to submit applications to the Department by 3 March setting out their borrowing requirements to progress their water services projects in 2010. Decisions will be made on individual applications as soon as possible thereafter in the light of the overall amount of borrowing available for water services projects in the current year.
176 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a detailed statement regarding representations made by him to banks, financial institutions and the National Asset Management Agency and other Departments on some banks refusing to agree to support his Department approved schemes from local authority and housing associations for the leasing of unoccupied dwellings; the number of schemes refused; the number of dwellings involved; the amount of moneys refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9874/10]
My Department is not directly involved in the agreement of any actual leases under the long-term leasing initiative. While I am aware that discussions have taken place between a range of relevant parties regarding the initiative, including the banking sector, voluntary and cooperative housing bodies, and the National Asset Management Agency, my Department would generally not be aware of the details of individual negotiations on specific proposals.
However I understand that the response from the banking sector generally to the long term leasing initiative has been disappointing to date and the numbers of units yielded from the banking sector has fallen short of my expectations. It would appear that some of the banks have failed to see the potential for them in leasing, by creating a revenue stream.
To assist all parties involved in advancing proposals under the leasing initiative, my Department developed a set of principles which were agreed by the Irish Council for Social Housing, the City and County Managers Association and the members of the Irish Banking Federation.
The parties agreed that "Government measures to enable financial institutions return to their day to day business of making credit available to the Irish economy will support direct lending by financial institutions. Approved housing bodies will thus have greater access to funding for the acquisition or construction of residential housing units to be used under the Government's long term leasing initiative, and, accordingly, the financial institutions will give full and commercially based, objective consideration to any such borrowing proposals received, and will reach determinations on such applications within a reasonable timeframe". I am also exploring all options with relevant Ministers to further support a more meaningful engagement from the banking sector.
177 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the person who is responsible for the maintenance of the banks on the River Shannon, particularly at Meelick and towards Tiernascragh and Portumna, County Galway; the minimum legal height of those banks which protect the adjoining lands from flooding from the River Shannon; the amount of maintenance work that has been carried out on these banks over the past ten years; if he is satisfied that the banks are in good condition for the purpose for which they are intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9695/10]
I regret to advise the Deputy that it is not possible to provide a response to his Question at this time. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
178 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has a deteriorating level of service under the national broadband scheme; if there are proposals to boost the service in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9696/10]
I regret to advise the Deputy that it is not possible to provide a response to his Question at this time. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
179 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reductions in price of gas that have been implemented since September and October 2009; and the cumulative price decrease over the past two years. [9804/10]
Responsibility for the regulation of natural gas prices is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. I have no function in setting or regulating energy prices. The CER regulates the domestic and small business customer tariffs charged by Bord Gáis Energy Supply. It does not regulate the large industrial segment of the market.
From early 2007, there was a significant upward trend in wholesale fossil fuel prices resulting in prices reaching all-time highs during the summer of 2008. In a departure from the normal cycle, in August 2008 the CER took action to protect the interests of energy consumers from these highs, particularly vulnerable consumers. Following a review, the CER approved a two-phase approach to tariff setting. With effect from September 2008, an interim 20% increase in tariffs for residential and small industrial and commercial customers was approved. Further downward shifts in wholesale gas prices post summer 2008 resulted in no change in the existing gas tariff from 1 December 2008 under Phase 2 decision of that tariff-setting process.
Sustained lower global gas prices, among other factors, led to the CER decision to reduce tariffs for the gas sector by 12% from 1 May 2009 and was followed by a further tariff reduction of 9.8%, which took effect on 1 October 2009. Most recently, the CER tariff decision from 1 February 2010 has resulted in a further tariff reduction of 8%. These decisions have been made possible largely by continuing downward shifts in international gas prices. The effect of these decisions has resulted in a cumulative price decrease of approximately 12% since February 2008.
180 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the options available to dairy farmers for the effective treatment of fluke in cattle arising from recent changes in the regulations and improvements in diagnostic testing of residue levels; his further views on whether advances in diagnostic testing equipment should be the premise on which decisions ware made in this regard or rather on the basis of acceptable residue levels which do not compromise human health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9694/10]
As is the case with all veterinary medicines, treatments for fluke in cattle are subject to licensing in accordance with relevant EU and national legislation. The Irish Medicines Board is the national licensing authority for Ireland and sponsoring companies wishing to place medicines on the market here are required to satisfy the Board that their products meet the required scientific standards in terms of quality, safety and efficacy and that post treatment withdrawal periods or other restrictions, to appear on product labelling, have an adequate scientific basis.
Recent advances in analytical technologies being used under the national residue plan implemented by my Department have demonstrated that the product labelling for a number of flukicidal medicines needed to be updated. Arising from this, the Irish Medicines Board has engaged with the sponsoring companies concerned with a view to amending the relevant product labelling so as to avoid their use in cows whose milk is intended for human consumption and, in the interim, medicine distributors and farmers are being advised of the prospective changes.
While individual residue detections at very low levels resulting from improvements in analytical technologies must, in the absence of a maximum residue limit, be regarded as technically positive under EU rules, they do not in the specific cases in question represent any risk to consumer health, a fact endorsed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Nonetheless, it is appropriate that follow-up action is taken to provide better information to farmers on the use of these products and also to enhance consumer protection in the broader sense, as has happened in this case by amending product labelling in line with current analytical findings.
My Department understands that a number of fluke treatments will continue to be available on the Irish market for cows whose milk is intended for human consumption, subject to compliance with the withdrawal periods specified on the product labelling. Information on the treatments concerned is available on the IMB's website: (www.IMB.ie).
181 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment under the suckler cow welfare scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9698/10]
The person named has twenty animals for consideration under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Seventeen animals have been fully processed and payment for these animals will issue shortly. Queries have arisen in the case of the remaining three animals, and the applicant will be written to by my Department with a view to having the queries resolved.
182 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the 2009 cow welfare scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9700/10]
The person named has 29 animals for consideration under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Twenty-three animals have been cleared for payment, with each animal being weaned on 15 October 2009. Under the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme, abrupt weaning of all animals at the one time in herds with more than ten suckler cows is not permitted. Instead, a graduated weaning procedure must be followed. This means that calves must be weaned in at least two separate groups, with each group being removed at a minimum interval of five days. There are three animals for which a weaning date has not yet been recorded.
Payment for the cleared animals will not issue until at least one of the other three animals is recorded with a separate weaning date. Queries have also arisen in the case of the remaining six animals; the applicant will be written to by my Department with a view to having these queries resolved.
183 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the compensation that is available to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9701/10]
Mindful of the hardship and distress caused by the recent widespread flooding, on 27 November 2009 I announced the introduction of the Fodder Aid Scheme, targeted directly at those farmers who encountered damage to fodder in the affected areas i.e. where there was evidence of genuine damage to silage, hay, concentrates or straw caused by the flooding in November 2009. I am pleased to say that payments commenced issuing before Christmas and am particularly pleased at the speed with which these payments have been made directly to the affected farmers.
184 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their payments under REP scheme four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9704/10]
Due to industrial Action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
185 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9709/10]
Due to industrial Action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
186 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he plans to provide compensation to fruit producers whose crops were affected by the recent weather conditions in December 2009 and January 2010 and who have therefore suffered losses as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9860/10]
Following a preliminary assessment of the crop losses caused by the severe weather conditions in January, I recently announced the introduction of a limited scheme of financial assistance to certain potato and field vegetable growers who have suffered significant losses of produce due to frost damage. It is not proposed to extend the scope of the scheme to include fruit producing plants.
187 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to provide compensation to vegetable producers whose crops were affected by the recent weather conditions in December 2009 and January 2010 and who have therefore suffered losses as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9861/10]
Following a preliminary assessment of the crop losses caused by the severe weather conditions in January, I recently announced the introduction of a limited scheme of financial assistance to certain potato and field vegetable growers who have suffered significant losses of produce due to frost damage. The closing date for receipt of applications under this Scheme was last Friday, 19 February, and every effort is being made to process applications and carry out inspections as quickly and efficiently as possible.
188 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for building works by a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when he expects a decision to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9657/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the project to which he refers was included in my announcement on 16 February of projects authorised to prepare tender documents. The project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. In December 2009, stage 2(a) was approved and the design team were authorised to apply for planning permission. My Department is currently awaiting the school's stage 2(b) submission.
189 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a refurbishment project in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the project will move to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9658/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the project to which the Deputy refers was included in my announcement on 16 February of projects going to tender and construction. The project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Planning Permission was received in November 2009. In December 2009, a delegation from the school and its design team attended a briefing by my Department on the completion of stage 2(b) of architectural planning. My Department is currently awaiting the school's stage 2(b) submission.
190 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for building works in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when he expects a decision to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9659/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the project to which the Deputy refers was included in my announcement on 16 February of projects authorised to prepare tender documents. The project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Planning Permission was received in November 2009. Subsequently, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) contacted the VEC and my Department concerning the need for an ASD Unit in the area. My Department has since been in discussion with the VEC and the design team to determine how an ASD Unit can be incorporated into the brief for this project.
In December 2009 a delegation from the school and its design team attended a briefing by my Department on the completion of stage 2(b) of architectural planning. My Department is currently awaiting the stage 2(b) submission.
191 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for building works in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when he expects a decision to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9660/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the project to which he refers was included in my announcement on 16 February of projects which have been authorised to prepare tender documents.
Earlier this month, a delegation from the school and its design team attended a briefing by my Department on the completion of stage 2(b) of architectural planning. The Design Team have been authorised to complete this stage of architectural planning and will submit a report to my Department when that work is complete.
192 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for building works in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when he expects a decision to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9661/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, on 16 February I announced details of 51 major school building projects that will appoint design teams this year. I am pleased to inform the deputy that the project in question is scheduled to have a Design Team appointed in the third quarter of 2010. My Department will contact the school in due course. Details on all of these projects are available on my Department's website.
193 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for building works in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when he expects a decision to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9662/10]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of 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.
In the interim, the school authority applied for a boiler upgrade under the Summer Works Scheme 2010. Following an assessment process, successful 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. 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 Spring 2010.
194 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for building works in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when he expects a decision to be made. [9663/10]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating.
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of 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. In the interim, the school authority applied for roof works under the Summer Works Scheme 2010. Following an assessment process, successful 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. 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 Spring 2010.
195 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on figures (details supplied) regarding special needs assistants made redundant in recent weeks. [9664/10]
There has been no change to the scheme under which posts of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are allocated to schools to enable them to support the care needs of pupils with disabilities. I wish to assure the Deputy that schools which have enrolled pupils who qualify for support under this scheme will continue to be allocated SNA posts. However, where the pupils concerned have left the school or where the care needs of the pupils have diminished, the SNA posts will be suppressed. The SNA redundancy scheme was agreed at the Labour Relations Commission in 2005 and if a post is no longer warranted, the SNA in question may apply for redundancy in accordance with the terms of the scheme.
The Deputy may wish to raise the matter of payments made through FÁS schemes with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
196 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the services that are in place for persons suffering from dyslexia; if there are training courses available to them; the location of such courses and waiting time for entry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9711/10]
It is my Department's policy to seek to encourage and facilitate the participation of all adults, including those with dyslexia, in further education. There is a range of courses, both full-time and part-time at FETAC Levels 1-6, funded by my Department and provided by Vocational Education Committees (VECs) across the country.
Specifically in relation to adults with dyslexia, my Department provides an annual grant to the Dyslexia Association of Ireland towards the costs of their adult services programme. The funding is used to provide adult assessments, a specialised tuition course (the Career Paths Programme), test equipment and teaching materials. The Association also provides in-service sessions for adult literacy staff across the country.
The Career Paths Programme is a six month course providing unemployed adults with dyslexia with the requisite basic education skills, including literacy and IT, to enable them to further their education or gain employment. It is provided at the Dyslexia Association of Ireland's centre in Celbridge in County Kildare.
197 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if special needs assistance services in County Donegal will be rationalised or cut in 2010; his views on the fact that these services are of vital social and economic benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9713/10]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is at present carrying out a review of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations in all schools. The purpose of this review is to ensure that all SNA posts meet the criteria governing the allocation of such posts, as outlined in my Department's Circular 07/02. As part of this review, the NCSE will identify and suppress any surplus posts which do not meet the scheme's criteria — for example, posts that have been retained when a pupil's care needs have diminished or when the pupil has left.
The allocation for any school, and any adjustments to that allocation, depends on a number of factors such as the number of pupils with care/medical needs leaving, the number of new pupils, the changing needs of the pupils and any surplus identified. Furthermore, schools can make applications at any time with the result that the individual situation of any school can change and allocations are not static for a school year in the same way as are, for example, classroom teaching posts. The NCSE is independent in the making and issuing of its decisions relating to SNA allocations. SENOs are communicating the outcome of the review directly to schools as the review progresses.
I wish to assure the Deputy that SNA support will continue to be made available to schools which have enrolled pupils who qualify for such support.
198 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a report (details supplied). [9714/10]
At my behest the Higher Education Authority examined the matter to which the Deputy refers. The Authority assured my Department that funding for the development in question was provided by a single donor who has a long-term relationship with the University and who has supported its original vision and mission. The Authority further confirmed that the funding was provided specifically and solely for the purpose of the development in question.
199 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 657 of 2 February 2010, when the Deputy will receive a reply. [9715/10]
The information is currently being compiled and will be issued shortly to the Deputy.
200 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén fáth nach bhfuil Gaelscoil ar bith sa liosta de sheacht scoil nua a d'fógair sé le déanaí a bheidh oscailte i Meán Fómhair na bliana seo. [9723/10]
201 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén fáth nach bhfuil aitheantas cuí tugtha do Ghaelscoil Ráth Tó, Contae na Mí, in ainneoin í a bheith aitheanta aige roimhe seo mar cheantar a bhfuil gá le scoil nua ann. [9724/10]
202 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cad iad na céimeanna atá glactha ag an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta chun éileamh don Ghaelscolaíocht a chruthú agus a chothú mórthimpeall na tíre le 10 mbliana anuas. [9725/10]
203 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén fáth a bhfuil tromaíocht de shíor á dhéanamh ag an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta ar choistí áitiúla Gaelscolaíochta atá faoi riar an Fhorais Pátrúnachta agus an eagrais Gaelscoileanna, agus ar eagrais eile ó bunaíodh an Stát. [9726/10]
204 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cad é an critéar a d’úsáid an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta chun an seacht scoil Bhéarla a roghnú le hoscailt i mí Mheán Fómhair na bliana seo thar na Gaelscoileanna ar diúltaíodh aitheantas dóibh. [9727/10]
205 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an dtuigeann sé nár cheadaigh an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta aon Ghaelscoil nua i 2009 agus arís i mbliana agus da réir sin go síleann na heagrais atá ag gníomhú ar son na Gaelscolaíochta go bhfuil leatrom á imirt orthu agus ar na tuismitheoirí atá ag éileamh Gaelscolaíochta dá bpáistí; agus an bhfuil na cinntí seo ag teacht salach ar an Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge. [9728/10]
Tá i gceist agam Ceisteanna Uimhir 200 go Uimhir 205 a thógáil le chéile.
Tá ról maighdeogach le himirt ag an mbunscolaíocht i gcaomhnú agus i leathnú na céad teanga oifigiúla. Bhí cur chun cinn na Gaeilge ina haidhm mhór ariamh ag Rialtais na hÉireann i ndiaidh a chéile agus cosnaíodh i gcónaí a hionad sa chóras oideachais. Comhartha air seo an chaoi inar aithníodh líon suntasach Gaelscoileanna nua le blianta beaga anuas — 17 ar fad ó 2005 i leith.
Is féidir gur eol don Teachta go bhfuil an Coimisiún um Chóiríocht Scoileanna ag athbhreithniú faoi láthair na nósanna imeachta do bhunscoileanna a bhunú. Nuair a d'fhógair mé go raibh an t-athbhreithniú á thosnú dúirt mé nach mbunófaí bunscoileanna nua ar bith sula mbeadh an t-athbhreithniú curtha i gcrích agus nósanna imeachta nua curtha ar bun, ach amháin in áiteanna inar cheart scoileanna nua de bharr fás a bheith tagtha ar an daonra. De réir na socruithe eatramhacha atá i bhfeidhm maidir le haitheantas a thabhairt do bhunscoileanna nua fad is atá an t-athbhreithniú ar na nósanna imeachta ar siúl, is cóir do Chathaoirleach an Choimisiúin um Chóiríocht Scoileanna comhairle a chur ormsa i gcásanna ina gcuireann níos mó ná pátrún amháin in iúl gur mian leis scoileanna a oscailt in áiteanna inar gá scoileanna nua de bharr fáis a bheith tagtha ar an daonra.
Tá staidéar mar gheall ar an tír déanta ag an Rannóg Pleanála Chun Cinn chun a fháil amach céard iad na ceantair inar fhéadfadh gá a bheith le cuid mhaith cóiríocht breise insna blianta amach romhainn. Thug an staidéar seo le fios nach raibh gá ar bith le scoileanna nua sa scoilbhliain 2009/10 de bharr athruithe a bheith tagtha ar an daonra. Ní hionann sin is a rá nár tháinig méadú ar an gcohórt freastal scoile i gceantair áirithe. Tar éis na hanailíse mionsonraithe seo ba léir go mba chríonna an rud é pleanáil a dhéanamh do bhunú scoileanna nua, a thosnódh ag obair i Meán Fómhair 2010, chun riar ar éileamh méadaitheach i gceantair sainaitheanta áirithe. Bhí comhairliúchán mionsonraithe ann i rith 2009 leis na pátrúin go léir maidir leis na ceantair a bhí á machnamh. I gcás formhór na gceantar seo ba í tuairim lucht na gluaiseachta Gaelscoileanna nár leor an t-éileamh breise ar sholáthar lán-Ghaelach chun údar maith a bheith le bunú Gaelscoile nua.
Rinneadh iarratas sainiúil ar bhunú Gaelscoile i Ráth Tó, Co na Mí. Tar éis anailíse mionsonraithe ar an méadú i líon na ndaltaí i Meán Fómhair na bliana seo, agus ar chumas na scoileanna atá ann, áfach, ba léir nár ghá scoil nua a bhunú chun riar ar an bhfás deimeagrafach. Bhí mo Roinnse deimhin de gur féidir leis na scoileanna atá ann riar ar an méadú réamheasta deimeagrafach i Meán Fómhair 2010.
206 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans for the provision of a new school at Citywest, Dublin 24; the contacts he has had on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9753/10]
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Given the increase in the birth rate in recent years the initial focus of this analysis is on primary school accommodation requirements and this will be followed by a more detailed analysis of post-primary school accommodation requirements. When the required reports have been completed for these initial areas selected the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country.
Overall accommodation requirements in the Dublin 24 area, including the area referred to by the Deputy, will be considered in this regard.
207 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the developments of the building project for a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare since 9 November 2009; the degree of interaction with the various interests involved; the contacts made with local interests by the various responsible bodies within his Department; the degree to which the matters specifically raised have been addressed or are in course thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9774/10]
The Design Team for the school to which the Deputy refers has been authorised to commence the award process. Subject to the lowest tenderer addressing various issues (e.g. evidence of bond, insurances, tax clearance etc.) the contract will be awarded and the project will proceed to construction. It is envisaged that the completion contractor will be on site before Easter.
With regard to the degree of interaction with the various interests involved; my officials are in constant contact with the school principal who has been fully appraised of the latest developments with regard to this project.
208 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science when construction will commence on a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; when it is expected that this project will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9808/10]
Additional information in relation to the tender report, for the school to which the Deputy refers, was received recently by my Department and is currently being assessed. I expect my officials to be in contact with the VEC shortly authorising them to commence the award process.
209 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding expended on the summer works scheme in primary schools in 2009; the number of schools that received this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9812/10]
210 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding expended on the provision of the minor works grant in primary school in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9813/10]
211 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on the provision of emergency funding to primary schools in 2009; the number of schools that received this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9814/10]
212 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on the provision of prefabricated accommodation in primary schools in 2009; the number of schools that received this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9815/10]
213 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on the provision of school sites for primary schools in 2009; the number of schools expected to be built on these sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9816/10]
214 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on architectural plans and design teams for primary school building projects in 2009; the number of school projects to which this funding applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9817/10]
215 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on the construction of major capital projects in primary schools during the construction phase of the projects in 2009; the number of school projects to which this funding applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9818/10]
216 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on furniture for primary schools in 2009; the number of schools that received such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9819/10]
217 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget projected to be spent on the provision of prefabricated accommodation in primary schools in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9820/10]
218 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget projected to be spent on the provision of school sites for primary schools in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9821/10]
220 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget projected to be spent on the construction of major capital projects in primary schools during the construction phase of the projects in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9823/10]
223 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding expended on the summer works scheme in post-primary schools in 2009; the number of schools that received this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9826/10]
224 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding expended on the provision of the minor works grant in post-primary schools in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9827/10]
225 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on the provision of emergency funding to post-primary schools in 2009; the number of schools that received this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9828/10]
226 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on the provision of prefabricated accommodation in post-primary schools in 2009; the number of schools that received this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9829/10]
227 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on the provision of school sites for post-primary schools in 2009; the number of schools expected to be built on these sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9830/10]
228 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on architectural plans and design teams for post-primary school building projects in 2009; the number of school projects to which this funding applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9831/10]
229 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on the construction of post-primary schools in the construction phase of building projects in 2009; the number of school projects to which this funding applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9832/10]
230 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on furniture for post-primary schools in 2009; the number of schools that received such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9833/10]
231 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding projected to be spent on the summer works scheme in primary schools in 2010; the number of schools expected to receive this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9834/10]
232 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding projected to be expended on the provision of the minor works grant in primary schools in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9835/10]
233 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget set aside for emergency funding to primary schools in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9836/10]
234 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget projected to be spent on furniture for primary schools in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9837/10]
236 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding expended on the summer works scheme in post-primary schools in 2009; the number of schools that received this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9839/10]
237 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding expended on the provision of the minor works grant in post-primary schools in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9840/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 to 218, inclusive, 220, 223 to 234, inclusive, 236 and 237 together.
The information on capital expenditure in the Primary and Post-Primary sectors in respect of the various sub-programmes that constitute the School Building Programme is summarised in the attached tabular format.
The total expenditure on the primary and post primary capital subhead was €328.9m and €197m respectively, utilised across a range of sub-programmes in the School Building Programme.
The bulk of expenditure on large scale projects relates to the 26 primary school projects and the 7 post-primary school projects that reached practical completion in 2009. In addition to the completed projects expenditure was also incurred on a further 19 large scale primary school projects and a further 5 large scale post-primary school projects that were on site during 2009, the majority of which are expected to be completed this year. Expenditure was also incurred on projects that reached practical completion in earlier years and on which outstanding project and fee balances were due. Furthermore, payments also issued on fees as design work on the various stages of projects in architectural planning was completed and approved.
The Deputy will appreciate that the site acquisition process can at times be a lengthy process subject to negotiations and legal formalities which are generally beyond the direct control of my Department and as such the site acquisition programme lends itself more readily to a multi annual process. In relation to 2009, I can advise that the Department directly concluded transactions, not including those undertaken by the VECs, in relation to 9 primary school sites and 2 post-primary school sites.
Under the Permanent Accommodation and Small Schemes 2005-2007 a total of 111 primary school projects and 8 post-primary school projects were completed in 2009. Expenditure on these devolved schemes while primarily on the completed projects was also applicable to a further 25 primary projects and 5 post-primary projects that were on site in 2009 but were not completed by year end.
Applications for additional accommodation are received by the Department throughout the year and in 2009 a total of 194 such applications in the primary sector and 47 such applications in the post-primary sector were approved. Expenditure was incurred on projects approved in either 2008 or 2009 as they commenced on site and/or reached completion. Each year schools apply for funding to the Department to carry out various emergency works and in 2009 a total of 545 emergency applications in the primary sector and 327 emergency applications in the post-primary sector were approved. Expenditure was incurred on these emergency works approved in either 2009 or in earlier years as works commenced and/or reached completion. 825 primary schools and 129 post-primary schools received approval for loose furniture and equipment in 2009. The expenditure incurred relates mainly to the 2009 approvals although a small number of approvals from earlier years were also funded in 2009.
A total of 824 school small and medium scale projects benefiting 650 primary schools and 358 school small and medium scale projects benefiting 317 post-primary schools were approved in 2009 under the Summer Works Scheme. The expenditure in 2009 relates mostly to these projects although a small number of projects approved in earlier years were also funded.
The Minor Works Grant in respect of the academic year 2009/2010 issued in November 2009 to 3,242 primary schools. The special pupil element of the 2008/2009 Minor Works Grant issued in July 2009.
School Building Programme 2010
The capital allocation for the Primary and Post-Primary sectors in 2010 is €578.8m. The Primary sector allocation is €378.8m and the Post-Primary is €200m. On 16 February I announced the 2010 large scale school building programme. 52 school projects (37 Primary and 15 Post-Primary) are to advance to tender and construction and 51 school building projects (44 Primary and 7 Post-Primary) will appoint design teams this year. Approval was given for 7 new primary schools to open in September in rapidly developing areas.
Arising from earlier school building programme announcements there are 30 large scale projects (23 Primary and 7 Post-Primary) under construction at present. 27 large scale projects (19 Primary and 8 Post-Primary) are due to commence construction during the first half of the year with a further 14 projects (10 Primary and 4 Post-Primary) due to go on site as soon as possible. Payments will issue on fees for other projects already in architectural planning.
Expenditure on large scale projects in 2010 is expected to be in the region of €250m. The allocation for the Summer Works Scheme 2010 will be on the same scale as 2009 and will facilitate the completion of over 1,000 small and medium scale building works. In addition, funding will also issue to applicant schools in respect of new water conservation measures. Expenditure on the Summer Works Scheme 2010 and on commitments arising from earlier years will be in the region of €110m. An allocation of €28m has been set aside for the Minor Works grant. Throughout the year capital funding will be available for a range of programmes including the completion of the Permanent Accommodation and Small School Schemes, the completion of the Energy Efficiency Scheme, the provision of furniture and equipment, the continuation of the remediation programmes (asbestos, radon and mould), emergency works, miscellaneous items, additional accommodation (prefabricated and permanent) and site acquisitions as they arise. Expenditure on these programmes is expected to cost €190m in 2010.
I should emphasise that, depending on the rate of progress of the various components of the programme, adjustments may be made throughout 2010. These adjustments may arise in the context of the on-going monitoring of the programme undertaken by my Department in the normal course of events.
|
Sub-Programmes |
Primary |
Post-Primary |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
Large Scale Projects |
104.809 |
62.369 |
|
Site Purchases |
24.63 |
24.806 |
|
Pas And Sss Schemes 2005-2007 |
33.78 |
2.586 |
|
Additional Accommodation |
30.1 |
9.265 |
|
Emergency Works |
35.109 |
32.187 |
|
Remediation |
5.268 |
3.575 |
|
Furniture And Equipment |
4.233 |
4.452 |
|
Summer Works Scheme |
53.198 |
50.317 |
|
Minor Works Grant |
29.161 |
0 |
|
Energy Efficiency Scheme |
7.306 |
3.016 |
|
Curriculum, Health & Safety Grants |
0 |
3.346 |
|
VEC HQ Accommodation |
0 |
0.656 |
|
Miscellaneous |
1.352 |
0.451 |
|
Total |
328.946 |
197.026 |
219 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget projected to be spent on architectural plans and design teams for primary school building projects in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9822/10]
238 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on the provision of emergency funding to post primary schools in 2009; the number of schools that received this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9841/10]
239 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on the provision of prefabricated accommodation in post primary schools in 2009; the number of schools that received this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9842/10]
240 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on the provision of school sites for post primary schools in 2009; the number of schools expected to be built on these sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9843/10]
241 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on architectural plans and design teams for post primary school building projects in 2009; the number of school projects to which this funding applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9844/10]
242 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on the construction of post primary schools in the construction phase of building projects in 2009; the number of school projects to which this funding applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9845/10]
243 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on furniture for post primary schools in 2009; the number of schools that received such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9846/10]
244 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding projected to be spent on summer works scheme in post primary schools in 2010; the number of schools expected to receive this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9847/10]
245 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding projected to be expended on the provision of the minor works grant in post primary schools in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9848/10]
246 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget set aside for emergency funding to post primary schools in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9849/10]
247 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget projected to be spent on the provision of prefabricated accommodation in post primary schools in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9850/10]
248 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget projected to be spent on the provision of school sites for post primary schools in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9851/10]
249 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget projected to be spent on architectural plans and design teams for post primary building projects in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9852/10]
250 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget projected to be spent on the construction of major capital projects in post primary schools during the construction phase of the projects in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9853/10]
251 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget projected to be spent on furniture for post primary schools in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9854/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 238 to 251, inclusive, together.
|
Sub-Programmes |
Primary |
Post-Primary |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
Large Scale Projects |
104.809 |
62.369 |
|
Site Purchases |
24.63 |
24.806 |
|
Pas And Sss Schemes 2005-2007 |
33.78 |
2.586 |
|
Additional Accommodation |
30.1 |
9.265 |
|
Emergency Works |
35.109 |
32.187 |
|
Remediation |
5.268 |
3.575 |
|
Furniture And Equipment |
4.233 |
4.452 |
|
Summer Works Scheme |
53.198 |
50.317 |
|
Minor Works Grant |
29.161 |
0 |
|
Energy Efficiency Scheme |
7.306 |
3.016 |
|
Curriculum, Health & Safety Grants |
0 |
3.346 |
|
Vec Hq Accommodation |
0 |
0.656 |
|
Miscellaneous |
1.352 |
0.451 |
|
Total |
328.946 |
197.026 |
221 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget expended on information and communication technology in primary schools in 2009; the number of schools that received such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9824/10]
In November last year I published the ‘Smart Schools = Smart Economy' report, which is the new action plan for integrating ICT in schools. As a first step in implementing the recommendations of the report, €22m in ICT grants was issued to primary schools. In total 3,215 schools received funding under this scheme. In addition to this, €1.5 million of Dormant Account funding was allocated for 100 DEIS Urban Band 1 schools towards the purchase of ICT equipment to assist them to achieve Digital Schools status. Funding for ICT infrastructure is also provided to schools in the context of large scale building projects, and is calculated on the basis of a provision of €5,000 per classroom.
I have committed €50 million in capital expenditure for 2010 and look forward to working with schools to further improve the ICT infrastructures in place.
222 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the digital schools award in primary schools; his plans to enable all schools to achieve this award; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9825/10]
The Digital Schools Award recognises excellence in a school's approach to the integration of ICT in learning and teaching. The award scheme was launched in 2006 and aims to build on the progress already made by schools in ICT integration and to encourage them to strive for further progression. To achieve a Digital Schools Award, each participating school must fulfil identified criteria which are applied as part of the validation process. The criteria are organised under Leadership & Vision, ICT in the Curriculum, School ICT Culture, Professional Development and Resources & Infrastructure.
The Digital Schools Award is managed by the NCTE in partnership with the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN), Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and the Computer Education Society of Ireland (CESI). Since its launch the Digital Schools Award has grown steadily. The Award became available to all primary schools in January 2008. Consideration may be given to extending the scheme to post primary schools. Eight primary schools received the award in 2009. In total 56 schools have achieved Digital School Status and nine schools are in a position to be validated. In 2009 €1.5 million of Dormant Account funding was allocated for 100 DEIS Urban Band 1 schools to assist them to achieve Digital Schools status.
I am fully committed to this scheme and see it as a building block in the development of an ICT culture in our schools.
235 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget projected to be spent on information and communication technology in primary schools in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9838/10]
252 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding from the capital budget projected to be spent on information and communication technology in post primary schools in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9855/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 252 together.
The Deputy will be aware that in November last year I published the ‘Smart Schools = Smart Economy' report, which is the new action plan for integrating ICT in schools. The Report, which was produced by the Joint Advisory Group, which I established earlier last year, builds on the earlier Strategy Group report, ‘Investing Effectively in ICT in Schools'. As a first step in implementing the recommendations of the report, €22m in ICT grants was issued to primary schools in November last.
Some €50million has been allocated in 2010 for ICT for schools. The priority for 2010 is to provide funding for ICT infrastructure for post primary schools. I am currently examining options on the most efficient and effective way to assist post primary schools to improve their ICT infrastructure and funding will issue shortly to post primary schools in this regard.
It is intended to review the level of equipment purchased by primary schools under the 2009 grant and this will be used to determine the priorities for use of additional funding for primary schools in the second half of this year.
253 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 18 February 2010, if his Department has concluded their examination of the tender report; if they have chosen a new contractor for the project; and when the contractor will be on site. [9877/10]
The Design Team for the school to which the Deputy refers has been authorised to commence the award process. Subject to the lowest tenderer addressing various issues (e.g. evidence of bond, insurance, tax clearance etc.) the contract will be awarded and the project will proceed to construction. It is envisaged that the completion contractor will be on site before Easter.
254 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) is eligible to any grant aid assistance for completion of their course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9878/10]
Under the terms of the Maintenance Grant Schemes and the Free Fees Initiative, a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant assessing authority, i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where the assessing authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form outlining clearly the grounds for the appeal. Support may be available through the Student Assistance Fund which is designed to assist students who, having commenced a third-level course, experience financial hardship that may render them 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 Revenue Commissioners.
